Thursday Volume 511 17 June 2010 No. 17

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 17 June 2010

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The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip House of Commons Hammond): I have not discussed the expansion of Heathrow with business representatives since my appointment, as Thursday 17 June 2010 we have made it clear that we will not support a third runway at Heathrow. This Government’s focus is on making Heathrow better not bigger. The House met at half-past Ten o’clock Mr Hanson: I welcome the Secretary of State to his PRAYERS position. I do not always agree with the CBI, but it has joined the Trades Union Congress and unions across London to say that the expansion of Heathrow is good [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] for business and for London. Will the right hon. Gentleman therefore be careful that, in taking his stance—I recognise that it is one of integrity—he does not end up exporting BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS jobs and business from London to Munich, Frankfurt and Paris? CANTERBURY CITY COUNCIL BILL Motion made, Mr Hammond: As the right hon. Gentleman knows, That so much of the Lords Message [10 June] as relates to the both parties in the coalition campaigned before the Canterbury City Council Bill be now considered. ––(The Chairman general election on a clear commitment to scrap the of Ways and Means.) third runway at Heathrow.However, we are not anti-aviation Hon. Members: Object. and, earlier this week, I set up a working group to To be considered on Thursday 24 June. consider aviation in the south-east and to work with all the stakeholders, including representatives of business, the airlines and people who work at the airport to LEEDS CITY COUNCIL BILL ascertain how we can make aviation in the south-east Ordered, work better within the constraints of existing runway That so much of the Lords Message [10 June] as relates to the capacity. Leeds City Council Bill be now considered. That the promoters of the Leeds City Council Bill, which was originally introduced in this House in Session 2008–09 on 22 January Angie Bray (Ealing Central and Acton) (Con): The 2008, may have leave to proceed with the Bill in the current people of Ealing Central and Acton were delighted by Session according to the provisions of Standing Order 188B the decision to scrap the third runway. Does my right (Revival of bills).––(The Chairman of Ways and Means.) hon. Friend agree that if the third runway had gone ahead, it would have imposed intolerable extra blight NOTTINGHAM CITY COUNCIL BILL on those who live in west London? Motion made, That so much of the Lords Message [10 June] as relates to the Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Nottingham City Council Bill be now considered. ––(The Chairman When considering airport expansion, we must look at of Ways and Means.) not only the economic benefits but the local environmental burdens and the impact on this Government’s and the Hon. Members: Object. previous Government’s commitments to CO reduction. To be considered on Thursday 24 June. 2 Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): I, READING BOROUGH COUNCIL BILL too, welcome the Secretary of State to his new position. Ordered, I also welcome his comments about undertaking a That so much of the Lords Message [10 June] as relates to the review of aviation policy in the south-east because that Reading Borough Council Bill be now considered. suggests that the economic case has not been forgotten. That the promoters of the Reading Borough Council Bill, Does he agree that, as my right hon. Friend the Member which was originally introduced in this House in Session 2008–09 for Delyn (Mr Hanson) said, when there is spare capacity on 22 January 2008, may have leave to proceed with the Bill in the current Session according to the provisions of Standing Order in Paris, Schiphol and Frankfurt, and Dubai has built 188B (Revival of bills).––(The Chairman of Ways and Means.) six runways, we run the risk of being disadvantaged not only by the rest of Europe, but by being bypassed by planes flying straight to the Americas from Asia through Oral Answers to Questions Dubai? Mr Hammond: Heathrow is Britain’s premier hub airport and we intend to ensure that it remains a major TRANSPORT hub airport. We want to work with business and other stakeholders to ensure that Heathrow becomes better, not bigger and that we protect its status. The Secretary of State was asked— Dartford Crossing Heathrow Airport 1. Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): What recent 2. Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con): If he will discussions he has had with business representatives on take steps to reduce congestion at the Dartford the expansion of Heathrow airport. [2710] crossing. [2711] 1003 Oral Answers17 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 1004

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport impact of empty flights. Unfortunately, that is another (Mike Penning): The Department and the Highways negative consequence of the industrial dispute and another Agency are committed to improving the levels of service reason why I urge the parties to get back round the table experienced by users of the Dartford crossing. The to ensure that it is resolved as soon as possible to Highways Agency and I will consider a package of prevent a recurrence. measures, including better information and traffic management to help reduce the congestion at the Dartford Concessionary Bus Fares crossing. 4. Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): What plans he has for Mr Whittingdale: I thank my hon. Friend for that the future of the national concessionary bus fare answer, but is he aware that, since the tolls increased, scheme. [2713] the delays when approaching the tolling booths are anything up to 45 minutes and more? That causes The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport enormous frustration to those who use the crossing, (Norman Baker): The Government’s commitment to which is increased by the fact that the original intention protect free bus travel for older people is set out in the was to scrap the tolls once the bridge was paid for rather coalition agreement. The right to free bus travel for than to put them up. both older and disabled people is enshrined in primary legislation. Mike Penning: My hon. Friend knows that I am personally aware of the problems at the Dartford crossing, Clive Efford: Will the hon. Gentleman be the having used it for many years. The £40 million net that Government’s conscience on the freedom pass, because we recover from the crossing is a significant income, but when one looks at all the people who have tried to we need to consider technology that is being used in undermine it in the past, one realises that they have all other parts of the world, particularly in Australia, so been Conservatives. They have described the pass as a that we can remove the barriers and increase the speed stealth tax, or said that it goes to the wrong people. at which traffic comes through while also picking up the Would it be a resigning issue for him if the scheme were revenue that the country desperately needs. to be watered down in any way, and will he keep a weather eye out for those nasty colleagues of his who Airlines (Industrial Action) always try to undermine the freedom pass?

3. Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): What Norman Baker: It is something of a record to ask a information his Department holds on the effect of Minister whether he might consider resigning when he industrial action involving airlines on the number of is answering his first departmental question. I am happy passengers on flights operated by those airlines. [2712] to assure the hon. Gentleman that the coalition—both parties—are committed to free bus travel for older The Minister of State, Department for Transport people, as I set out. Indeed, that is enshrined in primary (Mrs Theresa Villiers): The Department does not routinely legislation, so I think that his fears are groundless. monitor or hold information on airline passenger loads. However, most publicly listed UK airlines, including Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): The previous British Airways, regularly publish traffic and capacity Labour Government reduced the grant for the bus statistics. concessionary scheme in London by some £25 million quite late on in the process. Will the Minister confirm Caroline Lucas: Is the right hon. Lady aware of that the coalition will not do anything similar to the testimony from British Airways staff that British Airways council tax payers of London? has run commercially unviable flights in periods of industrial action, with low to zero numbers of passengers, Norman Baker: We have no plans to revisit the settlement to give the impression that it is unaffected by industrial for this year. action? Will you condemn any carrier for such environmentally unsustainable behaviour and investigate Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): I any report from BA staff? welcome the Minister and his colleagues to their appointments, and we wish them well in their Mr Speaker: I will neither condemn nor investigate, responsibilities. It is hard not to notice that the Department but the Minister might. is led by two former shadow Chief Secretaries to the Treasury, at least one of whom would rather like to be Mrs Villiers: It is clear that this Government are Chief Secretary to the Treasury, so the Opposition will determined to provide encouragement to airlines to fly be keeping a very careful eye on them to ensure that greener planes and to switch to flying fuller planes. That they are genuine advocates for modern transport is what is behind the proposals we will make on reforming infrastructure, and not holding office simply to wield air passenger duty, and it will help to address the the Chancellor’s axe. concerns around so-called ghost flights. Will the Minister give the House a clear guarantee on Turning to the hon. Lady’s specific example, that is two points on the concessionary travel scheme? Can he primarily a matter for British Airways. I understand reassure the 11 million people who were given free bus from the airline that some planes flew with low passenger travel under Labour that this Government will not loads, some were freight-only, and some had only crew introduce any new restrictions on when and how their on board, to ensure that the aeroplanes were in the right passes can be used, and can he guarantee that there will place to resume passenger operations once the dispute be no means-testing for new recipients of free bus travel ended. That is a concern to us because of the environmental during the lifetime of this Parliament? 1005 Oral Answers17 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 1006

Norman Baker: The Opposition spokesman perhaps Andrew George: Notwithstanding that answer, is the did not hear my original answer, which was that the Secretary of State aware that the suspension of major Government are committed to protecting free bus travel schemes has meant that the Maritime and Coastguard for older people. That is set out very clearly in the Agency may not provide the Isles of Scilly ferry service coalition agreement and will be our policy. with the necessary authority to continue? As the service has been 10 years in preparation, is 99% ready to go and 5. Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay) (LD): What recent is a lifeline for the Isles of Scilly will he reconsider this representations he has received on the system of issue? reimbursement to local authorities for their expenditure on the national concessionary bus fare Mr Hammond: Perhaps I can clarify what I have scheme; and if he will make a statement. [2714] done. This scheme has conditional approval, and we have said that schemes with conditional approval or The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport programme entry will have to await the outcome of the (Norman Baker): Department for Transport Ministers spending review before we can confirm them. My have recently received general representations about understanding is that Cornwall county council is still concessionary travel, including from local authority awaiting listed building consent, without which the and bus operator representatives. Some of those scheme could not proceed anyway, but we are aware of representations have included funding issues. the vital nature of the link to the Isles of Scilly and we Mr Sanders: I welcome my hon. Friend to his position. will review the scheme as soon as the spending review He will be aware that many councils have found it has been completed. difficult to meet the full costs of the scheme. I successfully lobbied for extra money for my authority, but it is still Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): out of pocket. While lobbying, I uncovered a report I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on his appointment. that suggested that significant savings could be made if Two days ago in the other place, Lord Attlee stated the scheme were administered nationally, with the that rail electrification could not be afforded. Does Government rather than lots of local authorities negotiating that mean that the Government reject the notion that with the bus companies. Will he look at that idea to see investment in transport is essential to support economic whether savings can be made? recovery?

Norman Baker: The previous Government consulted Mr Hammond: The Government are committed to on that very option, and only 23% of respondents were rail electrification because of its carbon impact. However, in favour of it, compared with a majority in favour of as the hon. Lady will be aware, we have inherited a administration at county council level—the scheme that massive black hole in the public finances—[Interruption.] has now been adopted. The concern is that if the Labour Members can laugh, but the previous Government scheme were administered centrally, it might have an announced a halving of the public capital investment impact on the discretionary concessions offered by district programme without giving any indication of where that councils. We could end up with a national system and cut would come. After the spending review, we will have local negotiations, thereby increasing administration to look at all these programmes in the light of their costs. affordability and the urgent need to reduce the fiscal Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): deficit. The Minister will be aware that the decision to have a concessionary scheme in England had consequential Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): Will my right effects on funding in Scotland through the Barnett hon. Friend meet me and a delegation from Reading formula. The scheme is already underfunded by the borough council to discuss the continued funding of Scottish Government, so may I have an assurance that proposed transport changes that his announcement last there will be no further cuts in funding in Scotland week suggested might be suspended? through the effect on the Barnett formula? Mr Hammond: The only announcement that I made Norman Baker: I am happy to say that I am not an last week that affects the Reading scheme was about a expert on the Barnett formula, and I advise the hon. local authority scheme for highway improvements around Gentleman to await the outcome of the spending review. Reading station. That scheme will be reviewed following the outcome of the spending review, and my hon. Transport Services (Expenditure Reductions) Friend will learn the outcome in due course. 6. Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): What assessment has been made of the effects on front-line transport Sadiq Khan (Tooting) (Lab): May I genuinely welcome services of the announced expenditure reductions for and congratulate the Secretary of State and the ministerial team on their new jobs? Good transport can be a driver his Department in 2010-11. [2715] of economic growth and I ask the Secretary of State to The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip be a champion for transport, rather than treat his Hammond): I can reassure my hon. Friend that this position as an application for his next job. Government take protecting front-line services very The Secretary of State will be aware that the rail seriously. However, we also take very seriously the need network is carrying more passengers and more freight to deal with the unsustainable structural deficit we than at any time since the 1940s, and projections inherited. The Department for Transport is focusing on predict further growth. That is why we promised an making its contribution to deficit reduction while supporting additional 1,300 carriages by 2014 and we were well economic recovery and protecting priority areas. ahead of schedule in providing those. In fact, at the last 1007 Oral Answers17 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 1008

Transport questions, both Liberal Democrats and Mainline Electrification Conservatives asked us to provide more carriages even more quickly. Now that they are in government together, 7. Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): What plans he can the Secretary of State tell us how many more has for the electrification of the mainline railway carriages than 1,300 they will provide and how much between Wales and London. [2716] sooner than 2014? The Minister of State, Department for Transport Mr Hammond: I am genuinely grateful to the right (Mrs Theresa Villiers): We support rail electrification hon. Gentleman for his congratulations. because it helps to reduce carbon emissions and cut The Department’s principal task is to support economic running costs. However, we are in the early stages of the growth and the Government’s 2020 carbon reduction new Government and Ministers are considering the full targets, and we have to demonstrate that we can deliver range of transport policy to ascertain what is affordable. them in tandem. Approximately half the HLOS––high-level output specification––rolling stock has already been Kevin Brennan: I welcome the Minister to her post contracted and will proceed, but no further contracts and thank her for her answer. In considering those will be signed during this financial year owing to the matters, does she understand the importance of disastrous public finances. When the spending review is electrification on the line between Wales and London? I completed, we will review where we are with the programme am glad that she did not simply repeat the mantra of and make a further announcement in due course. her right hon. Friend, which is becoming as boring as a vuvuzela at the World cup—the one-note symphony we are getting from the Government. However, does she Sadiq Khan: One would have thought that if the understand the importance of this kind of infrastructure? Secretary of State was serious about moving people It is not just about the budget deficit, but about the from road to rail, he would encourage more carriages, future growth of the economy. so that people would be encouraged in turn to use the rail system. He will be aware that the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, the hon. Member for Lewes Mrs Villiers: I understand the importance of this (Norman Baker) is a passionate advocate of reform of issue, including in Wales, but the previous Government, rail fares; in fact, in his last question at a Prime Minister’s of which he was a member, had 13 years to do this and questions, he challenged the then Prime Minister to failed. Just a few short years ago, the 30-year strategy change the rail fares formula to 1% below inflation. I they published for the railways had virtually no place am sure that he remains a passionate advocate and is for electrification. Then we had a last-minute change of not simply window dressing, so now that they are hon. mind, made at a point in the cycle when, as Labour’s Friends, will the Secretary of State confirm how soon outgoing Chief Secretary made clear, there was very he will announce a change in the rail fare regime and little money left. We support electrification—it was in how much below inflation it will be? our manifesto and the coalition agreement—and we will take forward those projects that are affordable in the light of the deficit left to us by the Government of Mr Hammond: It is amazing that the right hon. which the hon. Gentleman was a member. Gentleman, who was a member of the last Government, appears to come to the Dispatch Box with no recognition Roads of the deficit we are facing and the financial challenges that the Government have to deal with in order to clear up the mess that he and his hon. Friends left behind. We 8. Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): What priorities he are committed to fair rail fares, but we have to do has set for departmental expenditure on the road everything within the context of the fiscal inheritance network. [2717] that we have received. The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip Hammond): I welcome my hon. Friend to his place. He Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): I urge worked long and hard to win his seat and he thoroughly my right hon. Friend, when considering how best to deserves the success that he has now enjoyed. expand rail, to consider branch lines off high-speed rail links to service some of the commuter towns disfranchised The first priority of this Government must be tackling under the Beeching review. the country’s unsustainable level of debt. Once the spending review is complete and the Department has settled its budget, we will review all existing schemes, Mr Hammond: Although we want to continue to whether road or otherwise, on the basis of the economic increase passenger usage of the railways, we have to benefits that they deliver. operate within a tightly constrained public spending environment. Our first priority must be to maintain and Robert Halfon: Is the Secretary of State aware that improve the trunk railway network that we have already. Harlow has just one entrance to a motorway, whereas I will consider any proposals for reopening branch lines, similar towns, such as Welwyn Garden City, have two or but I have grave doubts about whether it is likely to be three and Basildon has four? Is he aware that traffic in affordable in the foreseeable future. Harlow is gridlocked and that residents in my constituency are crying out for an extra junction on the M11? With Mr Speaker: Order. I gently point out that we need to the road review under way, and when finances allow, make better progress, so short questions and short will he give strong consideration to providing the road answers would be appreciated. infrastructure that Harlow so desperately needs? 1009 Oral Answers17 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 1010

Mr Speaker: Order. I do apologise, but the questions Joan Ruddock: I welcome the right hon. Lady to her are still too long. We are getting mini-essays. I want position, and I am grateful for that reply. However, she short questions. needs to remember that Transport for London has found that the proposal more than meets the business Mr Hammond: I can tell my hon. Friend that we will case that was applicable to all other stations in London, be happy to consider proposals from local authorities and that it is pivotal to the development of 2,500 new and the Highways Agency for improvements, but he will homes and to the job prospects of the 2.9 million understand that they will be affordable only once the people expected to use the station. Will she meet with deficit has been eliminated. me to see how to get the station built now, alongside the construction of the railway? Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): A few moments ago, the Secretary of State said that one of the key priorities was Mrs Villiers: I am happy to meet the right hon. Lady supporting economic growth. How does suspending the as soon as possible to discuss this important issue. She decision on the Mersey Gateway project help economic has fought hard on the campaign, and I am looking into growth in Merseyside and Cheshire, particularly given the proposal with great care. I am discussing it with the support from the Conservative councils in Cheshire? officials and, as I have said, I have asked them for extra And he should not give us that nonsense about a black briefing. It is important to take into account local hole in the finances. views, TfL’s views and the views of other stakeholders. However, I must also make it clear that we need to Mr Hammond: If the hon. Gentleman thinks that the assess such programmes carefully for affordability, given black hole in the finances is nonsense, he needs to go the state of the public finances and the deficit that we back and do a little more homework. It is the most have inherited from Labour. serious problem facing our country today and the most urgent challenge for this Government. However, let us Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) be clear about the Mersey Gateway project. All we have (LD): Does the Minister accept that this issue has a done is suspend the progress of the scheme until after cross-borough and cross-constituency resonance, and the current spending review is completed. We believe that there is widespread support for the proposal across that it would be wrong to encourage or allow local the parties? Will she meet all of us who have an interest authorities to incur significant additional expenditure in it? I hope that we shall be able to persuade her of its on a large number of projects when some of them merits, because we have a very good case. clearly may not be able to proceed on the original timetable. Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): Just say yes! Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Is my right hon. Friend going to treat the A1 as a national Mrs Villiers: Yes. strategic road, rather than a regional road, and develop plans for full dualling of it when resources allow? Mr Speaker: Excellent! Things are getting better.

Mr Hammond: Yes. Subsidised Bus Services

Mr Speaker: We are grateful to the Secretary of State. 10. Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): What guidance his Department issues to local East London Line (Extension) authorities on the provision of subsidised bus services. [2719] 9. Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab): Whether his Department’s value for money evaluation The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport of the proposed Surrey Canal Road station on the East (Norman Baker): In 2005, the Department published a London line extension has been completed. [2718] document on its website detailing best practice in the process of tendering for subsidised bus services, along The Minister of State, Department for Transport with examples of specimen conditions for contracts, as (Mrs Theresa Villiers): We recognise the importance of part of its wider guidance to local authorities. The Heathrow as the country’s international hub airport— guidance remains available, and there are currently no plans to update it. The Department’s website also provides Mr Speaker: Order. I think that the Minister has the guidance on the de minimis rules for tendering. wrong brief. I may be mistaken—if I am wrong, I apologise to her—but she is answering a question about Chi Onwurah: It was Baroness Thatcher who said the Surrey Canal Road station on the East London line. that if a man finds himself on a bus at the age of 26, he That is what is of interest to the right hon. Member for is a failure. I assure the Minister that that is not the case Lewisham, Deptford (Joan Ruddock). in Newcastle, where the buses are an essential part of our economy. They are how we get to work. Will he Mrs Villiers: I apologise, Mr Speaker. assure us that, under the coalition Government, local A value for money assessment of the proposed Surrey authorities will have the powers to ensure that we have Canal Road station was carried out by Transport for excellent bus services. London and Lewisham council last year. The Department for Transport has some concerns regarding the business Norman Baker: We recognise that bus travel is the case. I have asked officials to provide full advice on the predominant form of public transport, and we want to matter and expect to make a decision in the near future. encourage that. We also want to get better value for the 1011 Oral Answers17 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 1012 taxpayer and the fare payer from the bus services that Speed Cameras are provided. We also recognise the good work that many local authorities do in dealing with bus services, 12. Gareth Johnson (Dartford) (Con): What his plans and I particularly want to pay tribute to the Tyne and are for the future funding of new fixed speed cameras; Wear integrated transport authority, which is designing and if he will make a statement. [2721] a comprehensive bus network to improve standards of accessibility for local residents. 15. Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con): What his Department’s plans are for the future funding of fixed Sadiq Khan (Tooting) (Lab): I welcome the Minister speed cameras; and if he will make a statement. [2724] to his new role; I am sure that he will do an excellent job. We heard earlier that he had been unsuccessful in The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport persuading his colleagues to change their views on (Mike Penning): With permission, Mr Speaker, I will carriages and rail fares. Has he had any more luck in answer questions 12 and 15 together. The Government changing their views on quality bus contracts? He will will not provide— be aware that local authorities outside London want the same powers as those in London to choose to enter into Mr Speaker: Order. I am happy to allow the questions quality bus contracts with bus operators. Local authorities to be taken together, but this is the first that I have around the country, led by all parties, are in favour of heard of it. The normal courtesy is that the Government that, and so was the Minister before the election. Is he notify me of this in advance. I shall let the Minister off still in favour of it, and, if so, has he persuaded his on this occasion, but I do not want to see a repeat colleagues to change their minds? performance. Norman Baker: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his kind welcome. He was always considerate and helpful Mike Penning: I had been informed that these questions to me when I was in opposition, and I shall try to be had been grouped, and I apologise to you if I was equally helpful to him, now that the position has changed. impertinent, Mr Speaker. The legislation on quality contracts is as it is; it was The Government will not provide any more money to set out and passed under the previous Government, and local authorities for new fixed speed cameras. If authorities it remains in place. The Competition Commission is want to put up new fixed cameras, they are free to do so undertaking an investigation into the bus market, and it using their own resources, but we strongly encourage would be premature for me to make any further comments them to use other methods and effective safety measures. until it is completed. Gareth Johnson: I am grateful for that reassurance. Manchester Metrolink (Extensions) Does the Minister agree that when speed cameras are used more as a money-raising mechanism than as a 11. Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): road-safety measure, confidence in them will continue What assessment he has made of the merits of the 3a to fall? and 3b extensions to the Manchester Metrolink; and if he will make a statement. [2720] Mike Penning: There are now three times as many speed cameras in this country as there were in 2000, and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport the public must be confident that speed cameras are (Norman Baker): Phases 3a and 3b of the Manchester there for road safety, not as a cash cow. Under this Metrolink were approved for funding by the previous Government, they will be. Government. Construction of phase 3a is under way. Phase 3b has been re-examined following the announcement Mr Speaker: I call Richard Harrington. It appears by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 17 May of a that not only was I unaware of the grouping of questions review of spending approval granted since 1 January 12 and 15, but the hon. Member for Watford (Richard this year. Harrington), whom the grouping directly affects, was also unaware of it, as he is not present. Andrew Gwynne: In regard to the phase 3b contract for the Ashton-under-Lyne extension, it is important to Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): Does note that substantial amounts of public funding have the Minister not accept that the very good progress already been spent on the route, and significant advance made in recent years in reducing the number of deaths works to provide dedicated strengthened central reserves and injuries on our roads is partly due to speed cameras, and bridges have now been completed. Studies show and that the income generated has been less than the that the East Manchester line will be commercially money spent by the Government on speed cameras? viable only if it goes all the way through to Ashton. Will Will he consider the introduction of more average-time the Minister confirm that all those issues will be factored distance speed cameras and making the existing speed into the review and that they will be carefully considered cameras less conspicuous? before a decision is made? Mike Penning: The hon. Gentleman, a Minister in the Norman Baker: The hon. Gentleman makes a number previous Government and a former firefighter, is well of pertinent points, and I understand the thrust of his aware of how speed cameras can protect the public. As argument and the strength of his case. I cannot give him a former firefighter myself, I know that speed has been a specific assurance at this precise moment, but I suggest part of the reason for many road traffic accidents, but that he will be interested to hear the statement that is not the sole reason for them. The growth of speed shortly to be made from the Treasury Bench. cameras has been so great that the public are concerned 1013 Oral Answers17 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 1014 about whether they are there for safety or to raise Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): My constituents money for the Treasury. The Government will not put do not want the pollution that additional runways at any more money in; if local authorities want to do so, Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick would entail, but they that is okay. Intermittent and average speed cameras are do want shorter queues, fewer delays and better service. in use, particularly on motorways, and are an excellent Does my right hon. Friend agree that there are plenty of way of easing congestion on our motorways. ways of achieving that through improving operations at those airports? Topical Questions The Minister of State, Department for Transport T1. [2731] Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): If he will (Mrs Theresa Villiers): I very much agree with my hon. make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Friend. That is why the Secretary of State has established a taskforce to look into the ways we can make good on The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip our promise to make Heathrow better. We have rejected Hammond): The Government’s first priority is reducing a third runway because of the huge environmental the budget deficit left us by the previous Administration, damage it would cause, but there is more we can do to and I am determined that the Department for Transport improve the regulatory structure and we are bringing should play its full part in that process. Against that forward legislation on that to incentivise the airports to backdrop, my Department is focused on building a focus on the quality of service for passengers. We need modern and sustainable transport system that will to keep security measures under review so that passengers contribute both to future economic growth and to the are kept safe and we can mitigate the hassle that those achievement of the Government’s climate change targets. measures cause. We need to work with the stakeholders and the airlines to get the right solution to integrate Fiona Mactaggart: When does the Secretary of State high-speed rail with Heathrow, to provide a viable alternative expect to receive Lord Mawhinney’s report on Heathrow to having many short-haul flights and to relieve high-speed rail access? When he receives it, will he overcrowding problems at the airport. consult Slough, whose prosperity depends completely on its proximity to Heathrow? T5. [2737] John Robertson (Glasgow North West) (Lab): What is happening about the sell-off of BAA, its Mr Hammond: I have asked Lord Mawhinney to let monopoly—particularly north of the border—and the us have his preliminary conclusions by the end of July, imposition on passengers, especially in Glasgow, of and I will be happy to consult the hon. Lady’s local charges for being picked up after their holiday flights authority once I have received that report from him. and the requirement to walk for an exorbitant distance? It is an absolute disgrace, and it is time that such T3. [2733] Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old companies were brought to book and made to Southwark) (LD): As Ministers work out how best to compete. transfer travel from plane to train, where that is possible, will they prioritise talks with European colleagues to make sure that the European rail network Mrs Villiers: The hon. Gentleman is right to draw works and with colleagues in this country to make sure attention to a consumer issue which, I know, greatly that high-speed rail will allow people to go through the concerns his constituents and many other users of that capital without having to change trains? airport. It is just the type of issue that we hope our new airport regulation Bill will address. We intend to give Mr Hammond: I thank my hon. Friend, who makes a airports stronger incentives to look after and respond very important point. Now that we have made it clear to their customers. that there will be no third runway at Heathrow airport, The proceedings of the Competition Commission in modal shift from air to rail becomes crucially important, relation to the ownership of various airports around the including for journeys through to Europe. I have asked country are a matter for the commission, but we have HS2 Ltd to look at the options and the costs of providing often highlighted the benefits that diversity of ownership a direct link from the proposed HS2 to the existing in the United Kingdom airport sector can yield to high-speed rail network to the Channel tunnel. customers.

T2. [2732] Mr Stephen Hepburn (Jarrow) (Lab): I cannot stress enough the importance of the Tyne and Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): Is the Wear metro to the people of the north-east—in respect Minister aware that Arriva buses recently introduced a of the economy, the environment and the general completely new network and timetable in Milton Keynes? quality of life. The previous Government pledged At a public meeting last Friday many of my constituents, £350 million to upgrade the scheme, so will the especially pensioners, told me that they had been greatly Minister acknowledge the importance of the Tyne and inconvenienced by the changes, and that they had not Wear metro and tell us whether he is going to honour been properly consulted. Will the Minister do all that he that pledge? can to ensure that operators consult their passengers properly before introducing such radical changes? The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Norman Baker): I do acknowledge the importance of Norman Baker: My hon. Friend makes a good point. the Tyne and Wear metro, just as I acknowledge the We ought to ensure that bus companies work with the difficult financial position the Government are in. I grain of local people’s interests. We are considering the suggest that the hon. Gentleman wait for the Treasury period within which bus companies must give notification statement later this morning. of new timetables. 1015 Oral Answers17 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 1016

Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) Mrs Villiers: We are looking at that issue at the (Lab): Will the Minister reassure us that in considering moment. I think there are considerable benefits to be any spending review relating to funds for the Tyne and gained from a more open approach to timetabling, and Wear metro, he will take account of the need to preserve I would be delighted to have a discussion with the hon. an existing structure which—unlike many other capital Gentleman if he wants to give me further indications of projects—is more than 30 years old, desperately requires his ideas on this, so that we can ensure we get the reinvigoration, and is vital to the community in Newcastle maximum benefits for passengers. and throughout the north-east? Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Vehicle excise Norman Baker: As I said a moment ago to the hon. duty remains unpaid on 2 million vehicles, 80% of Member for Jarrow (Mr Hepburn), we understand the which are uninsured and 70% of which are owned by importance of the Tyne and Wear metro to the area. I people with criminal convictions. Given that these vehicles suggest that the hon. Lady wait for the statement that kill 160 people a year and injure 23,000, may we have a the Chief Secretary to the Treasury will make later this crackdown? morning. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Penning): My hon. Friend raises a very important Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD): May point, but vehicle recognition technology is now moving I urge the Secretary of State to accept the recommendations forward. I have recently been in police vehicles where we of the North review and, as a matter of urgency, present have been able to pick up where other vehicles have not proposals for a reduction in the drink-drive limit from had MOTs and insurance, and I am asking the Association 80 to 50 mg? of Chief Police Officers lead on this, whom I met yesterday, to clamp down as hard as possible. Mr Philip Hammond: Sir Peter North has delivered a comprehensive report, containing 51 recommendations, Mary Creagh (Wakefield) (Lab): Brake, the road safety on issues relating to driving under the influence of charity, has said that cutting Government funding for drink or drugs. The Government will consult other speed cameras will lead to blood on our roads. Why is Departments on the implications of the recommendations, the Minister cutting the funding for them, given that and we will announce our position in due course. they would raise revenue during the forthcoming age of austerity, and how is Wakefield council supposed to put Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): In April, when new ones in when it has just had a £1 million cut to its Jarvis was placed in administration, Network Rail cancelled road safety grant? millions of pounds of track renewal contracts on the east coast main line. We have recently been reminded of Mike Penning: Local authorities have the powers to the Potters Bar rail accident. That track renewal work spend the money as they wish, and if they wish to spend must go ahead. Will the Minister arrange for me to it on more speed cameras that is entirely within their meet Iain Coucher—along with Members representing remit. There are other ways in which lives can be saved. other constituencies where many workers have been I have looked at what Brake says, but I disagree. Such made redundant as a result of the cuts—so that we can cameras should not be a cash cow. This should not be discuss with him the timetable for reinstating the track determined by issues to do with raising tax. It should be renewal contracts with other companies? about safety; that is the important thing. Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): Mr Hammond: The Office of Rail Regulation is May I welcome my right hon. Friend the Secretary of responsible for ensuring that the railway is managed State to his new position? Does he agree with me in safely, and that works that are required for its safety go principle that those people whose homes have been ahead. The hon. Gentleman may not be aware that blighted by Labour’s preferred route for high-speed rail shortly before Question Time, Network Rail announced should be fully compensated, rather than at the 85% of that Iain Coucher would be stepping down from his value as proposed by Labour? role. For that reason it would not be practical for me to arrange a meeting with him, but I should be happy to Mr Philip Hammond: I am grateful to my hon. Friend try to facilitate a meeting with another appropriate for her question. One of the first decisions I took in my representative of Network Rail. new post was to extend the consultation on the exceptional hardship scheme. That consultation closes today and Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) (Con): Will the we will publish our conclusions in due course. Secretary of State confirm that he will protect runway alternation at Heathrow? WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Mrs Villiers: I can give that confirmation. We support the current protections of runway alternation. We defeated Labour’s proposals for mixed mode when we were in The Minister for Women and Equalities was asked— opposition, and we will not revive them now that we are Parliamentary Representation in government. 1. Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab): Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): Does What discussions she has had with the Deputy Prime the new, post-bureaucratic age of transparency extend Minister on constitutional reforms to increase the to a commitment to publish bus and rail timetables in representation of women and ethnic minorities in digital format for open public reuse? Parliament. [2700] 1017 Oral Answers17 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 1018

The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her Minister for Women and Equalities (Mrs Theresa May): question and I pay tribute to her for the role that she With permission, Mr Speaker, I wish to notify the played in the Speaker’s Conference and to the work House that, given the cross-cutting nature of the women that was done by the Speaker’s Conference. As she will and equalities agenda, I may be joined on the Front be aware, the last Government responded to the report Bench in future questions not only by the Minister for and we responded to it when we were in opposition. We Equalities, but also by the Minister with responsibility will now consider how to take forward some of the for race equality, the Under-Secretary of State for proposals made by the Speaker’s Conference— Communities and Local Government, the hon. Member [Interruption.] Opposition Members should have a little for Hazel Grove (Andrew Stunell), who is present in the patience. They are shouting “What?” and I am just Chamber today, and by the Minister with responsibility about to tell them, if they wait. We have made an early for disabled people, the Under-Secretary of State for commitment as part of our coalition agreement to Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the Member for introduce extra support, particularly for disabled people Basingstoke (Maria Miller) and the Minister with who want to become MPs, councillors or other elected responsibility for pensions, the Minister of State, representatives. Department for Work and Pensions, the hon. Member for Thornbury and Yate (Steve Webb), in order to allow Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): The Home Secretary Members to receive answers from the Minister with is absolutely right that there are now more Members responsibility for the issue under discussion so that we from ethnic minorities in the House of Commons—26— can look at the wider equalities agenda. than at any time in the history of this country. Sadly, the only party that does not have any ethnic minority MPs On the question, I welcome the hon. Member for is, of course, the Liberal Democrats. The leader of the Wolverhampton North East (Emma Reynolds) to the Liberal Democrats supported my private Member’s Bill House, and I am pleased to say that following the recent to allow all-ethnic minority shortlists. Would the Home general election there are now more women and black Secretary support that Bill if I was to introduce it to the and minority ethnic Members of Parliament in the House? She is right—it is up to the political parties to House. I am particularly delighted that across the governing make the changes. parties there are now 56 women MPs and 11 MPs from an ethnic minority background, but we do need to do Mrs May: In a sense, I think that the right hon. more, and I will be talking to the Deputy Prime Minister Gentleman has slightly contradicted himself by suggesting to ensure that this issue is a matter of concern when we that legislation is the way forward rather than the look at our constitutional reform agenda. encouragement of political parties. I am pleased that as part of the 26, we have 11 Conservative Members of Emma Reynolds: I am proud to be one of the 81 Labour Parliament from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, women MPs in the House, and it is clear that my party which is a significant increase at the last election. It is has done more than any other to increase the representation right that all political parties need to do more on this of women and ethnic minorities in this House, but issue and that all political parties need to consider the progress is far too slow still. As part of the apparently processes that they are using to select their candidates. far-reaching constitutional reform package, what will There is a role for us all in trying to go out there to the Government do to make sure this House reflects the ensure that people in black and minority ethnic communities people we serve? see this place as somewhere that is for them, so that they want to come and represent constituencies in this House. Mrs May: As my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime That is a job that we can all do. Minister made clear in his speech of 19 May, our Parental Leave agenda for constitutional and political reform will be a power revolution because it will be a fundamental 2. Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): What resettlement of the relationship between the state and recent discussions she has had on plans to reform the citizen, but it would be a mistake for anybody to arrangements for parental leave; and if she will make a assume that constitutional reform in itself can bring statement. [2701] about an increased diversity of representation in this House. The first responsibility for ensuring diversity of The Secretary of State for the Home Department and representation rests with political parties, and with political Minister for Women and Equalities (Mrs Theresa May): parties taking action to ensure we have a greater diversity I have had several discussions with Cabinet colleagues of candidates, and I am very proud to have been involved and these will continue. We are committed to encouraging in the action that the Conservative party took to ensure the involvement of both parents from the earliest stages we have a much greater diversity of Members of Parliament of pregnancy, including the promotion of a system of on our Benches. flexible parental leave. Indeed, as we speak my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is making a Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): The Minister speech on families and family policy in which he will is absolutely right to say that constitutional reform is confirm this commitment. not the only way to improve representation within this Julian Smith: May I urge my right hon. Friend to House. Many suggestions were put forward in the excellent consider the needs of and challenges faced by small Speaker’s Conference report, which this House considered business employers as well as employees as she develops in the last Parliament, such as a democracy diversity this legislation? fund to help candidates to stand for election where there might otherwise be barriers, and reforms to this Mrs May: I can confirm that we will do that. I am House. Will she be taking forward some of the conscious that it is important that we ensure that business recommendations in the Speaker’s Conference report? is consulted when we are introducing such changes to 1019 Oral Answers17 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 1020 ensure that we can introduce them in as bureaucratically forward by my noble Friend Lord Lester of Herne Hill. and administratively light a way as possible so that the We will do all we can to work cross-departmentally to impact on small businesses is not too great. My right make sure that we attack forced marriage, which is hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister will announce unacceptable. this morning that the childhood and families taskforce that he is setting up will consider this matter and Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): Rape is an act of consult on how to put it into place. violence against both women and men, and for both women and men who are victims of rape, it is often their Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): Has the lack of confidence in coming forward that prevents Home Secretary had a chance to read the Prime Minister’s people being brought to justice. What are the implications excellent article in the Financial Times in which he says of the proposals to extend anonymity to defendants in that the priority for Europe must be full equality in the rape trials on the confidence of male and female victims workplace. I welcome that. Is the Cabinet a workplace in coming forward? and when will half of it consist of women? Lynne Featherstone: Obviously, the conviction rate in Mrs May: That was a somewhat disappointing question this country is not good enough and needs to be improved, from the right hon. Gentleman. As he will know, the and the last thing that we want is for fewer victims to proportion of women who are full members of the Cabinet come forward, but we have not yet seen compelling under the coalition Government is exactly the same as evidence that offering anonymity to defendants would the proportion of women who were full members of the reduce those reporting rates. The attitude that the victim Cabinet under the Labour Government. is somehow responsible is prevalent in this country, and that is something that we will be looking at. I assure the Violence Against Women right hon. Lady that we will be looking at all the options in terms of addressing this issue and debating it 3. Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): What steps in the House. the Government are taking to tackle violence against women. [2702] Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) (Lab): I congratulate the hon. Member for Hornsey and 6. Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): What steps the Wood Green (Lynne Featherstone) on her appointment Government are taking to tackle violence against as the Minister for Equalities, and I congratulate the women. [2705] Home Secretary on hers as the Minister for Women and Equalities. The Opposition will be very keen to work The Minister for Equalities (Lynne Featherstone): I with them on areas in which we can help to support welcome the hon. Member for Nuneaton (Mr Jones) to women and to promote equalities. his place. Violence against women and girls remains prevalent in our society. This is unacceptable and a I am sorry that the Home Secretary did not answer cross-Government strategy is the best way to address this question, as she will be aware of the extent of this. I look forward to discussing with colleagues across concern about the Government’s proposals on rape. Government how we will take forward our approach in Will she therefore write to me in reply, in addition to her this area. hon. Friend’s response? I wrote to the Home Secretary on 27 May, in her capacity as the Minister for Women Mr Jones: I thank the Minister for that answer. and Equalities, about the Government’s proposal to During the previous football World cup in 2006, there introduce anonymity for rape defendants. I received a was a 30% rise in domestic violence on the days that reply from her officials making it clear that this was not England played. What assurances can my hon. Friend seen as her responsibility and that it was being sent provide the House that women will be protected, especially instead to the Ministry of Justice. I urge her to rethink during the current tournament? that approach because she will know, as the Minister for Women and Equalities and as Home Secretary, that Lynne Featherstone: The Home Secretary recently according to the British crime survey, 93% of rape stated that such violence is not acceptable under any victims are women. Singling out rape uniquely as a circumstances, and even the World cup does not give crime for which defendants need greater protection perpetrators the slightest excuse to be violent. The against false allegations sends strong and troubling Association of Chief Police Officers wrote to all police signals about the way that women should be treated in forces in May to advise them that they should be aware the justice system. I urge her to reconsider this issue and of that and of the possibility of violence during the to say whether she thinks it is right for defendants in World cup. Forces were asked to consider what measures rape trials to be treated uniquely differently from defendants they could implement, and a range of recommendations in other serious crimes. were taken forward, including visiting the 10 most likely offenders from previous experience. Lynne Featherstone: I assure the right hon. Lady that we definitely see this as an issue for women and equalities, Andrew Stephenson: Does my hon. Friend recognise albeit that it resides ultimately in the Ministry of Justice the advantages of taking a coherent, cross-departmental legislatively, and that the Home Secretary will contact approach to tackling violence against women, particularly her directly regarding her questions. in relation to forced marriages? Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): Does the Minister Lynne Featherstone: Yes, we do recognise that. Violence accept that a large number of victims of domestic against women cannot be dealt with by one Department violence are men? Given that she is a Minister in the alone, as it cuts across the whole of government. On Government Equalities Office, will she confirm that the forced marriage, we all supported the original Forced Government treat domestic violence against men just as Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007, which was brought seriously as domestic violence against women? 1021 Oral Answers17 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 1022

Lynne Featherstone: I thank my hon. Friend for his The Secretary of State for the Home Department and helpful contribution. I am, indeed, the Minister for Minister for Women and Equalities (Mrs Theresa May): Equalities, and both men and women are included in I thank my hon. Friend for her question. Flexible that. Some 4% of men are victims of domestic violence, working is positive for businesses because it helps them and given that the figure for women is 6%, those figures keep valued members of staff. The evidence is clear that are not so disparate. flexible working arrangements benefit women, by helping them to balance their caring responsibilities. The coalition Science and Technology Government are united on extending the right to request flexible working; indeed, we have a commitment to do 4. Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): so in the coalition agreement. We will launch a consultation If she will take steps to increase the proportion of with business at the earliest opportunity. people entering careers in science and technology who are women. [2703] Karen Lumley: Will my right hon. Friend comment on what wider social benefits the Government believe The Minister for Equalities (Lynne Featherstone): We will result from the extension of flexible working rights? are absolutely committed to working with teachers and careers advisers to encourage more young women to enter careers in science, engineering and technology, Mrs May: I am happy to do so, although we should and to supporting British business to increase opportunities make more of the fact that there are considerable benefits for professional women in this sector. The science and to businesses in providing flexible working, including technology sector is critical to the UK economy, and keeping valued members of staff, attracting members of women have an enormous contribution to make. staff and being able to dip into the widest possible pool of talent. There are enormous social benefits for families when both women and men can better balance their Chi Onwurah: I thank the Minister for her reply. home and work responsibilities through flexible working When I entered Imperial college to study engineering, arrangements. We have seen that already. There are the proportion of women in engineering was about enormous benefits for children when parents are able to 12%. More than 25 years later, that proportion is almost spend more time with them. exactly the same. Does the Minister agree that that represents a huge failure in the science and engineering establishment of this country and that now, when we Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab): Will the Minister need to rebalance our economy towards engineering consider looking at the experience of countries such as and science, urgent measures are required? Norway and Sweden where, as part of promoting greater flexibility and general equality, the Governments have Lynne Featherstone: Yes, I agree with the hon. Lady, introduced a whole month of parental leave that fathers who is an excellent role model in her field, and I should have to take. This has increased the number of men be happy to talk with her if she has ideas to share with taking parental leave and helped promote greater equality me. It is important that we take this forward. Many in the workplace. Will she consider that as the Government companies have already taken action to increase the look at their reform of parental leave? numbers of women in their work force, but we are clearly not moving fast enough. British Gas has been Mrs May: I welcome the hon. Lady to the House. quite good. It has doubled its work force of women The proposals that we put forward in Opposition on engineers by recruiting women and retraining them. We flexible parental leave—we are now looking at how we have to move further and we have to move faster. take those forward and improve the arrangements for parents and maternity leave—gave a better offer to men Flexible Working than the one month’s paternity leave that she quotes from Norway. It enabled couples to decide who would 5. Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con): What recent take the leave that was available and stay at home with assessment she has made of the effects of flexible the baby after it was born. So I think we can offer working arrangements on gender equality in the fathers and mothers a better opportunity than the hon. workplace. [2704] Lady suggests. 1023 17 JUNE 2010 Legal Aid Payments 1024

Legal Aid Payments Even today, LSC staff have prioritised the approximately 20 clients of Refugee and Migrant Justice who have court appearances. 11.33 am The Under-Secretary of State for Justice, my hon. Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) Friend the Member for Huntingdon (Mr Djanogly), (LD) (Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State will ensure that LSC staff continue to prioritise that for Justice if he will make a statement on the consequences area. He and I agree that the main task now is to ensure of the timing of legal aid payments to the charity that the interests of that vulnerable group are properly Refugee and Migrant Justice. protected and that no one is left without the legal assistance they require. The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Kenneth Clarke): Refugee and Migrant Justice entered into administration earlier this week. It wrote to me a Simon Hughes: I am grateful to the Secretary of State month ago warning me of the risk, and has since made for his full and careful response. On behalf of colleagues requests for substantial assistance from public funds. who have huge numbers of asylum and immigration The organisation was one of many that provide legal cases involving people who use those services, may I say advice and representation to individuals on asylum and that I hope he appreciates the importance of the subject immigration matters funded by legal aid. The Legal to them and to our constituents? Services Commission is confident that there is widespread Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman accept provision of legal advice in this area and that overall that currently—so I am advised—13,000 clients are capacity will not be affected by the closure of Refugee being looked after by Refugee and Migrant Justice, and Migrant Justice. More than 250 offices nationally including nearly 1,000 children, who are of course very are currently providing this type of service. vulnerable? Does he accept, too, that the reason for the It may help if I explain the background to this financial problem is the change in the payment system? unfortunate situation. The Legal Services Commission Although there has been a reduction in income because has worked closely with Refugee and Migrant Justice the payment system has changed, Refugee and Migrant for the last few years to help the organisation to make Justice has also reduced its costs by the same amount—I the change to a system of payment based on units of am advised that it is by 40%—and is now being paid in work, the graduated fees scheme. As a result, Refugee arrears rather than up front, a system that the Law and Migrant Justice has received substantial support—over Society and immigration law practitioners have said is and above the support given to not-for-profit and other unsustainable. I should be grateful if, in time, the Secretary organisations—to help it transfer to the current payment of State would discuss with those organisations how we system. might improve the system. However, it is crucial that the Government achieve Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman give an value for public money. The fixed fee system introduced assurance that he or his hon. Friend will make sure that three years ago by the last Government is already being all clients who have been the responsibility of the successfully used by the vast majority of not-for-profit organisation are given the assurance that their cases will organisations in this area of law. As other organisations be fully looked after in the immediate days ahead? Are have successfully made the transition, it is only reasonable there any other charities in the field with the same sort to expect Refugee and Migrant Justice to do the same. of problem? If so, there needs to be some continuing It has been suggested, and is implied in the hon. and widened support. Will he or our hon. Friend be Gentleman’s question, that under this system payments willing to meet those of us with a direct interest, and the to Refugee and Migrant Justice have been delayed. It is organisations where appropriate, to make sure that not a question of any late payments. Refugee and there is a stable and secure footing in the years and Migrant Justice was paid what was due. However, it did months ahead for this most important legally aided not make the efficiency savings that other providers work? made. There is significant long-term interest in the work Mr Clarke: I am grateful to the hon. Member. Certainly from other providers, both not-for-profit organisations the problem arose as a result of the change to the and private solicitor firms. The Legal Services Commission graduated fees scheme in 2007, but I do not accept that is currently running a tender round for new contracts the failure was necessarily caused by that. Every other for immigration and asylum services from October 2010. organisation, including the other not-for-profit There has been an increase in the number of offices organisations, has coped with this. I do not criticise the applying to do the work. Providers have also bid to 2007 decision, but it was designed to improve the efficiency handle more than double the amount of cases currently of the use of public funds in providing large amounts of available. It would be wrong to divert legal aid funds to money to give legal aid to those making asylum claims one of the bidders in the middle of the bidding process. or facing threats of deportation, or whatever. As far as I In my opinion, given this unfortunate situation, the am aware, this is the only organisation that proved in highest priority must be the vulnerable clients of Refugee the end unable to manage its affairs and its finances to and Migrant Justice. Now that the organisation has left avoid the demise that has occurred. the market, the Legal Services Commission will work I know that the system is not popular; I know that the with it and other providers to seek to minimise disruption Law Society does not like it, but in these difficult times I and ensure that clients continue to receive a service. I am not going to go back on it, because it does provide have checked this morning and I can assure the House value for money. We have just invited tenders under the that the LSC is working closely with the administrators system, and the number of people who want to provide to ensure that any disruption to clients is minimised. services in this area has actually gone up. 1025 Legal Aid Payments17 JUNE 2010 Legal Aid Payments 1026

Mr Speaker: Order. May I ask the Secretary of State Mr Clarke: First, I doubt that my hon. Friend the to turn to address the House? I want to hear his Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon mellifluous tones. Hughes) was asking a particularly aggressive question; he was rightly seeking some more information about a Mr Clarke: Amongst many others, Mr. Speaker, so I worrying situation, and I do not think the two of us will certainly address the House. actually disagreed. In any event, coalition government I agree with the hon. Member that the main problem should give us—certainly those of us in the House not now is the vulnerable clients up and down the country. bound by collective responsibility—the opportunity to We think that there is a wind-off process going on; give up the fatuous media convention that every member Refugee and Migrant Justice is still, of course, entitled of every party automatically agrees with every other to be paid for the work going on, but I have asked the member of the same party on each and every issue, Legal Services Commission to pay very strong attention which the public have never believed anyway. to that. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary will be To return to the more serious question, the organisation giving more attention to that today, to make sure that is now in administration, so whether it is even remotely there is no problem occurring. Certainly one of us will possible to rescue its finances is properly a question for meet the hon. Member and other interested Members, the administrators, not for us. It appears to have got although we may have to take advice on whether we can into very serious trouble because, over the past month, it properly meet them in the middle of the bidding process. asked for large sums to be paid from the legal aid fund This is complicated by the fact that we were in the for things such as rent. I have already stressed—I accept middle of a bidding contest, which means that one that the right hon. Member for Delyn (Mr Hanson) was cannot suddenly divert lots of money to one of the making the same point as my hon. Friend the Member bidders. for Bermondsey and Old Southwark—that we must look at the client group and ensure that there is no Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): May I first apologise hiatus in the representation of children and others who on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Member for were looking to the body, but I think that that can be Blackburn (Mr Straw), who is out of London today but done. who takes an interest in these matters generally? We rather supported the previous Government’s This is a major first: we have the deputy leader of one indications that the LSC should be examined and that of the governing parties challenging his own Government consideration should be given to making it an agency, on the Floor of the House. I look forward to more of because we must be clear about where policy making is that in the future from the Liberal Democrats. proceeding in the area. I assure the right hon. Gentleman that that is actively in hand because we have to face The policy of returning people under 18 years old to difficult issues under the legal aid heading. The matter safe places in countries such as Afghanistan was did not make the Queen’s Speech because important introduced by my right hon. Friend the Member for though it is to him, me and many others who look for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle (Alan Johnson) proper representation in our courts, it was a bit too when he was Home Secretary, and we support it, but it detailed. was introduced on the basis of ensuring that there was fair legal representation, of quality, for those who were Several hon. Members rose— potentially being deported. Will the Lord Chancellor take steps today to assess, as I think he has already, the Mr Speaker: Order. May I appeal to Members for viability of Refugee and Migrant Justice, and ensure short questions and short answers? I remind the House that this is not just a cash-flow problem? If it is a that we have business questions to follow, as well as two cash-flow problem, will he ensure that he examines it as further statements and a heavily subscribed debate. a matter of urgency? Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): I was extremely Will the Lord Chancellor also meet his right hon. disappointed by the statement. Complacency seemed to Friend the Home Secretary to look at the issues of joint be there; the good samaritan was certainly not. On tendering? I understand that there is tendering for this behalf of those who worked out of the Ipswich office, type of service from both Departments, and I think and in the absence of any other east of England Member there needs to be some consideration of that. Will he wishing to speak, may I ask the Secretary of State to particularly look at the points made by the hon. Member confirm that Members of Parliament who represent for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes) in predominantly urban seats will find that their work relation to the client group who are now potentially left load increases as a consequence of the situation? without legal representation, so that we ensure that they receive proper representation of quality and are not Mr Clarke: With the greatest respect, we face a lot of forced to undertake representation with, potentially, demands on legal aid. Public money should be used to providers who are not giving the level of service that we provide individuals with the legal representation they would expect? require, but we cannot suddenly start diverting huge Finally, in the longer term, will the Lord Chancellor sums out of the legal aid budget to bail out a voluntary look at the Legal Services Commission as a whole? One body that got itself into a financial mess because it did thing that my right hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn not make the adjustments for the 2007 system that wished to do was to look at providing for that organisation everyone else succeeded in making. I underline the to become an Executive agency as a matter of urgency. point that plenty of people—both not-for-profit bodies We noticed that that was not included in the Gracious and professionals—want to provide such services and Speech; had our party secured government, it would that an increasing number are trying to get into the have been. I should be grateful if, in the longer term, the market. We are ensuring that no one is left without the Lord Chancellor looked at those issues for the House. representation they require. 1027 Legal Aid Payments17 JUNE 2010 Legal Aid Payments 1028

Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): Some of us on the meant to be quality standards; it is not just a matter of Labour Benches did not support the previous Government’s making bids for the work. However, we cannot intervene cuts to legal aid in this area because, as representatives and take money out of the legal aid fund to rescue one of inner-city areas, we realised that there were few voluntary body. That body is briefing everybody through specialist immigration solicitors. Will the Lord Chancellor very extensive public relations activity: archbishops are ask the LSC to consider an emergency franchising of writing to me, and everybody seems to be informed that those firms that have expertise so that the casework may the body has gone broke, but someone is still producing be dealt with? The problem is the casework that is not a great deal of campaigning material on its behalf. It being done by RMJ, so how do we help people now? does very valuable work, but it is no good diverting money from the fund to it because it is the only one that Mr Clarke: We will not go back on the graduated fees has gone bust. scheme. It might well be that the previous Government will not have been the only one who had to examine Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): What this high-quality what could be done to improve the efficiency of the body has done is highlight a problem that is not restricted legal aid scheme and to address its costs, although I to it. In my constituency, which has high immigration realise that that will not be all together popular. advice need, there is no LSC-funded adviser. Will the There are a lot of specialist firms, although there Secretary of State bring together those Members who could no doubt be more. The number of firms bidding have a large number of such cases to discuss with him has gone up in the present contract round, with whether there are better ways of funding immigration 330 organisations bidding for twice the amount of work advice in our constituencies? available. However, I will ask the LSC to consider whether something like the right hon. Gentleman’s proposal Mr Clarke: I am sure that my hon. Friend the Under- might be required in particular cities or areas. Secretary and I will be only too happy to meet the Members of Parliament particularly affected by the Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): I think that issue. We will have to take advice on whether we will be part of the problem is that this is not an isolated subject to any kind of legal review if we do that in the situation. One of my constituents is owed £11,000 from middle of the bidding process but, subject to that, we the past financial year by the LSC. Yesterday, I received would welcome advice from Members who have particularly an e-mail from the policy consultant of NAGALRO, large numbers of such cases to deal with, because we the professional association for family court advisers will have to look at the whole provision of legal aid in and independent social work practitioners, to say that this and other areas. some of its workers are owed more than £15,000 from the previous year— Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab): The right hon. and learned Gentleman has made much of the fact that Mr Speaker: Order. May I gently say to the hon. this is the only voluntary body that has found itself in Gentleman—he is a new Member and these things take such difficulties. Does he recognise the volume of time—that an urgent question of this kind is narrowly immigration and asylum work that has been done and focused on a particular organisation operating in a that has to be done? He suggests that other comparable given area and that questions and answers must be bodies have not found themselves in such a situation; confined to that? We have heard the hon. Gentleman, can he name some of those that particularly relate to and I call the Secretary of State to make a brief reply. immigration and asylum?

Mr Clarke: We have inherited a few problems in this Mr Clarke: The trust that folded had a 7% market area, and we are reviewing policy, so I will take on share. It was, of course, part of the old advisory service, board the very helpful comments of my hon. Friend the which was split up some time ago. The other half of the Member for City of Chester (Stephen Mosley). old advisory service is to get a much bigger market share—over 20%. We are talking about a policy of the Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): I think the last Government, and one with which I do not disagree. right hon. and learned Gentleman is confusing quantity The graduated fee scheme was introduced in order to with quality when it comes to legal advice on asylum get better value for money out of the legal aid scheme, and immigration. Just because there are lots of people and everybody had to adjust to it. So far as I am aware, coming forward to provide it, it does not mean to say the body is the only one that is in great financial that they are providing good services. Every day in my difficulties. In a way, it would have been very awkward constituency work I see people who are not getting for us if it folded after we had awarded the contracts. good advice. Does he agree that it is a false economy for We would have been in a mess if we had discovered that people to go to firms that will not provide them with the we had awarded a contract to a financially insecure service they need? It just means that they then go organisation that went down once we were relying on it through the appeals process and make further to do the work. As far as I am aware, everyone else who representations, and that clogs up the system. We should is bidding is, I hope, in a sound financial state. focus on getting reputable organisations, such as the one in question, up and running and providing the Mr George Mudie (Leeds East) (Lab): I accept the services that people need. Secretary of State’s calm approach, and his objective of looking after customers, but I wonder about the accuracy Mr Clarke: The contract operation is based on both of that. In Leeds, vulnerable people have great difficulty quality and quantity. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary getting representation. We are talking about matters of and I will certainly ensure that the Legal Services life and death to those individuals. Will he spell out how Commission follows through on the fact that there are he will assure them and this Chamber that no one will 1029 Legal Aid Payments 17 JUNE 2010 1030 go forward without proper representation? In Leeds Business of the House there is real difficulty, even with the organisation working, to meet the need in the market. How will pulling this 11.56 am firm out of the market help those people to get representation? Ms Rosie Winterton (Doncaster Central) (Lab): Will the Leader of the House give us the business for next Mr Clarke: The LSC tells us that it has full cover for week? the work. It made a special intervention in 22 cases in which there were court appearances today to make sure The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir George that there was representation. I have no reason to doubt Young): The business for the week commencing 21 June that the LSC is on top of the problem, but my hon. will include: Friend the Under-Secretary will spend the rest of the MONDAY 21 JUNE—General debate on the strategic day reassuring us that the LSC and our Department are defence and security review. doing everything they reasonably can to make sure that TUESDAY 22 JUNE—My right hon. Friend the Chancellor there is no difficult transition for any of the vulnerable of the Exchequer will open his Budget statement. people concerned. WEDNESDAY 23 JUNE AND THURSDAY 24 JUNE— Several hon. Members rose— Continuation of the Budget debate. The provisional business for the week commencing Mr Speaker: Very briefly from now on. 28 June will include: MONDAY 28 JUNE—Conclusion of the Budget debate. Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab): Will the Secretary TUESDAY 29 JUNE— Opposition day (2nd allotted of State provide me and other Members who have a real day). There will be a debate on an Opposition motion, interest in this issue with regular updates on what is subject to be announced. happening? I appreciate his offer to meet us, and the fact that he says he is working to make sure that people WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE— General debate on the progress have the representation they need in the meanwhile, but and prospects in energy efficiency. we need that information, too, so that we can share it THURSDAY 1JULY—General debate on global poverty. with our constituents and the organisations involved in Hon. Members will wish to be reminded that the providing help and support to asylum seekers and people House will meet at 11.30 am on Tuesday 22 June. with immigration cases. I should also like to inform the House of business in Westminster Hall: Mr Clarke: We will certainly consider that request carefully. Of course, if the hon. Lady or any other THURSDAY 1JULY—A debate entitled “Supporting Member asks for specific information, or says that they carers to have a life outside caring”. do not have enough information, we will certainly do our best to respond and give the information required. Ms Winterton: I thank the Leader of the House for setting out the forthcoming business. Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): Will If there are any statements to be made next week, can the Secretary of State quantify the additional tax-funded we make sure that we do not have a repeat of last week’s resources that have been allocated to support asylum discourtesy to the House, when General Sir Jock Stirrup’s seekers who are affected by the problem? departure was announced in the Sunday papers, and by the Secretary of State for Defence on television, but was Mr Clarke: IhavetosaythatIdonotyethaveatmy not even mentioned in the Prime Minister’s statement fingertips the precise increase in recent years in legal aid to the House on Monday? That is hardly the way to dependent on immigration cases, or the additional amounts treat the Chief of the Defence Staff. that may have been provided in recent years, but initial If there are not any planned statements, could the amounts of funding were provided for a very large Leader of the House check with the Cabinet whether number of purposes by the last Government, and most there ought to be, given that this week the Chancellor of of those cases are now having to be looked at again. the Exchequer, who is becoming something of a serial offender in this respect, again had to be summoned to the House because once again he wanted to make a key announcement ,but not to Members of Parliament? We understand that the Chancellor had suggested that the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury might have an airing, but thought better of it on account of the Chief Secretary being a bit nervy under fire. We are quite pleased that the Chief Secretary is to turn out today. As it turned out, the Chancellor was announcing yet another commission. Just so that we know whether any decisions remain that are likely to be made by Ministers as opposed to being outsourced to a commission or review, will the right hon. Gentleman place details in the Library of all the commissions that the Conservative- Liberal Democrat Government have set up, all the reviews that have been announced, the number of people who are involved in the reviews and commissions, their 1031 Business of the House17 JUNE 2010 Business of the House 1032

[Ms Winterton] I have answered a written question on reviews, referring to the coalition agreement, which sets out the Government’s terms of reference and their cost? Will he give us a key reviews and priorities. It is then up to individual pointer as to whether the Government need so many Departments to provide information about their reviews. Ministers to carry out the business of government, In my compelling speech last night to the Hansard given that there might not be a lot left for them to do Society, I said that perhaps it was time for an open and after all the commissions and reviews have been set up? serious debate, in which hon. Members of all parties I see that the Leader of the House spoke at the should be engaged, about sitting hours and sittings in Hansard Society last night about altering party conferences. September to ascertain whether we have the right Obviously, the Conservative and Liberal Democrat configuration and whether we are making the best use conferences could be merged and simply called the of our time. Conservative party conference. Anonymity for defendants in rape cases is a serious issue, about which there is a wide range of views. The Mr Speaker: Order. I am sorry to interrupt the shadow Government are determined to drive up the conviction Leader of the House. Doubtless the subject is genuinely rate for rape and ensure that those who are convicted scintillating, but it is not a matter of Government get serious sentences. I agree with the right hon. Lady responsibility. I hope that the right hon. Lady might that it is right for the House to debate the matter want to move on to something that is. seriously and calmly, and I will do what I can to provide forsuchadebate. Ms Winterton: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I simply wanted to ensure that if the Leader of the House Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): Will my right intends to refer us to the Procedure Committee, as his hon. Friend find time for a debate on planning guidance speech suggested, there will be discussions with all the for local councils now that the regional spatial strategies parties before that is done. I certainly have not been have been abolished? In my constituency and many consulted and, as far as I know, nor have other parties. surrounding rural constituencies, there are many proposals Will he ensure that consultation happens? to erect vast numbers of wind turbines the size of the On anonymity for defendants in rape cases, we are London Eye. I greatly hoped that we could have some now getting increasingly confusing and contradictory guidance about extending what happens in Scotland comments from the Home Secretary, the Justice Secretary and many other European countries so that we have an and, indeed, the Prime Minister. Three weeks ago, the exclusion zone of 2 km from dwellings. Government pledged to give defendants anonymity. Two weeks ago, the Prime Minister appeared to change Sir George Young: I understand that my hon. Friend that position to one whereby the accused would be is not a fan of wind turbines. The Government’s view is named only if prosecutors brought charges, and this that communities should be protected from the unacceptable week the Justice Secretary blamed the Liberal Democrats, impacts of development. Current planning policy in saying that they had adopted the policy in opposition. England is that the distance between a wind farm or There was further confusion at questions to the Minister turbine and a home should be decided on a case-by-case for Women and Equalities today. basis. However, I will bring my hon. Friend’s concerns Ministers keep saying that they want a proper, considered to the attention of the Secretary of State for Communities discussion, but it is extremely difficult for hon. Members and Local Government. to contribute to any discussion when it is completely unclear which Minister is speaking for the Government. Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): Will the Leader of the The policy seems to be the victim of hasty negotiations, House find time for a debate on competition among but the real victims will be women who have been raped. providers of liquefied petroleum gas to householders in The need for a proper debate on the subject has now rural areas? My constituents in the village of Llannon become urgent, and I ask the Leader of the House to find themselves in an impossible situation because when give us an assurance that he will allocate one of the one person has a contract with one company, no one Government’s general debates—we have a lot of them else can go to another provider. That needs serious at the moment—to it. reconsideration.

Sir George Young: I am grateful to the right hon. Sir George Young: Like the hon. Lady, I have a rural Lady. On the Ministry of Defence, Sir Bill Jeffrey and constituency where many people are dependent on one Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup have announced to supplier of LPG. Speaking from memory, I think that their staff that they will retire in the autumn. Both the Office of Fair Trading had been invited to conduct a stayed on longer than they originally intended to see review of the matter. I will draw her concern to the things through over the election period and to get attention of the OFT and see whether the issue might through the strategic defence and security review. be revisited. The Government have made many statements—nine Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): My right hon. since the Queen’s Speech. We have been very open with Friend will know about the great success of the south of the House, and about five, perhaps even seven statements England show at Ardingly recently. Does he also know have been made this week. The Speaker has indicated that I am president of the hounds show at Ardingly? that he wants more urgent questions, and that is a useful Will he see what he can do to lay aside some Government way to hold the Government to account and keep the time for a debate on the future of farming, particularly House informed. getting more young people into the industry, the security The Chief Secretary is robust under fire and can give of the food supply in this country and essential research as good as he can take. and development for the future of farming in Britain? 1033 Business of the House17 JUNE 2010 Business of the House 1034

Sir George Young: I was not aware that my hon. has simply carried forward the regime that it inherited Friend was president of the hounds show, but I am not from the House on questions such as whether Members surprised. The Secretary of State for Environment, are entitled to pay or allowances. Under the current Food and Rural Affairs has attended several agricultural legislation, it remains a matter for IPSA to make any shows and I will draw his attention to the success of the changes in the allowance regime. one at Ardingly. My hon. Friend makes a serious point about the Mark Lancaster (Milton Keynes North) (Con): May future of farming and the need to increase young people’s I add to the calls for a debate on regional spatial interest in that career. I will do what I can to see strategies? The Government’s decision to scrap housing whether we can provide a forum so that he can share targets was most welcome, but it poses questions for the with the House his important views on the subject. future of Milton Keynes Partnership—the unelected quango in my constituency—its role as a planning Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): Following authority, the ownership of the land bank and the my right hon. Friend the shadow Leader of the House’s future of the local plan. A debate would help to clarify question, will the Leader of the House state when he those points. took over responsibility for setting Labour party conference dates? Sir George Young: My hon. Friend makes a forceful case for a debate in Westminster Hall, so that Communities and Local Government Ministers can address the issues Sir George Young: That is a wilful misrepresentation he has outlined, and see whether responsibility can be of what I just said. I said that I think the House should passed down to the locally elected local authorities in have a serious debate about its sitting hours, when it sits his constituency. in the summer and whether the 82-day summer recess that we have had in the past is the right way forward. I think all parties might consider whether party conferences Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): There is are immoveable or whether there is a more intelligent growing concern that further increasing student fees way of reorganising the political year. I accept that it is will deter students from poorer backgrounds. I am not a matter for one party, but one for all parties and meeting Luke Young, the president of the Swansea the House. I hope that the House will engage in that students’ union, next week. When will the right hon. debate in the spirit in which I launched it. Gentleman timetable a debate on student fees, particularly when we should be tooling-up all our young people, but particularly those from poorer backgrounds, for the Nicky Morgan (Loughborough) (Con): Will my right recovery that we all hope is ahead? hon. Friend find time for a debate on the actions of bailiffs? The subject was mentioned in the coalition Sir George Young: That is a devolved matter in Wales. agreement and I am sure that many hon. Members have So far as England is concerned, we are awaiting the examples of constituents who have been targeted by outcome of inquiry by Lord Browne of Madingley. One bailiffs. As I understand it, that area of law is unclear of the key things that the Government will be looking at and it would be helpful to have a debate. is exactly what the hon. Gentleman mentioned—namely, whether any changes would impede or promote access Sir George Young: The coalition agreement is specific to higher education by students from low-income families. on the matter. We will provide more protection against aggressive bailiffs and unreasonable charging orders, Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): Will the ensuring that courts have the power to insist that Leader of the House arrange an early debate on Members repossession is always a last resort and to ban orders for who refuse to take their seats and fail to give proper sale on unsecured debts of less than £25,000. Better representation to their constituents? regulation of bailiffs will be one of the strands of that policy as we develop it. Sir George Young: That is a candidate for debate, and a sensitive issue. I can give no guarantee that the Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): Last week at Government will find time for such a debate, but it is a business questions, the Leader of the House, in response perfectly legitimate candidate for a debate in Westminster to the hon. Member for Beckenham (Bob Stewart), Hall. indicated that allowances issues are no longer a matter for the House. Of course the administration of allowances Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ is now a matter for the Independent Parliamentary Co-op): Yesterday the North report, which recommends Standards Authority, but is the question of who is reductions in drink-driving limits, was published. An entitled to allowances still a matter for the House? Will hour or so ago, the Secretary of State for Transport said he therefore correct the record, and in addition confirm that there would be consultation in Government that the administration of Short money is still a matter Departments on the proposals, yet newspapers have for the House, and that it will remain so? been full of reports—inspired, it would appear, by ministerial briefings—that the proposals would be rejected. Sir George Young: The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely One headline states: “Motorists escape bid to lower right on that last point—the administration of Short drink-drive limit”. Will the Government agree to a money is a matter for the House—and I answered debate in Government time to clarify their policy on questions on that last week. IPSA is responsible not drink-drive limits? The Leader of the House is a great only for the administration of the allowances but for supporter of road safety, so I hope he agrees to such a the policy on allowances, as a number of hon. Members debate, and confirms that the Government will be positive said in yesterday’s debate in Westminster Hall. IPSA about reducing drink-drive limits. 1035 Business of the House17 JUNE 2010 Business of the House 1036

Sir George Young: This is an important issue and our Standards Authority that took place in Westminster priority is to tackle drink and drug driving in the most Hall yesterday, which about 50 Members attended, and effective way. I listened to the Transport Secretary’s of the excellent speech made by the right hon. Member response a few moments ago, and I did not detect the for Tonbridge and Malling (Sir John Stanley). The equivocation that the hon. Gentleman alleges. The matter cannot be allowed to remain there; we need to Transport Secretary said that the report covered a wide take it forward. The Leader of the House will know that range of issues and made 51 detailed recommendations, the right hon. Gentleman spoke of the which the Departments concerned need to consider “interface between parliamentary privilege and IPSA’s decisions” carefully. He also said that the Government will respond and to Sir Peter in due course. However, on top of that, I “the privilege of freedom from obstruction in the performance of agree that it is an appropriate matter for the House to parliamentary duties.” debate. He quoted pages 75 and 143 of “Erskine May”, and Angie Bray (Ealing Central and Acton) (Con): One referred to what it says under the heading, “Obstructing of my constituents recently turned up for duty in court Members of either House in the discharge of their as a witness and spent most of the day there, but was duty”. then sent home because no other witnesses turned up. With that in mind, does the Leader of the House He wasted most of his day but, more importantly, the agree that it is time that we had a Minister at the court case had to be delayed again. Does my right hon. Dispatch Box for a debate, because the right hon. Friend agree that we need to consider more measures to Member for Tonbridge and Malling concluded that ensure that witnesses are made to turn up when they are IPSA required, so that cases are not postponed or even put off “is obstructing Members in the efficient and effective discharge of altogether? their parliamentary duties”?—[Official Report, 16 June 2010; Vol. 510, c. 144-145WH.] Mr Speaker: Order. I am sure the hon. Lady is seeking either a statement or debate. Sir George Young: I attended that debate and heard Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. It my right hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge and is important that we use the resources of the court Malling (Sir John Stanley) make that speech. The debate system effectively, so that the sort of waste to which she was, of course, replied to by a Minister from the Cabinet refers does not occur. I will contact the Justice Secretary Office. If any Member believes that there has been a and share her concerns with him, and see whether the breach of privilege, a procedure can be followed, which Government have proposals for making better use of involves an approach to Mr Speaker. the available resources. Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): On 26 May, During Transport questions, the Secretary of State the then Chief Secretary to the Treasury came to the made it clear that his priorities are encouraging economic House and said in answer to an urgent question on the growth and reducing carbon emissions, yet Transport future jobs fund that Government for London is proposing massive job cuts and the “policy…has to be informed by the facts, and…advice…from the closure of virtually every ticket office on the London Department for Work and Pensions”. underground. Those actions will impact directly against He added that that advice was that the fund the Secretary of State’s hopes. May we have a debate on “was…not effective and that the money was wasted.”—[Official that and not least on what seems to be a marked lack of Report, 26 May 2010; Vol. 510, c. 164.] communication between the coalition Government and However, when I visited my constituency’s district Jobcentre the Conservative Mayor of London? Plus office on Monday, I was told that it was far too early to judge the effectiveness of the scheme, because Sir George Young: I understand the hon. Lady’s no data are yet available. May I suggest that we have a concern, but the staffing of individual underground debate on the scheme, so that we can work out whether stations is a matter for TfL, which may be having to do what we are being told about the DWP’s view of the what Departments are having to do: coping with the matter is a reflection of what is happening on the economic legacy that we have inherited. Perhaps at ground? some point Opposition Members will tell us where the £50 billion of cuts they identified before the election Sir George Young: The hon. Gentleman makes a would have applied. good case for a debate. The future jobs scheme cost about £6,500 per place, which is about five times the Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Will the Leader of cost of other components of a similar programme. the House find time for a debate on the big society? Many of the jobs were relatively low paid and insecure, Many community organisations in Harlow are keen and many were in the public sector. The Government adopters of the big society reforms that will do so much believe that we have better approaches to dealing with to transform voluntary groups up and down our country. unemployment—namely, the Work programme—but I hope that it will be possible at some point to discuss the Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend issues that he raises. That could happen in the context for that question. The Prime Minister’s speech on the of the Budget debate, because I believe that the Work big society has indeed whetted the appetite of voluntary and Pensions Secretary will speak then. organisations up and down the country for further development of that policy. I agree that the question of Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): Mr Speaker, as the how we engage the resources of the third sector is defender of the rights of MPs, I am sure that you were important. Without making a commitment, I should aware of the debate on the Independent Parliamentary like to find time for a debate if we can. 1037 Business of the House17 JUNE 2010 Business of the House 1038

Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): whether it has met its objectives, and Select Committees Two weeks ago, I asked the Leader of the House if he have a role to play in post-legislative scrutiny, as well as would kindly urge the Home Secretary to update us on their other tasks. In a word, the answer is yes. the review of dangerous dogs legislation initiated under the last Government. He said that the Home Secretary Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): For several weeks, would do so during the Queen’s Speech debate, but I have been attempting to obtain support from IPSA to unfortunately that did not happen. May I again urge offer jobs to people who want to work in my constituency him to ask the Home Secretary to come to the House office. The failure of IPSA to respond to me by phone and update us on the review of that legislation? or e-mail is putting tremendous pressure on my office’s ability to provide a service to the people of Chesterfield Sir George Young: I am grateful to the hon. Lady, and who sent me here. Will the Leader of the House make a if there has been a discourtesy, I apologise. I will pursue statement on what support he can give to new Members the issue further, and Home Office questions will be who are attempting to staff their offices, but who are held on 28 June, when she may have an opportunity to having to rely on voluntary contributions to provide a raise the matter again. service to their constituents?

Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): What is my Sir George Young: I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman right hon. Friend’s thinking in changing the hours of has not been able to provide the service that he wants Tuesday’s Budget day to those of a Wednesday sitting? because of difficulties with the allowance regime. The Should we take that change as a pilot for changes to whole object of the allowance regime is to enable MPs future Tuesdays? to look after their constituents and hold Ministers to account. If it is not doing that, it is a serious matter. I Sir George Young: It would be wrong to read too will ensure that the interim chief executive is aware of much into the changing of the time for the Budget the issues that the hon. Gentleman has raised and that debate. After consultation, we took the view that it he gets a prompt response. would be for the convenience of the House to begin the debate a little earlier. My hon. Friend makes the point Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): The Leader of the that at some stage we will need to look at the sittings of House said that he wants less legislation, but there the House. We have many new Members and we have to could not be any less legislation than at present, because operate within a slightly different regime, so there is an he has announced none. When will we have a Second appetite for intelligent debate about how the House Reading on one of the many plans for legislation that uses its time. the Government have announced, so that we can scrutinise it, and when will he set up the European Scrutiny Mr Angus Brendan MacNeil (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) Committee, so that we can scrutinise their plans on (SNP): The Leader of the House raised the issue of the Europe? recess. Midsummer’s day is in four days’ time, but Sir George Young: In the Queen’s Speech, we outlined Parliament does not start its so-called summer recess 22 Bills for an 18-month Session. We have already until five weeks later. May we for once have a summer introduced three of them—one in the House and two in recess in the summer, a shorter recess and one that takes the other place—and I anticipate a finance Bill before place during the Scottish school holidays, which are, of too long. I also anticipate two more Second Readings course, actually in the summer? That could help MPs to before the summer recess. be more available to their constituents at summer events. May we have a debate on the timing of the recess? Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): Will the Government arrange, in Government time, a debate on the effects on Sir George Young: I do understand that for MPs with employment of Government policies? I estimate that Scottish constituencies the summer recess does not coincide the recently announced cuts will cost at least 30 jobs in with the school holidays in Scotland. The hon. Gentleman Slough—a town where unemployment has fallen month reinforces the point made in earlier exchanges about the on month since the start of the year. Will the Government need to stand back and look at when the House sits and give us a chance to discuss the effects of what they are consider whether we make the best use of our time. doing? Mr Phil Woolas (Oldham East and Saddleworth) Sir George Young: May I return the compliment and (Lab): In opposition, the Leader of the House was suggest that the Opposition use one of their Opposition always a supporter of enhanced post-legislative scrutiny days to explain where they would have found the £50 billion and, in particular, of finding time for debates on Law cuts that were factored into their pre-election statements? Commission reports. Can he update the House on what They never told us where those cuts would come from, plans he has in that respect, and does he think that there and they would have included some £18 billion of cuts is too much legislation or too little? to the capital programme. They said that they would tell us after the election where they would find those cuts, Sir George Young: I think that there has been too and the time is now ripe. much legislation. We are determined to have less legislation and better drafted Bills, with proper time allowed for Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): the House to reflect on them. That will be a transformation Will the Leader of the House arrange for someone from compared to what happened in the last Parliament. the Government to come here and tell us why they are Good governance involves post-legislative scrutiny, afraid of scrutiny of their behaviour in Europe and why as well as the production of draft Bills and a pre-legislative they have not set up the European Scrutiny Committee, stage. Every Department should produce a summary, a which was the first Committee set up in the last Parliament few years after legislation has been enacted, stating by the previous Government? Are they afraid of the 1039 Business of the House 17 JUNE 2010 1040

[Michael Connarty] Public Spending

Euroscepticism generated on their Benches when they 12.28 pm were in pre-election mode, or are they afraid of the The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): ESC, which of course won an inquisitor of the year With permission, I wish to make a statement on the award when we had a Labour Government and it had a Treasury’s review of the public spending commitments Labour Chair? made by the last Government between 1 January 2010 and the general election. In the review, we examined the Sir George Young: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman £34 billion of spending that was approved in their final for the work that he has done on the ESC. I am aware few months of office. The aim was to test in each and that documents continue to arrive from Europe that every case whether those commitments are affordable, need scrutiny and that, at the moment, there is no ESC. whether they deliver value for money and whether they There is no conspiracy along the lines that he suggests. remain genuine priorities for this Government. Urgent discussions are taking place along the usual channels, and I hope that it will not be too long before The review is now complete, and my decisions on we can establish the ESC. I am sure that whoever chairs those commitments fall into three categories—projects it will do a fantastic job. where spending will be approved, because they are a high priority or because the money has largely been Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): In the spent; projects that will be cancelled; and projects whose light of the Alston report to the United Nations, a long-term affordability will be considered as part of the debate on the conventions used in the deployment of wider spending review process over the coming weeks advanced military technology would allow us to debate and months. whether international law has to be reformulated as a A detailed list of the projects that have been cancelled result of that report. Do the Government believe that or suspended until the spending review has been laid in drone planes should be used for the targeted extra-judicial the Libraries of both Houses. killings of suspected terrorists? For those projects that offer value for money and meet the Government’s priorities of fairness and Sir George Young: The hon. Gentleman raises a responsibility, or for those that it is simply too late to serious question. I do not know whether it would be withdraw, we have acted quickly to confirm approval in appropriate for him to make that point in the debate on order to avoid disruption. For example, we have approved the strategic defence review, but I will certainly pass his the funding for essential medicines in the case of a flu concerns on to the Ministry of Defence and ensure that pandemic, some hospital projects and support to post he receives a reply. offices, as well as for spending on crucial equipment for military operations in Afghanistan. The House will be Mr Speaker: Last, but not least, I call Mr MacShane. aware, however, that as a country today we have the biggest peacetime budget deficit in our history. We have Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): Thank you a choice: we can act fairly, responsibly and decisively for the introduction, Mr Speaker. now, or we can follow the approach of the previous Last night, Europe’s Conservative party leaders and Government—deny and delay—which would end only Prime Ministers met for dinner, with the exception of in greater cuts being forced upon us. Given our priority our Prime Minister, because he is in alliance—as the to get the deficit under control, the Government collectively Deputy Prime Minister puts it—with “nutters, anti- have looked at each project, and I am grateful for the Semites...and homophobes”. May we have an early support of Cabinet colleagues in this process. debate on rise of nationalist, populist extremism in Some commitments are simply unaffordable, do not eastern Europe, the worries of Jewish communities and meet Government priorities and will be cancelled. We the extent to which the Conservative party—not the have taken the decision to immediately cancel 12 projects Liberal Democrats—are giving cover by their alliance that would have cost nearly £2 billion over their lifetime. with these people? They include the Department for Communities and Local Government’s regional leader boards; the Department Sir George Young: I am sorry that business questions for Business, Innovation and Skills’ loan to Sheffield are ending on that note. The right hon. Gentleman has Forgemasters; the Department for Work and Pensions’ been pursuing this issue for many months, but there is low-value employment programmes, including the extension no substance in the accusations that he has made about of the young person’s guarantee to 2011-12 and the our colleagues. I am sure that given more time he could jobseekers’two-year guarantee; the Department of Health’s have found a better question to ask on the business. active challenge routes, county sports partnerships and the North Tees and Hartlepool hospital project; the Mr Speaker: I am grateful to right hon. and hon. local authority business growth incentive; and the Members for their co-operation. withdrawal of Government funding for the Stonehenge visitors’ centre. Many of those are difficult decisions and, I fully understand, painful ones for some of the communities affected—communities whose hopes were irresponsibly raised by the previous Government. However, they are decisions that a responsible Government must face up to in these difficult economic times. Other decisions should be weighed up against all the other significant pressures on public spending within the context of the spending review—a spending review 1041 Public Spending17 JUNE 2010 Public Spending 1042 that the Labour Government delayed because they did I start with a word of thanks to the Chief Secretary not want to admit that painful decisions had to be for finally nailing the myth that Labour generated some made. For this reason, I can announce that there are a kind of scorched-earth policy, of which we heard so further 12 projects, with a total value of £8.5 billion, much in the first days of the coalition. The projects that approved since 1 January that we will suspend and refer he has decided to outline this afternoon amount to just for consideration to the spending review process over 0.05% of this year’s Government spending. At the the coming weeks and months. They include the health beginning of the week, we heard from Sir Alan Budd, research support service; the Kent Thameside strategic who told us that the outlook for public finances is transport programme; and the libraries modernisation £30 billion better than expected, but now the Chief programme. Any other new major hospital schemes will Secretary, who cannot even claim the defence of be assessed in the context of the spending review to independence, has smashed the coalition’s claim that ensure that they are affordable and represent the highest Labour spent unwisely. The House is united in its possible value for money. Only the highest priority ambition to see the deficit paid down quickly. The schemes will be able to go forward. We will do this in defence of our country from the global recession did the context of the approach set out in our spending not come cheap, and now the bill must be paid, which is review framework, which will include a fundamental why we set out with such clarity £19 billion of tax review of all capital investment plans, to identify those increases and £20 billion of detailed spending cuts over areas that will achieve the greatest economic returns. the next two years alone. The Secretary of State for Education has already I, too, have reviewed the spending decisions taken announced that he is looking at the whole Building since January, and my thanks go to the Treasury staff Schools for the Future programme and will shortly set for facilitating this review. I am glad that the decisions out the outcome of this work. That programme has that we took on green energy, university modernisation, been very heavily overcommitted, and we are in agreement Airbus, Nissan, Ford, the automotive assistance programme, that tough decisions need to be taken. Departments royal research ships, phase III of the Diamond science have also independently reviewed projects with budgets programme, the Tyne and Wear metro, the Leeds next within delegated limits approved since 1 January, and generation transport scheme, Manchester Metrolink, they will report the results of those reviews in due the regeneration of Blackpool, accelerated development course. Together, these decisions will significantly relieve zones, Olympic park restructuring, hundreds of millions burdens on departmental budgets that will be under of pounds for the Ministry of Defence, £30 million for major pressure in the spending review. children’s hospices and three new hospitals have been While conducting this review, I have discovered yet reaffirmed. another black hole in the books that we inherited. I can The country and the Liberal Democrats beyond, tell the House that billions of pounds of spending however, will be aghast this afternoon at the Chief commitments were made for this financial year that Secretary’s attack on jobs, his attack on construction relied upon underspends or access to the reserve. There workers, his attack on industries of the future and the was no reason to suppose that underspends would have cancellation of a hospital. What could be more front occurred on anything like that scale and there is insufficient line than that? In five minutes this afternoon, he has contingency in the reserve to cover the remainder. I will reversed three years of Liberal Democrat policy, of therefore be cancelling at least £1 billion of commitments which he was the principal author. What a moment of where there simply is not the money to pay for them. We abject humiliation! He will no doubt claim that the will announce the action that we will take to tackle this markets forced his hand. These were the markets in further hole in the accounts in next week’s Budget. As which interest rates were falling, not rising, throughout far as the reserve is concerned, I am sure the House will the winter and spring. He claims there is no reason why agree that our priority is that we keep this for genuine the Government can assume to carry forward underspends emergencies and new pressures that may result from from previous years, despite the fact that, as he well military operations in Afghanistan. knows, billions are underspent each year, including The last Government committed to spend money last year. that they simply did not have. They made commitments It is customary on these occasions to ask the Minister that they knew the next Government could not fulfil a wide range of questions, but I will give him the luxury and in doing so cynically played politics with the hopes of answering only one, although I expect a straight of our communities. The actions that I have set out answer: how many people will lose their jobs this year as today show that this Government will take responsible a consequence of what he has just told the House? Do spending decisions, which, although sometimes difficult, not beat about the bush—tell us how many. will be guided by fairness and the overriding need to tackle the deficit. We did not make this mess, but we will Danny Alexander: I am grateful to the shadow Chief clean it up. I commend this statement to the House. Secretary for his response and for welcoming me to my Mr Liam Byrne (Birmingham, Hodge Hill) (Lab): I post. He is right that a number of projects have been thank the Chief Secretary for early sight of his statement, approved, and Departments will set out details of those which arrived a few moments ago. We were all impressed projects, or where they are seeking further savings within not to read his conclusions in the newspapers this those approvals, over the next period. They are also, of morning. I congratulate him on his first statement to course, reassessing those approvals given within delegated the House as Chief Secretary. I think that it was George limits, as I said in my statement, so there will be further Bernard Shaw who said that sometimes to succeed in announcements to make on that. politics one must rise above one’s principles—and few The right hon. Gentleman’s characterisation of the have risen so fast and, I now see, so far as the right hon. Office for Budget Responsibility’s report was surprising, Gentleman. given that the report showed that, in fact, growth was 1043 Public Spending17 JUNE 2010 Public Spending 1044

[Danny Alexander] unnecessary if Labour had carried out a proper comprehensive spending review last autumn, building expected to be significantly lower than was forecast by into it a sustainable reserve? his Government in the last Budget and that the structural deficit—that part of the deficit that can be paid down Danny Alexander: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely only by Government policy action—was considerably right. If there had been a spending review, we would not higher. He set out what he said were Labour’s plans. We be in this position now. As it is, out of the £34 billion of look forward to hearing more detail about that. If he is commitments that the previous Government made in committed to a shared deficit reduction plan, I look that period, we have had to cancel £2 billion and put forward to his party finally setting out in detail what it £9 billion into the spending review. The choice is obvious: would take to meet the £50 billion of cuts that it profligacy on the one side, responsibility on the other. proposed to set out. As for consistency with the approach of the Liberal Jon Trickett (Hemsworth) (Lab): There will be fury in Democrats, which the right hon. Gentleman asked me Wakefield and my constituency, where people are expecting about, the position is entirely consistent with the approach schools to be rebuilt and where we absolutely must have that we took during the election campaign, in common the 70 additional hospital beds to make proper provision. with our coalition partners, on ensuring that firm action Any cancelled patient operations as a result of today’s is taken to reduce the deficit. That must be the overriding decisions will be laid entirely at the right hon. Gentleman’s priority. He said that end-year flexibility is used year by door. His party have joined with the other coalition year to meet commitments, but the volume of commitments party in being the party of mass unemployment. Some that were made under the previous Government is so 300,000 building workers are already out of work. What large that it calls into question the Government’s ability is his estimate of the increased unemployment that he to have a reserve at all. Therefore, we have to take action will produce as a result of his statement today? to reduce those claims in early course, and that is what we are going to do in the Budget. Danny Alexander: I understand that some of these decisions are difficult for communities and that there The single biggest risk to jobs in this country is not will be genuine anger, which the hon. Gentleman has taking action to reduce the deficit. If we fail to take expressed. However, that anger should be directed at action to reduce the deficit, we will see jobs lost across those on his own Front Bench who took irresponsible the country. We need to restore confidence to the economy. decisions that could not be afforded. We are now putting What we have learned from today’s statement is that that matter right. the shadow Chief Secretary went on a pre-election spending spree when in office, in the full knowledge that Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): Will the the Government had long since run out of money. The Chief Secretary accept my thanks for finding the money House will be familiar with the shadow Chief Secretary’s for the private finance initiative for roads in my constituency? now infamous letter to his successor, but allow me to contrast that with the letter that I received on my desk Danny Alexander: Yes, of course. from my right hon. Friend the Member for Yeovil (Mr Laws). The right hon. Member for Birmingham, Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) (Lab): The previous Hodge Hill (Mr Byrne) wrote: Labour Government agreed launch-aid investment for “I’m afraid there is no money…good luck!” the Airbus A350, which will help to secure tens of However, my right hon. Friend’s advice was rather more thousands of jobs in the UK. Can the Chief Secretary helpful. On leaving the Treasury, he left me a note confirm that that will be paid in full and that he will not saying: revisit the matter? “good luck, carry on cutting…with care.” Danny Alexander: As I said in my statement, spending Contrast the previous Government’s approach with ours. Departments will make announcements themselves about They raised false hopes by promising the public that the projects that have been approved. they would spend money on local projects that they could never afford to get off the ground, even under Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): I had their own spending plans. We on the other hand have hoped to hear the words “better health care closer to been candid about the scale of the task. We have made home” and “St Helier hospital” in the Chief Secretary’s it impossible to fiddle the economic figures to suit our statement. Can he update us on the position in relation Budgets, and we are taking responsible and measured to that hospital project? action on historically unprecedented levels of borrowing. Several hon. Members rose— Danny Alexander: We have considered a number of hospital projects against affordability and value for Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. Many money criteria. It has been agreed that the Epsom and hon. Members wish to get in. We have another statement St Helier, Royal Liverpool, Royal National Orthopaedic to follow and there is business after that. I will certainly and Pennine acute hospital schemes will go ahead. try to call as many hon. Members as possible, but if we can have quick questions and succinct answers, that will Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): There be of benefit to all. is a curious part in the right hon. Gentleman’s statement on the successor deterrent extension to concept phase Michael Fallon (Sevenoaks) (Con): Is it not pretty long-lead items on Trident. What is the value of that, clear that some of those projects were hastily scribbled and can he explain why he did not tell the House that he cheques on a long overdue account? Would not is reviewing Trident? Does he not know what he is today’s painful announcement have been completely doing, or is he embarrassed and ashamed? 1045 Public Spending17 JUNE 2010 Public Spending 1046

Danny Alexander: The hon. Gentleman knows perfectly Danny Alexander: The hon. Gentleman makes a good well that, in the context of renewing the deterrent, the point, although I would not wish to cast aspersions on coalition has agreed a value-for-money review. In the the shadow Chief Secretary’s reasons for the timing of context of that, spending £67 million on long-lead his arrival in the Chamber. That would be discourteous. items in advance of the value-for-money review being However, it is fair to say that a spending review was completed would be utterly irresponsible. delayed by the previous Government because they did not want to face up to the fact that some difficult Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) (Con): I thank the Chief decisions had to be made. Secretary for outlining Labour’s cuts. Will he take this opportunity to remind the House just why we face such Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): a difficult spending round? The Sheffield Forgemasters loan would have helped place the UK at the forefront of global nuclear production Danny Alexander: We are facing a difficult spending and enabled Forgemasters to install the country’s first round for two reasons: first, we have the largest peacetime 15,000-tonne forging press, thus reducing our dependence budget deficit since the war—£155 billion—with an on foreign imports. Is the Government’s decision not a 8% structural deficit, which is larger than had previously political one, made out of spite because South Yorkshire been estimated; and secondly, the previous Government voted Labour, rather than a decision based on the took irresponsible spending decisions at the end of their long-term interest of UK manufacturing? time in office and that has added to the pressure on Departments in the spending review. I am seeking to relieve that pressure in today’s statement. Danny Alexander: No, none of the decisions was motivated in the way that the hon. Lady suggests. I have Ann Coffey (Stockport) (Lab): In the last Parliament, received representations from Members from a number the then Secretary of State for Transport agreed to of political parties on this matter. The key issues are part-fund the A6 bypass—a road that is important in affordability and value for money, and that project does relieving congestion on the A6 in my constituency. Will not meet those tests. However, we continue to be supportive the Chief Secretary agree to meet me and other Members of it and officials will continue to work with the company of Parliament who have an interest in the scheme, so to help it to try to secure private investment, which we that we can discuss with him the merits of the project? think is perfectly justifiable for that worthwhile project.

Danny Alexander: A meeting would be better held Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): In the run-up with Ministers from the Department for Transport, to the general election, Labour Ministers trotted up the who, I am sure, would be willing to agree to such a M1 to my constituency to make all sorts of promises on meeting. issues that they had done nothing about for 13 years. Does the Chief Secretary agree that, instead of coming Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con): Will the Chief here and feigning anger today, Labour Members should Secretary enlighten us as to the number of projects that walk out of that door and go to constituencies such as were approved by the previous Government in the month mine to apologise for raising people’s hopes about projects before the general election? that they never intended to fund? Danny Alexander: A significant number of projects—with a significant cash value—were agreed in the last month Danny Alexander: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely before the election, and I will happily give the hon. right. It is easy for people to write cheques when they Gentleman more details later. know they are going to bounce. Labour raised hopes in communities that certain projects would go ahead, for Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): I note from which there simply is no money left. As the shadow the right hon. Gentleman’s statement that a commitment Chief Secretary said, there is no money left, and that has been given on crucial equipment for military operations should have been the approach that guided those decisions, in Afghanistan. However, can he confirm to the House not the need of Members to save their own seats. today that he will also give a full commitment to the announcement that I made before the election on Several hon. Members rose— the £30 million for the Army’s recovery capabilities, the costs of the armed forces compensation scheme and the extension of the veterans’ mental health pilots? Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. Questions must be addressed—and the Minister must respond—not to the Danny Alexander: As I said in my statement, Departments former Government, but to this Government and to will make clear the projects that have been approved, today’s statement. but protecting spending on front-line services in the armed services and support for our troops on the front Mr Angus Brendan MacNeil (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) line in Afghanistan is a priority for this Government. (SNP): How much does this review bring into question private finance initiatives or public-private partnerships Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): Does that, at their inception, had bogus public sector comparators not the shadow Chief Secretary’s delay in coming to the and have cost the public purse a lot more over the Chamber for today’s statement characterise the previous period? Will the Chief Secretary also ensure that there Government’s delay in taking the tough decisions that is no threat to the service provided by search-and-rescue are needed, and did not his response characterise their helicopters, despite the suspension of procurement for refusal to say sorry for the mess that they left this helicopters? That service is vital to island communities country in? such as mine. 1047 Public Spending17 JUNE 2010 Public Spending 1048

Danny Alexander: I will say two things to the hon. Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Is the Minister aware Gentleman. First, his point about PFI is not within the that, under the previous Government, the Department scope of this statement. However, in the context of the for Communities and Local Government spent £134,000 on spending review, we will have to look at every single way luxury sofas? Is not that an example of the obscene in which public money is spent—including the operation waste that has led to the tough decisions that we have to of PFI—to ensure that we are getting value for money make today? and not spending taxpayers’ money unnecessarily when the spending settlement is going to be so tight. Danny Alexander: I was not aware of that Department’s spending on luxury sofas—perhaps I should have been. The hon. Gentleman will see, when he reads the It is precisely that kind of expenditure on which we statement in the Library, that the search-and-rescue need to bear down heavily in the context of the spending helicopter replacement is one of projects whose cost- review and through the efficiency and reform group that effectiveness will be reviewed by the Ministry of Defence we have established, to ensure the maximum amount of and the Department for Transport. Obviously, they will space in Departments’ budgets to spend on the front-line produce their report as and when that process has been services that Members on both sides of the House completed. care about.

Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): In the light of Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): Can I try to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury’s statement and of get a straight answer to a straight question? What the fact that this will be a fixed-term Parliament, will he assessment has been made of the impact of this introduce constraints to prevent a similar spending announcement on jobs and growth, and will the Chief spree in the run-up to the next general election? Secretary publish that assessment and put it in the Library? Danny Alexander: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman Danny Alexander: The position on that is as I set out for his question, and I understand the motivation behind to the shadow Chief Secretary: the biggest risk to jobs it. Given the scale of the challenge that we face in the and growth in this country is failing to take appropriate form of the enormous structural deficit and the need to action to deal with the deficit. That is the context of this bring down that deficit further and faster than the Government’s policy.If we continued with the irresponsible previous Government proposed, I suspect that that task habits of the previous Government, we would soon be will consume all our time in the Treasury over the next in a great deal worse a position than the one in which we five years, without having to worry about the question now find ourselves. that he has raised. Angie Bray (Ealing Central and Acton) (Con): Does Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): In the run-up to my right hon. Friend agree that job losses are the tragic the election, we could hardly move for Labour Ministers consequence of 13 years of misgovernment and massive making all sorts of spending commitments. Will the overspending? Chief Secretary tell us how many of them were subjected Danny Alexander: That is at least partly the case. The to value-for-money tests? challenge that we now face is how to tackle the fundamental economic problems that this country faces. The most Danny Alexander: Having found the piece of paper serious economic challenge that we face is the scale of that I was looking for earlier, I can tell the hon. Gentleman the deficit. We have seen in countries elsewhere in that a substantial number of those projects were agreed Europe and further afield the consequences of failing to to very close to the election. In the week before the act on fiscal consolidation. If we fail to act, the problems election was called, the Kent Thameside strategic transport for jobs and growth and the prospects for our economy programme was agreed, as were the Birmingham will be a great deal worse than they are today. magistrates court programme, the Outukumpu project, Building Schools for the Future in Cumbria and the Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): In 1979, the Sheffield retail quarter. That was all done in that one then Government started destroying South Yorkshire’s week before the election. industry, and the right hon. Gentleman is truly an heir of that Government. Does he realise that the name of Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): The Chief Secretary liberal democracy must hang its head in shame in has made a serious accusation in saying that Labour Sheffield, now that Sheffield Forgemasters has no future? Ministers deliberately agreed expenditure or programmes His right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister can of action that were not properly funded. If that were now send back his Independent Parliamentary Standards the case, the permanent secretary would have asked for Authority travel allowances, because he will never be a ministerial letter of direction. Will he place before the welcome in Sheffield or South Yorkshire again. House the ministerial letters of direction for all the Danny Alexander: I would say two things to the right projects that he has referred to? hon. Gentleman. If he looks at the programmes in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, he will Danny Alexander: Having looked at the state of the see that a number of grants to industry have been books and seen the plans that the previous Government approved, having been judged on the tests of value for set out—at least in headline terms—to cut £50 billion money and affordability. Also, as the Government make from public spending over the course of this Parliament, progress over the next few months and years, he will see I do not see how any Minister could responsibly have that protecting areas that are particularly dependent on made those spending commitments and expected them the public sector and that have been disproportionately all to be met after the election. affected will be a key priority for us. 1049 Public Spending17 JUNE 2010 Public Spending 1050

Mr Aidan Burley (Cannock Chase) (Con): Which Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): Does individual project was my right hon. Friend most surprised my right hon. Friend agree with me that, after their to see had been given the go-ahead? cynical attempts to buy the last election, the crocodile tears of Labour Members do nothing to raise the Danny Alexander: It would be invidious to choose standing of this House in the public’s eyes? between some of the projects on the list. I realise that each of the decisions has difficult consequences for the Danny Alexander: I share the hon. Gentleman’s hopes communities affected. My surprise is not at an individual for higher standards in Parliament, but Ministers of the project but at the general approach to spending that was previous Government ought to have known in the context taken in the run-up to the general election. of the financial situation that the country faces and of their own plans to cut £50 billion from public spending John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): that these additional spending commitments and claims In the light of the bizarre extension to the successor on the reserve were simply unaffordable. That chicken is deterrent programme, will the Chief Secretary tell us coming home to roost today. whether the Trident value-for-money review will consider the overall question of whether the successor to Trident Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): remains the most effective form of deterrent? I note that £1.2 billion-worth of the cancelled projects, as they are called, are from the future jobs fund—for Danny Alexander: The hon. Gentleman has no doubt the young people of the right hon. Gentleman’s constituency studied carefully the coalition programme for government, and mine. I wonder what the consequences will be for and he will know that we have agreed to proceed with the Scottish budget. Can he tell us what impact there the successor deterrent to Trident. The value-for-money will be on my constituents in Scotland, or have his review will do precisely what it says on the tin: we want Conservative bosses—let us be quite frank—done a to get the best value for money from the project and not deal with the tartan Tories in the SNP in Scotland? waste taxpayers’ money unnecessarily on the renewal. Danny Alexander: The hon. Gentleman will know Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): I was that benefit and Department for Work and Pensions surprised, but glad, to hear that Treasury staff have spending is a reserved matter, so does not have a Barnett been able to help the shadow Chief Secretary to the consequential. He will also know that the Government Treasury to review the projects mentioned in the statement. have set out plans to establish a Work programme, It is a shame that he did not do that while he was in which will replace those programmes during next year. office. Will the Chief Secretary consider seconding some That will be a more targeted, quicker and effective of his staff—if he can spare them—to help to educate programme, based on paying suppliers by results to Labour Members and to get them on the same page as ensure that people get back into work quickly. I welcome the rest of the country, given the state that they have left that programme and I hope that he will, too. the economy in? Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): Can the Chief Danny Alexander: I agree with the hon. Lady that the Secretary confirm the good news for Reading and for people of this country are ahead of the Labour party in my constituents—that the Government are fully committed realising the seriousness of the economic problems that to the Reading station upgrade, because it offers excellent we face. That consensus is now a global one—people value for money? will have seen the statement from the G20 summit on the need for faster fiscal consolidation. That is right, Danny Alexander: I have heard what the hon. Gentleman and the Opposition are wrong. has said. It will be for the Department for Transport to announce the details of projects that have been approved. Several hon. Members rose— Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): I and the Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. I remind Members to try people whom I represent will be desperately disappointed to keep to the subject of the statement; the Minister is that the new North Tees hospital is not going ahead. not responsible for previous Government policies. My understanding is that it was not promised in the last weeks before the election, but had been planned, committed Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): If the Chief Secretary to and expected for five years. The decision will have a thinks that the biggest risk to jobs is the deficit, why massive impact on the Tees area, Cleveland and Durham. does Britain have a better employment rate among all The hospital was to provide specialist services for the other European countries than America? whole of that area. How does that sit with the promises made by Government Members not to cut health spending? Danny Alexander: The risk that we face is the fact that we have the largest budget deficit in the EU, with Danny Alexander: The hon. Lady will know that it is the exception of Ireland, that we have a very substantial a foundation trust which is coming to the Government structural deficit and that growth is lower than forecast. for additional funding. She may not be aware, however, All those things argue for what we are going to do, that consent for the project was given on 10 March which is implement a programme to reduce the deficit 2010, so it is within this period. Of course I accept that faster and further than the previous Government proposed. the decision will be very disappointing for people who That is the only responsible course to take; profligate have worked on the project for that time—I do not wish spending of the sort we saw in the final days of the to belittle that at all—but in the context of the economic previous Government is not responsible. situation that we face and the decisions that we have to 1051 Public Spending17 JUNE 2010 Public Spending 1052

[Danny Alexander] place, which I hope it does, the infrastructure for it will have to come from overseas? Will he look at this again, make, it is right and proper to judge such projects on because he is doing what he has accused the banks of the strict value-for-money and affordability grounds doing—not providing loans for investment? that we have applied. Danny Alexander: I have looked very carefully at this Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Which factors and all the projects that we are cancelling or suspending. convinced the Chief Secretary to cancel the local authority I believe that the decision that we have made is the right business growth incentives scheme? one on value-for-money and affordability grounds. I have discussed it with my right hon. Friend the Secretary Danny Alexander: It was the fact that there is no of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. In the substantive evidence that it has had any effect on doing context of the pressures on budgets and the affordability the job that it was supposed to do or set out to do—to and value-for-money criteria that we have applied, I am encourage local authorities to work with business. afraid I am not able to go back and reconsider. Officials Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): We have from the Department for Business, Innovation and already heard from the new Prime Minister that the Skills will work with the company to try to ensure that it north-east of England can expect to suffer hardest from gets access to a private sector solution. As to the nuclear the cuts, so I want to know precisely why the North Tees industry, the hon. Gentleman will know that the coalition and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust hospital, which agreement commits us to no public subsidy for nuclear is in my constituency, is not going ahead, particularly as power. we have seen tremendous progress in reducing health Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): This inequalities in my area, and that hospital was going to afternoon, the Chief Secretary has taken a further complete the job. £1 billion out of the Department for Work and Pensions Danny Alexander: In the context of tighter budgets, it and the fact that one of the cuts is to the young person’s is essential that all major hospital buildings must be guarantee demonstrates how empty is the Government’s affordable and provide value for money. On that basis, rhetoric about being concerned about the vulnerable. the Government decided not to proceed with that scheme. Moreover, both the Tories and the Liberals voted with It was assessed against a number of other major build the Government for the legislation in March that provided projects that were at the same stage of development; for the two-year jobseeker’s guarantee. How can the those schemes are more urgent. The hon. Gentleman Chief Secretary defend saying one thing in March and will be aware that the previous Government set out another thing today? plans to halve capital spending over the next few years. We have to make judgments about capital spending in Danny Alexander: Well, there is no money left. The the context of budgets that are a great deal tighter. I more important point is that we are cancelling programmes appreciate that that is disappointing, and I do not wish that we believe are ineffective and replacing them with in any way to belittle the point that the hon. Gentleman the Work programme, which will start during next year is making quite fairly on behalf of his constituents, but and will be more effective at helping people who need in judging these things we have to apply the value-for-money help to get back into work quickly. That is an objective criteria as we have. that we share; I believe our programme will be more effective in doing that. The hon. Lady will know that in Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab): During the general the £6.2 billion announcement that we made a few election campaign, the Prime Minister said that any weeks ago, one of the areas to which money was recycled Minister who went to him to propose front-line cuts was additional funding for 50,000 more apprenticeships. would be sent back to the drawing-board, so may I That is valuable additional support to help young people suggest that the Minister goes back to the drawing-board, find jobs now. because that is exactly what he is doing? The people of the north-east, in Teesside and south Durham, want the Alok Sharma (Reading West) (Con): Will the Chief Hartlepool and North Tees hospital, which has been Secretary remind us once again why we face such a under development for five years and is clinically-led difficult spending review? It is clearly something that but has been cancelled. On 6 May, people might have the Labour party has failed to understand. voted for the Liberal Democrats because they thought they stood for something; today they know that they Danny Alexander: As I said earlier, the reason we face do not. such a tough spending round is the overriding need to bring our deficit down further and faster than was Danny Alexander: I understand the hon. Gentleman’s planned by the previous Government. That is necessary concerns on behalf of his constituents, but the anger to restore confidence in our economy and restore balance should be directed at Labour Front Benchers, who to our public finances. It is the overriding priority, and irresponsibly agreed to spend money that, as the former it will restore jobs and growth in this country faster Chief Secretary said in his letter, simply is not there. than the last Government would have managed. Mr Phil Woolas (Oldham East and Saddleworth) Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): I wonder (Lab): I ask the right hon. Gentleman to look again at whether I can help the Chief Secretary by providing the his decision on Sheffield Forgemasters. That £80 million, answer that he failed to provide in response to an earlier which is spread over some years, is in the form of a loan question about value for money. Will he acknowledge and has a huge multiplier effect for the nuclear industry, that over the three years for which the Sheffield particularly in the north-west. Is he trying to make sure Forgemasters loan was under consideration, the Treasury that if the expansion of the nuclear industry takes conducted an extremely robust value-for-money exercise? 1053 Public Spending17 JUNE 2010 Public Spending 1054

This Government talk a great deal about consultation, Danny Alexander: What I know is that according to but before the statement I spoke to the chairman of the Department for Work and Pensions the programme Sheffield Forgemasters, who confirmed that over the provides poor value for money, and that the Work period of the Government’s review there has been no programme with which we will replace it next year will contact whatever with the company. Will the Chief give better, more targeted, quicker and more effective Secretary confirm that fact? support to the people who are most in need. It will do what I hope every Member wants, and help those people Danny Alexander: What I can confirm to the hon. to return to work. Gentleman is that we have applied value-for-money grounds to this as to all the other projects. With a Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): In the days when restricted budget, however, we must make choices about the Liberal Democrats were in a separate party from the where we can spend money, and unfortunately we simply Conservatives, did they not say in their campaign that cannot afford to provide funds for this project any they would not make cuts this year and pull the rug longer. As I have said, officials from the Department for from under the feet of the economic recovery? Did the Business, Innovation and Skills will continue to work right hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr Clegg) with the company in helping to find a private sector make any representations to the Chief Secretary about solution to the challenge. Sheffield Forgemasters, and when he stood for election did he make his constituents in Sheffield aware that a Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): Will the Chief vote for the Liberal Democrats would lead to hundreds Secretary remind the House of the size of the structural more people in Sheffield losing their jobs? deficit, and perhaps remind Opposition Members that these are Labour cuts caused by the state in which the Danny Alexander: The hon. Gentleman has asked last Government left the country’s finances? about four questions in one. I will answer the first. As he knows, the risks facing the country have changed Danny Alexander: That is not a matter for my judgment; over the past few months. Any survey of the evidence it is a matter for the judgment of the independent Office across the world suggests that the risks of sovereign for Budget Responsibility, which we established to restore debt crises are huge in other countries. That is reflected independence to the statistics on which budget judgments in the G20 communiqué, which agreed that faster fiscal are based. According to the OBR, the structural deficit consolidation was what was needed in major economies. has risen to 8%, while the overall deficit is £155 billion. I think that that is right. Only the Labour party is out of That is a vast sum. If we are to restore health to our step with that international consensus. economy we must narrow that gap, and do so quickly. Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): Again and Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ again, the Chief Secretary, his predecessor and the Co-op): When the cuts that the Chief Secretary has Secretary of State for Work and Pensions come to the announced today—which his boss will no doubt announce House and assert that the future jobs fund is an ineffective again on Tuesday—lead to lower growth, higher scheme. How can the Chief Secretary say that when the unemployment and the collapse of the construction Department for Work and Pensions has not collected industry, with consequential reductions in the Government’s the data concerned? The first cohort of young people to revenue and increases in their benefit bills and, as a take part in the scheme have only just finished, and the result, an increase in the deficit, what will he cut next? data are not yet available.

Danny Alexander: I think that what the hon. Gentleman Danny Alexander: According to my information, the and, if I may say so, many Opposition Members fail to programme represents poor value for money and is not recognise is that the country faces a choice: a choice delivering on the objectives set out for it, and our Work between taking the robust action which is needed and programme—which the Secretary of State for Work which we will take to bring responsibility to the public and Pensions will be announcing—will give people a finances and reduce the deficit, and failing to take that more effective, quicker and more direct route back into action. The risk posed by the latter course is clear from work by paying providers by results, and ensuring that what has happened in other countries. I believe that the people receive the support that they need. action that we are taking today, and will no doubt take in future weeks and months, is necessary to ensure that Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con): Has in future we have the jobs and growth that we need. my right hon. Friend received one piece of slightly useful advice from Labour Members about how to sort Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): Before his right hon. out the mess that they created? Friend the Member for Yeovil (Mr Laws) wrote the Chief Secretary his “Carry On Cutting Regardless” Danny Alexander: There was one— letter, he came to the House and told Members that he had been advised that the future jobs fund element of Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. the young person’s guarantee did not provide value for money. The former Secretary of State for Work and Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for Normanton, (Lab): This morning, when I asked the Under-Secretary Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper), said that of State for Transport, the hon. Member for Lewes that conflicted with what she had been told when in (Norman Baker), for clarification of the Government’s office. Will the Chief Secretary now publish both sets of commitment to funding for the reinvigoration of the advice and place them in the Library of the House so Tyne and Wear metro, I was told to wait for the statement that Members can make up their own minds about who from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Unfortunately, is telling the truth? his statement has made it no clearer to the people of 1055 Public Spending 17 JUNE 2010 1056

[Catherine McKinnell] Banking Reform

Tyne and Wear whether that vital transport infrastructure 1.18 pm will be given the investment that it needs in order to The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Mark survive—investment that has not been made for Hoban): With permission, Mr Speaker, I shall make a 30 years—or whether it will be left to die on its feet. statement about the Government’s plans to reform the institutional framework for financial regulation. Danny Alexander: The Department for Transport will be in a position to provide clarity on the approvals that The tripartite system of financial regulation failed it has. I suggest that the hon. Lady redirect her inquiries spectacularly in its mission to ensure financial stability, to that Department. and that failure cost the economy billions. The British people rightly ask how this Government will stop it Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): happening again. That is why our coalition agreement On 11 March, the Deputy Prime Minister came to committed us to reforming the regulatory system for Newcastle and announced an investment of half a financial services in order to avoid a repeat of the billion pounds in wind power in the north-east. Does financial crisis. Let me now set out in detail the changes the fact that that project is not included in the list of to the regulatory architecture that will make that possible. cuts in industry, jobs and front-line hospitals mean that At the heart of the banking crisis was a rapid and it is going ahead, or was it never intended to proceed in unsustainable increase in debt. Our macro-economic the first place? and regulatory system utterly failed to identify correctly the risk that that posed, let alone prevent it. Danny Alexander: The last Government announced a No one was controlling levels of debt, and when the project for competition in the area. It is still undergoing crunch came, no one knew who was in charge. For that a process with the European Union involving state aid, reason, we need a macro-prudential regulator with a approval and so forth. I shall not be in a position to more systematic and detailed knowledge of what is offer approval or otherwise until that process has been happening not only in individual firms, but across the completed, but once it has been completed, we shall be financial system as a whole. able to make an announcement. Only central banks have the broad macro-economic understanding and understanding of markets, the authority and the knowledge required to make macro-prudential judgments. We will therefore place the Bank of England in charge of macro-prudential regulation by establishing within the Bank a Financial Policy Committee. We will also create two new, focused regulators: a new prudential regulator under the Bank of England, headed by a new deputy governor, and a new Consumer Protection and Markets Authority. All the new bodies will be accountable to Parliament, and their remit will be clear so that never again can someone ask who is in charge and get no answer. First, we will legislate to create the Financial Policy Committee in the Bank of England. It will have the responsibility to look across the economy at the macro- economic and financial issues that may threaten stability, and it will be given the tools to address the risks it identifies. It will have the power to require the new Prudential Regulation Authority to implement its directions by taking regulatory action with respect to all firms. The FPC will be accountable to Parliament in two ways: directly, as is the case with the Monetary Policy Committee; and indirectly, through its accountability to the Bank’s court of directors. The Governor will chair the new committee. Its membership will include the deputy governors for monetary policy and financial stability, the new deputy governor for prudential regulation and the chair of the new Consumer Protection and Markets Authority, as well as external representatives and a Treasury representative. An interim FPC will be set up by the autumn, in advance of this legislation. Secondly, we will create a Prudential Regulation Authority as a subsidiary of the Bank of England. It will conduct prudential regulation of sectors such as deposit-takers, insurers and investment banks. The PRA will be chaired by the Governor of the Bank of England, and the new deputy governor for prudential regulation will be the chief executive. The deputy governor for financial stability will also sit on the PRA board. 1057 Banking Reform17 JUNE 2010 Banking Reform 1058

Thirdly, a new Consumer Protection and Markets ourselves with better tools and arrangements to tackle Authority will take on the Financial Services Authority’s any future financial instability. responsibility for consumer protection and conduct We have already paid a high price for the previous regulation. The CPMA will regulate the conduct of all Government’s failings. We must do all we can to prevent firms, both retail and wholesale, including those prudentially this from happening again, and I commend this statement regulated by the PRA, and will take a strong proactive to the House. role as a consumer champion. It will have a strong mandate for ensuring that financial services and markets are transparent in their operation, so that everyone—from Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op): May someone buying car insurance to a trader at a large I thank the Financial Secretary for advance sight of his bank—can have confidence in their dealings and know statement, and as this is, I think, his first outing in his that they will get the protection they need if something new role, may I congratulate him and welcome him to goes wrong. his post—and, indeed, wish him well? The CPMA will regulate the conduct of every financial While no one can dispute that a failure to regulate services business, whether they trade on the high street effectively was at the heart of the global financial crisis, or trade in high finance. We need to ensure that this the key failure by regulators in monitoring agencies and body has a tougher, more proactive approach to regulating central banks across the globe was in understanding the conduct, and its primary objective will be promoting growing systemic risks in financial services. We also confidence in financial services and markets. The CPMA should not overlook the failure in bank boardrooms to will maintain the FSA’s existing responsibility for the understand what was going on. This was not just an Financial Ombudsman Service and oversee the newly issue in the UK. Does the Financial Secretary accept created Consumer Financial Education Body, which that in some countries the central bank had prime will play a key role in improving financial capability. responsibility for regulation, whereas in others, including The CPMA will also have responsibility for the Financial ours, responsibility has been shared, and in our case Services Compensation Scheme, but given the important between the Bank, the FSA and the Treasury, and that role the scheme plays in crises, it will work closely with the Bank has always had responsibilities for financial the FPC and PRA. We will also fulfil the commitment stability? in the coalition agreement to create a single agency to Specifically, who will appoint the new Financial Policy take on the work of tackling serious economic crime, Committee? Will individual members have their own which is currently dispersed across a number of Government vote, or will that be merely advisory to the Governor? Departments and agencies. Before we set up these new Will FPC minutes be published, and will the Governor bodies in their permanent form, we will conduct a full or the chief executive of the PRA ultimately be responsible and comprehensive consultation, and we will publish a for the decision on whether act? Does the Financial detailed policy document for public consultation before Secretary also accept that there will be concern—not the summer recess. least among those who were victims of the Bank of Our goal is radically to improve financial regulation Credit and Commerce International, of which my right in the UK, strengthening the prudential regime by hon. Friend the Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz) placing it in the Bank of England and delivering the has consistently reminded the House—about the record best possible protection for consumers. During the period of the Bank of England at financial services supervision, of transition to the new regime, the Government will and will he now consider publishing part two of the also be guided by the following four principles: minimising Bingham Report? uncertainty and transitional costs for firms; maintaining Will the Financial Secretary not acknowledge too high-quality, focused regulation during the transition; that the Financial Services Authority today is a vastly balancing swift implementation with proper scrutiny different regulator from the FSA of 2007—as, indeed, and consultation; and providing as much clarity and the Treasury Committee has acknowledged? Will he certainty as possible for the FSA, Bank and other staff acknowledge that a significant level of better trained affected during the transition. In order to do that, we new staff and the new activism of the FSA in its will ensure the passage of the necessary primary legislation supervisory role has led to a bolder, more vigorous within two years. approach to financial services regulation in recent times? I am delighted that Hector Sants, the current chief How, in practice, will the Financial Secretary avoid executive officer of the FSA, has agreed to stay on to the very real risk of a loss of energy as regulators now lead transition and become the chief executive of the focus on their own futures, given that there continues to PRA. He will be supported in his work by Andrew be considerable uncertainty and instability in global Bailey from the Bank of England, who will become the financial markets? Specifically, can he clarify who will deputy in the new PRA. This is a strong team to ensure be responsible for supervision and regulation before a smooth transition. 2012, and will he acknowledge the profound risk, given We all know that the financial crisis has cost taxpayers the proliferation of new bodies he has announced, of dearly. The regulatory system needs radical reform to ongoing regulatory confusion—of issues falling between make the sector more stable and stronger. The last the cracks? Indeed, is it not right that there will now be Government could not do that because they were caught effectively two different regulators for many financial up in a structure designed by the former Chancellor and firms? Prime Minister. The fundamental flaws in that architecture I was surprised by the absence of any reference to the contributed to the failure in the banking sector and Banking Commission in the statement. Does the Financial ultimately undermined economic stability. The continuing Secretary not accept that proposals to break up banks financial and economic uncertainty across the eurozone would not have made any difference to Northern Rock, strengthens the urgency with which we must equip a retail bank, or Lehman Brothers, an investment bank, 1059 Banking Reform17 JUNE 2010 Banking Reform 1060

[Mr Gareth Thomas] the flawed architecture that the hon. Gentleman’s Government put in place undermines all that it does. and that what is needed is increased capital held by This package of reforms ensures that we have the right banks and living wills to manage the possibility of regulatory architecture in place to identify and tackle future banking problems? Will he explain how the the systemic risks to which he referred and ensures deliberations of this commission on a possible break-up proper protection for consumers so that they will never of British banks, such as Barclays or HSBC, can be again be let down. conducted in a way that reassures the markets and does not exacerbate financial instability? Mr Andrew Tyrie (Chichester) (Con): Is it not clear Does the Financial Secretary recognise that the financial that if public money is to be put at risk during a services industry employs over 1 million people and financial crisis, the only person with the moral authority remains crucial to our economic future? Will he ensure to take a decision will be the Chancellor of the Exchequer? that, whatever proposals he accepts—if, indeed, he does Surely the Chancellor of the Exchequer should therefore accept any from the commission—we do not put ourselves have the power to assume the chairmanship of the at a commercial disadvantage compared with other Financial Policy Committee during a crisis. Will my countries? Specifically, how will the proposals announced hon. Friend confirm that that will be possible under the today impact on remuneration, and what ongoing effort legislation that will be brought before the House? is there to secure international agreement on banking levies again, so that Britain is not at a competitive Mr Hoban: My hon. Friend makes a good point disadvantage? about who takes control in a crisis. My right hon. Is it not the case that while the work of each of the Friend the Chancellor was very clear yesterday that, new bodies and the commission will be worthy of given his responsibilities in respect of public finances, serious scrutiny on their own merits, as the shadow he will ultimately be in charge in such situations. Chancellor, my right hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh South West (Mr Darling), said yesterday, Mr Michael Meacher (Oldham West and Royton) the Government risk creating a system that injects (Lab): Since the direct causes of the financial crash were more, not less, uncertainty into the City? While the colossal bonuses that drove recklessness, the use of architecture of the regulatory system is clearly important, fancy structured investment vehicles including sub-prime is it not the skills and judgment of individual regulators mortgages, the conflict of interest whereby credit rating that matters most at the moment? Surely, it is not where agencies and auditing companies are paid by the company they sit; it is what they do. that they are supposed to be assessing and, above all, the overly lax culture of light-touch regulation, what Mr Hoban: I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his new precise, specific mechanisms is the Financial Secretary role and I am grateful to him for his welcome to me. putting in place to deal with each of those underlying Although I listened very carefully to his remarks, I am problems as opposed to merely shifting around the not quite sure whether the Opposition accept our proposals institutional infrastructure, which is all he appears to be or whether they are stuck in the past defending to the doing? last the former Government’s regulatory architecture, which they put in place in 1997. It is time that the Opposition faced up to this problem—do they accept Mr Hoban: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman that the system put in place by the right hon. Member for his comments. He takes a close interest in these for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) was flawed matters. Of course, he will remember that in 2006 the and needs reform, or are they the last people to defend right hon. Member for Morley and Outwood (Ed Balls) the status quo in this country? praised the system of “increasingly light-touch”regulation and claimed that he had The hon. Gentleman asked a number of detailed questions. Let me address them. He recognised the “resisted pressures from commentators for a regulatory crackdown.” build-up of systemic risk in the economy over the The right hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton course of the past 13 years, but he must acknowledge (Mr Meacher) ought to take up some of these historical that the reforms introduced by his right hon. Friend in issues with his own Front Benchers. 1997 took away from the Bank of England the power to As regards a change to the regulatory approach, we monitor and respond to those risks. need to see a move away from the prescriptive, box-ticking The hon. Gentleman asked about the appointments approach that we have seen in a recent years to a system to the Financial Policy Committee, and they will be in which the PRA and the CPMA can make more consistent with the approach currently adopted towards judgmental decisions about what is happening in the the Monetary Policy Committee. He referred to the markets they supervise and with the prudential decisions Bingham report and the collapse of BCCI and, as he that individual institutions are taking. If we put judgment will remember from the exchange between the right at the heart of the system, we are more likely to avoid hon. Member for Edinburgh South West (Mr Darling) some of the issues that we have seen arise in recent and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor yesterday, the years. Chancellor is going to look into that matter. The hon. Gentleman is right to say that the FSA has Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Moorlands) (Con): May made progress and that is one reason why we are I warmly welcome the Minister to his role? Will he tell delighted that Hector Sants has agreed to lead the FSA the House about conversations that he has had with through the transition period and then to become the international colleagues about the need for radical reform chief executive of the PRA. No matter how far the FSA of the regulatory system and the failure of the last improves in the execution of its role, the reality is that Government’s tripartite system? 1061 Banking Reform17 JUNE 2010 Banking Reform 1062

Mr Hoban: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. There Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): I have been a number of conversations with other colleagues welcome the Minister’s statement on these much-needed globally about the lessons to be learned from the financial reforms. Will he tell the House how the reforms set out crisis and from the regulatory structures. It is interesting today will affect the insurance sector, which shares the to talk to people in other jurisdictions about their views. same regulatory regime as the banks but clearly operates Christian Noyer, the governor of the Banque de France, very differently? said in July last year: “Indeed, one of the main lessons of the crisis may be that those Mr Hoban: My hon. Friend makes a good point countries where central banks assume banking supervision took about the role of insurance. In this crisis, we must advantage of their ability to react quickly and flexibly to emergency ensure that we distinguish between what has happened situations.” to the banking sector and the relative success of the Others have expressed a similar view and that is why I insurance sector in withstanding the storms of this think that the reforms we are announcing today are in crisis. It is an important sector to the UK economy and the mainstream of reforms in financial regulation—a a huge wealth generator. We need to ensure that the mainstream that the Opposition seem quite happy to insurance sector, when it comes within the remit of the stay outside, yet again. PRA, has the right sort of prudential regulation that recognises its strengths and challenges. It will of course Mr George Mudie (Leeds East) (Lab): I welcome the be regulated as regards its relationship with consumers evolution of financial regulation. I think that the present by the CPMA. system was tested and found wanting, so the movement has to be welcomed. I want to press the Minister on the Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): The people of this country subject of the Banking Commission. It was interesting want to see a bit of humility and payback on the part of that he left it out of his statement and that worries me, the banks. One opportunity to do that would be through because I note that it will take 18 months before it the so-called Robin Hood tax on banking transactions, reports. If that is so, it will probably miss the Queen’s with the money going to alleviate poverty here and to Speech for the following year, which suggests that it will tackle climate change across the globe. Will the Financial be three or four years before we see legislation and the Secretary urge his right hon. Friend the Chancellor to much-needed changes that will deal with the banks that introduce such a tax and to influence colleagues worldwide caused the crisis. They continue to flaunt their behaviour to do likewise? on bonuses and have continued to hurt small business by not lending in the last two years. Urgent action is Mr Hoban: I must say that I think that some humility needed, so why is there this long timetable and why was should be shown by the Opposition Front Benchers for this subject missing from his statement? landing this country with a system that led to the longest and deepest recession since the 1930s. Mr Hoban: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) (Con): I welcome the Minister that question. He has been a distinguished member of to his new role. Does he agree that these banking the Select Committee on the Treasury and has taken reforms will help to boost confidence in the British part in many discussions in that Committee and in economy once they are enacted? That will help to keep Public Bill Committees when we have explored some of interest rates lower for longer, boost investment and these issues. I sense that he is much more engaged in the create jobs. need for reform than his colleagues on the Front Bench. The Banking Commission is important and it is vital Mr Hoban: I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s question. that we ensure that we learn some of the lessons that It is important to ensure that businesses have confidence arise from the structure of the UK banking system. We that where macro-prudential threats arise in future, have a very concentrated banking structure and three action will be taken to resolve them. They did not have out of the four principal banks in the UK are universal that confidence in the previous regime and I hope that banks. We need to understand what risks flow from that they will have that confidence following the reforms and how best to tackle those risks as well as considering that we have put forward today. the impact of competition in the banking sector. The appointment yesterday of Sir John Vickers as chairman Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) of the commission has been greeted with warm applause (PC): Economic growth in the past decade was driven across the business and consumer community. There largely by consumption. As a consequence, £1.4 trillion- are four other commissioners— Martin Wolf, Martin worth of personal debt is circulating in the UK economy, Taylor, Clare Spottiswoode and Bill Winters—who are which means that the human cost of the current recession equally distinguished in their own fields. The commission will be particularly severe. Will the new Consumer will provide the opportunity for a proper debate about Protection and Markets Authority make sure that lenders the structure of banking in this county—a debate in have to undertake affordability audits so that individuals which the former Prime Minister and former Chancellor and families incur only debts that they can service? did not want to participate. We think that it is time to have that debate and when we have had it, that will help Mr Hoban: The hon. Gentleman is right to pick up remove the uncertainty about the structure of banking on this issue. One of the big challenges is ensuring that in the UK. consumers are properly equipped to understand their borrowing and saving needs, and the Consumer Financial Several hon. Members rose— Education Body has a key role to play in improving financial capability in order to help people to make the Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. Before I take the next right decisions. Also, there is an obligation on industry question, may I ask for short questions and succinct to make sure that it provides consumers with the best answers? That will help everybody to get in. advice possible to help them to make the right decisions. 1063 Banking Reform17 JUNE 2010 Banking Reform 1064

Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): I very Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): I welcome much welcome that direction of travel, just as I welcomed the Minister to his new position. I know that County the decision of the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy Durham will be proud as he is a son of Country and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), in 1997, to set the Bank Durham. Has he given any advice to the regulator on of England free to make decisions on interest rates. Will the position of non-executive directors on banks’ boards, the Minister clarify whether the Financial Policy Committee particularly regarding their role, remuneration and will publish its minutes openly and on a regular basis, qualifications? He will know that one problem with and how it will deal with a situation in which it is Northern Rock was the fact that the non-executive concerned about a specific institution? chair’s only qualification appears to have been that he was a member of the Ridley family—he inherited it Mr Hoban: It is important that the Financial Policy from his father. Committee is transparent in its dealings. It is a great strength of the Monetary Policy Committee that it is Mr Hoban: The hon. Gentleman makes an important transparent and that it can be held to account by the point about the qualifications of non-executive directors. public for its decisions. We need to ensure that similar That is why the FSA has already instituted a process of arrangements are put in place for the FPC, respecting, interviewing senior members of staff and directors, as my hon. Friend has pointed out, the confidentiality before their appointment to boards or positions of of individual firms. responsibility, to ensure that the qualifications and experience that they bring to those important roles is Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Will one of checked. the new organisations under the Bank of England, the Office for Budget Responsibility or someone else alert Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): Is the the Treasury if the housing market starts to get overheated Minister seriously contending that had these arrangements again? already been in place, the financial crisis would not have occurred? If he is not making that absurd suggestion, Mr Hoban: One of the roles of the Financial Policy will he accept that he cannot promise that such a Committee is to identify threats to financial stability as financial crisis will not occur again with these arrangements they emerge. I would expect the FPC, in its work of in place? looking at overall trends in the economy, to identify that sort of risk and to make it known not just to the Mr Hoban: It is clear that if the Bank of England had Treasury, but to the wider public through its regular not lost its power to monitor and act upon the level of reports. debt in the economy, it might have been in a position to consider what was happening in the housing market, to Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): Will the hon. Gentleman consider the role that Northern Rock played in fuelling say how many people at the FSA and at the Bank of the asset-price bubble and to take action to cool that England currently earn more than the Prime Minister? down. The only person who tried to rule out boom and Does he intend to apply the policy in the coalition bust in the past was the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy document? If he decides to pay above the rate of the and Cowdenbeath. Prime Minister’s salary, should that element of the pay be performance-related given the gravity of the decisions that such people will be taking? Alok Sharma (Reading West) (Con): Does my hon. Friend agree with the Governor of the Bank of England’s assessment that there was little real reform of banking Mr Hoban: There is an issue about pay levels, which regulation under the last Government, and that the we will need to look at. I am intrigued by the hon. Opposition should therefore welcome the measures that Gentleman’s suggestion that there should be a greater we are setting out today? variable element in relation to performance, given that a critique of many is that an excessive bonus culture in the City contributed to the financial crisis. Mr Hoban: I hope that the Opposition will welcome the measures, but their views were not very clear from Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): Will the Minister what the shadow Treasury spokesman said. In the past please explain how today’s announcements will end the three or four years, when we have debated the reform of confusion in the markets and make sure that there is parts of the banking regulation sector, the problem has proper focus on regulation to end that confusion? been that the then Government were unable to engage in the fundamental debate about whether the architecture Mr Hoban: The package that we have set out today, was right. They failed to address that question, and that which was greeted with a great deal of support last led to a new Government addressing that question and night when the Chancellor outlined it to the City, ends putting things right for the first time. any uncertainty. The transition process that we have outlined today in relation to legislation, and the team Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): Will the led by Hector Sants, the current chief executive officer Minister invite hon. and right hon. Members who are of the FSA, will reassure the City about the direction of interested in the future of Liverpool football club to a travel on regulatory reform. The new settlement, which meeting with RBS officials fully to scrutinise the deal takes into account macro-prudential supervision, micro- that props up its leveraged buy-out by two American prudential supervision and effective consumer supervision, businessmen? will ensure that we have the right package of regulatory structures in future to safeguard the economy and to Mr Hoban: The board and management of RBS are give confidence to consumers and others in the markets. responsible for its day-to-day commercial activities. 1065 Banking Reform 17 JUNE 2010 1066

Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): Given the Point of Order global nature of banking, will the Minister advise us on how regulation will proceed on an international basis, bearing in mind the need to maintain as many jobs as 1.49 pm possible in this country? Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. In the Financial Secretary’s Mr Hoban: It is important to make sure that debates address to the House today, he made the accusation on regulation are co-ordinated at the global level, and that Labour Ministers, possibly including myself, made my right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer spending commitments that were not funded. My hon. and the Prime Minister take an active role in those Friend the Member for Halton (Derek Twigg) made the debates in the G20. I have recently taken part in ECOFIN’s point that, if that was the case, I and other Ministers summit, at which we discussed new supervisory would have had to put a letter into the accounting arrangements in Europe. I am absolutely certain that we officer—that is to say, the permanent secretary in the will engage the debate both in Europe and globally to Department. Could you use your offices to request that ensure that the structure of regulation supervision going those letters be produced to go against the accusation forward is right to make sure that the system is stable that has been made today? and to ensure that decisions that have a fiscal impact are taken here, by UK regulators, and not in Europe. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): That is not a matter for the Chair, as the hon. Member well knows, Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): I but he has certainly got his point on the record and I am will accept that the banking reforms will make it more sure that everybody has taken on board his comments. likely that if exactly the same problems happened in exactly the same way in exactly the same countries, we might be able to spot them, if not to do anything about them. Does the Minister accept that by failing to address the institutional failures in the banking system that are outside regulation—such as pay incentives within banking, the role of the rating agencies, the failure of international information flows and the lack of transaction costs in international financial markets—our country is just as vulnerable as ever to banking failures?

Mr Hoban: I do not agree with the hon. Lady. The package of reforms makes a significant improvement to the regulatory architecture in the UK, and there is further work that we can do at the European and the global level to make it more effective. She is right, in part, to say that institutions need to change their behaviour. We need to look at the structure of banking, which is why we will set up the Banking Commission that the Chancellor announced yesterday. Those reforms will help to improve structure, but let us look at what is important. Let us get the architecture right in this country, let us remedy the flawed system that her party’s Government introduced in 1997 and let us ensure that the Bank of England has the tools to do the job. That will make a significant contribution to improving financial stability. 1067 17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1068

Building a High-Skilled Economy Mr Hayes: The fact that I anticipated my hon. Friend’s intervention merely gives it more force. He is right to 1.50 pm say that the Open university plays a critical role in that regard. I will happily visit that place once again to The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation cement the relationships that I have already formed and Skills (Mr John Hayes): I beg to move, there. That this House has considered the matter of building a high skilled economy. The economic case for skills will continue to be important because of the link between skills and It is a delight, having spent so many years in the competitiveness. It is well established, and it was made shadows, to come into the light and be able to speak in clear five years ago in the Leitch and Sainsbury reviews. this House as the new Minister. Some hon. Members Already their analysis has become orthodox in the will have read today in the press of my endorsement for debate about skills and the economy. The essence of floristry and dance. I am wearing this perfectly coloured their case was, and it remains salient, that driven by new co-ordinated buttonhole to illustrate the first, but the technologies, the pace of economic and industrial change House and you in particular, Mr Deputy Speaker, will is growing, not just here in the west but in Asia and be relieved to know that I shall not be illustrating the increasingly in Africa and South America. Once, those second, at least not by example. countries either did not compete in the same markets as The performance of the shadow Minister in office, this country or could offer only technologically inferior the hon. Member for Cardiff West (Kevin Brennan), products. That is no longer the case. The unequal once the man who called the tune, was rather more of a competition between high quality and low cost has been conga than a quickstep. You know the conga, I have no replaced by what Lord Sainsbury called a “race to the doubt, Mr Deputy Speaker. It comprises a group of top”. hapless individuals linked by routine, hopelessly following one another on a journey to nowhere. Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): In the Adult learning is a subject that inspires in those hon. context of international competition, how worried is Members present—I know this is true of hon. Members the Minister by the letter in today’s The Daily Telegraph across the Chamber—emotional attachment and personal from senior executives of leading British companies, commitment. At the same time, it is not a subject in who warn against the dangers of cuts to university which anyone or any party can claim a monopoly of funding and the risk that we will be left behind in the wisdom, which is why I am interested to hear views international competitive league as a result? from across the Chamber. However, a new Government offer a new chance of a fresh start, the opportunity to Mr Hayes: There is no doubt that the relationship bring change and hope to adult learners. However, not between research and development and the kind of everyone realises that there has been a change. Sitting in dynamism that I have described is a profound one. I my office the other day in my new Department, I was know that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Universities surprised to receive an out-of-the-blue phone call from and Science will take that very seriously indeed in the someone asking for Mandy. I had to break the news to process of framing our policy in respect of higher him that Mandy had moved on. To paraphrase Barry education. Manilow, “Oh Mandy, well you came and you took I know that the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly without giving… but I sent you away.” Oak (Steve McCabe) is sympathetic to the argument, so Lord Mandelson was right in at least one important I may be pushing at at least a half open door when I say respect. He made the economic case for skills. The that further education matters too. Building skills from economic case for skills was by far the strongest case the bottom up, re-engaging young people not in made by the previous Government. It is significant, of employment, education or training, up a ladder of skills course—indeed it is vital—but it is not the only case for to the levels that he is describing—levels 3, 4 and 5—is skills. The economic case, which I shall deal with first, critical. The hon. Gentleman will understand why today has been thrown into sharp relief by the economic I want to speak particularly about further education, as turbulence, by the rising levels of unemployment and that is my responsibility. falling levels of hope, especially among young people, We need to provide workers with the skills they want and by the growing numbers of employers finding it and businesses with the skills they need to compete in difficult to stay in business. It will continue to occupy a this increasingly challenging world. The Leitch analysis prominent place in public discourse as we move out of pointed towards an intensive effort to raise skills in this recession and towards the renewed growth about which country, and indeed the House more than once debated my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State spoke these matters when the Labour party was in government. recently at the Cass business school. It is easier perhaps to say on the Opposition Benches, but I will repeat it from the Government Bench, that I Mark Lancaster (Milton Keynes North) (Con): Will do not accuse the hon. Member for Cardiff West of my hon. Friend give way? anything worse than a mistake. I do not think that Mr Hayes: I happily give way to my hon. Friend, who Labour Members are malevolent; I think their intentions has been such a resolute champion of the Open university are broadly the same as ours. I just think they are in his constituency, which does so much to foster learning. misjudged. This is not about malice; it is about error. I know that they will want to acknowledge that when Mark Lancaster: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I they speak in the debate. They are big men, and I want should like to invite him to join me in paying tribute to to give them this chance, because I am a generous the Open university. The one thing that has not changed Minister, to rush to the Dispatch Box to say that they in recent times is the contribution that that institution got it wrong. Wouldn’t we welcome that? Wouldn’t the has made to lifelong learning. whole country welcome it, too? 1069 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1070

Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Are you sure better manual skills also created the penny classics that you didn’t teach drama? did so much to spread the love of English literature throughout society, and the growth of choral and Mr Hayes: Well, I said I was interested in dance. I am instrumental societies that brought great music virtually interested in sufficient drama to add to the theatricality to the factory floor. The fire that drove adult education’s of this place without which it would be poorer. pioneers still burns, and it drives the coalition Government’s During the years of the Labour Government, Labour programme for further education and skills. The challenge Members often alleged that the largesse to further education we face in rebuilding a system that is fit for purpose is would end if we came to power. If the right hon. scarcely less imposing than was theirs in building a Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy), my opponent system from scratch. and friend, were to wish to repeat his unfortunate In recent years, the link between skills and appearance on “Celebrity Mastermind”—I do not want craftsmanship—I am not afraid to call it craftsmanship— to remind him of that too much—he could do worse the ideal of self-betterment and the pleasures of learning than choose the Thatcher Government as his specialist as a means of gaining wider and richer perspectives on subject. We came to realise during our time in opposition the world have been allowed to wither. But not any that the Labour party spent more time speaking about longer: we in this Government will make a bold case for 1979 than about the present. They were preoccupied that relationship—a firm case for the cohesive power of with that in their dark years, and perhaps that is not learning, how it changes lives by changing life chances surprising for a party that usually looks backwards and increases prospects both to gain and prosper in a rather than forwards, whereas the Conservative party is job, and in all the other ways that I have described. committed to progress and taking our country to where No one denies that one of the key functions of it needs to be now. Government is to create, as far as possible, the right As a consequence of that preoccupation with the conditions for economic success, and none would deny, past, we were left with another Labour Government I hope, that adult skills policy is one of the most who spent until they broke the bank. As a result, even powerful economic levers at any Government’s disposal. before they lost office, they were already cutting adult But the time has come finally to acknowledge that a skills. Last year’s pre-Budget report said—I have it here socialist model of centralised planning has failed, even for those hon. Members who have not had the opportunity in terms of its own narrow criteria for success. We really to go to the Library to collect it—that £300 million cannot continue the micro-managed, target-driven, would be cut from the adult skills budget if Labour bureaucratic regime that for years has dogged further returned to Government. When Members hear complaints education and damaged our prospects of raising skills about the new Government’s performance, they should levels. set them in that context. Mandy was first to the table to Mr Deputy Speaker, I know that you and the House say he would cut his Department, and encouraged his will not underestimate the scale of the challenge. The colleagues to do the same. People are still making UK Commission for Employment and Skills reported phone calls to my office to try to find him, to ask in “Ambition 2020”, published last year, that on recent exactly where the cuts would have fallen. trends we are likely to slip from 18th to 21st in the While Labour Members were drifting further and OECD rankings for intermediate level skills by 2020. further out of touch into a world populated by fictional Shadow Ministers will be familiar with the report. numbers rather than real people, Conservatives were talking to adult educators and adult learners about Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op) their experiences. We were talking to employers about rose— their skills needs and to union learning representatives about the obstacles they face in creating a learning Mr Hayes: I happily give way to the new Chairman of culture among their members. So that it is unequivocal, the Select Committee, whom I welcome in that role. so that there is no question and no doubt, let me say that I and the Government are committed to unionlearn; Mr Bailey: I thank the Minister for his kind words. I we celebrate all it does and all that it will continue to do welcome him to his position and look forward to seeing with our support and encouragement. him in our Committee in due course. I congratulate him As a result of the conversations we had and dialogues on his bravura performance—indeed, it has been quite we enjoyed, we learned important lessons about the theatrical at times. He commented on the top-down indispensability of further education as an engine of approach. I note that his colleague the Minister for social and economic change. History teaches us that the Universities and Science has written to higher and better educated a nation’s people are, the more economically further education organisations inviting them to publish prosperous they are likely to be. Their general levels of employability statements. Today the hon. Gentleman health will be better, too. Their communities will be placed a statement in the Library saying that the more united and their family and social bonds will be Government would be introducing measures to give stronger, and the more they will appreciate the things “learners the information they need to drive the system, through that money cannot buy, but without which life is colourless. the publication of clear and consistent information.” All deserve their chance to see, hear, taste and touch If that is not an example of a top-down and potentially beauty. bureaucratic approach, what is it? Could he enlighten The conviction that education is the key to so much us? more than a wage packet drove pioneers, such as the founders of the Workers’ Educational Association, who Mr Hayes: I want to be generous; as you know, sought to take learning, until then the preserve of the Mr Deputy Speaker, that is in my character. I know that privileged few, out to the many.The impulse that promoted the hon. Gentleman is new to the task, but he has been 1071 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1072

[Mr Hayes] Mr Hayes: I give way to the hon. Lady, who always takes such an assiduous interest in education matters. an assiduous member of the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee, and a frequent contributor to debates Roberta Blackman-Woods: I am sure we are all enjoying in the Chamber. As such, I hoped he would have known the hon. Gentleman’s theatrics this afternoon, but will that the key plank of my party’s perspective on this he look at some evidence? In 2008-09, 240,000 people subject—indeed, the coalition’s perspective—is the need started apprenticeships, compared to 75,000 in 1997-98, to inform and empower learners. It is critically important so I do not think it is for Labour to take lectures from that people get the right advice and guidance, and part the Conservatives about the importance of apprenticeships. of that process is explaining to them the likely employment outcomes of pursuing courses of study and training. Mr Hayes: The hon. Lady must not deceive new We are encouraging universities and colleges, and the Members—[Interruption.] I know she would not do reformed careers service that we will bring in, to give so—except inadvertently, of course; I take that as read— people a very clear understanding of what will happen because newer Members might come to believe her if they embark on particular routes. What are their suggestion—I put it no more strongly than that. chances of getting a job? What sort of job will it be? What the previous Government actually did was to What are the wage implications? How might they progress reclassify what counted as an apprenticeship. In France thereafter? and Germany, about which we heard a moment ago, all apprenticeships are at level 3, and they once were in Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con) rose— Britain. When the Labour Government came to power, they reclassified level 2 qualifications as apprenticeships Mr Hayes: I give way to my hon. Friend who in his and then trumpeted the fact that there were more of maiden speech has already made his commitment to them. As both the Labour Front-Bench spokesmen skills, and apprenticeships in particular, very clear. know, the level 3 numbers remained stubbornly rather less than was required, than the Government wanted Robert Halfon: I congratulate my hon. Friend on and than employers knew they needed. So we should doing so much to push forward our policy for 100,000 focus on level 3 apprenticeships if we wish to get a true apprenticeships. Why do only just 28% of British workers comparison both of our previous performance and of qualify to become apprentices or gain technical skills international data. compared to France, where the figure is 51% or Germany where it is 65%—the percentage we should reach in this Kevin Brennan: How many of the 50,000 new places country? What has gone so badly wrong in the UK that that the hon. Gentleman is announcing can he guarantee our skills level is so low? to the House will be level 3 apprenticeships?

Mr Hayes: That requires not so much an answer as a Mr Hayes: The hon. Gentleman is far too experienced seminar, but I shall try to summarise in a sentence or a Member to expect me to give on-the-hoof guarantees two what I might say at such a seminar. The problem in of that kind, but what I will say is that I have asked my Britain has been threefold. First, we have not promoted officials—my officials—to look closely at the definition apprenticeships as effectively as we should. Although and, indeed, the stratification of apprenticeships. I want the brand is strong among potential learners, employers to built the ladder of qualifications that takes people and the public, it is clear that the previous Government from re-engagement right up to level 4 and 5. did not believe in apprenticeships as much as we do. Let me tell the hon. Gentleman and the House about [Interruption.] Opposition Members complain but many three things that we will do on apprenticeships. As well people thought that the right hon. Member for Tottenham’s as putting the extra resource in, we will grow the number ministerial predecessor—a valued colleague and a good of frameworks at level 3 and 4 and we will explore Minister—did FA for FE and was sent to the FO. I do frameworks at level 5, where there is a demand, I am not know whether Fanny Adams is unparliamentary told, in meetings with the high-tech industries such as language, but it is certainly true that in debates with that advanced engineering. The hon. Gentleman will know Minister I made it absolutely clear that we wanted to some of the sectors to which I refer. We will look closely grow the number of apprenticeships, yet the Labour at those level 2 apprenticeships which, with redefinition, Government insisted on retaining a strong emphasis on can be built to level 3—in other words, some of the what they regarded as their flagship training and skills high-end level 2 qualifications that with further work product—Train to Gain, about which I shall speak a may become level 3—and we will think again about little more in a moment. those level 2 qualifications that cannot. It is entirely The second point in answer to my hon. Friend’s appropriate that they might be regarded as a foundation intervention is that although part of the problem is to an apprenticeship, but I am not sure that it is right about marketing, part of it is about resource. We have that they should be called full apprenticeships. This decided to transfer a significant portion of the Train to makes comparisons with our international competitors Gain budget to apprenticeships, because we know the difficult, and I am not sure that it does not short-change skills apprenticeships can confer. We know how long employers and learners. Yes, of course, there is a place they take to learn and we know that people want them. for level 2, but the emphasis will be on level 3, and that We know employers like them. We know what they cost. is what the hon. Gentleman needs to know. That cannot be said of the Train to Gain programme, in which the previous Government placed so much faith. Kevin Brennan: Is the hon. Gentleman saying that some of the new apprenticeships that he is announcing Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab) that he will create may not be classified as apprenticeships rose— in future? 1073 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1074

Mr Hayes: No; I am saying that some of the existing for that is the urgency of the problem. Had the Labour apprenticeships may not be classified so, and that the party organised the capital funding in FE in anything new money and the new emphasis will be on level 3. I like a reasonable way, we would not have to take these want to return to the main text of my speech. emergency measures. That will bring some light to those colleges who were for so long, as I was, in the shadows—in Steve McCabe: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? the darkness. Mr Hayes: I want to make progress; I will give way The hon. Gentleman will also know that this is later. The hon. Gentleman has had one turn, and although therefore a one-off programme, but we will now look at I am generous, my generosity is not without limit. a longer-term set of proposals for FE capital, and in my I want now to focus on the highly centralised and estimation even this short-term measure will deliver bureaucratic system that developed under the previous benefit to 150 colleges across the country. There will be Government, whereby funds that could have been used more details next week. I know that the hon. Gentleman on teaching and training were actually used detailing cannot wait—the whole House is excited—but he must, plans, complying with targets and formulating schemes. because I cannot give all the presents out on the same Instead of enabling colleges and other providers to day; some have to be saved for Boxing day. respond to the needs of businesses and learners, Ministers There has to be a better way to take advantage of the thought they knew what was best. Excessive bureaucracy immense human capital in the college system, to build a sapped precious energy from our education system. If I high-skilled, high-tech economy. We really must offer a might, as a primer, offer advice again, particularly to new beginning. That is why I want to move to the four newer Members, that if proof were needed of that points that lay at the heart of the letter that I wrote assertion, it is to be found in the report commissioned today, and then to my exciting conclusion. as early as 2005 by the last Government under the The letter that I have written today to the principals auspices of Sir Andrew Foster. That report concluded of all colleges sets out ways in which we will set FE free. that there was a “galaxy” of oversight, inspection and First, I am removing the requirement to complete summary administration in the FE sector, and called for precisely statements of activity, with a resulting reduction in the kind of streamlined and more responsive structure performance monitoring of employer responsiveness. that we in this Government will now put in place. Secondly, the Government have already announced the Even worse, though, that centralised, target-driven removal of Ofsted inspections for schools with outstanding micro-management led to a systemic failure in the form performance. I will work with ministerial colleagues to of an FE capital funding crisis from which the sector is introduce the same way of working in the FE sector, still reeling. Members will know that the Learning and removing inspections for colleges with outstanding Skills Council encouraged bids that would have cost performance. 10 times more than the available funds. Across the Thirdly, I will remove the regulatory requirement for country, 144 capital bids were frozen. Members across college principals to undertake the principals qualifying the Chamber came to the House to complain about the programme, not because I do not want appropriately circumstances in their localities and the effects on their qualified principals—I know that there are a range of local colleges, and rightly so. Seventy-nine of those development opportunities and qualifications that can projects had already received agreement in principle. enhance managers’, leaders’ and principals’ skills to run Many colleges incurred considerable cost. colleges in the 21st century—but because individuals in Andrew Foster was once again brought out of mothballs our institutions should be free to decide what package by the Government to produce another report, and he of development is appropriate to support their individual made it very clear that a top-heavy, bureaucratic system circumstances. had failed. He concluded that the LSC was too slow to Fourthly and most importantly, I will enable all colleges respond— except those that are performing poorly to move money “there were straws in the wind, early storm warnings, but the between adult learner and employer budgets, because problem was not crystallised fast enough.” they, rather than Ministers, know how best to meet the So we will look closely at FE capital. Next week, I shall needs of local learners and employers. All those measures make it clear how we will spend on a bid basis with are intended to increase the power of colleges to determine colleges the extra £50 million that the Chancellor has how best to manage their affairs in the light of local agreed to devote to FE capital projects. training needs. I want not just to encourage them to listen to what local people and local businesses have to Kevin Brennan: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? say, but to be free to act, to respond and to use that Mr Hayes: I will give way once more, and then I really information with a minimum of fuss, delay and must make some progress, because a number of hon. administrative cost. Members want to contribute to the debate. This is only the beginning—a first indication of the Government’s determination to deliver on the promises Kevin Brennan: Can the hon. Gentleman confirm that we made to providers when we were in opposition. We the extra £50 million that he describes as capital has are drawing a line under the mistakes of the past and been taken from the Department’s revenue spending for reaching for a better future. skills, and that it will only be for this year, and that therefore in the long term, in perpetuity, it is a £50 million It is true that our debate takes place in difficult cut? circumstances and that the public sector will be obliged to make efficiency savings. It is also true, as I said Mr Hayes: I have already celebrated the hon. Gentleman’s earlier—I want to be honest about this—that no guarantees assiduity, and his numeracy skills are obvious, too. He is can be offered about future funding. With freedom right: the money is being taken from the Train to Gain comes a fresh challenge, so as unnecessary compliance budget, and it is being allocated to capital. The justification costs are reduced, I will be looking to colleges to find 1075 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1076

[Mr Hayes] That is certainly true of the hon. Gentleman, but as he might know the rest of the poem, I should emphasise efficiencies. They would expect that, as would the House. that I love my own side. That will include encouraging colleges to find more When we were in government, we said that the cost-efficient ways of conducting their affairs, such as manufacturing of items constructed out of composite by merging back-office functions and streamlining their materials probably represented part of the future for procurement processes. If the Government had done Britain, but few of us anticipated that it would be that earlier—when Labour Members controlled the purse possible to meld the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats strings—we could have made more progress to match to manufacture a composite Government. We can only and beat the performance of the competitor countries begin to speculate about how quickly the already visible to which I referred that have outpaced us on apprenticeships fissures in that composite construction will form into and driven up the skills of their work forces to an extent cracks, and then progressively and inevitably lead to that we have not. The Train to Gain programme was critical failure. part of the problem. I know that former Ministers are The Minister is extremely fortunate to inherit his obliged to defend it, but they know what the National portfolio, because he has the opportunity to build on Audit Office said about its dead-weight cost. They the Labour Government’s tremendous record of achieving know that assessment was too often dressed up as so much when we were in power, provided that his training and that the brokerage service at the programme’s Department does not continue to be the Chancellor of heart was, at best, only a partial success. the Exchequer’s whipping boy in the frenzied search for Before my appointment as Minister, I was fortunate cuts far beyond those necessary to bring down the enough to enjoy a long apprenticeship as shadow Minister. deficit at a sustainable rate. Over those years, I held countless meetings with college Let me briefly outline why the Minister is fortunate to principals and visited innumerable colleges throughout inherit our record on skills. The performance of further the country. Everything that I said in opposition, and education colleges and other providers has improved everything that I say now in government, has been dramatically over the past decade. The satisfaction rates informed by the views and opinions of the sector. We of employers and learners have risen. Since 2001, about will continue that dialogue about shaping further education 3 million adults have improved their basic skills and in this country—alongside the needs of business and achieved a national qualification. Since 1997, more industry, and combined with the Government’s than 2 million people have started apprenticeships, which priorities—in a way that delivers opportunities to a new represents a massive increase in apprenticeship starts generation of learners. since the Conservative party was previously in power. The stakes are high. The ability of our economy to Completion rates for apprenticeships have also more adapt to rapidly changing circumstances depends in no than doubled. small measure on the capacity of workers to adapt. Despite the Minister’s trashing of the Train to Gain They need to be sure of the promise that new skills and programme—although I note that he has not completely knowledge will lead inexorably to new and better chances axed it—employers and workers report strong satisfaction in life. My aim—and my commitment—is to make good with the scheme. More than 1 million people have been on that promise for the next generation. able to start learning programmes at work that lead to a Today, a start has been made, but there is much more qualification. That has reduced staff turnover, improved to do to build a country with the skills that we need to productivity and engaged more than 140,000 employers compete, a country ready to elevate the practical, and a in training. Earlier this year, I was proud to be able to country where learning is valued for its own sake and meet Chris Scott, a process operator at William Blythe for its economic, social and cultural benefits: proud, Ltd, a chemical manufacturer in Accrington, who, by confident learners, colleges free to respond and a dynamic, completing his level 2 NVQ—yes, level 2—in business highly skilled economy—Britain being the best that it improvement techniques, became the one millionth learner can be. from the Train to Gain programme to gain a qualification. I should also mention the record number of students in higher education, although my right hon. Friend the 2.23 pm Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy) will say more Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): May I start by about that later. apologising to the House for the fact that I will not be Robert Halfon: The hon. Gentleman talks about the able to be present for the wind-ups? I have already importance of Train to Gain, so why did the previous informed the Minister and you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Government cut £1.3 million from the Train to Gain I genuinely welcome the Minister to his post as skills budget for Harlow college? Minister on his first outing since the formation of the new Government. Given his flowery rhetoric, it was Kevin Brennan: It would be remiss of me if I did not kind of him to provide a visual aid in his lapel, which we welcome the hon. Gentleman to the House. I also pay all appreciated. He was somewhat ungenerous in his tribute to his predecessor, who is a former skills Minister. opening remarks, but that was slightly uncharacteristic. I shall talk about the priorities for skills spending later. I know that he is a lover as poetry, and I hope that the However, I note that although the current Minister has speech that we have just heard will not be typical of his tried to cut the Train to Gain budget and to trash the ministerial speeches, given that it contained no poetry. I programme comprehensively, he has not yet completely am also a lover of poetry, so perhaps I may cite a line abolished it. from Yeats: I am especially proud of the work that we did in “Those that I fight I do not hate”. government with the trade unions. Despite Conservative hostility, as even the Minister might admit, we introduced 1077 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1078 the union learning fund, which is now worth £21.5 million The proposals also include: a joint investment scheme a year. As a result, there are now more than 23,000 union with sector skills councils; more national skills academies; learning reps. They get to the parts of the workplace skills accounts, to which I think the hon. Gentleman that other trainers and providers sometimes do not referred; user-friendly public ratings for colleges and reach, and they helped nearly 250,000 workers into providers, to which I think he referred in his written learning last year. Latterly—I give this Minister and the statement today; better skills provision for those on Minister for Universities and Science credit for this—that out-of-work benefits; promotion of apprenticeships as even won praise from the Minister for Universities and a priority in public procurement; reducing the number Science for its effectiveness and efficiency. One day, the of publicly funded skills agencies by over 30; and focusing skills Minister might be able to mention the union resources on key economic strategic priorities. A strong learning fund and the trade unions in a speech and get record of achievement and a clear and widely welcomed the odd “Hear, hear!” from the Back Benchers behind strategy for the future—that is the strong legacy bequeathed him, rather than the blank looks that he got when he to the hon. Gentleman as Minister with responsibility talked about them today. for skills in the new Government. The highly successful transformation fund for informal adult learning has also brought about a sea change in Mr Hayes rose— people’s perceptions of themselves, and has helped to generate a marked increase in participation, particularly Kevin Brennan: I am sure that the hon. Gentleman among those in the lower D and E socio-economic rises to acknowledge that. groups, and that is a legacy of the previous Government’s of which I am proud. Mr Hayes: I do not want to interrupt the hon. Gentleman too often, and I will give him some poetry, if I get a There was huge investment of over £2 billion in chance, in a later intervention, but he talks about the building the colleges of the future, although the hon. legacy that his party left. I just want him to be clear with Gentleman rightly mentioned the problems with the the House about where the £300 million reductions in programme. That programme transformed the places in “funding not directly supporting learner participation and lower which people learn. He will have the pleasure, as Minister, priority adult skills budgets” of visiting many of those colleges and seeing the transformational impact of the capital investment in would actually have fallen; that is in the pre-Budget our further education colleges that took place under the report that his Government published. Labour Government. He may also remind himself that Kevin Brennan: I am slightly surprised by that comment, not a single penny was spent on further education because the hon. Gentleman seemed at first in his capital for colleges in the final year of his party’s last speech to be criticising us for making those necessary term in office. So there is a substantial platform on savings, but later to be saying that we should have made which to build, and a clear strategy for the future was them earlier. I am not quite sure why that suddenly set out in the skills White Paper last November. became the point on which he wanted to intervene. Mr Hayes: Given the spirit that has permeated our However, he can intervene as often as he likes; I am exchanges thus far, and indeed today, I know that the happy to give way to him on any number of occasions, shadow Minister will want to welcome the extra £50 million. as he knows. He was slightly critical when he said that it was to be What does the hon. Gentleman propose to do with taken from revenue and was a one-off, but he knows the strong, powerful and compelling legacy that I have that that was needed and will be welcomed across the just outlined to the House? First, his Department is sector. Will he just say a word of welcome for that? cutting by 10,000 the number of university places that would have been on offer this autumn. That is despite Kevin Brennan: I am always happy to argue for more he and his colleagues persistently claiming—and actually investment and capital for our FE colleges, but later I bringing my colleagues and me to the House, when we may return to the issue of the £50 million and whether, were the Ministers, to boast about the fact—that they overall, the Department should be welcoming the way were committed to creating an extra 10,000 university in which it has been pick-pocketed by the Treasury over places over and above what the Government were that measure. committed to through a sort of “buy now, pay later” As I say, there is a substantial platform on which to student loan early payback scheme, which we argued build. The skills White Paper, which, as the hon. Gentleman was entirely bogus, and which appears to have been knows, was published last November, set out pretty wiped from the collective memories of the Government clearly the skills challenges for the next decade and a Front Benchers during their coalition reprogramming clear set of proposals to meet that challenge, including course. an ambition to ensure that three quarters of people Perhaps when the Under-Secretary of State for Business, participate in higher education or complete an advanced Innovation and Skills, the hon. Member for Kingston apprenticeship by the age of 30. Included in those and Surbiton (Mr Davey) winds up, he can tell us what proposals were: the expansion of the apprenticeship happened to the pet scheme to conjure up more student system to build a new technical class by doubling places for free. The Minister for Universities and Science apprenticeship places for young adults; apprenticeship explained in the House on many occasions how it would scholarships; and the focus of the skills budget on the work, despite our scepticism. Has the Treasury finally areas from which future jobs will come. I make no explained to him and his colleagues what we told him apology for that, although I agree with the hon. Gentleman’s all along—that it was Mickey Mouse maths and would remarks about skills being wider than simply an economic not work? I think that the Under-Secretary agrees that matter. I make no apology for focusing on the areas it is Mickey Mouse maths—he did when he was in from which future jobs will come. opposition. 1079 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1080

[Kevin Brennan] Now that is fine—it is a legitimate decision for the Government to make—but the Secretary of State should What else have the Administration done on skills not try to give the impression that the announcement apart from announcing cuts to university places and and the programme is likely to result in 50,000 new job budgets? They have tried to soften the Department’s opportunities for young people, or even new jobs for pain of being the Chancellor’s whipping boy so far in older workers. the £6 billion in-year cuts package by recycling £200 million from the skills budget—from the Train to Gain Mr Hayes: We cannot allow this to stand, can we? I programme—into additional apprenticeship places costing hope that I wear the weight £150 million, and, as the Minister outlined, into capital “Of learning lightly like a flower”, for further education colleges of £50 million. The Secretary in the words of Tennyson. I also hope that that learning of State bragged about that yesterday in the Chamber. might inform the thinking of the House on apprenticeships. He tried to give the impression that it was year zero and Of course some of the new apprenticeships will be adult that he was the first Minister ever to come to the apprenticeships and some will be for young people, and Dispatch Box to announce anything about spending on of course some will be about upskilling and some about further education capital and apprenticeships. reskilling, but to suggest that the people involved will simply be those currently taught under Train to Gain is On capital, the Secretary of State has been done over nonsense. The hon. Gentleman knows what the National by the oldest Treasury trick in the book—converting Audit Office said about that scheme: 25% dead-weight revenue into capital. He claimed that he kept back cost. £200 million from the package when he is doing no such thing. The £50 million on capital, as the Minister generously Mr Speaker: Order. May I say to the Minister that the admitted in his remarks, is for this year only. The erudition of his intervention was equalled only by its Chancellor has picked the Secretary of State’s skills length? Although it is a joy to listen to his mellifluous budget pocket for future years to the tune of £50 million tones, I hope that not all such interventions will be of per annum and that should be acknowledged. equal length. The Secretary of State should have made the case for Kevin Brennan: It is a joy to listen to the Minister, and capital separately, if he wanted to make such a case to I am glad that he at last came up with some poetry and the Treasury in the spending review. Instead, he has quoted Tennyson’s words that one should wear learning allowed the Treasury to deny the skills budget £50 million lightly. Perhaps I could come back with some Alexander a year from next year onwards—in perpetuity—even Pope: before the Budget and the spending review. That is a little naive. He has been had and he ought to have “A little learning is a dang’rous thing; known better. Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring”. The vast number of people who will take up the Let us consider the apprenticeships proposal. There Minister’s proposals will already be in work, and they are no stronger supporters of apprenticeships than me, will be in the older, not the younger, age bracket. He Labour Members and the previous Labour Government. may prove my prediction wrong in future, but he does No Government did more than the previous Government not have a rule to ensure that the apprenticeships are for to rescue apprenticeships from the almost criminal younger workers—under 25s—or one to ensure that indifference of the previous Tory Government, who apprenticeships are for new starts only. If he wants to allowed apprenticeships to fall to only 65,000 and a talk about dead weight, he should calculate the dead completion rate of only a third. weight of his proposal in respect of the training that The Secretary of State should be more candid about would have happened anyway. the proposals. He is not trying to do the difficult, but The Minister also needs to tell us how he will drive up most important things on apprenticeships. He is after apprenticeships elsewhere—in the public sector, for example. the low-hanging fruit—and I hope he will think carefully How will he use procurement to help that? Unless he about that—because he hopes to claim a quick victory shows leadership—I say this to him candidly and on apprenticeship numbers. For the benefit of the House sincerely—and knocks heads together in the Government, and all concerned, let us be clear about what he is that will not happen. All he will get from his colleagues doing. Despite his trying to give an impression to the will be that one-note symphony that we have heard so contrary yesterday, he is not creating new training far from the Government, like the vuvuzelas in the opportunities apprenticeships for the youngest and most World cup, with their saying that nothing can be done difficult to place. He is not—as we pledged to do and he on public sector apprenticeships because of cuts. That must still deliver, unless he wants to tell us that he will is what he will be told. My advice to him is this: he abandon the policy; I do not think that he will—trying needs to fight, fight and fight again against Treasury to create more advanced apprenticeships for young orthodoxy on behalf of apprenticeships if he wants to adults. He is not aiming to support a particular number make an impact as a Minister. of new jobs. He is transferring funding in the training It is clear that the Minister’s enjoyable and occasionally and skills budget from one form of funding for those flowery rhetoric—if he will forgive me for saying so—hides who are in work into another—good, but more a prosaic reality in the Department for Business, Innovation expensive—form of training, which he knows is and Skills. The Secretary of State really wants to be in overwhelmingly likely to be taken up not by employers charge of the banks but has been walked all over by the looking to take on new young workers who are currently Chancellor of the Exchequer in that ambition and, in out of work, but by those who will train a smaller an age-old Treasury way, has had his pocket picked over number of older workers currently in work than they FE, skills, capital and revenue; and the Universities and would have done under Train to Gain. Science Minister, who really wants to be the Secretary 1081 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1082 of State and deeply resents the Liberal Democrat succubus Maynard Keynes, but that is not the case. The city takes who now has his job, has, in his absent-minded, dual- its names from the historic village of Milton Keynes, brained, batty, professorial way, carelessly mislaid 10,000 which is in my hon. Friend’s constituency. university places since the election. It is no wonder that in the confusion, the Treasury has been able to bamboozle It is true that Milton Keynes is a new city that is just a Department that has two heads and three brains. Now over 40 years in age, with plenty of modern housing we have proposals for capital and apprenticeships that estates, and the roundabouts and grid road system with are not all that they seem. which hon. Members may be all too acquainted if they have not followed the logic of the layout. However, that If we are going to build Britain’s skills for the future, modernity belies a rich history stretching over many we need strong, united leadership from the Department, centuries. Stony Stratford, for example, is an ancient not weak, divided leadership hidden by the Minister’s coaching town on the Watling street roman road. The baroque oratory. His words are fine for now, but unless House may not know that the origin of the phrase he starts standing up for skills, his flowery rhetoric will “cock and bull story” lies in Stony Stratford. On the wilt under the heat of political reality. high street, there are two hotels—the Bull and the Several hon. Members rose— Cock. Legend has it that, as travellers stopped to break their journeys between London and cities in the midlands Mr Speaker: Order. As I think the House will be and north, the ale flowed freely and stories became aware, the debate is heavily subscribed, and I therefore more and more embellished before being relayed, in impose a 10-minute limit on Back-Bench speeches, to their exaggerated state, to their destination. I pledge apply with immediate effect. that my contributions in this House will have a sounder factual base. 2.44 pm Bletchley, which forms about one third of my Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): I am constituency, is of course the home of Bletchley Park grateful for the opportunity to make my maiden speech and the code breakers, whose brilliant work certainly as the first Member for the new Milton Keynes South shortened the second world war and saved many hundreds constituency. I regret that I do not have any poetry to of thousands of lives. Indeed, it is not too much of an share with the House this afternoon, but I am pleased exaggeration to say that their work changed the outcome to contribute to this debate on building a high-skilled of the war and, had they not succeeded, we might not economy. The motto of Milton Keynes is “By Knowledge, today enjoy the freedom of speech that we do. I am Design and Understanding”, and my constituency has delighted to report that, after many years of neglect, always been at the heart of learning and technological important restoration work is being carried out at Bletchley innovation. Park, under the expert guidance of its director, Simon Before I turn to those themes, let me first pay tribute Greenish, and I shall do what I can to ensure that the to my predecessors. I use the plural deliberately because, restoration project is completed. thanks to the work of the Boundary Commission, I I also wish to use this opportunity to pay tribute to have two. The bulk of my constituency was in the the former Prime Minister, the right hon. Member for former Milton Keynes, South-West seat, represented Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), for what he for the last 13 years by Dr Phyllis Starkey. I got to know did to right the wrong against the brilliant code breaker her quite well, having been her opponent in the 2001 and mathematician, Alan Turing, a national hero who and 2005 elections, as well as in the poll last month. was so persecuted for being gay that he ultimately took Over the 10 years in which we were political sparring his own life. While the right hon. Gentleman and I share partners, it is fair to say that there were few policies on little political agreement—although, in the interests of which we agreed. However, I pay tribute to her for her full disclosure, I should declare that I was christened by service to Milton Keynes. To represent such a diverse his father—I pay tribute to him for making that national and dynamic constituency for more than a decade is no apology for the wrong done to Alan Turing. small achievement. I also know that she had a strong reputation in this House for pursuing her causes with Bletchley Park is also the home of the modern computer, tenacity and determination. which is just one of my constituency’s major contributions My other immediate predecessor is, I am delighted to to the UK’s high-skilled economy. That tradition has say, my hon. Friend the Member for Milton Keynes continued with the Open university, which is also located North (Mark Lancaster). He was a diligent and well- in my constituency. Many hundreds of thousands of regarded representative for the two wards that I have lives have been transformed by the Open university, and inherited from him—Danesborough and Walton Park— it has long-embodied the vital principle of lifelong and I look forward to continuing his good work. Indeed, learning, reskilling people as their careers evolve and we are planning to work very closely together to provide giving a second chance to those who have, for whatever a seamless service to the whole of Milton Keynes. In reason, missed out on a more traditional form of higher these financially challenged times, we are endeavouring education. The new vice-chancellor of the Open university, to save on the public purse by sharing a constituency Martin Bean, is making an excellent start in preparing office. and updating the university to meet the ever-evolving Hon. Members may think that they know about challenges that lie ahead. His appointment is significant, Milton Keynes, but I would like to use this speech to because as a former senior director of Microsoft, his challenge a number of misconceptions. In an economic move from a high-end private company to the world of debate, it would have been neat to follow the widely held education illustrates the vital links that must exist between view that Milton Keynes is named after the two the two if the UK is to sustain a high-knowledge distinguished economists, Milton Friedman and John economy. 1083 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1084

[Iain Stewart] true today as they were 19 years ago. Although I have only been in this place for a few short weeks, I have Milton Keynes is home to another pioneering model already started to take notice of the vagaries of the of higher-level learning that I believe will play a major House. For example, I have noted that when a Member part in the skilling of our economy—University Centre begins a speech with the words “I will be brief”, an Milton Keynes, under the wise leadership of Professor extensive and loquacious contribution is guaranteed. Keith Straughan. When fully established, this exciting Similarly, when the words “This doesn’t really need new concept will enable young people to access top-quality saying” are uttered, it is odds on that an explanation of learning close to home and integrated with their learning what it was that did not need saying will be given, in at work. It is a model of partnership working and came some detail, to those to whom it did not need explaining about as a result of demand from the local community, in the first place. local employers, civic partners and the voluntary and Mr Speaker, you may well have been able to discern community sector. Will the Minister, as well as visiting from my accent—if not my haircut—that I am from the the Open university, visit UCMK? I am sure that he will home of John, Paul, George and Ringo. However, it is find a lot there that fits with the Government’s agenda. also the home of Gerry Marsden, The Farm and China I have long believed that to unlock the full potential Crisis, to unashamedly mention just a few of my personal of people in the UK, we need to break down some of friends. Liverpool boasts too many politicians, musicians, the barriers that sometimes exist between higher and comedians, poets, broadcasters, artists and so on to further education, and the needs of skilled employers. mention individually. Otherwise, my maiden speech may To ensure that the UK can beat both our traditional well have been one of the longest ever recorded. economic competitors and the fast-rising challenge from It is also possible to find a Scouser at every level of emerging economies, we need much greater flexibility in our armed forces. One of my constituents, Craig Lundberg, our education system, and in that Milton Keynes is who was blinded in an attack by insurgents in Iraq, is an leading the way. inspiration to others. Like many Members from all Milton Keynes has a high-skilled economy, with many parts of the House, I would like to pay tribute to all exciting new projects, such as the electric car scheme those in our armed forces who carry out such dangerous being piloted there. However, our success does not rest and commendable work on behalf of us all. alone on its dynamic economy. For a relatively young I represent a constituency that, uniquely, boasts two new city, we have a fantastic, positive, can-do attitude premiership football clubs within its boundaries. In and enjoy a rich tapestry of civic society, with more our football-mad city, the achievements of Everton and than 1,200 voluntary and charitable organisations. That Liverpool have a direct effect on the fortunes of our spirit is embodied by Milton Keynes’ successful bid to city. Historically, we have been no strangers to on-field be a host venue should England be successful in staging success. However, for one of our clubs it is now the 2018 World cup. And let this Scotsman put it on the fortunes of the financial kind that threaten its very record that I want England to triumph in South Africa existence. I urge hon. Members to sign early-day motion and to go on to host the tournament in eight years. 197 on the issue, as the Minister concerned previously After my electoral disappointment in 2001 and 2005, refused my request for a meeting with the Royal Bank I could easily have moved on and sought a securer of Scotland. passage to this place, but I did not want to. Having made Milton Keynes my home, I wanted to be the I should perhaps declare at this point that I am a Member for that area, and I feel honoured to be given a dyed-in-the-wool Liverpool fan and a season ticket chance to represent it in the House. I began my speech holder at Anfield. However, I would honestly say the by paying tribute to my immediate predecessors, but I same things if Everton FC had been the victim of a would like to conclude with a reference to another leveraged buy-out that had endangered its future survival former Member—Bill Benyon, who is the father of my and caused so many problems for my constituents living hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon) in close proximity to its football stadium. England’s and was Member for the Milton Keynes area for 22 years most successful football club is slowly being drained by until 1992. Nearly two decades after he retired from this the greed of two American asset strippers, and this is House, he is still remembered with great warmth and having a negative impact on regeneration projects for affection by many of my constituents as a kind, the whole area. Unfortunately, the beautiful game does compassionate and hard-working man who believed in not always attract those with beautiful intentions. Milton Keynes and did whatever he could to champion One of the great socialist philosophers of the last this exciting new city on a wider stage. I hope that, in century—the great Bill Shankly—may have been mistaken my time in the House, I can achieve a similar record of when he said that football was more important than life service. and death. However, supporters of both of our sporting institutions at least understood his passion, and they 2.53 pm will not stand idly by without being engaged in the Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): I congratulate future of their respective football clubs. the hon. Member for Milton Keynes South (Iain Stewart) The reason Mr Shankly was uncharacteristically wrong on his maiden speech—a Scotsman supporting England, is that our city unfortunately recognises more than most hey? the life-and-death results of poor stadium safety and “Forgive me, Mr. Deputy Speaker, if I stumble over the proprieties ineffective policing—primary causes of the tragedies at peculiar to the House”.—[Official Report, 24 July 1991; Vol. 195, Heysel and Hillsborough. I can assure my constituents c. 1202.] that I will campaign on their behalf against any plans to Those are not my words, but the opening salvo in the water down ground safety standards, and that I will maiden speech by my predecessor, whom I shall cite fight tooth and nail to protect the inquiry set up to more later, on 24 July 1991. Such observations are as examine the Hillsborough disaster. I would like to thank 1085 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1086 my right hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy an apprenticeship. I started my working life as an Burnham), on behalf of all the Hillsborough families, apprentice bricklayer, and my son Steven is an apprentice for pushing so hard to get the process started. electrician. I am passionate about the building industry My predecessor may have been from the blue half of and about apprenticeships. The last Labour Government Merseyside, but he was certainly from the politically red breathed new life into apprenticeships, which had been half of this Chamber. It is traditional for Members all but killed off by the previous Conservative Government. making their maiden speeches to highlight the contributions A high-skilled economy is not just about graduates, and of their predecessors. Some are faced with the unenviable I therefore welcome the Government’s road-to-Damascus task of waxing lyrical about a political opponent whom conversion on that matter. I will campaign for parity of they may recently have put to the electoral sword. esteem between vocational and academic training routes. Others may have replaced a colleague in controversial As a serving Liverpool councillor, I would like to put circumstances, while some may have been complicit in on record my congratulations to Councillor Joe Anderson their predecessor’s downfall. I am pleased to say that and my colleagues, and I wish them all the very best in none of those scenarios applies in my case. Put quite the months ahead. My predecessor concluded his maiden simply, I would not be in this place without the support, speech by highlighting to the then Conservative Government encouragement and friendship of Peter Kilfoyle. that unless they took steps to tackle the social issues of Peter will go down as one of the great parliamentarians. the day, they would not be forgiven. Coalition Members He was widely respected in all parts of the Chamber, should heed such lessons from history. despite—or perhaps because of—the fact that he was independent of mind and voted with his conscience, 3.3 pm sometimes controversially, as on the issue of Iraq, but Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) also in his spirited opposition to the scrapping of the (Con): Thank you, Mr Speaker, for giving me this 10p tax rate. Peter’s opposition to the Iraq war was not opportunity to make my maiden speech today and, in met with universal support on the Labour Benches at so doing, to contribute to this debate on building a the time, but it appears that some of my right hon. high-skilled economy. I congratulate the hon. Member Friends who are in the race for the Labour leadership for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram), who is fortunate are also now expressing reservations about that policy. to be able to boast of two premiership football clubs in As coalition Members will find out, hindsight is a his home city. Sadly, in Southampton we can no longer wonderful thing. do the same. I should also like to congratulate my hon. In a world of political self-aggrandisement, Peter Friend the Member for Milton Keynes South (Iain Kilfoyle sacrificed career advancement for ideological Stewart), who made an excellent contribution, enlightening principle. It is refreshing that there are still men and us on the motto for Milton Keynes and challenging women whose moral judgment and values override the some of the misconceptions that even those who are dangled carrot of elevated office. I can only aspire to relatively close to his constituency might have held. follow in Peter’s footsteps. He dedicated 19 years to the A debate on a high-skilled economy is particularly service of this House and to his constituents in Liverpool, pertinent to Romsey and Southampton North. In Walton. He also achieved his aim of doing justice to his Chilworth, we have the excellent university of Southampton predecessor, the late Eric Heffer, who gave 27 years to science park, where 14% of the employees are graduates the same cause. I certainly have my work cut out if I am of the university. It contributes more than £370 million to follow two such political giants. I wish Peter’s lovely annually to the regional economy. I was fortunate to wife Berni all the very best in coming to terms with visit one of the companies on the park just this week, having him under her feet 24/7. and I can certainly attest to the importance of a high-skilled It is an unbelievable privilege to have been elected by work force, given that they were testing high explosives. the people of the area in which I have lived all my My next comments are far removed from the high-tech married life, and I am delighted to represent them in world of Chilworth, as I turn to the heart of the this place. I do not intend to let them down. I am proud constituency, Romsey town, several hundred years ago. to be a Scouser and to represent Walton, where my On the edge of the town, being renovated this year, is mum was born. One of the best things about making Broadlands—the stately home where the 19th century my maiden speech is that my mum’s name, Dorothy Prime Minister Lord Palmerston was born. Broadlands Rotheram, will now be recorded in Hansard in perpetuity. has been described as having a grandness that personifies I actually thought I had something in common with the swaggering confidence of Palmerston. I can assure the Prime Minister when someone mentioned that he, fellow Members that there will be no swaggering from too, had been brought up on an estate. On further me today. examination, however, I discovered that his estate was Although Palmerston was born in Romsey, he never not that similar to ours after all. I make no apology for served as its Member of Parliament, so I will not pay stating on the record that I intend to be a strong voice tribute to him as a predecessor—and anyway, going for the people who elected me to the safest seat in the back to the 19th century would be somewhat stretching country, and for the city I love. I plan to be a constant the point. He did, however, have an interesting political thorn in the side of the present Government, and to journey as a Tory, a Whig and, indeed, a Liberal. It is ensure that Liverpool is not disproportionately affected interesting to note that he has been described in some by funding cuts, just as it was the last time Tories sat on biographies as having too strong a character to be the Government Benches. overwhelmed by liberalism. Both of my predecessors had connections with the I would like to pay tribute to two predecessors in the construction sector, and I am delighted to keep up that Romsey constituency. Michael Colvin served the tradition. I am guessing that I am among only a tiny constituency of Romsey and Waterside from 1983 to minority of people in the Chamber who have completed 1997, and the Romsey constituency from 1997 until his 1087 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1088

[Caroline Nokes] month about its third. It is home to the community orchard, the bandstand and a team of volunteers from untimely death in 2000. Michael was a good man, a the friends of the Memorial park who make sure the farmer who understood the rural areas of the constituency park is one of the best in the region. There is also one of well. He was a former Grenadier Guard, and was the pair of Japanese field guns that Lord Mountbatten passionate about championing defence issues. He well of Burma brought back to Romsey at the end of the understood the military issues relevant to the school of second world war. Army aviation in Middle Wallop, and he was also a Other parts of the constituency, however, are not as parish, district and, indeed, a county councillor in well protected as those public open spaces, and it is Hampshire. As a serving borough councillor in the inevitably of concern that some areas are at risk of same district that he served, I can attest to that being a being swallowed up by development. I welcome the good apprenticeship for Parliament. news from the Government that regional spatial strategies Also committed to Romsey was my immediate are to be consigned to the dustbin. We cannot allow the predecessor, Sandra Gidley. She worked hard for the gaps between settlements to be eroded so that local constituency and was well known for her commitment character is diminished as neighbourhoods coalesce to the NHS and to women’s issues. She is, of course, and individual identity is lost. The residents of Halterworth, also well known for having dragged Mr Speaker to his those close to Hoe lane in North Baddesley, and the Chair last year. residents of Redbridge lane in Nursling have a commitment The recent election saw significant boundary changes, from me to ensure that local strategic planning really is and further parts of Southampton are now included in put back in the hands of local people. the new Romsey and Southampton North constituency. Of course, building a high-skilled economy is not just It now includes the Ford plant at Swaythling. Southampton about the urban centres of the constituency. There are is well known as the home of the transit, and Ford is many beautiful rural villages in the north, where problems committed to using innovation and technology to make are inevitably caused by the lack of high-speed Britain’s best-selling light commercial vehicle as green broadband—or indeed any broadband at all—but where as possible. It has been successful, and its ECOnetic there is also a good strong farming tradition. The fact transit has the lowest CO2 emissions in its class. that agriculture is traditional does not mean that it is Even in an area where we are fortunate to have good not high-skilled; far from it. Those skills manage and schools, an excellent university and companies like Ford maintain our countryside and, very important, keep us committed to Britain’s manufacturing base, there is still fed. While focusing on the high-skilled, we must ensure a disconnect between what employers want and the that we do not let Britain’s farming tradition wither. skills of our school leavers. It is critical that the two are Let me end on a lighter note. Romsey is claimed to be matched, and that our education system works with one of the most haunted parts of Hampshire. Florence employers to make sure there is no skills gap. Nightingale allegedly still walks the corridors of her old Having a strong and productive work force is about home at Embley Park, and both Romsey abbey and many things, and one of the key strengths of the Romsey Wherwell priory are said to be haunted by nuns. One of and Southampton North constituency is the quality of the best known ghost tales is that of two Roundhead life and the quality of the natural environment. As a soldiers who were hanged from the iron bracket outside remedy for stress and tension, there really is nothing the former Swan Inn. The building now houses the local better than some of the countryside and open spaces in Conservative club. One managed to cut himself loose, the constituency. If the restorative qualities of the River and then ran to his death in an alleyway in the town. Test could be bottled, there would be a far reduced need Apparently he can still be seen repeating his failed for pharmaceutical products. We also have a small escape attempt. However, although the bracket remains corner of the New Forest national park in the constituency. to this day, I can assure Members that it has been some Although the park and its authority do not come without while since there has been a public hanging in Romsey. some level of challenge, it is at least an area where dog walkers and native ponies still prevail. 3.12 pm The River Test, one of the finest trout rivers in the world, runs north to south through the constituency, Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): Let and it has been appreciated over the years by prime me begin by congratulating the hon. Member for Romsey ministers and presidents from across the globe. It has a and Southampton North (Caroline Nokes) on an fine tradition of fly fishing, and a wonderful tranquillity entertaining and well-informed maiden speech. I am and beauty, which can give amazing solace. sure that she will make a great addition to the House Even in the more urban parts of the constituency, and will serve her constituents well. I also congratulate there are pockets of open space that enormously enhance the hon. Member for Milton Keynes South (Iain Stewart) the quality of life. Residents in Swaythling have worked and my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Walton hard to preserve and maintain Monks Brook. One of (Steve Rotheram). I must tell my hon. Friend that I am our local wildlife photographers delights in sending me another Scot who hopes that the England side does pictures of adders and slow worms from this tiny patch well—but I look forward to hours of arguments about of countryside right next to the motorway. In Bassett, football in the years ahead. there is the sports centre, Daisy dip and the golf course, I welcome the Minister of State, Department for and I appreciate how hard the city council works to Business, Innovation and Skills, the hon. Member for maintain these areas and secure their future. South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes), to his Romsey has a real gem with the Memorial park post and wish him well, although I see that he has just proudly flying a green flag for the second year running—and left the Chamber. I thought that his speech was a we have our fingers crossed for an announcement next wonderful performance. I have concluded that if the 1089 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1090 pressures of government grow too great for him, as they what this freedom will amount to. I would like FE inevitably will at some point, he will have a great future colleges to be encouraged to develop programme in amateur dramatics. apprenticeships—they already have a great deal of skill I was pleased to hear the Minister’s plans, some of in that respect—and those apprenticeships are a way of which I think deserve consideration. For instance, I was enabling young people in particular to begin their glad to learn that he plans to look at the careers service apprenticeship at a time when it may be quite difficult with a view to possibly revamping it. I was surprised for them to find an employer to take them on. Employers, and worried to read in a briefing that I received from particularly small businesses, are struggling to develop Edge—the independent foundation that promotes apprenticeships at present because of their fears about vocational qualifications—that in response to a survey the economic future. conducted last year, more than 50% of secondary schoolteachers admitted that their knowledge of Mr Hayes rose— apprenticeships was remarkably poor. Mr Hayes: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for Steve McCabe: I will happily give way to the Minister his tribute and for the information that he has just again. provided. The same survey revealed that teachers knew less about apprenticeships than about any other qualification Mr Hayes: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for apart from the Welsh baccalaureate. I have nothing giving way for a second time. against the Welsh baccalaureate, but the hon. Gentleman will understand the point. For the sake of clarity, let me repeat something that I have already said: I am writing to every Member to Steve McCabe: I am glad to learn that the Minister describe these freedoms to which the hon. Gentleman has taken that information on board. As I have said, it refers, and they are all things that have been specifically worried me to read it, and also to read that many requested by further education representatives in numerous apprentices who were surveyed said that very little conversations that we have had with them over a period information had been given to them about apprenticeships of years. either by secondary schoolteachers or, more importantly, by careers specialists. It seems pretty obvious to me that, if we are interested in promoting apprenticeships, Steve McCabe: Well, the detail is obviously in the we shall have to convey some basic good information to letter then, and I look forward to reading it. young people. Both the careers service and the information I was slightly disappointed that the Minister did not available to secondary schoolteachers must therefore make any specific reference to small businesses. If we improve. want to grow meaningful apprenticeships, small businesses I am not quite sure what the Minister was attacking are the obvious sector that we need to target, but we all in his comments on level 2—I am not sure whether that know that they have difficulties in dealing with was code for a cut in numbers down the line. It seems to apprenticeships. I was glad to hear that the Minister is me that £50 million could buy an awful lot of opportunities enthusiastic to cut through the red tape, but when I talk for young people, and if that sum is taken out of the to small employers, they tell me that they need help in budget in the years ahead, perhaps the Minister has to developing apprenticeships; they need help with the prepare the way by telling us that he will downgrade basic training and assessment. That is the other side of certain qualifications and opportunities. what needs to be done. One side is to encourage youngsters I welcome, however, the Minister’s acknowledgement by ensuring they have the necessary information and by that level 2 can provide a very useful foundation. I was promoting apprenticeships, and the other side is to struck by the statistic in the CBI report, “Ready to make it possible for small employers in particular to grow”that 32% of employers found it remarkably difficult take on young people. to recruit people with the necessary intermediate skills. I wonder whether the Minister has considered the It seems to me that those people will never be available idea of group apprenticeship schemes, which I understand unless we can provide them with a basic foundation to have been particularly successful in Australia. I believe start with, and the general definition of level 2 is that it that there are some pilot schemes in this country. The provides people with a solid grounding and a basic set essential idea is that the apprentice is employed by a of skills from which they can begin to build and develop group and is sent out on placement to various employers. their chosen careers. It then becomes possible for a group of small employers I do not particularly want to quibble with the Minister to get together and to save on the administrative costs about the definition of apprenticeships, but level 2 is and overheads. A number of youngsters can therefore very important in getting some young people on the be placed on an apprenticeship scheme and get real path. Whatever the Minister’s comments today about practical experience with employers. level 3 were intended to mean, I hope he will bear in Has the Minister any plans to consider university mind that it is essential that youngsters have a route in, technical colleges? There is one in the Birmingham and that the only way that we will be able to provide area, at Aston, and I think there are about four around the employers with people with the requisite skills is by country. That model seems to bring universities together giving young people that starting point. with employers. In the engineering and manufacturing I also welcome the Minister’s plans to set further sectors in particular, it encourages the development of a education colleges free, although I am not sure how free steady skill development path. It builds on vocational they will be if they are starved of funding, as it strikes levels through to level 5, and the previous Government me that that can be a fairly empty form of freedom, and sought to encourage it. I would like to know whether I noticed that there was very little detail about exactly the Minister has plans to pursue it. 1091 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1092

Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): Is my hon. 3.25 pm Friend aware of other initiatives coming out of universities that also help to build the high-skill economy? I cite, for Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): I welcome example, Wendy Sadler’s scheme out of Cardiff university, you to your position, Mr Deputy Speaker. Thank you of which my Front-Bench colleague, my hon. Friend very much for inviting me to make my maiden speech the Member for Cardiff West (Kevin Brennan), will be this afternoon. This is quite a nerve-racking occasion, aware. They have used “Science made simple” to reach but I feel a little more relaxed now that we have been out to 250,000 youngsters, getting them to understand talking about football, which I know a lot about. Like science and how they can have a career in science and the hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram), find employment through science in high-tech and high- who is a red through and through, I am a blue through quality jobs. Universities have a unique role in reaching and through: I am a fan of Huddersfield Town, who out to young people before they make their career play in blue and white. There are some similarities choices, perhaps involving universities or apprenticeships. between our clubs—for example, the great Bill Shankly began his managerial career at Huddersfield. I am not Steve McCabe: If we are going to create jobs for the sure how many other similarities we will have over the future and to have a generation in work rather than years, but I look forward to talking to the hon. Gentleman unemployed, all such initiatives should be encouraged about football for many years to come. and explored. I agree with the Minister—I do not think I should like to praise Conservative Members who that any of us has ownership of these issues—but it is made their maiden speeches earlier. Again, I will mention pretty important that we get it right, because we have football, because my hon. Friend the hon. Member for one chance. Milton Keynes South (Iain Stewart) is one of those Members and I certainly enjoy travelling around Milton Stephen Pound (Ealing North) (Lab): Does my hon. Keynes trying to find the football ground. My hon. Friend Friend agree that one of the difficulties with apprenticeships the hon. Member for Romsey and Southampton North is finding an employer to take the apprentice on for the (Caroline Nokes) also spoke, and I wish Southampton third year or even in some cases for the second year? In football club good luck in the forthcoming season without the benign balmy days of a sophisticated Labour the deficit of 10 points that it had last season. Government who had the economy moving forward, I want to pay tribute to two of my predecessors. that was quite easy, but now, as the chill winter of Speaking of football, it was at Millwall football club, Conservatism starts to freeze the economy from all three weeks ago, that I ran into Graham Riddick, who corners, might it not be an idea for us to revert to what was the Member of Parliament for Colne Valley between the Conservatives did the last time that they were in 1987 and 1997. While I was cheering on the Terriers in power and introduce schemes such as the Manpower the play-offs down at the New Den, I looked along the Services Commission scheme, the youth opportunities terracing and lo and behold there was Graham Riddick programme and so on to provide some support and cheering them on too. It was great to catch up with him encouragement to employers? It is easy to take on an and he gave me many words of advice and encouragement, apprentice in the good times, but very hard in the bad so I thank him for that. times. I should also like to say a few kind words about my direct predecessor, Kali Mountford, who spent a lot of Steve McCabe: I agree absolutely with my hon. Friend. time helping me and my office manager by talking us Employers need help and encouragement, and the through all the casework that she so pleasingly handed only people who can provide that are the Government. over to us—she looked very relieved as she did so. I If we are going to get this to work, that is what has to praise Kali for her work with the Anthony Nolan bone happen. marrow trust, which she has promoted in recent years. The Minister struck a note of optimism today. As I As a result of her hard work there, I have signed up to said to him in an earlier intervention, I do not think the trust and I encourage all hon. Members and members that that is the view of the senior executives who wrote of the public to do so. That campaign was motivated by to The Daily Telegraph today—they struck a note of the death of a campaigning journalist from The Huddersfield anxiety and pessimism about cuts in university funding Daily Examiner, Adrian Sudbury, and I congratulate and about being left behind in international competition. Kali on highlighting it. She has suffered from poor It was difficult to see the Minister’s optimism when it health in recent years and I wish her and her husband came just after the speech from the Chief Secretary to Ian the best of luck in the years to come. the Treasury, in which he told us that he was axing the Colne Valley is not the best name for a constituency, young person’s guarantee. because those coming from south of Watford, for example, I wish the Minister well, but I warn him that this is think that it is related to a town called Colne in Lancashire, going to take more than warm words. The last thing we but it is not. We are in West Yorkshire, and we are proud need to see is a lost generation that does not even get the to be Yorkshire folk. The Colne valley itself is one of chance of work. That is the legacy that the Tory three main areas of the constituency. It has some lovely Government of the ’80s left us, so I hope that he will little mill towns on the River Colne, including Marsden, learn from the mistakes of the past. Slaithwaite, which we call “Slawit”, and Linthwaite. I also have some of Huddersfield’s suburbs, from leafy Several hon. Members rose— suburbs in Lindley to more densely populated areas such as that of my Kashmiri population at Thornton Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. I know Lodge. that hon. Members will wish to respect the conventions Then we get to the valley where I live—the Holme associated with maiden speeches, as we are privileged to valley, which includes my village of Honley, as well as have a number of them this afternoon. Brockholes and the big market town of Holmfirth. It 1093 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1094 really is a beautiful part of the world with lovely countryside, life. They organise the Christmas lights; they help all the stone walls, lots of sheep and lots of traditional folk. old people come in and out; they do dry cleaning. They That brings me to Cleggy, who has had a bad time in the do not provide just the usual post office services. past month. He has had an absolute nightmare— Post offices, especially the rural ones, are struggling, [Interruption.] No, not that Cleggy: I am talking about and our post office network was decimated in the last Cleggy from “Last of the Summer Wine”, who, along decade. It is important that we support them, because with his pals Compo, Foggy and Nora Batty, is no more once they are gone, they are gone. We also need to because the BBC has ditched the long-running television support things such as rural bus services, so that people series that graced our screens on Sunday evenings on can live in my rural communities and work there as BBC1. That gentle comedy about Yorkshire folk, usually well. We need to support the health centres and health going downhill in a bathtub, was very much a mainstay services. I am trying to get full maternity services back of our television and it helped to promote tourism in in the area of Huddersfield. That is really important. my constituency. In Holmfirth, which is just a mile up I am proud to have been elected the Member of the road from where I live, we have a Compo’s caff and Parliament for Colne Valley. It is a beautiful part of the there is a Wrinkled Stocking café just two doors down world with some enterprising businesses and a fantastic from my new constituency office, so we will really miss football team in Huddersfield Town. We also have just that opportunity to promote tourism. down the road in Huddersfield the birthplace of rugby All that brings me to the subject of this debate: the league, so I have to mention the Huddersfield Giants, high-skilled economy. Many people say to me—other who are striving hard this season. They are having a bit Members of the House probably hear this too—that we of a poor run at the moment, but I hope that they will do not make things any more, but I am proud to say turn the corner. that in my constituency we do. It is not on a large Before I sit down, I should like to say that many of us scale, but I have a number of enterprising, entrepreneurial here in this House, especially the new Members, have and innovative businesses that have set up, sometimes in been through a gruelling and hard-fought election old mills, to create products that have a niche market campaign. I and all my family and friends went through and that are exporting around the world. I shall a lot to get me here. I know that the Speaker himself mention just a few. There are little engineering companies had a bit of a tough election campaign. The hon. such as Dathan in Meltham, which produces specialist Member for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram) had a gear cutting equipment that is used in the Formula 1 straightforward election campaign; his is the safest seat motor racing industry. Allsops precision sheet metal in the House. I would love to know what that feels like, work, which uses the latest laser-guided cutting tools, is having stood in a three-way marginal. taking on apprentices. It is not on a massive scale, but it has more than 100 employees and it is looking to I was lucky to have my right hon. Friend the Prime expand. Minister visit my constituency—not so lucky to have the Deputy Prime Minister—during the election campaign. I also have David Brown Gear Systems in Lockwood, I finally pay tribute to my fantastic campaign team. which I visited with the then shadow Minister for John Travis was my campaign manager. I have a fantastic Universities and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member family. My parents live just up the valley from me. I pay for Havant (Mr Willetts), before the election campaign. tribute to them. My mum and dad have never walked so It has its own in-house training scheme called the Gear much in all their lives. It takes about an hour to deliver Academy and it is training some wonderful youngsters to just three cottages because they have such long up to work on making gear equipment. Those gears are walkways. It is a privilege to be here today, but I am now being used not only in our submarines but in the itching to get back up to the constituency this evening. wind turbine industry. I also have pharmaceuticals, The office is up and running, and I am looking forward with Thornton and Ross on the River Colne. I have an to being out in Holmfirth and through the valleys over ice cream factory, Longleys Farm, which makes the the weekend, representing the people who sent me here. most wonderful ice cream. It has just opened a new ice There is a lot to do and I hope that I can do it with cream parlour in Holmfirth. vigour and vim and cheer on Huddersfield Town to Talking of “Last of the Summer Wine”, we even have promotion next season. a vineyard now—a real live Yorkshire vineyard. A wonderful enterprising young couple called Ian and Becky Sheveling 3.34 pm gave up high-flying careers, bought a lovely plot of land and planted their vines. They have just produced their Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab): I first bottles of rosé and have obtained planning permission pay tribute to the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Jason for a tasting centre and an eco-lodge. That will help McCartney) for his maiden speech. He had no need to promote tourism and we shall have real bottles of wine be nervous; it was an extremely entertaining and informative from the area of “Last of the Summer Wine”. That is maiden speech. I thank him for his kind comments fantastic. about his predecessor, Kali Mountford. On the Labour It is these sorts of little enterprises that we, in a Benches, we think of Kali with great affection, so we high-skilled economy, must try to promote. We have to thank him. cut the red tape; we should support them with lower I am pleased that mention has been made of the taxes; we must give them the skills in the work force and “Skills for Growth”White Paper, which has been important the local infrastructure so that their workers can live in defining our skills needs for the next few decades. As and work locally. We have got to support local rural the Minister knows, the White Paper put particular post offices. In my village of Honley, I have a most emphasis on vocational skills and argued for a dramatic wonderful couple, Brenda and Duncan Bodenhem. The expansion of advanced apprenticeships, particularly for post office is not only their livelihood but their way of young adults. It also argued for the skilling of adults 1095 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1096

[Roberta Blackman-Woods] benefit from a university or a level 4 education had the chance to do so. I have not yet heard from the new who are already in employment and those seeking work, Government whether they will continue to have that and for improving the quality of provision in our FE high level of aspiration for our young people. The and other institutions. Leitch review very much led us in that strategy. The At the same time, “Higher Ambitions” set out equally Minister mentioned the review in his opening speech, challenging demands for our university sector. It asked but he did not mention whether this Government would universities to work with the Higher Education Funding keep the very demanding Leitch targets, which stated Council for England to devise new funding incentives that 90% or more of the working-age population should so that we could deliver higher education programmes have a level 2 qualification, 68% should have a level 3 that were more acutely related to the needs of the qualification and over 40% should have a qualification economy, and to work with the UK Commission for at level 4 or higher. I would be interested to hear Employment and Skills to identify where new programmes whether the Minister thinks those targets should stay were needed to meet areas of low demand. It set out the in place. need to improve the relationship between universities Good progress was being made towards reaching and businesses and, crucially, to build better relationships those targets when Labour left office. The Liberal between universities and regional development agencies. Democrats have often said—I often heard this during I noticed that the Minister was very quiet on that my election campaign—that although Labour had made subject today, but as the Government are about to advances in reskilling the population, those had been destroy the whole RDA framework, I should be interested confined largely to the better-off. Interestingly, data to hear what he has to say about how universities and from HEFCE show clearly that that is not the case. A FE colleges will work with whatever structure is set up HEFCE publication earlier this year, which looked at to ensure that regional development continues. trends in young participation in higher education among different groups in England, stated that to overcome Mr Hayes: The hon. Lady will want to know that we gaps in the data on disadvantage at an individual level, are entirely committed to ensuring consistency—indeed the study that it used looked at levels of disadvantage in synergy—between the economic development functions local areas, taking figures from 8,000 census wards of local authorities and the work of colleges and other across England. The authors of the study also selected a providers. If she is straightforward, I think she will range of indicators, and they said that, looking across acknowledge that according to the Public Accounts the indicators, they had to conclude that since the Committee and the National Audit Office, RDAs were mid-2000s young people from disadvantaged areas are not terribly effective in some of the work they did. substantially more likely to enter HE, that most measures of the gap in participation between most and least Roberta Blackman-Woods: I hear what the Minister disadvantaged areas had fallen, and that the majority of says, but the new Government still have some way to go additional entrants to HE have come from more in setting out more generally how they propose to build disadvantaged areas. That means that Labour was not on Labour’s progress in upskilling and reskilling our only upskilling the population, but it was extending population, and particularly in outlining how some of access to higher education to those that had not previously the more strategic objectives on skills shortages will be been able to benefit from it. That is another substantial met at regional level. That may not be easily deliverable challenge for the new Government: they must—and we at local authority level, so the Government have some will be watching whether they continue to do so—extend more thinking to do about our regions. opportunities and widen participation in the way that The progress made under Labour was recognised by Labour did. the UK Commission for Employment and Skills in its national skills audit, published earlier this year: The audit that I mentioned earlier also talked about the importance of increasing skill levels further and “Significant progress has been made in raising the qualifications identified key areas where there are skill shortages: in levels of the workforce and stimulating supply over the last ten years, so that compared to other OECD nations our supply of management and leadership, in professional skills, at highly skilled people is likely to place us 10th in the OECD the technician and equivalent level, at intermediate by 2020.” vocational levels and care services, and in customer When Labour left office we were on track to move up service and general employability skills. It is important the OECD league table in terms of the advances we had that we continue to make good those skill shortages. made in skilling our population. There is thus a considerable The audit also identified key sectors where we need to challenge to the Government to maintain that progress. be improving the skills levels of our young people and Similarly, recent publications from Universities UK work force in the future if we are to remain internationally and the Russell group comment on the strength of the competitive. It was interesting to see the areas that had university sector, while arguing that if current standards been outlined, which I think are familiar to all of us in and quality are to be maintained investment must continue. the Chamber. They have been identified as low carbon; We may hear something about that in the Budget next advanced manufacturing; engineering and construction; week, but it remains to be seen whether protection will financial and professional services; the digital economy; be given for education not only pre-19, but post-19, so life sciences and pharmaceuticals; the creative sector; that we continue to be internationally competitive. care services; and retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism. Not only did the Labour Government invest heavily Our university and FE sectors are in a sense already in education generally, including further and higher embracing this brave new world, because they have education, but that investment was accompanied by a already started to think of new ways of delivering strategy to widen participation, to raise aspirations and courses that give much greater flexibility. I pay tribute to ensure that all young people who felt they could to New College Durham for pioneering professional 1097 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1098 apprenticeships, for leading the drive for good-quality As a Member of Parliament, Martin championed, HE in FE, and for developing partnerships between HE among other things, the cause of the Palestinian people. and FE. I would welcome a visit to the college from the He worked tirelessly in an effort to secure the release of Minister, because he could meet the staff and see some the last former British resident in Guantanamo Bay, of the fantastic work that is going on. Shaker Aamer, whose wife and children live in Battersea. The Minister talked about international competitiveness I hope that the new Government will make progress in his opening speech. If we are to remain internationally towards a successful conclusion for Mrs Aamer and her competitive, we must keep our levels of reskilling high, children, and I am sure that my predecessor would take which means that we will need to know how many satisfaction in such an outcome, given his sustained and young people and individuals in the work force are energetic campaign. being skilled and reskilled. If we are not skilling sufficient Championing the unfashionable cause is very much people, we will need to put additional measures in place. in the Battersea tradition. The area has long nurtured That will mean that we will have to retain some targets, radicals of all kinds, including many of the abolitionist so I would like to hear the Government’s thoughts evangelicals of the Clapham sect and John Burns, the about that. firebrand union leader and MP.In the early 20th century, Battersea gave Britain its first black mayor and one of 3.45 pm the first Asian Members of Parliament. Jane Ellison (Battersea) (Con): I am grateful for the When I was selected to fight the constituency, someone opportunity to make my maiden speech and to follow who was not local to the seat asked me, “What’s there my hon. Friends the Members for Milton Keynes South other than a dogs home and a power station?” Of (Iain Stewart), for Romsey and Southampton North course, there is much more to the constituency than (Caroline Nokes) and for Colne Valley (Jason McCartney), that. We have some wonderful green spaces—Battersea and the hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton (Steve park, Clapham common and Wandsworth common—more Rotheram), who set such a high standard. To pick up than 125 listed buildings, an energetic civic life and an this afternoon’s running thread of football commentary, even more energetic social life. Despite its name, Clapham I am reminded by the presence in the Chamber of the Junction, which is one of the most famous stations in right hon. Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy) that the world, has always been firmly in Battersea. We were he, the hon. Member for Chippenham (Duncan Hames) graced for years by Young’s, one of London’s oldest and I fought a by-election in June 2000 against the breweries, and we are now home to one of its youngest: backdrop of a major international football tournament. Sambrook’s. Battersea has also been the proud home of I will not put hon. Members through the pain of reminding the London Regiment of the Territorial Army for many them of the outcome; suffice to say that I hope we last a years. great deal longer this time. Many of the radical social changes over the past In common with many new Members, I am conscious 150 years in Battersea can be seen in the history of the of the enormous honour that the people of Battersea, Bolingbroke hospital in my constituency. The hospital Balham and Wandsworth paid me by electing me as was founded as a result of the energy and compassion their Member of Parliament. It is a particular pleasure of a great Victorian, Canon John Erskine Clarke, a to be making my maiden speech during a debate on notable Battersea vicar. He identified a need for a skills because I spent my whole working life with the hospital for what were then described as the artisan John Lewis Partnership, which takes its commitment to classes of Battersea, who were prepared to pay, either training extremely seriously. wholly or in part, for their care. In 1880, the Bolingbroke Over the centuries, Battersea has evolved from a Self-Supporting Hospital and House in Sickness opened, village on the Thames famed for its market gardens, and funded by a host of local beneficiaries and by public particularly for its asparagus and lavender—hence Lavender subscription. It was expanded and adapted over the Hill—into a 19th century industrial hub criss-crossed years and was brought within the NHS, and it remains a by railway lines. The railway lines are still there, but the much-loved local institution. Although it was earmarked heavy industry is largely gone. The factories along the for closure in 2006, a tenacious local campaign was river have been replaced by residential blocks. The conducted, led by the hospital’s League of Friends—a constituency now has a younger average population group, made up mostly of women, which, for over than most and it is bustling and diverse. Indeed, it 100 years, has exemplified the very best of British provides a London base for many hon. Members. volunteering. Its members have quietly and consistently Much of the change over the past four decades was given their time to fundraise, and to provide support witnessed at first hand by John Bowis, the previous and succour to patients and their families. Conservative MP for Battersea—a good friend who was However, the Bolingbroke closed its doors as a hospital a great support to me throughout my campaign—and in December 2008 and now awaits its fate. Many of us by my predecessor, Martin Linton, who has lived in in Battersea hope that the next chapter in its life story Battersea for many years and represented his area first will be as a school. For the parents involved in the on the council, and then for 13 years as its Member of Neighbourhood School Campaign, supported by Parliament. Martin worked hard on behalf of his Wandsworth council, the free schools legislation offers constituents and was greatly assisted by his wife, Sara. the best chance of realising their dream of a new state He showed passionate commitment to the causes close secondary school for south Battersea. A new school to his heart. As a councillor, he was closely involved in would be enormously important, giving further choice setting up the justly renowned Battersea arts centre, and to parents in my constituency, irrespective of their the arts repaid him amply at the recent election when a means—an important factor in an area that has a lot of star-studded array of actors urged people not to vote families on low incomes. I therefore particularly welcome for me. the coalition’s plans for a pupil premium and more 1099 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1100

[Jane Ellison] opportunities in life. The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, my hon. Friend the apprenticeships, and its determination to boost the Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes) private sector. All those things will greatly assist the visited South Thames last year, and many of the measures many young people in my constituency for whom life is mentioned today will be very much welcomed in that a struggle against the odds from the start, and for whom quarter, and in other further education colleges around a good education and a skilled job are an essential way the country. of getting on in life. A great parliamentarian, Benjamin Disraeli, vividly I return briefly, if I may, to the Battersea Dogs Home described the two nations of Britain in 1845. In some and the Battersea power station. The world-famous regards, they are still with us, but it is my hope and dogs and cats home celebrates its 150th anniversary this belief that the coalition Government’s programme will year, having been founded by the redoubtable Mrs Mary retain at its core the goal of creating one nation, in Tealby at a time when life for the human poor of this which all young people can discover and fulfil their city was very harsh, and for the unwanted animal even potential. harsher. The home remains on the front line of animal I pledge to do my very best for my constituents and to welfare in London and beyond, and has a key role to be a good parliamentarian. I commend the motion to play in policy development, particularly in contributing the House. to the debate about dangerous dogs and their often even more dangerous owners. 3.55 pm Battersea power station first provided energy to London in 1933. Its opening was accompanied by protests about Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab): I welcome pollution and widespread derision of Sir Giles Gilbert you to the Chair, Mr Deputy Speaker, and congratulate Scott’s now iconic exterior design—perhaps a salutary you on your elevation to such an important role. I also reminder to us about not rushing to judgment on new congratulate the hon. Members for Milton Keynes South buildings. The largest brick building in Europe, the (Iain Stewart) and for Romsey and Southampton North power station was listed in 1980 and last generated (Caroline Nokes) on their maiden speeches. I particularly electricity in 1983. It has lain dormant ever since, as congratulate the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Jason plans for its future use came and went. Most recently it McCartney), who, I note, has managed to get his office starred in “Ashesto Ashes”and, of course, the Conservative up and running, a feat that has defeated me so far—well manifesto launch, but most people in my constituency done on that. I also congratulate the hon. Member for want to see the power station star in the regeneration of Battersea (Jane Ellison). I note your reference to animal the Nine Elms area of east Battersea. welfare, which is a passion I share, and I hope that, if With over 200 acres of development land, right here and when the time comes, you will join Labour Members in the heart of this great city, and merely a mile from in voting against any attempt by your party to reintroduce this place, Nine Elms hopes to welcome the new American fox hunting in our country. embassy and the underground in the next 10 years. The scheme will also mean the redevelopment of the New Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. Could the hon. Gentleman Covent Garden market, the largest fresh-produce market please direct comments through the Chair? If you say in the UK. It is a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity “you”, it refers to me. for Battersea and for London. I know that there are sceptics, but I hope that they will be confounded, that Chris Williamson: I beg your pardon and thank you Nine Elms will become an exciting new riverside quarter, for that correction, Mr Deputy Speaker. I will endeavour and that the power station will live again. to ensure that I do not make that mistake in future. When completed, the redeveloped Nine Elms area Building a high-skilled economy is vital to the future will host thousands more homes and businesses. That prosperity of our country. I represent a constituency will also make my constituency bigger, so no need for that is founded on a high-skilled economy. In a previous boundary changes in Battersea. The construction of the speech in the Chamber, I referred to the occasion when new east Battersea is itself a fantastic opportunity. If Jeremy Paxman said, “Why can’t everywhere in Britain one glances inside the derelict turbine halls of the power be like Derby?” That is because we have been successful station, or at the art deco fittings in the control room, in Derby in developing a high-skilled economy. We were one is reminded of the care that was taken in its fortunate in having Rolls-Royce and Bombardier, which construction. As the daughter of an engineer, I feel have done so much to create a high-skilled economy, in passionately that the renewal of the power station and the city. The country could learn a lot from Derby. the wider area is a chance for hundreds of apprentices We have invested heavily in the city, thanks to support to hone their skills. I want many young people from our for training from the previous Labour Government. We area to get their chance for training and employment in have an excellent university and two new colleges, which the transformation of east Battersea, so that they can undertake extremely important vocational training, look with pride on their area and say, “I helped to build preparing young people for the world of work. We built that.” This morning I visited the Astins institute, set up 13 new schools under the Labour Government and and run by a private sector company with a view to employed many new teachers and teaching assistants, doing just that and equipping people with those skills. I who are essential to developing a high-skilled economy. hope that the Government will urge all employers to However, the Conservative party’s policies are taking take their skills training responsibilities very seriously. the country in the wrong direction if we want to develop Battersea is also home to the South Thames college, a high-skilled economy. The Conservatives are making an excellent higher education college passionate about the same mistakes that were made in the 1980s, when equipping its students with the skills to take their the previous Conservative Government systematically 1101 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1102 undermined and destroyed manufacturing—the bedrock Dr John Pugh (Southport) (LD): The hon. Gentleman of the greatness of our nation. They took away talks about the British train industry and construction opportunities for young people to move into work and in this country, but does he think it was a good idea that get the training that they needed. the previous Labour Government placed so many orders for extra carriages in Japan? Kwasi Kwarteng (Spelthorne) (Con): In a debate that took place yesterday, the Minister for Universities and Chris Williamson: Clearly, we live in a global economy, Science pointed out that manufacturing had collapsed in which orders are placed with different companies even further under the Labour Government than under around the world—Bombardier won some contracts, 18 years of the Conservative Government. I quote from but some went abroad—but the fact is that the Transport memory, but it went from some 22% to 18% of GDP Secretary said this morning that there is now no prospect between 1979 and 1997, and had decreased to some of Bombardier getting the Thameslink contract. 11% by 2009. Chris Williamson: The hon. Gentleman is being a Stephen Pound: Does my hon. Friend agree that one little unfair. He fails to recognise the huge expansion in tragedy of current British manufacturing and skills is the service sector. We can play with statistics, but in the that contracts occasionally have to go to countries such 1980s, there seemed to be a clear policy of undermining as Japan, which has invested more in Bullet train technology manufacturing in this country. The car industry was and other high-speed train technology, and that that destroyed and the steel industry was undermined. underlines precisely the point he is making? Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): Labour Chris Williamson: Absolutely—my hon. Friend makes Members consistently harp on about how Conservative a pertinent point. If we were to follow the lead of some policies in the 1980s affected manufacturing, but will of our competitor nations by investing appropriately in they say something about the damage done to industry skills, we would put our country, our young people, and by the aggressive trade unionism of the 1970s and the people who work in those sectors, in a much better 1980s, and might they take the plank out of their own position to secure their long-term future. eye before they look at the mote in ours? The parties opposite have also made proposals for Chris Williamson: Labour Members harp on about the regional development agencies. The RDAs have the 1980s because of what happened then. The policies played an important role, and the East Midlands of the previous Conservative Government damaged the Development Agency has made an important contribution car industry and shipbuilding, and manufacturing right to supporting industry in the east midlands and in across the piece in our country. It is completely wrong Derby. That has helped to create the job opportunities to blame trade unions for the systematic destruction of and the growth that are so desperately required. manufacturing in this country. We must not indulge in a race to the bottom. The Government seem to want us to move to a low-wage Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD): Will the hon. economy, but there is no future in that for this country. Gentleman comment on the actions of Red Robbo, We simply cannot compete on that basis, because we who closed down the old Austin Rover plant in the 1970s? will never match developing nations such as India, China and others and the wage rates paid to workers Chris Williamson: Again, hon. Members on the there. We must invest in those high skills that Derby Government side of the House are demonising trade excels in through companies such as Rolls-Royce and union activists, but Derek Robinson, to whom the hon. Bombardier. That is why I regret the announcement this Gentleman referred colloquially as Red Robbo, was morning about Bombardier, which will almost certainly simply arguing for more investment in the car industry. lead to redundancies. If we do not support such companies, He was saying that if the car industry did not get the they could go elsewhere, because they are global, and support that it needed, it would fail and be overtaken by they will simply bid for contracts from their European our competitors in Japan and Germany. His predictions— bases. dare I say?—actually came true, because the car industry in our country was completely destroyed as a result of If there is a market failure, it is essential for the state Conservative policies. to intervene and smooth out the difficulties, such as those afflicting the country as a result of the worldwide The Conservatives are making the same mistakes not economic downturn. If we do not do that, it will cause only in policy pronouncements, but in practical matters. significant problems for the economy—and for young Only this morning, the Transport Minister made it very and old alike. No jobs for people means lower tax clear that there will be no further orders for rail transport revenues to support our public services, and we will end rolling stock. Many people in my constituency work for up in a downward spiral to disaster. Bombardier, which is the last train manufacturer in the UK, and they were relying on the possibility of securing 4.7 pm the Thameslink contract. However, it now seems, after what the Transport Minister said this morning, that Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD): Like other hon. there is no prospect whatever of Bombardier securing Members, I wish to congratulate the hon. Members for that contract this year. That will certainly lead to Romsey and Southampton North (Caroline Nokes), for redundancies and make it much more difficult for young Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram), for Colne Valley people in training colleges in my constituency—if they (Jason McCartney), for Battersea (Jane Ellison) and for have been given that opportunity—to get the real jobs Milton Keynes South (Iain Stewart) on their maiden that are crucial to securing a high-skilled economy, as speeches. I made mine a few weeks ago. Like the hon. my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing North (Stephen Member for Liverpool, Walton, I did an apprenticeship, Pound) said. and it is some 52 years since I turned up in my brand 1103 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1104

[Gordon Birtwistle] to support colleges in acquiring the equipment that companies around the country need and in developing new boiler suit and boots at a large engineering company new technologies, and I am delighted that this has in Accrington called Howard & Bullough, then the happened. world leaders in machines for textile making. Regrettably, UCLan campus academics have developed what they it is no longer with us, like so many other companies believe to be the most efficient wind turbine in the from that time. world. It is only small—about 1 metre across—but they I agree that it is critical to build a higher-skilled have found that it has the most advanced centre bearing economy. We need to deliver the skills that will deliver in the world. We approached a local company, and it the jobs of the future, in engineering, chemicals, medicines, agreed to put £1 million into the development of the nuclear technology—both commissioning and new build— wind turbine to make it big enough to use onshore. It and the internet. Such high-tech, high-value jobs will has a 15-metre autoclave in its factory and can make deliver the products and services that are needed round carbon fibre blades for the wind turbine. Through the the world. Only 12 months ago, when I was leader of borough council, I asked the previous Government Burnley borough council, we heard that Rolls-Royce whether they would support the development of the was developing a new engine for a new range of airliners. wind turbine, a vast number of which will be needed Hon. Members may not know it, but over the next over the next few years. As everybody knows, we do not 25 years the single-aisle aeroplanes such as the Boeing make wind turbines in this country—we buy them from 737s and Airbus 320s will all be replaced. The cost of abroad—but unfortunately the previous Government replacing these will be in the region of $3 trillion. The did not want to support the scheme, so it has died and power packs and engines required for those aeroplanes the wind turbine is sat in an office in Burnley, waiting will cost in the region of $600 billion. That is a hell of a for someone to support its development. It would cost lot of work for the people who produce the aeroplanes about £4 million, but would create thousands of jobs and the engines and power packs to go with them. and save having to import wind turbines from abroad. I approached the leader of Derby city council and we The local company was willing to take up some of the visited Rolls-Royce, where we asked the main board loss, but unfortunately the scheme was rejected. That is whether these engines would be developed in the UK. It very sad in these days. said not and that it was hoping to develop them in We need to invest in new developments and in the Germany, Singapore and the far east. It also said that people to deliver them. We cannot stand by and look wherever it develops the engine it will most likely build back; we have to move forward and provide the skilled it—$600 billion of work that could have been done in people of the future, and I hope that what we are doing this country now might go abroad. with the 15,000 apprentices and what we are proposing I asked the Rolls-Royce board whether there was a to do about advanced manufacturing will deliver the financial inducement to building the engine overseas, people of the future, doing the jobs of the future and and it replied, “No, there is no financial inducement. In providing the work of the future. fact, it will cost us more money to develop this engine overseas.” The question went back, “Then why are you 4.15 pm doing it?”, and the question was put back to us, “Can you deliver 3,000 to 5,000 qualified, highly skilled graduates Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op): to design, build and develop this engine?” The answer I, too, welcome you to the Chair, Mr Deputy Speaker. from all present was, “Unfortunately, no.” Rolls-Royce This is the first time I have had the privilege of speaking replied, “If you can’t deliver the skills we need, we have in the Chamber while you have been in the Chair. May I no alternative to going abroad to develop this engine.” also congratulate all those new Members who have Some $600 billion of work over 25 years! That is an made their maiden speeches today? I have not heard appalling situation and an indictment of the last 30 years them all, but I have certainly heard most of them, and in the development of the skills of engineers and technicians on the basis of what I have heard those Members are that we need in this country. It has to stop, and I am going to make a significant and worthwhile contribution delighted that we are at least starting to deliver what to the Chamber while they are here. industry needs for the future jobs of this country. This debate, above all, is supremely relevant to my The town I represent has just got a brand new college constituents. West Bromwich West is a traditional on its university campus—a campus that is dedicated manufacturing constituency that suffered enormously to advanced manufacturing. The borough council in the 1980s from the policies of the then Government. invested more than £150,000 in a brand new, high-tech Unemployment rocketed, which resulted in the creation machine shop, which I would like the Minister to visit. I of a generation of people who saw no prospect of invited Rolls-Royce representatives to come and see this employment, and a culture of low aspiration, low new machine shop. They came all the way from expectation and low skills and training. Members said Barnoldswick, and while they were there, they had a earlier that we should not live in the past. That is quite conversation with the people from the university of correct. On the other hand, it is important that we look Central Lancashire and decided that because the new to the past and learn from the mistakes that were made, advanced engines would nearly all be made from carbon so that we do not replicate them. fibre, particularly in the cold engine section—the hot The mass unemployment in my constituency in the engine section will obviously still be made from metal—they 1980s and the substantial reduction in the manufacturing would like to work with the UCLan campus to develop sector resulted in a skills gap that, despite all the efforts it. The university has therefore purchased an autoclave of the Labour Government, has not fully been closed. to develop carbon fibre turbine blades for Rolls-Royce. Even as the economy and employment opportunities That is the advancement that this country needs and improved, there was still higher than average unemployment that will stop some of the work going abroad. We need in my constituency, and employers complained to me 1105 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1106 that the skills they needed still did not exist locally. The represent a constituency where there are people on very reason was that in the 1980s, as the economy went into low incomes, but I get a lot of complaints that the recession on two occasions and manufacturing collapsed, allowance is badly applied and often abused. no efforts were made to pick up those who had been made unemployed and retrain them with the skills to fill Mr Bailey: Certainly in its early days there were some the opportunities that would subsequently be created as complaints, but they have not been reflected in my our economy grew out of recession. The result of that constituency. I had a meeting with the principals of my was a drag on the local economy throughout the past 10 three local further education colleges only two weeks years of the previous Government, as they implemented ago, and they stressed to me and my neighbouring policies that led to economic growth. Conservative MPs the important role that the allowances What we must not see is the recent recession and the play in keeping young people between 16 and 19 in fragile growth that we have seen since then operating in education in our area. I want to emphasise to the the same way.It is fair to say that the previous Government Government that they need to sustain the EMA as part recognised that a recession provides an opportunity for of the infrastructure necessary to ensure that their those who cannot immediately get jobs or who have stated policy of open opportunity for young people in been thrown out of their jobs, given the right support, universities can be maintained. to get the appropriate training and skills that they have My hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff West (Kevin hitherto not had the opportunity to get, so as to equip Brennan) mentioned the transfer of money from Train them for the new jobs that will be created in the future. to Gain into apprenticeships and capital for colleges. I That I know was what was behind the previous want to make one comment on Train to Gain. I find it Government’s approach to dealing with the problem odd that, if it is so bad—the National Audit Office over the past two or three years. certainly had criticisms of it—it has not been abolished The current situation presents an enormous problem and the money transferred elsewhere lock, stock and in that respect, although I would not pretend that it had barrel. The Government seem to have created a hybrid arisen entirely as a result of the cuts that have been system. My experience of speaking to local employers is announced over the past two or three weeks. There were that Train to Gain was extremely beneficial, and there is potential problems beforehand, particularly with the a whole raft of statistics that substantiate their claims number of young people wanting to go into higher for the programme. Train to Gain was also essential for education and the places not being available. However, many companies that had introduced short-time working, it was the previous Government who made provision to help them to sustain a level of income for their for 20,000 new places and who put a particular emphasis employees to prevent them from going elsewhere or on providing the budget for the key STEM subjects— leaving the jobs market altogether, and to prevent the science, technology, engineering and maths—which are companies from losing their skills. vital if we are to equip manufacturing to take us out of I also want to say a few words about bureaucracy. recession. I have not heard any guarantees that this When Labour was in government, it was a constant Government are going to ring-fence the funding for theme among the Conservatives that we were strangling STEM subjects in universities to ensure that this area, education with top-down bureaucracy. Certainly, when which is so vital to our future, is sustained. This is I went round schools, I heard complaints about excessive particularly important because a number of universities paperwork and bureaucracy, and I cannot pretend for a are already reporting that, because the provision of moment that we were able to solve that problem. I am those courses requires higher capital investment, they concerned, however, that despite all the coalition could be the first on the list to be removed. We could Government’s brave words, they seem to be heading the therefore be undermining our scientific, engineering same way. and mathematical potential in vital sectors, at a time Earlier, I drew to the attention of the Minister of when it is so necessary to get us out of recession. State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, I also want to talk about a subject that I have not the hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings heard mentioned so far—namely, the education (Mr Hayes), a statement he placed in the Library today maintenance allowance. In constituencies such as mine, about getting FE colleges to give where people have low incomes and, historically, low “learners the information they need to drive the system, through aspirations, the provision of that allowance is essential the publication of clear and consistent information about performance, to give young people the confidence to go into further quality and standards.” education and, eventually, higher education. With the That sounds like fairly top-down instruction, a recipe increase in competition that is likely to arise for the for extra research that has no particular relevance to the lower number of university places—it might not be people being educated, and a whole lot of form filling lower in absolute terms, but it could be lower, relative to and publications that will siphon off money that could the demand for them—there is a danger that young well be used in other directions. I sympathise with the people from low income and low aspiration backgrounds Minister up to a point, because it is a perfectly laudable could be crowded out of the competition for the scarce objective, but the new Government have to realise that number of places. That will make the EMA strategically having laudable objectives and ensuring that they are even more important than it has been in the past, if we translated at the local level involves some sort of imposition are to ensure that university opportunities are open to and resources that have to be calibrated and calculated people from all backgrounds and incomes. to ensure that they are worth while. I am coming to the end of my comments, but let me Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): I wonder say that in my new position as Chairman of the appropriate whether other hon. Members receive complaints about Select Committee, I look forward to talking to Ministers the education maintenance allowance, as I do. I, too, and interviewing them on their policies. I wish them 1107 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1108

[Mr Bailey] award-winning villages and boost the local tourism trade, which is an increasingly important part of the well, as this matter is absolutely vital not just to my local economy. constituents but to young and unemployed people Pendle is a place of contrasts, where we have severe everywhere and to this country’s future and its position deprivation next to relative affluence. It is a place where in the global economy. Investment in skills is as important mosques sit side by side with mills, highlighting the as investment in plant and machinery, and it has the large number of my constituents who came originally additional benefit of improving the lives of those who from Pakistan or Kashmir. One of the first issues with are prepared to get involved. which I had to deal as a Member of Parliament was the senseless murder of three of my constituents, the Yousaf 4.26 pm family. They were gunned down while tending a family Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): First, let me say grave in Pakistan. Their killers are yet to be brought to how delighted I am to see in the Speaker’s Chair a justice, and I am committed to doing whatever I can to neighbouring MP who has given me so much support ensure that the family obtain justice through the Pakistani over the years. I should like to pay tribute to other hon. courts. On that issue as well as many others that affect Members who have made their maiden speeches today: my constituency, I will be at the forefront in pressing the hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram) Ministers and holding the Government to account, so and my hon. Friends the Members for Milton Keynes that the people of Pendle always know that they have a South (Iain Stewart), for Romsey and Southampton strong voice here in Westminster. North (Caroline Nokes), for Colne Valley (Jason The M65 ends in my constituency, in effect creating McCartney) and for Battersea (Jane Ellison). The last is one of the biggest cul-de-sacs in the country. As a a good friend; she stood in my constituency back in 2005, result, most of those who wish to travel cross-country and she is still remembered fondly in the local area. by road take alternative routes. We also lack rail connectivity. To stand here and make my maiden speech is a I pay tribute to the work of SELRAP—the Skipton tremendous honour, particularly in the light of those East Lancashire Railway Action Partnership. That group’s who have previously represented the constituency of aim is to reconnect Colne and Skipton, Lancashire and Pendle, or, as it was formerly known, of Nelson and Yorkshire and the north-west and the north-east, and I Colne—men such as Sidney Silverman, David Waddington applaud its efforts. and, for the past 18 years, Gordon Prentice. In fact, We have some of the lowest house prices in the while researching for my own speech, I learned that country. There is a high rate of empty and unfit homes, Sidney Silverman’s maiden speech back in 1935 lasted as people have moved away from the area and absentee 22 minutes and was on the merits of socialism. I am landlords have bought homes and sometimes entire delighted to tell you, Mr Deputy Speaker, that I can streets. It is clear to me, representing as I do some of the both make a maiden speech and dismiss the merits of cheapest streets in Britain, that regeneration work remains socialism within 22 minutes. vital to the long-term sustainability of the area. It is traditional to start a maiden speech by paying We lack an accident and emergency department since tribute to one’s predecessor, and despite the fact that ours was transferred from Burnley to Blackburn—which Gordon Prentice was my opponent in the recent election, is 15 miles away—under the last Government, despite I have no hesitation in doing so. Gordon Prentice was a the protests of local people. The local primary care principled politician and committed to many causes. He trust now wants the children’s ward to be transferred as was an independent thinker who rebelled against the well, but I am encouraged by the assurances of the last Government on issues such as tuition fees, the Iraq Secretary of State for Health that NHS service changes war and post office closures. He was an active Back are now subject to review. I look forward to him visiting Bencher and I feel that Gordon demonstrated to we Burnley General hospital tomorrow, along with my newer Members that we do not need have to hanker hon. Friend the Member for Burnley (Gordon Birtwistle), after ministerial office to achieve something in the who made an excellent speech a few moments ago. House. As I said in my acceptance speech just five weeks ago, The people of Pendle are hardy folk, and we face up it is the greatest honour of my life to be elected to well to whatever situation we find ourselves in. That is represent Pendle. Located in the hills of the Pennines in probably best typified by one of Pendle’s most famous north-east Lancashire, and some would say beyond, sons, whose memorial in Colne is close to where I live: Pendle offers some of England’s finest countryside, Wallace Hartley. Hon. Members who are not familiar including Pendle hill, from which my seat takes its with the name will, I am sure, be familiar with the story: name, as well as beautiful villages and busy towns. Wallace Hartley was a violinist, but he was also the bandmaster of the Titanic on her maiden voyage. The area is rich in history, not only with the story of the Pendle witches, which brings many visitors to the I am proud to represent a seat where a higher proportion area, but with our industrial heritage with the Leeds- of the work force are employed in manufacturing than Liverpool canal, numerous mills and other incredible in any other constituency in England, and I am delighted feats of engineering. The old industries of cotton and that manufacturing is back on the national agenda. I textiles have now all but disappeared, but the industrious was also delighted to read in the coalition agreement spirit of the area remains as strong as ever. that rebalancing the economy is a key Government aim Next weekend, my constituency plays host to one of and that the Government are committed to boosting the biggest events in the UK’s cycling calendar, with the the provision of workplace apprenticeships. national road race championships taking place through More than 8,000 people in my constituency are employed the villages of Roughlee, Barley and Newchurch. It is a in manufacturing, producing everything from Silentnight great opportunity for us to showcase some of our beds in Barnoldswick to the biscuits that are sold in 1109 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1110

Harrods, which are produced in Nelson. It was a real explanations behind those terms are somewhat dubious, pleasure for me, as a candidate, to visit so many of those and although I appreciate that Members are on tenterhooks firms over the past four years. It was a particular to know them, I shall leave that for another day. pleasure to take my right hon. Friend the Member for Members and others who have been fortunate enough Tatton (Mr Osborne), now Chancellor of the Exchequer, to visit Cleethorpes—which, as they will all be aware, is to visit Rolls-Royce and Weston EU—two great British the premier resort of the east coast—are referred to by companies, working in the vitally important aerospace we locals as “trippers”, and they are the lifeblood of the sector, that also have fantastic apprenticeship schemes. town’s economy. The constituency is, of course, They are real companies providing real jobs that generate much more than Cleethorpes itself. It runs from the significant value added for the United Kingdom. That delightful market town of Barton-upon-Humber in brings me to the topic of today’s debate: the need for us the north through many villages in the Barton and to build a high-skilled economy. Ferry wards of north Lincolnshire and on into north-east Last Friday, I had the pleasure of visiting Nelson and Lincolnshire and the major industrial centre of Colne college. The college has a long-standing tradition Immingham, which together with Grimsby has, when of academic excellence, and since 2005 it has twice been measured by tonnage, the largest dock complex in the judged “outstanding” by Ofsted. It provides academic United Kingdom. The seafaring traditions are strong, and vocational sixth-form education for about and Cleethorpes and Grimsby are, in effect, one town. 1,700 people—the vast majority of young people in my Although there is an historic rivalry between them, they constituency—but I believe that among the things that are bound together by their connections with the sea. make it so special are its unique pre-professional The Humber estuary itself is a site of special scientific programmes and its outstanding apprenticeship interest, and there is also a beautiful hinterland taking provision, with success rates well above the Lancashire in many of the villages on the edge of the Lincolnshire and national rates. Its tailor-made employer provision wolds—an area that has been designated an area of includes 14 individual apprenticeship frameworks to outstanding natural beauty. meet the needs of local and regional employers. Cleethorpes is also the home of Grimsby Town football It would be far better to address the current skill club, which therefore, strictly speaking, always plays shortages in the economy by supporting colleges such away from home. The club has had a difficult few as Nelson and Colne and fostering their links with seasons of late, but I am proud to be a lifelong Mariners business than by pursuing the last Government’s attempt fan, and I am confident of better times ahead. Bill to ensure that 50% of students went to university. Shankly has been mentioned on two occasions this However, we must also recognise that four out of five afternoon, and it is perhaps appropriate in a debate people who will be working in 2020 are already in the about training to mention that he served what might be work force. Given the damage done to occupational called his managerial apprenticeship at Blundell Park pension funds by the last Government and the probable before going on to higher things. I cannot quite remember increase in the state pension age, people are likely to be the early ’50s, but I did live within shouting distance of working for much longer than ever before. So we must the terraces of the football ground. The area is also have a strategy that ensures that training is not just fortunate to be served by an excellent combination of focused on young people but provides incentives to newspapers, which together help to create the identity employers to support lifelong learning and celebrates of the area. There are two dailies, the Grimsby Telegraph the good employers who are already doing that. and the Scunthorpe Telegraph, and a weekly, the Cleethorpes We also need a fair deal for British manufacturers, so Chronicle. that we can continue to be a world leader in sectors such Having given Members a snapshot of the constituency, as aerospace. British industry has been hampered by I wish now to pay tribute to my predecessor, Shona too much tax and regulation for too long. We know that McIsaac, who represented Cleethorpes for 13 years, tough times lie ahead because of the legacy left to us by during which time she worked diligently on behalf of the previous Government, and that will make building a her constituents and tirelessly for the causes in which high-skilled economy even harder. However, I look she believed. Having worked for almost 16 years for my forward to working with the Government to address the hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough (Mr Leigh), challenges that we face, while never shying away from I know well that many individuals have cause to thank speaking out on behalf of the hard-working people of their Members of Parliament for taking up cases, trying Pendle. to correct an injustice or bringing an issue to the attention of those in authority. On their behalf, I thank her for her efforts in that respect. She was, of course, bitterly 4.35 pm disappointed to have lost her seat but was gracious in Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): May I congratulate defeat. I wish her well for the future. both you, Madam Deputy Speaker, on your appointment Cleethorpes, although it has been pushed from one and the other Members who have delivered their maiden constituency to another over the years, has had some speeches this afternoon? In preparing my notes for this notable, interesting and perhaps even colourful speech, I turned, as I am sure colleagues also did, to the Members in the past. Before Shona McIsaac came guidance; I noted that it says that it is best to be brief Michael Brown and before that Michael Brotherton and non-controversial and—at least on this occasion, and Jeffrey Archer. Madam Deputy Speaker—I shall try to be both. I referred earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for It is, of course, a great privilege to be elected to the Gainsborough, who has just completed nine years as a House, particularly for me as I represent the constituency distinguished Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. that bears the name of my home town. That makes me I had the privilege of working as his constituency agent both a Lincolnshire yellowbelly and a meggie. The for 16 years, and he started me on the path that has led 1111 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1112

[Martin Vickers] eloquently about his constituency and, like many others this afternoon, on the subject of football. As someone me to the House: 10 years ago, after addressing the whose wife—who is in the Gallery today—is a fan of Cleethorpes Conservative luncheon club, he suggested Liverpool football club and has, in my opinion, a rather that I might try to become the candidate. worrying keenness for Steven Gerrard, I, like my hon. Today’s debate focuses on building a high-skilled Friend the Member for Colne Valley (Jason McCartney), economy and that is of particular importance to my will be trying to make the early acquaintance of the constituency, with its large concentration of industry hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram). along the Humber bank. As the new Member for the I am proud to address this House for the first time as constituency of Cleethorpes, I shall aim to build on the the first Member of Parliament for Central Devon. My work of my predecessors and the work done by local constituency was formed from parts of five others, so it authorities, industry and the many different agencies could be said to have five predecessors, two of whom I that come together to reinvigorate and redevelop an am pleased are still Members of the House. First, there area with which I have been associated throughout is my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Torridge my life. and West Devon (Mr Cox), who has set the highest We must develop further a high-skilled economy that standards in looking after his constituents—standards will benefit my constituency and the whole country. We to which I aspire. Like most lawyers, he has never been can then progress out of this economic downturn more slow to offer me wise counsel, but unlike most lawyers fully. We need to set the foundations for the future he has very graciously never charged me a penny for it. success that our young people deserve. It is our younger There is also the Minister for the Armed Forces, my generations who will be the backbone on which the hon. Friend the Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey). future of businesses relies. My fellow Lincolnshire Member, Although he is not a member of my party, he is often the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation held by my constituents who were previously represented and Skills, my hon. Friend the Member for South by him to be a bit of a Tory at heart. I am sure that that Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes), described this will be a good qualification for his new role as a in his opening remarks as a major challenge. I welcome Minister in our coalition, and I wish him well. the Government’s pledge to increase the quality and There are three other predecessors who are no longer quantity of apprenticeships that will be available. Members of the House, the first of whom being Anthony I hope that such pledges will further the work of Steen, who served as the Member for Totnes. I have facilities such as CATCH—the Centre for the Assessment found him to be immensely courteous always and sometimes of Technical Competence, Humber—and training providers marvellously eccentric. He is a compassionate man who such as HETA, the Humberside Engineering Training has done a great deal of good, not least through his Association, which operate there. During the election work addressing the dreadful situation of human trafficking, campaign, the Minister for Universities and Science, and I am sure that he will be missed by the House. who was then a shadow Minister and is now, I am Secondly, Richard Younger-Ross was the previous Member pleased to say, a member of the Government, visited for Teignbridge, and a very hard-working and assiduous the CATCH facility in Stallingborough and I think it local Member of Parliament. fair to say that he was suitably impressed. It is a joint Lastly, and for me most importantly, I pay tribute to venture between the public and private sectors, and it Angela Browning, the former Member for Tiverton and has an extremely good success rate in securing permanent Honiton, who was held in great affection on both sides positions for the young people who train there, educating of the House. She could not have been more supportive, and training today’s school leavers, so that they become generous and helpful to me. She was hugely respected not a lost and forgotten generation but a driving force by her constituents, regardless of their political leanings, behind the economic recovery that remains the key aim and I am delighted that she has now been elevated to of Government policy. the other place. In the coming months, I shall try to live up to these illustrious forebears, to be inspired by their With its industrial history and foundation along the example and to contribute to the House as they have Humber bank, the people of my constituency are hard- done. working people. Cleethorpes has a number of challenges and obstacles to overcome to secure the support and Central Devon is one of the most beautiful constituencies funding that is needed to ensure that the Government’s in the country. It is also one of the largest, covering vision of a fair and highly skilled economy is brought to some 550 square miles, including a third of Dartmoor all the constituencies of our country. As the Member of national park, numerous beautiful and scattered villages Parliament for the constituency, I hope to act as something and several fine market towns such as Okehampton, of an ambassador, bringing together all the elements of Hatherleigh, Chagford and Crediton, where, some the constituency—whether private, public or third sector— Opposition Members might be pleased to learn, Ernest that will help to build the future success of our economy. Bevin was schooled. They are welcome to come and If we work together, I am confident that my constituency visit, but strictly out of election time if they do not will enjoy a brighter future. mind. Other market towns include Buckfastleigh, Ashburton, Bovey Tracey and Chudleigh. 4.43 pm My constituency is steeped not only in beauty but in history. In my home town of Ashburton, a once important Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): I offer you my stannary town occupied with the trading of tin, there congratulations on your election, Madam Deputy Speaker. still exist two venerable and ancient offices—portreeve, I also congratulate all those who have made maiden the representative of the monarch, and master bailiff. speeches this afternoon, not least my hon. Friend the Both of those offices stretch back to the early 9th century, Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers), who spoke well before even your illustrious office had been conceived, 1113 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1114

Madam Deputy Speaker, and indeed to a time when the future generations must be sustained not just by hope ground on which we now stand was little more than a but by taking control of their destinies; and most important marshy outcrop of the River Thames. I offer my of all, that there is an age-old truth that the quest to congratulations to Mrs J. Distin, Ashburton’s newly create a stronger and better society cannot be left to the elected portreeve, who is the 1,189th holder of that planners, to the bureaucracies, to the well-meaning office, and to Mr W Shapley, our master bailiff. architects of the state, but must be gifted to those for Although Central Devon is an area of outstanding whom the consequences of success or failure are most beauty and interest, it is not without its challenges and keenly felt. hardships. It is a constituency in which agriculture The Government’s radical agenda for education and matters, so events that hurt agriculture have a major skills will represent a vital journey—a true quest for impact upon my constituents. In 2001, the foot and equality, of a kind not that seeks to push down to some mouth outbreak was centred around the market town lowest common denominator, but that seeks to raise of Hatherleigh, with devastating effects. The pall of people up by providing choice and opportunity for smoke that hung over that part of Devon from cattle every young person, irrespective of wealth, colour, race, being burned on their pyres will never be forgotten. creed or social background. Today, there is the challenge of bovine tuberculosis, I thank the House for its indulgence and wish the which costs 30,000 cattle a year in this country and Government every success in their vital endeavour. causes untold misery to Devon’s farmers. I am pleased that this issue is receiving the vigorous attention of our Government. 4.53 pm Many other serious issues affect my constituency, Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) (Con): I feel including the underfunding of our schools compared privileged to have this opportunity to make my maiden with other parts of the country. Devon is ranked 148th out speech; I might say that I feel 21 all over again. However, of 151 local education authorities in terms of central it is a real pleasure to do so during a debate that is so Government funding. There are many reasons why that fundamentally important to my constituents. My position is too low. I will continue to press on this constituents in Newton Abbott have a real issue, and matter for the sake of our local children, who have a that is deprivation. We need regeneration, and skills right to a fair share of education funds. have to be the route to regenerating the local economy, In this debate I wish to focus on schools, not least but before I move to that, let me pay tribute to my two because I have a strong belief that the greatest gift that predecessors, whom I share with my hon. Friend the any young person can receive, after a loving family, is Member for Central Devon (Mel Stride). that of a good education. For those who choose the Mr Richard Younger-Ross was very much loved by vocational path, it is vital that education be provided his constituents. He was a hard-working Member, and with the same energy and vigour as that afforded to the he pushed forward a number of issues that I shall also more traditional academic routes. I welcome the statement push forward relating to the inappropriate water charges of my hon. Friend the Minister of State responsible for in the south-west and the A380 bypass, which has skills and lifelong learning that there will be an extra continually deprived our economy of the growth that it £50 million of capital expenditure for further education needs. My other predecessor was, as my hon. Friend the and an extra 50,000 apprenticeships. He should be Member for Central Devon expressed, a colourful character. congratulated, as we should remember that education I reiterate my hon. Friend’s comments about the real and skills are important not just in and of themselves good that Anthony Steen did in putting human trafficking but to the life chances of our young people. on the agenda. I am pleased that he is carrying on with Education is the great highway of social mobility—for that work. individuals to move on and up, in many cases escaping Let me give the House a little of the colour and poverty and deprivation in the process. I say that as flavour of my constituency of Newton Abbot. If I someone whose mother and father left school at ages could give the Boundary Commission some advice, it 15 and 14, and whose life was transformed by the would be this: next time, can we change the name? winning of a free place at a grammar school. The Many people have told me that as they do not live in the greatest opportunity ever provided to me, that school town of Newton Abbot they feel completely disfranchised. became the foundation on which the rest of my life was My constituency is two thirds urban and a third built. I would like to see others have the opportunity rural. There are four towns, and until recently one of that I was privileged to receive. them, Kingsteignton, was the largest village in the country. I have long admired the ideas and the reforming My towns have interesting histories, but they have suffered passion of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State not just during the most recent recession but over the for Education and my hon. Friend the Minister of past 50 years because there has not been the investment State. They have fully understood the force for good in the south-west that it deserves. Newton Abbot had a that education and skills can represent, but they have proud history in engineering. In the days of the railways, done more than that. They have truly understood the in the 1950s, it was very prosperous, but I am sad to say disgraceful and inhumane waste that is represented by that only one large company—Centrax—is left. It is a continued educational failure—the appalling destruction proud example, but we need more. of life chances, especially among the least advantaged. Teignmouth is a typical fishing village. We still have a It is they who have understood the extraordinary power small port, so there is a real challenge in making fishing of choice; that choice will drive up standards; that sustainable. At present, our trawlers have to land at parents know better than bureaucrats; that giving power Brixham, a neighbouring seaside town—indeed, my to those who otherwise just have to take what they are original family home town—but that does not help my given is the key to raising up the less advantaged; that constituents. 1115 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1116

[Anne Marie Morris] their own. When I talk to people who have just been made redundant, I see that one of the challenges is Dawlish is absolutely beautiful. I encourage any Member getting extra training, which is really difficult. There is a who comes to my part of the world to pay it a visit. It is lot of training out there, but it is very hard to find a typical tourist seaside resort, with some of the most because there is no route map; and there is also not as beautiful views. It is probably best known for its long much funding available as there used to be. So I am stretch of railway. I am sure Members have seen adverts delighted to hear from our new Government that they showing the waves coming over the train. It is extremely are to streamline that and make it far more accessible. picturesque, but things have changed and across my For me, the skills agenda is a real opportunity for my constituency tourism and retail are the main generators constituency. It is a way of helping it to regenerate, and of economic wealth. Members will know as well as I do that is absolutely key. If I do nothing else in my term in that they do not pay very well. this Parliament, I will work to regenerate Newton Abbot; As the south-west is a beautiful part of the world, we to regenerate the four towns; to regenerate the villages; have attracted a lot of retired people, and 30% of the to make sure that farming, which my hon. Friend the population are more than 60 years of age. That presents Member for Central Devon has already mentioned, a challenge, because there is great disparity between the has a real future; and to put the south-west back on the cost of living and average income, which is why certain map, because it feels very much the poor relation and issues are particularly acute—water rates, for example. that is not right. I will be here, banging the drum to Many things need to be done. make sure that is not the case, until I finally leave this I turn to regeneration and the vital role of the skills House. debate. One of the most important things is to help children to aspire. At the beginning of the Parliament, I 5.1 pm heard a new Member make a very moving speech about Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con): I am how important it is that kids aspire, and in whatever we very grateful for the opportunity to make this, my bring forward I should like to see a method for making maiden speech, today.I understand that maiden speeches— that happen. It is partly about role models, so bringing first speeches in Parliament—are very like your first in second careerers, perhaps people from the forces, is child: easier to conceive than to deliver. absolutely the right thing to do. We need those role models. We need to involve local businesses in schools Rossendale and Darwen, the constituency I have the much earlier. Simply introducing the connection in the honour of representing, was previously held by Ms Janet fifth form—as it was in my day—is too late; it needs to Anderson for 18 years. During that period Ms Anderson start earlier. If we can do that, we shall make a big was a hard-working constituency MP, and will be well difference. remembered by many people in my area. She will especially We should try to improve quality and variety in be remembered for her pioneering support and work for education along the line—primary, secondary and tertiary. local Sure Start centres, and I take the opportunity to There has been a focus in tertiary education on what I pay tribute to her. can only describe as the intellectual professions, such as Rossendale and Darwen was formed in 1983, and the law and accountancy. There has not been a focus on first Member of Parliament was David Trippier—now careers as plumbers, engineers and electricians. Those Sir David Trippier—who I am sure is well remembered are all valid careers that require no less intelligence, just by many people in the House. Sir David still resides in intelligence of a different variety. I should like some the village of Helmshore, where my wife and I have our colleges to be the technical colleges that we all knew and current home. This is apt, as Helmshore is the geographical loved when we were younger. They should look at centre of the constituency, with the Robin Hood being proper hands-on training. When I visit colleges I am the actual heart of the constituency. For those Members distressed to find that because of health and safety and in the House who are avid readers of our two local all the other rules and regulation, education is all about papers, the Rossendale Free Press and the Lancashire bits of paper, not about students getting their hands Telegraph, that is not Robin Hood’s well, where I proposed dirty. Getting one’s hands dirty is an extremely good to my wife; it is the Robin Hood public house at the and valuable thing. There is a skills college in my centre of our village, where the beer, and the welcome, is community. I want it to be properly funded so that it second to none, especially on a Friday evening. can become a proper technical college, but we are only Rossendale and Darwen, being nearly 220 square miles, halfway through the process, so the Minister on the is formed of four separate towns—Whitworth, Darwen, Front Bench will be hearing from me about that issue Bacup and Rawtenstall. Each of these towns is separate going forward. from the other, and they are independent in both spirit Then there is the issue of linking tertiary education and mind while being similar in many ways. Each is with jobs, and for my money it is absolutely crucial that boarded by the lofty west Pennine moors, hemming we give apprenticeships a real chance. When I talk to them into deep valleys, with houses and mills alike with people with small businesses in my community, they steep mountains rising above them; and streams rush say, “Anne Marie, one of the challenges is that we through glens, giving the power that once drove the east cannot afford to take on apprentices, because at the Lancashire textile mills. moment all of the burden falls on the employer and it is There are also many villages in my constituency, with a huge burden.” I am therefore very pleased to see new small, close-knit communities, such as Belmont, Weir, initiatives from the new Government that will share the Turton, Hoddlesden and Tockholes. Those villages doggedly cost of apprenticeships. I welcome that 100%. cling limpet-like to the hillside during the winter months. Of course, we must not forget those who are coming Last winter, some were cut off from the outside world to their second, third and fourth career—often those for several weeks. In the summer months, the villages who have been made redundant, through no fault of are marked by horses paddock grazing, and I am sure 1117 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1118 that the village of Edenfield, in the electoral division of the Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Jake Berry), Eden, conjures into Members’ minds the appropriate whose maiden speech was well conceived and comfortably visions of pastoral bliss and long summer evenings. delivered. It is not the landscape, beautiful as it is, that binds I represent the constituency of Hastings and Rye. Of together this area of east Lancashire, but the character course, it is only us who call our areas constituencies. To of the people who live in Rossendale and Darwen. The my constituents, the constituency is home, where they first Member of Parliament to be killed in the second live and where they bring up their families, and I will world war was from the village of Stubbins in Rossendale. never forget that. Some six weeks since the general Captain Richard Porritt, a member of the Lancashire election, I still get a little lost going from one room to Fusiliers, was killed in Belgium on 26 May 1940, and he the next, and between staircases and lifts, but I remain is remembered in the Chamber with a shield to the right impressed, humbled and not a little relieved to be in of your Chair, Madam Deputy Speaker. Last November, these historic corridors and as part of this historic I had the honour of attending a Remembrance Sunday coalition. service in Whitworth with two current members of the Part of my responsibility is to live up to the example Lancashire Fusiliers just back from Afghanistan, who of the previous Member of Parliament for Hastings laid a wreath and cross in memory of their seven fallen and Rye, Michael Foster. He was the epitome of a good comrades. Many families in my constituency continue constituency MP. He was immensely popular, not just to have a strong connection with our armed forces. I because of the individual acts that he did for local believe that we in this country have the finest armed residents, but because of his high visibility locally and forces in the world and I shall do all that I can to his successful lobbying of the then Government for support them and their families while I am a Member of additional funds for the town. Unfortunately for him, the House. his popularity grew in inverse proportion to that of his It is apt that I am making my maiden speech during a Government, but I recognise that, through his service, debate about building a high-skilled economy because I he set a very high bar—one that I shall try to reach and, believe that Rossendale and Darwen can be in the hopefully, at some stage exceed. vanguard of rebalancing our economy to that of a The fruits of Michael Foster’s success are evident in highly skilled industrial economy. Rossendale and Darwen Hastings. We have a new train station, further education were at the centre of the first industrial revolution. college, and university centre, and two new state-of-the-art Rossendale was the centre of the world’s slipper trade, office developments. However, physical regeneration has while Darwen was the birthplace of wallpaper, and not yet translated into economic regeneration. Our both were major centres for the textile industry. Such offices are still largely empty, the train services are still was Darwen’s importance to the cotton trade that it was poor, and on the index of multiple deprivation, Hastings visited by Mahatma Gandhi in 1931 so that he could remains 29th from the bottom. We have some of the witness the effect of the Indian Congress party’s boycott lowest wages and highest unemployment in the whole of Lancashire cotton mills. country, let alone the south-east. Cynics might be forgiven This white-hot flame of innovation that led to the for thinking that Labour’s regeneration has been a invention of wallpaper and the introduction of the first triumph of style over substance so far. The make-up is power looms still burns in the breast of every young in place, but I am afraid that the wrinkles are still very person in my constituency, and we must do all that we much there. can to foster their full potential. I applaud the Government’s But deprivation is only one part of Hastings, and commitment to investing in workplace apprenticeships Hastings is only one part of an area of contrasts and to ensure that our young people, especially in Rossendale variations. My constituency feels very much like a and Darwen, have the correct menu of skills to continue microcosm of the country, with urban and rural areas, our strong tradition of local manufacturing. There are with farmland adjacent to idyllic estates, and with idyllic still many well-known manufacturing companies in my villages next to deprived wards. We are the custodians constituency, such as J&J Ormerod kitchens in Stacksteads, of England’s most famous date—perhaps more famous James Killelea steel in Crawshawbooth, Crown Paints than 6 May 2010. in Darwen and WEC engineering in Darwen, which was visited by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister Let me introduce colleagues to the wonderful aspects immediately before the election. All those well-known of my constituency. Hastings, Rye and the village of local manufacturing businesses provide high-skilled jobs Winchelsea were all parts of the Cinque ports, which for our young people. were put together in the 11th century to keep out seafaring invaders, and for the mutual benefit of trade The rebalancing of our economy is a key aim of the and fishing. Each place has its own unique character. I Government, as is set out in the coalition agreement. urge Members to spend their summer holidays with us. With a fairer and more balanced economy in which we They can enjoy local produce, the source of modern are not so dependent on the financial services industry, English history, top-quality entertainment, fresh air and in which economic opportunities are more evenly and exercise; and for the more sedentary among us, shared among our regions and industries, I optimistically there are fish and chips and slot machines. They can predict that Rossendale and Darwen will prosper and even walk in genuine dinosaur footprints, which may become a regional manufacturing superpower. appeal to some Labour Members. Tourism is an essential ingredient of what we have to 5.8 pm offer. Hotels and boarding houses boast that they have Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): I am grateful been popular with visitors since 1066. Visitors, of course, for the opportunity to deliver my maiden speech. I have not always been so popular with them. We have congratulate all new Members who have spoken so fantastic beaches, wonderful countryside and arguably elegantly and eloquently, particularly my hon. Friend the world’s most remarkable heritage. We have flourishing 1119 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1120

[Amber Rudd] that in Hastings and Rye by supporting better transport links and securing a fairer deal for fishermen. All we language schools, visited by students from all over the ask is a fair wind and an even keel. world, and a community that welcomes them with open arms, not to mention open tills, because we need the 5.17 pm business. James Wharton (Stockton South) (Con): Thank you, Like many towns, we suffer from the coastal problem Madam Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to address of being at the end of the line. Looking at previous the House for the first time. It is a nerve-racking moment, maiden speeches over the past 40 to 50 years, I see that made all the more so by following the excellent contributions there has been a recurring theme: transport. The A21 to from hon. Members throughout the debate, with Hastings needs renewing and improvement. Our survival constituencies ranging from Central Devon to Pendle, and prosperity depend on access. There is no point and Hastings and Rye to Rossendale and Darwen. I am having wonderful facilities if people cannot access them. therefore grateful for the courtesies that the House It unquestionably puts off employers and tourists, both extends to new Members during their maiden speech. I of whom we need, that it is so difficult to get to our part promise not to detain the House too long. of the world. I am talking of a constituency where Sitting in the House as Conservative Member for a 43% of the work force are in the public sector. We are constituency in the north-east of England makes me like an island. We know what way the tide is going; we something of a rare specimen, thought almost extinct need to attract the private sector to try to take up some just over a decade ago, but I assure hon. Members that of the unemployment. I fear that much of the money we are showing encouraging signs of life and energy that has already been spent in my constituency will fail once again. to improve the economy if we do not do something I follow in the footsteps of Harold Macmillan and about that. For too long, we have been the underprivileged Tim Devlin, as well, of course, as my most recent cousin of the south-east. Many of my constituents have predecessor, Dari Taylor. Ms Taylor represented Stockton, suffered terribly from an economy that has simply left South for 13 years, during which time she worked hard them behind. for her party and gave energetic support to the charity I have two important considerations for my constituency Cardiac Risk in the Young. of Hastings and Rye. The first is transport. I recognise All Stockton MPs follow in the footsteps of Joseph the particular financial situation in which we find Dodds, the first Member of Parliament for the seat. He ourselves—there must be cuts; we have inherited a won it when it was first enfranchised in 1868. He built difficult legacy. However, I urge Government Front up one of the largest majorities in the country in the Benchers not to make them to vital infrastructure projects, next 20 years, having won only narrowly when he was on which everything else depends. In my constituency, first elected. Unfortunately, towards the end of his they are: a link road to open up the area to more jobs career, there were what might be termed financial and more employers; improvements to the A21, and irregularities, and he had to resign his seat after being better rail transport. We must be accessible to prosper. made bankrupt. However, that was reported rather Conservatives understand above all the importance of more generously in the press of the time than might be enterprise and encouraging private sector growth so the case today. I hope it will not be taken amiss, or as that families and communities can grow on their own. not in the spirit of the new politics, in which those of us We have discussed the high-skilled economy, and I on this side of the House are so energetically engaged, if agree that we all need that for our country to advance. I say that Joseph Dodds was, of course a Liberal However, I would like to draw hon. Members’ attention Member for Stockton-on-Tees. to a very old trade. In Hastings, we have the largest It will be my aim over the coming years not only to beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe. In Rye, we have represent the good people of Stockton South and its an important port and fishing fleet. They have been surrounding towns and villages, for whose support and treated shamefully in the past 15 years. In the 1990s, confidence I am grateful, but to wave the flag for there were 44 fishing vessels leaving Hastings, now there Teesside. My predecessor, Tim Devlin, said in this House are 20, and the fishermen eke out a precarious living. 23 years ago: Those men earn their living in a traditional, honest and “It persists in the minds of southern folk who think that we environmentally friendly way, battling with the sea and northerners all live in back-to-back houses and keep whippets.”— the dangers of the deep. However, the common fisheries [Official Report, 4 November 1987; Vol. 121, c. 972.] policy, as enforced by the Department for Environment, Although some progress has been made in addressing Food and Rural Affairs, has made their lives impossible. perceptions of the north, there is much still to do. I In 2005, there were prosecutions of those fishermen. hope to play my part in ensuring that such perceptions The role of Government must be to help people, not put are challenged and corrected. In my own constituency, them out of business. Their way of life needs bailing we have vibrant towns such as Yarm and Eaglescliffe, out. Our Fisheries Minister understands the issue and which showcase the very best that this country has to the urgency and has visited Hastings twice, but we offer. There are also things that must be done: Ingleby cannot wait for a full renegotiation of the common Barwick needs more school places, Thornaby’s regeneration fisheries policy. We need change now, with the cod is not yet complete, and Stockton itself has a high street season approaching and difficulties ahead of us. We which, although not in my constituency, must be the need a Government who protect our fisheries and our focus of local efforts to secure real and lasting improvement. fishermen. I urge particular consideration of coastal The economy of the north-east of England is, and towns. has for many years been, dependent on the public The Government recognise the importance of promoting sector. I hope that over the coming years our private private sector growth. I hope that we can demonstrate sector might take on a more significant role, and I trust 1121 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1122 that the Government will make promoting and sustaining and that jobs and livelihoods are protected. We want to that private sector one of its key aims in these difficult grow, succeed and impress. I am confident that the new times. By building on the skills that we in the north-east Government will listen to what the people of the north-east region have, with our manufacturing and engineering have to say, and I look forward to working to secure a heritage, I believe that we can build a stronger economy, bright future for its people. regionally and nationally, which will benefit many Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for your indulgence generations to come. in calling me this afternoon, and in particular I want to Teesside as a whole needs to re-establish its true thank the people of Stockton South for putting their identity. Half of my constituency has been in Yorkshire, confidence in me and sending me here to speak to you half in Durham, all was once in Cleveland, and all was today and on however many other occasions I have the also once in Teesside, and now, confusingly, we are told pleasure to address the House. It is a real pleasure to that we are in the Tees valley, although I have yet to find serve the constituency in which I live and in which I was the Tees valley on any standard highways map. In brought up. I look forward to serving, and to working Stockton South we have Durham university and Teesside with Members on both sides of the House to ensure retail park, but we are served by Cleveland police and that the voice of the north-east is always heard here in Tees Valley Unlimited, and we celebrate Yorkshire day. Westminster and elsewhere. Should any hon. Members find that perplexing, I invite them to visit that wonderful part of the world, especially over the summer recess—I can assure Members on both 5.25 pm sides of the House that even in the north-east, we do Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con): It is kind of you, indeed have a summer. Of course, they could fly direct Madam Deputy Speaker, and generous of my hon. into Durham Tees Valley airport—or at least they could Friend the Member for Stockton South (James Wharton), have done when we had a direct service, which is another to allow me to speak. I know that the clock is against issue I hope to address and be involved with over the me, but I am no stranger to that. For many years, I coming years. Those of us who were born and raised in worked in television so I am used to the ticking arm Stockton can occasionally be heard to joke that we do and the fierce direction of a floor manager and director not have a county. That joke has worn thin over the who told me, in no uncertain terms, to shut up. I also years and I hope the new Government recognise the worked as a criminal barrister for 16 years, so I am also anomaly and work with myself and others to address used to someone firm in the chair telling me in even the current confusion. firmer terms to shut up, and on those occasions I never The people of Teesside are hard working and industrious, argued. and there are all the signs of real success and wealth, This is a great opportunity to pay tribute to my but all too often, as is the case in so many other places, predecessors and to give a short explanation of the they sit next to pockets of real deprivation and need. constituency that I have the honour and privilege to We must raise the sights of those who have looked down represent. I know that my hon. Friend the Minister at the ground for too long, and realise the true potential knows the answer to the question that many ask about hidden beneath the surface of the terrible jobless figures the exact location of Broxtowe. It does not exist on any and levels of personal debt which, for far too many map, but I urge all hon. Members to look at Nottingham families, have become the norm. It is by training and on the internet. If they zoom in to the western side, they education that that can be achieved. My part of the will see a stretch of land between the city and the border north-east has suffered more than most during the with Derbyshire. I urge those who travel up the M1 to recent recession, with the mothballing of our local come off at junction 25 or 26 and experience Broxtowe. Corus plant at Redcar, and the recent announcement It is a fine place, as my hon. Friend knows because his that Garlands, a previously highly successful local company, mother is one of my constituents. She lives in the village has gone into administration, so we must ensure that of Bramcote. our voices are heard loud and clear from both sides of the House. Many people would say, on visiting Broxtowe, that it is part of the urban sprawl, but last bank holiday I Our local entrepreneurs, such as Sir John Hall, Duncan spent two days walking—I had sore feet afterwards—across Bannatyne and Steve Gibson, are key drivers for our the constituency to enjoy the green belt. In that time, I economy, not just in the region but far beyond. We must saw all the places that I am so very proud to represent, support individuals like them, from the smallest new including Beeston in the south and more green areas businesses to the largest and most successful of enterprises. around Greasley, Giltbrook and Kimberley in the north. I want the north-east to be known as a place where business can be done. We have the skills and the spirit; I wish to pay tribute to another place in my we just need the chance to prove what we can achieve. constituency and thereby pay tribute to my predecessors. It is a hamlet called Cossall, which lies in beautiful Throughout history, the north has been a powerhouse rolling pastures. It has a fine tradition of mining, and driving this country forward. Since the days of the D. H. Lawrence’s fiancée had the joy of living there, but industrial revolution, Teesside has played its part—Sydney an unfortunate legacy from the mining industry is the Harbour bridge was made from our steel, and our coal threat of open-cast mining. The first Member of Parliament powered the engines of empire. My constituents have to represent Broxtowe—it was created in 1983—was sent me here to tell that to the House, to speak out for a Sir Jim Lester, who was well known and much loved in great place and to support the Government in their this House. He was followed by my immediate predecessor, work to tackle many of the problems that we now face. Nick Palmer. Both men have many attributes in common, The people of the north-east will look to the Government and I hope to share those in the years to come. They and to their representatives in the House to ensure that were moderate and reasonable in their politics, they the transition to a new economic model is successful, worked hard for the people they represented, and both 1123 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1124

[Anna Soubry] Denzel Washington, but 10 years later I look a lot more like Forest Whitaker. She has championed the Conservative joined in opposing any plans for open-cast mining in cause in London. I wish her well in her seat, and it is that beautiful green land. I seek to emulate both in my good that she mentioned Battersea Dogs Home—an time in this House. institution of which we in London are very fond. During my time here, it will be an honour and privilege The hon. Member for Pendle (Andrew Stephenson) to represent the people of Broxtowe, as others have said made me want to rush up to north-east Lancashire. I do about their constituencies. There are many new Members not claim it is an area of the country I know well and we bring diverse experiences to the House, but we enough, but I thought he gave a very eloquent speech in all hope to play a real part here. We will challenge and which he reminded us of that city’s manufacturing hold the Government to account, and we will ask heritage. questions whenever we can, but most of all we will The hon. Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers) represent our constituents. Many of us were selected also gave an eloquent speech. He was very kind about many years ago and getting here has been a long journey, his predecessor and reminded us that we must continue so we are well aware of the responsibilities that we all to rediscover the importance of our industrial heritage—the bear. We will take great joy and pleasure in representing Humber clearly played an important role in our history. our constituents and do our very best for them by bringing forward the causes that they all hold dear. The hon. Member for Central Devon (Mel Stride) could have got a job with a tourism agency in speaking about his constituency. His effective speech reminded us 5.29 pm not just of the industrial nature of so many of the areas Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab): Madam Deputy that we represent, but of the importance of agriculture Speaker, may I welcome you to the Chair and wish you and the skills that we need to support agriculture in our very well in your new role in the House? The House has economy. been at its very best this afternoon, and I have enjoyed Let me pay tribute to the hon. Member for Newton all the contributions, particularly the maiden speeches. Abbot (Anne Marie Morris), who made a warm and The subject of education and skills always brings out passionate speech. She placed a great emphasis on role the very best in Members. Indeed, for many of us, from models—an issue that I have also championed in the whatever party represented in the House, it is the reason House—and again, the beauty of the area that she that we came into public life, and we have seen that represents came across. today. The hon. Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Jake I congratulate the hon. Member for Milton Keynes Berry) also paid an eloquent tribute, not just to his South (Iain Stewart) on his contribution. He spoke constituency but, importantly, to our armed forces. warmly of his predecessor, Dr Starkey, who is remembered Historically, they have always played an important role fondly on the Labour Benches, and of Milton Keynes’ in this country, by providing so many men and women great heritage in higher education. I was pleased to visit with skills that have not just served our armed forces, the new university centre in Milton Keynes, and I hope but gone on to serve the wider community once those that he continues to support it in its work to extend men and women left the armed services. access and widen participation in that area. Of course, Labour Members are particularly fond of, and are keen Like the hon. Member for Central Devon, the hon. to remember, the great Open university and the heritage Member for Hastings and Rye (Amber Rudd) reminded of Jenny Lee and the Wilson-era Labour Government. us of the importance of seaside areas and the work that we must continue doing, particularly in the south-east, We heard a fantastic and wonderful speech from my where there remain acute pockets of deprivation. hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram), who I know was a very effective mayor of The hon. Member for Stockton South (James Wharton) Liverpool during its year as capital of culture. He is a tribute to the north. He is keen to keep Stockton on included many of the football references that we hear in the map, as his predecessor was, despite the boundary the House. He obviously has big shoes to fill—many of issues affecting his constituency. us remember Peter Kilfoyle fondly—and I particularly I was not surprised that the hon. Member for Broxtowe enjoyed his reference to growing up on an estate; and (Anna Soubry), being a barrister, managed to cram a those of us who grew up in very humble circumstances lot into her speech in the time available. I look forward wish him well in his endeavours to remind the House to her contributions in the Chamber over the years that there are many people a long, long way from this ahead. Chamber. Let me turn to the returning parliamentarians. I am We also heard an eloquent and articulate speech from grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, the hon. Member for Romsey and Southampton North Selly Oak (Steve McCabe) for reminding us of the role (Caroline Nokes). I hope that she will not be overwhelmed of group training associations in extending apprenticeships by liberalism, as she referenced in her speech. I am sorry and helping small businesses in particular to take part that I was not in the Chamber to hear the hon. Member in our wider apprenticeship schemes. for Colne Valley (Jason McCartney), who made many My hon. Friend the Member for City of Durham football references, so I will look at them in Hansard (Roberta Blackman-Woods) has tremendous expertise tomorrow. He spoke warmly of his predecessor, who in higher education issues, but she also reminded us of was well respected on the Labour Benches. the importance of the Leitch targets. I hope that when I know the hon. Member for Battersea (Jane Ellison) the Minister winds up we might hear something about because she stood against me in Tottenham in 2000. She whether the Government remain committed to those will remember that back then I looked a little more like targets. 1125 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1126

My hon. Friend the Member for Derby North (Chris It is a great shame that the Minister for Universities Williamson) was right to remind the House that Derby and Science, the right hon. Member for Havant remains an exemplar city, owing to its unique combination (Mr Willetts) recently referred to students and young of both skills and manufacturing. There is much that people as a “burden on the taxpayer”. Students are we can learn from the success of that part of the never a burden on the taxpayer. Underlying his statement country over the most recent period. We all want to is a certain view of the state and a suspicion of the replicate that success in different parts of the country. contribution that the state makes to advancing the I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for West cause of a high-skilled economy. We will take every Bromwich West (Mr Bailey) on his election as Chair of opportunity to challenge such assumptions over the the Select Committee on Business, Innovation and Skills, coming months. and on his thoughtful speech. We all look forward to The Minister of State, the hon. Member for South hearing more from him in these debates over the coming Holland and The Deepings has announced the creation years. of 50,000 apprenticeships, but he is not in opposition I congratulate the hon. Member for Burnley (Gordon now, and he must remember that he does not have those Birtwistle) on his advancement of the cause of UCLan 50,000 apprenticeships until he has delivered them. The university in his constituency and on reminding us of people who will actually deliver them, however, are in the industrial heritage of his area and the importance of business and industry. Achieving that will take a lot of companies such as Rolls-Royce. hard effort over the coming months, because I do not We also heard from my hon. Friend the Member for think that he is suggesting that the money that he has Bridgend (Mrs Moon), in an intervention. Importantly, set aside will pay the salaries of those young apprentices. she reminded us not just of the role of universities—she He is still expecting business to do that. So, at the spoke about Cardiff—but of the many spin-out companies moment, he has delivered only one apprentice: the that emerge from universities, taking skills back into the public apprentice, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. I community, as people graduate and create companies. wish the Minister of State well, but we will be looking They are illustrations of the huge success of “Science hard at the detail over the coming months, and he will made simple”. expect me to penetrate fiercely some of the hyperbole in his comments. Let me come to the contribution of the Minister of State, the hon. Member for South Holland and The 5.44 pm Deepings (Mr Hayes). I have had exchanges with him The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, across the Chamber for about four years—first in my Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Davey): It is a great role as the Minister for Skills and then as the Minister pleasure to welcome you, Madam Deputy Speaker, to for Higher Education. I look forward to the debates the Chair. Youand I debated with each other over many that we will have over the coming months. He has years while you were a Minister, and I particularly always described himself as a high Tory. As a consequence, remember when you were Paymaster General. I know he has an elevated—some might say levitated—status in that, given your knowledge of the tax system, you will the Chamber. I know his constituency well; I remember be looking forward to chairing a debate on the Finance it fondly from my days as a Peterborough cathedral Bill to take you down memory lane. chorister. I suspect that he can be found on a Sunday This has been a high-quality debate which has been engaging in amateur dramatics in the village halls around conducted in a cross-party way, as different right hon. Spalding, playing Hercule Poirot or even Miss Marple. and hon. Members have made positive contributions. Mr Hayes: Or a mix of the two. As my hon. Friend the Minister said in his opening remarks, he is listening to the contributions of all Mr Lammy: Indeed. Members. We have also heard about football and have I was disappointed not to see a reference to higher almost had an exercise in VisitBritain as we have gone education in the motion and not to hear much from the around the country. hon. Gentleman about its importance. It is my view—I I will not be able to talk about every maiden speech, hope that it is his—that a world-class university system but their overall quality was superb. When I made my is central to a high-skilled economy.I grew up in Tottenham maiden speech, I was rather more nervous than those during a very difficult time in our history—and as an delivering the self-confident and assured maiden speeches ethnic minority in troubled and difficult times—and I that we have heard today. If I may, I shall take a tour am very proud of all that we have done to widen access d’horizon of those speeches. We had cock and bull from and extend opportunities for poorer and non-traditional the hon. Member for Milton Keynes South (Iain Stewart); families and for ethnic minorities across the country. It we had a Conservative club haunted by Roundheads was a huge achievement for the Labour Government to from the hon. Member for Romsey and Southampton widen participation to 44% and to enable more young North (Caroline Nokes); and we had a Yorkshire vineyard people and more black and ethnic minorities to go to from the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Jason McCartney), university than ever before. as he talked about the “Last of the Summer Wine”. When we look at constituencies in inner-city Liverpool, Two hon. Members showed great perception in how Birmingham and Manchester and at the pockets of to represent their constituencies. I am thinking of the deprivation in the cities, towns and villages that we have hon. Members for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers) and for heard about today, and we see young people—whose Rossendale and Darwen (Jake Berry), as they listed parents would never have dreamed of going to university— their local newspapers in their speeches. I have always going into higher education, we realise the major found that when I talk about the Kingston Informer, the contribution that the Labour Government made to our Kingston Guardian, the Surrey Comet and Radio Jackie, high-skilled economy. It is important that that should it is always a very good way of representing one’s continue. constituents. 1127 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1128

[Mr Edward Davey] Mr Davey: What I have noticed about the targets set by the previous Government—which the right hon. As I mentioned earlier, we also heard about football, Gentleman mentioned in his speech—is how often they as Members talked about the various football clubs in were not met. The Government set target after target their constituencies. I have to make a confession—I am which they then failed to meet. The right hon. Gentleman a Kingstonian fan because they play in Kingston, and I spoke of the targets that they set for apprenticeships, am also an AFC Wimbledon fan, as the club shares the but they set those targets and never met them. We will Kingsmeadow ground. I have to say to the hon. Member meet our target, and I believe that we will meet it within for Milton Keynes South that although he has the the next 12 months. I hope that the right hon. Gentleman MK Dons, we have the real Wimbledon playing in my will soon eat his words. constituency. I also have to confess that, although I was We heard an awful lot today about the importance of born in Nottingham and my first team is Notts County, manufacturing industry. I believe that the Government’s I am also a Liverpool fan. Let me explain why. I was the skills programme will ensure that it receives the support only member of the class who was a Notts County fan that it deserves, at the basic skills and education level. during the Clough years, so I had to support one team Labour Members may complain about the state of that was giving Nottingham Forest a hard time. manufacturing industry, but they have a poor record in I therefore particularly enjoyed the speech of the that regard themselves. The hon. Member for West hon. Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry), as I know Bromwich West (Mr Bailey), the new Chair of the her constituency fairly well. I have never lived there, but Business, Innovation and Skills Committee—I welcome I used to go to Nottingham university boating lake. I him to his post—made a thoughtful speech on the will not go any further into that, but we had some nice subject, but I think he should bear in mind that whereas times there. As a student, I worked in Boots, which has in 1997 manufacturing represented 20% of the United a factory in the hon. Lady’s constituency, and during Kingdom economy, by the time the Labour Government my student vacation I helped to make pork pies for left office the proportion had fallen to 12%. Northern Foods. I am not sure whether politicians should confess to making pork pies, but when students Mr Bailey: Will the Minister not acknowledge that were making them, complaints from consumers went one of the reasons for that was the huge increase in the up—I hope that it was nothing to do with my skills. service sector? It did not reflect an absolute decline in As Members from both sides of the House addressed manufacturing. the substance of today’s debate, we heard about how they and organisations in their constituencies are playing Mr Davey: Of course that is true of many modern a critical role in improving our country’s skills. The hon. economies, but I think it ill behoves the Labour party to Member for Milton Keynes South was quite right to criticise this Government in their early days, given that talk about the Open university. As we debate higher its own approach to manufacturing industry was not to education, the model of the Open university is one that turn the tide and go against the trend. people will want to replicate. I speak as a former student, Although we have a huge amount in common, when now a fellow, of Birkbeck college, where part-time Labour Members talk about the skills agenda they education is also key. We really need to engage in a more sometimes forget some of the record of which they flexible approach to higher education, and the Open should be less proud. I am thinking particularly of the university has a lot to contribute in that respect. quangocracy that grew up around the skills agenda. We heard about the university of Southampton from There is currently a patchwork quilt of quangos involved the hon. Member for Romsey and Southampton North, in that agenda. Members may be interested to learn and we also heard how a number of Members had been how the position has changed. In government, the apprentices. We heard from the hon. Member for Liverpool, Labour party did not just create the existing quangos, Walton (Steve Rotheram) about his time as an apprentice but created quangos, abolished them and created new bricklayer. We heard from my hon. Friend the Member ones, all within 13 years. The fact that that instability for Burnley (Gordon Birtwistle) about his apprenticeship and reinvention happened time after time shows that as a textile machine manufacturer. the Labour Government never really had a true vision. They constantly spent large amounts on new quangos That is why this Government are so proud, in their while failing to get some of that money to the grass very earliest days, to have put extra money into the roots—to our communities. A lot of money was wasted apprenticeship scheme, and to have set a target of then. 50,000 new apprenticeships. The right hon. Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy) seems to jest—how could we When the last Government set up the Learning and be so bold as to want to create 50,000 new Skills Council, I was sent strategy after strategy by that apprenticeships?—but we are very proud to have set august body. At first I thought that I had a real duty to that target. The right hon. Gentleman appears to consider read every single page, but when I visited the LSC and it unachievable, but I can tell him that I have discussed it talked to its representatives, I realised that most of with my hon. Friend the Minister and with officials, those strategies would never come to anything. I am and we are certain that we will meet it and do better as afraid that that happened time and again. Huge time goes on. I hope that in due course, when we have amounts were spent on quangos, reports and achieved our aim, he will pay this coalition Government consultancy, but less money went to the companies and the credit that they deserve. learners who needed it. We believe that the need to rationalise the quangocracy in learning and skills is a key issue, and we will deal with it. We will do so while Mr Lammy: I wonder whether the hon. Gentleman also having to look at the spending issues in this area, can tell us when we will see those 50,000 apprentices. and there will be huge challenges. I do not think there is 1129 Building a High-Skilled Economy17 JUNE 2010 Building a High-Skilled Economy 1130 anyone in this House or involved in FE, HE or the Wolverhampton South East (Mr McFadden): will there education system in general who does not realise that be more or fewer learners as a result of the announcements we face difficult choices in this area, but we are absolutely made today? The House has a right to know. clear that we will do our best in the money that we have got into apprenticeships and into the capital programme Mr Davey: Well, one of the things the House needs to for FE to ensure that the priorities get the funding they understand is that we have a different approach to FE deserve. and HE. We do not believe we can sit here in Whitehall and have a centralised system that we micromanage, Mr Pat McFadden (Wolverhampton South East) (Lab): and that we can then suddenly guarantee that there will As the hon. Gentleman has mentioned apprenticeships be x new trainers, x new learners and x new places, as again, can he tell the House whether, in the 12 months the right hon. Member for Tottenham and his friends he is talking about, if we take together what he and his used to do. That is why they failed so often: they took a colleagues are proposing on Train to Gain and centralised, top-down approach. apprenticeships, more learners will be funded by the We will ensure that our approach is employer-led and Government or fewer? learner-led. That is why we are working with businesses to make sure our schemes and proposals get the support Mr Davey: That is interesting. We have to compare that they will need from those areas. That is a very that with what the previous Government were planning. different approach. We know that, as we meet the When we looked at the funding issues facing us, and the challenges ahead of us, the private sector will have to be very difficult choices, we saw that the previous Government involved and be working with the Government. Far too were planning £340 million of cuts in adult further often, the private sector was too much of an afterthought education and skills this year. That is actually happening in how the right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues this year, and I hope the colleges and students—and the planned their skills agenda. employers—who are having to deal with the financial Change is inevitable and, as Dr Johnson said: situation imposed by the cuts realise that the people “Change is not made without inconvenience, even from worse who are to blame for that are sitting on the Opposition to better.” Benches. So there will be difficult choices. We will not shy away from them, but when we have to make those difficult Mr Lammy rose— decisions, it will be the employers and learners who are uppermost in our mind, not the bureaucrats and the Mr Davey: Before I let the right hon. Gentleman in, quangos and the consultants, where all the money was let me say that I hope that when he gets to his feet he wasted under the last Government. admits to the House that it is under his previous We have had a constructive debate. I say on behalf of Government’s plans that we are seeing a 3% reduction my hon. Friends and fellow Ministers in the Department in funding rates for college-based provision, a 10% that we are keen to listen, even to ideas from former reduction for 25-year-old and over apprenticeships and Ministers who may at last realise that many mistakes a 6% reduction in other work-based learning. This is were made and want to begin to confess. I hope that what we are having to deal with, and it is creating huge through working across parties and with the Select problems, as he ought to know. Committee and new Members, we can revitalise and invest in the skills our economy so desperately needs— Mr Lammy: It is the hon. Gentleman who is in government so I think he ought to answer the question 6pm put by my right hon. Friend the Member for Motion lapsed (Standing Order 9(3)). 1131 17 JUNE 2010 Transport Infrastructure 1132 (Nottingham) Transport Infrastructure (Nottingham) outbound and more than 10 minutes per 10 miles travelled inbound. In 2007, the East Midlands Development Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House Agency commissioned a study that found that the cost do now adjourn.—(Miss Chloe Smith.) of congestion to Nottingham businesses came to £160 million a year, so it is no surprise that three years 6pm ago partners in the region agreed that it was the top Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): Madam priority for regional funding allocation. That was confirmed Deputy Speaker, I am very grateful for this opportunity again in 2009. to raise issues that concern not only my constituents but There is also a human cost to the congestion. Driving the wider Greater Nottingham conurbation and our through Clifton, one sees far too many flowers at the region. May I say what a pleasure it is to see you in the roadside that are a reminder of the A453’s terrible Chair today? I also thank my hon. Friends the Members safety record: accidents are 33% higher than the national for Nottingham East (Chris Leslie) and for Gedling average for rural roads and 23% higher than the national (Vernon Coaker) for coming along to lend me their average for urban roads. Between 2003 and 2007, there support. were 167 personal injury accidents of which two were Nottingham is very fortunate to have one of the best fatal and 31 serious. Residents and business leaders, city integrated transport systems in the country, but that did councillors, district councillors and county councillors, not happen by chance. It happened because there was and Members on both sides of the House all agree that political will, because the city council worked closely the A453 desperately needs improvement. with partners in the county and with local businesses, Nottingham has been waiting for something to be seeking to build consensus wherever possible, and because done for almost 30 years. The latest scheme will provide we are fortunate to have great people working in the city a “civilised road”—one that provides extra capacity, but to deliver our collective vision. is sensitive to the needs of Clifton residents who live Indeed, the Department for Transport has designated alongside it. Planned improvements have been delayed Nottingham as a centre of excellence for local transport twice before and we need it more than ever—so please, delivery.More recently, the council received a comprehensive Minister, do not disappoint us again. area assessment green flag for public transport improvement I read in the Nottingham Post that the Lord Chancellor and was described as “getting better and better”. However, and Secretary of State for Justice, the right hon. and it is not those warm words that I want the Minister to learned Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke) has already, attend to today, but the real achievements that make as he put it, “had a go” at the Secretary of State for Nottingham’s case for further investment compelling. Transport regarding this matter. I hope that the Minister Over the past five years, Nottingham has contained will work with his colleagues in the transport team to traffic growth and congestion levels. There has been secure the scheme’s future and, if necessary, to make increased public transport use, fatal and serious accidents representations to the Treasury on behalf not just of the have been reduced and we have encouraged many more 270,000 people who live in the city or the 750,000-plus people to walk or cycle rather than to jump in their cars. people in Nottingham’s travel-to-work area, but of the I am proud of our record, but we know that there is still people who will be filling the 20,000 new science and much more to do if we are to have a transport system technology jobs that we hope will be created in the city that is fit for purpose in the years ahead—one that by 2020. supports economic growth rather than hampers it and The second element of Nottingham’s plan for a modern, encourages greener, eco-friendly choices. integrated transport network that I want to raise with When it comes to investment in infrastructure, short- the Minister is Nottingham express transit phase 2—turning termism just will not do. We have to think and plan for our tramline into a tram network. Tramline one opened the long term and that is why Nottingham has been in 2004, and its success has exceeded expectations, developing three key capital projects to make the city an attracting 10 million passengers a year. Yes, it required even better place to live and work, to attract inward considerable investment, and, yes, the construction work investment, to create jobs and to get the local economy was disruptive, but I urge the Minister to come for a moving. These projects will regenerate neighbourhoods, ride across Nottingham on the tram to see at first hand link socially disadvantaged communities with training what a difference it has made. I urge him to come and and job opportunities, improve the environment and see the park-and-ride sites, including those at Phoenix cut carbon emissions. I know that they are not just park and Forest recreation ground, which are full to objectives that the Minister will welcome but the stated bursting every day. Some 3 million car journeys have priorities of the coalition Government, so I am very been removed from the city’s roads and there has been a hopeful that he will give a positive response. 30% increase in public transport use in the north-west Let me say a bit more about the three projects on corridor of the city. I like our buses, and they are a vital which I am anxious that he should focus. The A453 links part of the mix, but on their own they cannot achieve Nottingham to the M1, the A50 and East Midlands that level of modal shift—getting people out of their airport. It is the main trunk road from Nottingham to cars and on to public transport. For the A453 scheme Birmingham and is a vital link in our transport network. really to work, even with a widened A453, we need a According to the most recent data, the A453 is the most significant proportion of the people who are coming congested road in the country. Delays are particularly towards the city to transfer to public transport at a bad at peak times and the 9-mile stretch between park-and-ride site on the edge of Clifton. Nottingham and Kegworth is rated as the worst section I urge the Minister also to come and see the regeneration, of the national strategic road network, with the average inward investment and sustainable development that vehicle delay doubling in the last five years. Delays can have been achieved along the line one route. Perhaps he be expected of almost 15 minutes per 10 miles travelled will even share my enjoyment regarding the inspiration 1133 Transport Infrastructure 17 JUNE 2010 Transport Infrastructure 1134 (Nottingham) (Nottingham) it has provided to small local businesses. I admit that The mechanism is in place. So I hope that he will give every time I pass the snack bar in Hyson Green called his backing and the backing of his Department for this Tramwiches, it makes me smile. exciting expansion of light rail in the UK. Last but not least, I want to draw the Minister’s Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): My attention to the Nottingham hub—the £67 million station hon. Friend mentions Hyson Green in my constituency. improvement project to be jointly delivered by the city Does she agree that as phase 2 of the tram project is a council and Network Rail to transform our railway private finance initiative, funded in part not so much by station into the sort of modern transport interchange grant but by revenues generated from some quite tough that the city needs. Everything is in place between the decisions having been taken about workplace parking city council and Network Rail. The only piece of the levies and so forth, it is potentially less burdensome on jigsaw that is in doubt is the contribution from East public borrowing levels because of the re-phasing potential? Midlands Development Agency. We in Nottingham As a consequence, it might be a good candidate when value EMDA and the important role that it has played ranked against other schemes that the Minister is in the city and the region. Securing its future is a considering. discussion for another day, but we hope that the changes to regional development agencies will not be allowed to Lilian Greenwood: I thank my hon. Friend for that undermine this project and the opportunity to create a helpful intervention. wonderful new entrance to the city. NET phase 2 received approval because it will deliver Earlier this week the Prime Minister spoke about the for the city and the conurbation. It will take a further review of spending commitments and said: 3 million car journeys off our roads and will provide at “Projects that are good value for money and consistent with least 50% of the additional capacity needed to avoid the the Government’s priorities will go ahead.”—[Official Report, transport gap that threatens the economic vitality of 16 June 2010; Vol. 511, c. 868.] the conurbation. There will be 2,500 extra park-and-ride I know that we in Nottingham can demonstrate that spaces, better integration with the railway station and our plans meet this test. Can we afford to go ahead with hugely improved access to and from the south and west these schemes? The real question is, “Can we afford not of the conurbation. It will link people, some of whom to?” and the answer is most definitely no. These transport live in wards in which 60% of the population do not schemes are absolutely vital to the economy of Greater have access to a car, with the Queen’s medical centre, Nottingham and the East Midlands region. They will which is the city’s main hospital, as well as with both deliver on jobs, on regeneration, on cutting unemployment our universities, with local college campuses and with and on improving access to training and skills. They 2,000 workplaces, including 20 of the city’s 30 largest will help us to meet the targets for a greener low-carbon employers. It will also promote equality of opportunity, future. They represent excellent value for money. If we as line one has done, by improving transport access for need to be a bit more flexible on what we are asking for, the elderly, the disabled and those on low incomes. tell us. We will be, but do not leave us stuck in the slow lane when it comes to economic growth. It would be Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con): Will the hon. Lady short-sighted and very costly to delay these well-thought please explain which wards in the city council will out, well-planned projects for the sake of small savings benefit from the tram but are those in which she says now. 60% of people do not have access to public transport? As I draw my remarks to a close, I would like to ask the Minister the questions that people in Nottingham Lilian Greenwood: The wards are those such as Clifton are asking me. Have the Government produced an South in the city and places such as the Meadows, analysis of the impact that delaying or cutting these which I wanted to talk about. The Meadows and Clifton projects will have on local and regional economic growth? are two areas of my constituency that suffer from significant What criteria will the government use to assess which social disadvantage, including high unemployment, low major projects to continue funding? When will the skills and low educational attainment. Clifton also has decisions be made and who will be making those decisions? a disproportionate number of pensioner households Finally, will the Minister accept my invitation to and a large retirement village. The tram will transform come to Nottingham to see the congestion we face on those communities, regenerating their neighbourhood the A453, to enjoy a trip on the tram, to look at the centres and offering full accessibility for people with exciting plans for the railway station and to hear from mobility difficulties, including wheelchair and motorised residents, businesses and councillors from all parties scooter users, and it will provide a vital link to workplaces about why investing in our infrastructure is vital for the and training providers. But most important, it will future of Nottingham? bring jobs. The Centre for Economic and Business Research projected that between 4,000 and 10,000 new jobs would be created by NET phase 2. All this, and a 6.13 pm hugely positive impact on the environment—cleaner air The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport and a healthy cut in carbon emissions—make this scheme (Norman Baker): I begin by congratulating the hon. well worth investing in and excellent value for money. Member for Nottingham South (Lilian Greenwood) on I am delighted to know that the Minister is a fan of securing this debate on transport infrastructure for light rail, and I know that he is fully briefed on Nottingham’s Nottingham and the surrounding area, and on the tram. I certainly welcomed his comments earlier in the comprehensive and persuasive way she put her case this week at the parliamentary tea for light rail when he said afternoon. I am aware that she made her maiden speech that local funding was a matter for local people. He in the House a few weeks ago and mentioned both the knows that the local funding for Nottingham is secure. A453 and the Nottingham tram. I am now pleased to be 1135 Transport Infrastructure 17 JUNE 2010 Transport Infrastructure 1136 (Nottingham) (Nottingham) [Norman Baker] Before I respond to the hon. Lady’s specific points, I acknowledge Nottingham city council’s high reputation responding to her first Adjournment debate on a subject as a transport authority. It has successfully managed that is clearly of great importance to her, to other hon. major innovative projects, including the building of the Members and to her constituents. tram. It is a beacon council for accessibility and has No one doubts that an effective and efficient low-carbon taken great strides in managing congestion in the area, transport infrastructure can help to support economic as the hon. Lady pointed out. By August 2009, vehicle development and help to tackle climate change. journey times during the morning peak had been reduced Unfortunately, securing these outcomes in our current by almost 7% on baseline figures. economic climate is challenging to say the least, but I The Greater Nottingham transport partnership provides am confident that we can meet these challenges and still a good example of bringing together the private and deliver transport infrastructure that works for economy public sectors to promote understanding of and support and the environment. I draw the hon. Lady’s attention for the integrated vision contained in the joint local to the coalition Government’s statement, to which she transport plan. From that partnership has come the referred in her opening remarks, in which we have made “Big Wheel” marketing campaign, which has worked clear our commitment to a modern low-carbon transport successfully to influence the use of sustainable transport infrastructure as an essential element of a dynamic and options. entrepreneurial economy. She may also have noticed Nottingham City Transport picked up the winning that light rail is specifically mentioned in the agreement. new customers award at the 2009 UK bus awards, and But we have also identified the pre-eminence of the in May this year the biggest, and first area-wide, statutory deficit reduction programme at this time. The decisions bus quality partnership was launched. Nottingham has that we take and the speed with which we are able to seen year-on-year increases in bus and tram use. There implement transport improvements will need to be are now 47 million bus passengers per year in Nottingham determined in the light of the comprehensive spending and 10 million tram passengers. With that base from review. which to work, I am confident that Nottingham City The hon. Lady asked about the criteria for assessing Transport is in a strong position to respond to the major projects, and I shall come to that point in a difficult financial climate we are now facing. moment. She asked when and who will make decisions. I understand the concerns expressed on both sides of Initially, the Treasury’s comprehensive spending review the House about the decision to defer spending for the will tell us how much money the Department has in A453 scheme until the next comprehensive spending crude terms, and we shall then use the criteria to take review period. I do not want to introduce a note of the decisions. I am conscious of the uncertainty not just discord, but I point out gently to the hon. Lady that the in Nottingham but across the country. We want to get a previous Government had 13 years to do something move on and give people clarity as soon as we possibly can. about the road, but did not. She might bear that in The Department for Transport is playing a full part mind as we consider how to go forward. in the spending review that will report in the autumn. Following consideration of the scheme orders for the We have already announced a range of measures aimed A453 at the public inquiry in 2009, the inspector’s at delivering reductions in spending. On 24 May, the report was submitted to the Secretary of State for Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Chief Secretary to consideration. However, no decision on the inspector’s the Treasury gave details of savings of £6.2 billion in report and the scheme orders can be made until there is Government spending in 2010-11. The Department for clarity about the availability of funding for the scheme Transport is contributing to those savings, which has following the forthcoming spending review. As the scheme meant taking difficult decisions on funding and deferring is subject to statutory procedures, I hope the hon. Lady decisions on schemes, including the A453, until after will understand that I cannot for reasons of propriety the outcome of the spending review. discuss the merits of the A453 project in the Chamber Last Thursday, the Department for Communities this evening. I can assure her, however, that the scheme and Local Government published further details about will be given due consideration alongside other proposals. local government savings, including £309 million that Her comments and those of other Members are noted. the Department for Transport had identified in respect On the proposed tram extensions, the Government of local transport. In making those reductions, however, announced last week that we would consider schemes we have maximised flexibility for local authorities to funded through the regional funding allocation process reshape their budgets according to local priorities and as part of our commitment to review the way funding to identify where efficiencies can be found. Given current decisions are made on which transport projects to prioritise. financial constraints, it is essential to ensure that any However, as the hon. Member for Nottingham East new infrastructure is affordable and offers value for (Chris Leslie) said—I nearly called him the hon. Member money. for Shipley—the Nottingham project is slightly different. On the criteria for assessing major projects, the hon. The extensions to the Nottingham express transit tram Lady may be interested to learn that my Department is scheme are proposed to be funded almost entirely through committed to reforming the way decisions are made the private finance initiative. The Government, through about which transport schemes to prioritise across the the Treasury, plan to make an announcement shortly on country. We are looking at the formula used to assess how we are dealing with PFI schemes, and it may be transport schemes so that the benefits of low-carbon that more clarity can be given on the tram scheme at proposals are fully recognised. We hope that work will that point. be complete to coincide with the outcome of the I would just say that the feeling I have picked up from comprehensive spending review so that we can take speaking to Members on both sides of the House is that sensible decisions at that time. whether people were for or against the tram, there is 1137 Transport Infrastructure 17 JUNE 2010 Transport Infrastructure 1138 (Nottingham) (Nottingham) acceptance—the route has been planned, it has been much in accord with the coalition’s localism agenda, accepted, it has been established, and the issue now is and I want to make it quite clear from the Dispatch Box really one of cost and finance rather than anything else. tonight that whatever individuals in the House think about that levy, our view is that it is entirely a matter Chris Leslie: It is entirely correct that it feels very for the local authority to decide whether that goes much as though we have come so far—on the planning ahead or not; it is not a matter for the Government to process, the commitment of all the legal fees and the intervene in. consultancy fees, getting through the planning inquiries The hon. Lady also mentioned the Nottingham rail and so on—that it would be such a shame to decide not hub and improvements to Nottingham station. I know to progress at the eleventh hour, particularly when, as I that work is in hand to develop plans and prepare for said before, this scheme may not be so burdensome in improvements in Nottingham railway station and the its public borrowing aspects as perhaps others would. surrounding areas under the Nottingham hub scheme. That includes work to complete the necessary agreements Norman Baker: I do understand that point, and I am to enable the scheme to proceed. I should deliver the sure it is frustrating for Members all across the House, usual health warning about the current financial climate, looking at various schemes in their own patches, to see which the hon. Lady is well aware of, and the fact that this delay. I stress that it is a delay, rather than a we cannot offer assurances at this particular time about cancellation—simply a deferral of schemes. We do want taking forward a scheme, although I would just say that to get decisions as soon as we possibly can on all these she should refer to the contribution from the regional schemes, but as to whether the PFI is good value for development agency—that obviously if the scheme could money, that is above my pay grade—it is a matter for be reduced in cost in some way, that makes it more Treasury Ministers to decide, although obviously the likely to proceed. I hope she might take that message comments that the hon. Gentleman and others have back to colleagues and others in Nottingham. We do made will be picked up and relayed to my colleagues in believe in the Department, however, that it is a good the Treasury. scheme, which has the potential to deliver wider benefits, I should record that the tram has been successful, including the regeneration and employment benefits carrying 38 million passengers—well above the projected that the hon. Lady mentioned, in addition to improving figures. That is also a matter to take into account in transport links in Nottingham. looking at the future. So I can assure the hon. Member It is clear that we face a challenging period. Tough for Nottingham South that the Department understands decisions to tackle the UK’s budget deficit have been the potential for trams, in the right conditions, to deliver necessary, and they are ongoing. I appreciate, however, a high-quality public transport alternative to the car. I that it is not easy for people to see schemes with believe that, as she rightly says, we have underplayed the considerable local support, and that have been in potential of trams, and light rail in general, in this development for many years, being put on hold and country. I am conscious that proposals have failed in given an uncertain future. The Government have identified the past, usually on the basis of high cost. She may like that the most urgent priority is tackling the deficit, and to know that I have asked officials to look at the reasons the Department for Transport must play its role in that for the high cost of tram schemes, and to see whether process. The Department will be in a position to identify there are any ways to reduce those costs to make trams major investment that can be supported only after the a more affordable option in the future, particularly Government’s spending review has been concluded. In given the likely pressures on budgets following the a period in which we face tight financial restraint, it is spending review. That work is being carried out in the essential that we take a step back and consider which Department, coterminous with the work carried out in schemes should be prioritised. That is the only way we the Treasury, so that when the smoke has cleared, light can put ourselves in a strong position to make the best rail will be in a position to benefit, potentially, from the use of available funds and to establish a strong base for new arrangements post-review. the future development of the transport system. As I mentioned earlier, the Department is taking I would not want the hon. Lady to go away from the forward work to deliver the coalition agreement debate with a negative impression, however. We face commitment to ensure that low-carbon benefits of schemes challenges, but we have a strong approach to address are fully recognised in the transport appraisal decision- them, and the Department wants to work to deliver making process. outcomes that meet national and local needs, and to The hon. Lady mentioned the workplace parking improve the country’s transport infrastructure. We are levy, and of course it has been seen that the tram keen to use whatever tools we can to achieve that. extensions proposed are closely linked to the plans for a I thank the hon. Lady for the invitation to visit workplace parking levy to be implemented in Nottingham, Nottingham, which I shall be happy to accept because a although of course there is no requirement for them to tram ride with her is an irresistible suggestion. I look be so and it is open to the city council, in the event the forward to seeing some of the excellent schemes that tram did not go ahead, to introduce that levy if it Nottingham city has been delivering. wished to do so. Workplace parking levies are one of a Question put and agreed to. range of measures available to local authorities for improving local transport and tackling congestion. 6.26 pm Nottingham city’s plan to implement a levy is very House adjourned.

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current policies will remain in place, with one exception. Westminster Hall As Members will know, the detention of children overnight at Dungavel immigration removal centre in Scotland Thursday 17 June 2010 has been ended as a precursor to such a practice ending across the UK. Currently, a very small number of children—fewer than five—are being held in immigration [MR MIKE WEIR in the Chair] detention, but before we close Yarl’s Wood for the detention of families we need to find effective alternatives. Alternatives to Child Detention Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab) rose— Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Goodwill.) Damian Green: I will of course give way to the newly elected Chairman of the Select Committee on Home 2.30 pm Affairs. The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): Iam delighted to have the opportunity today to draw attention Keith Vaz: I thank the Minister very much for letting to the issue of children in immigration detention. The me intervene. I welcome this review, which is very much UK’s policy of detaining children with families in order in keeping with the report the Select Committee produced to effect their removal from the UK is an area of last November. One of the recommendations was for long-standing concern for many organisations that take the then Government—clearly, it is now for the new an interest in immigration and asylum, and for organisations Government—to look at the role of local authorities. that work on behalf of children. Those concerns are Will he confirm that local authorities will be consulted? significant, and the Government have, very early on, set The Committee was concerned that councils were out their commitment to ending the detention of children sometimes not aware of children in their jurisdiction, for immigration purposes. We want to replace the current and that that led to some children absconding and system with something that ensures that families with councils simply not being aware that they had gone. no right to be in this country return in a more dignified manner. Damian Green: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman To help bring that about, the UK Border Agency is for that intervention, and I take the opportunity formally leading a comprehensive review of present practice on to congratulate him on his election—his reappointment, the detention of children. It will look at the actual levels rather—as Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee. and at how to prevent such detention by improving the I can do so with a due degree of objectivity because I current voluntary return process. The review will also was not allowed to vote in the election, so he can neither consider good practice in other countries, and will look thank nor blame me. I am sure we will have many at how a new family removals process can be established constructive exchanges in the coming years. that protects the welfare of children and ensures the To address the right hon. Gentleman’s point, the return of those with no right to remain in the UK. It simple answer is yes. I mentioned earlier that I had had will come as no surprise to you or to the Chamber, a meeting in Glasgow at which the city council played a Mr Weir, that in the current climate the review will also significant, helpful and constructive role. The purpose have to include value for money as part of its remit. of the consultation is for it to be as widespread as The review has already begun and its phase of collecting possible. As he said, local authorities will have statutory views and submissions will run until 1 July. It will take responsibilities for such children and will therefore have in the views of a wide range of partners, experts and views about how best we can and should proceed, so I organisations that represent the interests of children to will very much welcome their input into proceedings. create viable long-term solutions. Earlier this week, I The challenge is to develop a new approach to family went to Glasgow to discuss the matter with many removals that remains cost-effective and delivers the voluntary groups. They made extremely useful inputs return of those who have no right to remain in the UK. into the review, so we will be repeating those meetings in I hope I will not be constraining the review if I identify all regions and in other countries of the UK over the some of the factors involved; indeed, I hope this will next few weeks. help those who wish to contribute. It is already clear The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund is from the initial stages of the review that there is not a helping the review by co-chairing a working group single, simple remedy: it is not just about ending detention made up of a range of non-governmental organisations, at the stroke of a pen. There may have to be—I think and I am grateful to the fund for agreeing to do that. We there will have to be—a number of changes at different are seeking to identify how the UK Border Agency can points in the system, each contributing to the overall fulfil its role while taking the right account of children’s aim. Clearly, there is a need to achieve faster and better safety and welfare. We are carrying out the review as decision making on family asylum cases; we are already fast as humanly possible, so that the detention of children taking forward work on that. We are told there is a need for immigration purposes can end and a practical alternative for greater confidence in the initial decision that is made be put in its place. in asylum cases. I take on board that message; indeed, I I should emphasise that the UK Border Agency is may even have transmitted that message to Government fully determined to replace the current system with in the past. something more humane, without compromising on the In a recent report, the UK Border Agency’s independent removal of people who have no right to remain in the chief inspector, John Vine, commented favourably on UK. We are talking about alternatives to detention and the commitment to quality, and the UK is felt by many not about ending removals. Until the review is completed, countries to have good systems in this regard. Members 213WH Alternatives to Child Detention17 JUNE 2010 Alternatives to Child Detention 214WH

[Damian Green] a family and reuniting them before departure, so that some family members stay in the accommodation they may know that in 2007, the provision of early legal are used to. However, I recognise that that approach advice was piloted in Solihull, in the west midlands, to would be hugely contentious and has its own practical test whether collaboration between the legal representative difficulties. Therefore, in some cases we may still have to and the UK Border Agency decision-maker led to better have recourse to holding families for a short period information at the initial decision-making stage, so that before removal—where keeping the family together is better quality decisions could be reached. The findings seen as being in the best interests of the children, which were unclear, so we are working with the Legal Services of course must be the paramount concern. Commission and key asylum partners to test those I hope it will not come to that. The Government and principles across an entire region of the UK Border the UK Border Agency would much prefer that families Agency. It is called the early legal advice project, and it who do not require humanitarian protection or refugee is an example of collaborative working and trying new protection return to their home countries voluntarily. things that I hope will characterise this area of alternatives That is a responsible approach in a world where the to detention for families. number of people who choose to live in another country, Another thing to consider is the need for better for a variety of reasons, is continually expanding. Not contact management and more active discussion of a everyone’s journey will be a success in economic terms; family’s options if their claim is rejected and their right not everyone’s journey will be lawful. We believe that to appeal a decision has been exhausted. Discussions the Government should respond in a responsible, fair, with a family might need to be backed up by improved dignified and humane way to this reality. support from NGOs, partners and other workers. The options open to families at present include some very Keith Vaz: I thank the Minister for giving way to me generous assisted return packages, but the take-up rate for a second time. Will he comment on the report in for families is low compared with that for single asylum The Guardian today that the Government are considering seekers. There is, therefore, a need for better marketing a reintegration centre—basically, a detention centre—of of those assisted return offers. Marketing may sound some kind in Afghanistan for families who are due to be like an odd word in this context, but I use it because we removed from this country? Is that report correct, or should not be forcing the take-up of such offers. Better wrong? explanation and promotion of the offers is clearly needed; they are real offers to provide help and assistance when Damian Green: I would always hesitate to describe a all the other options have been exhausted. To illustrate report in The Guardian as being completely accurate. one apparently small but important point, the assistance The proposed centre in Afghanistan is not particularly includes help with excess baggage so that families can a British Government project; indeed, the previous take with them belongings purchased in the UK. They Government raised this idea with other European would not be returning home empty-handed, and would Governments and with international agencies. The proposed have more to show for their migration journey and for centre’s purpose is, effectively, to have a retraining centre—a their time in the UK. re-entry centre—in Afghanistan, which the right hon. I think that everyone involved would also like to see a Gentleman will know is the source of many unaccompanied clearer and more evenly managed process after applications asylum-seeking children in this country, so that there is and claims to remain have been turned down. The something for those children to go back to that will starting point—and what I hope will become the enable them to lead a better life in Afghanistan. I standard—would be a much more clearly identifiable suspect he agrees with me that it would be much better transition from a voluntary departure to an enforcement for those young men to have a decent life and some approach that is shaped by the family’s own approach hope in life in their own country. If they can have those to their situation. The UK Border Agency would therefore things, that will stop many of them making dangerous—in set removal directions while the family is in the community, some cases, sadly, fatal—journeys halfway across the giving the family time to submit further representations world to try to reach Britain or other European countries. and to apply for a judicial review if they wish to do so, So the basis of the report in The Guardian, for all that as well as giving them time to make plans for their I said in my initial response to the right hon. Gentleman’s return. The arrangements would place a greater emphasis intervention, is true, but it is being presented in a luridly on self check-in or escorting to the airport. That approach, and unfairly hostile light. The centre is an effort to help which already exists but possibly in a less clear way than people. I suspect that the hon. Member for Hackney it ought to, gives families every chance to comply with South and Shoreditch (Meg Hillier), the Opposition the need to return home without enforcement action. spokesperson, will agree with that, because she was in Making it much clearer to families—and their helpers— government when the then Government originally suggested where they stand at this stage of the process seems to this process. It is a constructive and creative response to me to be necessary. the problem of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, Other changes to processes may be called for, but and to present it in any other light is straightforwardly inevitably some families who have no justification to unfair. It is a constructive idea and I hope it comes to remain in the UK will always refuse to leave voluntarily, fruition. The tender for the operation is being examined, despite all the encouragement we give them to do so. A and we hope to make an announcement in the next few changed approach should, and I hope would, minimise months about what will happen next. the number of those families, but there will remain This is a real, worldwide problem and as I was saying, difficult cases where solutions will have to be found and we believe that the Government should respond in a where enforced removals are likely to continue. That responsible, fair, dignified and humane way to the reality approach could involve separating different members of of what is happening around the world today. The 215WH Alternatives to Child Detention17 JUNE 2010 Alternatives to Child Detention 216WH review into ending the immigration detention of children country, either as asylum seekers or in any other context, is an important part of that. Obviously, we will not take are removed. I think that all of us, on both sides of the any firm decisions until the review has completed its House, accept that there cannot be an indefinite right work and we have taken into account the views that are for people to stay here after all the legal processes have put to us. I hope that during this debate, more ideas will been exhausted. What we must find is a humane way to be put forward that the Government can feed into the deal with families, particularly children, who are kept in review, which may therefore give us what we all want to detention before their removal. see: a fairer and more humane system that ends the We went to Yarl’s Wood after hearing serious allegations system of detaining children for immigration purposes about its operation, and what we found was a much in this country. more humane regime. Ultimately, of course, Yarl’s Wood remains a prison; one cannot walk in and out without 2.45 pm being checked through. When the Select Committee arrived, we produced all our identification and were put Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): I begin by congratulating through those checks. I am not sure whether the Minister the hon. Member for Ashford (Damian Green) on his has had an opportunity to visit since taking up his appointment as Minister for Immigration. I attended office; I am sure that the shadow Minister visited at many debates with him in his Opposition capacity, but some stage. Some the reports of conditions in Yarl’s he has finally made it and now has the opportunity to Wood were lurid, and it may well have been like that in put into practice all the good proposals for which he the past, but certainly nothing like that was obvious to argued so strongly as the Opposition spokesperson. us when we visited. The staff made an effort to I also pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for accommodate families and children. We saw an impressive Hackney South and Shoreditch (Meg Hillier) for all the nursery/school that had been built. It did not deal with work that she did as an Immigration Minister in the last anyone over the age of 10; it dealt with young children. Government. She was always very firm in defence of Unfortunately, our visit was somewhat marred by the the Government’s policy, but she was also very willing Home Office officials’ terrible anxiety about the Select to listen to Members of this House when they raised Committee visit. They tried hard to keep us away from matters of concern with her. I am glad that she has the people being detained there, which was totally retained her position as the Labour party’s spokesperson unnecessary. The point of Members of Parliament visiting on immigration in opposition, because of course she an institution such as Yarl’s Wood is to ensure that we knows everything—where all the bodies have been buried, speak to the people there about their circumstances. figuratively speaking. What we found was that people were more anxious I welcome most warmly the Government’s decision about the progress of their immigration case than about to conduct a review of the whole question of the any of the ways and means by which they were detained detention of children in the immigration system. It may there. I hope that, even before the review is continued, well be that during the general election campaign, the the Minister will take on board the fact that people in Minister read the reports of the Home Affairs Committee. detention need access to proper and appropriate legal If so, he will have seen our report published on 24 November and immigration advice. I left the detention centre with 2009, “The Detention of Children in the Immigration about five or six cases, which I immediately passed on to System”. In a sense, he has prefaced that report in the the relevant constituency MPs. comments that he has made today. He has also rehearsed It was depressing to see children being kept in such some of the arguments that are used for keeping children circumstances. Of course the Serco staff did their best in detention, while rejecting those arguments. Of course, to ensure that they were kept happy—there was a little one cannot prejudge the outcome of a review, but I shop, for example. We talked to a couple of the kids would be most surprised if the Government, having about what it was like being there. Though it is acceptable begun a review on this very important subject, came to for a very short period, it is still a prison, it is still the conclusion that everything was okay as far as the detention and their freedom is still restricted. The review detention of children in the immigration system was is therefore timely and important, and I hope that it will concerned. be concluded as quickly as possible. As I missed the first Nearly 1,000 children a year are detained in the few words of the Minister’s opening remarks, I am not UKBA’s immigration detention centres. On average, sure whether he has a timetable. The Government are such children spend more than a fortnight—15.58 days—in undertaking a lot of reviews, and although I do not detention, but detention for up to 61 days is not uncommon. hold that against them—any new Government wants to On 30 June 2009—the last date for which the Home review everything that happened before—we need Affairs Committee had information on children in timetables. Under the current system, however, it is detention—10 of the 35 children in detention at that important that people should be clear where they stand time had been held for between 29 and 61 days. The as far as their future is concerned. Committee noted that the cost of keeping a person in I raised with the Minister the question of the local detention was £130 a day; therefore, keeping a family of authorities’ involvement. We took evidence from the four in detention for between four and eight weeks costs London borough of Hillingdon, because it contains more than £20,000. Harmondsworth centre and Heathrow airport—those During our very brief inquiry into this area, Members put into detention after coming off a plane and those of the Committee visited Yarl’s Wood. We felt that about to be removed are held in close proximity to there must be an alternative that can be used to deal airports. One of the Select Committee’s recommendations with the Government’s proper function, which is to was that the Government’s future building programmes ensure that those who have lost their immigration cases should take proximity to airports into consideration. and who have not been granted leave to remain in this We were concerned to find that the local authority did 217WH Alternatives to Child Detention17 JUNE 2010 Alternatives to Child Detention 218WH

[Keith Vaz] centre before I was elected, and the process does, of course, make work for lawyers. People apply for judicial not seem to know how many children were being detained review only if they have no other option, but at present, and that it was not notified when children left detention. they apply for judicial review at the end of a three-year That is why we recommended that local authorities process. If we had dealt with their cases more quickly, should be informed every seven days of how many some asylum seekers would not have had their children. children are being detained in their area. That would be Some of the children in detention are there because quite a simple process for UKBA, so it is surprising that their parents’ cases have taken so long to be concluded. those facts and figures are not available. I hope that, in In the spirit of a new Government with a fresh the interim—before the review is published—we will approach, I say that eliminating the backlog and dealing look at what we can do to get that information to local with immigration cases quickly is the best way to solve authorities. That must be easy for UKBA to do, so I the problems of needing to build more detention centres hope that it will be done. and to keep children in detention. I know what the I do not want to detain the House long, given that the Minister will say: “You were in office for 13 years. Why Government seem to be doing everything that the Select hasn’t this been solved?” Believe me, I and others have Committee asked them to do. My final point is a been asking Governments for the past 20 years to do general one to which I will keep returning as long as I something about it. occupy the Chair of the Select Committee. I want to be Administrative delays have become an essential part fair to this Government as I was fair to the last one, and of immigration policy, which means that people in this the former Minister will remember that on every occasion country are working illegally because they are waiting when we discussed immigration, I raised the same issue: for their cases to be concluded. People come to me the state of the backlog in the administration of the every week—tomorrow I will see another 50, and on Home Office. average I deal with 60 immigration cases a week—who I see that the hon. Member for Croydon Central are desperate to work but cannot because they are (Gavin Barwell) is here today. I am not suggesting for a waiting for UKBA to deal with their cases. Some cases moment that we should move the Home Office away take between six and seven years to be concluded. from Croydon, as I am sure that a lot of his constituents Dealing with those issues must go hand in hand with work there and that Lunar house and all those other the Government review. fine buildings contribute greatly to Croydon’s economy. The Minister’s biggest battle will be against the Chief However, it is not acceptable for us to go on as though Secretary to the Treasury and ultimately the Chancellor, the backlog will only be here until next year. The Select but the Home Affairs Committee will be on his side Committee is due a letter from Lin Homer setting out arguing, as it has done in the past, his case for more the state of the backlog, and of course progress has resources for UKBA and to clear the backlog. UKBA is been made in the past 13 years, but I asked the then full of good and decent people, but the system needs Minister for Immigration, my hon. Friend the Member changing. We have constantly asked for greater expenditure for Oldham East and Saddleworth (Mr Woolas), whether but, obviously, no Minister for Immigration has ever he would like to be the first Immigration Minister in said in a debate, whether in Westminster Hall or the history to leave office having cleared the backlog. For as main Chamber, “Please can we have more money?” long as I have been a Member of Parliament—23 years That would breach the convention of Government. The now—there has always been a backlog. When I was first Select Committee will say that for him. elected, there were sacks of unopened letters in Lunar Even in the current climate, providing resources will house, simply because the volume of correspondence save the Government millions and millions of pounds wassogreat. spent every year on detaining people, including families I know that the Minister has written to right hon. and and children, and forcibly removing those who have hon. Members about how we deal with constituency been here for seven or eight years. Let us not get into cases. Looking around the Chamber, I think that all of that situation. Let us deal with cases as quickly and us here have a smattering of immigration cases, some efficiently as possible so that we do not have to detain or more than others, and the shadow Minister is probably lock up children any more. We can allow people their the biggest consumer of her former portfolio than chance of a fair hearing before the courts and eventually anyone else here. It is all very well to tell Members to before the Minister, and then the results that the write to officials at Croydon and to come to Ministers Government put forward must be accepted. only as a last resort, but we all get the same letters back, drafted by the same person. Miss Homer, as director 3.1 pm general and chief executive, takes ultimate responsibility— Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): Like the this is not a personal issue; it is just business, as they right hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz), I said in “The Godfather”—but the fact is that all the congratulate my hon. Friend the Minister on his letters are the same. We do not expect the Minister to appointment. I have known him for some time and, draft his own letters, but we get the same information given the values that I know he has, I think that he will whether we write to Miss Homer or to him. UKBA balance the need to reform our asylum system, to keeps telling us that we must wait until next year for the ensure that people who do not have a right to be in the backlog to be cleared. country return home, with compassion for those who That is the problem for children in detention. If only come here seeking sanctuary. It is a great privilege to the system actually worked and gave us quicker results, follow the right hon. Member for Leicester East. He even if those results did not please people and the cases referred to his work in the previous Parliament as still went through judicial review. I declare an interest: Chairman of the Select Committee on Home Affairs my wife is an immigration lawyer and I worked in a law and its report on the issue before us today. 219WH Alternatives to Child Detention17 JUNE 2010 Alternatives to Child Detention 220WH

Immigration and asylum, which are too often conjoined, On 17 February this year, we had the report of Sir Al are important in my constituency.The right hon. Gentleman Aynsley-Green, the former Children’s Commissioner referred to the UK Border Agency in Croydon Central; for England: its significant presence has a number of effects on my “Children continue to report that they find the process of constituency. First, a large number of people are going arrest and transportation distressing. Increasingly, children are through either the immigration or the asylum process, separated from parents when transported to the centre. Most are which has been the dominant issue in my casework in not told what will happen to their belongings and pets left behind the four or five weeks I have been an MP. Secondly, as and many have difficulty contacting friends.” the right hon. Gentleman implied, a significant number While acknowledging that healthcare standards improved, of UKBA employees are my constituents, so there are the report states that significant areas require attention, some interesting letters from people about their experience saying that of working in the system and how it might be improved. “a mother informed the nurse at 11.20 pm that her five year old On another occasion, I might share some of those views child had fallen earlier in the playground. The child could not lift with my hon. Friend the Minister. her arm and was not seen by the GP until 2.05pm the next day Thirdly, there is a significant impact on our local and went to A&E at 7.02 pm,” authority, and the right hon. Gentleman talked about the next evening, and was found to have a fracture. the issues. The London borough of Croydon, as a social There is also the report of Her Majesty’s inspectorate services authority, has responsibility for more than 700 of prisons, which, to be fair to the previous Government, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. That compares noted that conditions, services and support for children, with about 300 children from Croydon, so its social including a new school and better health care, have services role is very different from that of many other improved: local authorities. Finally, immigration and asylum is a “However, given that the fact of detention adversely affected big issue with residents. Croydon has seen significant children’s welfare, inspectors were concerned that their detention demographic change over the past 10 or 20 years. I am did not appear to be exceptional or necessary, given that half the pleased to say that in most parts of my constituency, families detained were later released under temporary admission.” and most parts of the town, relations between different As I say, the evidence that the policy the previous communities are good. However, in a few areas there Government pursued was wrong has been mounting for has been significant activity from the British National some time. It must surely be possible to balance the party. I am pleased that it did not make the predicted need to remove those with no right to be in this country breakthrough at the recent local elections. with the need to protect the welfare of children. I was Immigration and asylum was also a significant issue glad to see in the coalition agreement a commitment to in the general election campaign. I suspect that other end the detention of children, which takes on the Home right hon. and hon. Members here today have been Affairs Committee’s recommendations and, arguably, contacted by Citizens for Sanctuary during the general goes a little further. My hon. Friend the Minister has election and asked to sign the sanctuary pledge. It gave announced that the review is under way. I hope that the me far and away my most uncomfortable moment during hon. Member for Hackney South and Shoreditch the campaign because I strongly feel that it is inappropriate (Meg Hillier) will confirm that the official Opposition to detain children, but, given that the party manifesto will reconsider their approach. did not contain a specific commitment to end the practice, I felt that it was inappropriate for me to make a pledge I have a few questions for my hon. Friend before I without confidence that it could be delivered. The issue close. The right hon. Member for Leicester East touched is important to me personally and to my constituency. I on the first: how long will the review take? I understand know that my hon. Friend the Minister has visited that while it is being carried out, some detention will Yarl’s Wood on several occasions and has spoken publically continue but a time scale would be helpful. In his about how distressing he found seeing children who are opening remarks, my hon. Friend ran through the options effectively behind bars. that will be considered as part of the review; one was potentially separating families so some family members The evidence in favour of changing the approach of could remain in their home. I was pleased to hear that the previous Government has been mounting for some he recognised that that would be contentious. If we time. The first UK study of its kind on the subject was move from detaining children to breaking up families, it published on 15 October last year in “Child Abuse & could be a case of out of the frying pan, into the fire. Neglect: the International Journal”. A team of doctors Will the Minister tell us more about the pilot scheme examined 24 children detained at Yarl’s Wood immigration looking at possibilities away from detention that UKBA removal centre. They found that the majority were has been running in Glasgow? The initial results showed experiencing mental and physical health difficulties related that there had been some success, with people voluntarily to being in detention. The Royal Colleges of Paediatrics choosing to return to their country of origin. and Child Health, of General Practitioners and of Psychiatrists, and the UK Faculty of Public Health Will my hon. Friend tell us a little about the case produced a long and detailed report. Dr Philip Collins, management approach that a number of other countries a forensic adolescent psychiatrist representing the Royal have adopted in recent years to end the practice of College of Psychiatrists, said: detention? He talked a little about that in his opening “The harsh reality about this country’s immigration policy is remarks, but I understand that the policy that has been that we are significantly damaging the mental health of many of pursued in Sweden, for example, has reached the point the children and young people who end up—through no fault of where more than three quarters of families now voluntarily their own—being detained in a prison-like environment by the agree to return to their place of origin. UK Border Agency. The evidence is clear: this policy directly harms the mental health of children and young people. That is In conclusion, I thank you, Mr. Weir, for the opportunity why the Royal College of Psychiatrists calls on the UK Government to speak in the debate. I was extremely gratified to see to end this practice without delay.” that the commitment to act on this issue was in the 221WH Alternatives to Child Detention17 JUNE 2010 Alternatives to Child Detention 222WH

[Gavin Barwell] Yarl’s Wood, in particular, there is an inflammable atmosphere. We have just had riots, and there have been coalition agreement. I am also gratified to see that the all sorts of problems. Most recently—earlier this year— Minister has already acted to set up a review, and I look women were on hunger strike. Part of that inflammable forward to hearing how he intends to take it forward. atmosphere has to do with the underlying tension about the fact that children are detained at Yarl’s Wood. 3.10 pm Party colleagues will say that the parents chose not to go home at the first time of asking, so they are responsible Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Stoke Newington) for their children’s being in custody. Whenever I raise (Lab): I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak in the issue on the Floor of the House, I hear that it is not this important debate. The issue is important not only the Government’s fault and that the parents are responsible, because of the numbers of children who are detained, but where in the practice of justice and in the way in but, sadly, because it symbolises how far the Labour which this country is run are we in the business of Government had gone, in some aspects, from the ideals punishing children for what their parents have done? that motivate many millions of the party’s supporters. When I raised the issue on the Floor of the House Keith Vaz: There is another issue, which I raised in my about two years ago, I was one of the first people to do speech. Why do people have to wait so long for their so. I have visited Oakington detention centre and Yarl’s cases to be dealt with? Does my hon. Friend agree that Wood, and I have had two debates on the Floor of the dealing with cases in a more timely fashion and clearing House about children in detention. As hon. Members the Home Office backlog would help to make the system will have heard earlier, and as they will certainly have more humane? She is absolutely right about the detention read in the documentation, no reputable organisation of children, but the reason why we have so many cases is defends this practice, which almost certainly puts us in that they are not being dealt with quickly enough. breach of the European convention on human rights. All reputable organisations—whether it is United Nations Ms Abbott: My right hon. Friend has great experience organisations in this country, Save the Children, the as a constituency MP.He probably does more immigration Refugee Council or Liberty—are united in opposition casework than any constituency MP, and he has been to this practice. doing it for 23 years. Added to that is his experience as The practice of detaining children is wrong in principle. the Chair of the Home Affairs Committee. He makes What are we doing detaining children in custody when an excellent point: the delays help to create an intolerable they have committed no crime? Hon. Members might situation for people trapped in the system. be surprised to know that when I discuss the issue with I am one of the longest-serving Members of the friends and colleagues in foreign legislatures—even those House present today, and I remember when detention in third-world countries—they are surprised that Britain, centres were introduced. The House was told that they of all countries, detains children indefinitely. When would be used only for short periods while we fast-tracked looking at these issues, we must always remember that cases and deported people. Had the House been told the history of empire means that people look to Britain that children, in particular, would be in these centres for to set an example, but we are not setting one on this months—there have even been cases of children being matter. in them for nearly a year—it might have taken a very Detention was wrong in principle, and it was almost different attitude. A system that was meant to be used certainly in breach of a number of human rights for short periods of detention while people’s cases were conventions, but it was also wrong in practice. I know fast-tracked has turned into one—I have visited the that because I have visited the detention centres. Ministers detention centres myself—in which people and their will tell us about the improvements, and they will tell us children are held in limbo. That is one of the things that that everything is the parents’ fault because they should make this practice so unacceptable. have left when they were supposed to. However, when we go to the detention centres to meet the families and As I said, the detention of children is wrong in the children, particularly if we have children ourselves, principle; it is wrong because it is an infringement of it is brought home to us on a level that we cannot put their liberty. It is also wrong because, in a way, we are down on paper—even in excellent reports such as those making children and families suffer for the issues in our by the Home Affairs Committee—what it means to system, and the delays are very much part of that. We children to be detained and deprived of their liberty. set a very poor example to other countries and other However wonderful the facilities, the children cannot jurisdictions if we cannot construct a system in which it run outside as far as the eye can see. As far as they are is not necessary to detain children. concerned, they are behind four walls. They have almost The purpose of the detention centres, apart from certainly been brought into detention in traumatic expediting removals, was to act as a deterrent. There circumstances, such as after a morning raid, and they has been a strong feeling over the past 13 years that the find themselves locked up for reasons they can scarcely grimmer and more exacting we made the regime for comprehend—and locked up, in their view, is what they asylum seekers and immigrants, the less likely they were are. Unlike my hon. Friend the Member for Hackney to come here. However, people must recognise that, for South and Shoreditch (Meg Hillier), who will speak for better or worse, the push-factors behind people migrating the Opposition, I have actually visited the detention and seeking asylum are very great, and the idea that centres and the children. Detention is a restriction of turning the screw one more time will see numbers drop children’s liberty, and they face the trauma that that entails. has proved false. There are also issues about the conditions, some of We need to focus as never before on having an efficient which were dealt with by the Labour party when it and speedy system, because my right hon. Friend the was in government, but some of which were not. At Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz) and I have spent 223WH Alternatives to Child Detention17 JUNE 2010 Alternatives to Child Detention 224WH

23 years struggling with the delays. In the long run, we issue in question. It was a great pleasure to hear her also have to deal with the circumstances in people’s speak at the Liberty annual general meeting on Saturday; countries of origin that make them think, in their she spoke movingly about many issues, and I wish her desperation, that they will chance their arm by coming the best of luck with her forthcoming selection process. to this country. I shall not say that I support her, as that might do her After 23 years of immigration and asylum casework, more damage than anything else. I would add that we also need to deal with some of the I am delighted that the debate has been obtained, so-called immigration and legal advisers who prey on because the issue is very important. I have always felt our constituents and give them false advice and false that a good test of the underlying morals and values of hope. Often, it is not the would-be immigrants or asylum a country is the way it treats people who cannot defend seekers who put themselves on the path of collision or look after themselves, and the most vulnerable people with the authorities, but the advice they get from people in society. That description applies to all sorts of groups, who are feeding off them and making money out of and child detainees are one of them. We fail the test them, even though they have little money to spend. incredibly badly in relation to them; we can talk another In the immediate term, we need to deal with the time about how well we do in other respects. It is a ongoing inefficiencies in the system and bear down on matter of great shame to this country that we treat some of the lawyers and so-called immigration advisers. people so badly. Although we are obviously very constrained, we also The topic of the debate is alternatives to child detention. need, in the very long term, to create the right conditions The main alternative that I can think of to detaining in people’s regions of origin so that it is not necessary 1,000 children a year is not to detain them. That, above for them to flee here. That is the way to deal with the all, is what I want to say. We simply should not detain system. them. The suggestion that we should detain the family Successive bodies and individuals have tried to get but not the children is at least as bad. We should not past Governments to deal with this issue. It was a even consider something that tears families apart at particular preoccupation of a previous Children’s what is often a difficult time for them. That leaves the Commissioner and it is a preoccupation of the chief question of what we can do with the children in the case inspector of prisons, Anne Owers, who did a comprehensive in question, and before I discuss that I want to explain report on the issue two or three years ago. As I said, why I am concerned about the issue. every reputable organisation that has looked at this has Cambridge has a great history as somewhere that is said that the detention of children is wrong in principle very multicultural and tolerant, with people from various and detrimental to children in practice. Medical work backgrounds, and a number of people there have been has been done on the consequences of the stressful involved in various ways with detainees. I might mention, situation for children, and it is very alarming. I have in relation to the remarks of the hon. Member for said before, including to my hon. Friend the Member Croydon Central (Gavin Barwell), that the Conservative for Hackney South and Shoreditch, when she was a candidate in Cambridge was one of the Conservatives Minister: how can we, the politicians, agree to keep who signed the sanctuary pledge; ours was one of very children in circumstances that would horrify us if they few constituencies where every candidate did so. I am were proposed for our own children? delighted that we did, and I wish it had happened It must be wrong to punish children for the alleged elsewhere. infractions of their parents. There must be a better way We are also very near the Oakington detention centre, than that. The way, of course, as the hon. Member for which has a sad and sorry history. Children are not the Croydon Central (Gavin Barwell) said, is not to split main focus there, but recently it hit the news because of families but to bear down on the aspects of the system— the death of one gentleman in detention in April. I am whether the advice that is given or the speed with which currently dealing with a case of serious assault there. cases are dealt with—that lead to people being in such a The hon. Member for Hackney North and Stoke plight. What has been happening is wrong. There must Newington has been there to look around. I spoke to be a way forward that does not involve splitting up her earlier about my request to do so too: that visit was families. scheduled, but has now been delayed. I fear that my I have raised the issue time and again in the House speaking here today means that it will be delayed further, and in questions, and I have visited detention centres, but I look forward to the chance to see it. not because there are votes in worrying about the children in those centres but because I felt that what was Keith Vaz: On that point—I know the hon. Gentleman happening was wrong, and that there must be a better was not here for some of the earlier speeches—when the way. It gives me no pleasure to say that it has taken a Select Committee asked to make a visit it took a long new Government to take a fresh look at the question. I time to get that sorted out. When we got there, I think hope they will not let the tribulations of office and its 10 Home Office officials attended, and only about three practical difficulties deflect them from ending what has from Serco. There was a total of about 15; the room was been this country’s shame: the detention of innocent full. Is it the hon. Gentleman’s wish, as it is my hope, children in detention centres. that the new Government will perhaps let us in more often, if we ask? 3.21 pm Dr Huppert: It is indeed a problem getting in; my Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): Thank you, predecessor, David Howarth, tried to get in and was Mr Weir, for calling me to speak for the first time in told that it was not possible for him to do that. It is Westminster Hall. It is a great honour to follow the hon. somewhat worrying if there are institutions in this Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington country in a state such that MPs cannot be allowed in to (Ms Abbott), who spoke as powerfully as ever on the have a look. 225WH Alternatives to Child Detention17 JUNE 2010 Alternatives to Child Detention 226WH

Ms Abbott: I urge the hon. Gentleman to be persistent. fairly and rapidly the system works. The aim must be to I had to be, but we cannot have MPs in effect being reach a decision quickly and fairly about whether people barred from going to such institutions. Otherwise, we are genuine sanctuary seekers, so that if they are not are left to wonder what they are trying to hide. they go, and if they are they can stay. At the moment, it takes far too long. Competence is a serious issue in Dr Huppert: Indeed; I plan to be persistent. I accept relation to the UKBA in several wider respects, which the fact that unexpected circumstances sometimes mean have even affected people who came to work for me in that things must be cancelled. One deferral is fine, but if my former profession, from such places as the USA. the arrangement keeps being deferred I shall be more There is something fundamentally wrong, in my experience, concerned, and shall certainly raise the matter here. with the way the agency operates. To move on to the issue of children, we heard earlier We need to end child detention as quickly as possible. from the hon. Member for Croydon Central about the I am delighted that that is in the coalition agreement. It effects of detention on mental health; we have heard is a fantastic aspect of the coalition that we can finally about its effects on physical health and overall well-being, end such an awful thing. We owe the people of this and about the future that we are providing for the country better than child detention, and I look forward children in question. It is hard to see how any of that to our fulfilling our aim in that respect. fits with the UK Border Agency’s statutory duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 and the way in which it is supposed to treat 3.29 pm children, or with article 37 of the UN convention on the rights of the child, which states that detention should Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ be used only as a last resort and for the shortest possible Co-op): It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, time. It would be hard to say that that is being carried Mr Weir. out. I have some questions for the Minister, and to help Another issue is the advice and help that the children him respond fully it may help him if I go through them and their parents get. I had planned to speak for longer before I make any other comments, and pick up on hon. and to discuss legal aid for Refugee and Migrant Justice, Members’ points. As to Dungavel, what, currently, will but early-day motion 191 on that topic was discussed on happen if a family in Scotland are required to leave the the Floor of the House today, so I shall not take up time country—to be deported? Where are they sent, and how with it now; nevertheless, it is essential that we provide is that dealt with? the right support to people. The Minister spoke about local authorities, and working The way in which we deal with age-disputed children more closely with them. I wonder whether the Government is also a real issue. With very young children things are are planning to work with all local authorities equally, clear for all concerned. They are children, and there is or whether they will build on the existing model that no doubt. They should not be detained. We need to applies to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. It provide much more family-friendly and child-friendly is a slightly different model, and involves specialist local solutions. There is a concern about children who claim authorities that are particularly adept at dealing with to be, say, 17; it is hard to tell whether such a claim is these challenging issues. honest. We need a clear, fair process to try to establish What discussions has the Minister had with local the age of those people. In many cases it will not be authorities to make them aware of the situation regarding hard. We need a clear routine that appears fair and does children liable to be removed, and of how the process not seem—as in so many cases that I have been made will work? I know that it is early days, but I wonder aware of—like arbitrary justice, with decisions being whether he could give some guidance, because I am sure made semi-arbitrarily, based on various factors, about that the Local Government Association and individual whether the truth is being told. It is hard on teenagers authorities will be keen to know how it will work who are already in very difficult circumstances to tell practically. them that there is no way for them to interact sensibly I am also interested to know how the Government with the process. propose to work with community organisations. We The question was raised earlier whether we should hear a lot about the big society. Like many people, I am punish children for the sins of their parents. I do not see keen to know what it actually means. I shall touch on seeking sanctuary in this country as a sin or something some of the work with community organisations that worthy of punishment. It is worthy of rapid decisions was under way while my party was in government, but I about whether people are genuine sanctuary seekers, am keen to hear a bit about the Government’s plans. who should be coming to this country—and we should Perhaps, if the Minister is unable to answer here and open ourselves as we would hope other countries would, now, he could provide some information in writing in to support people in need—or whether there is something due course. false about the story, in which case things are different. This debate is about alternatives to child detention. I In any event, punishment is not the route. Trying to have had the opportunity to speak to those who are control the people coming to this country by being as responsible for the project in Glasgow. I do not know nasty as possible to them while they are here is not whether the Minister managed that on his visit to worthy of this country. There are other issues that must Glasgow this week, but I am pleased that he is going be dealt with, and international development is clearly around the different nations of the UK to discuss the the right process for that, as has been mentioned. matter. What progress has there been on the Glasgow The UK Border Agency needs to work faster. I am project? To date, has any family actually left voluntarily constantly coming across cases that have taken years to as a result of that very intense intervention, which I process, and that gives rise to questions about how believe involves two social workers working with around 227WH Alternatives to Child Detention17 JUNE 2010 Alternatives to Child Detention 228WH four families at a time? I wonder whether there has yet rule that out, or do the Government not currently have been a success story, because, sadly, there had not been a definite position? I hope that because I have given him one as I left office, but I have great hopes that the notice of questions, he will be able to answer them fully. project can deliver some results. It is still early days, but We heard some useful contributions from Members. I would be keen to hear an update on it. My right hon. Friend the Member for Leicester East The Minister mentioned the assisted voluntary returns (Keith Vaz) has spoken many times on this subject. I package but did not absolutely pledge that it will continue, should point out that the backlog has been a bugbear although I did not hear him say that it would not. I for us all as constituency MPs, and for anyone in the would be keen to hear some clarification on the future House who has any interest in the matter, but it has of the package, particularly in the current financial reduced. As a constituency MP and in my previous role, situation. It is a reasonably generous package of up to I have seen that and can testify to it. £5,000 per individual, and I wonder whether the I do, however, share a concern with my right hon. Government plan to keep it at that level, and whether Friend about resources. Will progress go backwards the Minister has a hotline to the Chief Secretary to the now, given that there will be tight controls on and Treasury, who is his right hon. Friend these days, to reductions in Government spending? Let us be honest: ensure that that money will be there to enable the we are interested in this issue, but many people up and alternatives to progress. I welcome the fact that the down the country would not see it as a priority. I Minister is cautious about the separation of families, wonder whether it is a priority of the current Government and I shall touch on that in a moment. to make resources available to ensure that the backlog An interesting issue in this area is the impact on continues to go down, and that there is support for human trafficking. Clearly, children are trafficked. If those going through the system so that they can get the they are never detained, there is a risk that that could right advice. become a pull factor for those who have mal-intent My right hon. Friend rightly highlighted the fact that towards children. In constructing the review and taking the backlog does not help the situation regarding detention. account of views, is there any particular oversight of Families who see other families staying for a long time that threat, so that as the review progresses and proposals because they have been caught up in the backlog are led come forward, it is considered, and there are not to believe that there is not a real prospect of their perverse outcomes which none of us in the House leaving. would want? Keith Vaz: I do not want to prejudge my hon. Friend’s On that, would the Minister pledge to monitor the memoirs detailing her period in government before they impact on children in what we might call private fostering? eventually come out, but is it the case that the Home As the previous Minister, I was responsible for this area. Office did not ask for more resources, or was it just not There were occasions when adults were detained but the given more resources? Was there a plea to the Treasury children would be elsewhere, and it could take some that if there were more resources, more could be done time to locate the children when the parents and family about the issue? themselves had decided to separate. That lays open terrible potential risks to children in terms of child Meg Hillier: I worked with two Home Secretaries protection and safety. Again, if the review is well done who were robust in defending the Home Office’s need and well constructed, the matter could possibly be for resources for several areas, but, as the Minister will dealt with, but there is a potential perverse outcome find out in his new role, resources are always challenging which the Government need to be aware of and plan in a Department such as the Home Office. There are against. many priorities, and every time resources are put into Has the Minister had any recent legal advice about one area, there is a risk that another area will bubble up, section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration as I believe he with his greater experience dealing with Act 2009 on the duty of care for children, as mentioned these matters in Parliament will know. by the hon. Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert), and Resources were always an issue, but it was not as its impact on the review? There has been previous legal simple as that. Often, local authorities did not want advice, but I wonder whether the Minister is seeking cases decided as quickly as they could have been because legal advice about the impact of that legislation. of the challenge of then housing and providing for There has been some discussion of the importance of families. There had to be some negotiation so that legal advice, with which I certainly agree. I wonder families who were able to stay were properly provided whether any further action has been proposed, either as for in local authorities. part of the review or separately, on improving legal advice, which has dogged all of us as constituency Ms Abbott: Would my hon. Friend agree that delays, Members who deal with casework but also anyone in which bear on child detention, are part of a process that government who has to deal with these challenges. Does feeds on itself? The more delays there are, the more the Minister have any thoughts on that? people have shoddy legal advisers who tell them, basically, to play for time. If at some point we could bear down on The current proposal is to continue some detention, the delays, it would save us money in the medium term. but, according to the coalition agreement—I stand to be corrected if I have misunderstood it—there is an Meg Hillier: I believe that my hon. Friend would intent to hold a family with children for between 24 and agree that, as constituency MPs, we have seen reductions 72 hours only. What would happen in the current situation in the delays. I certainly am seeing that, and the figures if a family with children who are already in detention that the Government can provide will show that they launch a judicial review at the 11th hour? Will the have reduced. Yes, as she rightly says, there is a self- Minister ever continue to detain the family? Does he propelling, negative cycle. 229WH Alternatives to Child Detention17 JUNE 2010 Alternatives to Child Detention 230WH

[Meg Hillier] children in detention. I thought that it was wrong, and I have always thought that. One argument is that there is The hon. Member for Croydon Central (Gavin Barwell) a problem because this is not an easy matter, but the raised some questions about the Opposition’s position, real Home Office position was revealed in many statements, and I shall make that clear. Actually, the approach of which claimed that ultimately, children in detention the Government is very much the approach that was were not the responsibility of the Government but that under way as the previous Government left office. it was the fault of their parents. Behind that lies a My hon. Friend the Member for Hackney North and narrative on immigration that suggests that the more Stoke Newington (Ms Abbott) said that she has visited punitive the system is made, the less likely people are to detention centres and seen what goes on there. I, too, abuse it. have visited them, and that was one reason I was keen, as the Minister then responsible, to have a review and to Meg Hillier: I disagree with my hon. Friend. Perhaps work with organisations that had an interest in the I could remind her that we both agreed that we should matter. As I communicated to her and, in particular, to not let the better be the enemy of the good. I was the hon. Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair attempting to improve the system, and I am pleased Burt), who is now the Under-Secretary of State for that we are now seeing further steps along those lines. A Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, and who was very better take-up of assisted voluntary return was a particular interested in the matter, I was frustrated that a great issue, and I pushed hard for third parties to do that. The deal of energy was being spent on argument and Government felt that it was not always appropriate if disagreement, not solutions. Any solution would not such matters were dealt with by the person who was have solved the problem overnight. Do Members not deciding on the immigration claim, and I hope that that think that in the past 13 years the Government would will be a major part of the review. Excess baggage is not have stopped detention overnight if it were that easy? It a new issue, but it is an equally important one to help is not that easy, and that is the reality of government. people settle back. We need a clearer process in which people know from the beginning what the options are, Ms Abbott: Will my hon. Friend give way? and work on that with community groups has been important. Removal directions should be provided in the community. Those things are all part of the plan Meg Hillier: Could I make some progress, please? Let and the intense work that the UK Border Agency was us be clear that Yarl’s Wood also houses foreign national beginning to undertake, prior to the election. prisoners, not just families with children. We should get it into the debate that families with children are not the The previous Government were learning from the only people housed there. best models from abroad, and the new Government are continuing with that. However, we must recognise that I worry that my hon. Friend has forgotten our even those models from abroad—in Australia and Sweden, conversations in which I explained my plans to revisit for example—allow for children to be detained under some of the issues surrounding children in detention. difficult circumstances. I refer the House to an Adjournment Some work was done by previous Ministers responsible debate from 10 February 2010, in which I flagged up for immigration to improve support for unaccompanied some of those issues, although at that point I had not asylum-seeking children, create expert local authorities met a number of the groups. that were able to deal better with those children, and create a children’s champion within the UK Border I wish this approach well, as it is the way in which the Agency. previous Government attempted to deal with the situation. However, it was not easy, and I am a little puzzled. At the end of last year, my hon. Friend the Member Today the Minister reiterates an announcement of the for Oldham East and Saddleworth (Mr Woolas), who in end of children being detained, and he re-announces a the past had focused more widely on the issue of children welcome review that was already under way. In his in the immigration system, spoke to me about his desire opening speech, he clearly highlighted the likelihood of to see a particular ministerial focus on the issue of detention immediately prior to a flight. I refer back to children in detention. He asked me to take on that my point about what would happen in the case of a late responsibility. As I have said, I wanted to look at the legal challenge; that is a issue that needs to be tackled whole picture, and I began that process by meeting a and supported by the whole legal process. The Minister number of organisations involved, and the hon. Member also mentioned the Afghanistan centre for Afghan for North East Bedfordshire and the former Member teenagers, and I wonder whether that marks a division for Bedford, because of their particular interest in this in the coalition, especially given the remarks made by matter. Out of that meeting, held under the Chatham the hon. Member for Cambridge. House rule—I will not name those who were there, although hon. Members would not be worried about that—we came up with the view that early legal advice 3.44 pm was important, and that the early legal advice project Damian Green: I am grateful for the unanimous already under way needed to be boosted. I subsequently support for this policy from all sides of the Chamber. met the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund and ensured that we worked closely with it, because of its Ms Abbott: First and last time. desire to see a difference in that area. That was a helpful partnership and I also worked with local groups. Damian Green: Absolutely. This is the second time this week that something has happened to me that I Ms Abbott: I remember our conversations with great suspect will never happen again. I attended the Citizens clarity. My hon. Friend is a good friend and colleague, for Sanctuary summer party where, as the new Minister but we took diametrically opposed views on the issue of for Immigration, one expects to get brickbats, but instead 231WH Alternatives to Child Detention17 JUNE 2010 Alternatives to Child Detention 232WH

I was given a bouquet. I suspect that that will be the last got markedly better over the years. Last time I visited, a time, so I thought that I would enjoy it while it lasted. functioning school was in operation and so on, and it This debate is a metaphorical conclusion of that experience. was a much more humane place than it had been in I am grateful to hon. Members from all parties for previous years. I pay tribute to the Ministers who were their contributions. The only comment that verged on involved in supervising that, as well as to the staff of the the slightly churlish was the conclusion reached by the UK Border Agency who made sure that it happened. I hon. Member for Hackney South and Shoreditch suspect that we have all had the same experience. However, (Meg Hillier), who was attempting desperately to find even when that place was in its most humane phase, it splits in the coalition. I am extremely pleased and proud was still disturbing to see children locked up behind to be advocating our policy, which was in the Liberal bars. That is one of the things that impels our policy. Democrat manifesto. The hon. Lady will toil in vain if There was mention of children at Harmondsworth. I she seeks to find splits in that area. may have misunderstood the right hon. Member for A number of important practical points were raised Leicester East, because it is my understanding that and questions asked in the debate, and I will now deal there are and were no children held at Harmondsworth. with those. First, let me say that I was remiss in not If I have misunderstood, I apologise, but I thought that thanking the hon. Member for Hackney South and he had said that there were. Shoreditch for all the expertise and personal kindness that she showed when she was in government and I was Keith Vaz: When we visited, there were no children in opposition. there. I was just visiting Harmondsworth. The right hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz) rightly mentioned the review by the Home Affairs Damian Green: I am grateful for that clarification. Committee. As he said, he recognises many of the ideas The position was not entirely clear. that the Government have put forward, as many were The point was rightly made about access to local mentioned in past reviews by that Committee. I look authority services. Local authority social services are forward to further expert contributions from the Committee. embedded at Yarl’s Wood; they are there permanently. He also went through some of the statistics for children in detention, which I think bear greater examination. My final point about the statistics is that the figure He mentioned the figure of just over 1,000 for the was more than 1,000 and it is now five, so we are doing number of children in detention in 2009. If that annual our best, even in the interim phase while the review is figure is broken down, one finds the slightly depressing going on, to keep the numbers to an absolute minimum. fact that the numbers go up as we go through the year: Various Members on both sides of the Chamber the figure for the third quarter is higher than that for brought up the issue of delays, which lead to problems the second or first quarters. in the system. I think that I was being invited by the As the hon. Member for Hackney South and Shoreditch right hon. Gentleman to give a new time scale for the said, the central difficulty is about what should be done end of the legacy. Given all his experience, he will at the end of the process if a family simply refuses to go. excuse me from making such commitments in my second Detention under the system that we are getting rid of outing at the Dispatch Box, but he will know, from was not necessarily effective. Of the 1,068 children who having sat through many of these debates with me in the departed from detention in 2008-09, only 539 were past four years, that like him, I have been very exercised removed and 629 were released back. There are clearly by the problem of delay. difficulties with the efficacy of removal and with taking I dare say that those who were Ministers in the away detention as an option—something that we are previous Government would not dissent from the basic doing for all the reasons that have been advanced during proposition that the long delays embedded in the system the debate—but even with detention, more children lead to many of the associated problems that we see. were released back into the community than were removed. Bearing down on those delays and getting rid of the old The old system was not particularly effective, and I am legacy, as it has been called, as fast as possible is clearly grateful to the right hon. Member for Leicester East for a high priority.That will have beneficial spin-offs throughout stating the actual figures, as they illustrate that fact the asylum system and, indeed, the wider immigration tellingly. system. Meg Hillier: Will the Minister confirm that those At various stages, the debate drifted into a general who were taken out of detention were never brought immigration debate, and it is perfectly reasonable that back into detention so as to be removed from the the same points apply in that context. The fewer delays country again, or indeed removed from the country by we have, the more likely we are to avoid the problems another route? that we have seen, although it is a fair point—it was made by Ministers in the previous Government and will Damian Green: I am not entirely sure that I understood be made by me—that not every delay in the system is that question. Is the hon. Lady saying that those who caused by the system. Not every delay is caused by the were eventually removed had never been detained and border agency. Some delay is caused by the legal processes then released, and then detained again and later removed? that people have the right to go through and do go Is that what she is saying? The honest answer is that I do through. not know. I was not the Minister at that time. She was. If she says that that is the case, I am grateful for the Ms Abbott: On the question of delays, one thing that information. successive Ministers in the previous Administration Many hon. Members have mentioned Yarl’s Wood never understood is that if we, in a panic—usually and other detention centres. I have visited Yarl’s Wood occasioned by the tabloid press—bear down on one on several occasions, and in my experience the regime aspect of the system, all that does is displace pressure to 233WH Alternatives to Child Detention17 JUNE 2010 Alternatives to Child Detention 234WH

[Ms Abbott] that project has spread awareness of assisted voluntary return much more widely among the various another aspect. That is why we were never successful in communities—she will be aware that there are large dealing with delays overall. We bore down on one numbers of such families there—which in itself has led thing—Romanian ladies in headscarves—and then got to a significant surge in applications for voluntary return. a bulge of children who claimed to be 18 but were not. The availability of that process and the information on So I beg, in a non-party political way, for a strategic, it is quite heartening in terms of the wider review that I all-embracing approach. That in the end will produce am conducting. The more aware we can make families the desired result. of the existence of voluntary return, the more they seem to be interested in it. It is a difficult set of options before Damian Green: I agree with that point and will seek the Government, but that is one of the heartening to take the friendly advice that the hon. Lady offers points that should be made. across the Chamber in that regard. I will attempt to answer all the questions the hon. Lady asked. On Dungavel, in the one or two cases that Gavin Barwell: Does the Minister agree that one of occur now, the families are moved to Yarl’s Wood, so the other reasons for delay and one that causes great that is the only place where they are being held. The frustration to UKBA staff is the difficulty of returning problem is lessening slightly as I progress through this people to certain countries? Will he work with colleagues speech. I have now learned that only three children are at the Foreign Office to see whether we can secure in detention at the moment at Yarl’s Wood. She asked, improved arrangements in that regard? as others did, about local authorities. Clearly, the local authorities with the most expertise, whether we are Damian Green: Absolutely so. The whole Government talking about Croydon, Kent or Hillingdon—the ones are working very hard to ensure that those who have no that people would expect to be involved—will play a right to remain here are returned to their countries of significant role in the review, but I take her point that origin. My hon. Friend, who has huge expertise already other local authorities will need to be informed. in this matter, representing Croydon Central, will have The hon. Lady asked about community organisations. noticed that when the Government and the UK Border One reason for trying to get out as much as possible is Agency have some successes in that regard, it is not to engage not only the national end of the various universally popular. We are being criticised this week organisations that are most concerned with either the for resuming returns to Iraq, but that has to be part of welfare of children or, specifically, families in the position the process; otherwise, the process will silt up. that we are discussing, but the organisations on the Let me make some progress, as I am conscious of the ground around the country, so that they can contribute time and there are many questions to answer. A point their considerable expertise to the review. made by various hon. Members, including my hon. On assisted voluntary return, the hon. Lady makes Friend the Member for Croydon Central (Gavin Barwell) the point that we are living in a time of spending and the right hon. Member for Leicester East, was stringency. All I can sensibly say at this point is that, as about resources. The right hon. Gentleman will be she knows, in the long run nothing is as expensive as aware of the state of the public finances left by the detention. Building and maintaining detention centres Government he supported for 13 years. As a result, is more expensive than providing people with packages there will be difficulties. All I can sensibly say is that the to return voluntarily, so if all goes well, the net effect on management of resources is as important as the quantum the public purse will also be beneficial. of resources. That is one of the things that the new Government are most eager to get to grips with as fast The hon. Lady asked about the legal advice that I am as possible, and we shall be doing so as part of the receiving. All I can say gently is that I do not remember general spending review. her ever sharing the legal advice that she received from Home Office lawyers when she was standing at the Various hon. Members, including the hon. Member Dispatch Box. That was a very good habit of hers, for Hackney South and Shoreditch, asked about the which I intend to take up. Glasgow pilot. She will know that it encourages refused asylum seeker families to return voluntarily by providing I am grateful to all hon. Members who contributed to intensive support, which is focused on helping families the debate. It has been extremely constructive. This is to confront issues that delay a return and building up not necessarily an easy problem to solve, but we all skills to prepare for a voluntary return. Thirty-two agree that it must be solved. We cannot go on with the families have been referred to the Glasgow pilot; 11 system that we had in the past. The final big question have been accommodated there. I am afraid that nothing was when we shall finish the review. The report will be has changed in that regard since the hon. Lady left on my desk in the early weeks of July, and I shall office. No families have elected to return voluntarily to proceed with all possible speed after that to come to a their home countries, and enforced departure has taken full conclusion. place of three families who were initially accepted into Question put and agreed to. the project. However, she and I need not despair at this point, because one of the things that I learned when I 3.59 pm was in Glasgow earlier this week was that the fact of Sitting adjourned. 53WS Written Ministerial Statements17 JUNE 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 54WS

today, colleges and training organisations will be able to Written Ministerial respond quickly and flexibly to their choices, offering a wide range of programmes that drive both high-tech Statements innovation and new enterprise and support adult recreational learning. Over the coming months, the Government will be Thursday 17 June 2010 looking at a wide range of other ways to remove unnecessary bureaucracy from the system, and we will BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS be making further announcements in due course.

Further Education Colleges and Training Organisations COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Mr John Hayes): I am pleased to inform Parliament that the Government are announcing today Houses in Multiple Occupation a series of measures aimed at boosting economic recovery. These measures will give further education colleges and training organisations greater freedom to deliver the The Minister for Housing (Grant Shapps): Today I am education and training that employers and individuals announcing the Government’s intention to amend the need, and to raise opportunities for lifelong learning planning rules for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) through a system that is freed of unnecessary bureaucracy, which were introduced on 6 April 2010. and driven by empowered, informed learners. I understand the concerns of local people who see The main measures are: their neighbourhoods being damaged by undue All colleges, except those which are performing poorly, to be concentrations of HMOs and the significant impact given new freedoms to move money between budgets. This will this is having on their quality of life. However there are allow them to respond quickly to local demand. also many areas where HMOs are not causing problems Working to bring colleges into line with schools in respect of and indeed provide an important supply of low cost Ofsted inspection, so that colleges which achieve outstanding housing. I believe that the planning system needs to results do not face inspection unless their performance drops. take account of both these differing circumstances and Refocusing £150 million of resources to expand the number of allow for local solutions rather than continue with the apprenticeships available; and £50 million to support FE capital present “one size fits all” approach. development; Giving learners the information they need to drive the system, The current rules impose a blanket requirement for through the publication of clear and consistent information planning permission in order to change use from a about performance, quality and standards. domestic house to a HMO. When introduced, it was I will be writing today to all colleges and training estimated that these rules could result in an additional organisations about these and other changes, which will 8,500 planning applications per year and could lead to a help them to focus on meeting the demands of employers reduction in supply.This goes against the recommendations and learners in their areas. in successive reports on the planning system that The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Government should reduce the number of planning Skills will also be writing to the chief executive of the applications for minor development. It also runs the Skills Funding Agency—the body responsible for funding risk of losing low cost housing in areas where it is colleges and training organisations—confirming his needed most. priorities for the adult education and skills budget in I believe that we need to move away from this kind of 2010-11, including the refocusing of £150 million to pay centralised, regulatory approach which has dominated for a 50,000 extra apprenticeship places this year, and planning in recent years and create a system which £50 million for new capital grants to colleges. A key encourages local people to take responsibility for shaping goal will be to strengthen the supply of qualifications their communities. Decisions should reflect local priorities that are valued by employers; and to secure high-quality expressed through the local plan, rather than nationally training opportunities to help unemployed people get imposed rules. the skills they need for work-readiness and sustainable I therefore intend to amend the HMO rules to allow employment; as well as encouraging an increasing number changes of use between family houses and small, shared of people to participate in adult and community learning, houses to take place freely without the need for planning both to re-engage those disenchanted by previous applications. However, in those areas experiencing problems educational experience and to offer people opportunities with uncontrolled HMO development, local authorities to enrich their lives through learning. will be able to use their existing direction-making powers Underpinning these changes, we are seeking to empower to restrict this freedom of movement by requiring planning learners so that they can drive the learning and skills applications. This change will allow the free development delivered by colleges and training organisations. A of smaller shared housing, which is a vital component professional and impartial advice and guidance service of our private rented sector, unless there is a serious will be available to support learners. Publication of threat to the area. clear information about the performance of colleges My officials will work through the detail of the and training organisations will allow learners and employers proposed changes with interested partners to ensure to make well-informed choices. This will include information that the new rules work for local people without placing about learner success rates, learner and employer an unnecessary burden on businesses. satisfaction, and the destinations of those who leave My aim is to have the revised arrangements in place learning. As a result of the freedoms that we are announcing by 1 October 2010. 55WS Written Ministerial Statements17 JUNE 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 56WS

DEFENCE preparing forests for climate change, and the presidency highlighted the need to reconcile increasing water scarcity with rising demand. Ministers also agreed conclusions Defence Vetting Agency: Key Targets Financial Year setting out the EU position for the forthcoming meeting 2010-11 of the parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in October, and conclusions in support of the “Rio+20” The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence UN conference on sustainable development. Lord Henley (Mr Andrew Robathan): Key targets have been set for stressed the importance of concrete outputs from the the chief executive of the Defence Vetting Agency for conference which recognised the need for sustainability, financial year 2010-11 to deliver national security vetting the importance of ecosystems services and international to defence customers. Delivery of vetting to its repayment governance in line with future climate change arrangements. customers will be to similar standards as set out in their Under any other business, the UK and Germany joint business agreements. raised the forthcoming meeting of the International Key target 1: External validation of quality of defence Whaling Convention (IWC). Lord Henley emphasised vetting cases the importance of IWC reform to ensure conservation To achieve at least a 98% satisfaction rating with 200 cases of whales, and stressed the need for the EU to show independently selected and reviewed from a random sample of leadership and consistency in opposing commercial whaling. security check (SC) and developed vetting (DV) cases completed The French raised an AOB item pushing for a moratorium in the preceding 12-month period. on the authorisation of genetically modified organisms; Key target 2: Delivering excellent customer service the UK welcomed the progress made by the Commission To maintain customer service excellence accreditation. and stressed the importance of ensuring proportionate Key target 3: Completing routine cases for defence customers and efficient regulation, but argued against a moratorium. a. 85% of counter terrorist checks (CTC) within 30 calendar The lunchtime discussion focused on international days. climate change. The presidency gave a presentation on b. 85% of SCs within 30 calendar days. the outreach activities undertaken by the presidency c. 85% of DVs within 100 calendar days. and the Commission during the past six months. Key target 4: Completing priority cases for defence customers The Commission presented their communication a. 95% of CTC/SCs within 10 calendar days. analysing the options to move beyond 20% greenhouse b. 95% of DVs within 30 calendar days. gas emission reductions and assessing the risk of carbon Key target 5: Completing aftercare cases for defence leakage. In the policy debate that followed, member customers by states welcomed the communication as providing a a. Taking into action all aftercare incident reports within seven solid evidence base for further discussions on this issue. calendar days of receipt. I intervened to underline the key message of the b. Taking into action 95% of scheduled aftercare within 30 communication that the costs of moving to a 30% calendar days of the scheduled date of review. target are significant but manageable, and that they c. Taking into action (where appropriate) 95% of security have reduced since 2008. I expressed my hope that the appraisal reviews within 21 days of receipt. EU would show leadership by increasing our target to The timeliness key targets represent net performance 30%, and insisted that unless we do so it is very hard to that exclude delays outside of DVA control. imagine that we will be able to remain on the trajectory Key Target 6: Delivery of the Cerberus project in line of keeping global temperature increase to within 2°C. with planning tolerances. While a number of other member states’ interventions a. Manage third party suppliers to provide their side of the supported these arguments, others highlighted the reduced Cerberus interfaces by September 2010. capacity in the European economy for the investment b. Achieve an operational capability for e-forms and case which would be required to meet a higher target. The management system by December 2010. Council agreed conclusions on the communication which c. Achieve roll-out in line with plan to vetting customers by noted the need to return to the issues no later than March 2011. October 2010 and welcomed the Commission’s intention to conduct more detailed analysis. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Lastly, the presidency presented a progress report on the proposed regulation on reducing CO emissions EU Environment Council 2 from light commercial vehicles (i.e. vans), which was noted by the Council. The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Chris Huhne): I represented the UK at the Environment Council in Luxembourg on 11 June, together with Lord Henley, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Environment, ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Food and Rural Affairs. Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change in the Scottish Government, also attended. Veterinary Medicines Directorate and Veterinary The presidency presented progress reports on the Laboratories Agency proposal for a regulation on biocidal products, the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) directive The Minister of State, Department for Environment, and the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): The 2009-10 directive. annual report and accounts for each of the following The Council agreed conclusions on forest protection, was laid before Parliament today: and water scarcity and drought. A number of member Veterinary Laboratories Agency states intervened to stress the importance of adequately Veterinary Medicines Directorate 57WS Written Ministerial Statements17 JUNE 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 58WS

HEALTH The review should not duplicate the review of the upper GI service configuration which was recently carried out by the independent reconfiguration panel, nor any subsequent appeal of the employment tribunal’s decision. NHS South West However, it may consider these and any other relevant background evidence to make its determinations. The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): The findings of the review will be published later this I have asked Sir David Nicholson, chief executive of the year and I will update the House on the outcome of the NHS in England, to initiate a review into the approach review and my response. and behaviour of the NHS South West in relation to Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, in particular, to the TRANSPORT dismissal of John Watkinson and, by association, the trust’s position in relation to the provision of upper Rail Franchising gastro-intestinal (GI) services in Cornwall. John Watkinson was dismissed from his role as chief The Minister of State, Department for Transport executive of the Royal Cornwall NHS Trust in April (Mrs Theresa Villiers): The Department for Transport 2009. He took his case to employment tribunal, which will shortly begin a consultation exercise on the future has recently published its judgment that he was unfairly of rail franchising policy. This consultation will provide dismissed. industry partners with the opportunity to comment on In the opinion of the employment tribunal, John the Government’s approach to rail franchising and whether Watkinson was unfairly dismissed because he made a bidders for longer franchises would be able to offer “protected disclosure” covered by the Public Interest investment in improvements to trains and services. It Disclosure Act. The disclosure was linked to the will also allow the industry to set out its proposals for reconfiguration of upper GI services in Cornwall. The improving the efficiency and value for money of rail employment tribunal also found that Royal Cornwall franchises, for both taxpayers and fare payers. I will set NHS Trust acted as it did as a result of pressure from out further details to the House in due course. the South West Strategic Health Authority (NHS South To enable the next Greater Anglia and Essex Thameside West). franchises—which are currently in the process of being Verita, a specialist company that conducts independent re-let—fully to reflect the changes resulting from this investigations, reviews and inquiries has been commissioned review of policy the competitions for these franchises, to undertake this review. which were started in January 2010, are to be cancelled. The Terms of Reference for this review will be; It is currently expected that a new competition for the to examine all the SHA’s interactions with the Royal Cornwall Greater Anglia franchise will be advertised by the end Hospitals NHS Trust in relation to the dismissal of John of the year, after the consultation responses have been Watkinson and, by association, the trust’s position in relation considered, with the Essex Thameside franchise following to the provision of the upper GI services in Cornwall. In in autumn 2011. particular, to determine: the chronology of events and decisions made in the running up It is also expected that there will be some consequent to the dismissal of John Watkinson; changes to the procurement time scales previously published what involvement NHS South West had in his dismissal and for the InterCity East Coast franchise. Rail services will whether or not this was motivated by the reconfiguration of continue to run as normal on all affected franchises. A upper GI services or otherwise; and prior information notice (PIN) setting out the Department’s whether the SHA acted appropriately, proportionately, in keeping proposed future rail franchising programme will be with its role and within its statutory responsibilities. issued in due course.

13P Petitions17 JUNE 2010 Petitions 14P

benefits system; that all carers who provide 35 hours per Petitions week unpaid care for a relative, partner or friend of any age with a long term illness or disability, or who is Thursday 17 June 2010 elderly and frail, be paid an increased allowance regardless of means or receipt of any other benefits, including the state pension; further notes that carers should not be PRESENTED PETITION forced to live on a limited income, nor should they have to self fund their caring role, by living off their limited Petition presented to the House but not read on the Floor savings; that for these and other valid reasons, carers who provide over 35 hours of care per week should Blockade of Gaza receive an increased carers allowance exempt from The Petition of the West Wiltshire Palestinian Support assessment for all other benefits and believes that this is Group and residents of the Chippenham Constituency, in the public interest. Declares that Israel’s blockade of Gaza is illegal and inhumane. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to pay increased carers The Petitioners therefore request that the House of allowance, exempt from all other benefit assessment, to Commons urges the Foreign Secretary to call on Israel all carers who provide over 35 hours of care per week. to end its blockade of Gaza. And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Duncan And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Bob Hames.] Spink, Official Report, 2 March 2010; Vol. 506, c. 916.] [P000836] [P000746]

OBSERVATIONS Observations from the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: WORK AND PENSIONS The Government are aware of and fully appreciate Carer Poverty the hard work and dedication of all those who provide The Petition of Mr Darren Osborne, Carers Poverty unpaid care for relatives, partners and friends. Alliance, Carers Poverty Protest and others, The Government are considering a wide range of Declares that carers allowance should be paid at a issues as we develop our plans for welfare reform and a level that gives carers the dignity, quality of life and commission on long term care will consider the position recognition this hard working group deserves within the of carers in this context.

489W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 490W Written Answers to Football: South Africa Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether (a) he, Questions (b) other Ministers in his Department and (c) officials of his Department will attend the World Cup in South Thursday 17 June 2010 Africa. [2153] Hugh Robertson: I attended the England v. USA match and travelled economy class on both legs of the CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT journey. No officials attended. The Secretary of State will attend the England v. Algeria match and travel Departmental Manpower economy class for both journeys. The Secretary of State will be accompanied by one official. I met with various Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for members of the FIFA family during my visit to discuss Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many (a) England’s bid for the 2018 World cup, one of the special advisers and (b) press officers are employed by Government’s top priorities for sport. The Secretary of his Department at each Civil Service pay grade. [1281] State is planning to do the same. Should England progress to the quarter finals and John Penrose: With regards to the number of special beyond, as I very much hope they will, we will look advisers employed by the Department, I refer the hon. again at what attendance is necessary. Member to the list of special adviser appointments published by the Prime Minister on 10 June 2010, Gambling Official Report, column 33-34W. Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, The Department employs 11 press officers. The Olympics, Media and Sport what (a) telephone calls, breakdown by civil service pay grade is shown in the (b) meetings and (c) correspondence (i) he and (ii) following table: other Ministers and officials in his Department have had with representatives of the gambling industry since Grade Number of press officers 11 May 2010. [2957] Grade A1 3 2 John Penrose: In the course of the usual engagement Grade B 8 with our sectors I, and officials in my Department, have Total 11 met and spoken with a wide range of organisations and 1 Former Grade 6/7. individuals since 11 May. This includes representatives 2 Former SEO/HEO/HEO (D) and equivalent grades. of the gambling industry. However, we do not keep Departmental Official Hospitality central records of all telephone calls, meetings or correspondence with industry and other representatives. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what budget his WORK AND PENSIONS Department has allocated for entertainment, including alcohol, in each of the next three years. [1323] Employment and Support Allowance

John Penrose: The 2010-11 budget, inherited from the Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work previous Government, allocated £155, 478 to hospitality, and Pensions if his Department will take steps to track which includes entertainment costs. We are now looking and monitor claimants who apply for the employment at ways to significantly reduce this. Similar budgets for and support allowance and are found fit to work; and the following two years will not be set until after the for what reasons these claimants are not currently next Spending Review in the autumn. tracked and monitored. [2626] All expenditure is incurred in accordance with the Chris Grayling: The Department are planning research principles of Managing Public Money and the Treasury to investigate the paths of individuals who are found fit handbook on Regularity and Propriety. for work, whose claim for employment and support Football allowance is withdrawn or whose claim is ended before they receive a decision at the work capability assessment. The Department is also developing administrative data Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for and management information to routinely monitor the Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will take outcomes for all employment and support allowance steps to encourage each professional football club to claimants, including those that moved off the benefit. allow a representative of a registered football supporters’ trust to sit on its board of directors. [2924] Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what changes he plans to make to the Hugh Robertson: While it is for the football authorities employment and support allowance system; and if he to run our national game, the Government will encourage will make a statement. [2628] The Football Association, premier league, and football league to work closely together to improve the governance Chris Grayling: The Department published an internal and regulation of the national game. This includes review of the Work Capability Assessment in March exploring better ways to involve supporters in their 2010. This review outlined possible areas for change—we local clubs. are currently considering its findings and recommendations. 491W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 492W

We will reassess everyone on incapacity benefits to It is our intention to review and, if necessary, adapt this see if they are fit for work. Those who are capable of learning once we know more about the single work programme. work will be moved onto jobseeker’s allowance. People I hope this information is helpful. who need more support while they prepare for work will get that help on employment and support allowance. Employment Schemes: Voluntary Organisations We have committed to introducing the work programme by the summer of 2011. The full scope and shape of this Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for has not yet been finalised, however we recognise that Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of people moving onto jobseeker’s allowance from incapacity the effectiveness of voluntary job clubs in helping benefit or employment and support allowance may face people into employment. [2256] particular difficulties. The employment support we offer will reflect this. Chris Grayling: Job clubs, such as those in Towcester and Brackley, offer local solutions to address unemployment Employment Schemes which are led by local communities, organisations and voluntary groups. Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Where operational, they offer unemployed people a Pensions what the budget for the Single Work Programme place to meet, exchange skills, make contacts, and find planned by his Department will be in 2010-11; and what opportunities to help in their search for employment. the previously planned total expenditure on all current Building on the job club model, the coalition Government back-to-work schemes providing targeted assistance to has set out a clear commitment to support the development benefits claimants seeking employment was for 2010-11. of local work clubs. [2161] Funeral Payments Chris Grayling: The total budget set aside to deliver employment programmes in 2010-11 was £2,432 million. Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for This budget has been adjusted in-year to reflect savings Work and Pensions what recent representations his of £320 million announced as part of the Government’s Department have received from professional recently announced £6 billion efficiency savings, giving organisations on the funeral payment. [2090] a revised overall budget of £2,112 million. The Government have committed to introducing the Steve Webb: We have had representations from the Work Programme in the first half of 2011. The Work National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), Programme will be a single integrated package of support the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors providing personalised help for everyone who finds (SAIF) and some of their members. They raise a number themselves out of work regardless of the benefit they of issues about the operation of the scheme. claim, and the budget will be set as part of the forthcoming Future Jobs Fund Spending Review negotiations. Employment Schemes: Lone Parents Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what advice he has received from his Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Department on the (a) efficiency and (b) cost-effectiveness and Pensions what his policy is on training Jobcentre of the Future Jobs Fund; and if he will publish all such Plus personal advisers on the circumstances and needs advice received. [2299] of lone parents under the Single Work Programme. Chris Grayling: The release of advice to Ministers [2492] would prejudice the free and frank provision of advice Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus and the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, of deliberation and will not, therefore, be provided. Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Jobcentre Plus: Rapid Response Service Member with the information requested. Letter from Darra Singh: Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question and Pensions what plans he has for the Jobcentre Plus asking what the policy is on training Jobcentre Plus personal advisers Rapid Response Service. [2495] in the circumstances and needs of lone parents under the Single Work Programme. This is something that falls within the Chris Grayling: Our intention is to retain the Rapid responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Response Service in its current form for the 2010-11 Plus. financial year. However, in common with all departmental The role of Jobcentre Plus under the single work programme is programmes, the longer term future of the service will not yet defined. be considered as part of the forthcoming comprehensive However, the current learning routeway for Personal Advisers spending review. contains over 60 hours of learning specifically for dealing with Lone Parents. These events are delivered in a variety of training Maternity Leave media including classroom facilitated events, open learning and e-learning. Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for The learning includes modules on building customer commitment; Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of building and maintaining lone parent networks; dealing with the number of women who took paid maternity leave myths and stereotypes about lone parents; overcoming challenges in the last five years for which figures are available; and providing ongoing support in their transition to work. what the average number of weeks paid maternity leave The learning also provides information on childcare and sources was in each such year; and what the average payment of financial help for lone parents. was in each such year. [2928] 493W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 494W

Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions Wales is responsible for statutory maternity pay and maternity allowance. The Department’s estimate of the numbers Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for of women who received these payments for each of the Work and Pensions with reference to the Chancellor of last five years is outlined in the table. the Exchequer’s announcement of 24 May 2010 and Estimated numbers of women receiving statutory maternity pay and maternity pursuant to the answer of 7 June 2010, Official Report, allowance since 2005-06 column 69W, on public expenditure: Wales, if he will Estimated number provide details of his Department’s non-devolved public expenditure savings that will be incurred in Wales, including 2005-06 360,000 an estimate of the financial savings. [2939] 2006-07 370,000 2007-08 390,000 Chris Grayling: The requested information is not 2008-09 390,000 available due to disproportionate cost. 2009-10 400,000 Note: Data are based on estimated numbers of starts or new cases in Great Britain. Source: Department for Work and Pensions data. DEFENCE It should be noted that these figures are likely to be Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations an underestimate of the numbers of women who took paid maternity leave. Some women may have received Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for paid maternity leave via occupational maternity pay Defence whether the doubling of the operational allowance schemes provided by their employer but did not qualify for armed forces personnel serving in Afghanistan is a for statutory maternity pay or maternity allowance. No permanent measure; and to what date the doubling of estimates are available for this group. that allowance will be back-dated. [2777] No estimates are made for the average number of weeks of paid maternity leave or average payments. Dr Fox: The doubling of operational allowance is a permanent measure and is effective from 6 May 2010. Social Security Benefits: Stirling In doing so we have fulfilled a key measure in our coalition programme for government.

Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions how many and what proportion of Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the the working age population of Stirling constituency are public purse of doubling the operational allowance for claimants of (a) jobseeker’s allowance, (b) employment armed forces personnel serving in Afghanistan. [2781] and support allowance and incapacity benefit, (c) carer’s allowance, (d) disability living allowance, (e) widow’s Dr Fox: The cost of doubling the operational allowance and/or bereavement benefit and (f) other income support. to all those eligible to receive it is £57 million per year, [2523] based on current force levels. Air Misses Chris Grayling: The available information is in the following table: Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Working age claimants by client group in Stirling parliamentary constituency: Defence what (a) near misses and (b) dangerous November 2009 incidents involving military aircraft were reported in Percentage of the working age each year since 2007. [2618] Claimants population Nick Harvey: The number of hazards, observations, Job Seeker 1,760 3.2 near misses and reportable incidents involving military Employment and Support 3,830 7.0 Allowance and Incapacity Benefits aircraft that have been reported in each year since 2007 Carer 510 0.9 are shown in the following tables. They have been Others on income related benefit 190 0.3 broken down by aircraft type. To provide further details Disabled 470 0.9 of each of these events would, however, incur Bereaved 150 0.3 disproportionate cost. Notes: A new system for capturing all flight safety events 1. Statistical Group is a hierarchical variable. A person who fits into more across the Defence aviation community, known as the than one category will only appear in the top-most one for which they are eligible. For example a claimant of Disability Living Allowance and Aviation Safety Information Management System, was Jobseeker’s Allowance would appear in “Job Seeker”, not in “Disabled”. introduced in 2009. This improved system has resulted 2. From November 2008 the “incapacity benefits group” includes Employment in an increase in reporting. and Support Allowance (ESA). ESA replaced Incapacity Benefit and Income Support paid on the grounds of incapacity for new claims from 27 October Hazards/observations/near misses by aircraft type, 2007-10 2008. Prior to this the “incapacity benefits group” referred to claimants of Aircraft 2007 2008 2009 20101 Incapacity Benefit (including credits only) or Severe Disablement Allowance including people claiming Income Support on the grounds of incapacity. 2 3. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Percentages are rounded to None 0 0 13 46 one decimal place. Alpha Jet 0 0 0 0 4. Working Age Client Group data has been used as this excludes overlaps Andover 0 0 0 0 where people are in receipt of more than one benefit. Data published at: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk Apache 0 0 10 10 Source: Agusta 0 0 3 3 Department for Work and Pensions Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study. Mid 2008 population estimates produced by BAE 125 0 0 4 2 General Registers of Scotland. BAE 146 0 0 1 1 495W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 496W

Hazards/observations/near misses by aircraft type, 2007-10 Reportable incidents by military aircraft type, 2007-10 Aircraft 2007 2008 2009 20101 Aircraft 2007 2008 2009 20101

Bell 0 0 5 1 Firefly 17 15 6 0 C17 0 0 10 13 Gazelle 44 45 15 12 Chinook 0 0 18 11 Griffin 91 67 110 56 Defender 0 0 0 4 Harrier 79 172 219 111 Desert 0040Hawk 294 242 187 119 Hawk Hercules 342 329 152 114 Dominie 0 0 1 1 Hermes 0 25 21 9 Firefly0060Islander 11 13 15 20 Gazelle 0 0 2 3 Jaguar 13 2 1 0 Griffin 0 0 4 5 Jetstream 11 11 12 2 Harrier 0 0 13 18 King Air 21 31 38 17 Hawk 2 0 11 15 Lynx 337 470 252 125 Hercules 0 1 7 16 Merlin 310 420 557 297 Hermes 0 0 18 7 Nimrod 177 122 29 22 Islander 0 0 1 2 Other 16 21 55 18 Jaguar 0 0 0 0 Puma 113 130 117 57 Jetstream 0 0 0 1 Reaper0921 King Air 0 0 6 2 Sea King 448 475 441 246 Lynx 1 1 10 7 Sentinel 13 17 20 8 Merlin 0 0 23 21 Sentry 67 42 22 13 Nimrod 0 0 10 1 Squirrel 107 84 59 39 Other 0 0 6 10 Tornado 578 439 344 224 Puma 0 0 20 13 Tristar 79 77 54 27 Sea King 2 0 16 19 Tucano 136 156 234 112 Sentinel 0 0 1 8 Tutor67739243 Sentry 0 0 1 7 Typhoon 153 187 202 89 Squirrel 0 0 3 6 VC10 96 93 46 31 Tornado 0 0 27 41 Vigilant 23 62 33 24 Tristar 0 0 3 16 Viking 13 10 7 16 Tucano 0 0 11 22 Total 4,196 4,502 4,026 2,312 Tutor00891 Up to and including 31 May 2010. Typhoon 0 0 5 14 2 ‘None’ covers those incidents where an aircraft was not involved eg VC10 0 0 9 12 during either maintenance of an aircraft component not fitted to an aircraft or involving a piece of Aircraft Ground Support Equipment. Vigilant 0 0 0 2 Viking 0 0 2 0 A reportable incident is described as an occurrence Total 5 2 292 369 involving an aircraft which results in the aircraft sustaining 1 Up to and including 31 May 2010. category 1, 2 or 3 damage; or in a person receiving a 2 ‘None’ covers those incidents where an aircraft was not involved eg minor or slight injury; or which discloses a flight safety during either maintenance of an aircraft component not fitted to an hazard or potential hazard. As the MOD damage aircraft or involving a piece of Aircraft Ground Support Equipment. categorisation system does not apply to civilian registered Events in the table above are described as hazards aircraft, the occurrence is to be classed as an incident if and cover those circumstances which have, or could the damage is repairable by the contractor’s aircraft have, resulted in an occurrence, or could throw light on maintenance staff at the aircraft operating location. the cause of an occurrence. An abridged definition of an occurrence is an unplanned event associated with the Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for operation of an aircraft. Defence what AIRPROX incidents have taken place in Reportable incidents by military aircraft type, 2007-10 the last five years; and what the (a) location and (b) Aircraft 2007 2008 2009 20101 aircraft type was in each incident. [2619] None2 24 71 34 45 Alpha Jet 8 6 4 3 Nick Harvey: There were 832 reported Air Proximity Andover 1 1 1 3 Hazard incidents between June 2004 and June 2009. I Apache 72 134 125 86 am placing details of these incidents, including the date, Agusta 8 10 10 15 aircraft type and location, in the Library of the House. BAE1256622Investigations into Air Proximity Hazard incidents after BAE1466255June 2009 are not yet fully completed. Bell 18 43 57 23 Details of all incidents are published in bi-annual C1736344325reports by the Air Proximity Board on its website: Chinook 299 310 314 172 www.airproxboard.org.uk Defender 40 32 10 17 Desert 007157In the information I am placing in the Library of the Hawk House, I am also including a reference for each of the Dominie 22 14 8 7 incidents to the relevant report. By publishing the causes, 497W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 498W risks, trends and lessons learnt from all Air Proximity made available to match clinical requirements, including incidents, whether they are military or civil, the aim is to surges in casualty numbers. Our future budgetary plans minimise the possibility of re-occurrence. assume a continuing need for additional investment in An Air Proximity Hazard is formally defined as an facilities and staff at Headley Court. Comprehensive incident in which, in the opinion of a pilot or controller, financial data for the past five years are not readily the distance between aircraft as well as their relative available, and could be obtained only at disproportionate positions and speeds have been such that the safety of cost. the aircraft involved was or may have been compromised. Headley Court has received steadily increased investment in facilities and staff over recent years. The unit’s operating Armed Forces costs, including estate management, are about £20.4 million in the current financial year, as compared with some Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for £10.7 million (actual costs) in 2005-06. Significant new Defence what steps he is planning to take to observe facilities brought into service over recent years, at an the principles of the military covenant. [2667] additional total cost of about £7.5 million, include a 30-bed ward annexe (May 2007), a 58-bed staff and Mr Robathan: We have made it clear in our Programme patient accommodation block (January 2009) and the for Government that rebuilding the military covenant is new Centre for Mental and Cognitive Health (opened one of the highest priorities for Defence. in spring 2009). For many years the Headley Court estate, which is owned by a charitable trust, has also We have published a series of concrete measures to benefited from additional funding of projects by that achieve this including in areas such as health and education. trust and other charities. Work has begun on how to put these measures into practice as soon as possible. In addition to funding the projects just listed, it was announced in May 2008 that an extra £24 million in Armed Forces: Health Services capital funding over the next four years for a Headley Court development programme. Over the first two years Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for (i.e. up to June 2010) this funding has been mainly Defence what timetable has been set for completion of applied to the MOD contribution to the Help for Heroes work with Help for Heroes on the purpose-built centre rehabilitation complex, which recently came into service, for injured soldiers in (a) Catterick, (b) Tidworth, (c) and a utilities upgrade for the whole site. Colchester and (d) Edinburgh. [2818] Armed Forces: Housing

Mr Robathan: The Army Recovery Capability was Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for launched on 11 February 2010, in partnership with Defence what timetable has been set for completion of Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion. This new work on supported housing for service leaders in capability marks a further step forward in the support Catterick. [2817] to our armed forces and will ensure the best possible care and management is provided to our wounded, sick Mr Robathan: Construction work began on 18 January and injured personnel. 2010 on the training and housing centre, ‘The Beacon’, The provision of four purpose built Personnel Recovery in Catterick, North Yorkshire, and based on current Centres is a key element of the Army Recovery Capability. estimates, work is due to be completed by the end of The centres will provide a day centre facility for all April 2011. recovering personnel and a residential base for those who need it, whether their recovery is focused on a Armed Forces: Wales return to duty or a transition into civilian life. Each centre will be located inside or close to Army sites, Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence enabling access to Army facilities and support from the how many members of the armed forces were born in Army, including existing medical, educational and other or are domiciled in (a) Aberavon constituency and (b) garrison facilities. Wales. [2904] The Pathfinder centre, in Edinburgh, opened on Mr Robathan: The information is not held in the 17 August 2009 in partnership with Help for Heroes format requested. and the veterans’ charity Erskine Homes. This centre will provide the capability until the three other Personnel Ascension Island Recovery Centres open. Current plans are for the Colchester centre to open in September 2011, the Catterick centre Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for to open in April 2012, and the Tidworth/Bulford centre Defence what discussions he has had with the Secretary to open in April 2012. of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on his Department’s outstanding bills relating to Ascension Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Island. [2532] Defence how much funding his Department allocated to the development of Defence Medical Rehabilitation Nick Harvey: The Secretary of State for Defence and Centre Headley Court in each of the last five years; and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth if he will make a statement. [2820] Affairs have discussed the dispute over the Ministry of Defence’s annual property tax liability on Ascension Mr Robathan: Funding for the treatment of wounded Island. The MOD is continuing to work towards securing personnel at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre a cross-government sustainable financial future for at Headley Court has been, and will continue to be, Ascension Island. 499W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 500W

Atomic Weapons Establishment equipment to Portsmouth NHS Trust for the value of £630,435 during the financial year which ended on 31 Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for March 2010. Defence what the objectives are of the business review No other sales were made directly by DSA to under way at the Atomic Weapons Establishment. Government departments, non-departmental public bodies [2043] or other public sector organisations.

Peter Luff: A number of reviews are currently under Dr Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for way at the Atomic Weapons Establishment. All have Defence what the annual operating cost of (a) the primary objectives aimed at ensuring the maintenance Disposals Services Authority and (b) edisposals has of a safe and credible UK deterrent, and the maintenance been in each year for which figures are available. [2353] of an efficient and effective deterrent capability to achieve maximum value for money. Peter Luff: Total operating costs from 2005-06 for the Disposal Services Authority (DSA), including e-disposals Defence Equipment: Sales are as follows:

Dr Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for £ million Defence what the monetary value of receipts from the Financial Other Total Disposal Services Authority has been in each year since year Direct costs operating costs operating costs 1993. [2349] 2005-06 27.2 15.1 42.3 Peter Luff: Data on the monetary value of receipts 2006-07 43.5 20.4 63.9 from the Disposal Services Authority for the last five 2007-08 37.4 7.1 44.5 years is as follows: 2008-09 41 3.1 44.1 2009-10 33.2 6 39.2 £ million Gross sales Direct costs of sales Net sales Departmental Consultants 2005-06 61.4 27.2 34.2 2006-07 99 43.5 55.5 2007-08 88.6 37.4 51.2 Dr Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008-09 88.1 41 47.1 Defence for how many days persons employed on 2009-10 62.5 33.2 29.3 consultant contracts worked for his Department, its agencies and the armed services in the last 12 months; Data prior to Financial Year 2005-06 is no longer at what cost to the public purse; how many people have available as this is the first full financial year that the been so employed on consultant contracts for more Disposals Sales Agency was set up and transferred into than (a) two, (b) three and (c) four years; and if he the Defence Logistics Organisation (subsequently Defence will publish the daily rates upon which such persons Equipment and Support). have been engaged in (i) the current financial year, (ii) 2009-10, (iii) 2008-09, (iv) 2007-08 and (v) 2006-07. Dr Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for [2986] Defence what the monetary value of receipts from the edisposals service has been in each year for which Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) contracts figures are available. [2350] for External Assistance with consultancy companies to deliver a specific output at an agreed price. The Department Peter Luff: Information on the monetary value of does not involve itself in how the company deploys its receipts from the website edisposals service is not recorded staff in order to deliver the output and does not, separately by the Disposal Services Authority (DSA). therefore, hold such details. The items sold under edisposals are disposed of by contractors who also use other disposal routes. They MOD expenditure on External Assistance has been are required to declare their total income to the DSA reported to Parliament since 1995-96. For the years in but not to breakdown the source of the sales . question expenditure by MOD including its agencies and the armed forces was as follows: Dr Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the monetary value was of goods sold to £ million (a) Government departments, (b) non-departmental 2006-07 129 public bodies and (c) other public sector organisations 2007-08 120 by (i) the Disposal Services Authority and (ii) 2008-09 106 edisposals in each year for which figures are available. [2352] The figure for expenditure in 2009-10 will be placed Peter Luff: It is not usual for the Disposal Services in the Library of the House in the next few months and Authority (DSA) to dispose of MOD items to other the figure for 2010-11 will be placed in the Library after Government departments because the items are generally the end of the financial year. of a military or specialist nature, or are unattractive Wherever possible MOD tries to use its internal because of their age or wear and tear. Exceptionally, resources to meet its needs rather than bringing in however, during 2009-10, DSA sold surplus medical outside assistance. 501W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 502W

Departmental Mobile Phones Peter Luff: As the only Level 1 partner in the JSF programme, the UK has been closely engaged with the changes recently made by the US and is fully aware of Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the impact in terms of performance, cost and time. Defence which Ministers in his Department have been issued with (a) a Blackberry, (b) an iPhone, (c) There is no impact on the performance of the aircraft. another make of mobile telephone and (d) a personal There is also no change to the cost of UK’s contribution digital assistant supplied by the Department. [1434] to the JSF development programme which is fixed by the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Mr Robathan: The Secretary of State for Defence has US in 2001. The aircraft already purchased for Operational been issued with a Blackberry and the Minister for Test will continue to be used for that purpose and in the Defence Equipment, Support and Technology has been timescales originally planned. issued with a Nokia mobile telephone. Our plans to purchase further JSF are incremental and have always been based on the programme reaching Departmental Official Cars technical maturity levels and being affordable within the overall resources for Defence. We will review our future purchase plans accordingly and as part of both Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence the Strategic Defence and Security Review and normal what his policy is on the use by Ministers in his Department departmental planning process. of cars allocated from (a) his Department’s pool and (b) the Government car pool which are manufactured Lynx Helicopters in the UK; whether Ministers in his Department are entitled to request the use of a car manufactured in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [2412] Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review his Department’s contract for Mr Robathan: No Minister in the Department has an the Lynx Wildcat project to ensure it represents value allocated pool car. for money. [2695] The Government’s policy is that Ministers may make use of the Government Car Service (GCS) under the Peter Luff: Under the Strategic Defence and Security terms of the recently announced Ministerial Code. Ministers Review work has been set in hand to review all major will be entitled to use cars from the GCS pool as equipment and support contracts to ensure the future needed. UK manufactured cars make up a relatively programme is coherent with future defence needs and small proportion (around 16%) of the current GCS can be afforded. fleet, most of which comprises low carbon emission hybrid vehicles manufactured abroad. Changed rules Military Aircraft: Helicopters for allocation of cars and the need to reduce the cost of operating the GCS mean that vehicle replacement is likely to be restricted in the immediate future, necessarily Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for limiting the options for reconfiguring the fleet without Defence what the change has been in the number of incurring additional cost. For reasons of efficient and helicopter hours available to commanders in the last economic fleet management, it is not practical for Ministers three years. [2819] to specify a particular vehicle or type of vehicle for a journey in a pool service car. Nick Harvey: The number of funded helicopter hours available to commanders for training and operational Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft flying for the last three financial years is shown in the following table:

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Financial year Defence how many meetings his officials have had with Lockheed Martin on the procurement of the Joint Aircraft type 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Strike Fighter in the last six months; and what was Lynx Mk 3/8 11,200 10,440 9,260 discussed on each occasion. [1392] Sea King Mk 5 4,122 4,135 4,399 Sea King Mk 7 3,601 3,770 3,686 Peter Luff: Ministry of Defence officials of the Joint Merlin Mk 1 9,380 9,380 9,380 Combat Aircraft Project Team, including US-based Sea King Mk 4/6 11,186 12,502 12,504 officials seconded to the JSF Programme Office, meet Apache 14,400 16,500 18,500 regularly with Lockheed Martin and the US Department Lynx Mk 7/9 18,599 15,500 15,500 of Defence—approximately on a daily basis. These Gazelle 10,935 5,988 4,450 meetings take place either in person or via video conference Chinook Mk 2 15,912 16,500 18,503 facilities. The majority of these meetings take place at a Merlin Mk 3 7,550 7,000 8,400 working level and cover a wide range of matters relating Puma 12,000 9,756 7,250 to the project. Sea King Mk 3/3a 9,180 9,721 9,720

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for The reduction in flying hours for the Puma is as a Defence what recent assessment he has made of the consequence of fewer airframes being available due to effect on costs of delays in the Joint Strike Fighter the Puma upgrade programme. Gazelle hours are reducing programme. [1393] as this aircraft is being withdrawn from service. 503W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 504W

Ministry of Defence Guard Service: Manpower until all aspects of the contract, including funding, reach an acceptable conclusion. I will update the House Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State when negotiations are finalised. for Defence how many people are employed in his War Pensions Committees Department’s Guard Service. [2084]

Mr Robathan: On 31 May 2010 the Ministry of Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Defence Guard Service had 3,615 guards and guard what plans he has for the future of the regional War managers, and a further 66 staff in management, training, Pension committees; and if he will make a statement. administrative and support roles, making a total of [2643] 3681 staff. The Ministry of Defence Guard Service covers over 200 sites across Great Britain. Mr Robathan [holding answer 15 June 2010]: The role of War Pensions Committees (WPCs) has evolved Nuclear Weapons since they were established in 1921. To ensure they remained relevant for the current ex-service community Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for it was decided to review the structure and function of Defence how many (a) US personnel visited the the WPCs. Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) and (b) AWE The WPCs are now known as the Veterans Advisory staff visited US establishments under the terms of the and Pension Committees (VAPCs), and a pilot scheme US-UK Mutual Defence Agreement in each of the last is being established to assess an informal broadening of three years. [2045] their role to include, most notably, support and advice in relation to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Mr Gerald Howarth: The total number of personnel On completion of the pilot, in June 2011, a full evaluation visiting the Atomic Weapons Establishment and US will be carried out and a decision on the future role of installations under the terms of the UK-US Mutual the VAPCs will be made. Defence Agreement in each of the last three years is as follows: NORTHERN IRELAND Number Departmental Official Cars UK visitors to the US 2007 591 Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008 522 Northern Ireland what the (a) make, (b) model and 2009 527 (c) place of manufacture is of the car allocated for the use of each Minister in his Department. [1487] US visitors to the UK Mr Paterson: The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) 2007 548 currently has access to two cars from the Government 2008 806 Car and Despatch Agency as required for official business: 2009 518 (a) Jaguar (b) model XJ Sovereign, and manufactured in (c) the United Kingdom. RAF Kinloss (a) Toyota (b) model Prius T3, and manufactured in (c) Japan. Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for The current use of ministerial cars is the same as the Defence what steps he is taking to keep wildlife off the previous Administration but is currently under review. runways at RAF Kinloss. [2623] Departmental Pay

Nick Harvey: RAF Kinloss has a bird control contract Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for in place to provide a bird scaring service and uses radar Northern Ireland how much was paid in bonuses to to monitor carefully the movement of migratory birds. civil servants in his Department in 2009-10. [2177] In addition, the natural territorial instincts of a carefully managed herd of resident deer discourage other deer Mr Paterson: Figures for the 2009-10 financial year from entering the site. are not yet available. I will write to the hon. Member when they become available. RAF St Athan Departmental Reviews

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to complete negotiations on Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 8 June the development of the Defence Training College at St. 2010, Official Report, column 137W, on Government Athan. [1721] Departments: reviews, what reviews his Department is undertaking; and what the (a) purpose and (b) Nick Harvey: The contract negotiations with the timescale of each is. [2579] preferred bidder, Metrix, are ongoing. The core of the commercial deal is planned to be completed by the end Mr Paterson: The coalition agreement sets out in of the year under current plans. This is important to the detail the Government’s future plans, including the key funding process because it will enable banks to examine reviews they will be undertaking. My Department will the essential elements of the draft contract and hence bring forward detailed information about these reviews support the process of due diligence. Work will continue in due course. 505W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 506W

WALES Michael Gove: No Ministers in the Department for Education have been allocated any domestic properties Departmental Official Cars in the gift of the Government. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Departmental Public Expenditure what her policy is on the use by Ministers in her Department of cars allocated from (a) her Department’s Ed Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pool and (b) the Government car pool which are what his policy is on maintaining present levels of manufactured in the UK; whether Ministers in her funding for schools, Sure Start and 16 to 19 education Department are entitled to request the use of a car in 2011-12. [1308] manufactured in the UK; and if she will make a statement. [2398] Michael Gove: Funding for schools, Sure Start and 16 Mrs Gillan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer to 19 education have been protected in 2010-11. No given by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State decisions on spending in 2011-12 have been made, and for Transport on 14 June 2010, Official Report, they will be made at the spending review in the autumn. column 291W. It is our priority to protect frontline services while taking steps to address the unprecedented challenge we Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales face on deficit reduction. how many (a) civil servants and (b) special advisers in Departmental Reorganisation her Department are entitled to the use of (i) a car with a dedicated driver, (ii) a car from the Government car pool and (iii) a taxi ordered through a departmental Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for account. [3191] Education how much it cost to rename his Department. [2051] Mrs Gillan: Nil. Prisons: Construction Michael Gove: The re-naming of the Department for Education cost £5,250. Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions she has had with Ministers and Departmental Responsibilities officials of the Ministry of Justice on the siting of a prison in North Wales. [2250] Ed Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education for which policy areas each member of his ministerial Mrs Gillan: I recently wrote to my hon. Friend the team is responsible. [1293] Minister for Prisons (Mr Blunt), outlining my strong support for the siting of a new prison in North Wales Michael Gove: I refer the right hon. Member to the where there is currently a shortfall in the number of list of ministerial responsibilities which can be found on prison places. the Department’s website at: I understand that the Ministry of Justice is currently http://www.education.gov.uk/team considering the various sites that have been recommended for a potential prison in North Wales. I will work Flags closely with colleagues in the Ministry of Justice to ensure that implications for Wales are fully taken into Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for account in the decision process. Education what his policy is on flying the Union flag each day from each official building for which his Department is responsible. [1817] EDUCATION Michael Gove: The Department for Education flies Departmental Billing the Union flag every day of the year. Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what percentage of invoices from suppliers to his Department were paid within 10 days of receipt HEALTH in (a) March and (b) April 2010. [1272] Breast Feeding Michael Gove: Since November 2010 the Department for Education has had a Shared Service Agreement with Mr Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) which what recent estimate has been made of the proportion includes the Purchase to Pay function. of mothers who breastfeed their babies (a) in the (a) The percentage of invoices paid within 10 days of receipt Strelley/Broxstowe Sure Start area and (b) nationally. in March 2010 was 96%. [2830] (b) The percentage of invoices paid within 10 days of receipt in April 2010 was 96%. Anne Milton: Currently Strelley Sure Start area is Departmental Official Residences supported by the Nottingham City primary care trust (PCT) and Broxstowe Sure Start area is supported by Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Nottingham County PCT. The following table shows Education whether any domestic properties in the gift the number of mothers who initiated and sustained of the Government have been allocated to the use of breastfeeding at six to eight weeks in both the PCTs and Ministers in his Department. [1789] the national average. 507W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 508W

Breastfeeding initiation and prevalence at six to eight weeks in 2009-10 Palliative Care: Finance Percentage Nottingham Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Nottingham County whether the capital allocation of £924,116 granted to City PCT PCT National Nottinghamshire Hospice to support the end of life (Strelley) (Broxstowe) average care strategy will be made. [2962] Breastfeeding 69 75.9 72.7 initiation (Out turn Mr Burstow: My right hon. Friend, the Chief Secretary 2009-10) to the Treasury has announced today the outcome of Breastfeeding 44.2 39.9 45.2 the review of spending approved since 1 January 2010. prevalence— As part of this review, capital allocations have now been percentage of infants approved for the 116 hospices which were announced due a six to eight week check (Quarter by the Department in April 2010 as having been successful 4 2009-10) in applying for a share of the £40 million hospice capital grant for 2010-11. This includes Nottinghamshire Hospice. Carers: Finance

Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Health if he will undertake a review of the level of Dangerous Dogs support provided to carers with particular reference to carers who are pensioners. [2665] Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has Mr Burstow: In the following months, the Government been spent seizing and kennelling dogs under section 1 will be carrying out a “refresh’ of the previous Government’s of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 by (a) the Carers Strategy, focusing upon identifying the delivery Metropolitan Police and (b) police in England in each of those actions that will have the greatest impact upon year since 2005. [2683] the lives of carers of all ages, including older carers. We Mr Paice [holding answer 16 June 2010]: A breakdown will provide further details in due course. of the cost to the Metropolitan Police of kennelling dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 19911 in each year Coroners: Children since 2005 is provided in the following table: 1 The figures in the table provide a breakdown of Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for kennelling and care costs for all dogs, not just dogs Health how many qualified paediatric pathologists seized under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act were practising in each coroner’s district in each of the 1991. However, over 85% of the dogs seized by the last five years; how many pathologists are being trained Metropolitan Police are done so under Section 1 of the to carry out specialist examinations on deceased Dangerous Dogs Act. children; what plans he has to increase the numbers of Cost to Met Police of kennelling dogs qualified paediatric pathologists; and if he will make a £ statement. [2981] Veterinary Boarding fees Transport Total

Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not collect 2005-06 148,922.00 250.00 0.00 149,172.00 information on the number of qualified paediatric 2006-07 403,185.18 1,340.00 0.00 404,525.18 pathologists in each coroner’s district. 2007-08 834,251.41 1,370.00 0.00 835,621.41 Specialist paediatric pathologists are not separately 2008-09 1,253,401.03 17,677.89 5,198.00 1,276,276.92 identified within the NHS Workforce Census and the 2009-10 1,750,215.27 245,657.56 93,177.74 2,089,050.57 1 The figures in the table provide a breakdown of kennelling and care costs for Department does not collect data on the number of all dogs, not just dogs seized under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. training places commissioned in this sub-specialty. However, over 85% of the dogs seized by the Metropolitan Police are done so under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act. At present, there are no plans in place to increase the Source: number of qualified paediatric pathologists. Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Status Dog Unit The cost to police forces across England of kennelling Mental Health Services dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in each year since 2005 cannot be provided because these figures are not held centrally. Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for The cost to the Metropolitan Police and to police Health what steps his Department is taking to increase across England of seizing dogs cannot be provided the use of preventative measures to reduce the number because use of police time is not recorded in this way. of people developing mental health problems. [2876] Departmental Reviews

Mr Burstow: We will be assessing our priorities carefully Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for and will announce details on mental health policy in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the due course. Our focus will be on making services patient-led, answer of 8 June 2010, Official Report, column 137W, based on the best clinical evidence, responsive to patients’ on Government departments: reviews, what reviews her choice and management of their own care, and delivering Department is undertaking; and what the (a) purpose best ’health’ outcomes. and (b) timescale of each is. [2582] 509W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 510W

Richard Benyon: The Coalition Agreement sets out in Table 1 detail the Government’s future plans, including the key Title Subject Cost (£) reviews it will be undertaking. DEFRA will bring forward Gate fees survey1 Gate fees survey1 83,860.50 detailed information about these reviews in due course. R and D trials Improved segregation 3,046.57 technologies Eunomia Research and Consulting Project monitoring Technical support— 5,184.01 added value markets Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Confidence in compost Research to examine 2,083.00 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) issues associated with the use of quality compost title, (b) cost including value added tax and (c) subject in agriculture was of each project commissioned from the Use of compost in European review: use of 31,015.62 consultancy Eunomia by (i) her Department, (ii) the Europe1 compost in agriculture1 Waste and Resources Action Programme and (iii) the Technical advice on Technical support on 5,090.75 Environment Agency since 2001; how much has been TAD and AD anaerobic digestion spent on Eunomia by each organisation in that period; Options food waste Options food waste 40,355.13 and whether Eunomia is currently working on any processing into a projects for each organisation. [2977] product Anaerobic digestion and Food waste 23,270.25 Richard Benyon: Since 2001, DEFRA has spent a TAD total of £2,464,622.14 on projects commissioned from Speakers costs development and 2,633.32 delivery of a training the consultancy, Eunomia. Due to the wide ranging resource for the UK nature of work, it would involve a disproportionate cost organics waste recycling to identify individual projects, which have included industry many areas of work across DEFRA. Eunomia currently Organics programme Advice on MBT 3,591.82 has a contract with DEFRA and the Department for development Communities and Local Government to draft a protocol Peer review Review of LCA 13,879.69 and guidance to improve the interface between estimator environmental permitting and planning permission. Landfill bans research The environmental, 115,939.97 economic and practical Data for individual projects are however available for impacts of landfill bans those commissioned by the Waste Resources Action External assessors Regional market 5,349.78 Programme (WRAP) and the Environment Agency. development fund— Table 1 lists the title, subject and cost of work round one commissioned from Eunomia by WRAP. These are ROTATE Northern Kerbside options for the 33,516.98 inclusive of VAT. Ireland additions of biowaste collections Table 2 shows completed outturn project expenditure Consultancy support to Appointment of 201,621.77 to Eunomia by the Environment Agency between 2001 ROTATE consultants to support and 15 June 2010. the work of ROTATE Currently, Eunomia is engaged on a single project for (2006-08) Food waste collection Local authority food 21,572.66 the Environment Agency, approved expenditure details trials waste collection trials of which are given in Table 3. Kerbside benchmarking Benchmarking 3,758.21 Table 1 performance of kerbside Title Subject Cost (£) collection Stillage vehicle project Kerbside recycling 1524.44 Investment of growth Investment for growth in 44,502.76 vehicle design and build the third sector project 1st round R and D 1st round R and D 7,157.20 Local authority Support to Dorset Waste 28,986.88 seminars seminars support—PFI projects Partnership UK market development UK market development 7,108.75 LA support1 Local authority 269,138.38 Promotion cost model Development of a 2,167.88 support—consultancy promotion cost model advice (2008-10)1 Compost supply Evaluation of compost 39,798.49 ROTATE Northern Support for local 86,649.56 supply and demand in Ireland1 authorities in Northern south-east (incl. Ireland1 London) and east Commercial food waste1 Collections of food 38,140.10 England waste from businesses1 Peer review Peer review: sink and 1,883.07 Procurement guidance1 Review of the availability 19,864.00 sewer report and type of waste ROTATE specialists Appointment of external 59,441.89 collection service specialists to support the procurement guide1 work of ROTATE (2004- Food waste trials Surrey 22,415.88 2006) Food waste trials Guildford 2,226.07 Kerbside good practice Kerbside good practice 58,457.95 Support to food waste Support to food waste 6,837.97 guide collection collection programme Mixed plastic collection Mixed plastics collection 80,068.48 Compost standards BSI PAS consultation 34,344.09 practice and consultation and dissemination dissemination Grand total 1,427,290.41 Collecting gate fees Collecting gate fees pilot 40,806.54 study 1 These projects are currently live. 511W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 512W

Table 2 Date purchase order Area of Environment Agency Project title approved Value (excl. VAT) (£)

Environment and business—business Expert advice on using damage cost 14 December 2009 12,000.00 performance and regulation— industry methodologies to help us make regulation regulatory decisions. The contractors will review existing methods and data, determine whether they are appropriate to use for various regulatory purposes, produce guidelines for their use with worked examples and comment on limitations and uncertainties. Evidence Economics Review of Sustainable Consumption 10 December 2009 9,032.03 and Production Network (SCPnet) activities, 2007-10 Environment and business—land and To review the cost benefit section of H1 17 March 2008 6,000.00 natural environment—land quality and provide recommendations for updating Subtotal excl. VAT 27,032.03 VAT at 17.5% 4,730.61 Total incl. VAT at 17.5% 31,762.64

Table 3 Date purchase order PO Number (Ref) Area of Environment Agency Project title approved Value (excl. VAT)

30260099 Environment and business— Waste protocols project—financial 4 December 2009 127,755.10 business performance and impact assessment of a quality regulation partnerships protocol for waste wood Subtotal excl. VAT 27,755.10 VAT at 17.5% 4,857.14 Total incl. VAT at 17.5% 32,612.24 Of this figure, £22,358.92 (exclusive of VAT) has been spent and invoiced as of 15 June 2010.

Floods: Sandwich Mr Paice: We need to understand and manage any potential risks to the environment and maximise the Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for environmental benefits which nanotechnologies may Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will request offer. DEFRA’s Research & Development budget includes the Environment Agency to report on the status and funds specifically for research into the environmental timing of the commencement of work on flood defence impacts of nanomaterials. measures for Sandwich, Kent. [2662] Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency is developing Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for two flood defence schemes for the towns of Sandwich Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her and Deal. Construction is expected to start in 2012, Department plans to spend on nanotechnology in the subject to other priorities for funding at the time. Both next five years. [2473] schemes are planned to be completed by 2015. Basic information about all schemes can be found on Mr Paice: In the current financial year £591,000 has the Environment Agency’s website: already been committed for research into the environmental www.environment-agency.gov.uk implications of nanomaterials. Departmental budgets at: for future years have not yet been decided. www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/ 118129.aspx Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Hunting Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has for the future role of nanotechnology in her Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Department’s policies. [2474] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she plans to hold a public consultation on the effectiveness Mr Paice: Nanoscience has the potential to drive of the operation of the Hunting Act 2004. [3133] positive developments across many sectors of the agriculture and environment agenda. DEFRA will continue its Mr Paice: There are no plans to hold a public work to promote the responsible development and safe consultation on this issue. use of nanotechnologies by prioritising research into Nanotechnology those nanomaterials which pose a higher potential risk to the environment, in particular those which are currently Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for available or close to the market. We will also continue to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy collaborate in national and global initiatives to develop is on nanotechnology; and from what budgets funding tools to detect nanomaterials in the environment and is drawn for implementation of that policy. [2472] assess their effects. 513W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 514W

Poultry: Animal Welfare River Lymington: Ferries

Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment is on implementing the EU prohibition on she has made of (a) the most recent estimate of conventional battery cages for laying hens in January adverse effects on the Lymington River Ramsar site by 2012. [1457] ferry operators and (b) the UK’s compliance with the EU Habitats Directive. [976] Mr Paice: The welfare of laying hens is protected in England by the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Richard Benyon: Responsibility for assessing the impact Regulations 2007 and by similar legislation in Northern of the “W”class ferries rests with the competent authority, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The legislation implements in this case Wightlink. In undertaking this assessment EU Directive 99/74/EC, which among other welfare the competent authority is required by the Conservation advances bans the use of conventional cages for laying of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 to have regard hens from 2012. to the advice of Natural England. DEFRA has no The Government remain committed to the conventional formal role in the assessment process. cage ban coming into force on 1 January 2012 and to Natural England’s most recent formal advice to DEFRA supporting industry during this transitional stage. We was that, in its view, no measurable harm or damage want to ensure that those UK producers who have that would constitute an adverse effect on the integrity already made significant investment to comply with the of the site had occurred since the “W” class ferry legislation, by converting out of conventional cages, are operation started on 25 February 2009 and, moreover, not disadvantaged if other countries do not meet the that any impacts arising from the operation of these 2012 deadline. ferries up to the spring of 2011, when works needed to mitigate the impact of the ferries are planned to start, Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for would be insignificant and not likely to result in any Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the ban on measurable harm or damage. beak-trimming of laying hens will come into force. I understand that Natural England remain of the [2674] view that provided Wightlink commences delivery of the mitigation measures by the spring of 2011, no Mr Paice [holding answer 16 June 2010]: The adverse impact on the site from the operation of the Government have accepted the advice of The Farm new ferries will have occurred. Animal Welfare Council, an independent advisory body, that a complete ban on beak trimming of laying hens Mr Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for should not be introduced from 1 January 2011 (as is Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will currently in legislation), but should be deferred until it appoint a competent authority for the purposes of the can be demonstrated reliably under commercial conditions impact assessments and environmental assessments to that laying hens can be managed without routine beak be initiated by Wightlink on the Lymington River; trimming. [977] The Government’s consultation on the proposed (2) what account she has taken of recent High Court amendments to the Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) rulings in the determination of a competent authority (England) Regulations 2007, to remove the total ban on for projects in the Lymington River; and if she will beak trimming allowing for the routine beak trimming make a statement. [2214] of day old chicks intended for laying to be carried out using the infra-red technique only, closed on 14 April. Richard Benyon: Wightlink is regarded as a competent Consultation responses are currently being considered. authority in relation to the operation of the ferries because it falls within the definition of such an authority Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for in regulation 7 of the Conservation of Habitats and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans Species Regulations 2010 (which came into force on 1 to decide on whether to ban beak-trimming for laying April). There are no provisions in these regulations that hens. [2765] enable Wightlink to be replaced as the competent authority. I am not aware of any court rulings that suggest that Mr Paice: The Government have accepted the advice these regulations should be amended to provide a power of The Farm Animal Welfare Council, an independent for the Secretary of State to determine who should be advisory body, that a complete ban on beak trimming regarded as a competent authority in a particular case. of laying hens should not be introduced from 1 January 2011 (as is currently in legislation), but should be deferred Water: EU Law until it can be demonstrated reliably under commercial conditions that laying hens can be managed without George Hollingbery: To ask the Secretary of State for routine beak trimming. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her The Government’s consultation on the proposed Department is taking to (a) ensure compliance with amendments to the Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) the EU Water Framework Directive and (b) to protect (England) Regulations 2007, to remove the total ban on freshwater resources. [2984] beak trimming allowing for the routine beak trimming of day old chicks intended for laying to be carried out Richard Benyon: The EU Water Framework Directive using the infra-red technique only, closed on 14 April. (WFD), which was transposed in 2003, raised the bar Consultation responses are currently being considered. and introduced more challenging objectives for our 515W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 516W aquatic environment. It takes a more holistic approach Mr Bellingham: In any future constitutional review to managing our waters, looking at the water within the negotiations, the Government will continue to encourage wider ecosystem and taking into account the movement the Overseas Territories to include, specifically, sexual of water through the hydrological cycle. orientation as a ground upon which discrimination is The WFD contains two key objectives: to aim to prohibited. achieve good status in all water bodies by 2015 and to Where the Government have agreed a new constitution ensure no water body deteriorates below its current since 1999 a Bill of Rights is included in the Territory’s classification. Where it is not possible to achieve good constitution reflecting at a minimum the rights and status by 2015, the WFD provides two further planning freedoms set out in the European Convention on Human cycles (2015-21 and 2021-27) to achieve that objective, Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and although this is subject to strict criteria. Political Rights, which prohibits discrimination on grounds In order to achieve the objectives we are required to of sexual orientation. put in place River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) Climate Change: International Cooperation which we achieved by the deadline within the WFD. The first RBMPs were developed in consultation Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for with interested organisations and individuals and were Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what public published on 22 December 2009. The plans set out how diplomacy work on climate change is being undertaken we will work towards meeting the WFD objectives and by his Department; and if he will make a statement. include over 8,500 investigations to be completed by the [2338] end of 2012. This will provide the evidence we require for further action within the first cycle and subsequent Mr Bellingham: Our network of embassies and High cycles to protect our freshwater resources. Commissions are active in promoting publicly the benefits The actions contained within the first plans will see to Britain and the world of a transition to a low carbon more than 9,000 miles of rivers in England and Wales high growth global economy. improved. They are involved in encouraging inward and outward The Environment Agency protects freshwater resources trade and political visits and are working with NGOs by preventing deterioration from their current Water and the media throughout the world to encourage the Framework Directive classifications. The Agency plans growing consensus amongst wider civil society that for and delivers sustainable licensed abstraction of water action on climate change should be taken. for economic and social needs and issues effective High profile examples include the creation of a map environmental permits to protect water bodies that showing the potential consequences of dangerous climate receive discharges. The Agency also identifies and change and a four degree rise in global temperature implements actions to improve the water environment which was released in seven languages globally. including redressing the impacts of existing abstraction licences that damage the environment. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to promote a low carbon, high growth global economy; and if he will make a statement. [2339] FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Mr Bellingham: Our network of embassies and High Anguilla Commissions are actively engaged in setting out the urgency with which dangerous climate change should Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for be tackled and the benefits to Britain and the world of a Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the transition to a low carbon high growth global economy. answer of 8 June 2010, Official Report, column 96W, This includes working with business leaders in the on Anguilla, what decision has been reached in the UK and worldwide including via the World Economic work which has been undertaken with the government Forum to make the case for action and highlight the of Anguilla on the amount that government may opportunities for green economic growth, and supporting borrow in each of the next three years. [2511] the case for active use of carbon capture and storage technology globally. Mr Bellingham: I refer the hon. member to the answer We also work with vulnerable and developing countries I gave him on 8 June 2010, Official Report, column 96W. to help raise their voice in support of an ambitious No new agreement on Anguilla’s borrowing over the global climate change deal which would underpin a low next three years has yet been reached. carbon economic transition worldwide. Departmental Official Cars British Overseas Territories: Equality Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the use by Ministers in his Department of cars allocated answer of 8 June 2010, Official Report, column 98W, from (a) his Department’s pool and (b) the on British Overseas Territories: equality, whether all Government car pool which are manufactured in the new Overseas Territories constitutions will include UK; whether Ministers in his Department are entitled explicit provision for freedom from discrimination on to request the use of a car manufactured in the UK; the grounds of sexuality. [2292] and if he will make a statement. [2416] 517W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 518W

Mr Bellingham: FCO Services, a Trading Fund of the cellar. It also records details of usage, pricing, charging Foreign and Commonwealth Office operates a small prices, market values and comments by the Government pool of vehicles and security cleared drivers used mainly Hospitality Advisory Committee for the Purchase of for transportation of diplomatic bags and other classified Wine on individual products. The database is not released material. into the public domain because of the likely impact on No Ministers currently use this pool of vehicles. GH’s commercial interests and those of its suppliers and future ability to obtain value for money. Ministerial use of such cars would be governed by the relevant guidelines set out in the ministerial code and Iran: Human Rights would be based strictly on operational need. The make and model of car used and its country of manufacture Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for would be dependent upon availability within the pool. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will support In relation to the use of vehicles from the Government proposals to establish a human rights monitoring car pool, I refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend the mechanism in relation to Iran, with particular reference Minister of State for Transport’s (Mike Penning) answer to people of the Ba’hai faith; and if he will make a of 14 June 2010, Official Report, column 291W. statement. [2976]

Departmental Official Hospitality Alistair Burt: The Human Rights situation in Iran is deplorable and has deteriorated markedly since the Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for disputed election result in June 2009. We are also deeply Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what receptions concerned by the situation of the Baha’i in Iran, including have been hosted by his Department since he came to the trial of the seven Baha’i leaders. We continue to office; and what the cost was of each. [1730] consider with international partners the most effective means of holding the Iranian authorities to account on Mr Bellingham: Government Hospitality has arranged their human rights record. This includes calling for one reception for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office visits by the UN special rapporteurs and seeking early since the new Government were appointed. The Diplomatic implementation of the recommendations of Iran’s Universal Reception in honour of the Official Birthday of Her Periodic Review agreed in June. Majesty the Queen is traditionally held in early June, hosted by the Secretary of State, for members of the Iran: Sanctions London Diplomatic Corps and key departmental contacts. This year the reception took place on 8 June, at a cost of Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign approximately £22,968, compared with a cost of £28,000 and Commonwealth Affairs what steps at the United in 2009. Any expenditure on business hospitality is kept Nations he (a) has taken since his appointment and under rigorous scrutiny to ensure value for money and (b) plans to take in the next six months in response to effectiveness and that it is incurred in accordance with allegations of (i) arming and (ii) funding by Iran of HM Treasury guidelines. Hamas; and if he will make a statement. [2916] No central records are held of other receptions hosted across the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or at Alistair Burt: Iranian support in the form of arming missions overseas, and to provide it would incur and funding of Hamas, and other Palestinian Rejectionist disproportionate cost. Groups, is unacceptable. It undermines international confidence in the Iranian regime’s intentions, and is at Government Hospitality: Wines odds with the regime’s claim to the international community that it supports stability in the Middle East. Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Hamas continue to pursue an ideology of violence Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many bottles and directly undermine prospects for peace in the region. of wine in the Government wine cellar were personal We call on them to take immediate and concrete steps gifts from a serving French President to a serving towards the Quartet principles. Prime Minister; and what the estimated monetary A number of issues related to the Middle East are value is of each. [2297] discussed on a monthly basis at the UN. The UK will continue to push for the full implementation of UN Mr Bellingham: Government Hospitality currently Security Council Resolution 1860 which aims to prevent holds 15 bottles of wine that were given as gifts to the illicit trafficking of arms into Gaza. We will continue former Prime Ministers by the President of the French giving our full support to the UN Sanctions Committee Republic or the French Prime Minister. Government in pursuing and investigating sanctions violations. Hospitality does not record the value of gifts received by the Prime Minister’s Office. The wines will be used Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for on appropriate occasions in the future. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of sanctions against Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Iran by the United Nations Security Council. [2993] and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the entries in the Government wine Alistair Burt: We assess that sanctions so far have cellar database. [2307] slowed down Iran’s progress on the nuclear programme, including by increasing the difficulty of procurement of Mr Bellingham: The Government Hospitality (GH) sensitive items that could be used in the nuclear programme. wine database is an electronic management tool used by The latest sanctions resolution makes the choice between GH to record the use of stock in the Government wine the benefits of re-engaging on the nuclear portfolio and 519W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 520W the cost of ignoring international opinion starker, and The National Security Council has agreed the formation will strengthen the voices of those in Iran who recognise of a sub-committee to consider issues relating to nuclear the bleakness of Iran’s future if it does not change its deterrence and security. The date of the first meeting policy. has not yet been finalised, but it is anticipated it will take place shortly. Mexico: Oil Departmental Pay Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss Tom Brake: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how with the Government of Mexico plans to amend laws much was paid in bonuses to civil servants in his governing drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico. [1382] Department in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10. [2183]

Mr Jeremy Browne: My right hon. Friend the Foreign The Deputy Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member Secretary has no current plans to discuss with the to the answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Mexican Government the amendment of laws governing Office on 15 June 2010, Official Report, column 416W. drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico. Parliamentary Privilege Our embassy in Mexico City has been in contact with the Mexican Government regarding possible future joint projects with Mexico’s state-owned petroleum company Mr Bain: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the PEMEX in the Gulf of Mexico. The embassy will scope will be of his proposed review of the law on continue to liaise with the Mexican Government on parliamentary privilege; and if he will make a those plans and to identify possible opportunities for statement. [2169] UK companies. Mr Harper: The Queen’s Speech outlined the Overseas Students: Scholarships Government’s intention to publish a draft Bill on reforming parliamentary privilege. The draft Bill will set out reforms to the law on parliamentary privilege to clarify its Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for extent and application. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which British embassies operate a bursary scheme for foreign Royal Prerogative students to study in the UK. [2265] Mr Bain: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether Mr Jeremy Browne: The Foreign and Commonwealth he plans to review the operation of the executive Office offers Chevening scholarships to most countries prerogative powers of the Crown. [2170] except the EU and the US; Marshall scholarships to the US; and Chevening fellowships globally, including the Mr Harper: There are no current plans to review the EU and the US. In 2009-10 Chevening scholarships executive prerogative powers of the Crown. were offered through 112 British embassies or high commissions and through the governor’s offices in three Voting Rights: Prisoners Overseas Territories. Rachel Reeves: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to introduce rights to vote at DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER elections for prisoners. [2772] British Constitution Mr Harper: The Government are considering afresh the best way forward on the issue of prisoner voting rights. Mr Bain: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he plans to bring forward proposals for the adoption of a written constitution for the United Kingdom. [2164] CABINET OFFICE Mr Harper: The British constitution is not, as it is in many countries, codified in a single document, although Departmental Information Officers much of it is already written. It is made up of a complex web of statutes, conventions, and a corpus of common Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet and other law. It is also informed by an interweaving of Office what budget has been established for the history and more modern democratic principles. There proposed Coalition Press Office. [595] are no current plans to bring forward proposals for the adoption of a codified constitution for the United Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office Board and Ministers Kingdom. are reviewing budgets in line with Government priorities. Cabinet Committees: Nuclear Weapons Departmental Internet

Mr Watson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet he next expects the Cabinet Committee on Nuclear Office what the URL is of each website managed by Deterrence and Security to meet. [236] (a) his Department and (b) each non-departmental public body and agency for which his Department is Mr Letwin: I have been asked to reply. responsible. [2361] 521W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 522W

Mr Maude: The information is as follows: Mr Maude: The budget profiling exercise will be List of URLs for the websites managed by: completed after the Cabinet Office Board and Ministers have reviewed the options for revised budgets, in line (a) Cabinet Office with the new priorities for the Government. www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk www.civilservice.gov.uk www.data.gov.uk Electoral Register: Greater Manchester www.number10.gov.uk www.hmg.gov.uk Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet www.fundingcentral.org.uk Office what estimate has been made of the number of www.commonsleader.gov.uk people eligible to vote not registered to vote in (a) the www.leaderofthelords.gov.uk County of Greater Manchester, (b) the Metropolitan www.lordswhips.org.uk Borough of Stockport and (c) the Metropolitan Borough of Tameside. [2313] (b) Non-departmental public bodies and agencies for which Cabinet Office is responsible Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the http://acoba.independent.gov.uk/ responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have http://lordsappointments.independent.gov.uk asked the authority to reply. www.civilserviceappealboard.gov.uk Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated June 2010: www.public-standards.gov.uk As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I www.thecompact.org.uk have been asked to reply to your question asking what estimate www.iraqinquiry.org.uk has been made of the number of people eligible to vote not registered to vote in (a) the County of Greater Manchester, (b) www.capacitybuilders.org.uk the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport and (c) the Metropolitan www.improvingsupport.org.uk Borough of Tameside. (2313) www.civilservicecommissioners.org ONS does not have the data required to answer your question. www.publicappointmentscommissioner.org Data are collected on the number of UK citizens resident in local It is our aim to reduce radically the number of authorities who are registered to vote, but no data are collected on the number of people who are eligible to vote but who choose not websites. to register. The ONS population estimates are of the resident population Departmental Press: Subscriptions and will include some people who are not eligible to vote.

Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2010, Official Foreign Workers: EU Nationals Report, column 52W, on purchasing of PR Week, for how many staff members Chartered Institute of Public Mr MacShane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Relations membership fees are paid by his Department; Office how many EU nationals working in the UK (a) and if he will make a statement. [1945] entered and (b) left the country in each month since May 2004. [1888] Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 3 June 2010, Official Report, column 52W. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Departmental Security asked the authority to reply. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated June 2010: Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Office what steps are taken to protect the security of have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question the (a) mobile telephone, (b) personal digital assistant concerning how many EU nationals working in the UK (a) and (c) computer equipment issued to staff in No. 10 entered and (b) left the country in each month since May 2004. Downing Street. [2593] (1888) The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes annual Mr Maude: There is a range of technical, procedural estimates of migrants entering and leaving the UK. The attached and people-related measures put in place to protect the table provides estimates of migration by KU citizens, where the security of mobile telephone, personal digital assistant main reason is for work related reasons, for each year since 2004. These estimates are based on the International Passenger Survey and computer equipment issued to staff in No. 10 (IPS). The IPS is a sample survey and cannot provide monthly Downing Street in line with Government security policy estimates of migration. and standards. Please note that the migration estimates provided only cover those visiting or leaving the UK for periods of twelve months or Departmental Travel more. They will therefore exclude those entering or leaving the UK for less than twelve months. Also note that not all those travelling for work related reasons will find work in the UK. Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Similarly, those who travel for other purposes may subsequently Office pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2010, Official work. Report, column 50W, on departmental travel, if he will These estimates are of numbers of moves each year rather than publish the disaggregated figures which are available; numbers of people. For instance, an individual could enter in one and when he expects the budget profiling exercise to be year, leave just over a year later and then enter again a year after completed. [1944] that. They would appear three times in this table. 523W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 524W

Long-Term International Migration, estimates from International Passenger Survey: annual data, 2004-08 Citizenship by main reason for migration (work related reasons only) United Kingdom (thousand) All work related1 Definite job1 Looking for work1 Year Citizenship Estimate % Estimate % Estimate %

Inflow 2004 British 37 11 15 19 22 13 Other EU25 65 14 51 16 14 29 2005 British 48 13 23 21 25 15 Other EU25 86 12 62 14 24 22 2006 British 31 14 16 18 15 21 Other EU25 83 12 55 15 28 20 2007 British 32 12 14 19 18 17 Other EU27 125 11 93 13 32 19 2008 British 42 12 23 17 18 17 Other EU27 99 11 70 13 29 19

Outflow 2004 British 63 9 40 11 22 16 Other EU25 17 19 8 28 9 27 2005 British 71 9 52 10 20 15 Other EU25 21 21 13 28 7 30 2006 British 81 9 57 11 24 14 Other EU25 25 21 9 28 16 28 2007 British 74 8 53 10 21 17 Other EU27 35 16 14 22 21 23 2008 British 90 10 72 13 19 12 Other EU27 53 16 26 17 27 27 Notes: 1. Migration between the UK and the Republic of Ireland is included in IPS estimates for 2008 but excluded for previous years. 2. Conditional formatting has been applied to the standard error percentages. A migration figure with a standard error of >25% is not considered to be reliable and is in italics. standard error % = —————— x 100 estimate

Ministers: Codes of Practice Office for National Statistics: Publications

Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2010, Official Office if he will make it his policy to ensure that all Report, column 51W, on Ministers: codes of practice, national statistics are published in a machine-readable how many Ministers have (a) returned and (b) not open format. [1934] returned letters to his Department confirming that (i) they have read the code of conduct and (ii) that their Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the personal circumstances are not such that they breach responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have the code. [1947] asked the authority to reply. Letter from Jil Matheson, dated 11 June 2010: Mr Maude: As usual, a list of Ministers’ relevant As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your interests will be published. This will be done in due question asking if the Minister for the Cabinet Office will make it course. his policy to ensure that all National Statistics are published in a machine readable open format. Non-departmental Public Bodies Current policy on the release of National Statistics, as outlined in the Code of Practice for Official Statistics, states that statistics should be disseminated in a form that enables and encourages Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet analysis and re-use. Also, that datasets and reference databases Office pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2010, Official should be released in formats that are convenient to users. Report, column 52W, on non-departmental public Recently, the Office for National Statistics opened up access bodies, if he will publish the names and addresses of all for web developers to over two billion data items right down to non-departmental public bodies and agencies in a local neighbourhood level, incorporating data from across the Government Statistical Service. single location. [2267] The official statistics Publication Hub provides a single point of access to all published National Statistics and, in support of Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I the drive to improve public accessibility to data, we continue to gave on 14 June 2010, Official Report, column 332W. work closely with the Cabinet Office to feed National and Official 525W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 526W

Statistics directly to data.gov.uk via the Publication Hub. Indeed, Andrew Stunell: This Department has calculated that a significant proportion of entries on data.gov.uk are Official an additional 171 trading standards officers would be Statistics. needed across England and Wales to enforce compliance We are continuing to invest in improving the accessibility of with all energy efficiency regulations including the inspection official statistics and consider this an important part of the of air conditioning systems. Additional funds were official statistics agenda. allocated to local authorities to recognise the new duties Public Sector: Manpower imposed by the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007. Mr Redwood: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many employees there are in the UK public Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for sector. [2128] Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the average cost to businesses of Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the compliance with the arrangements for inspecting the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have energy efficiency of air conditioning systems. [2612] asked the authority to reply. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated June 2010: Andrew Stunell: This Department has estimated that As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, 1 the average cost of air conditioning system inspections have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question over a five year period would be about £600 for complex concerning, how many employees there are in the UK public systems and about £75-£100 for packaged units. sector. (2128) Estimates of employment for the UK public sector are published Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for on a quarterly basis by the Office for National Statistics. The Communities and Local Government what estimate he latest date for which information is available is March 2010. has made of the likely reduction in emissions from the The number of UK public sector employees as at March 2010 use of air conditioning systems arising from full was 6.090 million. compliance with regulations for their inspection. [2613] Wales Andrew Stunell: The Regulatory Impact Assessment of Energy Performance of Buildings Directive Articles Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Minister for the 7-10, The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates Cabinet Office with reference to the Chancellor of the and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 Exchequer’s announcement of 24 May 2010 and estimated that there would be savings of approximately pursuant to the answer of 7 June 2010, Official Report, 930,000 metric tonnes of carbon during the period from column 69W, on public expenditure: Wales, which of 2008-20. his Department’s non-devolved public expenditure savings will be incurred in Wales; and what estimate he Fire Services has made of the likely financial savings. [2966] Mr Maude: The information requested is not available Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State centrally and therefore is available only at disproportionate for Communities and Local Government whether he cost. The Cabinet Office’s share of the public expenditure plans to continue with the FireControl project; what savings has been recorded in the HM Treasury COINS assessment he has made of the effects of the project on database. (a) the quality of service offered by control rooms and (b) the staffing levels of control centres in (i) England and (ii) the West Midlands. [2773] COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Robert Neill: The previous Government’s FiReControl Air Conditioning project has been subject to delays and increasing costs. Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for We are looking closely at this project to establish Communities and Local Government what proportion what we can do to improve the situation. We are committed of air conditioning systems operating at over 250 to ensuring value-for-money for the taxpayer, improving kilowatts had been inspected for energy efficiency by 4 resilience and stopping the forced regionalisation of the January 2009; and what proportion of such systems fire service. operating at over 12 kilowatts had been inspected on We will carefully consider the implications of any the most recent date for which figures are available. decisions before announcing the next steps. [2610] Responsibility for providing an effective call handling and mobilisation service remains the responsibility of Andrew Stunell: The information is not currently local fire and rescue authorities, including ensuring available. Air conditioning inspections are not currently adequate staffing levels. lodged onto the England and Wales non-domestic energy performance register on a mandatory basis. Housing: Regeneration Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment Gordon Birtwistle: To ask the Secretary of State for he has made of the adequacy of arrangements for local Communities and Local Government what the cost to authority trading standards officers to monitor the the public purse has been of the Housing Market inspection of the energy efficiency of air conditioning Renewal Pathfinder programme in each year since systems. [2611] 2008. [2926] 527W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 528W

Andrew Stunell: Totals for 2007-08 to 2009-10 are The coalition agreement also included a commitment given in the following table: to radically reform the planning system and give neighbourhoods far more ability to determine the shape HMR funding (£ million) the places in which their inhabitants live. In the light of this we will review some elements of the local development 2007-08 405 framework system itself to ensure it reflects our policy 2008-09 381 on decentralisation and a simpler planning system. 2009-10 346 Local Government Finance The Housing Market Renewal Programme was included in the £6.2 billion of savings from Government spending Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for in 2010-11 announced on 24 May. The budget for Communities and Local Government what assessment 2010-11 announced in December 2009 has been reduced he has made of the future of the local area agreement by £50 million. The mechanism by which this reduction process following changes he announced to Reward is achieved will be subject to consultation and individual Grant Funding; and if he will make a statement. [2964] allocations for 2010-11 will be confirmed after the emergency Budget is completed on June 22. Robert Neill: We are committed to a radical devolution of power and financial autonomy to local government Land Use: Agriculture and community groups. The future of local area agreements will be considered in this context and we will make Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for further announcements in due course. Communities and Local Government if he will issue revised planning guidance to prevent the development Local Government Finance: Barnsley of the best and most versatile farmland in all but Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for exceptional circumstances. [2493] Communities and Local Government what estimate he Robert Neill: The Government will publish and present has made of the likely change to his Department’s to Parliament a simple and consolidated national planning capital investment allocation for Barnsley in (a) percentage policy framework setting out our national economic, and (b) cash terms in 2010-11; and if he will make a environmental and social priorities. An announcement statement. [2974] on how we propose to take forward the national framework Robert Neill: The announcement on 24 May set out and the implications for specific areas of planning the immediate savings of over £6 billion that needed to policy will be made in due course. be made as down-payment on the public deficit. We The protection of a valuable national resource such continue to review the position on all budgets and any as good quality farmland is clearly an appropriate topic further decisions on funding for 2010-11 will be taken at to include in the national framework. the Emergency Budget on 22 June. A full review of capital projects will be undertaken once the final funding Local Authority Business Growth Incentives Scheme position for 2010-11 is clear.

Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he Communities and Local Government what estimate he has to replace the Local Authority Business Growth has made of the likely change to his Department’s Initiative. [2965] aggregate external finance allocation for Barnsley in (a) percentage and (b) cash terms in 2010-11; and if Robert Neill: The Government have confirmed that it he will make a statement. [2975] will provide incentives for local authorities to deliver sustainable development, including for businesses. We Robert Neill: I refer the hon. Member to the written are considering how we will take this forward. ministerial statement which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State laid in the House on 10 June 2010, Local Development Frameworks Official Report, columns 15-17 WS. Local Government: Manpower Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for undertake a review of local development frameworks Communities and Local Government what his most recent in light of the ending of regional spatial strategies. assessment is of the effect on staffing levels of (a) [2664] Tameside metropolitan borough council and (b) Stockport metropolitan borough council of the implementation of Robert Neill: The Secretary of State has already the local government savings programme. [2850] signalled the Government’s intention to revoke the regional spatial strategies and he has written to all local planning Robert Neill: We have asked local authorities to make authorities and the Planning Inspectorate to remind a contribution of £1.166 billion to the £6.2 billion of them that this emerging policy is a material consideration cross Government savings in 2010-11 to enable the in dealing with applications and appeals. We will be Government to take immediate action to start to tackle providing more details on our proposals and the implication the fiscal deficit. Local government are free to make of the abolition of regional spatial strategies, for local their own decisions about where savings are found. We development frameworks soon but it is our intention have ensured that councils have the flexibility to take that local authorities should be able to revise their local decisions locally on how to deliver the savings needed development framework to reflect this change. without impacting on essential frontline services. 529W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 530W

Mayors BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Accidents: EU Law Communities and Local Government when he expects to announce the 12 English cities which he is to Siobhain McDonagh: To ask the Secretary of State propose should have an elected mayor. [2861] for Business, Innovation and Skills what progress has been made in complying with the European Union Robert Neill: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I requirement under Article 18 section 2b of Regulation gave her on 10 June 2010, Official Report, column (EC) No. 765/2008 of the European Parliament and of 239W. the Council, with regard to reporting of injury Non-domestic Rates: Empty Property statistics; and if he will make a statement. [2699] Mr Prisk: Discussions have been taking place in the Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State European Commission’s advisory group (the Senior for Communities and Local Government whether he Officials Group on Standardisation’s ad hoc Market plans to retain the £18,000 rateable value below which Surveillance Group) involving BIS officials, the Commission empty property rates are not payable; and if he will and other Member States with a view to developing a make a statement. [3151] consistent approach towards implementation of the Robert Neill: We will keep this matter under review. article 18(2b) provision. They have highlighted the need for the Commission to take the lead in developing a Planning Europe-wide consensus on the correct understanding and application of the provision. We understand that Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for the services of the Commission are sympathetic to this Communities and Local Government whether the approach and would like to take it forward possibly via Government plan to implement the draft Planning a multi-annual programme for market surveillance. Policy Statement on (a) Planning for a Healthy and This Department will play a full part in helping to Natural Environment and (b) Planning for a Low establish a consensus and in doing so will take account Carbon Future. [2659] of other developments taking place in the United Kingdom Robert Neill: The Government will publish and present and across the European Union on the collection of to Parliament a simple and consolidated national planning injury statistics. policy framework setting out our national economic, Advantage West Midlands environmental and social priorities. An announcement on how we propose to take forward the national framework Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for and the implications for specific areas of planning Business, Innovation and Skills how many people are policy will be made in due course. employed by Advantage West Midlands; how many Social Rented Housing: Finance people compose the non-executive Board of Advantage West Midlands; and what the total cost to the public Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for purse of payments to (a) employees and (b) Board Communities and Local Government pursuant to the members is to date. [2852] answer of 10 June 2010, Official Report, column 454, on affordable housing, whether the £170 million of Mr Prisk: The following tables show: funding announced by the Government for social (a) Number of and cost of employees rented housing is in addition to funding agreed by the Number/£ previous administration. [2930] Number of employees headcount 346 Andrew Stunell: Given the unprecedented size of the (full-time equivalent (322)) budget deficit we have had to identify savings across Cost (£) 18,358,000 Government. We have identified £6.2 billion of savings Staff numbers are as at the snapshot reference date 31 this year as announced on 24 May. As part of this March 2010 and cost is for the financial year 2009-10. Treasury identified some £500 million by recycling efficiency Costs for payroll employees are defined as pay bill i.e. savings, and have used £170 million of this to safeguard salary, ERNICs and pension; and delivery of social rented homes. The previous Government made commitments that (b) Number of and cost of board members were not fully and securely funded. This includes a total Number/£ £780 million towards housing priorities including towards Number of board members 15 the Housing Pledge. In order to address this, and (including chair) emphasising Government’s commitment to housing Cost (£) 231,412 provision, Government made £170 million available to safeguard delivery of around 4,000 otherwise unfunded Board member costs are from the 2008-09 financial social rented homes to start on site this year, protecting year and include chair pension costs and board travel 3,500 jobs and prioritising provision for the most vulnerable. expenses. Board members now receive a remuneration The HCA will not enter into any new or further of £8,666 per annum for minimum of two days per commitments against its uncommitted budgets until the month with no pension entitlement. position is clarified at the Budget on 22 June. We are The chair receives a remuneration of £81,718 per working with colleagues in HMT to secure the necessary annum for three days a month and receives a pension. funding at Budget and the HCA will continue with Under the RDA Act 1998 an RDA board must have committed programmes as usual. 15 members with the majority being business positions. 531W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 532W

Apprentices Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many of the apprenticeship places announced since May 2010 are to Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for be allocated to each region; and if he will make a Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how many people in statement. [3286] (a) Wigan constituency, (b) the North West region and (c) England started an apprenticeship in each of Mr Hayes: Our announcement on 24 May that, of the last five years; [1648] the £6.2 billion savings for 2010-11, a total of £150 (2) how many people in (a) Wigan constituency, (b) million will be recycled to support capacity for 50,000 the North West region and (c) England started an extra apprenticeship places demonstrates our commitment advanced apprenticeship in each of the last five years; to high-quality skills. [1649] The Skills Funding Agency operates a national system (3) how many people in (a) Wigan constituency, (b) to fund post 19 further education and training, there the North West region and (c) England started a higher are no regional allocations. The expectation is that apprenticeship in each of the last five years. [1650] colleges and training organisations will look to make available additional apprenticeship places where there is Mr Hayes: Table 1 shows the number of Apprenticeship local demand. (Level 2) Programme Starts, table 2 shows the number Arts: North East of Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) Programme Starts and table 3 shows the number of Higher Level Apprenticeship (Level 4) Programme Starts in Wigan Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State Parliamentary Constituency, the North West Government for Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on Office Region and England for years 2004-05 to 2008-09, the provision of support to the creative sector in the the most recent year for which full year data is available. North East. [2272] Table 1: Apprenticeship (Level 2) Programme Starts by Geography Mr Prisk: The creative industries are an important for 2004-05 and 2008-09 contributor to the UK economy. It is essential to ensure 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 that we create the right conditions for the creative Wigan 260 250 290 380 300 industries to be able to innovate and grow. Parliamentary Constituency Better Regulation Executive: Internet North West 23,600 20,400 21,700 23,800 23,600 England 135,100 122,800 127,400 151,800 158,500 Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many ideas for Table 2: Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) Programme Starts by Geography for 2004-05 and 2008-09 better regulation have been submitted to his 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 Department through the Better Regulation Executive web pages since 7 May 2010. [2806] Wigan 140 120 130 170 160 Parliamentary Mr Prisk: Since 7 May 2010, 13 suggestions have Constituency been received through the Better Regulation Executive’s North West 9,700 9,200 10,500 11,700 12,900 suggestions tool, which is now located on the Business England 53,900 52,100 56,900 72,900 81,300 Link website (as at 15 June 2010). Table 3: Higher Level Apprenticeship (Level 4) Programme Starts by Geography for 2004-05 and 2008-09 Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 Business, Innovation and Skills how many unique visits have been made to the Better Regulation Executive web Wigan —————pages since 7 May 2010. [2807] Parliamentary Constituency NorthWest—————Mr Prisk: Since 7 May 2010, there have been 31,830 England — — — 100 200 individual sessions on the Better Regulation Executive’s web pages, now part of the Business Link website (as at Notes 1. Figures for Wigan Parliamentary Constituency are rounded to the 15 June 2010). nearest ten. All other figures are rounded to the nearest hundred. A ‘session’ is defined as a series of clicks on the site by 2. Figures are based upon home postcode of the learner. an individual visitor during a specific period of time. A 3.’—‘ Indicates a base value of less than five for Parliamentary Constituency and less than fifty for Government Office Region and session is initiated when the visitor arrives at the site, England. and it ends when the browser is closed or there is a 4. The England figure contains a small amount of counts where the period of inactivity. postcode of the learner is outside England and also learners where the postcode is not known. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Source: Individualised Learner Record Business, Innovation and Skills how much it cost his Department to maintain the Better Regulation Information on the number of Apprenticeship starts Executive web pages in the latest period for which by Parliamentary Constituency, Local Authority, figures are available. [2808] Government Office Region and for England is published in a quarterly statistical first release (SFR). The latest Mr Prisk: The Better Regulation Executive’s web SFR was published on 24 March, and revised on 22 April: pages are now incorporated into the Business Link http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/sfrmar10 website. 533W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 534W

Hosting for the Better Regulation Executive’s web Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, pages (including the impact assessment library and the Innovation and Skills what representations he has received suggestions tool) currently costs £6,220 per year (April on his Department’s review of employment law to date. 2010 to April 2011). [2858]

Broadband Mr Davey: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and other BIS Ministers have had several meetings with business and employee representatives to discuss a Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for range of issues, including employment law. Business, Innovation and Skills what definition of the term super fast broadband he uses. [2831] Copyright: Art Works

Mr Vaizey: Super fast broadband means broadband Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for of sufficient speed and quality to deliver the services Business, Innovation and Skills when he plans to that will lead to Britain having the best broadband extend the artist’s resale right to the estates of deceased network in Europe. The technology used to deliver this artists. [2113] could be fixed or wireless but will represent a significant upgrade on today’s fixed and wireless networks. Mr Davey: The Artist’s Resale Right (Amendment) Regulations 2009 delayed until 1 January 2012 the Broadband: Rural Areas application of the Artist’s Resale Right Regulations 2006 to the estates of deceased artists in the UK. Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Resale right will be payable on sales of works by Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to deceased artists in accordance with the requirements of expand the provision of broadband in rural areas. the 2006 regulations where the contract date for the sale is on or after 1 January 2012. [1470] Debt Relief Orders Mr Vaizey: As stated in the coalition’s joint programme for Government, we will seek to introduce superfast Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for broadband in remote areas at the same time as in more Business, Innovation and Skills if he will review the populated areas. On 8 June, the Secretary of State for eligibility criteria for the establishment of a debt relief Culture, the Olympics, Media and Sport set out the order for the purposes of removing the criterion Government’s plans for ensuring the UK has the best relating to funds held in a pension fund which are not superfast broadband network in Europe by the end of accessible prior to retirement. [2903] the Parliament. These plans include enabling access to existing infrastructure to reduce the cost of deployment. Mr Davey: A consultation issued in March, which is Further, the Secretary of State proposed three market available on The Insolvency Service’s website, invited testing projects schemes for superfast broadband in views on this issue. Debt Relief Orders are aimed at the rural areas. The Secretary of State’s full speech can be most vulnerable, and the consultation asked whether read at: those with a pension fund should be eligible for this http://www.culture.gov.uk/news/ministers_speeches/7132.aspx form of debt relief. I will consider this issue in the light As a first step towards this ambition, the Government of responses to the consultation. are also committed to making a service level of 2Mbps Departmental Mobile Phones available in towns and villages still without a basic level of access. The office charged with delivering this universal Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, service commitment, Broadband Delivery UK, will be Innovation and Skills which Ministers in his Department holding an industry event in July to provide further have been issued with (a) a Blackberry, (b) an iPhone, information on the approach to meeting the 2Mbps (c) another make of mobile telephone and (d) a personal service commitment and the market testing schemes. digital assistant supplied by the Department. [1419]

Conditions of Employment Mr Davey: The Department has issued the following Ministers with Blackberrys: Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Business, Innovation and Skills which section of his Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable) Department is responsible for policy on (a) Royal Mail My right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and and (b) the review of employment law. [2857] Science (Mr Willetts) My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Business, Enterprise, Mr Davey: Officials within the Shareholder Executive Deregulation and Better Regulation (Mr Prisk) are responsible for the Government’s shareholder interests My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in Royal Mail, and officials within the Information for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs (Mr Davey) Economy Directorate are responsible for the regulatory My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State framework for UK postal services. for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox) Officials within the Department’s Employment Relations My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Directorate and the Better Regulation Executive will Lifelong Learning (Mr Hayes) has been issued with a consider the detail of the approach to reviewing employment mobile phone. laws, alongside other colleagues from other Government The Department does not issue iPhones or personal Departments. digital assistants. 535W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 536W

Higher Education Wigan On Side Centre, Mesnes Park; Turnpike Centre, Leigh; and Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for 365-E Land Martland Park, Wigan. Business, Innovation and Skills which universities each Minister in his Department has visited since their Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for appointment. [1896] Business, Innovation and Skills which projects in the Wigan local authority area have been allocated funding Mr Willetts: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of by the North West Regional Development Agency in State for Business, Innovation and Skills has visited the financial year 2010-11. [2856] university of Glasgow. I have visited the university of Birmingham and Mr Prisk: The information is as follows: Oxford Brookes university. Forecast spend My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Business Project name LA district 2010-11 (£) and Enterprise has visited Coventry university. Wigan: Martland Park Wigan 40,000 Manufacturing Industries: Government Assistance Wigan: Bickershaw Colliery, off Wigan 6,768,502 Plank Lane, Leigh Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Wigan: Sandyforth Farm Phase Wigan 62,810 Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to 2 restoration Wigan-Leigh Sports Village Wigan 14,684 take to support the manufacturing sector. [2869] Computonics Ltd (SFI) Wigan 362,160 Mr Prisk: The Government fully recognise the Chemviron Carbon Limited Wigan 30,000 importance of manufacturing, and its role in achieving Octagon Communications Ltd Wigan 16,000 a balanced economy. Working with business we want to Martin Yaffe International Ltd Wigan 174,572 create a supportive environment for growth that will Leigh Town Centre Masterplan Wigan 50,000 encourage innovation, exports and business investment. Bradford Pharma Ltd 2nd App Wigan 46,052 In particular we will consider the implementation of the Value Works Ltd Wigan 182,850 Dyson Review and how this can help make the UK the Nutrisport Ltd Wigan 168,900 leading high-tech exporter in Europe. We will decide on Business Start Up (Phase II)— Wigan 9,175 the best framework for manufacturing policy shortly, Wigan recognising that we are living in a world of financial XpertRule Software Ltd Wigan 65,962 constraint. Flavours & Essences Ltd Wigan 90,000 Optima Interiors Ltd Wigan 39,683 Northwest Regional Development Agency: Wigan atg UV Technology Limited 2 Wigan 58,074

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Post Offices Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to his answer of 10 June 2010, Official Report, columns 234-36W, on Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for the North West Regional Development Agency: Business, Innovation and Skills how many post office Wigan, which of the projects have been allocated branches have become Post Office Essentials branches funding on (a) an ongoing and (b) a single grant basis. in the last 12 months. [2828] [2814] Mr Davey: Post Office Ltd’s Essential model is a pilot Mr Prisk: All of the grants outlined in my earlier format that incorporates a range of Post Office services answer are single, time limited grant agreements, some into an existing retailer’s offer. Post Office Ltd is currently of which may be spread over several financial years. operating 48 Post Office Essential pilots. The exception is funding to the Coalfields Regeneration Programme (Bickershaw Colliery Estate management costs) which forms part of the ongoing costs associated Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for with the project. Business, Innovation and Skills what criteria are used in determining whether to change post office branches into Post Office Essentials branches. [2829] Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to which projects in the Mr Davey: I have asked David Smith, the managing Wigan local authority area the North West Regional director of Post Office Ltd, to respond directly to my Development Agency is considering allocating funding hon. Friend and a copy of his reply will be placed in the in financial year 2010-11. [2855] House Libraries. Mr Prisk: For 2010-11 the following project has received concept agreement but has not yet been fully Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for appraised or approved: Business, Innovation and Skills if he will extend the Network Subsidy Scheme beyond 2011. [3284] Parsonage Colliery Phase. For 2010-11 the following pre-pipeline projects are Mr Davey: The Government fully recognise the important under consideration by NWDA. No corporate decision social and economic role of post offices in the communities has been made, and there is no confirmation whether they serve. The Government are committed to making a these will proceed further: social network payment to support the network in Project Nice; 2011-12, subject to state aid clearance from the European 537W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 538W

Commission. The Government are working with Post BIS resource funds UK based people and UKTI’s own Office Ltd on funding requirements for the network resource pays for grants and third party delivery of beyond 2012. services to business. BIS funding for 2009-10 was: £44.2 million. The Post Offices: Bank Services original budget allocation for 2010-11 is £42.9 million. However, the final budget for 2010-11 may be revised Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for downwards as a result of the Government’s recently Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on announced Departmental savings. Budget allocations establishing a Postbank. [3285] for 2011-12 will be set as part of the Spending Review process, which is anticipated to conclude in autumn Mr Davey: We have been clear in “The Coalition: our 2010. programme for government” that we will ensure that Post Offices are allowed to offer a wide range of services in order to sustain the network, and will look at the case ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE for developing new sources of revenue, such as the creation of a Post Office Bank. Departmental Internet Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Regional Development Agencies and Climate Change what the URL is of each website managed by (a) his Department and (b) each Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for non-departmental public body for which his Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what savings his Department is responsible. [2366] Department requires (a) Yorkshire Forward and (b) each other regional development agency to make in the Gregory Barker: Websites managed by the Department next three financial years; [2822] of Energy and Climate Change are as follows: (2) what guidance he has given to regional development agencies on the areas in which they should consider Website address making budgetary savings; [2823] DECC corporate site www.decc.gov.uk (3) what (a) process and (b) timetable has been CHP Focus http://chp.decc.gov.uk/cms established for regional development agencies to submit Oil and Gas Portal www.og.decc.gov.uk proposals for implementing budgetary savings; [2824] Energy Infrastructure Portal https://www.og.decc.gov.uk/EIP/ (4) whether Ministers are required to approve individual pages/help.htm proposals for budgetary savings proposed by regional National Policy Statements https:// consultation www.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk/ development agencies; [2825] Managing Radioactive Waste http://mrws.decc.gov.uk/ (5) what priority each regional development agency Safely has given to expenditure on (a) research and development, Planning Renewables www.planningrenewables.org.uk (b) manufacturing and (c) support for redundancies in PILOT www.pilottaskforce.co.uk their proposals for implementing budgetary savings; UK Renewables Service www.ukrenewables.com [2809] AVOID: advice on avoiding www.avoid.uk.net (6) what plans each regional development agency has dangerous climate change to publish its plans for implementing budgetary Electricity Networks Strategy www.ensg.gov.uk savings. [2810] Group RIMNET www.rimnet.gov.uk Mr Prisk: No final decisions have been made on the Energie Helpline www.Energiehelpline.co.uk allocation of the £270 million budget savings between ACTONCO2 http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk/ the regional development agencies. We will be writing to actonco2/home.html RDAs about the allocation shortly. We will then work CORWM www.corwm.org.uk with the RDA network to minimise the impact on HFCAAT www.Hfccat-demo.org priority programmes. Stakeholders and delivery partners involved in affected programmes and projects will be kept fully informed as specific decisions are made. Websites managed by the DECC NDPBs and agencies are as follows:

UK Trade and Investment: Finance Website address

Nuclear Decommissioning www.nda.gov.uk Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Authority Business, Innovation and Skills what funding The Coal Authority www.coal.gov.uk allocation his Department made to UK Trade and The Carbon Trust www.carbontrust.co.uk Investment for (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11; and what Of gem www.ofgem.gov.uk allocation it plans to make for 2011-12. [2990] Energy Saving Trust www.est.org.uk Committee on Climate Change www.theccc.org.uk Mr Prisk: UKTI is a non-ministerial Government Civil Nuclear Police Authority www.cnpa.police.uk/ Department, funded from the Department for Business Committee on Radioactive www.corwm.org.uk Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Foreign and Waste Management Commonwealth Office (FCO) and with its own Vote. Energy Technology Scheme www.eca.gov.uk/etl FCO resources primarily funds people based overseas, 539W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 540W

Departmental Reviews Lynne Featherstone: The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have, with the whole House, made clear Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for the desire to increase the number of successful rape Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of prosecutions and send more rapists to jail, as well as 8 June 2010, Official Report, column 137W, on provide the best possible support to victims of this Government Departments: reviews, what reviews his appalling crime. The Government regard rape as a very Department is undertaking; and what the (a) purpose serious crime which should be prosecuted in all cases and (b) timescale of each is. [2587] where sufficient evidence exists. We will bring proposals to Parliament when all the Gregory Barker: I refer the hon. Member to the options have been carefully considered. Our consideration answer given by the Leader of the House of Commons of the options will include an equality impact assessment. on 8 June 2010, Official Report, column 32WS. Asylum The Department will bring forward detailed information about reviews in due course. 8. Simon Kirby: To ask the Minister for Women and Nuclear Power: Finance Equalities what recent representations she has received on the granting of asylum to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons under threat of legal sanction in Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for their country of origin. [2707] Energy and Climate Change how much the UK paid in contributions to the (a) International Atomic Energy Lynne Featherstone: The Government have received Agency and (b) Euratom Supply Agency in the last 10 representations on this issue in the context of the recent years. [2344] hearings at the Supreme Court. The Home Secretary has also met with Ben Summerskill from Stonewall and Charles Hendry: The UK has paid a total of 116.95 received a copy of their recent report, “No Going million euros and US$ 84.42 million to the International Back” about the experiences of lesbian and gay people Atomic Agency over the past 10 years. The UK does in the asylum system. not make any direct contribution to the Euratom Supply Agency. We will stop the deportation of asylum seekers who have had to leave particular countries because of their Trade Unions sexual orientation or gender identification puts them at proven risk of imprisonment, torture or execution. Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Equal Pay Act Energy and Climate Change what plans he has to consult trade unions in his Department on cost 9. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Minister for Women reduction plans. [604] and Equalities if she will bring forward proposals to mark the 40th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act 1970; Gregory Barker: The Recognition Agreement (September and if she will make a statement. [2708] 2009) between the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the recognised trade unions, the Public and Lynne Featherstone: Last month I made my first Commercial Services Union, Prospect, and the First speech as a Minister for Equalities at an excellent event Division Association, clearly sets out the agreed processes organised by the Fawcett Society and others to mark for consultation. the 40th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act. The formal DECC Consultative Council meetings As the Queen’s Speech made clear, we are committed are held twice annually, normally in September and to promoting equal pay for women. We are currently February. DECC Consultative Council has also appointed considering options, and we will make an announcement sub-committees to discuss particular issues which may in due course. We agree that progress on equal pay is not be appropriate to the main HQ Consultative Council. needed, and we made clear in the Queen’s Speech that Additionally, the DECC senior management team we will work to promote equal pay for women, as well meets frequently and less formally with the trades unions as remove barriers to flexible working. We are currently through the year to address any emerging issues as they considering our next steps, and we will make an arise. announcement in due course.

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION Rape: Defendants Anonymity Food: Procurement

7. Luciana Berger: To ask the Minister for Women Dan Rogerson: To ask the hon. Member for and Equalities what discussions she has had with Middlesbrough, representing the House of Commons ministerial colleagues on the implications for women of Commission what steps the House of Commons proposals to extend anonymity to defendants in rape Commission is taking to set high standards of animal cases. [2706] welfare for the in-house procurement of food. [2927] 10. Caroline Flint: To ask the Minister for Women Sir Stuart Bell: The House of Commons Catering and Equalities what assessment her Department has and Retail Services recognises its responsibility to carry made of the implications for women of proposals to out its procurement activities in an environmentally and extend anonymity to defendants in rape cases. [2709] socially responsible manner and operates a Sustainable 541W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 542W

Procurement Policy, which covers all key components Mr Gauke: Between 1997 and 2008, the number of of the purchasing operation including animal welfare. businesses registered for VAT at the start of the year, the The policy seeks to work within the guidelines set out number of businesses registering for VAT and the number by the Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative, and of businesses deregistering for VAT in Thanet South are in doing so endeavours to contribute to the Government’s shown in the following table. Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy. A copy of the policy will be placed in the Library. Start of year Registrations De-registrations stock

Former Members: ICT 1997 195 165 1,775 1998 175 150 1,805 Andrew Stephenson: To ask the hon. Member for 1999 170 150 1,830 Middlesbrough, representing the House of Commons Commission what guidance was issued to hon. Members 2000 195 150 1,850 in the last Parliament who have not been returned to the 2001 150 165 1,895 House on the retention and disposal of ICT equipment 2002 200 150 1,880 purchased with funds from their allowances as hon. 2003 235 170 1,935 Members; and if he will make a statement. [2919] 2004 225 165 2,000 2005 200 185 2,060 Sir Stuart Bell: Guidance entitled ‘Dissolution 2006 220 175 2,070 Arrangements’ was issued to all Members of the previous 2007 210 145 2,115 Parliament. The full document can be viewed at: 2008 — — 2,175 http://intranet.parliament.uk/Documents/intranet/assets/ dissolution-arrangements.pdf These figures came from the report ’Business Start-ups Paragraphs 2.4 to 2.6 relate to the retention and and Closures: VAT Registrations and De-registrations’, disposal of ICT equipment purchased with funds from published by The Department for Businesses Enterprise allowances as hon. Members. and Regulatory Reform in November 2008. This report has now been discontinued. An extended series covering the last two years could be produced only at TREASURY disproportionate costs.

Annuities Departmental Translation Services Mr Swayne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Ian Austin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has to reform the requirement to what (a) documents and (b) other information for purchase annuities at the age of 75 years; and if he will which (i) his Department and (ii) its associated public make a statement. [1141] bodies are responsible are published or provided in the UK in languages other than English; for what reason Mr Hoban: The Government are committed to removing each such publication is required to be made available the requirement to purchase a pension annuity by age 75. in a language or languages other than English; and Further details, including information on when the what estimate he has made of the cost to the public Government intend to implement these proposals, will purse of the translation work so incurred in the latest follow in due course. period for which figures are available. [1775] Banks: Pay Justine Greening: The documents translated for people in the UK who do not speak English, and where available Gordon Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the estimated costs, are as follows: Exchequer (1) whether he plans to restrict access to HM Treasury bonus payments in excess of £30,000 per annum for employees of banks in receipt of public funding; [2527] HM Treasury translates documents into other languages on a case-by-case basis as requests are received. (2) whether he plans to reduce bonus payments to (a) employees, (b) directors, (c) chief executives and I refer the hon. Member to the answer set out in (d) chairmen of banks in receipt of public funding. August 2008, Official Report, column 737W. Since then the following documents have been translated: [2528] Press Notice 108_08 translated into Welsh in November 2008 Mr Hoban: The banks in which the Government is a at a cost of £95.00. shareholder are managed at arm’s length and on a Chapter 1 of pre-Budget report 2008 translated into Welsh in commercial basis by UK Financial Investments Ltd December 2008 at a cost of £764.74. (UKFI). The executive summary of the document ‘Reforming Financial Markets’ translated into German in August 2009 at a cost of UKFI will continue to work with Government investee £253.09 banks to ensure that incentives are properly linked to HMRC long-term value creation. HM Revenue and Customs conforms to the legal Business: Thanet requirement to provide Welsh language services in accordance with the Welsh Language Act 1993 and Laura Sandys: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer HMRC’s own Welsh Language Scheme. Documents how many businesses (a) were registered, (b) were and information that have been translated into languages newly registered and (c) ceased to be registered for other than English are: value added tax in South Thanet in each year since All of the most frequently used publications are translated into 1997. [2669] Welsh. 543W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 544W

Marketing campaigns involving the Welsh language media are population ratios and (b) compatibility factors employed; translated into Welsh. and if he will make a statement. [2770] Direct marketing products are translated into Welsh where there is a Welsh language notifier on the customer record. Danny Alexander: The consequentials of the £6.2 billion A selection of regional press ads for Contact Centre Directorate cuts announced on 24 May 2010 were calculated through about the change in opening times of the Enquiry Centres were the Barnett formula in the usual way. The consequential translated into Welsh. The additional cost of translation and cut for the Welsh Assembly Government was subsequently typesetting is absorbed by our Welsh Language Unit. Communications reduced by £1.4 million following confirmation of a cut and Marketing incurred no cost for the translation. to the Olympics budget, which is UK-wide and therefore Child Trust Fund fact sheets have been translated in Arabic, not comparable for the purposes of the Barnett formula. Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Tamil, Urdu and Polish. Details of the operation of the Barnett formula were set The information on estimated costs could be obtained out in the Statement of Funding Policy published by only at disproportionate cost. the Treasury in October 2007. NSI VAT: Construction NS&I translates all of its (1) brochures into Welsh to stock at Welsh Post Offices, (2) after sales communications into Welsh upon request and (3) has a Welsh Language Gordon Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the portal which is an abridged version of the English Exchequer whether he plans to reduce the level of value website on the NS&I website to meet it commitments added tax on building repair and maintenance work. under the Welsh Language Act. NS&I does not provide [2533] translation into any other language. The cost to NS&I of producing such translations in the latest period for Mr Gauke: All taxes are kept under review and any which figures are available are: changes are announced by the Chancellor as part of the Budget process. 2009-10: £8,505.97 VOA In line with its commitment to the Welsh Language Act, the VOA publishes a range of leaflets and forms in HOME DEPARTMENT bilingual English/Welsh format. These are used with Alcoholic Drinks: Crime council taxpayers and business ratepayers. The information on estimated costs could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) premises and (b) DMO independent retailers (i) nationally, (ii) in the East Nil response. Midlands and (iii) in Leicester have been fined for the GAD sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 18 years in Nil response. each of the last five years. [2573] Royal Mint Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for the There are occasional requirements to translate Home Department how many (a) premises and (b) correspondence for non-UK customers but the costs independent retailers in (i) Tameside and (ii) Stockport incurred are modest and are usually tied to commercial were fined for the sale of alcohol to persons under the contracts which earn revenue for the Royal Mint. age of 18 years in each of the last five years. [2849] This was the arrangement under previous Administrations and has not changed. James Brokenshire: Data on the total number of fines issued by the courts and the average fine amount for National Assembly for Wales: Finance “selling alcohol to persons under 18” broken down by criminal justice area within England and Wales, for Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the each year between 2004-08 is provided in the following Exchequer if he will publish details of the calculations table. Data held on the court proceedings database that underpin the consequential changes to the funding cannot be broken down by individual area and it is not of the National Assembly for Wales as announced on possible to separately identify those fines given to premises 24 May 2010, with particular reference to (a) the or independent retailers.

Number of fines imposed for selling alcohol to a person under 181, by criminal justice area2 2004-08 Criminal justice area 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Avon and Somerset 0 9 5 0 5 Bedfordshire 5 9 22 1 0 Cambridgeshire 1 7 18 10 8 Cheshire 14 0 6 5 7 Cleveland 7 10 6 11 6 Cumbria 0 3 1 1 3 Derbyshire 13 5 6 7 15 Devon and Cornwall 4 3 4 0 0 Dorset 2 7 0 0 3 Durham 2 0 0 0 6 545W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 546W

Number of fines imposed for selling alcohol to a person under 181, by criminal justice area2 2004-08 Criminal justice area 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Dyfed-Powys 6 1 13 3 3 Essex 0 7 10 12 2 Gloucestershire 1 4 8 2 7 Greater Manchester 116 73 98 25 27 Gwent 1112118 7 Hampshire 6 7 0 4 4 Hertfordshire 5 1 35 20 2 Humberside 4 1 2 3 0 Kent 109216 Lancashire 10 60 17 20 22 Leicestershire 4 14 28 47 8 Lincolnshire 2 0 1 2 5 Merseyside 9 8 12 17 17 Metropolitan police 126 198 176 120 59 Norfolk 3 0 0 2 1 North Wales 4 10 4 7 7 North Yorkshire 12 0 11 9 1 Northamptonshire 0 6 10 3 4 Northumbria 32 53 17 4 9 Nottinghamshire 0 9 23 3 4 South Wales 23 39 54 23 17 South Yorkshire 0 7 9 2 4 Staffordshire 2 10 14 15 11 Suffolk 0 3 2 0 1 Surrey 8 9 15 2 6 Sussex 1 0 16 10 4 Thames Valley 9 5 12 11 1 Warwickshire 25 6 1 1 0 West Mercia 3 13 5 4 2 West Midlands 36 54 42 43 30 West Yorkshire 17 7 6 6 1 Wiltshire 1 6 4 4 1 Total England and Wales 534 685 726 468 326 1 Licensing Act 2003 S.146 and 147, Licensing (Occasional Permissions Act 1983 Schedule (Sec 3) para 4 (1), Licensing Act 1964 S.181A(1) as added by Licensing Act 1988 S.17 Licensing Act 2003 S.147 as added by Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006. 2 In this table sentences at the Crown court are categorised according to the police force that prosecuted the offence which is not necessarily the area of the sentencing court. Notes: 1. Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July, and August 2008. 2. The answer given here relates to the total number of fines imposed for the offences listed above it is not possible to separately identify those fines given to premises or independent retailers as this information is not recorded on the Courts Proceedings database. Source: Justice Statistics—Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice Ref: SENT(JSAS)169-l0 14/06/2010 Average fine amount imposed for selling alcohol to a person under 181, by criminal justice area2 2004-08 £ Criminal justice area 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Avon and Somerset * 186.7 * * * Bedfordshire * 386.1 370.5 * * Cambridgeshire * 308.6 307.2 158.0 675.0 Cheshire 209.6 * 296.7 * 1,050.0 Cleveland 171.4 184.5 225.0 295.5 1,005.0 Cumbria * * * * * Derbyshire 217.7 * 300.0 422.9 483.0 Devon and Cornwall * * * * * Dorset * 205.7 * * * Durham * * * * 328.3 Dyfed-Powys 248.3 * 441.5 * * Essex * 278.6 622.5 550.0 * Gloucestershire * * 308.8 * 447.1 Greater Manchester 228.7 227.7 259.2 366.0 335.7 Gwent 181.8 222.5 313.6 209.4 250.0 Hampshire 290.0 257.1 * * * Hertfordshire * * 235.0 370.3 * 547W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 548W

Average fine amount imposed for selling alcohol to a person under 181, by criminal justice area2 2004-08 £ Criminal justice area 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Humberside * * * * * Kent 336.0 363.3 * * 633.3 Lancashire 160.5 200.8 269.4 264.5 152.5 Leicestershire * 291.1 249.1 306.6 482.5 Lincolnshire * * * * * Merseyside 195.0 165.0 161.7 202.1 203.5 Metropolitan police 285.9 283.0 314.0 470.7 505.9 Norfolk * * * * * North Wales * 238.5 * 312.9 239.3 North Yorkshire 185.4 * 150.0 269.4 * Northamptonshire * 316.7 425.0 * * Northumbria 241.6 208.0 520.0 * 337.8 Nottinghamshire * 194.4 253.7 * * South Wales 193.9 240.4 318.5 267.4 260.6 South Yorkshire * 117.9 155.6 * * Staffordshire * 195.0 154.6 173.3 271.4 Suffolk * * * * * Surrey 278.1 316.7 356.7 * 413.3 Sussex * * 173.4 322.5 * Thames Valley 218.9 * 290.8 441.8 * Warwickshire 102.0 101.7 * * * West Mercia * 290.8 * * * West Midlands 271.4 203.2 373.9 403.7 304.7 West Yorkshire 260.9 260.7 385.0 358.3 * Wiltshire * 288.3 * * * * = Figure suppressed as number too small to give meaningful average. 1 Licensing Act 2003 S.146 and 147, Licensing (Occasional Permissions) Act 1983 Schedule (Sec 3) para 4(1), Licensing Act 1964 S.181A(1) as added by Licensing Act 1988 S.17, Licensing Act 2003 S.147 as added by Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006. 2 In this table sentences at the Crown court are categorised according to the police force that prosecuted the offence which is not necessarily the area of the sentencing court. Notes: 1. Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July, and August 2008. 2. The answer given here relates to the total number of fines imposed for the offences listed. Source: Justice Statistics—Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice Ref: SENT(JSAS)169-10 14/06/2010.

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Detention Centres: Children Home Department how many charges there were for alcohol-related offences of antisocial behaviour in (a) Richard Harrington: To ask the Secretary of State for Tameside and (b) Stockport in the last 12 months; and the Home Department how many children were detained how many of these were of those under the age of 18 in the course of immigration proceedings in (a) 1997 and (b) the most recent year for which figures are years. [2848] available. [2879] James Brokenshire: The court proceedings database Damian Green: The requested information is not does not contain information on charging. available. The published statistics on persons detained as at specific dates in 1997 related to asylum applicants only and did not separately identify children. Departmental Databases The latest published statistics show there were 30 people detained solely under Immigration Act powers recorded as being less than 18 years of age as at 31 March 2010. Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for In 2009, 1,065 children entered detention solely under the Home Department how many databases managed Immigration Act powers; this information was published by her Department hold information relating to at least for the first time in 2009. 100,000 people. [2536] This information relating to 2010 is available in tables 3.5 to 3.8 of the Control of Immigration: Quarterly James Brokenshire [holding answer 15 June 2010]: Statistical Summary, United Kingdom, January to March The core Home Office and its Executive agencies currently 2010 and the information relating to 2009 is available in manage 31 such databases in operational casework areas table 9.2 of the Control of Immigration: Quarterly for a range of public services, including personal applications Statistical Summary, United Kingdom, October to by members of the public. December 2009 available in the Library of the House As part of the Government’s recently announced and the Home Office’s Research, Development and spending review, all Government ICT enabled programmes Statistics website at: are being reviewed to consider possible mergers, http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum- decommissioning and/or abolition of appropriate databases. stats.html 549W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 550W

I recently announced a review into the detention of Mrs May [holding answer 8 June 2010]: Between children for asylum purposes so it can be brought to an 2003 and March 2006, the Home Office spent a total of end this summer. We have already ended the overnight £41 million developing the policy, legislation and business detention of children at Dungavel. case for the introduction of identity cards. Responsibility for identity cards was transferred to Entry Clearances: Overseas Students the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) on its establishment in April 2006. Between then and March 2010, IPS spent Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for the a total of £251 million on projects to establish identity Home Department how many student visas have been cards, second biometric passports and other related issued to (a) EU and (b) non-EU students in programmes. academic year 2009-10. [2952] Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for the Damian Green: Under the Immigration (European Home Department how many identity cards had been Economic Area) Regulations 2006, EEA nationals and issued to foreign nationals on 31 May 2010. [1244] their family members have the right of free movement within the territory of EEA member states. They may Damian Green: No identity cards have been issued to therefore come to the UK to seek work, take up employment foreign nationals. However as at 31 May 2010, a total of or study without applying for Leave to Enter. No student 222,490 biometric residence permits had been issued to visas are therefore issued to EEA nationals. foreign nationals. The total number of student visas issued to non-EEA nationals in the Financial Year 2009-10 was 288,010. Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the This figure is based on the Control of Immigration: Home Department how many people in Wigan Quarterly Statistical Summaries which have been published constituency have been issued with an identity card by on the UK Border Agency’s website, her Department. [2888] www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Most non-EEA nationals who were issued with visas Home Department, how many people in (a) the UK, in 2009 in order to study in the UK in the current (b) the North West and (c) Greater Manchester have academic year would have been issued with visas during applied for an ID card. [3279] the summer months, and would therefore be included in the total for the financial year given above. Damian Green: The Identity and Passport Service is not able to provide information relating to particular Identity Cards constituencies or regions for identity card applications. However, as of 11 June 2010 there have been just fewer Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the than 15,000 identity cards issued in the United Kingdom. Home Department what plans she has for the future allocation of identity cards to foreign nationals. [1079] Illegal Immigrants: Northern Ireland Mrs May [holding answer 8 June 2010]: We are continuing to use biometric residence cards, in accordance Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for the with EU law. Home Department how many illegal immigrants have been discovered working in Northern Ireland in each of Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the the last five years; how many such people have been Home Department (1) what estimate she has made of deported; and what the average length of time was the likely level of savings to the public purse between discovery and deportation in such cases. [2769] consequent on the cancellation of the identity card scheme, taking into account the cost of contract Damian Green: The numbers of immigration offenders termination, in the next three years; [1080] that have been arrested for working illegally in Northern (2) what estimate she has made of the savings to be Ireland in the last five financial years are: made consequent on the cancellation of the National 14 in 2005-06; Identity Register, taking into account the cost of eight in 2006-07; contract termination, in the next three years. [1082] 44 in 2007-08; eight in 2008-09; Mrs May [holding answer 8 June 2010]: It is estimated 41 in 2009-10; and that exchequer savings of approximately £86 million two in 2010-11. will be realised from cancelling ID cards and the National Identity Register over the next four years. Further savings These data are normally used for management in the region of £134 million will be realised by halting information only and are not subject to the detailed the introduction of fingerprint biometric passports, checks that apply for National Statistics publications. although these further savings are currently the subject These data are therefore provisional and may be subject of commercial negotiation with suppliers to protect the to change. taxpayer’s interests. The number of people that have been deported and the average length of time between discovery and Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the deportation in these cases are not data that are readily Home Department what her most recent estimate is of available. The information captured is recorded on two her Department’s expenditure on identity cards since separate databases and there is no unique identifier that the inception of the national identity scheme. [1081] is shared between the two systems. 551W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 552W

Immigration Cases: Appeals Language Analysis Testing

Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, at what proportion of general Home Department for what proportion of asylum immigration cases the Secretary of State has not been cases the UK Border Agency had used language represented at appeal stage in the last 12 months; and analysis testing when such testing was suspended on 31 what steps the UK Border Agency takes to protect March 2010; and what plans she has to reintroduce children in such cases. [1472] such testing. [1471] Damian Green: Management Information shows that Damian Green: The representation rate at all appeals the UK Border Agency carried out 2,735 language heard in country The representation rate at all appeals analysis tests on asylum cases between 2 February 2008 heard in country is currently 69% up to June 2010. and 31 March 2010. We can identify certain types of appeal case involving Management Information also shows that during children from our database e.g. unaccompanied asylum this period there were 52,531 principal asylum applications seeking children. We are not able to identify from the submitted. However, it is not possible to say definitely database all types of cases. We aim to represent the what proportion of those cases were subject to language Secretary of State at all asylum cases and usually achieve analysis testing because some individuals who underwent between 90-95% representation rate. testing will have submitted their asylum application Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration before 2 February 2008. Act 2009 requires the Home Secretary to make Please note that Management Information is not arrangements to have regard to the need to safeguard provided under National Statistics protocols and is and promote the welfare of children. To this end statutory therefore provisional and subject to change. guidance has been issued to UKBA staff on how to apply this duty and training on identifying child welfare The UK Border Agency is undertaking a review of and protection issues is provided for staff whose work language analysis techniques in order to assess costs involves decisions that affect children. and benefits. On conclusion of this review, a decision will be made on whether and how to resume the process. UKBA has appointed a Children’s Champion who is responsible for advising the Chief Executive and UKBA Motoring: Fines Board on all issues to do with child welfare and child protection. Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much has been levied in fines Immigration Controls for exceeding the average 50 mph on stretches of motorway where a 50 mph limit is in place on the basis Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the of the average speed camera monitoring on (a) Home Department when she expects to decide the level Mondays to Fridays when road works were being at which the cap on non-EU economic migrants to the undertaken and (b) Saturdays and Sundays when road United Kingdom will be set. [1674] works are not taking place in the latest period for which figures are available. [2525] Damian Green: We believe that immigration is too high and needs to be brought under control. An annual James Brokenshire: The information requested is not limit on economic migration from outside the EU is collected centrally. part of a package to deliver this. Data on fixed penalty notices for speeding as well as We will hold a short and focused consultation with data held by the Ministry of Justice on court issued business and other interested sectors before taking the speeding fines do not include information on the individual final decision on both the implementation mechanisms circumstances under which the fines were issued. for the limit and the level at which it should be set. Passports: Biometrics Immigration: Gurkhas Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for the has made of the effect on the number of jobs of the Home Department how many former members of the Government’s policy not to proceed on the next phase Brigade of Gurkhas who have chosen to settle in the of biometric passports. [2522] UK since the change in the immigration rules are aged (a) below 40 years, (b) between 41 and 50 years, (c) Damian Green [holding answer 6 June 2010]: There is between 51 ad 60 years and (d) above 60 years old. currently an ongoing process of restructuring in the [2650] Identity and Passport Service (IPS) to reflect cancelling of identity cards, the decision to halt Second Generation Damian Green [holding answer 15 June 2010]: The Biometric Passports and the IPS contribution to budget UK Border Agency does not routinely analyse management savings. IPS continues to work to finalise revised structures, information on the individual ages of former members consult trade union representatives and update and of the Brigade of Gurkhas who exercise their right to support those directly involved. So far we have announced settle in the UK. To do so would incur disproportionate that 60 temporary staff at our Durham office have been costs as this would involve a manual check. released three months earlier than expected. 553W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 554W

Passports: Databases protecting nesting bats; and protecting freshwater pearl mussels. The Unit has a police officer dedicated to Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the supporting the police forces of England and Wales in Home Department (1) what categories of information tackling poaching. currently held on the National Identity Register she There are already strict controls in force on the does not plan to hold on the UK Passport Database; export from the UK of endangered animals and plants. [1379] These controls are based on EU legislation that implements (2) what her plans are for the future of the UK the 1973 Convention on the International Trade in Passport Database. [1380] Endangered Species (CITES) and requires all EU member states to impose CITES controls both at import and Mrs May [holding answer 9 June 2010]: The Identity export. Any illegal CITES protected animals or plants Documents Bill presented to Parliament on 26 May intercepted at UK ports and airports are liable to 2010 confirms the commitment in the Coalition Agreement seizure by Officers of the UK Border Agency. to scrap ID cards and destroy the National Identity Police: Manpower Register. The information contained on the National Identity Register which is additional to that held on the UK passport database includes fingerprints, National Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Insurance Number, details from identity card applications, Home Department what estimate she has made of the changes to names and address following issue of the likely change to the number of police officer posts document, and personal questions and answers allowing following the changes to her Department’s budget such changes to be made securely to an individual’s announced on 24 May 2010. [2432] entry on the National Identity Register. The 2006 Act provided for up to 50 pieces of personal information to Mrs May [holding answer 15 June 2010]: Decisions be stored from each person on the National Identity about the number of police officers, police community Register. support officers and other police staff engaged by each force are matters for the relevant chief constable and The existing UK passport database will continue to police authority. support the issuing of passports and to hold the same information as that currently requires. The Home Office has protected the front line by finding most of the savings needed from its own budgets Passports: EU Countries and those of its non-departmental public bodies. As I said in my written ministerial statement on 27 May Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2010, Official Report, columns 12-16WS we are confident Home Department if she will bring forward proposals that the savings which amount to less than 1% of to provide a cheaper and more compact alternative to expected spending in 2010-11 can be made while the British passport for travel within the EU. [1909] maintaining a front line policing service. It is for each chief constable to use their expertise and decide what Mrs May [holding answer 14 June 2010]: We currently makes most sense for their force, but we are clear that have no plans to provide an alternative to the British the savings can be achieved by driving out wasteful passport for travel within the EU. spending on support functions, reducing bureaucracy and increasing efficiency in key functions; leaving the Poaching front line strong and secure. South Africa: Football Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans she has to tackle poaching; and if she will consider the merits of Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the establishing a task force on the issue. [2433] Home Department, how many Crown Prosecution Service staff are being funded by her Department to James Brokenshire: Poaching can have a significant attend the football World Cup final in South Africa; effect on our rural communities, and on the environment how much has been spent on (a) travel, (b) more generally. It is an issue that needs to be addressed accommodation and (c) other expenses for staff; and if by police forces at a local level. she will make a statement. [2925] A network of Police Wildlife Crime Officers throughout James Brokenshire: A senior Crown Prosecutor, expert the 43 forces in England and Wales provides the backbone in UK football legislation, has been deployed in South to investigating wildlife and environmental crime, including Africa, with the English police delegation, for the duration poaching. of the England football team’s involvement in the Poaching is already one of the priorities of the National tournament. Their role is to liaise with South African Wildlife Crime Unit, which exists to support police authorities in accordance with an agreement with the forces and their wildlife crime officers in their efforts South African Ministry of Justice. This has become against wildlife crime. It is funded by the Home Office standard practice since Euro 2004 when uncertainty and DEFRA, as well as the governments of Scotland regarding fast track judicial arrangements put in place and Northern Ireland, ACPO (the Association of Chief for that tournament led to criticism, both in the media Police Officers) and ACPOS (ACPO Scotland). and courts here, about court verdicts on England fans The National Wildlife Crime Unit’s priorities are convicted of violent disorder. As a result the European tackling badger baiting; CITES (Convention on Union Handbook on International Police Co-operation International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild for Football Matches recommends that participating Fauna and Flora); Bird of prey persecution; Poaching; countries should consider deploying prosecutors in host 555W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 556W countries to assist liaison and clarity. The South African DFID also has responsibility for the Independent authorities have put in place comparable fast track Advisory Committee on Development Impact criminal justice arrangements for dealing with foreign http://iacdi.independent.gov.uk/ offenders during the 2010 World Cup. whose future is under review. A key role of the Crown Prosecutor in South Africa The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the will be to provide authoritative witness statements regarding United Kingdom (CSC) the judicial process and the strength of any evidence presented against any England fan convicted in a South http://www.cscuk.org.uk/ African court. This will assist the police and courts here is DFID’s only non-departmental public body (NDPB). to determine whether or not football banning orders Departmental Official Cars should be sought against the individuals convicted on their return. The Home Office is funding the prosecutor’s travel, accommodation and expense costs. I will write to Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the hon. Member once the final costs are known. International Development what his policy is on the use by Ministers in his Department of cars allocated from (a) his Department’s pool and (b) the Government car pool which are manufactured in the INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT UK; whether Ministers in his Department are entitled British Overseas Territories: Overseas Aid to request the use of a car manufactured in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [2418]

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Andrew Mitchell: I refer the hon. Member to the International Development how much aid he plans to answer provided by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary provide to each UK Overseas Territory in 2010-11. of State for Transport on 14 June 2010, Official Report, [2294] column 290W, on departmental official cars. Mr Andrew Mitchell: The following funding allocations Developing Countries: Children are those agreed under the previous Government for each UK Overseas Territory in 2010-11: Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for £ International Development whether he plans to continue the previous Administration’s work to publish St Helena 28,580,000 and disseminate a toolkit on inclusive education for Montserrat 23,260,000 children with disabilities in developing countries. [2260] Pitcairn 3,260,000 Tristan da Cunha 450,000 Mr Andrew Mitchell: In “The Coalition: our programme Turks and Caicos Islands 750,000 for government”, the Government committed to Cross Territory 2,700,000 “focus on the rights of women, children and disabled people to Total 59,000,000 access services” in developing countries. We are taking that agenda As with all Government spending plans, these are forward. subject to review. We will shortly be issuing a Guidance Note on inclusive Departmental Internet education for children with disabilities in developing countries, developed with practitioners and experts in Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for this field. This will be disseminated to country offices, International Development what the URL is of each development partners and international non-governmental website managed by (a) his Department and (b) each organisations and will be available on the DFID website. non-departmental public body and agency for which Developing Countries: Climate Change his Department is responsible. [2370]

Mr Andrew Mitchell: We are currently working to Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for consolidate websites managed by the Department for International Development what progress his Department International Development (DFID). has made on developing guidance with the multilateral DFID manages one corporate site development banks to screen development expenditure www.dfid.gov.uk for climate risks; and if he will make a statement. [2341] which has three subdomains Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International http://blogs.dfid.gov.uk Development (DFID) is working closely with the http://projects.dfid.gov.uk multilateral development banks (MDBs) to ensure their and development expenditure takes account of the risks http://consultation.dfid.gov.uk posed by climate change. We use our financial resources, In addition we own research for development (R4D) policy expertise and position as a shareholder to achieve this. For example, DFID has provided technical assistance http://www.research4development.info/ to the MDBs to support research on the risks of climate and the website for the Developments magazine change in developing countries, and to help governments http://www.developments.org.uk/ factor these into national strategies and programmes. both of which are managed under contract and will The Government have also been a strong voice in calling converge on the main site in due course. for each MDB to have a climate change strategy, agreed 557W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 558W with their shareholders. We are working to ensure that Museums and Galleries: Finance the targets and commitments in these strategies are met, including through regular discussions with MDB staff Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for and at the executive board of the MDBs. We are also International Development what funding programmes working to ensure that projects supported by the MDBs for galleries and museums in the UK he plans to reduce can deliver sustainable development gains in the context in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12. [2296] of a changing climate. For example, DFID funds the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience, which aims to Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International generate lessons to improve MDBs approach to adaptation Development (DFID) has no programmes that provide and sustainable development in poor countries. funding for galleries or museums.

Developing Countries: Fossil Fuels St Helena: Airports

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department International Development whether he plans to has spent on overseas projects for the extraction and provide funding for an airport on St Helena. [2293] transport of fossil fuels through (a) the World Bank Group, (b) the European Bank for Reconstruction and Mr Andrew Mitchell: We are currently considering Development, (c) the European Investment Bank and the question of access to St Helena. I will inform the (d) other Government-funded financial institutions in House of any decision that is made. the last five years. [2340]

Mr Andrew Mitchell: In the past five years, the Department for International Development (DFID) TRANSPORT has not given earmarked funds to the multilateral development banks (MDBs) expressly for investments HGV Charging in projects for the extraction and transportation of fossil fuels. 13. Nigel Mills: To ask the Secretary of State for DFID has provided capital and funding for the MDBs Transport what recent assessment he has made of the work which have been pooled with resources from other merits of revising the system for heavy goods vehicle shareholders and donors. The banks have supported road user charging. [2722] some fossil fuel extraction and transport projects using these common resources and have provided the following Mr Philip Hammond: The Coalition Programme for information on the value of commitments to such projects Government, commits us to the introduction of a new made in the years 2005-09: system of HGV road user charging to ensure that foreign heavy goods vehicles contribute to the upkeep US$ million of UK roads that they use and ensure a more level World Bank Group1 3,609 playing field with UK hauliers. EBRD 861 EIB 94 Heathrow Airport Other2 1,402 1 World Bank Group includes International Bank for Reconstruction 14. Gavin Barwell: To ask the Secretary of State for and Development, International Development Association and Transport what recent assessment he has made of the International Finance Corporation 2 Other includes the African, Asian, InterAmerican and Caribbean merits of expanding capacity at Heathrow airport; and Development Bank Groups, CDC and the Private Infrastructure if he will make a statement. [2723] Development Group. Mrs Villiers: We recognise the importance of Heathrow EU Aid as the country’s international hub airport and a vital part of our national transport infrastructure. Our vision Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for for Heathrow is to make it better, not bigger, and I shall International Development what proportion of his be pursuing this through the South East airports taskforce Department’s budget is spent through direct payments announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of to the European Union; and what steps he is taking to State in his written ministerial statement on 15 June ensure the value for money of such expenditure. [2255] 2010, Official Report, column 48WS.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: In 2008-09 20% of Department 18. Miss Begg: To ask the Secretary of State for for International Development (DFID) expenditure was Transport if he will make it his policy to ensure that spent in direct payments to the European Union (EU). slots at Heathrow for flights from UK regional airports These funds were managed by the European Commission are retained. [2727] (EC). I have recently set out details of DFID’s review of all funding of international agencies including the EC. Mrs Villiers: We recognise the importance of air This review will test each organisation to ensure the UK services from UK regional airports and the role they is getting maximum value from its aid money. This will play in local economies. However, there are difficult include an assessment of the relevance of each body to questions here that need careful consideration since the UK’s objectives on poverty reduction and their airlines face competitive pressure to use their slots for ability to deliver results on the ground. routes which are the most commercial. 559W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 560W

Speed Cameras Electric Vehicles

15. Richard Harrington: To ask the Secretary of State Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for for Transport what his Department’s plans are for the Transport what recent assessment he has made of the future funding of fixed speed cameras; and if he will merits of designating electric vehicle charging points as make a statement. [2724] regulated assets. [2329] Norman Baker: The coalition agreement set out a Mike Penning: The Government will not provide any commitment to mandate a national charging network money to local authorities to put up new fixed speed for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Achieving this cameras. If authorities want to put up new fixed cameras via the regulated asset base is one approach. We are they are free to do so using their own resources. We considering a full range of options, but no decisions strongly encourage authorities to put resources into the have yet been taken. most effective road safety measures. Transport: North West Traffic Congestion: Glossop and Tintwistle Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for 16. Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State Transport what applications for grants from (a) Wigan for Transport if he will prioritise funding for a solution metropolitan borough council and (b) other local authorities in the North West region are under to traffic congestion in Glossop and Tintwistle. [2725] consideration by his Department. [2758] Norman Baker: In his written ministerial statement to Norman Baker: In November 2007 Wigan Metropolitan the House on 10 June 2010, Official Report, column borough council were awarded funding of £400,000 for 35WS, regarding major schemes the Secretary of State both 2009-10 and 2010-11 to carry out bridge strengthening for Transport made it clear that the Department will on their roads. They subsequently requested that this not be able to identify those major investments that can funding be increased by £750,000 due to increases in the be supported until the conclusion of the Government’s cost estimates for works on the Atherton Central Station spending review in the autumn. Bridge. Therefore at this time I am afraid that I cannot Sefton borough council have made an application to provide any assurances on funding for a solution to increase the funding awarded to them in February 2009 traffic congestion in Glossop and Tintwistle. to carry out maintenance on the detrunked A565 and Tyne and Wear Metro have sought funding to support maintenance on the A5058 Miller’s Bridge. The Department for Transport officials’ contacts with 17. Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of both authorities regarding their requests are continuing. State for Transport whether he plans to proceed with the proposed upgrade of the Tyne and Wear Metro. This Department is considering a claim submitted for [2726] £5.3 million by Cumbria county council for funding towards the costs of carrying out repairs to damage to Norman Baker: The Tyne and Wear Metro upgrade their local highways caused by the flooding in November has been re-examined following the announcement by 2009. the Chief Secretary on 17 May to review spending All local highway authorities in England have been approval granted since 1 January this year. advised of their allocation from the £84 million funding to assist them to repair their roads damaged by this High Speed 2 winter’s severe weather. Authorities have been requested to confirm that they accept the terms and conditions of 19. Alec Shelbrooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the grant. The confirmation is to be accompanied by Transport what plans he has to consult those whose supporting documentation to show that the relevant property is affected by the preferred route for High delegated authority exist to accept the terms and condition Speed 2. [2728] of the grant. The Department is not currently considering any Mr Philip Hammond: The Government are committed funding bids for local authority major schemes and will to carrying out a full public consultation before any not be doing so at least until the conclusion of the final decision is taken regarding the route of any new spending review. high speed line. Transport: Worcestershire Community Railways Initiative: North West Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the amount of funding for Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for transport provided to Worcestershire county council Transport what plans his Department has for the future will remain at the planned level of £46 million to 2016; of community rail partnerships in the North West. and if he will make a statement. [2768] [2729] Norman Baker: The amount of funding provided to Mrs Villiers: We recognise the valuable work done by Worcestershire county council by the Department for community rail partnerships. We look to train operators Transport is subject to the Spending Review. This will and communities in the north-west to progress practical conclude in the autumn, and will set spending limits for and innovative ideas for supporting local railways, including every Government department for the period 2011-12 improvements to stations and links to them. to 2014-15. 561W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 562W

Wigan URLs of websites managed by the Ministry of Justice and its non-departmental public bodies and agencies—June Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010. Transport what grants his Department has allocated to www.30yearrulereview.org.uk Wigan metropolitan borough council in each of the www.adjudicationpanel.tribunals.gov.uk last five years. [2841] www.administrativeappeals.tribunals.gov.uk www.adr.civiljusticecouncil.gov.uk Norman Baker: Details of grants allocated to Wigan www.ahmlr.gov.uk metropolitan borough council by the Department for www.ajtc.gov.uk Transport for the past five years can be found on the www.appeals-service.gov.uk DFT website at: www.appsi.gov.uk http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/localauthorities/funding/ www.asylum-support-tribunal.gov.uk fundingstreams/ www.belfast-gazette.co.uk In addition, a proportion of the £13.5 million cost of www.carestandardstribunal.gov.uk the Greater Manchester wide Urban Traffic Control www.ccrc.gov.uk major scheme has been spent in Wigan, and the following www.charity.tribunals.gov.uk cycling training grants have been allocated to Wigan metropolitan borough council in the past five years: www.cica.gov.uk www.cicap.gov.uk £ www.civiljusticecouncil.gov.uk www.cjsonline.gov.uk 2007-08 14,343 www.cjsss.cjsonline.gov.uk 2008-09 20,160 www.claimsregulation.gov.uk 2009-10 48,000 www.cofrestrfatir.gov.uk 2010-11 60,000 www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk www.consumercreditappeals.tribunals.gov.uk www.costsdebate.civiljusticecouncil.gov.uk www.courtfunds.gov.uk JUSTICE www.dspdprogramme.gov.uk www.edinburgh-gazette.gov.uk Coroners: Children www.employmentappeals.gov.uk www.employmenttribunals.gov.uk Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for www.estateagentappeals.tribunals.gov.uk Justice (1) how many inquests into child deaths were www.estudo.co.uk/jsb/ delayed due to staff shortages in each coroner’s district www.familyjusticecouncil.org.uk in the last five years; [2982] www.fhsaa.tribunals.gov.uk (2) what the average time was between the death of a www.frontline.cjsonline.gov.uk child and a post mortem examination being carried out www.gamblingappealstribunal.gov.uk in the latest period for which figures are available. www.gazettes-online.co.uk [2983] www.generalcommissioners.gov.uk www.grp.gov.uk Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice does not centrally www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk collect or hold the requested data and could provide it only at disproportionate cost. www.hmica.gov.uk www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk www.ico.gov.uk Departmental Internet www.imb.gov.uk www.immigrationservicestribunal.gov.uk Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the URL is of each website managed by (a) his www.independent.gov.uk/azellerodneyinquiry/ Department and (b) each non-departmental public www.independent.gov.uk/7julyinquests/ body and agency for which his Department is www.independent.gov.uk/iapdeathsincustody/ responsible. [2371] www.informationtribunal.gov.uk www.jcpc.gov.uk Mr Djanogly: The URL of the departmental website www.jsboard.co.uk for the Ministry of Justice is: www.judicialappointments.gov.uk www.justice.gov.uk www.judicialcomplaints.gov.uk The following list gives other websites managed by www.judicialombudsman.gov.uk Ministry of Justice and its non-departmental public www.judiciary.gov.uk bodies and agencies as at June 2010. The Ministry of www.juror.cjsonline.gov.uk Justice is committed to a programme of website rationalisation in line with the recommendations of the www.justice.gov.uk Varney review, and this will result in a reduction in the www.justice.gov.uk/inspectorates/hmi-prisons/ number of these websites. The Ministry aims to have no www.justice.gov.uk/inspectorates/hmi-probation/ more than 20 websites remaining in use by 31 March http://justiceawards.cjsonline.gov.uk 2011. www.landregistry.gov.uk 563W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 564W

www.landstribunal.gov.uk As of June 2010, there were 40 press officers employed www.lawcom.gov.uk by the Ministry of Justice. Of these 24 were band C, www.lcjb.cjsonline.gov.uk nine were band B, six were band A, and one is SCS. www.legalaid60.org.uk www.legalombudsman.org.uk/ Departmental Official Cars www.legalservices.gov.uk www.legalservicesboard.org.uk Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice www.legalservicesprovidertraining.co.uk what his policy is on the use by Ministers in his Department (a) www.legislation.gov.uk of cars allocated from his Department’s pool and (b) the Government car pool which are manufactured www.london-gazette.gov.uk in the UK; whether Ministers in his Department are www.lsrc.org.uk entitled to request the use of a car manufactured in the www.maps.cjsonline.gov.uk UK; and if he will make a statement. [2420] www.mhrt.org.uk www.moneyclaim.gov.uk Mr Blunt: I refer the hon. Member to the answer www.nationalarchives.gov.uk given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Penning) on 14 June 2010, www.officeforlegalcomplaints.org.uk/ Official Report, columns 290-91W. www.official-documents.gov.uk www.olso.org Departmental Reviews www.opsi.gov.uk www.oqps.gov.uk Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for www.osscsc.gov.uk Justice pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2010, Official www.paroleboard.gov.uk Report, column 137W, on Government Departments: www.partyfundingreview.gov.uk reviews, what reviews his Department is undertaking; and what the (a) purpose and (b) timescale of each is. www.pensionsappealtribunals.gov.uk [2592] www.possessionclaim.gov.uk www.ppo.gov.uk Mr Kenneth Clarke: As outlined in the coalition www.privycouncil.org.uk agreement and following the normal practice of www.probation.justice.gov.uk Government Departments on developing policy proposals, http://procurement.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/ my Department will: www.publicguardian.gov.uk examine the sentencing framework in order to ensure that sentencing policy is effective in deterring crime, protecting the www.reserveforcesappeal.tribunals.gov.uk public, punishing offenders and cutting reoffending; www.scottbaker-inquests.gov.uk develop an approach to legal aid which balances financial www.sendist.gov.uk constraints with the wider public interest; www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk review libel laws in order to provide a proper balance between the protection of freedom of speech and the defence of individuals www.sentencingcouncilmembers.co.uk against defamation; and www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk establish a Commission to investigate the creation of a Bill of www.siac.tribunals.gov.uk Rights in order to protect and extend liberties. www.siac.tribunals.gov.uk/poac In addition my Department is: www.statutelaw.gov.uk reviewing its arm’s length bodies in order to increase accountability www.supremecourt.gov.uk and reduce the number and cost of public bodies; www.transporttribunal.gov.uk considering the judicial appointments process in order to improve the timeliness and quality of the end-to-end appointments www.tribunals.gov.uk process; and www.victimscommissioner.org.uk supporting David Norgrove, who will undertake an independent www.ybtj.cjsonline.gov.uk review of family justice, examining how the current system can www.yjb.gov.uk be reformed to better support children and parents. I will bring forward more detailed policy proposals Departmental Manpower about these areas in due course.

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Feltham Young Offender Institution and Remand Centre Justice how many (a) special advisers and (b) press officers are employed by his Department; and at what Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice civil service pay grade in each such case. [1256] how many complaints made by children about the quality or quantity of the food in Feltham Young Mr Kenneth Clarke: I refer the hon. Member to my Offenders’ Institution were received in the last 12 months. right hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s written ministerial [2491] statement on 10 June 2010, Official Report, columns 32-34WS. As of 10 June 2010 there have been two Mr Blunt: From June 2009 until June 2010 there were special advisers employed by the Ministry of Justice, seven formal complaints to staff from young people one at band 1 and one at band 2. about the quality or quantity of food in HMYOI Feltham. 565W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 566W

Homicide: Sentencing Surrey Youth Justice, Woking, 4 June 2010. Hammersmith and Fulham Youth Offending Team, 10 June Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010. Justice what powers he has in relation to (a) recommending No other Ministers in the Ministry of Justice have and (b) amending minimum life sentences for offenders visited a prison or probation services since appointment. convicted of murder. [2305] Prison Sentences Mr Blunt: There are no powers for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to recommend a minimum Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice term under a life sentence imposed for murder. The how many (a) men and (b) women have been received determination of the minimum term is the responsibility into prison each year on indeterminate sentences for of the judge in all cases. public protection (IPPs) since IPPs were introduced. There is a residual power under section 103 of the [2609] Children Act 1906 to amend the minimum term imposed under a sentence of detention at Her Majesty’s Pleasure, Mr Blunt: The following table gives the reception the mandatory sentence imposed for murder where the figures of prisoners on indeterminate sentences for public offender was under the age of 18 when the offence was protection in all prison establishments in England and committed. Under such a sentence, once half of the Wales in each year since 2005 when they first came into minimum term has been served the offender can apply effect: for a review of the tariff. The review is conducted by the Annual receptions1 of prisoners on indeterminate sentences for public High Court and, in practice, the Secretary of State protection, in England and Wales honours the recommendation made by the court in all 2005 2006 2007 2008 cases. Total 420 1,570 1,747 1,315 Ministerial Visits Male 400 1,530 1,704 1,277 Female 20 40 43 38 Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 1 Excludes police cells. (1) which probation services Ministers in his Department Note: Indeterminate sentences for public protection came into effect on have visited since their appointment; [2192] 5 April 2005. (2) which prisons each of the Ministers in his The figures can be found in the published Offender Department has visited since their appointment. [2193] Management Caseload Statistics, Table 6.17, a copy of which can be found in the Libraries of both Houses and Mr Blunt: I am the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of which can be found at the following website: State responsible for the National Offender Management http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/ Service (NOMS) which covers prison and probation prisonandprobation.htm services. These figures have been drawn from administrative I have visited the following prisons and probation IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording services since my appointment: system, are subject to possible errors with data entry Prisons and processing. HMP Wormwood Scrubs, London, 20 May 2010 Prison Sentences: Wales HMP Frankland, Durham, 28 May 2010 HMP Coldingley, Woking, 4 June 2010 Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice HMP Feltham, Feltham, 19 June 2010. how many men of (a) between 15 and 17, (b) between Probation services 18 and 20 and (c) over 20 years were sentenced to Community Payback Site, London, 20 May 2010 custody by courts in Wales in the last 10 years. [2505] Hammersmith and Fulham Probation Office, London, 20 May 2010 Mr Blunt: The requested information is shown in the Durham Tees Valley Probation Office, Darlington, 27 May 2010 following table.

Males sentenced to a custodial sentence1 in Welsh criminal justice areas2, by age, 1998 to 2008 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20083,4

Immediate Custody

Age 15 to 17 443 481 424 369 368 349 380 323 373 269 261 Age 18 to 20 1,073 1,155 1,077 1,134 1,055 906 1,002 890 852 838 832 21 and over 4,054 4,262 4,074 4,197 4,404 4,062 4,396 4,162 3,734 3,697 4,125 Total 5,570 5,898 5,575 5,700 5,827 5,317 5,778 5,375 4,959 4,804 5,218

Suspended Sentence Order Age 15 to 17 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Age18to20 000000045292393367 21 and over 219 207 181 203 173 160 177 553 1,766 2,239 1,913 567W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 568W

Males sentenced to a custodial sentence1 in Welsh criminal justice areas2, by age, 1998 to 2008 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20083,4

Total 219 207 181 203 173 160 177 598 2,058 2,632 2,280 n/a = Not applicable. Suspended sentence orders are only available for offenders aged 18 and over. 1 Includes both immediate and suspended custodial sentences. 2 In this table sentences at the Crown court are categorised according to the police force that prosecuted the offence which is not necessarily the area ofthe sentencing court. Sentences may be given at a court outside the prosecuting police force’s area. Those prosecutions brought by agencies other than the police are categorised according to the criminal justice area of the sentencing court. As part of the rollout of the Libra case management system in magistrates courts during 2008, a change was made to the categorisation by area. Sentences given at courts using the Libra system are categorised according to the criminal justice area of the court while others are categorised in the same way as the Crown court. By the end of 2008, all magistrates courts were using Libra. Police forces do not prosecute minor offences (those that are sentenced at magistrates courts) outside their areas. Only around 0.01% of sentences at magistrates courts were affected in 2007 and 2008. 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July, and August 2008. 4 Following the introduction of the Libra case management system during 2008, offenders at magistrates courts can now be recorded as sex ‘Not Stated’ as well as ‘Male’, ‘Female’, or ‘Other’. In 2008 1.5% of offenders sentenced were recorded as sex ‘Not Stated’. Direct comparisons by gender may be no longer be valid. Notes: 1. These figures have been drawn from administrative data systems. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. 2. This data has been taken from the Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings database. This data is presented on the principal offence basis. Where an offender has been sentenced for more than one offence the principal offence is the one for which the heaviest sentence was imposed. Where the same sentence has been imposed for two or more offences the principal offence is the one for which the statutory maximum is most severe. Source: Justice Statistics—Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice

Probation Rape

Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what plans he has for the future of the Critical Public how many victims of rape in England and Wales whose Protection Case Notification Scheme; and if he will cases resulted in a conviction in each of the last five make a statement. [2978] years were aged (a) under 18 and (b) under 25 years at the time of the attack. [2497] Mr Blunt: I have decided to continue to operate the Critical Public Protection Case Notification Scheme Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice does not hold and have recently written to all Members, inviting them centrally, details of the age of the victim other than to receive information about the release of particular where the offence is specified separately in law. I can offenders into their constituencies. The scheme allows therefore provide details of the number of defendants for Members to be informed of the robust arrangements proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty in place to manage those offenders on their release from at all courts for rape (including attempted rape) of custody and to make further enquiries. As the vast persons aged (i) under 13, (ii) under 16 and (iii) 16 and majority of such offenders are released initially into over, England and Wales 2004 to 2008 (latest available), Approved Premises, formerly known as probation and which are shown in the following table. bail hostels, notifications will mostly be sent to Members Court proceedings data for 2009 are planned for with an Approved Premises in their constituencies. publication in October 2010.

Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts of rape1, 2, England and Wales 2004-083, 4, 5 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Offence Proceeded Found Proceeded Found Proceeded Found Proceeded Found Proceeded Found description against guilty against guilty against guilty against guilty against guilty

Rape and 84 7 237 74 285 124 300 134 317 179 attempted rape of a person aged under 13 Rape and 1,124 351 963 320 815 292 720 300 611 294 attempted rape of a person under 16 Rape and 1,481 393 1,626 402 1,467 447 1,343 439 1,467 449 attempted rape of a person aged 16 and over Total 2,689 751 2,826 796 2,567 863 2,363 873 2,395 922 1 Includes: Rape and Attempted rape of a female or male. 2 Includes: Conspiracies, charges of participation in offences as accessories after the fact and charges of participation in offences by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of the offender. 3 The statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences the principal offence 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 maximum penalty is the most severe. 4 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 extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 5 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates’ court for April, July, and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services - Ministry of Justice. 569W Written Answers17 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 570W

Rape: Defendants Anonymity to commence new integrated offender management approaches in 2010-11 or in 2011-12. We are aware that Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for some funding for integrated offender management Justice which (a) organisations and (b) individuals approaches has been provided locally. have informed his Department that they are in favour As IOM is a local strategic approach, the pace of of anonymity for rape defendants; and if he will make development of IOM will be by agreement between a statement. [2158] local partners and will develop at different rates in different areas. All probation trusts without an IOM Mr Kenneth Clarke: As of 15 June 2010, our records approach report that one is planned or being developed. show that no organisation had informed the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) that it favoured this proposal and no Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice organisation had informed the Ministry that it opposed what integrated offender management schemes were the proposal. Three correspondents have written to the operating in England and Wales as at 1 May 2010. Department in support of the proposal. It would not be [2196] appropriate to release their names. Mr Blunt: Six pioneer areas that have operated IOM Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice over the last two financial years are continuing to if he will place in the Library a copy of each piece of deliver IOM without continuing central support. (Avon written evidence he considered before deciding to bring and Somerset, Lancashire, London, Nottinghamshire, forward proposals to extend anonymity to defendants West Midlands and West Yorkshire) in rape trials. [2979] Recent inquiries of probation trusts by the MOJ revealed that the majority of areas are adopting an Mr Blunt: The Director of Analytical Services in the IOM approach with the remaining areas planning to Ministry of Justice has been asked to compile all the adopt such an approach. available research and statistics relating to this issue into an independent report and publish this before Sentencing Guidelines Council summer recess. Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Justice what his plans are for the future of the what meetings he has had with (a) members of the Sentencing Guidelines Council; and if he will make a judiciary and (b) organisations representing victims of statement. [2310] crime on proposals to grant anonymity to defendants in rape cases. [2980] Mr Blunt: The Sentencing Guidelines Council was abolished on 6 April 2010 and was replaced on the same Mr Kenneth Clarke: I have as yet had no such meetings. date by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales. Reoffenders The Council has an important role in ensuring consistency of sentencing and I am looking forward to working Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice with the Council. what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Wales integrated offender management schemes in reducing levels of re-offending. [2194] Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Blunt: Integrated offender management (IOM) is Justice with reference to the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s developing locally as a partnership approach to the announcement of 24 May 2010 and pursuant to the management and rehabilitation of offenders who cause answer of 7 June 2010, Official Report, column 69W, on the greatest harm in their area. Currently there is limited public expenditure: Wales, if he will provide details of direct evidence to assess the effectiveness of IOM in his Department’s non-devolved public expenditure savings reducing levels of reoffending, although it builds on that will be incurred in Wales, including an estimate of offender based approaches such as local prolific and the financial savings. [2940] other priority offender schemes and the Drug Interventions Programme, for which there is positive indicative evidence Mr Kenneth Clarke: The Ministry of Justice have of their impact on re-offending. Feedback from areas identified £325 million in year savings to contribute to suggests that IOM has been effective in generating the £6.2 billion across Government. Each area of the partnership working in responding to offenders needs. Department is contributing to the delivery of these savings (including arm’s length bodies). These savings Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice will be achieved by reducing discretionary spend, reducing how much funding he has allocated to commence new capital and IT spend and stopping or deferring planned integrated offender management schemes in (a) change programmes. When identifying these savings we 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and how many such schemes have sought to ensure that they will not adversely affect he expects will commence in each of those years. [2195] services. None of the major MoJ capital projects that are Mr Blunt: Integrated offender management is a locally being deferred are based in Wales. Some of the reductions led strategic approach to managing offenders and as in discretionary spend, ICT and recruitment spend will such the Ministry has not allocated any direct funding be proportionately allocated to services in Wales.

ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 17 June 2010

Col. No. Col. No. TRANSPORT ...... 1001 TRANSPORT—continued Airlines (Industrial Action)...... 1003 Topical Questions ...... 1013 Concessionary Bus Fares ...... 1004 Transport Services (Expenditure Reductions) ...... 1005 Dartford Crossing...... 1002 East London Line (Extension) ...... 1009 Heathrow Airport ...... 1001 WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 1016 Mainline Electrification ...... 1008 Flexible Working...... 1021 Manchester Metrolink (Extensions)...... 1011 Parental Leave...... 1018 Roads...... 1008 Parliamentary Representation...... 1016 Speed Cameras...... 1012 Science and Technology ...... 1021 Subsidised Bus Services...... 1010 Violence Against Women ...... 1019 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Thursday 17 June 2010

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 53WS ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 55WS Further Education Colleges and Training EU Environment Council ...... 55WS Organisations...... 53WS ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 56WS COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 54WS Veterinary Medicines Directorate and Veterinary Houses in Multiple Occupation...... 54WS Laboratories Agency...... 56WS HEALTH...... 57WS NHS South West...... 57WS DEFENCE...... 55WS Defence Vetting Agency: Key Targets Financial TRANSPORT ...... 58WS Year 2010-11 ...... 55WS Rail Franchising...... 58WS PETITIONS

Thursday 17 June 2010

Col. No. Col. No. PRESENTED PETITIONS ...... 13P Blockade of Gaza ...... 13P

WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 13P Carer Poverty...... 13P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Thursday 17 June 2010

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 530W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Accidents: EU Law ...... 530W Northwest Regional Development Agency: Advantage West Midlands ...... 530W Wigan ...... 535W Apprentices...... 531W Post Offices ...... 536W Arts: North East ...... 532W Post Offices: Bank Services ...... 537W Better Regulation Executive: Internet ...... 532W Regional Development Agencies...... 537W Broadband ...... 533W UK Trade and Investment: Finance ...... 537W Broadband: Rural Areas ...... 533W Conditions of Employment...... 533W CABINET OFFICE...... 520W Copyright: Art Works ...... 534W Departmental Information Officers ...... 520W Debt Relief Orders...... 534W Departmental Internet ...... 520W Departmental Mobile Phones ...... 534W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 521W Higher Education...... 535W Departmental Security ...... 521W Manufacturing Industries: Government Departmental Travel ...... 521W Assistance ...... 535W Electoral Register: Greater Manchester ...... 522W Foreign Workers: EU Nationals...... 522W Col. No. Col. No. CABINET OFFICE—continued ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—continued Ministers: Codes of Practice ...... 523W Nuclear Power: Finance ...... 539W Non-departmental Public Bodies ...... 523W Trade Unions ...... 539W Office for National Statistics: Publications...... 524W Public Sector: Manpower...... 525W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Wales ...... 525W AFFAIRS...... 508W Dangerous Dogs ...... 508W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 525W Departmental Reviews ...... 508W Air Conditioning ...... 525W Eunomia Research and Consulting ...... 509W Fire Services...... 526W Floods: Sandwich...... 511W Housing: Regeneration...... 526W Hunting ...... 511W Land Use: Agriculture ...... 527W Nanotechnology ...... 511W Local Authority Business Growth Incentives Poultry: Animal Welfare ...... 513W Scheme...... 527W River Lymington: Ferries...... 514W Local Development Frameworks ...... 527W Water: EU Law ...... 514W Local Government Finance ...... 528W Local Government Finance: Barnsley...... 528W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 515W Local Government: Manpower...... 528W Anguilla ...... 515W Mayors...... 529W British Overseas Territories: Equality...... 515W Non-domestic Rates: Empty Property...... 529W Climate Change: International Cooperation ...... 516W Planning...... 529W Departmental Official Cars...... 516W Social Rented Housing: Finance ...... 529W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 517W Government Hospitality: Wines...... 517W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 489W Iran: Human Rights...... 518W Departmental Manpower ...... 489W Iran: Sanctions...... 518W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 489W Mexico: Oil ...... 519W Football ...... 489W Overseas Students: Scholarships ...... 519W Football: South Africa ...... 490W Gambling...... 490W HEALTH...... 506W Breast Feeding ...... 506W DEFENCE...... 494W Carers: Finance...... 507W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations ...... 494W Coroners: Children ...... 507W Air Misses...... 494W Mental Health Services ...... 507W Armed Forces ...... 497W Palliative Care: Finance ...... 508W Armed Forces: Health Services ...... 497W Armed Forces: Housing ...... 498W HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 544W Armed Forces: Wales ...... 498W Alcoholic Drinks: Crime...... 544W Ascension Island...... 498W Departmental Databases...... 547W Atomic Weapons Establishment...... 499W Detention Centres: Children ...... 548W Defence Equipment: Sales...... 499W Entry Clearances: Overseas Students ...... 549W Departmental Consultants...... 500W Identity Cards ...... 549W Departmental Mobile Phones ...... 501W Illegal Immigrants: Northern Ireland...... 550W Departmental Official Cars...... 501W Immigration Cases: Appeals ...... 551W Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft...... 501W Immigration Controls ...... 551W Lynx Helicopters...... 502W Immigration: Gurkhas ...... 551W Military Aircraft: Helicopters ...... 502W Language Analysis Testing...... 552W Ministry of Defence Guard Service: Manpower .... 503W Motoring: Fines...... 552W Nuclear Weapons...... 503W Passports: Biometrics...... 552W RAF Kinloss...... 503W Passports: Databases...... 553W RAF St Athan ...... 503W Passports: EU Countries...... 553W War Pensions Committees...... 504W Poaching ...... 553W Police: Manpower ...... 554W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 519W South Africa: Football ...... 554W British Constitution ...... 519W Cabinet Committees: Nuclear Weapons...... 519W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 540W Departmental Pay ...... 520W Food: Procurement ...... 540W Parliamentary Privilege...... 520W Former Members: ICT...... 541W Royal Prerogative ...... 520W Voting Rights: Prisoners ...... 520W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 555W British Overseas Territories: Overseas Aid ...... 555W EDUCATION...... 505W Departmental Internet ...... 555W Departmental Billing ...... 505W Departmental Official Cars...... 556W Departmental Official Residences ...... 505W Developing Countries: Children...... 556W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 506W Developing Countries: Climate Change ...... 556W Departmental Reorganisation...... 506W Developing Countries: Fossil Fuels...... 557W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 506W EU Aid ...... 557W Flags ...... 506W Museums and Galleries: Finance ...... 558W St Helena: Airports ...... 558W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 538W Departmental Internet ...... 538W JUSTICE...... 561W Departmental Reviews ...... 539W Coroners: Children ...... 561W Col. No. Col. No. JUSTICE—continued TRANSPORT—continued Departmental Internet ...... 561W Transport: Worcestershire ...... 560W Departmental Manpower...... 563W Tyne and Wear Metro ...... 559W Departmental Official Cars...... 564W Wigan ...... 561W Departmental Reviews ...... 564W Feltham Young Offender Institution and Remand TREASURY ...... 541W Centre ...... 564W Annuities...... 541W Homicide: Sentencing ...... 565W Banks: Pay ...... 541W Ministerial Visits...... 565W Business: Thanet ...... 541W Prison Sentences ...... 566W Departmental Translation Services ...... 542W Prison Sentences: Wales ...... 566W National Assembly for Wales: Finance...... 543W Probation ...... 567W VAT: Construction...... 544W Rape...... 568W Rape: Defendants Anonymity...... 569W WALES...... 505W Reoffenders...... 569W Departmental Official Cars...... 505W Sentencing Guidelines Council...... 570W Prisons: Construction ...... 505W Wales ...... 570W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 539W Asylum ...... 540W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 504W Equal Pay Act ...... 540W Departmental Official Cars...... 504W Rape: Defendants Anonymity...... 539W Departmental Pay ...... 504W Departmental Reviews ...... 504W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 490W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 490W TRANSPORT ...... 558W Employment Schemes ...... 491W Community Railways Initiative: North West...... 559W Employment Schemes: Lone Parents ...... 491W Electric Vehicles ...... 560W Employment Schemes: Voluntary Organisations.... 492W Heathrow Airport ...... 558W Funeral Payments ...... 492W HGV Charging ...... 558W Future Jobs Fund...... 492W High Speed 2...... 559W Jobcentre Plus: Rapid Response Service...... 492W Speed Cameras...... 559W Maternity Leave...... 492W Traffic Congestion: Glossop and Tintwistle ...... 559W Social Security Benefits: Stirling ...... 493W Transport: North West...... 560W Wales ...... 494W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. 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CONTENTS

Thursday 17 June 2010

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1001] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Transport Minister for Women and Equalities

Legal Aid Payments [Col. 1023] Answer to urgent question—(Mr Kenneth Clarke)

Business of the House [Col. 1030] Statement—(Sir George Young)

Public Spending [Col. 1040] Statement—(Danny Alexander)

Banking Reform [Col. 1056] Statement—(Mark Hoban)

Building a High-Skilled Economy [Col. 1067] General debate

Transport Infrastructure (Nottingham) [Col. 1131] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Alternatives to Child Detention [Col. 211WH] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 53WS]

Petitions [Col. 13P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 489W] [see index inside back page]