Thursday Volume 577 13 March 2014 No. 136

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 13 March 2014

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2014 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 389 13 MARCH 2014 390

Association and with football authorities, and will take House of Commons the FA up on its offer to provide secretarial support for the group. Thursday 13 March 2014 Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe) (Con): Given the recent conviction of the former owner of Birmingham The House met at half-past Nine o’clock City football club for money laundering, the fraud convictions of the putative owner of Leeds United, and the fact that we still do not know the identities of the PRAYERS individuals who own Coventry City, does the Minister agree that a “fit and proper person” test should be applied to the owners of football clubs, and that it [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] should be administered by the authorities and, if necessary, given the legal security of being underpinned by statute? Oral Answers to Questions Mrs Grant: My hon. Friend has made an important point, but I believe that the enhanced checks and requirements that have been introduced by the football authorities are making some difference. I am also hopeful CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT that the Football Association regulatory authority will ensure that changes in club ownership are much more fully scrutinised. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport was asked— Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): Is the Minister aware that 12 months ago her predecessor Football Governance promised us that the Government would present proposals based on the Select Committee’s report? The current 1. Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) situation in Coventry is disgraceful: fans have to make a (Lab/Co-op): What her policy is on the future round trip of about 70 miles to Northampton. When governance of professional football. [903014] will we see some real action to deal with that?

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Mrs Grant: I think that we are starting to see some Media and Sport (Mrs Helen Grant): I should explain to action, but I agree that we need to see more. Last the House that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of August the Football Association introduced reforms State cannot be with us today, as she is in the United which included smaller boards and a new licensing States. system to deal with matters relating to ownership, finance I continue to work with the football authorities in and supporters. I think it fair to say that a start has been pressing for improvements in the game. They have made made, but more needs to be done, and if it is not done, some very positive changes, notably to their governance we will legislate. and financial fair play rules, but I believe that they can and will make further progress. We intend to legislate if Broadband Infrastructure football fails in that important task. 2. Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): What recent estimate Tom Greatrex: I declare my interest as one of the she has made of the number of businesses that have founders of the Fulham Supporters Trust, and I can secured contracts from (a) Broadband Delivery UK increase the Minister’s burgeoning understanding of and (b) local authorities for broadband infrastructure football by telling her that this has not been a great development in England and Wales. [903015] season for Fulham so far. When the Select Committee reported in 2011, it referred The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, to some of the problems of the role of supporters in the Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): Broadband Delivery game. In his response to the Committee’s follow-up UK has entered into a framework contract with BT and report almost exactly a year ago, the Minister’s predecessor Fujitsu. There are 40 local authority projects in England said that he would soon set up an expert working group, with funding from BDUK, and the Welsh Government under the auspices of the Department, to examine the have one project in Wales. All the contracts have been role of fans in the governance of football, but as yet delivered via BT. I am pleased to say that, under the that has not happened. Will the Minister tell me when super-connected cities programme, 70 suppliers have exactly it will happen, so that fans can see that the been registered, 300 vouchers have been awarded, and Government are taking the agenda seriously and not 1,000 more are in the pipeline. just paying lip service to it? Ian Lucas: In a recent report, the Public Accounts Mrs Grant: I am very interested in this issue. I have Committee said that local authorities were contributing met representatives of Supporters Direct, and we are £236 million more than the Department had predicted considering a recently updated proposal that we have in its 2011 business case, and that the sole monopoly received from the organisation in the last few weeks provider, BT, had contributed £207 million less. As the relating to the setting up of the expert group, which will Minister responsible throughout the programme, does enhance supporter engagement. I am keen to press on the Under-Secretary of State believe that that is an with this. I will continue to work with the Football effective use of public money? 391 Oral Answers13 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 392

Mr Vaizey: I do. Ofcom confirmed yesterday that we The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, now have the best broadband in the European “big Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): The Government five”, and the fastest roll-out of 4G in the world. We will deliver a four-year programme to mark the centenary, continue to press ahead with 5G, we have published our focused around the themes of remembrance, youth and spectrum strategy, and we have one of the most formidable education. We will lead the nation in appropriate acts of digital infrastructure programmes in the world. remembrance and provide a framework for learning, community and cultural projects through a package of Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): I funded activity worth nearly £100 million. commend my hon. Friend on the work that he is doing, but he no doubt shares my disappointment that Thirsk, Stephen Metcalfe: As part of our local commemorations, Malton and Filey will have only 78% high-speed cover I am leading a project that will see schools, veterans by 2015-16. Will the Government reverse their priorities organisations, sports bodies, clubs, societies and the to ensure that, with the help of NYnet’s excellent work, wider community in Basildon and its two twin-towns of broadband will penetrate the hardest-to-reach areas in Heiligenhaus in Germany and Ville de Meaux in France rural constituencies? come together to create a unique trilingual exhibition exploring social attitudes then and now called “Never Mr Vaizey: North Yorkshire has one of the most forget”, “N’oubliez jamais” and “Niemals vergessen”. advanced broadband programmes so far, with more Does my hon. Friend agree that the commemorations than 75,000 premises already passed. The councils in offer an excellent opportunity to remember that however north Yorkshire are to be commended for that. As my dark the hour, there is always light and hope to be hon. Friend knows, we have awarded an additional found? £250 million in order to push out our programme for rural broadband to help rural premises and businesses. Mr Vaizey: This is becoming a multilingual Question Time. Having recently visited Thurrock and seen for Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) myself the amazing cultural activity that goes on in my (PC): Recently the Prime Minister was mocked by hon. Friend’s part of the world, I have to say that the Chancellor Merkel for the slow progress in rolling out innovation he talks about does not surprise me in the broadband across the UK and the number of not spot slightest. areas, many of which reside in my constituency. Although Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): Will the Minister say I accept that this is largely a devolved issue, what extra a little bit about the importance of the contribution help can the Minister give the Welsh Government to of what were British empire troops—troops from ensure that when the Prime Minister next meets the Commonwealth countries of today? What exactly is German Chancellor he is not embarrassed? happening to link up with other countries to commemorate and highlight their vital contribution in the first world Mr Vaizey: More than 100,000 premises in Wales war? have already been passed and the target is to reach almost 700,000 by early 2016. If the Prime Minister sees Mr Vaizey: We have an extensive engagement with Chancellor Merkel again and wishes to discuss broadband, Commonwealth countries and we are determined to he can present her with the Ofcom scorecard, which acknowledge the role of the Commonwealth countries, shows that Britain’s broadband is better than Germany’s. recognising that the war could not have been won I would not say that this was a case of schadenfreude— without them. With your indulgence, Mr Speaker, I will except that schadenfreude is the only German word I write to the hon. Gentleman detailing exactly the activities know. we are undertaking with Commonwealth countries.

Sir Nick Harvey (North Devon) (LD): Will smaller 14. [903030] Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) companies with innovative technologies get a slice of (Con): Will my hon. Friend work with me and the the action in reaching the last 10% of hardest-to- reach dedicated voluntary group Swindon in the Great War, rural areas? To that end, although the money offered by which is doing everything it can to mark the significance DCLG is welcome, is there not a danger, if it must be of the centenary with commemorative events, but which match funded by local authorities at a time of funding is finding the process of obtaining funding a challenging crisis, that the process will be much slower than it would one? otherwise be? Mr Vaizey: My hon. Friend is a neighbour of mine Mr Vaizey: I hate to get territorial but the money has and I know that there is a lot of cultural activity and actually been offered by the DCMS not the DCLG. It is innovation in Swindon. He will have many small community important that the money is match funded because groups that will want to apply for funding, and I will having local authorities involved makes the programme certainly assist him as much as I can. The Heritage even more effective than it already is, but as my hon. Lottery Fund is extremely keen to make the application Friend knows we have a £10 million innovation fund for process as simple as possible. the last 5%, which we are hoping many young and nimble companies will apply for. Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): Will the Minister join me in congratulating local communities First World War Commemoration who are taking initiatives to raise funds to commemorate the first world war, particularly those in the Shankill road 3. Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) in my constituency who are getting together with people (Con): What plans her Department has put in place to in other communities to raise a suitable commemorative ensure a suitable commemoration of the first world war. memorial in Woodvale park? That is a tremendous [903016] initiative and it deserves to be congratulated. 393 Oral Answers13 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 394

Mr Vaizey: The right hon. Gentleman makes an the hon. Gentleman knows, financial support is made incredibly important point. The remembrance activities and supporter liaison officers are in place. The offer of must involve all communities, and we should be secretariat support for the expert group that I have tremendously proud of the way in which the communities mentioned is also a welcome move, but more needs to are getting involved. One of the important parts of the be done. commemorations over the next four years will be to bring younger generations into these activities. BBC (Funding) Chloe Smith (Norwich North) (Con): On that important point about younger generations learning about the 5. Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): almighty sacrifices that were made in the great war, will What assessment she has made of the desirability of the Minister give us an update on the millions of changes to the funding basis of the BBC. [903019] pounds of funding he has put towards schools’ battlefield tours? The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): No assessment Mr Vaizey: I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend that has been made at this stage. The review of the BBC’s more than £5 million has been set aside to enable charter will be the appropriate juncture at which to secondary schools to visit battlefield sites. Over the consider all aspects of the BBC, including how it is course of four years, every secondary school in the funded. We have not yet set out proposals for the United Kingdom will be able to send at least two pupils timing, scope or process of the charter review. to visit the battlefields of world war one.

Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): May I urge the Minister Mr Sheerman: Does the Minister agree that, despite to think carefully about the contribution that Members the BBC’s annus horribilis over the past year, the licence of this House and of the other House made to the first fee has delivered the finest broadcasting company in the world war? On 6 November 1914, Arthur O’Neill, a world, and that we should defend it? Could we have a Member of this House, was killed at Klein Zillebeke “fit and proper person” test for the chairman of the while on active service. Four days later, Henry Parnell, a BBC? Is it not time that we had fresh leadership at the Member of the other House, and Bernard Gordon-Lennox BBC? had also been killed. They have a war grave at Klein Zillebeke. Would it not be a good idea to commemorate Mr Vaizey: I am a great supporter of the chairman of them in Belgium? Perhaps the Minister could mention the BBC Trust, to whom I think the hon. Gentleman this to any important Belgian visitors who might be was referring. I am also a great supporter of the BBC, coming here today. and I echo what he has just said: it produces some of the finest programming in the world. Mr Vaizey: The hon. Gentleman makes a valuable point. It is important that we recognise the contribution Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): The BBC is for ever to world war one made over a wide range by many telling us that the licence fee represents excellent value different groups. Recognising the contribution made by for money. If that is the case, does the Minister agree hon. Members is particularly apposite. that it would have nothing to fear from moving to a voluntary subscription arrangement? Presumably, everyone Football Clubs (Supporter Engagement) would be queuing down the street to pay their subscription, if it provided such excellent value for money. We certainly 4. Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) do not need the criminal law to force people to pay it. (Lab/Co-op): What steps she is taking to increase supporter engagement with football clubs. [903017] Mr Vaizey: One of the reasons that the licence fee represents value for money is that this Government The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, have frozen it for the past four years. Media and Sport (Mrs Helen Grant): Supporters are key to the success of any football club and I commend their active engagement in the sport. My Department works Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): Despite closely with Supporters Direct and the Football Supporters its disadvantages, the licence fee remains a good way of Federation, and will of course continue to do so. funding the BBC. Of course no one wants to see 50 people go to prison each year for non-payment, but Stephen Doughty: I thank the Minister for her answer. given the financial implications of decriminalisation, I should like to put on record my membership of the this is clearly a matter to be considered alongside the Cardiff City Supporters Trust and the Cardiff City other funding issues at the time of the royal charter Supporters Club. Given the importance of emblems, renewal. Will the Minister therefore confirm that the colours and club names to national heritage, what Government will reject new clause 1 to the Deregulation consultations does the Minister think should take place Bill, tabled by the hon. Member for North West as a matter of course with supporters’ representatives if Leicestershire (Andrew Bridgen)? any changes to those elements are proposed? Does she think that that should form a key part of future licensing Mr Vaizey: My Secretary of State is on record as arrangements for football clubs? saying that this is an idea that needs considering, although I do not want to get ahead of myself, because there is a Mrs Grant: The role that supporters play is critical, question on the matter further down the Order Paper. and I am encouraging the football authorities further to She is also on record suggesting that the best way to develop their relationships with supporter groups. As consider it is as part of charter review. 395 Oral Answers13 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 396

Mr Speaker: The Minister may not have long to wait Mike Kane (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): What for the question that he anticipates. analysis have the Government made of the link between betting shops and the explosion of payday loan outlets 11. [903025]Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) on our high streets? (LD): Does the Minister agree that any change to licence fee enforcement would go against the coalition Mrs Grant: Betting shops tend to be located in areas agreement of 2010, which committed to a full financial of high footfall. It is not at all clear that there is a link settlement for the BBC up to the end of 2016-17, given between area deprivation and problem gambling, but that it has been estimated that the amendment, if our ongoing review will assess the available evidence. passed, could cost the BBC £200 million a year in We will report later this year on that matter. revenue? Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): Having stood shoulder Mr Vaizey: My hon. Friend illustrates the point perfectly. to shoulder with the betting industry, the Government There are many complicated issues surrounding the have been forced into a series of humiliating climbdowns debate that has started about decriminalisation of non- in the Lords on virtually everything that we have been payment of the licence fee. It is important that all those telling them that they must do—review of pre-watershed factors are taken into account, which is why the advertising, regulating spread betting, one-stop shop Government’s position is that it is perhaps better to do for self-exclusion and adopting the code of the Association so during charter review. of British Bookmakers as mandatory, having told us that that was unnecessary. I wonder whether the Minister Betting Shops (Area Deprivation) ever feels that she is in office, but that we are running her Department. I have another instruction for the 6. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): What Minister: give councils the powers that they are calling assessment she has made of the social and economic for to limit the number of fixed odds betting terminals effects of betting shops in areas with high levels of in their areas. Are the Government on the side of local deprivation. [903020] people or of the betting industry?

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Mrs Grant: I am staggered by the shadow Minister’s Media and Sport (Mrs Helen Grant): The Government statement. He complains about the number of bookies continue to examine the relationship between area on the high street and about the proliferation of FOBTs, deprivation and the impact of betting shops as part of yet it was his Government’s Gambling Act 2005 and our ongoing review, which will report later this spring. liberalisation over 13 years—their relaxation of the rules—that put the country in the position that we are Alex Cunningham: Many of my constituents and I in now. I am afraid that I will take no lessons from him. enjoy watching football and other sports on television, but we are sick and tired of betting ad after betting ad Women’s Participation in Sport during every event under the sun. Coupled with the increasing number of bookie shops in communities, that is driving betting culture, particularly among young 7. Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): What people, who are promised an easy fortune but do not get steps she is taking to increase women’s participation in it. Will the Government do anything to cut the advertising sport and physical activity. [903021] and this escalation of betting promotion to protect our communities into the future? The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mrs Helen Grant): Our £1 billion Mrs Grant: The hon. Gentleman raises a lot of important youth and community sport strategy is delivering new issues there, but I can tell him that considerable pressure ways to help women and girls develop a sporting habit is being kept on the industry. I met the chief executives for life. We have invested £2.3 million in a year-long of the big five bookies in December and January. We pilot in Bury looking at ways to break down the barriers requested and they have complied with strengthened to female participation. I am glad to tell the hon. Lady player protections. The Secretary of State has also that the pilot is producing some very good results. asked the Gambling Commission to consider tougher and mandated player protections. She has also asked Heidi Alexander: Back in February, the Minister made other regulators to review gambling advertising. some remarks about the fact that different types of women may be attracted, or not attracted, to different 15. [903032] Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): types of sports and physical activity. Although I agree Given that more money is staked on the national with the general point she made, I was worried by her lottery than is staked in betting shops across the simple characterisation of some sports as “feminine” nation, is that not a much bigger threat to deprived and others as “unfeminine”. Does she regret her choice communities? Is it not better to have a betting shop on of words? Does she accept that many women would see the high street than an empty shop, which is often the her remarks as simply some sort of throwback to the challenge? 1920s?

Mrs Grant: My hon. Friend needs to remember that Mrs Grant: I caution the hon. Lady about believing betting and gambling are safe activities. Betting is legal everything she sees and reads in our newspapers, and I and is enjoyed safely by many millions of people up and am a little surprised at her question. Nevertheless, I am down the country. We just need to ensure that those happy to provide clarification by saying to her what I who are vulnerable are properly protected. This is what said to the press: we should be listening to what our the Government are determined to do. women and girls want, and we should be giving it to 397 Oral Answers13 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 398 them. We should not be prescriptive, but we should be Mrs Grant: I am certainly very happy to take up the listening. As a sportswoman myself, I believe that there matter that the hon. Lady raises. Increasing participation is a sport out there for everyone. In addition, I think our in sport for disabled people is a key priority for this sports governing bodies need to work harder and be Government and for Sport England. There is still an even more innovative in attracting women. We also unacceptable gap between the numbers of disabled and need to share best practice so that other sports can learn non-disabled people doing sport, and we need to make lessons from sports, such as boxing and netball, that are sure that the gap closes. doing particularly well in attracting women. Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): Does the Minister Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): Will agree that skiers such as Kelly Gallagher and our the Minister join me in congratulating the Kent FA on Paralympians are a fine example of what everyone can its highly successful Goals for Girls event held in my achieve in this country? constituency last Saturday and Sky Sports on covering Mrs Grant: I certainly agree with my hon. Friend. it live? Is that not an example of how broadcasters Jade Etherington and Kelly Gallagher, and their guides, should be showcasing women’s and girls’sport, encouraging Caroline Powell and Charlotte Evans, are glowing examples them to participate in all sorts of physical activity? of what can be achieved by sportswomen in this country.

Mrs Grant: My hon. Friend makes an excellent point, Online Antisocial Behaviour and I know that a considerable amount of football activity takes place in her neck of the woods. While she 9. Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab): What recent was attending her event last Saturday, I was attending a discussions she has had with social media companies girls under-15s international in Maidstone, where England on tackling online antisocial behaviour. [903023] won 8-0. On her point about the media, if we want to see more women in sport and an increased profile of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, them, we need the media to do more. The BBC and Sky Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): I chaired a meeting have upped their game since the last Olympics, with with social media companies on 13 February to discuss individuals such as Barbara Slater doing a lot more. measures to protect people when they are online. We confirmed our position that social media companies Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden) (Con): Does my should respond quickly to incidents of abusive behaviour hon. Friend agree that we should take this opportunity on their networks and ensure that they have measures to to place on the record our great thanks to our successful protect users. We intend to continue to work with Olympians and Paralympians in Sochi, particularly Lizzy industry on those issues. Yarnold and Jade Etherington? This should be used to encourage more women to reach the top of their chosen Mr McKenzie: We have continually called on the sport. Government to introduce legislation to deal with the epidemic of cyber-bullying that we are witnessing, so Mrs Grant: I could not agree more with my right hon. why do they not make it an offence in its own right? Friend. Our Olympians and Paralympians are making Mr Vaizey: Working with social media companies in us very proud. They are brilliant role models in their a flexible, responsive way is the best way forward. We own right and I know that they are inspiring a lot more have covered a whole range of issues, including age and women and girls in our country to take up sport. identity verification, the reporting of abuse, adjudication, auditing, filtering and funding; we can cover all of Sport for People with Limb Loss those comprehensively and flexibly through dialogue.

8. Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Adam What support the Government are providing for PE Simmonds, the police and crime commissioner for and recreational sport for people with limb loss; and if Northamptonshire, is determined to tackle online crime, she will make a statement. [903022] and particularly the issue of child victims. He set up a child exploitation prevention team, which is a national lead pilot. Will the Minister work with colleagues in the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Home Office to ensure that Government funding for Media and Sport (Mrs Helen Grant): Since this Government such pilots can be directed at local police forces, and not came to power, an extra 200,000 disabled people are just at regional or national crime agencies? playing sport on a very regular basis. Through Sport England, we are investing £170 million to improve Mr Vaizey: I will certainly bring my hon. Friend’s sporting opportunities for those with disabilities, including concerns to the attention of the Minister for Policing, limb loss. Criminal Justice and Victims; in fact, this afternoon, he and I will chair the UK Council for Child Internet Alison Seabeck: Given the success of our Paralympians Safety, which brings together a range of stakeholders to in both the summer and winter games, and the inspirational talk about these issues. effect they have on young amputees, does the Minister share my concern that NHS England is supplying either 2022 World Cup (Migrant Workers) a sports limb or a standard limb to young people, thereby restricting their capacity to compete or take 10. John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): What discussions part in recreational sport? Will she agree to talk urgently she has had with FIFA and the Football Association to her colleagues in the Department of Health about on the rights of migrant workers in Qatar employed in that, because it is having a serious impact? preparations for the 2022 World cup. [903024] 399 Oral Answers13 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 400

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, where possible, savings are made and money continues Media and Sport (Mrs Helen Grant): While there have to be invested in local journalism. My local newspaper been no direct discussions with the FA or FIFA, the group, which publishes the Oxford Mail and the Herald, Government have regular discussions with the Qatari tries to invest as much as it can in local journalism authorities on issues including human rights, and welcome because it recognises that that is what sells its papers. their pledge to investigate the treatment of migrant Contemporary Arts workers.

John Mann: May I suggest that the Minister pulls her 13. Sarah Champion (Rotherham) (Lab): What steps finger out and starts raising this issue? The football she is taking to support contemporary arts. [R] [903028] industry seems far more concerned about the weather The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, during the World cup than the fact that hundreds of Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): The Arts Council Nepalese and Indian workers have died constructing invests funding to nurture and champion talented artists the sites. Even more grotesquely, perhaps, those who get across the country. Over the life of this Parliament, this seriously injured are left financially destitute precisely Government are investing nearly £3 billion in the arts. because they are injured. Will the Minister raise this issue properly, as the Government should? Sarah Champion: The film maker, Steve McQueen, learned his craft with the support of small-scale Mrs Grant: Indeed, the issue has been raised by contemporary arts organisations, as do the majority of colleagues in the Foreign Office, but we will of course our artists. Does the Minister agree that for our continue to encourage the Qatari authorities and other internationally regarded arts scene to flourish, grass-roots interested parties to do more. We need to make progress contemporary arts organisations need the security of on improving the living and working conditions of Government funding to maintain the significant migrant labourers. Of course, we stand ready to support contribution that they make both to our economy and those efforts where we can. to our culture?

Local Newspapers Mr Vaizey: I certainly do, and I am pleased to see the amount of funding that is going to the Centre for 12. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): What information Chinese Contemporary Art, which the hon. Lady used her Department holds on the number of local to run. Further to my earlier reference to my visit to newspapers that have closed since May 2010; and what Thurrock, I was delighted to see the new artists’ studios steps she plans to take to support such newspapers. that have opened there to support artists from the local [903027] area. Topical Questions The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): The Department T1. [903004] Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): does not hold that information, but our local press If she will make a statement on her departmental plays an incredibly valuable role in local communities, responsibilities. and we appreciate the challenges facing the sector. We have a number of policies to support local newspapers. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): I have already Nic Dakin: I thank the Minister for his answer. Does mentioned in passing the £250 million superfast extension he have a view on the number of local papers that have, programme and our European pre-eminence in all matters like the excellent Scunthorpe Telegraph, since May 2010 broadband. Since we last met, we have published our moved from being daily newspapers serving their spectrum strategy, and both the Secretary of State and community to being weekly newspapers serving their the Sports Minister have travelled to Sochi to support community? What impact does that have on communities? the extremely successful Team GB, which had the best results in any winter Olympics for 90 years. Mr Vaizey: I understand that the Scunthorpe Telegraph has made that move and that, as a result, its circulation Kate Green: Trafford Park in my constituency is due has gradually risen by a small amount. The Government to be connected to superfast broadband as part of the have restricted the amount of local papers that councils Greater Manchester rural broadband programme, which can put out, relaxed media ownership rules, and continued is vital for the many businesses located on the park. to have statutory notices in local papers, so we do want What can the Minister do to ensure that the programme to support local papers where we can. remains on track so that every business in priority areas of economic growth is connected following the completion Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ of the BDUK programme? Co-op): Is not one of the big tragedies resulting from the loss of local newspapers the impact on journalistic Mr Vaizey: I will strain every sinew to ensure that training and the quality of scrutiny of our councils? Is the programme remains on track. That is my pledge to the Minister having discussions with colleagues in the the hon. Lady and I am pleased to say that our programme Department for Communities and Local Government is now ahead of schedule, that BT has completed its about this important matter? £2.5 billion commercial roll-out and that we have the best broadband of the big five in Europe. Mr Vaizey: I acknowledge the hon. Lady’s point that we rely very much on the quality of local journalism to Mr Speaker: The Minister’s endeavours will be a hold local councils to account, and it is important that, challenge to the most vivid of imaginations. 401 Oral Answers13 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 402

T2. [903005] David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): In The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Macclesfield, we are rightly proud of our rich silk Media and Sport (Mrs Helen Grant): We do not have heritage, which will be highlighted during the 200th any plans to introduce legislation, which is what I am anniversary of our Sunday school building, which is constantly asked about. We want all the various part of the Silk Museums Trust. With that in mind, will organisations and events as well as everyone else connected my hon. Friend tell the House what steps are being with ticketing to look at the facilities that are available taken to celebrate the heritage of our traditional craft and I am confident that that will happen so that people industries? can enjoy events in the right way and access tickets at a fair and reasonable price. Mr Vaizey: Of course I can. My Department works with the Heritage Crafts Association and other bodies T4. [903008] Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): on the Craft Industry Board set up by creative and In a few weekends’ time, Tamworth council will hold its cultural skills to support the economic growth of the 10th St George’s day festival, which is a great day out craft sector. I am also delighted that the craft sector has for all the family and a boon to local businesses. Feel been chosen as one of the groups in the second phase of free to come along, Mr Speaker, if you wish. Will my the apprenticeship trailblazers and that, at the end of hon. Friend support that initiative and encourage other last year, we managed to list at grade I the Queen Street local authorities to follow Tamworth’s lead, which Mill in Burnley, which is a late 19th-century textile makes the best use of our heritage assets and weaving mill. I thank my hon. Friend for that question. encourages local people to take a greater interest in the local history and traditions? Ms Harriet Harman (Camberwell and Peckham) (Lab): It is the right of each and every child to have the experience of, and opportunities in, culture and the arts, Mr Vaizey: The Tamworth St George’s day festival is and it is important for our economy too. So it is of great renowned throughout the country, if not the world, and concern that at GCSE, fewer children are sitting art and I hope that many councils across the country will be design. Music is down 9% and drama is down 13%, and looking at how Tamworth uses St George’s day to we see the same happening in A-levels. How can we highlight its incredible heritage assets. nurture the next generation of talent and how can young people fulfil their potential as human beings and T6. [903010] Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton engaged citizens, never mind their creative potential in West) (Lab/Co-op): The Minister responsible for the the arts, if they do not have the chance in school? Does arts will, I am sure, be aware that the critically the Secretary of State’s assertion that the Government acclaimed film “Under the Skin”—which, incidentally, are making great strides to ensure that the arts are a had its UK premiere at the excellent Glasgow film central part of every child’s education not sound increasingly festival last month—was one of a number of UK out of touch? co-productions in recent times. What assessment has the Department made of the impact of precluding Mr Vaizey: I met the Minister for Schools only this co-productions from funding through the enterprise week to discuss the success of our cultural and music investment scheme on the British film industry? education plans. We are the first Government to introduce a national music education plan. We set aside hundreds Mr Vaizey: The hon. Gentleman raises an interesting of millions of pounds to create music hubs, to extend point. We support co-production across the world and the In Harmony scheme and to support the teaching of have signed many co-production treaties over the past music in schools. The Secretary of State for Education three years. I am not quite clear how those treaties are has, through his own personal initiative, supported initiatives inhibiting the creation of British films; I rather thought such as Shakespeare in schools and heritage schools, they were supporting them. If he wants to write to me in and the Arts Council has its bridge organisations. There greater detail, I will respond more fully. is a lot going on in cultural education and in music education, and I urge the right hon. and learned Lady T8. [903012] Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): I to have a look. refer Members to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Following the Minister’s January [903006] David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): T3. meeting with the Tourism Alliance, she was keen to Does the Minister agree that the BBC’s duty to provide secure a cross-Departmental council with the aim of fair and impartial coverage needs to reflect the views of boosting Government action to boost tourism growth. the many people who question the so-called consensus Will she advise the House on what progress has been on climate change and that the BBC must stop acting made in setting up that council? like the public affairs department of Friends of the Earth? Mrs Grant: I remain keen to set up a tourism council Mr Vaizey: I think that my hon. Friend has made his at the earliest possible opportunity. A large amount of point very effectively. work has been done and I have asked my officials to work with colleagues in the Department for Business, T5. [903009] Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Innovation and Skills to consider how best to achieve Power sellers are purchasing thousands of tickets to that. top musical and sporting events online within seconds and selling them on minutes later for massive mark- T7. [903011] Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): ups. What are the Government doing to stop this Many of my constituents are concerned about the distortion of the market and to stop fans being advertising of gambling through broadcast media, ripped off? particularly at times when children and young people 403 Oral Answers13 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 404 see it—that is, the kind of advertising that makes it 3. Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab): seem easy to win big money very quickly. What steps is What assessment he has made of the cumulative effect the Minister taking to tackle that problem? of the Government’s policy programme on disabled people. [903035] Mrs Grant: The Secretary of State recently made it quite clear in a statement and a speech that we have 6. Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): What assessment he asked the appropriate regulators to look into gambling has made of the cumulative effect of the Government’s advertising in the context of the rules, regulations and policy programme on disabled people. [903039] guidelines. Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): Wiltshire council The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions has more than met the match-funding requirements for (Mike Penning): The Treasury regularly produces analysis Government support for broadband so far. I welcome of the cumulative impact of coalition changes, including the superfast broadband extension programme, but will welfare. However, even independent bodies such as the the Minister assure me that that early commitment will Institute for Fiscal Studies do not feel that results can count in favour of the council and not against it when be broken down reliably for the disabled community. the Government seek match funding for the latest scheme? Alex Cunningham: In my Stockton North constituency, Mr Vaizey: We want councils to match fund the 860 disabled people have been referred to the Work money we have put up for the superfast broadband programme, but only 60 have found employment as a extension programme, as it is important that they are result. Does the Minister agree that a 7% success rate is involved. I recognise the amazing work that has been appalling? What will he do to ensure that Work programme done in Wiltshire, and I have visited to see the work contractors provide greater specialist support for disabled being done on broadband roll-out. I hear what has been people to help them into work instead of abandoning said. them?

Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): My constituents Mike Penning: There was only one Government who are concerned about the impact a third betting shop will abandoned disabled people on the Work programme have on a small geographical area in Formby, and they and that was the previous Administration, and that is are amazed that there is nothing that they or their the truth. We will not allow that to happen. We will councillors can do to prevent that shop from opening. work very closely—[Interruption.] Opposition Front Will the Minister listen to people up and down the Benchers can try to shout me down, but it is the truth, country who are concerned about the impact of too and everyone knows it is the truth. Yesterday I was in many betting shops and will she allow local communities Leeds where we talked to employers, especially small the powers to prevent the spread of such shops? and medium-sized enterprises, to give them the confidence Mrs Grant: I always try to listen. These are important to employ people with disabilities and long-term illnesses. issues. I can tell the hon. Gentleman that local authorities have good powers at their disposal to control the location Sandra Osborne: The Government finally seem to and number of betting shops through article 4 directions have woken up to the scale of the problems that Atos and use of their licensing conditions, but of course I has in delivering the work capability assessment. Why shall continue to listen. then has it been awarded the personal independence payment contract when it is clear that it has such Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): According to the recent serious capacity problems? health survey, the only two forms of gambling in which the poorest people are more likely to participate than Mike Penning: We are doing something to address the the richest people are bingo and scratchcards. Given Atos WCA contract that the previous Government that fact, can the Minister justify allowing 16-year-olds brought in. We are working with it to get it out of that to buy scratchcards when for any other form of gambling programme, because we are not happy with the quality. the minimum age is 18? Will she review that urgently We will work with it and Capita in ensuring that PIP and ensure that buying scratchcards is something that produces exactly what it needs to do. can only be done by 18-year-olds? Mrs Grant: I am aware that my hon. Friend has Nia Griffith: A disabled constituent of mine, in common considerable knowledge in this area. I am happy to look with many others, has been called in four times for into the issue of scratchcards and come back to him. assessment by Atos and had his entitlement docked. He has gone to appeal, had a successful result, and had it reinstated four times. Will the Minister talk to his colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions WOMEN AND EQUALITIES about setting a limit on the number of times that Atos can call in people for a reassessment in any given period? It is a total waste of public money as well as The Minister for Women and Equalities was asked— causing immense distress to constituents. Disabled People Mike Penning: That is exactly what I have been looking 1. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): What at. In particular, I have been looking at tribunal cases, assessment he has made of the cumulative effect of the as we have a backlog of cases on the WCA, the policies Government’s policy programme on disabled people. before PIP and the disability living allowance. I am [903033] looking carefully at what is happening. Some can actually 405 Oral Answers13 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 406 go for up to 10 years. That is what I intend to do for which is much too high. The policy was for that to be people who are desperately in need of the benefit, so about 70%, so I think that it could be reduced further. that they are not called in as much as they are now. We are looking carefully at whether it is absolutely necessary for that number of people to be called for Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): Does the Minister assessment. When a face-to-face assessment is not needed, agree that it is really important that everyone in this PIP will be granted without it. country can fulfil their potential and do really well in the workplace? To that end, what is being done to Occupational Gender Segregation engage employers and help disabled people do really well in business? 2. Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) Mike Penning: As I have said, we have a programme (Lab): What assessment she has made of the effect of going round the regions at the moment—it was started Government policies on occupational gender segregation. by the Prime Minister in London—to give employers [903034] the confidence to take on employees and to break the myth that it is more expensive and more difficult to The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women employ disabled people or people with long-term illnesses. and Equalities (Jenny Willott): We asked the Women’s We all know that they will give more loyalty, dedication Business Council to look at how we could tackle the and commitment than anyone else in the work place. barriers women face in the workplace and when choosing a career. It published its recommendations in June last Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): I welcome the year, and we are working closely with businesses and written statement from the Minister of State, Department across Government to turn them into reality. for Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the Member for Thornbury and Yate (Steve Webb), that discretionary Bridget Phillipson: It is worrying that the number of housing payments can be made available for long-term female apprentices has dropped, and much more needs or indefinite periods for disabled people. Will the Minister to be done to attract women into traditionally male- ensure that that applies across the board so that people dominated sectors, such as engineering and manufacturing. do not have to keep being reassessed when there is no When will we see some progress from the Government realistic prospect of them recovering? on that?

Mike Penning: That is exactly what I am looking at Jenny Willott: The Government are very proud of now, as I alluded to in my answer to the hon. Member our record on apprentices. Over this Parliament we are for Llanelli (Nia Griffith). We want to ensure that when funding a quarter of a million more apprenticeship someone has gone to appeal and won at the tribunal, places. In fact, more girls and women are taking up they are not called back in, because there is a suspicion these opportunities than boys and men, particularly at that that is vindictive. We will ensure that that does not the higher levels, where over 60% of apprentices are happen. women. There is an issue with the proportion of women taking up more traditionally male apprenticeships, which Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): The introduction is something I will be taking up with the Minister for of personal independence payment requires applicants Skills and Enterprise, my hon. Friend the Member for to complete a demanding form—I am sure that the West Suffolk (Matthew Hancock). Minister would call it rigorous—so what assistance is his Department providing to people who are blind or partially sighted in completing the paperwork? Women in Public Life

Mike Penning: PIP is replacing disability living allowance, 4. Mr Simon Burns (Chelmsford) (Con): What less than 6% of the recipients of which ever had a initiatives she has taken to enhance opportunities for face-to-face assessment. At the moment, around 90% to women in public life. [903037] 95% of claimants are being called for a face-to-face assessment, which is much too high, and we will bring The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women that down as much as possible. We are working with the and Equalities (Mrs Helen Grant): The Government relevant lobby groups, particularly the Royal National have enabled political parties to use positive action, Institute of Blind People, to ensure that the information should they so wish, to increase participation by under- is available in a way that can be used across the board. represented groups. We have extended to 2030 their ability to use women-only shortlists. We have also set an Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): This morning I aspiration that 50% of new public appointments should received a letter from my constituent Tracy, a distressed filled by women by the end of this Parliament. and house-bound disabled woman who put in a claim for PIP last August but is still waiting for a home visit. Mr Burns: Does my hon. Friend accept that it was a She has been told that she might have to wait another Conservative, Mrs Pankhurst, who campaigned for votes six months. It is yet another example of how disabled for women; that it was the Conservative party that gave people are being failed. What is the Minister going to all women the vote; that the first woman to take her seat do about it? in this House was a Conservative; and that it was the Conservative party that provided this country’s first Mike Penning: People are waiting too long for PIP woman Prime Minister? We will take no lessons from assessments, partly because of the number being called others about our commitment to enhancing opportunities for face-to-face assessments—between 90% and 95%— for women. As I am sure you will appreciate, Mr Speaker, 407 Oral Answers13 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 408 the Unites States will have an opportunity in two years’ Mrs Grant: It is obviously a matter for the Bank of time to elect a woman as their next President—Hillary England to make its own appointments. However, these Rodham Clinton. are issues for everyone: for Parliament and for all businesses. We must do whatever we can to make sure that women Mrs Grant: Yes, my right hon. Friend is absolutely progress and get into positions of power, and I am in no right. Our party has a proud record on all these areas. doubt that that process will continue if we all work However, we recognise that we are on a journey and together. that it is far from complete. It is therefore very important that all parties continue to prioritise that very important Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): By maintaining the law issue. that allows the Labour party to use women-only shortlists for selecting its candidates, the Minister must accept Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): I wonder whether that that means either that Labour party selection the Minister can help me. Since 3 February I have been committees are inherently sexist and turn down the best asking various Government Departments about the woman for the job in favour of a man, or that we are gender breakdown of public appointments they make not getting the best person for the job in the seats and which ones are paid. All the Departments consistently concerned. Can she tell us which one of those it is? refer me to a table published by the Cabinet Office that makes no reference to which roles are paid. Will she Mrs Grant: On women-only shortlists, we are a ensure that we know how many women appointed to democratic political party and we do not dictate to our public office by this Government are paid and how grass roots. We know that some of our associations many men similarly appointed are paid? have already chosen women from their own shortlists, but this is a matter for them to decide on. Mrs Grant: I know that this is an important issue for the hon. Lady and that she raised it during the international Women in Work women’s day debate. The Government have a very good record on public appointments. I will do my best to find 5. Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): that information for her. I am aware that she has made a What steps she is taking to support women in work. freedom of information request. If she does not receive [903038] an answer in the next few weeks, I shall be very happy to look into the matter further. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (Jenny Willott): There are record numbers Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): Will the of women in work and we are taking strong action to Minister join me, and I am sure many hon. Members support them, including by extending the right to request in this House, in congratulating Boni Sones OBE on flexible working from June this year, introducing a new her achievements in founding and running Women’s system of shared parental leave from next April, and Parliamentary Radio? Her work will be archived at the supporting families through the new tax-free child care London School of Economics and has led to the book scheme from next October. “When There’s a Woman in the Room”. Does the Minister agree that Boni Sones deserves this House’s Chi Onwurah: For international women’s day last sincere thanks for encouraging women to participate in Friday, we held a What Women Want at Work event in public life in the UK and overseas? Westgate community college. Women from across the constituency raised many issues, including zero-hours Mrs Grant: I am very happy to endorse and agree contracts, sexism, stereotypes and the minimum wage, with everything that my hon. Friend has said. Boni but the No. 1 issue was child care and how it prevented Sones is a fantastic role model in her own right and has mums from going to work and those in work from done considerable amounts for the representation of having children. Will the Minister now back Labour’s women in Parliament. pledge to increase free child care for three and four-year-olds to 25 hours? Gloria De Piero (Ashfield) (Lab): Will the Minister join me in condemning the Financial Secretary’s comment Jenny Willott: This Government have done a huge this week that there are no women on the Monetary amount to improve the child care situation for women Policy Committee because in work. We have increased the number of hours that “appointments are made on merit”? are available free for three and four-year-olds and extended that to more deprived two-year-olds. Under universal Mrs Grant: I am not aware of the exact details of credit, we will increase the amount that is refunded for what my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary has allegedly recipients of child care tax credit from 70% to 85%. As I said, but as the hon. Lady has already heard, this party said, from next year we are introducing tax-free child has a proud record in relation to women’s progression. care for parents of children under the age of 12. We are The coalition has driven through a number of policies also increasing the number of child care places, and this to promote women and to allow them to develop on is having an impact. For example, the cost of child care, merit, and I am sure that that process will continue. particularly after-school child care, is starting to come down in England. Gloria De Piero: When Labour was in government there was always a woman on the Monetary Policy 7. [903040] Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden) (Con): Committee. Again, I invite the Minister to condemn the The renaissance in manufacturing, particularly in the comment by the Financial Secretary that car industry, means that there is a skills shortage that “appointments are made on merit.” could be reduced if more women chose that career 409 Oral Answers13 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 410 path. Will the Minister encourage other companies to Only yesterday, my right hon. Friend the Minister for act like Jaguar Land Rover, going into secondary and Women and Equalities spoke at an international event primary schools to advocate such career paths? at the Commission on the Status of Women, organised with the Tanzanian Minister of Equalities, specifically Jenny Willott: The right hon. Lady is right. This is to promote women working in the science, technology, very important. The Government are doing quite a lot engineering and maths industries. of work to try to encourage the number of women going into science, technology, engineering and maths. Andrea Leadsom: I thank the Minister for that answer. The Government have a project with the Royal Society Although I agree with the Financial Secretary that on diversity in STEM and we are supporting a scheme appointments should be made on merit, does the Minister of STEM ambassadors going into schools to encourage agree that City regulators’record on appointing high-calibre people to take up those subjects. Of the 25,000 ambassadors, women is pathetic, and that if they were to identify 40% are women and 10% are from ethnic minorities, so those women, that would go a long way to promoting the Government are doing as much as they can to try to women in work internationally and they would be very increase the number of women in these areas. good role models? Women in Work (Overseas) Jenny Willott: The hon. Lady is quite right. We 8. Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): definitely need to increase the number of women in What discussions she has had with her overseas senior roles, not only in the City and financial institutions counterparts on steps to promote the role of women in but across the country more generally. This Government work internationally. [903041] have done a huge amount of work with Lord Davies to increase the number of women on boards and we are The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, starting to see a significant increase in the number of Innovation and Skills (Jenny Willott): We participate in women in those positions. At the beginning of this the EU presidency Gender Ministers meetings, which Parliament, the figure was 12.5%; it is now more than enables us to discuss all the goals in the Europe 2020 20% and we are on target to hit 25% by next year. I strategy and the Beijing platform for action, including agree with the hon. Lady, however, that this is an women’s employment. important issue that we need to tackle. 411 13 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 412

Business of the House date for an in/out referendum, proving that he is desperately trying to manage his own party rather than acting in the national interest. While the Prime Minister is banging 10.31 am on about Europe, Opposition Members are clear that Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): Will the Leader of our national interest is best served by remaining in the House give us the business for next week? Europe, focusing on tackling the cost of living crisis and providing an in/out referendum should there be a further The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew Lansley): transfer of powers. Is the Leader of the House expecting The business for next week is as follows: his Eurosceptic rebels to attempt to amend the Queen’s Speech again, and if so, what else will the panicking MONDAY 17 MARCH—All stages of the Co-operative Prime Minister be forced to concede to buy them off and Community Benefit Societies Bill [Lords], which is this time? a consolidation measure, followed by motion to approve a Ways and Means resolution relating to the Pensions Last week, the Leader of the House was unconvincing Bill, followed by consideration of Lords amendments when he tried to claim that the Government take account to the Pensions Bill, followed by motion to approve a of votes in the Commons, despite the fact that they have statutory instrument relating to mesothelioma. ignored more than 20 of them. Later this afternoon, the House will vote for a second time on a Back-Bench TUESDAY 18 MARCH—A general debate on Ukraine, motion to end the badger cull. Will he now confirm that followed by motions to approve statutory instruments if the House again votes to end the cull the Government relating to combined authority orders, followed by motion will abide by the will of the House? to debate three EU proposals on criminal procedural rights. Yesterday, it was revealed that a report on the Work programme that was ready six months ago is being WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH—My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will open his Budget suppressed by Ministers, because its contents would statement. embarrass the Government. The report reveals that nearly 50% of employers found the programme ineffective THURSDAY 20 MARCH—Continuation of the Budget and criticised the support that participants received. So debate. far, more than £1 billion of public money has been FRIDAY 21 MARCH—The House will not be sitting. spent on the Work programme, yet people who go The provisional business for the week commencing through the scheme are more likely to return to Jobcentre 24 March will include: Plus than to get a sustainable job. The Department for Work and Pensions is acquiring a reputation for MONDAY 24 MARCH—Continuation of the Budget debate. incompetence and cruelty. Given the importance of tackling long-term unemployment and the public money TUESDAY 25 MARCH—Conclusion of the Budget debate. spent on this programme, will the Leader of the House WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH—Motion to approve a statutory arrange for the Work and Pensions Secretary to make a instrument, followed by remaining stages of the Inheritance statement on the serious allegation that the report is and Trustees’Powers Bill [Lords], followed by, if necessary, being withheld? consideration of Lords amendments. When the Chancellor gets to his feet for the Budget THURSDAY 27 MARCH—Business to be nominated by statement next week, the British people will wonder the Backbench Business Committee. why, despite his self-satisfied spin, they still do not feel FRIDAY 28 MARCH—The House will not be sitting. any better off. In 2010, he predicted that the economy I should also like to inform the House that the would grow by 8.4%, but it has grown by just 3.8%. In business in Westminster Hall for 20 and 27 March will 2010, he told us that he would balance the books by be: 2015, but we will instead have a deficit of nearly £80 billion. He told us that he would get Britain working, but there THURSDAY 20 MARCH—A debate on the contribution are 1 million young people without a job, and under- of women to the ordained ministry of the Church of employment is at the highest level since 1992. He told us England. that we are all in this together, but he has cut taxes for THURSDAY 27 MARCH—A debate on the seventh report millionaires, while working people are £1,600 a year of the Transport Committee on local authority parking worse off and thousands are forced to turn to food enforcement, followed by a debate on the eighth report banks to feed themselves at the end of the month. It is of the Transport Committee on access to ports. not a recovery if millions of people do not experience it. Ms Eagle: I thank the Leader of the House for On Saturday, the Deputy Prime Minister told his announcing next week’s business. spring conference, without any sense of irony, that “consistency matters in politics”, so how are the Liberal Reports this week have suggested that the House Democrats doing? On Tuesday, the right hon. Member might prorogue at least a week earlier than the recess for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow) failed to move a date the Leader of the House has announced, because new clause in his name in relation to the hospital there is so little business in the Commons. Will he closure clause in the Care Bill, despite claiming to have confirm whether that is the case? If so, why will he not led the opposition to it. Despite all the Lib Dem give us some more Opposition days so that we can set handwringing in public, when it came to it, not one out our alternative to this clapped-out, zombie Government? Liberal Democrat voted to remove the draconian ministerial Last year, Eurosceptic rebels on the Tory Back Benches powers from the Bill. At the Lib Dem spring conference tried to amend their own Queen’s Speech in order to last weekend, the hon. Member for Bristol West (Stephen deliver a referendum on EU membership. In a panic, Williams) said that the new homes bonus was “incoherent”, the Prime Minister was forced into setting an arbitrary “unfair” and “absurd”. Who would have thought that 413 Business of the House13 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 414 he is actually a Minister in the Department responsible they spent went on borrowed money. That was a disgrace, for it? The Liberal Democrat party president, the hon. and what was the result? The result was that 7.2% was Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale (Tim Farron), wiped off the value of the economy of this country. has called the bedroom tax “wrong and unnecessary”, That is the equivalent of £3,000 for every household in although the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed his the country. strong support for it in the House yesterday. It is clear That is why we are pursuing the long-term economic that what we get with the Liberal Democrats is the plan, which will no doubt be the centrepiece of the rhetoric of Arthur Scargill and the voting record of Budget debate that I have announced. We are reducing Mrs Thatcher. It is no wonder they were beaten into the deficit that Labour left us, taking 3 million people fifth place in a by-election last week by the Bus Pass out of income tax altogether, freezing fuel duty, capping Elvis party. Come the general election next year, we will welfare, delivering the best schools and skills for young all just be waiting for the Liberal Democrats to leave the people, creating more jobs, and backing small business building. and enterprise. We are doing those things. That is the debate that will matter most in the business that I have Mr Lansley: I am grateful to the shadow Leader of announced. It would not be appropriate during the the House for her response. On the date of Prorogation, Budget debate to have an Opposition day. The Opposition she is getting a bit confused. We have published the will have the chance to have their say. Perhaps they will calendar, including the recess dates, which are not explain why they are in such denial. changing—Prorogation is not a recess; it is Prorogation— and as she knows, the date of Prorogation is subject to The House voted for the European Union (Referendum) the progress of business. Bill by 304 votes to none in this Session. It was not a Government Bill, but a private Member’s Bill. The We are using less time than we expected for two House knows perfectly well that it was not a coalition reasons. First, the House of Lords is not insisting on its commitment. The same principle will apply in the next amendments, but accepting the amendments that are Session. If the ballot affords it, there will be an opportunity made in this House. As far as the Government are for a Member to bring forward a private Member’s Bill concerned, that is a good thing, because we are securing in the same way. agreement on Government legislation and consuming less time in ping-pong than would otherwise be the case. I do not know where on earth Labour is coming from on that issue. The moment the leader of the Labour The other reason, which the shadow Leader of the party got up and talked about it, the hon. Member for House ought to acknowledge but does not, is that there Blackley and Broughton (Graham Stringer) said that it is a zombie Opposition. Yesterday, the Intellectual Property was a “shoddy compromise”. The Institute of Directors Bill came forward on Report and Third Reading, and was more or less right when it said that not one Labour Back Bencher spoke. The Criminal Justice and Courts Bill, which is a major piece of “the EU has to change, and it makes sense to put such changes to legislation, had its Second Reading a fortnight or so the British people.” ago. Three Labour Back Benchers spoke all day, one of The Government have already put it into legislation whom was a Labour Whip, hoisted rapidly on to the that there cannot be a further transfer of powers to the Back Benches in order to say something. European Union without a referendum and the consent We have a zombie Opposition who do not have of the people of this country. As a Conservative, I anything they want to say. That deals with the hon. believe that the people of this country are looking not Lady’s point about Opposition days. The days have simply to have that but to have a renegotiation of our been allocated, although we will happily talk about the relationship with the rest of Europe. They want a focus matter. There is nothing else that the Opposition are on the things we want to achieve, such as completion of able to talk about, but they may be able to think up the single market, competitiveness, free trade and working something. However, there were many weeks earlier in together on issues that matter, while at the same time the Session when they had the chance to debate the ensuring that we in this country have greater freedom economy and they did not do so. We will have a chance and sovereignty to decide on issues that we are responsible to debate the economy in the Budget debate and we will for, and that do not need to be agreed and delivered find out what the position really is. through a European Union mechanism. We are clear that an EU referendum for that purpose is necessary, That will be very interesting, given what has been said but that is not the same as what the Labour party is in the last couple of days. The shadow Business Secretary offering. said on the “World at One” programme: “Most of our thirteen years in office we didn’t have a debt, er, a The shadow Leader of the House also asked about deficit,”— the Department for Work and Pensions, but that is a bit rich coming from the Labour party, which every time he was a bit confused about that— has left government with unemployment higher than “because we hadn’t had the financial crash.” when it came to office. Labour Members are now That is complete nonsense. The shadow Chancellor complaining about my right hon. Friend the Secretary said: of State for Work and Pensions, and a Work programme “I don’t think Governments should spend money they haven’t that has supported 1.36 million people. There are 1.6 million got”. more jobs in the private sector. There are nearly 1.3 million The Opposition are in a parallel universe. They ran a more jobs than when Labour were in office. For a deficit not just in the immediate run-up to the last Department that is concerned with getting people into general election, but from 2002. They did not mend the work, that is a record of which it can be proud. roof when the sun was shining. They spent money that they did not have. One pound out of every four that Several hon. Members rose— 415 Business of the House13 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 416

Mr Speaker: Order. As always, large numbers of right Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): This hon. and hon. Members are seeking to catch my eye. I week a new report shows that an EU-wide target of just simply remind the House that we have a statement on 30% of energy from renewables by 2030 would create an school funding followed by two statements by Chairs of extra 500,000 jobs, yet UK Ministers are leading the Select Committees on the reports of those Committees. charge against strong and binding renewable targets. We then have what I advise the House is a very heavily May we have an urgent debate on the number of jobs subscribed debate under the auspices of the Backbench the UK will miss out on, and on the need for the Business Committee on the badger cull. The consequence Government to change their position? of all that is that there is a premium on brevity, and I ask colleagues to ask single, short supplementary questions Mr Lansley: I am sure the hon. Lady, if she has not without preamble, and for the Leader of the House to already done so, will read the written ministerial statement provide characteristically pithy replies. on the European Environment Council. The Secretary Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con): May we of State for Energy and Climate Change and the Secretary have a debate in Government time on the operation of of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs both the Freedom of Information Act 2000? My right hon. attended and, rightly, pursued ambitious targets. They Friend will have seen yesterday’s Court of Appeal judgment, argued that it is very important for us not to have which from my reading seemed clearly to misunderstand binding renewables targets, because it is necessary for what this House and the other place set out in primary each country to meet not just the challenge of climate legislation. I am glad the judgment will be challenged, change but supply and security requirements. but a debate would be helpful so that the House can fully understand who makes the law—this place, or Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): I understand judges. that the Prime Minister’s excellent policy to have an in/out referendum by 2017 cannot be introduced as Mr Lansley: I agree with my hon. Friend that it was a Government legislation, because it is being blocked by disappointing decision, and the Government will appeal the Liberal Democrats. May we have a statement from it in the Supreme Court. We have been clear that the Leader of the House next week on whether he preserving the confidentiality of communications between would welcome a Back-Bench amendment to the Queen’s the Government and the heir to the throne is an important Speech asking that the EU referendum be debated in principle to be protected. Indeed Parliament endorsed Government time? that approach when it passed the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, amending the Freedom of Information Act. The case obviously relates to earlier Mr Lansley: If I may speak frankly to my hon. papers, but the House is clear about that principle. Friend, the Government’s objectives are put into the Queen’s Speech—that is what we set out as a Government. Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): On behalf of the Government, I have to say that, if the Humberside police has the highest number of child Government do not agree that there should be an EU rapes reported to it of anywhere in the country, with referendum Bill, then we do not agree that. I am afraid 176 cases reported last year, alongside 193 adult cases. it is then for the House to decide by other means. The Ministry of Justice has cut funding to the Hull rape crisis centre, and if it closes, people will have to travel Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): May we 60 miles to Leeds for face-to-face specialist crisis counselling. have a debate soon in Government time on the operation May we have a debate on the Government’s commitment of the National Crime Agency? It is not operating in the to rape crisis centres and their secured funding? way it should in Northern Ireland, because of issues in Mr Lansley: If I may, I will ask my hon. Friends at the Northern Ireland Executive, where the nationalist the Ministry of Justice to respond to the hon. Lady on parties are blocking it. Criminal assets cannot be seized that point. She will know of the Government’s commitment in Northern Ireland and there are real dangers for the to this issue, and in the action plan published on Saturday UK as a whole—it is a national issue. May we have a she will have seen further references to our support for debate on what the Government are going to do about action relating to domestic violence against women and that? girls, and to issues relating to her point. She will also know that Ministers at the Ministry of Justice will Mr Lansley: The right hon. Gentleman makes an respond to questions on Tuesday if she is in her place. important point. He will recall our disappointment—and I imagine his—that the legislative consent motion was Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): not forthcoming to enable the NCA’s remit to extend to May we have a statement on the Government’s position Northern Ireland. I cannot promise a debate immediately, regarding whether the recent environmental statement but he knows that this is a matter of continuing concern consultation on HS2 complied with Standing Order 27A? to my hon. Friends at the Home Office. We will continue Does my right hon. Friend believe that it could be to consider the matter and update the House. subject to a complaint? Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend, and the House, will Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): High have noted that this week it was settled that the assessor energy prices affect everybody, but the worst affected appointed by House authorities will summarise the are those who live in rural areas off gas grid. They are responses to the consultation report to Parliament by unable to avail themselves of the dual fuel discount and 7 April. The Standing Orders Committee has already rely on liquefied petroleum gas or fuel oil. May we have ruled that the environmental statement is compliant, a statement from an Energy Minister late next week to which I hope will be helpful to my hon. Friend. set out what will be done as a result of the package that 417 Business of the House13 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 418

I am sure the Chancellor of the Exchequer will want for a link between the M6 southbound and the M54? I to announce in his Budget statement to help precisely should welcome a debate on the issue, and I invite the those people? Leader of the House to join me on the new road link at any time. Mr Lansley: I understand what my hon. Friend is looking for. I cannot anticipate what my right hon. Mr Lansley: I may have an opportunity to stop over Friend the Chancellor will say in the Budget statement, in my hon. Friend’s constituency. When I was last there, and therefore whether there will need to be a statement I had a very good time. to follow it, but I will, if I may, draw this matter to the attention of Energy Ministers. They completely understand the point he is making and it has been a matter of Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab): Can the Leader of discussion and debate in this House. It is something we the House explain why the Secretary of State for Education continue to keep in mind. has not made a statement on the raising of the participation age? According to statistics from the House of Commons Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) (Lab): The Leader Library, a significant number of young people have of the House has announced that there will be a motion been abandoned and are not in education, employment to approve a statutory instrument on 26 March. Will he or training, although the law says that they should be. advise the House on the subject of that statutory instrument? Mr Lansley: I think that our proposals for young people are very positive. We have made clear that they Mr Lansley: No. That is provisional business and I should not be in the position that the hon. Gentleman will announce it next week. has described, but I will of course speak to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education so that Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): he can respond to the hon. Gentleman and look into May I request an early debate, in Government time, to the issue. discuss a risk assessment of the Flood Re replacement of the statement of principles? I understand that the Prime Minister is organising a review of many of the Paul Uppal (Wolverhampton South West) (Con): Given exceptions, but it has come to light that leaseholders the news that the new Jaguar Land Rover engine plant will not be covered. Leaseholders do, of course, own next to my constituency is creating 750 skilled jobs, and their own property, and it is unacceptable that their Sainsbury’s is creating 200 in my constituency, may we insurance will go up prohibitively and put them in a have a debate about the role of volunteers, jobcentres higher risk bracket that in most likely circumstances and colleges in the upskilling of employees in their new they will not be able to afford. positions as the economy continues to grow?

Mr Lansley: I will ask my hon. Friends at the Department Mr Lansley: That is a good point. When we point for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to respond to out, rightly, that 1.6 million more people are in private my hon. Friend on that point. In addition, issues relating sector employment, we should bear in mind that that is directly to this matter are being debated during the more than just a big number. A great many specific House of Lords consideration of the Water Bill, so we companies are creating jobs such as those to which my may have an opportunity to consider them when the hon. Friend has referred, and that is a very positive Flood Re provisions come back from the House of development, especially when jobs in this country—such Lords. as those being created by Jaguar Land Rover—are a result of successful competition in global markets. David Wright (Telford) (Lab): Businesses in Telford want a link between the M54 and the M6 northbound Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): We learnt today and the M6 toll road, and are concerned about the fact that G4S was repaying more than £100 million following that the project is being significantly delayed. May we its overcharging for electronic tagging. May we have a have a statement from a Minister about the plans that statement from the Justice Secretary about this corporate are being made? chicanery? Mr Lansley: I am very interested in this subject, because I often use, as it were, that road— Mr Lansley: I recall that we did have a statement from the Justice Secretary at the time when the failings Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): As it were? of the companies concerned were identified. He made clear our determination to secure redress for the taxpayer, Mr Lansley: It is very helpful to have the hon. Gentleman and I pleased to say that it is evident that he succeeded in the Chamber. We would all fall into error without in that regard. him, would we not? We fall into error with him, actually. I travel up the M6 on my way to Anglesey on the old Stephen Barclay (North East Cambridgeshire) (Con): Telford road, and it is frustrating not to be able to make May we have a statement on the proposed sale at the connection between the M54 and the M6. I will auction of Wisbech magistrates court? One taxpayer- speak to my colleagues at the Department for Transport, funded body, the Ministry of Justice, is selling it at a and I shall be interested to hear what they have to say. reduced rate because a second taxpayer-funded body, Cambridgeshire police, is refusing to vacate it as a Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): Will the Leader sitting tenant, thus preventing a third taxpayer-funded of the House join me in welcoming the support of the body, the local authority, from redeveloping the site, hon. Member for Telford (David Wright) for my campaign and therefore not offering the taxpayer value for money. 419 Business of the House13 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 420

Mr Lansley: I know that this matter is important to east in Westminster Hall are regularly over subscribed, my hon. Friend’s constituents in Wisbech. The Ministry is it not time that the Government put, in Government of Justice negotiated for some time with Fenland district time, a full day’s debate on the Israel-Palestine question? council, which then withdrew its offer. The Ministry decided that sale at auction was the best option, but the auction did not proceed because an offer was received Mr Lansley: I am not presently anticipating a statement from a local developer at what it considered to be an by the Prime Minister and I do not think it is customary acceptable market price. It is likely that the sale will be for there to be statements following every visit the completed imminently, but I have asked the Ministry Prime Minister makes. As the hon. Gentleman will of Justice whether the Under-Secretary of State for know, the Prime Minister makes a great number of Justice, my hon. Friend the Member for North West visits, including substantial numbers of trade missions, Cambridgeshire (Mr Vara)—who is responsible for the as he has to Israel and many other countries, and we do courts and legal aid—could discuss the issue with my not make statements as a matter of course. hon. Friend as a matter of urgency, in order to establish There has been a wide range of debates in Westminster the position. Hall and elsewhere on the middle east, including most recently on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, but so Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): The Secretary of State far as the Israel-Palestine negotiations are concerned, I for Work and Pensions has been kind enough to arrange am not aware of the House having had any recent for the responsible Minister to reply to me on the opportunity for a debate. However, he and other Members personal independence payments, where problems are who seek to have such a debate could of course approach growing by the day—I have more and more cases—but the Backbench Business Committee. surely the time has now come for the Leader of the House to arrange for the Secretary of State to come here and make a statement on the problems with PIPs Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): May we have and what he is doing to sort them out? a debate on science and technology skilling, because over 30% of the 200 businesses I have polled in my Mr Lansley: I think the hon. Gentleman and the constituency were concerned about the science and House will be aware that we are making progress with technology skills of their new recruits? A debate would the transition to PIPs and there are clearly issues that enable us to discuss how we can improve those skills have to be resolved to make that happen. I will talk to and help businesses in places like Tamworth, which has my hon. Friends at the Department for Work and an unemployment rate of just 2%, find the resources Pensions and see what further update they can give the they need. House on the progress being made in dealing with those outstanding issues. Mr Lansley: I agree with my hon. Friend. This is very important. He will recall the initiative just last September Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): To mark of a £400 million fund—£200 million from the Government yesterday’s 25th anniversary of the web, Tim Berners-Lee matched by £200 million from the private sector—for called for a digital Bill of Rights, something my party university science departments to develop world-class also called for at its recent spring conference. Will the facilities so that Britain can meet the science industry’s Leader of the House make sure time is available for demand for highly skilled young people. In my constituency, such a Bill to be debated, and could he persuade the only last week recruitment was taking place for the first Queen to include it in her speech? entry to the university technical college in Cambridge, which is offering courses and places focusing on life Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend will know that I am not sciences training for young people, and similar things in a position to anticipate the contents of the Queen’s are happening in other places. We need these developments, Speech. and we are very much aware of the demands coming from industry for those kinds of skills. I hope in Tamworth Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): You did last year. and elsewhere we will increasingly be able to support the places that are required. Mr Lansley: I did not. Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): The Keogh Chris Bryant: You did so. review looked at operations and other procedures that revise or change the appearance, colour, texture, structure Mr Lansley: I was interested in what Tim Berners-Lee or position of bodily features. May we have a debate on had to say. My hon. Friend will recognise that it is a why the review makes no mention of the damage, legislative challenge to contemplate such a thing, but it disfigurement and permanent scarring that can result is important to understand how we can secure the rights from tattooing and piercing, an area in which there is of people using the internet and the protections they are very little regulation of those without the skills and looking for while at the same time making sure that it is ability to carry out those procedures? the bastion of freedom I think it was always intended to be. Mr Lansley: I confess that I have not had an opportunity Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield) (Lab): Will to look through Bruce Keogh’s review in detail, although the Prime Minister be making a statement to the House I was probably responsible for initiating it. I will look at following his visit to the middle east? If so, does the Leader it, and I will check with the Department of Health as to of the House anticipate that being on Monday or a its position on this and ask it to respond directly to the different day? Secondly, given that debates on the middle hon. Lady. 421 Business of the House13 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 422

Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger (Bridgwater and West Somerset) which the question of donation arises is an important (Con): Given the situation in Somerset, Devon and one, and I hope that we will be able to make further Cornwall, the Leader of the House will be aware that progress on that. the tourism trade has been affected on the peninsula. May we have a debate on this in Government time? The Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): effect has been devastating over half term, and Easter is As the Leader of the House will know, I have introduced nearly upon us. We are going to have to make plans to a Bill to increase the maximum sentence for those who ensure that everyone in the UK understands that the cause death while driving while disqualified, from the peninsula is open for tourism and business. present two years to 14 years. May we have an urgent statement from the Ministry of Justice on what is being Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend makes a good point. I done to address this issue? am very pleased that the railway line through Dawlish will reopen by 4 April, a fortnight earlier than was Mr Lansley: I cannot promise a statement, but I previously expected. If an opportunity arises for a know that my hon. Friend is concerned about this, and debate, I suspect that it is more likely to be on the that the Secretary of State for Justice feels very strongly Adjournment than by other means, but it would be about these issues. He will be answering questions in the helpful for the Government and for Members to make it House on Tuesday, and perhaps my hon. Friend will be clear that the south-west will be open for business, in his place at that time to ask him about this. including tourism, this summer. Helen Jones (Warrington North) (Lab): Following Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab): Will the Leader of the passage of the legislation earlier in the week, will the the House answer the question put by my hon. Friend Leader of the House find time for a debate on the the Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle) about the Work future of district general hospitals? Warrington and programme evaluation report, whose existence was revealed Halton hospitals have already lost their vascular services; yesterday by “Channel 4 News”? The report apparently a review of maternity services is now under way; and points out that people who are out of work on health nearby Whiston hospital continues to have financial grounds are getting a particularly raw deal. When will it problems. My hon. Friend the Member for Halton be published? (Derek Twigg) and I would like some reassurance from the Minister that our local hospital will not have its Mr Lansley: I confess that I do not know when it will services downgraded or removed, as we have seen previously be published, but I will talk to my hon. Friends at the under this Government. Department for Work and Pensions and ask them to reply to the right hon. Gentleman. Mr Lansley: The legislation passed earlier this week does not threaten district general hospitals. It secures a Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): May we have commitment to the fullest consultation to enable us, if a statement on the future of children’s heart surgery necessary, to reconfigure services on the basis of clinical units? Will my right hon. Friend join me in welcoming quality as well as finance. Under the 2009 special today’s NHS England report, which confirms that the administration regime of the previous Government, the Leeds heart surgery unit is safe and running well? process was finance-driven, not quality-driven. I am astonished at the effrontery of the hon. Lady getting up Mr Lansley: Yes, I will join my hon. Friend in welcoming to talk about a vascular services review that started today’s report. It is important that children’s heart under her Government—as far as I am concerned—and surgery units should be safe, and that any past failings about Whiston hospital, which was one of a number of in the standard of care that they provide should be unsustainable private finance initiative projects put in identified and dealt with. This report is not the same place by the previous Government. They had no idea thing as the review of the future of children’s heart where the money was going to come from to pay for surgery centres, which was conducted not on the basis that from within the local economy. that the existing units were unsafe but on the basis of determining how the highest clinical standards could be Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) sustained in the future. That review has yet to be (Con): I was recently approached by a constituent who completed by NHS England, but I know that my right expressed concerns that Plymouth city council is granting hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health will want planning permissions for pop-up shops to sell what are to report to the House when that moment arrives. generally known as legal highs. As my right hon. Friend knows, Plymouth is a university city with 30,000 students Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): The number of in it. I have great reservations about selling these legal those needing life-saving organ transplants continues to highs. May we have a debate on the matter so that we rise, but the number of donors is staying at the same can have a better understanding of what Government level. Will the Leader of the House agree to a statement policy will be? or a debate on this vital, life-saving matter? Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend makes an interesting Mr Lansley: I am able to tell the hon. Gentleman that point. Planning control, as he knows, considers the land organ donation rates have risen by 50% since 2008. use impact of different types of development, but does There were two reviews under the last Government. not generally regulate the sale of particular items inside Also, transplant rates have increased by 30% since 2008. shops. The Home Office, however, is taking a comprehensive That is encouraging, and it is partly a result of investment approach to tackling this reckless trade, working closely in transplant nurses. As he will know, the relationship with the Local Government Association and trading between skilled staff and the family at the point at standards. My hon. Friend will be encouraged that the 423 Business of the House13 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 424

[Mr Lansley] Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Has my right hon. Friend seen my early-day motion 1174 about bingo Minister for Crime Prevention has commissioned a taxation? review to see how we can enhance our response, including [That this House believes that bingo plays an important possible legislative responses, alongside better health role in the community; notes that Harlow Mecca Bingo promotion and education. has 54,000 members; further notes that despite being a soft form of gambling, bingo is subject to a gross profits Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): This week, tax of 20 per cent, despite all other forms of gambling sadly, sees the third anniversary of the start of the being taxed at 15 per cent; and therefore urges the Syrian conflict, and yet we seem no further forward Government to reduce the bingo tax so that it is in line today than we did a year or two years ago. The international with other forms of gambling.] community, including the United Kingdom, bears a May we have an urgent debate, with a full House, so heavy responsibility for this. May we have a debate in that we can support the 54,000 members of Harlow Government time so that this House can explore all Mecca Bingo and ensure fair taxation for bingo clubs, possibilities to start the international community along in order to boost bingo across the country, to boost the course of a peace settlement? employment and to boost prizes?

Mr Lansley: We all share the evident sense of deep Mr Lansley: I have seen my hon. Friend’s early-day disappointment expressed by the hon. Gentleman at motion. It is a pity it was not tabled earlier in the this third anniversary about how damaging the situation Session, as it could have been early-day motion 66—that in Syria has been to the people there and to international would have been even better. I will take his question as a peace. He will recall that the Foreign Secretary made a further application to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor statement on Monday, 24 February, which included of the Exchequer. My hon. Friend will understand that reference to the situation in Syria and ongoing questions I cannot anticipate what the result will be, but he will of there. I cannot promise a debate at the moment. It is course have opportunities to raise these issues during something that is regularly reported to this House, and the Budget debate. if time were to be available for a debate at this stage, I know that it is something that the Backbench Business Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): May Committee would certainly want to consider. we have a debate or a statement on the Highways Agency, particularly the way in which it manages temporary Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): Recently, a large road schemes? Businesses at Tollbar End in Coventry, cargo ship was apprehended by the Israeli navy with a where there is a three-year scheme, have been badly record haul of rockets being transferred from Iran to affected because people have been held up while going Gaza. Yesterday, a record number of rockets were launched to work in the morning. Some businesses have said that from Gaza into Israel. Given that my right hon. Friend if they had known it was going to take this long they the Prime Minister is in Israel for the first time as Prime might not have invested in Coventry. May we have a Minister, may we have a wide-ranging debate on the statement, and will the Leader of the House get the middle east, including our relations with Israel and the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, the hon. Member sanctions to be imposed on Iran? for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr Goodwill) to respond to the issue, as I raised it with him last week in the Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend makes a good point. I Department for Transport? will not repeat what I said to the hon. Member for Edmonton (Mr Love). There are Members throughout Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman will recall that the House who might seek to initiate a debate with that Transport Ministers will be responding to questions broader scope. here again next Thursday but, as I wish to be as helpful as I can, I will ask them to respond directly to him Simon Danczuk (Rochdale) (Lab): The unmanned about this scheme. Transport schemes often take much level crossing at Smithy Bridge has not worked properly longer than we might imagine they would, but it seems since it was installed. Local people have been that this one has taken a long time. inconvenienced, and there is the potential for safety risks. Does the Leader of the House agree that we Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): May we have a statement should have a debate on Network Rail’s ability to manage on communications by Action Fraud with my constituents, such projects effectively? whose cases are referred to it and they then hear nothing?

Mr Lansley: I cannot promise a debate immediately, Mr Lansley: I cannot promise a statement but I will but I recognise the issues. Issues relating to level crossings try to make sure that I get an appropriate response from more generally have come to the fore. Network Rail has Ministers, particularly if my hon. Friend is able to give a considerable programme of investment. It has been me additional details. straightforward recently about the failings that have occurred with level crossings and with its approach to Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): Last Friday, more the safety concerns expressed about such crossings. I than 100 women attended my “Labour Listens” event in hope that that is changing. If I may, I will take the my constituency. They were deeply concerned about the opportunity to ask my hon. Friends at the Department sexualisation and objectification of women, which is for Transport about this and ask them to respond to the still common in the media, exemplified by The Sun’s hon. Gentleman directly. page 3. As the Government seem to be struggling to fill 425 Business of the House13 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 426 their time, may I help them by suggesting that we have I remember neurologists describing some of the difficulties a debate in Government time about the sexualisation to me, and I think that some of those doctors have been of women? at the forefront of making the case to some of the sporting bodies that the hon. Gentleman talks about. If Mr Lansley: I am pleased that the hon. Lady was able I may, I will refer the issue to my friends at both the to celebrate international women’s day with women in Department of Health and the Department for Culture, her constituency. She raises an important issue. Some of Media and Sport to see if they can facilitate a response the most damaging effects of objectification of women to his points. are evident in some of the violence against women and girls, which of course was the subject of the further Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): On Monday, I action plan that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary attended the annual Westminster gathering of the British published on Saturday. We do not have the immediate Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions, prospect of a debate on these issues, but I hope that she and heard both of its optimism for the future and its recognises that in the sense I have outlined we are concerns. Leisure parks and piers are vital ingredients addressing some of the abuses that result. of our seaside resorts, and the best of them can be found in Cleethorpes. Will the Leader of the House find Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): May we have a debate time for a debate to consider how best the Government on banking? In the light of recent events, the House can encourage and support our seaside towns? should particularly explore whether The Co-operative Group has Mr Lansley: I am very glad that those representing “the ethics of responsibility, co-operation and stewardship” leisure parks and piers were able to be here at Westminster. claimed in 2012 by the Leader of the Opposition or is Those who watch our proceedings in the House sometimes simply a very badly run institution with appalling corporate might not realise the sheer volume and extent of interest governance? in what goes on in the Palace of Westminster far beyond the debates in the Chamber. My hon. Friend is right Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend is right; many Members about the issues for coastal towns, which he understands will be very disappointed by this situation, particularly so well. That is why we created the coastal communities given that, not very long ago, the Leader of the Opposition fund of £23.7 million in 2012 to help coastal towns and was talking about the ethics and responsibility of the villages provide training and employment opportunities. Co-op—it is a pity that it came to all this. Many of us In August last year, we announced that that fund would have a sense that we are having to deal with so many of be increased to £29 million, and that it would be extended the abuses in the banking system in the past. The until 2016. That in itself is a manifestation of the Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act 2013 will be Government’s support for the issues that my hon. Friend very important in that respect, and I hope that some of raises. the principles that this Government are putting in place for future conduct in the banking system will be fully Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): In manslaughter embraced in the governance of the Co-op. cases in which a single punch to the head has resulted in death, we are seeing absurdly low sentences, as permitted Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): All the scientific evidence under sentencing guidelines. Obviously, I want much now agrees that concussion can be fatal, yet the Rugby tougher sentences. Will my right hon. Friend agree to Football Union, the Welsh Rugby Union, the Football give the Chamber the chance to debate this very serious Association, the premiership and the governing bodies issue? of many of the other sports in this country are in complete denial about the danger that is posed to many Mr Lansley: I am interested in what my hon. Friend of their players, particularly young players. I do not has to say. I think that the subject may be in the scope of want a debate on this, because the danger is too serious; debate on the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill. I encourage I want the Leader of the House, now that we are getting him to raise these issues; it is important for Parliament on so well, to organise, with me, the setting up of a to set out its expectations regarding sentencing guidelines. parliamentary commission of inquiry into concussion The Bill will, I hope, be an opportunity for the issue to in sport, so that we can save people’s lives. be debated.

Mr Lansley: I cannot offer the hon. Gentleman that. Mr Speaker: Order. I thank the Leader of the House I recognise the problem; obviously, I had a health and colleagues for the very timely progress that we interest over many years, and on a number of occasions made in this session. 427 13 MARCH 2014 School Funding 428

School Funding the actual characteristics of their pupils and schools, rather than simply on the basis of historical levels of spending. 11.23 am Given the importance to schools of stability and The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): With certainty in these difficult economic times, we have permission, I would like to make a statement about the decided not to set out a multi-year process of converging action we are taking today to deliver fair funding in all local authorities towards a single funding formula. English schools. We have concluded that the right time to do this would be when there are multi-year public spending plans, so The school funding system that we inherited is unfair. we can give greater certainty to schools. But the case for Previous Governments knew that the system was unfair action is so strong that we intend to act immediately—I but failed to act to reform it. For too long, the school know that the hon. Member for Cardiff West (Kevin funding system has been based on historical data that Brennan) will be pleased to hear this—to deliver a were out of date and no longer reflected pupils’ needs. substantial £350 million boost to schools in the least That has resulted in a system that is opaque, overly fairly funded local authorities in the country. We will be complex, and, frankly, unfair to pupils, parents and able to achieve this—Opposition Members will welcome teachers. this as well—without any local authority receiving a cut Sometimes, similar schools just miles apart can be to its per pupil schools budget. The extra money will be funded at very different levels, merely because they allocated in April 2015, for the 2015-16 financial year, happen to be in different local authority areas. In other delivering in this Parliament, and not, as previous cases, schools with many disadvantaged pupils can end Governments have done, talking and then delaying up being funded at a level that is well below that of a until the future. No local authority or school will lose nearby school in a more affluent catchment. For example, from this proposal, but around four in 10 areas will a school in Birmingham in which only 3% of pupils gain. We are able to deliver this significant boost by receive free school meals gets higher funding per head using money from within our protected schools budget than a school in Shropshire in which over 30% of pupils and because of additional money from the Treasury. are eligible for free school meals. That unfair and inefficient This is only the start of the transition to fairer funding allocation of funding to pupils stops us making sure and eventually a national funding formula, but it is the that all children get the best possible teaching. biggest step towards fairer schools funding in a decade. Many right hon. and hon. Members have campaigned Today, the Secretary of State and I are publishing a for fairness, and the coalition has made it clear that it consultation on fairer school funding in 2015, and I will not only recognises the problem but will act decisively explain briefly our proposals in this document. To to address it. I pay tribute to the many hon. Friends allocate the additional funding fairly, we are proposing who have campaigned strongly on the subject for many that for 2015-16 every local authority will attract a years: my hon. Friends the Members for North Devon minimum funding level for every pupil and school. We (Sir Nick Harvey), for Cambridge (Dr Huppert), for propose to set a minimum funding level for the basic Worcester (Mr Walker), for Norwich South (Simon amount that all pupils should attract; for deprived Wright), for Chippenham (Duncan Hames), for pupils; for pupils with English as an additional language; Huntingdon (Mr Djanogly), for Gloucester (Richard for pupils with low levels of attainment on entering Graham), and for Loughborough (Nicky Morgan), and school; and for pupils who have been looked after—for many others. example, in foster care. We also propose to set a minimum I also pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for level of funding that all schools should attract, regardless Mid Dorset and North Poole (Annette Brooke), who of size, to help with fixed costs, such as employing a tells me that she first raised the issue 13 years ago in her head teacher, and to help smaller schools. I plan to set a maiden speech. Most of her campaigns deliver success minimum level of additional funding that schools in over a shorter time scale. I hope she will be pleased with sparsely populated areas that are vital to serving rural the announcement today. communities should attract. We have already made more progress than any recent We will also, of course, apply higher funding to Government in moving towards a fair funding system. certain areas where teacher pay costs are higher. Our We have made significant progress at a local level, where consultation document sets out our proposals in full for we inherited an unnecessarily complicated system. Our all the minimum funding levels. Where there is a gap reforms for 2013-14 and 2014-15 mean that the system between a local authority’s budget and what it needs to is now fairer, simpler and more transparent, with at meet our new minimum funding levels, the Department least 80% of funding now allocated on the basis of the for Education will give the local authority additional need of each pupil within a school. These local reforms funding to close that gap in 2015-16. Where a local represent a significant step forward, but we now want to authority’s budget already exceeds what it needs to make funding fairer at the national level by addressing meet our minimum funding levels, we will not make any the distribution of funding between local authorities. change to the amount of per pupil funding that it receives from the DFE. I confirm that no local authority The Government announced in the spending review and no school will receive less funding per pupil as a last summer that they would consult on how to allocate result of these proposals. schools funding in a fairer way, and we will now do this. Today I can confirm that in 2015-16 we will take the The proposals will mean that local authorities that first huge step towards delivering this fairer national currently receive unfairly low funding, such as funding. This will be the first time in a decade that Cambridgeshire, will have their funding significantly funding has been allocated to local areas on the basis of boosted. Based on the indicative figures set out in our 429 School Funding13 MARCH 2014 School Funding 430 consultation document, Cambridgeshire will see a long- the need for an additional 250,000 places by next year. awaited increase to its schools budget of about 7%. That has big implications for the allocation of education That will increase Cambridgeshire’s per pupil funding funding. rate from about £3,950 a year to £4,225, an uplift in Ministers have shown a degree of complacency in 2015-16 of £275 a pupil. Based on current estimates, addressing the primary school places crisis. In less than that equates to a boost of about £20 million for schools a month, parents will learn the outcome of their application in Cambridgeshire. I am sure that the announcement for their child’s primary school place and we know that will be welcomed by Cambridgeshire MPs, including under this Government we have seen a doubling of the the Leader of the House and my hon. Friend the number of classes with more than 30 pupils and—do Member for Cambridge, and their constituents who not worry, I will not take up 1,400 words, as the Minister have campaigned for many years for further funding. did—a trebling in the number of primary schools with Cambridgeshire is just one of 60 local authorities more than 800 pupils. The pressures are real, which is that, based on current estimates, stand to gain from why it is so alarming that according to NAO data two today’s historic announcement of an extra £350 million thirds of all places created by the free school programme in funding for schools. I can tell hon. Members that are being diverted from areas of high and severe need by percentage rise the top 15 of the 60 authorities are for primary places. In secondary schools, only 19% of likely to be Bromley, Cambridgeshire, Brent, Sutton, places—[Interruption.] Government Members should Northumberland, South Gloucestershire, Shropshire, listen to this—they should listen with their ears, rather Merton, Croydon, Bournemouth, Buckinghamshire, than their mouths. In secondary schools, only 19% of Cheshire West and Chester, Leicestershire, Warwickshire places are in areas of need. That cannot be right, and Devon. In addition, areas such as Norfolk would particularly on a day when another free school has gone receive an extra £16 million, Derbyshire £14 million and into special measures. Surrey almost £25 million. Of course, many traditionally low-funded rural authorities are on that list, but hon. We have to take any statements on finance from the Members will want to note that areas such as Blackpool, Schools Minister with a pinch of salt, because he has Brent, Bury and, indeed, Stoke-on-Trent would gain form. He used to claim when in opposition that the under these plans. I hope that Members on both sides of pupil premium would be additional money in real terms the House will welcome these announcements. for schools, but, as he admitted today in his statement, it is not additional money in real terms. What are the I know that the plans will certainly be welcomed in implications of the statement for the pupil premium many schools across the country, scores of which have and for non-local authority schools? been generously funded by the coalition Government at a time of austerity, with a £2.5 billion pupil premium The idea of a national funding formula has merit, but being added to a per pupil budget that is protected in it must be debated openly and transparently. The coalition cash terms. We understand, however, that schools, like has said that it is committed to a new national funding all public sector organisations, face cost pressures from formula by 2015-16. Can we assume from today’s statement pay, energy price inflation and the necessary implementation that this has been filed away in the drawer marked “Too of the proposals of the Hutton report on paying for difficult”, and that there will be no new comprehensive high-quality public sector pensions. The changes will funding formula under this increasingly impotent ensure that the least well-funded schools can now not Government? just deal with such pressures but spend extra money to The Minister claimed that previous Governments did improve attainment. nothing on this. That is nonsense. The Institute for The consultation document we are publishing today Fiscal Studies has warned that a new national funding sets out our proposals in detail. A copy of the document formula will have winners and losers. If Ministers are will be placed in the House Library and in the Vote pursuing the national funding formula, they must do so Office. We welcome input and feedback from schools, in an open and transparent way and be clear about who local authorities and the wider public. I look forward to will lose out. So can the right hon. Gentleman confirm— considering their views before we announce final [Interruption.] Hon. Members are living in cloud cuckoo arrangements for school funding for 2015-16. land if they think no one is going to lose out. Can the Today’s £350 million increase in funding represents a Minister confirm that there are no losers from this huge step forward towards fair funding in English schools announcement because he has decided to leave the bad and will make a real difference on the ground. It delivers news for those he intends to hit with cuts, including his fairness without creating instability, uncertainty or cuts hon. Friends who are so voluble, until after the next in better-funded areas. We remain committed to further general election? funding reform once the long-term spending plans are If this is genuinely new money for education, it will available after the next spending review. I commend the have a Barnett formula consequential for the devolved proposals to the House. Administrations, which I know will be of interest to all political parties in the devolved nations, including the Minister’s own party. Can he confirm that this 11.32 pm announcement contains new money from the Treasury, and say how much the Barnett consequential of that Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): I thank the new money will be for the devolved Administrations Minister for the statement and the small amount of and how much he is taking from his existing budget? It notice we had of its contents. was not clear from his statement how much is new There are growing pressures on education funding Treasury money, and how much he is cutting from the and demographic trends are dictating the need for more schools budget to pay for this part of the announcement. school places, with the National Audit Office reporting I would be grateful if he clarified those figures. 431 School Funding13 MARCH 2014 School Funding 432

[Kevin Brennan] areas such as Cambridgeshire and the others that I have mentioned. If the hon. Gentleman wants to campaign The Minister said in his statement, “We are able to on that, he is welcome to do so. deliver this significant boost by using money from within our protected schools budget and because of Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con): additional money from the Treasury.”The House deserves Gloucestershire is one of the lowest funded local authorities, to know how much will come from each source, where so the Minister of State’s announcement will be very the money is being taken from within the protected much welcomed by schools in the Forest of Dean and schools budget and what the Barnett consequentials across the county. Will he set out for my benefit the are. We learned this week that Ministers have been amount of extra funding that we will get in Gloucestershire? known to put the cart before the horse in devising The good news in his announcement can be detected in policy, and only then to think how they might pay for it. the fact that there are only eight Labour Back Benchers Can the Minister assure us that this is fully costed and interested in schools funding. That is a triumph and not simply another botched spending announcement shows the success of his announcement. from the Department for Education? Mr Laws: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. He Mr Laws: I am grateful, I suppose, to the hon. notes quite correctly that the Labour party does not like Gentleman for his response, but all of us in the House to hear good news on this or on any other issue. I can are still none the wiser about whether the Labour party tell him that the news for Gloucestershire is good. The supports the proposals I am announcing today. Perhaps proposals on which we are consulting today would give there could be some indication of this from the Labour almost £10 million extra to Gloucestershire schools. Front Bench. Do I take it from all those critical comments They would potentially increase the per pupil funding that the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central (Tristram rate from just over £4,200 per pupil to £4,331. Furthermore, Hunt) proposes to send back the money we are going to south Gloucestershire is a gainer from these proposals, allocate to Stoke-on-Trent—potentially £4 million to gaining more than £8.5 million. Its per pupil funding his area? We are unaware from the statement whether rate would rise from around £3,969 to £4,217, which is a the Labour party supports these proposals. Or is the massive increase that will be welcomed by schools in hon. Member for Cardiff West (Kevin Brennan) genuinely that area. embarrassed that his party failed to deal with the issue of underfunded areas year in, year out, in spite of clear Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): Under this evidence of unfair funding throughout the country? Government, changes to local government funding have benefited the wealthiest areas at the expense of the To come to the points that the hon. Gentleman did areas of greatest deprivation, especially in places such make, few of which were about the contents of my as Sefton and the other metropolitan boroughs. Can the statement, I do not know how he has the nerve to Minister assure us that the same thing will not happen accuse this Government of complacency over school when it comes to school funding? place planning, when the amount of money that we are putting into basic need is many multiples of the amount that the previous Government put in. How can he talk Mr Laws: I completely disagree with the hon. Gentleman. about complacency when his was a Government who If he goes to some of the most disadvantaged communities ignored all the forecasts of the Office for National in the country, he will find that they are extremely Statistics from 2003 onwards and were taking out 250,000 welcoming of the Government’s actions, particularly on primary schools places at a time when the population the pupil premium that has been put into authorities, was increasing? That is behind many of the problems some of which were already receiving generous levels of that we face in parts of the country today where Labour disadvantage funding. Schools in many of those areas was closing down places when it should have been welcome the action that we have taken as a coalition funding them. Government. They welcome the pupil premium, which, because it follow disadvantage, has gone heavily to the On the pupil premium, it is clear that we have protected, areas he is talking about. in cash terms, the settlement for every pupil, and the pupil premium is on top of that. I invite the hon. Mr Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon) (Con): This is Gentleman to go to schools across the country, particularly welcome news for Cambridgeshire. As my right hon. to those in areas of high disadvantage, and try telling Friend knows, Cambridgeshire receives less funding them that this is not extra money. It is making a massive than anywhere else in the country. That has been really difference in some of the most deprived schools. showing in our schools, which have been reducing their Furthermore, I can confirm that in 2014-15 the pupil teachers and struggling under this unfair funding formula. premium will rise for primary schools from £900 to In the past 10 days alone, 750 of my constituents have £1,300, and for secondary schools to £935. It will give signed a petition calling for immediate support. I ask schools thousands and thousands of pounds extra over my right hon. Friend to look kindly on Cambridgeshire a young disadvantaged person’s time in education to when he comes to administering his £350 million pot. improve their educational outcomes, and I am very proud of that. Mr Laws: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend and I We have also made it clear that the right time to set compliment him on the work that he and other county out the national fair funding formula is when we have MPs in Cambridgeshire have done to raise the issue. I multi-year plans, so we can create a sense of certainty. know that there is real anger in Cambridgeshire about We are not, as previous Governments did, simply kicking the fact that it has been left as such an unfairly underfunded this issue into the long grass. For the first time, we are authority for so many years. I hope that schools in that delivering the uplifts that will make a real difference in area will welcome the uplift. The increase on which we 433 School Funding13 MARCH 2014 School Funding 434 are consulting would take the per pupil funding in parents to have to apply and for schools in some parts Cambridgeshire from £3,950 to £4,225, which is an of the country to be so reliant on that process, which increase of around 7%. That is a significant uplift for often means that they do not get the money they its schools. deserve. We will certainly ensure that that issue is addressed as we take these reforms forward. Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): In my experience, announcements made at the Dispatch Box often sound Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): Schools very fair, but when we look at the detail we find a lot of and families in Swindon will warmly welcome this the devil in there as well. I caution Government Back announcement. Will my right hon. Friend outline the Benchers to heed those words. Some local authorities extent of the increase that schools in Swindon will enjoy are missing out but will receive what is effectively transitional and pay tribute to the work of f40—the Campaign for funding. How long will that last? Will they fall Fairer Funding in Education—and my hon. Friend the off a precipice in 2016 and find themselves severely Member for Worcester (Mr Walker), who has worked disadvantaged? What transparency will there be, because so hard with many of us on that? it is very important that we are able to scrutinise this, including in relation to capital funding? I am waiting Mr Laws: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his for Corelli college in my constituency to hear from the welcome. Swindon is one of the authorities that will Education Funding Agency, but it is very difficult to benefit from these changes. It currently receives funding find out by what criteria it is being judged so that I of around £4,100 per pupil. Under the proposals we are know what to expect when funding is decided. We need announcing today, which we will consult on, that will more transparency in all cases. increase by £100 per pupil, delivering almost £3 million extra to Swindon. Mr Laws: This is not overnight funding; we intend to address these issues for the long term. On fairness, I just Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): Halton is the 27th most point out to the hon. Gentleman, as I did in my statement, deprived borough in England. Is it a gainer under these that the funding will help not only underfunded rural proposals? Will it gain as much as, say, Cambridge? areas, but areas such as Brent, Blackpool, Bury and Mr Laws: There are 153 authorities, so I will have to Stoke-on-Trent. On capital funding, if he has concerns write to the hon. Gentleman on that point. He can also about schools in his constituency, I would be happy to pick up a copy of the details from the Vote Office. meet him to discuss them. Given the level of deprivation, his constituency will be receiving a huge amount of pupil premium funding, Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): Cambridgeshire which was never received under the Government he has been underfunded for 30 years now and, at £600 per supported. pupil below the English average, is right at the bottom of the pack. At last this Government are doing something Stephen Barclay (North East Cambridgeshire) (Con): about it, as others have not. On behalf of all those who I join my Cambridgeshire colleagues in welcoming have campaigned on the issue for so many years, particularly this rise, which is much needed by schools in East the Cambridgeshire schools forum and Cambridge News, Cambridgeshire and Fenland in my constituency. Does I thank my right hon. Friend the Minister. I urge him to he agree that parents will not forget the unfair allocation ensure that this actually happens. left by the previous Labour Government, which has penalised our schools for the first half of this Parliament? Mr Laws: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. We are determined to ensure that these changes take place. Mr Laws: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. I congratulate him on being such a robust campaigner Cambridgeshire parents will not forget the underfunding for these changes—hardly a week has gone by over the under the previous Government, and they will also be past few years when he has not lobbied me for fair worried about what would happen if a Labour Government funding for Cambridgeshire. I know that there are came back in, because there seems to be a complete schools in the county that are in vision distance of absence of commitment to these changes on the part of schools in other authorities that are funded in a totally Labour Members. different way. That was always unfair and we are now addressing it. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): It is good finally to get this statement, but, as my hon. Friend the Member Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab): Currently, schools for Eltham (Clive Efford) said, the devil will be in the get the pupil premium based on the number of parents detail in relation to where the money comes from and who apply for free school meals. If all children in where it goes to. Given that 16 to 18-year-olds are reception, year 1 and year 2 will get a free school meal already funded 22% less than five to 16-year-olds, does in future and parents no longer have to apply, how will this change mean that they will be funded even less, or the pupil premium be allocated? are they also captured in the concept of fair funding? Mr Laws: This is an announcement for schools and it Mr Laws: As the hon. Lady will know, that is an issue is covered by the schools protection provisions. in places, such as Newham and Durham, where the eligibility checking service is being used to ensure that Nic Dakin: There are a lot of 16 to 18-year-olds in all those pupils still get the pupil premium. In the schools. medium term, I believe that the answer is to move to a more automatic system so that, rather than having to Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. rely on parents applying, we can ensure that the money There should be one question and no comments from a is delivered automatically. It should not be necessary for sedentary position—not from a Whip. 435 School Funding13 MARCH 2014 School Funding 436

Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. For many years, schools in my county of Leicestershire If Opposition Front Benchers insist on speaking, it have bumped along the very bottom of the education should be sotto voce and not so that the House can hear funding league tables, in stark contrast to schools in exactly what the hon. Gentleman has said. He had his Leicester, which get £700 per year per pupil more than go at some length—at sufficient length, in my judgment. the county.I commend the excellent work of the f40 group, ably championed by my hon. Friend the Member for Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): It Worcester (Mr Walker). Teachers, parents and pupils is very interesting that the Minister is able to give the across Leicestershire will welcome this statement, but allocations that are relevant to Government Members, will my right hon. Friend assure the House that this is but not those that are relevant to Opposition Members. the beginning of a movement towards fair funding, not Will schools in Hull gain from his proposals? the end of it? Mr Laws: I have mentioned many of the authorities represented by Opposition Members that will gain from Mr Laws: I welcome my hon. Friend’s comments. As the proposals, including Blackpool and many other I made clear, this is the first major step towards fair parts of the country. Of the 153 authorities, 62 will funding, not the last one that we believe is necessary. He gain. I do not believe that Hull is one of the authorities will be pleased to know that the proposals that we are considered to be underfunded. The hon. Lady can issuing for consultation take per-pupil funding in check the precise figures in the papers that are in the Leicestershire from £3,995 up to £4,197—an increase of Vote Office. over 5%. Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I really Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): We have welcome the announcement. It is a significant step heard much today about fairer revenue funding for towards a fairer funding formula, which children in our schools, but I would like to press the Minister again counties were denied by the previous Government. Labour about fairer capital funding. When I met him in November, continues politically to use the education budget for its he was confident that he had secured enough money own areas. I am keen to hear what the announcement from the Treasury to fund the expansion of primary will mean for children in Suffolk, if the Minister has schools in London to meet rising demand, but in Lewisham that information available. we are £27 million short if we are to provide a school place for every child between now and 2017. What Kevin Brennan: Oh, I’m sure he does. guarantee will he give me on funding these expansions? Mr Laws: Labour Members are making a lot of noise, which reflects their embarrassment at the fact Mr Laws: At the end of last year we announced a that this was a problem for years under a Labour massive allocation of capital for basic need right across Government and they did nothing about it. I am sorry the country, with an additional premium for London that the hon. Gentleman does not like to hear good that was very much welcomed by the London authorities. news, but I can give him some more good news for We have allocated for basic need many multiples of the Suffolk, whose funding will go up by more than £9 million, amount that the previous Labour Government did. from £4,241 a pupil to £4,347. [Interruption.] Iam London has been a huge gainer. We have increased the sorry that Labour Members cannot take this in a measured period of time for which we allocate the money to three way or accept that we are doing the right thing to years to allow for forward planning. However, if the deliver fair funding. hon. Lady is still concerned about the situation in her area, I would be delighted to meet her and go through Chris Skidmore (Kingswood) (Con): Under the current the figures. funding regime inherited from Labour, South Gloucestershire is the second-lowest-funded local authority Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD): in the country. I have long campaigned for there to be I welcome the statement and note that it has taken a no difference in funding when it comes to areas of coalition Government to make some progress on fairer deprivation in Kingswood and in neighbouring Bristol, funding for our schools. Given that last year, under its which—this is desperately unfair—gets £750 more per current administration, Poole had the worst key stage 2 pupil. May I welcome the massive increase in funding results across the country, will my right hon. Friend for south Gloucestershire pupils and ask the Minister, confirm the position for Poole? Does he agree that any on behalf of my constituents, what that will mean for extra money that goes to Poole must be put into our pupils in Kingswood? schools to support teachers in improving the outcomes Mr Laws: I am happy to confirm the figure that I for our children? mentioned a moment ago to another Gloucestershire MP, my hon. Friend the Member for Forest of Dean Mr Laws: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. Once (Mr Harper). South Gloucestershire, as my hon. Friend again, I praise her resilience in campaigning on this the Member for Kingswood (Chris Skidmore) correctly issue throughout the long period of the Labour indicates, is one of the areas that have been underfunded Administration, who ignored the issue. I am pleased for a long time. Under the proposals on which we are that it is a coalition Government who are proposing to consulting, its funding will go up from the current raise the amount of funding for Poole from just over £3,969 per pupil to an indicative figure of £4,217. That £4,000 per pupil to £4,142, which would give Poole over 6.3% increase is significant and I know that parents in £2.25 million of additional funding. my hon. Friend’s constituency will welcome it, even if the Labour party does not. Kevin Brennan: The civil service is meant to be independent; this is outrageous. Kevin Brennan: Oh, shut up. 437 School Funding13 MARCH 2014 School Funding 438

Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. funding has been particularly badly hit by the inclusion The whole House heard the hon. Gentleman’s remark of the historical element in the funding formula—but from a sedentary position. An apology would be when will we hear further announcements about progress appropriate. towards a fully fair funding formula, and will that happen within the next 12 months? Kevin Brennan: Without reservation, I apologise. Mr Laws: We will now have the consultation on the Madam Deputy Speaker: I thank the hon. Gentleman measures announced today. We will listen to the feedback for acting honourably and trust he will now be a little we get from parents, teachers and others, and we will quieter. then make a final decision about the settlement for 2015-16. Given the importance of stability, we do not Sir Nick Harvey (North Devon) (LD): May I warmly think it right to fix plans for years beyond 2015-16 until welcome this significant step in the right direction? An we know the education budgets for those years. It is for extra £200 per pupil in Devon is a very welcome step. Of the country to decide at the next election whether it course, we still want to see a fair funding formula, but I wants to return parties that are committed to ongoing recognise that the time to do it will probably be next funding reform. year, when there is a comprehensive spending review. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that, in the event of a Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): In the London new Government being elected and not progressing borough of Harrow, 12 primary schools will add an with this next year, the extra moneys he has announced extra class to each year group this September, and a today will go permanently into the system and will not further three primary schools will do the same the simply be a one-year deal? following September, which amounts to 3,000 extra school places. One problem is the lag between the pupils Mr Laws: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his being allocated and the funding following them. Will support. Our intention is clear that the increases should my right hon. Friend confirm that there will be no be permanent. That relies on the decisions the country attempt to reduce the amount of pupil funding in those will have to make at the next general election. schools, and that the funding will increase in line with his statement? Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his statement Mr Laws: We are certainly trying to ensure that in and on targeting funding towards pupils in the schools areas such as my hon. Friend’s we put in extra money to that need it most. Will he provide a little more information support the expansion of school places that is taking on the implications for north Yorkshire? place. As he knows, we have now had the biggest increase in the primary population since the end of the Mr Laws: I can confirm that north Yorkshire is one second world war, and we are making sure that we put of the authorities affected by today’s announcement. Its all funding, including capital funding, into the system current funding per pupil is £4,338 and, if the consultation to support that increase. goes ahead, it will rise to £4,435. [Interruption.] Iam sorry that Labour Members genuinely are not able to David Morris (Morecambe and Lunesdale) (Con): accept that this is a serious matter and that some of Will my right hon. Friend confirm that had the funding these areas have been underfunded for many years. In criteria been in place a few years ago, the Labour spite of this serious issue, the coalition Government county council would not be shutting down Skerton took the decision to apply the pupil premium and add it school in my constituency? to many areas that were already very well funded. We Mr Laws: Certainly. We are announcing significant took that deliberate decision in the knowledge that that amounts of money today. Hon. Members on both sides would put deprivation first, and we are now making of the House need to reflect on the consequence for sure that we also correct this injustice. many millions of young people over a long period of the fact that their schools were not funded fairly in Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): I many parts of the country. very much welcome the Minister’s statement. It addresses the unfair funding system for students in Medway, Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): I thank my which has some of the worst key stage 2 results in the right hon. Friend for the announcement about basic country. There is a seven-year difference in life expectancy needs capital earlier this year, including the £35 million between two parts of my constituency. Will the Minister to enable Sutton to provide extra secondary school clarify how Medway local authority will benefit under places. In his statement, he mentioned Sutton as one of the proposal? [Interruption.] the potential beneficiaries of the changes. Sutton has been short-changed in funding for education for at least Mr Laws: I of course—it is quite possible to do 30 years, if not 40 years. Will he give us some indication this—have a list of the 62 authorities impacted. If the of the good news that pupils, teachers and schools in hon. Member for West Ham (Lyn Brown) wants one, Sutton can now expect in securing extra resources for she can go and get a copy. Medway’s current funding is teaching? £4,352, which will increase to £4,402 under the proposal. Mr Laws: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): May I tell my welcoming this announcement. In the paper on which right hon. Friend that this announcement will be warmly we will consult, Sutton is among the top five authorities welcomed in Cheltenham and across Gloucestershire— that we consider to be under-funded and is therefore including in schools such as Balcarras, whose sixth-form among the top five beneficiaries. He will know that the 439 School Funding13 MARCH 2014 School Funding 440

[Mr Laws] Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): When I started campaigning on this issue in 2008, Labour said funding rate in Sutton is £4,360 at present; under the locally that I was trying to steal money from neighbouring proposal we are consulting on, it will rise to £4,637, urban areas. Even after this announcement, neighbouring which is an increase of 6.4%. urban areas such as Hull and Doncaster will receive hundreds of pounds more per pupil than my area to Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): Does my meet the additional needs in those areas. I welcome the right hon. Friend agree that the combination of fairer announcement. Will the Minister tell us how much area funding, the pupil premium and the protection extra brass we will be getting in the East Riding of of the overall schools budget amply demonstrates the Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire as a result? Government’s commitment to investing strongly in our nation’s future, while targeting additional resources Mr Laws: There is a long list to go down and Lincolnshire transparently at the places where they are most needed? is certainly on it. Its per pupil funding will rise to £4,370. I will write to my hon. Friend about both Mr Laws: I agree entirely with my hon. Friend. I am authorities. incredibly proud of what we will have done on school funding by the end of this Parliament. At a time of Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): This announcement, austerity, we have put a massive amount into deprivation along with the pupil premium and free school meals for funding, which has helped constituencies across the poor pupils, shows that the Government have a relentless country and the most disadvantaged areas in particular. focus on the poor. When the Minister says that funding Now we are dealing with the long-standing injustice of will be based on the actual characteristics of pupils and other areas having been short-changed. schools, does that relate to areas within counties and not just to counties? Will he set out how the proposals Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): I welcome the movement, will help my constituency of Harlow? at last, towards fairer funding. I also welcome the additional amount for Stoke-on-Trent—a city that is Mr Laws: I should explain that what the Government close to my heart, as well as to my constituency. Will the will do under these proposals is to ensure that each local Minister expand on what today’s announcement will authority area is funded fairly. There will still be flexibility mean in the long term for my county of Staffordshire? for individual local authorities to take decisions about how they allocate that money to their schools. Mr Laws: I am looking down my list, but I will have to come back to my hon. Friend because I do not have Simon Wright (Norwich South) (LD): I welcome the the number immediately to hand, given that there are proposals, which could mean several million pounds of 153 authorities. extra funding for Norfolk schools. Will the Minister confirm that heads will have the freedom to use this John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): Wyvern college in my money to support the professional development of teachers constituency is one of many Wiltshire schools that has and to assess more effectively the impact of training on been historically underfunded. Will the Minister meet pupil outcomes? me to discuss its 10-year deficit? On a more positive note, will he outline the additional per pupil funds that Mr Laws: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his will be available to all Wiltshire schools as a consequence support. He has been a robust campaigner for fairness of today’s announcement? for Norfolk. He is right to say that we must focus not only on the quantity of additional money that is going Mr Laws: I would, of course, be happy to meet my to areas such as Norfolk, which will get £16 million hon. Friend to discuss these matters. Wiltshire is one of extra under our proposals, but on ensuring that the the 60-odd authorities that will benefit from the statement. money is spent effectively. I believe that providing high- Its funding will rise by about £100 per pupil. quality continuing professional development for teachers would be a good way of spending it. Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): Like other Members, I welcome this important step to put right, in the case of Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): Will the Cornwall, more than three decades of unfair funding. Minister join the tributes to my hon. Friend the Member That has left a legacy of crumbling schools that have for Worcester (Mr Walker) who, ironically, cannot be simply not kept up. My right hon. Friend knows about here today but has done incredible work over many Helston community college, because I took a delegation years on this issue? Will he also confirm his announcement to see him about it. Will the fairness that is being on schools in sparsely populated areas, which is important brought in be reflected in future announcements on for Nidderdale high school, Upper Wharfedale and capital funding? other schools in North Yorkshire?

Mr Laws: I assure my hon. Friend that we will bring Mr Laws: My hon. Friend is right to highlight fairness to capital as well as to revenue funding. Under the work done by the hon. Member for Worcester the last Government, capital for maintenance and rebuilding (Mr Walker) in leading the recent campaign at a national was allocated largely on the basis of pupils, rather than level with the so-called F40 authorities, and I am sorry on the basis of the condition of the estate. We are that he cannot be here today because his area gets an surveying the entire school estate. That will allow us, uplift. I agree that sparsity should be a consideration. later this year, to make long-term announcements on We must ensure that where we need more schools because capital that are informed by the actual condition of of rurality, that is reflected in the way we fund local schools across the country. authorities. 441 School Funding 13 MARCH 2014 442

Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): A surprising Points of Order last-minute entry, Mr Bill Wiggin. Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): On a point of order, Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire) (Con): I have Madam Deputy Speaker. I seek your guidance. We have thoroughly enjoyed listening to the statement and hearing had a blatant attempt by the Minister not to answer how my right hon. Friend is teasing Labour Members questions from Labour Members. I asked him specifically by not telling them their figures. Will he remember and about the impact on Halton. I have just checked the reinforce the unfairness that we have had to put up with figures, and—surprise, surprise—Halton is not included for so many years, and turn the knife by telling us how among the areas that will benefit. The Minister deliberately much Herefordshire is getting? answered Government Members, but would not answer questions from Labour Members. That is a great disrespect to this House. Mr Laws: Yes, I certainly can. Herefordshire is one of the authorities that were underfunded by previous Labour Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): The Governments, and it will gain as a consequence of this hon. Gentleman knows, as the House knows, that that announcement with funding rising to around £4,430 a is a continuation of the debate and not a point of order pupil. for the Chair. He has made his point, and I am sure the Minister has heard it. Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. We were told that the figures for our constituencies would be in the document, but I went to the Vote Office and they are not. We have only a list of 62 authorities that have benefited from the £350 million that has been announced today. Furthermore—this is important—the document states that there are implications for converging funding under one formula in the future. That clearly has serious consequences for the constituents of those of us who miss out, but we are not being told. We have a right to know. Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Is it in order that in a serious debate on school funding, the shadow Minister behaves like a school bully in the playground—[Interruption.] Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. I thought the hon. Gentleman was going to make a point of order further to that raised by the hon. Member for Eltham (Clive Efford). That is not a point of order but rather a matter for me to deal with. I have dealt with it, and the shadow Minister has acknowledged that and apologised. I fully appreciate that the hon. Member for Eltham is making a point about which he feels passionately, but it is not a matter on which the Chair can rule at this moment. The information given to the House by the Minister is a matter for him. He is here and hears the point. If he would care to respond to the point of order, I give him the opportunity to do so. Mr Laws: I am delighted to confirm, as I made clear in my statement, that we have listed the authorities that are gaining from the changes we are making today. Authorities not on the list are not losing anything; they are protected. Derek Twigg rose— Madam Deputy Speaker: The hon. Gentleman has already made his point and it was not a point or order. This statement has run for three quarters of an hour and has now come to an end. 443 13 MARCH 2014 444

Local Government Procurement First, local government needs to lead the change in partnership with central Government and other partners. We commend the work undertaken to date by many Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Before councils and the Local Government Association. We I call the Chair of the Communities and Local Government endorse the sector-led approach to supporting council Committee, it might be helpful to the House if I explain action since it is an effective means of spreading good again briefly the new procedure to which it agreed last practice while tailoring procurement to local needs. year—[Interruption.] Order. If hon. Members are Nevertheless, a step-change is now needed for successes dissatisfied with the last statement, they must find another to be replicated across the country, and for detailed way of taking up their points and not cause a disturbance support to be provided to tackle all complex aspects of in the Chamber. procurement. We therefore conclude that the LGA, Essentially, the pattern is the same as for a ministerial with the support of DCLG, should establish a taskforce statement. The hon. Member for Sheffield South East with representatives of the private and third sectors to (Mr Betts) will speak for up to 10 minutes—there is develop an action plan for improving council capacity no obligation to take all that time—during which no to conduct effective procurement. We recommend that interventions may be taken. At the conclusion of his the Cabinet Office dedicate resources to ensure that statement, I will call Members who rise to put questions lessons learned in central Government are translated to the hon. Gentleman, and call him to respond to those into effective council action where appropriate, and in turn. Members can expect to be called only once. vice versa. Interventions should be questions and should be brief, Secondly, procurement excellence needs to be embedded and those on the Front Benches may take part in across councils, not seen as the preserve of a handful of questioning. The same procedure will be followed for specialists. A lesson we learned during the Committee’s the statement from the Chair of the International visit to my city of Sheffield, was that procurement Development Committee, which follows this statement. should not be seen as a niche activity, conducted in I call the Chair of the Communities and Local back offices by a narrow set of specialists, but rather as Government Committee. a vital cross-cutting activity that requires in-depth skills from all staff involved in designing, commissioning and particularly managing services once contracts are let. 12.15 pm To achieve that, councils must step up training, and the sector—especially the Local Government Association— Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab) (Select needs to ensure that procurement skills are embedded Committee Statement): I am delighted to present the across councils. Investment in procurement skills should sixth report from the Communities and Local Government be seen as a wise investment now because it saves money Committee on local government procurement, HC 712. in the future. Councils should look at adopting the I thank the Backbench Business Committee for giving toolkit developed by Sheffield city council, and the us this opportunity, as well as our special adviser, Colin Cabinet Office should consider how the Government’s Cram, and the second Clerk to the Committee, Sarah Commissioning Academy can help develop the skills of Coe, who led the work in producing the report. local government officers. Local government spends about a quarter of its The third overarching recommendation is the need annual expenditure—some £45 billion—on procuring for political and officer leadership. Procurement goods and services. At a time of financial constraint in improvement must be spearheaded by council cabinet local government, my Committee thought it timely to members and front-line councillors, with the close examine how successfully councils across the country involvement of senior officers. We commend the LGA are delivering value for money and meeting wider objectives. for putting procurement at the top table within councils. I am pleased that we found evidence of much good We can see considerable advantage to councils identifying progress in many local authorities. Councils are cutting a lead cabinet member and a senior officer who will take costs and reducing the burdens on those doing business overall responsibility for procurement. Councils should with them, strengthening links with the delivery of also ensure that front-line councillors have a clearly community objectives, improving risk management, and defined role in reviewing and scrutinising procurement, taking steps to reduce fraud. We also found, however, including outsourced contracts, and their impact on that evidence of progress was patchy across the country. services for residents. In the end, that is what is important: That is extremely worrying given that councils face the services for residents. challenges of managing increasingly complex procurement We would like all councils to make an annual statement operations, while at the same time, for obvious reasons, to their full council meetings to set out their strategy for they need to make cost savings and preserve the quality incorporating economic, social and environmental value of services for their communities. in procurement, including employment terms and The Committee makes a number of recommendations conditions, impact on local economies and small businesses, in the report about how the sector and its partners, and relationships between contractors, customers and including central Government, can work together to the relevant councils. ensure that councils step-up their efforts to commit to In total, the Committee makes 29 specific delivering first-class procurement. As in all our reports, recommendations. You will probably be pleased to hear, the Committee takes a localist approach, giving councils Madam Deputy Speaker, that I do not have time to the freedom to tailor their approaches to meet local go into all of them, but I will mention some key needs—hence we urge the sector to take the lead in this recommendations. matter. The Committee makes three overarching On value for money, councils have shown that they recommendations and a number of specific points. I can save millions of pounds through joining up with will refer initially to the three overarching points. each other and other public sector bodies, directly or 445 Local Government Procurement13 MARCH 2014 Local Government Procurement 446 via procurement organisations, to buy some goods and against them auditable. We support the Government’s services. However, opportunities are not being taken commitment to open-book accounting. Councils should fully and we estimate, conservatively, additional savings consider placing similar requirements on information of approximately £1.8 billion could be achieved with provision by contractors as applied to a public body better collaborative approaches. The LGA should review under freedom of information regulations to provide a collaborative approaches and produce best practice level playing field. We heard that one of the best means guidance. It should continue to focus on supporting of identifying fraud was whistleblowing. More needs to councils to collaborate in key spend areas—particularly be done to support whistleblowers and the Government in IT, energy and construction, where it is relatively easy must publicise arrangements for an anonymous reporting for collaboration to save money—while recognising the channel. importance of local freedoms and flexibilities. Securing The measures set out in our report will help to savings should not come at the expense of delivering achieve a vision of better procurement and commissioning wider commissioning objectives, such as supporting from local councils. We hope that the Government, local economies. There can be no compulsion to collaborate local government sector leaders and individual councils or to join a centralised procurement body. Councils will pay heed to our recommendations. must retain the flexibility to deliver local priorities, but should consider examples of good practice. Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): I welcome the On delivering economic, social and environmental statement and the contribution we have all made to the objectives, the Committee was clear that councils should report. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that we uncovered exploit fully the potential of their procurement spend to many examples of good practice, but that no authority deliver local strategic priorities, including social, economic is doing all those things? We desperately need to ensure and environmental objectives, by letting contracts, as that examples of good practice are followed by all local appropriate locally, on the basis of best value, not authorities, so that every resident benefits from the simply lowest price. A case in point is support for small good practice of the best authorities. local businesses, which all local authorities are keen to support. Some 47% of council spend is currently channelled Mr Betts: Absolutely. That was the theme right the via small and medium-sized enterprises. There is clearly way through the inquiry. There is a lot of good work much good practice, but more could be done, for example out there and the best way to persuade local authorities by the LGA disseminating best practice and guidance. to change is to show them another local authority that On reducing costs to businesses, the cost to a business is doing things in a better way. That is why the LGA is of a typical council procurement exercise can be about key to delivering improvements; with many of our £40,000 to £50,000. A Centre for Economics and Business reports, that is probably not the case. We are looking to Research report published in July 2013 found that UK the LGA and the Department for Communities and procurement processes were the most expensive in the Local Government to work together to set up a taskforce EU and took some 53 days longer than average. Too to bring examples of good practice together and disseminate many councils are applying EU regulations over-zealously. them to councils up and down the country. The Government and the LGA should spell out what is a proportionate approach. Pre-qualification questionnaires Simon Danczuk (Rochdale) (Lab): I thank my hon. should be standardised, so that councils do not require Friend for his excellent chairmanship of the Select a new form for every contract and potential suppliers Committee and for this inquiry in particular. If he were do not find themselves having to fill in different forms to read my article for the new think-tank, the Entrepreneurs for every local authority and every public body. There Network, he would see that I suggest a kitemark scheme should be standardisation to reduce costs. Councils for local government that encourages councils to be must include requirements in contracts that contractors small business friendly, not least on procurement. Does stick to timetables for paying their subcontractors right he think that the LGA could adopt that and take it down the supply chain, with spot checks on implementation. forward? It is not acceptable for firms to delay payment, which puts smaller firms, in particular, at risk of cash-flow Mr Betts: The Select Committee did not consider crises. that particular proposal, but it is interesting. We recommend that the LGA sets up a taskforce and I am sure that that Outsourcing a contract does not mean outsourcing is something it can consider. Indeed, every council responsibility for ensuring quality and consistency of should consider it. One of our recommendations is that service to residents. It is therefore alarming that in the once a year there should be a report to the whole worst cases councils not only fail to monitor quality but council on a local authority’s procurement practices, bear the costs when a contractor fails to deliver its side with specific attention given to how local authorities of the contract. It is vital that councils are equipped to deal with small businesses and local businesses as part manage complex contracts. Greater voluntary collaborative of their commissioning approach. That is something work between regional procurement bodies can open individual councils could consider, too. up access to specialist procurement skills to help to tackle this problem. Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): I thank On fraud, we found little hard evidence of significant the hon. Gentleman for his Committee’s report. fraud, but widespread unease that, as more services are Procurement is about not just getting value for money, put out to tender, local authorities are at much greater but ensuring that small local companies can access risk. Councils must not “let and forget” contracts, but contracts. Did the Committee consider the procurement proactively tackle fraud throughout the lifetime of a of local food and produce, so that we have the chance to contract, not just during the tender phase. Contracts let ensure that good quality, high welfare standard food is by public bodies must be transparent and performance fed to our children and used in our hospitals? 447 Local Government Procurement13 MARCH 2014 Local Government Procurement 448

Mr Betts: We did not look specifically at food I am glad that my hon. Friend has drawn on it, because contracts—obviously, with £45 billion of spending, there it revealed the openness of local government to abuse is a wide range of contracts—but we found that local and, indeed, corruption. I think that we must be eternally government commissions and procures about 40% of vigilant. its expenditure from small businesses. That is a higher I urge the Committee to move on to the agenda that percentage than for central Government, so there are has been set out in my constituency, and look into the many good examples. We recommended that councils concerns that have been expressed about local government should have an annual report. That would allow them performance in our area. to consider how to deal with small businesses and tailor commissioning to enable them to compete for contracts; Mr Betts: My hon. Friend has raised a number of that is an important element of the recommendation. points. Let me deal first with his point about transparency. That should be embedded in council policy from the We support open-book accounting, but I accept that beginning. Councils should not just suddenly think, that means opening the books to the councils themselves “Oh dear, that contract hasn’t really given small businesses rather than a wider agenda. Freedom of information is a chance” after it is let. It should be embodied in the often not applied to every aspect of a contractor’s policy of the council from the beginning. dealings. We urged councils to consider making that so, but did not direct them to do so because ultimately this Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab): I congratulate is a local matter and they should be free to make that my hon. Friend, the Chair of the Select Committee on decision. As for whistleblowing, we concluded that a which I serve, on his statement. Does he agree that the clear system that contractors would be required to £45 billion of procurement for which local government adopt should be written into the contracts. There should is responsible makes a considerable contribution to be no effect on a whistleblower. They should be protected economic growth and sets a good example—I think he as part of the contract. If any whistleblower raises alluded to this in his response to the hon. Member for concerns with a contractor, the information must be Tiverton and Honiton (Neil Parish)—that central passed on to the council. We also considered ways of Government would do well to follow? Procurement enabling whistleblowers to draw attention to problems should benefit the British economy rather than being anonymously, which would probably involve a role for expended overseas, something we unfortunately see with the National Audit Office. central Government procurement, such as with the contract for the Thameslink deal that should have gone Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): I congratulate to Bombardier but went to Siemens. my hon. Friend on his statement. He rightly referred to a move from lowest cost to best value. He will, of Mr Betts: Some of the councils that we studied took course, be aware of legislation passed by the last Labour a robust and considered approach to benefits for their Government, which stipulated that all public bodies local economies, while others did not do quite so well in should procure only legal and sustainable timber. Did that regard. Again, it is necessary to learn from good the Committee carry out any investigations of the progress practice. We asked the Government to carry out a that local authorities are making in that respect? post-legislative review of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, which gives councils certain responsibilities, Mr Betts: I am afraid that I cannot provide a great to consider its impact on local economies, and to extend deal of further enlightenment. We did not receive much its social value requirements to smaller contracts, which evidence relating to the environmental elements of local it does not currently cover. government commissioning. What was clear to us, however, was that, although cost is obviously very important to John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I councils at this time, other important issues, such as the welcome the report, but I urge my hon. Friend and the quality of service, economic and social added value, Committee to go further. I asked a succession of ex-council and indeed environmental impacts and implications, officers, serving officers and members of residents’ should be considered by councils as part of their associations in the London borough of Hillingdon to procurement strategies. consider some of the issues raised in the report. Let me give some examples. The first is the use of part 2 of the Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): I welcome my hon. “Cabinet Meetings” document to maintain secrecy on Friend’s statement. As the report makes clear, procurement matters relating to contracts that should be open and is inextricably linked with local government aspirations transparent, including poor performance and, in particular, relating to the pursuit of social value and community decision making by councillors. The second is the use of benefit, collaboration to obtain best value for money, compromise agreements involving a gagging clause greater transparency and a better understanding of preventing staff from exposing what has gone on after risk. I particularly welcome the suggestion that there they have left. should be more guidance on best practice in procurement As for my third example, let me introduce my hon. to increase the number of local apprenticeships and Friend to a term that is currently being used in the trainee opportunities. Does he agree that central London borough of Hillingdon: the term “be restructured”. Government should support that work, so that much It means that the department of a whistleblower, or more can be done locally to strengthen our economy anyone who questions or criticises any decision made and deliver good outcomes for local people? by the council, particularly decisions made by the leader of the council, will suddenly “be restructured”, and the Mr Betts: Absolutely. We believe that that is now whistleblower will be without a job. That is unacceptable. a matter for central Government—the Department for I think that I was the first Member to refer to the Communities and Local Government and the Cabinet Transparency International report in the Chamber, and Office, whose commissioning academy could be used to 449 Local Government Procurement 13 MARCH 2014 450 increase skills in local authorities—and for the Local Burma Government Association. Many examples of good practice will be sector-led. A number of councils are doing excellent work across the political spectrum in encouraging contractors to take on apprentices as part of an overall 12.37 pm council policy, but the practice would be a great deal more effective and beneficial if it were adopted by other Sir Malcolm Bruce (Gordon) (LD): Following the councils. That aim is at the heart of our report. point of order from the hon. Member for Brent North I thank all members of the Committee for their work. (Barry Gardiner), I am pleased to see the Minister of I believe that the report makes many good recommendations State, Department for International Development, the that will enable us to make progress. It was approved by right hon. Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr Duncan) the whole Committee, and that is the basis on which we sitting on the Front Bench. always try to work. I welcome the opportunity to make a statement on the International Development Committee’s report on Barry Gardiner: On a point of order, Madam Deputy democracy and development in Burma, which is also Speaker. Before the statement, you were good enough known as Myanmar. There is a little item in the report to explain the procedures—which are rather novel for about the issue of its name. I had the privilege of the House—that would govern its delivery and the visiting Burma last July as part of a delegation led by subsequent questions. Can you tell me whether it is in Mr Speaker and including my fellow Committee member order, when such a statement is made by the Chair of a the hon. Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce), as well Select Committee, for no Minister from the relevant as the hon. Member for Walsall South (Valerie Vaz). Department to be present? The Committee also visited the country last November. We spent time in and around Yangon, and in the Mr Betts: Further to that point of order, Madam capital, Naypyidaw. From Naypyidaw we drove down Deputy Speaker. A local government Minister—the to Mandalay, stopping en route, and then made visits in Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local and around Mandalay. Government, the hon. Member for Bristol West (Stephen Williams)—was asked to attend, but he thought that the We concluded that Burma presents unique challenges statement would be made earlier, and he had a ministerial in comparison with any of the United Kingdom’s other commitment outside the House. He rang my office to bilateral aid partners. As most people know, the country apologise and I accepted his apology. The Deputy Chief has endured 60 years of conflict and decades of military Whip is representing him on the Front Bench, but dictatorship, during which development and progress obviously the Deputy Chief Whip could not speak. have regressed. Per capita GDP is $800, while the per capita income of its neighbour Thailand is $4,800. Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): I thank Although the UK has remained engaged and has provided the Chairman of the Select Committee for explaining support, the circumstances have been difficult, as the the background. Committee observed in its last report in 2007. At that It is so refreshing to hear a point of order that is a time, we could only visit refugee camps on the Thai point of order! I can respond to the genuine point of border; we could not visit the country itself. order raised by the hon. Member for Brent North Since cyclone Nargis devastated the country, it has (Barry Gardiner) by saying that a Minister—albeit a become apparent internally that if the country is to Whip—was present throughout the proceedings. It is develop, it needs to change. The military Government not necessary for Front Benchers to take part in statements have transferred some powers to the Parliament, and of that kind. It is of course desirable for the relevant after by-elections last year, Aung San Suu Kyi was Minister to pay attention to what is happening in the elected to Parliament along with 42 of her National Chamber as a result of a Select Committee’s deliberations, League for Democracy colleagues. Full elections are but the Select Committee Chairman has explained very promised for next year. well what happened this morning. I am glad to have had an opportunity to explain further how the new procedure While a host of problems remain, a key opportunity will work, and I therefore thank the hon. Gentleman for exists for UK development programmes to help deliver his point of order. transformational change. We must seize the moment. The Committee’s main conclusions are: that the Department for International Development should be more engaged with the political nature of Burma’s development—this is not just about development; it is about politics, too—and that the UK should continue to press for constitutional reform for the development of a federal structure inside Burma, which is being talked about widely there, and for the removal of the block on Aung Sa Suu Kyi standing for president. That is not because she has to be the president, but because it would be somewhat strange if a clearly popular elected opposition party candidate were not at least eligible to be a presidential candidate. As part of this, the UK Government should work to help the armed ethnic groups and the Burmese military to make the transition to delivering civilian Government. That is a huge challenge. 451 Burma13 MARCH 2014 Burma 452

[Sir Malcolm Bruce] to visit Burma last summer, looking specifically at issues around maternal health. What struck the group DFID has given a substantial chunk of its budget to that went out with Marie Stopes was that the budget for health programmes and we saw, and heard, how radical health in Burma is extraordinarily small. The right hon. and transformational they were, but the Department Gentleman has mentioned the importance of developing should place even more emphasis on addressing drug- the political process. Did the Committee look at the resistant malaria in Burma as it is a problem that balance between UK funds helping to directly provide threatens to spread to the rest of the world with potentially health services, for example, as opposed to working devastating consequences. with the Government and Parliament and has it looked One specific issue, which an exchange with the Minister at the overall funding compared with international shows he understands, is that DFID’s education budget comparators? in Burma is currently too small to be effective. We are not saying it is of no value, but we do think it should Sir Malcolm Bruce: We recognise that Burma needs increase, with a major focus on teacher training. We capacity right across the whole system. Frankly, its have, effectively, a lost generation in Burma that desperately spending on health and education has been minimal needs education. and its capacity to do that at the moment is pretty We also think that DFID’s work to assist the peace limited. We have to work with the partners we can find, process, to improve public financial management, to sometimes directly. Of course we want to build up encourage the inclusion of women and to reform the capacity within the Government, provided that the partners Burmese military should continue, with additional funding within the Government will respond in the right way, made available as opportunities to expand these but we did see very good co-operation and real evidence programmes arise. These are all major challenges. that we are making specific changes. So our view is that we can expand the development support and help build We welcome the UK support for the Burmese Parliament. those institutions, but we also need to strengthen the It should be a long-term partnership and the UK will political capacity.One particular step is to enable Parliament need to reform its approach to parliamentary strengthening to raise the funds that will ultimately enable these to ensure that DFID and the Foreign Office can rely less developments to be taken forwards as the economy on non-UK organisations—such as United Nations develops. That is crucial and it is something DFID does Development Programme and the National Democratic very well in many other countries. Institute—and draw more on UK organisations. The Westminster brand is valued, and we think it is strange Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): I thank my right that we are buying expertise from other models when hon. Friend for his statement. I am the chair of the people would like to hear more from ours. all-party group on malaria and neglected tropical diseases. The UK is doing a very good job in helping to I and my colleagues on that committee are extremely co-ordinate the role of the development partners as concerned about the growth of resistance to artemisinin- chair of the working group, and we believe that that based drugs, which are our main hope for tackling should continue. Smaller donors should be encouraged malaria in Burma and the surrounding area. Does my to be part of that process, rather than to try to operate right hon. Friend think the international community is independently. giving enough weight to this issue? We recognised when visiting the peace centre that there is a ceasefire across most of the country, but as yet Sir Malcolm Bruce: I commend my hon. Friend for there is no peace process. The situation in Rakhine is his assiduous work on the all-party committee, which is critical and could threaten the whole reform process if it extremely important. The answer to his question is that is not addressed. DFID can help by doing more to it has not been possible to do enough because of the promote inter-faith dialogue and inter-community problems of conflict and lack of access. Indeed, that is understanding. the very reason why it has become an endemic threat to We accept that in the current situation progress will the whole world. We hope that, with a ceasefire in place be unpredictable and uneven, but supporting the reform and hopefully the beginnings of a peace process, the process by working to deliver public services and develop opportunity to engage will increase. That is why we have livelihoods offers unprecedented potential. made a specific recommendation that greater priority within the health budget should be given to tackling To achieve these transformational objectives we that problem, and I am certain that my hon. Friend will recommend that the bilateral budget for Burma be ensure we focus on that. increased from its current level of over £60 million to around £100 million. We think that there is more than Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): The report enough work in education, in parliamentary strengthening refers to DFID’s main contribution to peace-building and in building Government institutions to justify the having been in funding Jonathan Powell’s non-governmental steady build-up of expenditure and we believe that organisation Inter Mediate, with strong experience being DFID could, and should, find that resource. drawn from what happened in the Northern Ireland I hope the House will accept that the UK has a peace process. Has the Committee made any assessment crucial role to play in Burma. We have partners we can of the work of Inter Mediate and the way in which the work with. We have an opportunity that may not come experience in Northern Ireland has helped to develop again and we should not miss it. peace-building in Burma?

Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): I refer to Sir Malcolm Bruce: We did not make a specific my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. engagement within that process, but we learned from Like the right hon. Gentleman, I had the opportunity DFID that the Northern Ireland experience was seen to 453 Burma13 MARCH 2014 Burma 454 be of some value and relevance. We obviously have to DFID is not just the charitable arm of the UK Government; be careful not to assume that what happened in Northern it is a major force for soft power. What work is the Ireland is automatically transferable, but some kind of Committee planning to do to examine DFID’s wider understanding of how we get beyond entrenched conflict work on building democracy, particularly in the light of to a situation where communities can start to work recent examples such as Bangladesh, where those processes together is clearly useful, and the justification for supporting have had mixed results? Jonathan Powell’s organisation was that he had some experience of doing that. The right hon. Gentleman may have a subjective view on how valid that is, but it Sir Malcolm Bruce: I thank the hon. Gentleman for seemed to us that this was well-received by the Burmese his comments; I completely agree with him. Incidentally, who felt it helped them to think about how to stop we thought that the co-operation between DFID and hating people and start working with those who were the Foreign Office in Burma was particularly successful. enemies, and that seems to be of some value. Indeed, our visit would not have been the success that it was without the full co-operation that we had from the Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): I thank my right Foreign Office and from the ambassador and his team, hon. Friend for the report. Bearing in mind the situation although that is not in any way to suggest that the in Egypt where the military have had real problems in DFID team was not also extraordinarily important. giving up power, will he give us his candid assessment of That is the kind of working that matters, because this is the chances of the Burmese military ceding power to a a political process as well as a development process. democratic Government in the near future? We actually had a much fuller section on parliamentary strengthening in the draft report, and we concluded Sir Malcolm Bruce: That is a very good and fair that that was an issue to which we should return separately. question and we took a lot of evidence, ranging from The Committee has not yet agreed on that, but I think people who felt the military would never let go to others that we have unofficially agreed that we should produce who felt the pressures on Burma to open up were so a short report on how DFID could expand its role of intense that the reforms that have been started could parliamentary strengthening in all the partner countries. not be reversed, although their progress will, I think, be If we are concentrating on post-conflict countries and uneven and bumpy. All I can say is that the authorities fragile states, building democratic institutions and making representing the military who we met looked to the them work are surely central to that task. We have a Indonesian model as the way forward—in other words, unique capacity to do this work, and our view is that we a gradual move away from military control through the need to put a lot more investment into it to ensure that building of civilian capacity. But I guess that the day our engagements are sustained and continuous, and when the military is subservient to Parliament is a long that the contacts are maintained. These processes need way off. to develop full, long-term relationships, rather than ending up with the odd seminar here and there or the Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): The odd secondment. I hope that we will be able to come up hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) and I with a report that will develop that theme. visited Burma in 2012. One of the Government Ministers there had been given the task of mediating between the The Minister of State, Department for International various ethnic minority groups. I have a suspicion, Development (Mr Alan Duncan): I rise briefly to thank however, that the disputes between some of the groups my right hon. Friend the Member for Gordon (Sir have got worse since then. Will my right hon. Friend tell Malcolm Bruce) and all his Committee for this report, us what he found in that respect? and for the thoroughness of their inquiries. It is refreshing to be broadly commended in a Select Committee report, Sir Malcolm Bruce: The Committee did not have the and to be asked to spend more. The request to raise our opportunity to visit some of the more disputed territories, budget from £66 million to £100 million a year is an either for security reasons or because access was not ambitious one, particularly as our funding increases granted or there was insufficient time. We understood, have plateaued over the past few years, and there are however, that there was at least a ceasefire in place further demands on our resources for the likes of across the whole country, except in the north. That is humanitarian efforts in Syria. I can assure the right good news. The bad news is that the process of turning hon. Gentleman and the House, however, that we will that ceasefire into a proper process of moving towards study all 39 recommendations and take them all into civilian government and letting go from the centre has consideration when deploying our resources and focusing not begun. Indeed, there is plenty of evidence that the our efforts in the future. army has consolidated its position in exactly those provinces. That does not bode well, unless it starts to accommodate the other armed ethnic groups as part of Sir Malcolm Bruce: I thank my right hon. Friend for the process of change. That is something that we think that intervention, which we very much appreciate. We the UK Government could contribute to, so long as we would not have expected him to accede to our requests have partners to work with. immediately, but we think that he is up to the challenge. This is not just a question of our saying, “Let’s spend Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): We welcome more money.” We have identified specific sectors in this thoughtful and comprehensive report, which reflects which we think that would be useful. We took out of the upon the progress being made in this troubled report a section dealing with where we thought the Commonwealth nation. The Chair of the Committee money should come from, because it is the job of referred to the role of DFID in helping to build democratic Ministers to prioritise such matters, but if they want to capacity and strengthen Parliament in Burma. Of course, talk to us informally about that, we have some ideas. 455 13 MARCH 2014 456 ROYAL ASSENT Backbench Business Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Ihave to notify the House, in accordance with the Royal Badger Cull Assent Act 1967, that Her Majesty has signified her Royal Assent to the following Acts: Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Before Supply and Appropriation (Anticipation and Adjustments) I call the hon. Member for St Albans (Mrs Main) to Act 2014 propose the motion, I would like to draw the attention Children and Families Act 2104 of the House to the fact that the hon. Lady will deliver her speech from a sedentary position. I commend her National Insurance Contributions Act 2014 for coming to the House today; we appreciate that she is Citizenship (Armed Forces) Act 2014 recovering from surgery. Given that she is speaking International Development (Gender Equality) Act 2014 from an unaccustomed position and without the usual Leasehold Reform (Amendment) Act 2014 aid of an ability to bob up and down or otherwise gesticulate, the delivery of her speech will be more Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014 difficult than it would be if she were in her customary Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 position. I am sure that the House will bear that in mind Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 and give her all the support she deserves. 12.56 pm Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con): I beg to move, That this House believes that the pilot badger culls in Gloucestershire and Somerset have decisively failed against the criteria set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in guidance to Natural England for licensing of the culls, which stipulated that 70 per cent of the badger population should be culled within a six-week period; notes that the costs of policing, additional implementation and monitoring, and the resort to more expensive cage-and-trap methods over an extended period have substantially increased the cost of the culls, and strengthened the financial case for vaccination; regrets that the decision to extend the original culls has not been subject to any debate or vote in Parliament; further regrets that the Independent Expert Panel will only assess the humaneness, safety and effectiveness of the original six-week period and not the extended cull period; and urges the Government to halt the existing culls and granting of any further licences, pending development of alternative strategies to eradicate bovine TB and promote a healthy badger population. I thank you for your gracious comments, Madam Deputy Speaker. I am sure that the debate will be very well attended and, bearing that in mind, I hope that colleagues will accept that I will not be taking any interventions during my opening remarks. I know that the many right hon. and hon. Members here today will make this a lively and impassioned debate. This is a timely debate, coming before any further roll-out of the culls, and particularly in the light of concerns being raised from many quarters about the culls. I am grateful to the Backbench Business Committee for granting a full day’s debate and vote on the Floor of the House. I have received a large amount of cross-party support for this debate. It is important to note that this is not a matter of one side of the House versus the other. The House wants a chance to vote on this issue and I have made repeated calls for it to be brought back before the House. I tabled my first early-day motion on 25 June last year calling for the matter to return, and 149 Members from both sides of the House supported it. I then tabled another on 31 October asking for a return, which attracted 107 Members. In a well-attended Westminster Hall debate on 11 Dec, I pleaded with the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Camborne and Redruth (George Eustice), to bring the matter back before the House. Well, I have brought it back, with the support of many colleagues of all political parties. I hope that colleagues today will examine their consciences and try to do the right thing. I know that this is not an 457 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 458 easy subject, and that feelings are running high on both up to the fact that this House, if we persist and simply sides, but we must not be seen just to be doing something, roll out more free-shooting culls, may be contributing if we are now convinced that the facts and evidence to an increase in TB in cattle. indicate that we might have taken the wrong approach. The humaneness test set by Ministers was to ensure that no animal suffered needlessly a protracted, agonising Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con): Will my death. Badgers were supposed to be free-shot quickly, hon. Friend give way? efficiently and, importantly, cost-effectively. It is now understood, however, that between 6.4% and 18% of Mrs Main: I am sorry, but I have indicated that I will shot animals took more than five minutes to die, and not be taking interventions. sometimes even as long as 10 minutes or longer. In The public might be surprised to learn that the Minister order to avoid suffering, the standard to be met was that can instigate a cull without having to get the consent of no more than 5% of shot badgers should take more the House. Consequently, there has been no substantive than five minutes to die. An independent expert panel vote in Parliament proactively to adopt a culling strategy. was appointed by the Department for Environment, Instead, we have merely had two votes not to adopt one. Food and Rural Affairs to help Ministers to evaluate, The two votes on the subject took place in Opposition against the Government’s own criteria, the effectiveness, day debates on 25 October 2012 and 5 June 2013. The humaneness and safety of pilots, and its conclusions are most recent vote in the House of Commons, on 5 June, damning. was 299 to 250 against the motion: Mr Harper: On a point of order, Madam Deputy “That this House believes the badger cull should not go ahead.” Speaker—[Interruption.] Will Opposition Members listen to my point of order? I have been listening carefully to As the House can see, even in an Opposition day debate, my hon. Friend quoting figures from an independent the vote was a close one—and that was before we had report. Are you aware, Madam Deputy Speaker, whether gleaned all the information about the underperformance that independent report has been placed in the Library of the culls. of the House or on the Table, so that hon. Members We all accept that the House has had an uneasy taking part in the debate may reference it? I was not relationship with this topic, but we should not be here aware that the report had been published. today to score political points or to try to rehash history. We should be here to examine our current Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): Further to that position in a cross-party fashion and to give a strong point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I may be able steer to the Minister as to the next steps we believe he to help the hon. Member for Forest of Dean (Mr Harper) should take. I believe, as I am sure many other hon. and the House. Today, I received a response from the Members do, that we should halt the culls and not issue Minister who is present, the Under-Secretary of State any more licences until a full examination of the failings for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the hon. has been taken into account. That is what the debate is Member for Camborne and Redruth (George Eustice), for; it is not a blame game. It is a recognition that hon. which clarifies that the report has just arrived on the Members might wish to change their minds based on Secretary of State’s desk. The pursuant question is why, the change in facts. when it was due to be published in February, it has not There is great sympathy with farmers who have been published in time for today’s debate. experienced heartache and hardship over losing cattle and precious stock to bovine TB. There is also regard Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): I thank for how we as a society treat all animals, but in particular the hon. Member for Forest of Dean (Mr Harper) for a protected species. This tension has divided the House. his point of order. It is not in fact a point of order for I believe that many lent their support to the concept of the Chair, but it is a point that the House has noted. tackling bovine TB with this strategy, but they did not The hon. Member for Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies) give their Government permission to carry on regardless— has been helpful in providing information to the House. regardless of humaneness, effectiveness or cost. Performance criteria for the pilot culls were set by the Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): Further Government, and they were not arbitrary, but intended to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I to reassure hon. Members and the public that what was always understood it to be a convention of this House being done was an effective way of tackling bovine TB that if any Member quoted from a document in the infections and was, crucially, humane. The reason for public domain, the document should be tabled before the 70% kill target within a six-week period was specifically the debate, to be available to every hon. Member so that drawn so that sufficient badgers would be killed to they, too, may quote from it. I do not believe that the ensure that the badgers did not simply go elsewhere, document is yet in the public domain—[Interruption.] thus spreading the TB more widely. This approach reflected extensive research carried Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. out by Professor Woodroffe in trials in the 1990s, which I thank the hon. Gentleman for his point of order. That showed that a failure to kill this percentage in a narrow rule applies to Ministers; it does not apply to a Back window of time could worsen matters as disturbed Bencher addressing the House. diseased animals took TB to new areas. Analysis The matter is now at an end. The hon. Member for commissioned by the Government found that the number St Albans is referring to the report, which may come up of badgers killed according to the criteria fell well short and be debated for the rest of the afternoon; it is not for of the target deemed necessary, despite the cull being the Chair to rule on where the report ought to be. The extended and cage shooting being used. We must face hon. Lady is quoting from it, and I am sure that 459 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 460

[Madam Deputy Speaker] The pilot culls were supposed to demonstrate a minimum of 70% of badgers killed within six weeks. Despite Members will listen carefully to what she is saying. the badger population estimates being sharply cut and They will then be able to deal with her points, with or the culls being extended, both pilots failed to meet the without the report before them. minimum 70%. When both trials duly failed to kill sufficient badgers within the specified period, they were Mrs Main: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. extended on the advice of the chief veterinary officer, I know that passions are running high in this matter. Nigel Gibbens. The panel’s widely leaked report, although still disputed today, concerns itself with the initial six My hon. Friend the Member for Forest of Dean weeks. This extended the misery, the cost and, if we (Mr Harper) must be psychic, because my next words accept the time scales based on the original pilot criteria, were to be that no one appears to be disputing the the range of TB spread due to perturbation. comprehensive but leaked report. Whatever the detail, the dispute is about whether we pursue a failed policy, Do we continue with cruel practices licensed by the or adopt a new one. Government in order to be seen to be doing something? As Professor Rosie Woodroffe, a scientist at the DEFRA agreed with an expert group the criteria for Zoological Society of London, said, the how the trials could be deemed humane. It was DEFRA’s rules, not some arbitrary figures plucked out of the air. “findings show unequivocally that the culls were not effective”. Mark Jones, vet and executive director of the Humane I know that hon. Members say, “We haven’t seen the Society International of the UK, said: reports”, but that is not in dispute, unless the Minister “The government’s boast that all badgers were killed cleanly whose desk the report has landed on says that it is not in and killed instantly is clearly not true. We fear many badgers may the report. If so, I look forward to hearing it, but I have suffered significant pain and distress.” believe what has been widely reported in the media after Andrew Guest, from the National Farmers Union, said being leaked comprehensively. of the revelations: “It doesn’t sound good”, but added I hope that the Secretary of State will now focus on that it was important that a significant number of other ways of eradicating TB in cattle. If predictions of badgers had been removed. the findings in the report are borne out, the cull Simply getting rid of lots of badgers, regardless of “has cost a fortune and probably contributed nothing in terms of cost, pain or effectiveness, was not the criterion set disease control, which is really unfortunate.” down by the Government. That is not a good enough Those are the words of Rosie Woodroffe. reason for this House to support ongoing culls. This I am personally disappointed that a DEFRA spokesman House wishes to tackle bovine TB efficiently, effectively has recently said: and humanely. That is why we need to stop the failed “We knew there’d be lessons to be learned from the first year of cull policy, not grant any further licences and come up the pilot culls which is why we’re looking forward to receiving the with a better method to tackle TB without inflicting panel’s recommendations for improving the way they are carried pain and misery on an endangered species. The badger out.” culls were condemned as “mindless” in 2012 by Lord If the House notes those comments carefully, it cannot Krebs, who commissioned the 10-year study.The extensions hear the sound of any culls being stopped, but simply of to the culls were criticised by Natural England’s lead them being improved. In other words, we are committed scientific director, Sir David Attenborough, and the to finding a better killing strategy—[Interruption.] Iam National Trust. sorry, Madam Deputy Speaker, that is my phone—someone We acknowledge the devastation inflicted on farmers who obviously does not respect the—[Interruption.] and cattle by the scourge of bovine TB. This should not be about the House abandoning their plight, but neither Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. can we ignore the plight of the badgers. Monitoring In these unusual circumstances, this incident be overlooked. reports from England’s wildlife watchdog, Natural England, As I said at the beginning of the debate, these are apparently seen by The Guardian and perhaps hotly unusual circumstances; no other Member may take this disputed by some hon. Members, show that a third of as a precedent. the badgers were shot in the wrong part of the body. Apparently, badgers are very hard to shoot, although I Mrs Main: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. would not know as I am not a marksman. Two out of Perhaps it was a badger ringing me up and willing me nine badgers had to be shot twice, having not died on. instantly. If the House notes the comments, it will hear talk not Professor Woodroffe, who worked on a landmark of culls being stopped but of their being improved. The 10-year study of badger culling, said the conclusion to Government do not have carte blanche to carry on be drawn was simple: regardless. Hon. Members may dispute the report and “The pilot culls have not been effective.” whether it has been leaked, but the Government do not She questioned the multi-million pound cost of the have unconditional support to continue with a failed culls and argued that badger vaccination would be approach, in particular one that causes suffering to a cheaper and more effective. So our argument today is protected species. As Robin Hargreaves, President of probably leading us towards vaccination of badgers the British Veterinary Association said: and/or cattle. The current available vaccine for badgers, “We have always stated that if the pilots were to fail on which is injectable, has been shown to reduce the burden humaneness then BVA could not support the wider roll out of the of disease in badger populations. An oral badger vaccine method of controlled shooting”. is not expected until 2015. I know there is some concern There are colleagues who share those views. that vaccines may not be as effective as we would hope, 461 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 462 or be licensed and come on line quickly enough, but if Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): Will the current shoot-to-kill approach is also deeply flawed the hon. Lady give way? we should endeavour to strengthen and prioritise all the non-lethal methods in order to find a humane solution. Angela Smith: Very briefly, because I am aware of the Many hon. Members and wildlife lovers believe that need to keep my contribution short. is the only way forward, unless we are to decide to keep slaughtering badgers in perpetuity to eliminate a reservoir Mr Heath: I appreciate that, and I am grateful to the of TB in badgers, many of which will have been infected hon. Lady for giving way. Given that a lot of people by other species or cattle. The Under-Secretary of State wish to find a degree of consensus on this issue, I am for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the hon. Member genuinely curious as to why the motion makes no for Camborne and Redruth told the hon. Member for mention of the comprehensive strategy developed by St Ives (Andrew George) in DEFRA questions that the the Government last year, which includes things such as Government polymerase chain reactor recognition of infected setts; “’accepts that there is a range of measures we should pursue, an edge of disease strategy; greater biosecurity; and the including developing vaccines, and we are doing some work to routes to infected vaccines. Why is none of that mentioned develop an oral vaccine for badgers as well as on cattle vaccines. in a debate that is supposed to be bringing the House We are considering other measures such as contraception for together? badgers and increased cattle movement controls, so we are covering a range of issues as we try to solve this difficult problem.”—[Official Report, 13 February 2014; Vol. 575, c. 998.] Angela Smith: The hon. Gentleman has anticipated That answer shows that the Minister recognises the much of what I am going to say about the constructive value of these other strands of TB control, and I hope way forward. that he will commit today to redoubling his efforts on The first and most important point to make about those fronts. Today, we need to urge the Government the pilot culls relates to the meeting of the scientific not only to speed up their work on vaccines, particularly experts convened by DEFRA in April 2011, which drew of the oral kind, and redouble their efforts on enforcing two key conclusions about the pilot culls. The first was biosecurity and cattle movements, but, most importantly, that the culls needed to be to stop this inhumane slaughter of badgers. “conducted in a co-ordinated, sustained and simultaneous manner” over a short time period in order to minimise potential Several hon. Members rose— impacts of perturbation. The second key point was that “the more that a future culling policy deviates from the conditions Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. of the RBCT…the more likely it is that the effects of that policy Before I call speakers from the Back Benches, may I say will differ”. that it will be obvious to the House that a large number Those two important points are at the heart of today’s of Members wish to speak this afternoon and so, as a debate. They explain why a target was set of a 70% courtesy to other Members, it would be helpful if Members reduction in badger density in the cull areas in six weeks, limited their speeches to about eight or nine minutes? If but we find—this is not because of the independent they do so, everyone will have the chance to be heard. expert panel report—that Natural England withdrew licences after 11 weeks of culling in both zones because it was evident that there was no hope of reaching the 1.12 pm target number of badgers. Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): I wish briefly to address why the targets of 70% and Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and I will bear six weeks were chosen. The six-week target was set by those comments in mind. Let me start by paying tribute DEFRA in the context of the lessons learned by the to the hon. Member for St Albans (Mrs Main), whom I RBCT, which found that the proactive culls that were have the privilege of following. She has shown astounding completed across entire areas in eight to 11 nights had a bravery and dedication in turning up for this debate so much higher likelihood of delivering a positive impact quickly after major surgery. than the prolonged culls—the reactive culls that took This debate is important not just for wildlife, but for place—over more than 12 nights. The risk of the latter the cattle industry, the dairy industry and the farming is that TB in badgers is further elevated and thus it is industry more generally. We need to acknowledge that expected that any benefits in relation to reducing cattle and put it on the table at the very beginning. We all TB are undermined. acknowledge the importance of tackling bovine TB. The debate on this issue so far has, to some extent, been Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): The number polarised, so today’s debate is an opportunity to bring of badgers in the area was one of the issues raised in the House together to forge a new consensus on how to previous debates. Obviously, the 70% target is dependent tackle this difficult problem. on having a reasonable estimate of the number of I wish to focus on three aspects of the debate. First, I badgers in a particular area, and I understood that not wish to deal with how the outcomes of the recently to be available. completed pilot culls differ from and deviate from those of the randomised badger culling trial, which took Angela Smith: This is the “badgers moving the goalposts” place a few years ago. Secondly, given the time limits, I argument, which repeatedly comes back to haunt this wish briefly to refer to the alternatives. Thirdly, I wish debate. The important thing is to have accurate numbers, to refer to the Bow Group recommendations on how to not least because we do not want to break the Bern proceed in the future, which are incredibly interesting convention, and therefore the law, in terms of taking and constructive. the risk of eradicating an entire species. 463 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 464

[Angela Smith] achieved, hence the importance of the 70% target. Scientifically, it is the only target that one can use to On four occasions, the RBCT conducted non- measure effectiveness. simultaneous culls—this comes back to the point about In summary, the requirement to kill at least 70% of the short period of time, as they went on over a prolonged local badgers within six weeks was not an arbitrary period. It was found—the evidence is there—that there target. It was a scientifically driven target. As I have was an increase in the proportion of badgers infected, said, the six-week target was set because prolonged over and above the background norm of the increase in culling over more than 12 nights further elevates TB in numbers infected by the proactive culling. badgers and is expected to undermine any benefits for In 2010, DEFRA’s science advisory council said: cattle TB control. In terms of both the length of the “There is little useful data on the issue of what time period culling period and the targets for numbers killed, the should be considered as ‘simultaneous’. The Group advised that pilot culls failed comprehensively. That prompts questions if culling was carried out in a period of up to 6 weeks (although about the future of culling. If we are to go ahead with preferably less), that is likely to reduce the adverse effects of more culling, Ministers have to answer this key point: non-simultaneous culling; this advice is based on opinion and not on evidence. The longer the period that culling is carried out in, killing effectively, over less than six weeks, will require the less confident one can be that the deleterious effects seen with far more marksmen and far greater resources, so that non-simultaneous culling as carried out in the RBCT will be we can do the work simultaneously. One of the key minimized.” lessons to be learned from the pilot culls is that we That is from DEFRA’s own science advisory council. It would need much greater resources to do the job, and I is absolutely clear that the pilot culls took a fairly am not convinced that taxpayers are prepared to pay for significant risk in planning to meet the six-week target. that kind of resource. The fact that they failed comprehensively to meet that It was found in the end that the pilot culling had to target supports the claim in the independent expert make use of cage trapping in addition to free-shooting. panel report that the pilot culls were ineffective; they That points to the need for much greater resources. If took 63 and 77 nights respectively. Remember that the we include policing in the costs, we are looking at more randomised badger culling trial found that to maximise than £4,000 per badger shot in the pilot culls. On the impact, a cull should take place over eight to 11 nights. alternative, vaccination costs £2,250 per square kilometre covered. When looking at cage trapping, and whether to Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): Will vaccinate or cull, we have to remember that vaccination the hon. Lady give way? is much cheaper, partly because policing costs are removed from the equation, but also because with vaccination Angela Smith: I will give way just one more time, there is no need to dispose of the carcases of badgers because a lot of people want to speak. culled. We all know that there is a massive army of volunteers ready to help the Government conduct the Roger Williams: I thank the hon. Lady for giving way. vaccination. In fact, there is already an initiative to She said that the randomised badger culling trials occurred deliver vaccination on a wider scale. over 10 to 11 days, but of course they failed miserably to I quickly want to refer to the other important part of reduce the number of badgers in a way that met their the alternative. objective.

Angela Smith: The reactive culling in the RBCT did Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. fail. That is not the point. I am talking about proactive I am sure that the hon. Lady will very soon draw her culling, which is best carried out over eight to 11 days. remarks to a close. Reactive culling is when one kills the badgers in a small area—a hot spot—and does not go back again. The proactive culling is done over a bigger area—that is the Angela Smith: Of course I will, Madam Deputy important point—annually. It is a much more scientific Speaker. approach to culling. Reactive culling does not work at It must be remembered that cattle testing and movement all; in fact, it makes the problem a lot worse. is an important part of all this. Vaccination, cattle The 70% figure, which is an average, is based on movement and testing, and biosecurity make up the proactive culling. It was demonstrated in the RBCT package of measures that we need in order to move that it did deliver reductions in cattle TB incidence in forward. I am sure that other Members will refer to the culling zone on a gradual basis. There was, however, some of the details. a rapid but diminishing increase outside the zone. That In concluding, I want to refer to the Bow Group is where the 16% figure in the RBCT report comes report, an excellent piece of work from the right of the from. It is often not reported, however, that the 16% political spectrum. We have the spectacle of a Labour figure was based on a scenario that was more optimistic MP recommending a Tory report, but it is an excellent about the potential beneficial impact of culling overall. report—thorough, sensible, and evidence-based. It has In fact, the average reduction over nine years was 12%. a number of recommendations, all of which are sensible. That is why the Independent Study Group on Cattle TB I want to focus quickly on three key recommendations. said that culling could not deliver any meaningful reduction The report recommends that farmers no longer be in bovine TB. That is the key point. allowed to move their herds from one of their farms to Reactive culling reduced badger density by 30% and another without pre-movement testing. That is an important elevated cattle TB; that is the point that I was making point, because currently they are allowed to do so. They earlier. The problem is that it is not known scientifically should not be allowed to move their herds to agricultural where between 30% and 70% removal an effect on TB is shows or common land without pre-movement testing. 465 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 466

The report recommends more testing and increased are. The badger population was in decline and was use of the gamma interferon test, alongside the currently given protection in the 1970s, for very good reason, but used test. I understand that the Government have moved when we see the extent to which the population has on all this, but the report makes it clear that more needs grown and the implications for the spread of bovine to be done. Importantly, it recommends field trials of TB, the position is very serious. I have two auction cattle vaccine, as recommended by the European marts in my constituency, one in Thirsk and one in Commissioner only last November, but so far we have Malton, and the implications of the cattle restrictions heard nothing from DEFRA on when it will move generally are difficult for them. ahead with that. I want to make a general point about the six-day rule. The Commons has an opportunity today to move on I understand the position with regard to the cattle the issue and forge a new consensus. We should build on restrictions relating to bovine TB that are in place in the initiatives already taken by DEFRA on cattle movement south-west, and the need for a swift response to any and testing, and on biosecurity; and we should carry potential animal disease. But, particularly at red cattle out vaccination on a comprehensive scale, and drop the marts such as Thirsk, the operation of the six-day rule, culling. as intensive and as regulated as it is, is having a negative impact. Many livestock producers will not take their 1.28 pm cattle or sheep to mart—it is true that there are fewer pigs now—on the basis that they may not be able to Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): It is obtain the price that they need and they will have to go a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Penistone and to slaughter anyway. I hope that the Minister will look Stocksbridge (Angela Smith). favourably at reviewing the six-day rule. It could be I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for St Albans brought back swiftly if need be. (Mrs Main) on securing the debate, on leading it with The sad fact, which has been demonstrated in today’s her sterling contribution, and on showing such strength debate, is that not many of us living in Britain today in such difficult circumstances. I absolutely agree with have close rural roots. When a pilot cull was introduced her that we have to learn to treat all animals, whether in Ireland, it proceeded smoothly, effectively, clinically, farm or wild, the same. We need to consider the implications and virtually without disruption. Do the Government of the economics of the case. I am sure that others will have anything to learn from the conduct of the Irish cull? give more detail, but we have to recognise that the The fact that many of us now live metropolitan lifestyles number of new cases of bovine TB is on the rise; it is leads, regrettably, to an increasing misunderstanding of doubling every nine years. In the 10 years to last November, animal husbandry and welfare issues. 310,000 cattle across Great Britain were slaughtered, and last year, between January and November alone, In the few moments that I have left I want to commend 30,377 otherwise healthy cattle were slaughtered—an to the House the work of the Environment, Food and average of over 90 a day. In the last 10 years, bovine TB Rural Affairs Committee on vaccination against bovine has cost the taxpayer £500 million, and there is an TB and the Government’s response. I am delighted to expectation that that will rise to £1 billion over the next record that both Front-Bench teams were well represented decade. on the Committee when it took evidence. We looked carefully at injectable vaccine for badgers, oral vaccine Stephen Lloyd (Eastbourne) (LD) rose— for badgers and oral vaccine for cattle. There are difficulties with each that we can rehearse this afternoon, but will Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con) rose— the Minister update the House today on where we are, particularly with regard to reaching agreement in Brussels Miss McIntosh: I will take two interventions now, with our European partners and at home on each of and then no more. those matters? Stephen Lloyd: I appreciate that the figures are still I pay tribute to the work of the Food and Environment high, but does my hon. Friend agree that a recent report Research Agency in Sand Hutton in Thirsk and Malton— shows that in 2013 there was a significant drop of 14% Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire) (Con): Will my in the incidence of TB in cattle, and the rate that the hon. Friend give way? disease is spreading also declined by 7% in 2013? The figures are going down. Miss McIntosh: I am reaching a conclusion. FERA is doing work on sterilisation. Oral contraception Miss McIntosh: I stand by the figures that I have just has been referred to, and the sterilisation of the badger given. population would be welcome, but it will inevitably have Mark Pritchard: Does my hon. Friend agree that a cost implication. There are also questions about its animal welfare campaigners and farmers want to see practicality. It would make sense for the Minister to healthy cattle and badgers, and that is why I welcome update us today on that work and to review its cost her preamble? Does she also agree that this Government implications and practicality.That could be a real alternative. should focus on vaccines, as the last Government should I was not aware of it until the Select Committee had the have? opportunity to visit FERA. Today’s debate is particularly timely as we consider the alternatives to produce a Miss McIntosh: I will come on to vaccines. healthy cattle and a healthy badger population. I listened carefully to what my hon. Friend the Member for St Albans and the hon. Member for Penistone and 1.35 pm Stocksbridge said. The House is very short of alternatives. Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): I If we are to have a mature, intelligent debate, the House rise in support of the motion. I congratulate colleagues and the public need to consider what the realistic alternatives on both sides of the House who tabled the motion and 467 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 468

[Mr Russell Brown] I was referring to the leaked report and to the issue of humaneness. It has been suggested that no more than I thank the Backbench Business Committee for enabling 5% of the badgers should take more than five minutes the debate to take place. It has become clear over recent to die, but the IEP found that the actual figure was weeks and months that some colleagues who initially between 6.4% and 18%. Over time, the Opposition have supported a cull are now beginning seriously to question made a series of reasonable, rational and, importantly, that position. I thank the hon. Member for St Albans cross-party requests of the Government, none of which (Mrs Main), who, I appreciate, has now left the Chamber, have been met to date. because she was one of the first people to draw to my attention some serious reservations about what the Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): Does Government had done. my hon. Friend not agree that the Government entered The starting point on this issue and the common into this with a preconceived idea about their approach ground we are probably all on is that we do have a and with a closed mind, particularly the Secretary of serious problem in England with bovine TB. So how do State? As anybody who has watched any of the television we reach agreement on reducing the scale of the problem, interviews knows, he would not consider anything else, leading hopefully to its eradication? Both sides need but his methods have led to abject failure. to be honest. Under the previous Government we spent 10 years and some £50 million on trialling culls, and the Mr Brown: I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention, outcome was no real meaningful contribution to eradicating which takes me back to the point made by my hon. TB in cattle. With the recent pilot culls we have witnessed Friend the Member for Islington South and Finsbury an abject failure for farmers, taxpayers and wildlife. (Emily Thornberry). It is about making it look as if something is being done, but, all too often, it results in The two pilot culls failed to achieve their own success even more damage. criterion of culling 70% of badgers in six weeks. Against sound science, they were extended and spectacularly Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): I agree with failed again to cull target numbers. The leaked IEP the hon. Gentleman that the badger cull was the wrong report shows that DEFRA failed to meet its main test thing to do and that we should have followed Scotland’s for humaneness, as we have already heard this afternoon example, as it achieved BTB-free status in 2009 without and will no doubt hear again— culling anything. However, he must acknowledge the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Somerton Mr Harper: I take a particular interest because one of and Frome (Mr Heath), which he also announced when the cull areas covered a significant part of my constituency, he was a Minister: the Government have also done the and I am interested in the humaneness of the tests. I right thing by restricting cattle movement, which is think that today’s debate, in asking the House to take a probably a contributory factor in the fact that bovine view, is premature. I meant what I said. I was disappointed TB incidence is now falling in England. that my hon. Friend the Member for St Albans (Mrs Main) did not take my intervention, which was why I raised a Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. point of order. I want to see that report in its entirety to Mr Brown, you are being very generous in giving way to be able to make a judgment about the cull as carried out other Members, but may I gently remind you that we and also, if the culls continue, whether there need to be have agreed to keep our remarks to eight or nine minutes, any changes. Does the hon. Gentleman think that the including interventions? I hope that will mean that House needs to see that report before it can reach a those intervening will eventually be able to speak. proper decision? Mr Brown: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I Mr Brown: I respect the hon. Gentleman, but his own must say that I have been known to be generous to a Government, Ministers and the Secretary of State have fault on many an occasion. done nothing to give anyone any confidence in what was going on. Perhaps we will hear from the Minister All I can say to the hon. Member for Cheltenham later, but the constant delay has done nothing more (Martin Horwood) is that I had not realised that my than make people extremely suspicious about what was writing was that large, as he has obviously seen what I going on. It was almost as if there was an attempt to am about to say. The story is totally different in other find reasons why what was done was correct. So he and parts of the UK. In Wales, there has been a significant I will have to part company there because I am not and substantial reduction in the disease, with decline at convinced that what he is saying is correct. twice the rate of that in England. That has been achieved without culling but with badger vaccination and stringent Emily Thornberry (Islington South and Finsbury) measures on cattle that have been handled properly. In (Lab): Does my hon. Friend agree that that shows the Northern Ireland, bovine TB is declining at a faster rate danger of Governments trying to be seen to be doing than in the south, where culling is taking place. As the something when they have no idea what to do? In this hon. Gentleman has said, in Scotland we are fortunate—I case, it has resulted in great cruelty and a failure. shall put it no more strongly than that—to be clear of bovine TB, but we are not complacent and tight biosecurity Mr Brown: I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. is in place. Let us be honest: from time to time, we in this Chamber My hon. Friend the Member for Penistone and should realise that no one side has a monopoly on the Stocksbridge (Angela Smith) is absolutely correct that answers to the problems, whether those problems are in this is about biosecurity and vaccination. Whether Members our rural communities or our cities, although we must will accept it or not, there is a small army of volunteers recognise that certain views sometimes need to be more who want to engage with farmers and others to try to respected on certain occasions. eradicate the disease through a vaccination scheme. 469 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 470

Professor Rosie Woodroffe, a leading badger ecologist, knowing that before the Government roll out the policy questioned the licence extensions and their potential to across the country they test it with pilot schemes. Further increase the spread of TB through perturbation. She comfort should be taken from the fact that they ensure said that going from six to 14 weeks, as happened in the that effectiveness and humaneness are the key factors Gloucestershire cull area, was uncharted territory—so that are tested. it is about things being seen to be done rather than We might find it hard to know without references about grappling with the issue. In November, she said: from scientists whether a badger dies quickly or slowly “It is not unreasonable to expect that as you prolong the cull when hit by a bullet. We might want to know whether and you prolong increased badger movement, you increase the the number of badgers culled is sufficient to prevent the detrimental effects.” spread of bovine TB. We cannot know these things In December, she said: unless the experts have published their reports, yet we “It’s very likely that so far this cull will have increased the TB are discussing the issue without the report. I can see the risk for cattle inside the Gloucestershire cull zone rather than shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Ogmore (Huw reducing it…Culling low numbers of badgers, over a prolonged Irranca-Davies), waving bits of paper at me, but I want period, during these winter months, are all associated with increased TB.” the constituents we all represent to have the same information as everybody in this House when we comment I hope that those who are now thinking seriously on this. about what has happened will realise that it is an issue not of crying over spilt milk but of seeing that we have Mr Harper: I am grateful to my hon. Friend and it wrong and asking about the scale on which we have it constituency neighbour for giving way. Given that we wrong. I hope that Members will support the consideration are talking about the pilot cull and the House is being of vaccination and tight biosecurity so that we can asked to make a decision about whether the cull should make some moves towards eradicating this terrible disease be rolled out, the point is not just about the report. If from our countryside. the report makes recommendations, we will want to know the Government response to them. We want the 1.45 pm considered view of the Secretary of State and if he has Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire) (Con): Unlike those only just received the report, he needs time to digest it of the previous speakers, my constituents have cattle. and make some decisions. They also have experience of TB and are wrestling with the problem. Bill Wiggin: My hon. Friend is, as always, absolutely I am sorry that the debate is taking place at all. I have right. a great deal of respect for the Backbench Business Committee, but it would have been considerably more Angela Smith: Even if we do not have the IEP report, helpful if it had waited to hold the debate until after the we know that the pilot culls took 11 weeks rather than report had been published. If we have a scientific report, the RBCT’s recommended maximum of 11 nights. That it is worth reading it before having the debate. means that the pilot culls have failed, does it not? Huw Irranca-Davies: On a point of order, Madam Bill Wiggin: I hope that the hon. Lady agrees that I Deputy Speaker. The hon. Gentleman has mentioned have been generous in giving way to her, because she once again the IEP report and it might help the House had quite a long time to have her say. I regret bitterly to know that we now know, as I have had a response that in her speech she did not condemn the activities of today, that the report is available and on the desk of the people protesting that might have meant that the tests Secretary of State. May I ask through you whether the took longer. She should have done that, because whatever Minister and officials, through their good offices, could the report concludes about the trials, it is indisputable produce that immediately and put it in the Library? We that what applies to one species should apply to the still have time to look at it and consider it in the debate. others. If we cull cattle, we should cull badgers. If we That would help all Members. vaccinate badgers, we should vaccinate cattle. It is inconsistent treatment of one species or the other that Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): That is damages disease control. That is proven by the spread clearly not a matter for the Chair, but the Minister will of the disease and the inconsistent record of the previous have heard the hon. Gentleman’s point and, as he has Government. said, there is plenty of time left in the debate at the moment. Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): Will the hon. Gentleman give way? Bill Wiggin: I am grateful to you for your judgment, Madam Deputy Speaker. Unlike the shadow Minister, I Bill Wiggin: Yes, I will give way, although I must not do not have access to the Secretary of State’s desk. Even give way much more. if he has the report, I have not seen it and neither have my hon. Friends. Even if it is available today, we should Caroline Lucas: The words that the hon. Gentleman have read it before we had the debate. has just spoken are scientifically so wrong. All the Let me return to the core of the debate, which is evidence that we have seen demonstrates precisely that science and whether the Government have paid sufficient the strategy taken should depend on what species we are attention to the scientific detail and acted accordingly. talking about and on the ecology. Just because culling It is wrong in every way to base an argument on a makes sense in one context with one species at one time, leaked report before its conclusions are in the public it makes no sense to say that that means it is okay to do domain. Whatever our view, particularly if we are unsure it in a different environment. The circumstances matter, about badger culling, we should take some comfort in not the general principle. 471 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 472

Bill Wiggin: I am delighted that the hon. Lady is so Bill Wiggin: No. completely and utterly wrong. The joy of that is that the Today’s debate is unworthy of a Division and I hope evidence is before us all. We have seen the disease that the House will not divide until it has had time to spread by the policies of people like her. She does not read and digest the report. have cattle, she has never done a pre-movement test and she does not know what she is talking about. Unfortunately, Martin Horwood: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? this is too serious a subject for her to pontificate on. If she was right, the disease would not have spread in the Bill Wiggin: No. way that it has. If the EU is going to ban our exports if we vaccinate, I would like to see far better skin tests. The old skin it should do so on proper health grounds. It will not be test is extremely iffy. It gave my bull, Jackeroo, a false able to achieve that. If the Opposition object to scientific Johne’s disease result. Happily, he subsequently proved pilot schemes, they must apply the same science to to be free of the disease. I would like to see gamma badgers and to cattle equally. For 14 miserable years interferon more readily available to any farmer who gets they did not do that. If the Government want to beat a skin test reactor. It would also be helpful if the this disease scientifically, they will have to analyse what Government were to publish the facts and figures proving the scientists say and allow us to act within the law. that when a gamma interferon test is used, more TB It is worth pointing out that there are many who reactors are detected earlier and the chance of getting a believe that if the pilot culls are a failure, we should future clear test is significantly increased. If that is not revisit gassing. I hope I am not alone in saying that I possible, DEFRA needs to get us a better test. would hate to see that. Ultimately the House should unite in wanting to see healthy badgers, healthy cattle Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Very briefly, what and healthy people. Unless we are consistent, scientific does the chief veterinary officer for the Government and determined, we shall be beaten by a minuscule suggest should happen? bacteria, and this is not a fight we can afford to lose.

Bill Wiggin: We would love to know. We would love 1.54 pm to know what the Government think of the report, but we have not seen it yet. Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): I I have always preferred vaccination, and I believe that shall be brief as I am the least expert person trying to it should be targeted at healthy badger populations catch Madam Deputy Speaker’s eye and I am lucky to where the chance of a badger being infected is low but have done so so early in the debate. As a sponsor of the likely to increase due to their proximity to infected debate, my credentials are possibly the fact that I have a populations. This means vaccinating healthy badgers history of taking up relatively unpopular views. I do not working inwards, geographically, towards the centre of win over many friends, certainly not on the Opposition infection. Professor Woodruff gives an excellent speech Benches. on the benefits of an immune population and how we Members who have been in the House for some time can achieve that. This should also apply to cattle, and I remember that I was passionately against the hunting am more than willing to do everything possible to help with dogs Bill—one of the few Labour Members to take the Government achieve cattle vaccination. that view. I remember trying to make that case. As someone who once had a smallholding and lost chickens There are endless arguments to suggest that vaccination and ducks to a fox, I never saw a more effective way of is better than culling. I am more than willing to accept getting a fox than when some people turned up with those arguments, but they cannot apply unless they hounds and on horse. I made myself very unpopular apply to both species. We need to redouble our efforts to because I did not believe in gassing, lamping and so on; prevent damage to our export markets from vaccinating I wanted an evaluation of the best possible method. I cattle. It is not widely known that meat from infected made many enemies on the Labour Benches, but I do cows showing less than one lesion already makes its way not mind taking an unpopular view on occasion. into the food chain. It is also the case that milk from an infected cow is safe to drink after it has been pasteurised. This should be a cross-party debate conducted in Therefore, there is no reason why pasteurised milk and harmony. For 10 years I chaired a Select Committee, vet-inspected meat should not be available for export and my watchword was always that we should be guided from vaccinated cattle. I think the House may find that by evidence-based policy, where we can get it. I have it already is. read as much as I can from the House of Commons Library and every document that I have found as the After the pathetic European response to the horsemeat badger culling debate goes on, and I have come to the scandal, I do not believe that the European Union has a conclusion that the evidence shows that bovine TB is a strong case to ban our exports. The response from the calamity. I have many farming friends who are desperate European Commission is unhelpful and is another reason because friends of theirs have had it on their farms. It why, if for no other, we should leave the EU. I hope the drives farmers to desperation and in some tragic cases Secretary of State will join me in campaigning to leave to suicide when they get bovine TB and lose a cherished the European Union and one of the benefits will be that herd that they have bred. we can vaccinate our cattle. My heart goes out to the farming community when If we are going to base our decisions on science, we they do not understand why DEFRA and the Government should ensure that the scientists have been heard. cannot grapple with the problem and get it sorted. This debate should be about how we get it sorted. I did not Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: Will my hon. Friend give agree with all the characteristically robust remarks of way? the hon. Member for North Herefordshire (Bill Wiggin). 473 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 474

He is toeing the party line a bit today, but I agreed with industry is not in any way jeopardised. We should all him about the science. All the science shows that the cull agree that badgers are at least part of the problem. has not worked. The pilot has not worked and has Professor Donnelly has stated that nearly 50% of bovine probably made the situation much worse. TB incidents can be attributed to infectious badgers. There are some amusing aspects to the process. At I think that this should be a cross-party issue. I hope the time of the flooding I found myself ringing round that Members on both Front Benches can agree on a the House of Commons Library and all sorts of technical TB eradication policy, because whoever wins the next friends to find out whether badgers can swim. I found election will want to continue with it. I think that this out, to my surprise, that when they have to, badgers can debate is premature, and that it is impossible to come to swim. That made quite a hole in some of the boundaries some of the conclusions mentioned in the motion until that DEFRA was drawing, thinking that badgers would the full copy of the report is available. I gather that the not cross water. I believe in evidence. I believe that the Government are about to publish a TB strategy, and issue must be sorted. I cannot see any way forward, until it is available and the Secretary of State has had a apart from vaccination. I believe that we must vaccinate realistic chance to consider the report and the way the both cows and badgers in order to sort the problem out. Government will go forward, we should not have this Let us do it. debate. Indeed, the timing now is unfortunate. There has been some argy-bargy today about whether On 2 April, the Royal Society is to hold a high-powered we have seen the final report. We are all grown up men seminar on the subject, to which I intend to go to learn and women and we know there is a reason why the the very latest scientific opinion. I agree with the hon. report has only reached the desk of the Secretary of Member for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman) that we should State today and we do not have it for this debate, which proceed on the basis of sound science—that obviously everyone knew was coming up because we applied for it makes sense—and of cross-party agreement. weeks ago. We know that games are being played. I stress to the House that we are talking about only I am chair of the John Clare Trust. If anybody wants trials. Let us try to learn the lesson from the trials. The to see the finest poem about badgers ever written by a lesson may be that we do not continue with them, that human being, they should look up John Clare’s poem we do continue with them or that we continue with “The Badger”. For hundreds of years human beings them in a different way. Let us at least try to learn it, have treated badgers appallingly, baiting them for pleasure, and do it sensibly and maturely and in a low-key manner. and I do not want to be associated with that in the modern form of culling them. They are a form of Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): Does my hon. animal life that we should respect and love, and I do, as Friend also agree that we should learn lessons from I love and respect the fox and cattle. Indeed, as some other countries? The fact is there is no country in the Members of the House will know, I have been involved world that has got on top of bovine TB without addressing in another long-running campaign, which is related to its presence in the wildlife population. Ireland, which the distaste for veal. Due to some bad publicity 30 years has culls, has reduced bovine TB by a third in recent ago, almost every little boy calf born in this country is years. shot at birth and incinerated. That is dreadfully wrong. Now, at long last, we are getting roast veal coming back. I have respect for all sorts of animals. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: My hon. Friend brings me to the very last paragraph of my speech. In the Republic Today is the chance to stop the silly disagreements of Ireland, from 2008 to 2013, there has been a 50% over this matter. Every one in this House and in this reduction in the number of reactors—from 29,900 down country wants an end to them. We do not want the to 15,612. For the first time ever, the Government of the politics of “let’s have a cull to keep the farmers happy”. Republic of Ireland think that they may well be able to There is a bit of Government policy—I am talking reach TB-free status, which is what we should be aiming about this Government and the previous one—that for in this country. What we want to see is healthy cattle smacks of that. Let us today agree that there are scientific and healthy badgers. answers. We need a serious discussion with the European Union, and among ourselves, on how we evaluate the Several hon. Members rose— evidence and get this dreadful disease sorted. That is what farmers and lovers of wildlife want and what every Member of this House should want. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: I have a choice over whom to give way to.

2.1 pm Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): Is Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): I am my hon. Friend also aware that Northern Ireland, which delighted, Madam Deputy Speaker, to catch your eye in has never culled badgers and has no badger intervention this debate. I draw Members’ attention to my declaration in any place, has achieved a reduction of 12%, compared of interests. However, although I am a farmer, I do not with only 8.9% in the Irish Republic? have any cattle and therefore do not have any financially beneficial interests to declare. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: Common sense and logic I take no pleasure in talking about this dreadful should say to my hon. Friend that a 50% reduction in disease. I am sure that everyone here today can at least the south must have an effect on the north because there agree that we have a serious problem. Given that the are fewer badgers. Without the culling in the south, UK has the third largest dairy production and the there would not have been the reduction in the north. fourth largest beef production in the EU in an industry worth about £8.4 billion, I want to ensure that that Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab) rose— 475 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 476

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: I give way to the hon. cattle and cattle that have the disease. Under the current Gentleman, but it will be the last intervention I take as BCG—Bacille de Calmette et Guérin—test, if an animal we have been asked to be brief. is vaccinated it will show up as having the disease. Members seems to think that a cattle vaccine is an easy Albert Owen: The hon. Gentleman talked about thing to achieve, but the real question we must ask countries. Wales is a country within the United Kingdom, ourselves is whether countries around the world, let and in February the Minister said that, between December alone in the EU, will take our cattle exports if they have 2012 and November 2013, 33% fewer cattle have been been vaccinated. That is a really big matter. slaughtered because of TB. That is evidence from an I am clear that culling on its own is not the answer, area within the United Kingdom where no culling has but neither is vaccination on its own. It would be if we taken place. had an oral vaccine that we could deliver to badgers, just as we did to foxes when we got rid of rabies on the Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: I am not an expert on Wales, continent. An oral vaccine has been just around the corner and I am sure that others who are situated in Wales will for the entire 22 years I have been a Member of Parliament, wish to speak in this debate and to refute that point. I yet we still do not know when it is likely to appear. simply note that there have been only three expressions As my hon. Friend the Member for Central Devon of interests to extend the injectable trial in Wales. I (Mel Stride) said, all around the world it has not been suggest that that is because it is proving more difficult possible to eliminate a disease in cattle where there is a to carry out than the Welsh Government expected. large wildlife vector. Whether it is white-tailed deer in I wish to address my final few remarks to the culls Michigan, badgers in the Republic of Ireland or possums and the lessons that are available to us. Although peaceful in New Zealand, in order to eradicate the disease in demonstration is perfectly acceptable, deliberate obstruction cattle we have to eradicate it in wildlife. I want to see a is not. Even less acceptable is the destruction of several cold, sober debate in which the scientific evidence is hundred traps, which are private property and expensive fully evaluated, and I want the Government, hopefully items. That is what happened in Gloucestershire, and it on a cross-party basis if the Opposition will agree, to was unacceptable. On learning the lessons, I concede—this introduce a policy that will work. Let us ensure that we is contrary to my former opinion—that the free-shooting eliminate this dreadful disease once and for all. of badgers is proving more difficult than was originally intended. In future trials, I expect that we will move 2.10 pm towards the cage trapping of badgers and humane Mr Geoffrey Robinson (Coventry North West) (Lab): despatch, which seems to be a more satisfactory method I speak in this debate very much as a layman. I am not a than free-shooting. None the less, we will always need farmer or an expert on the scientific issues, and I do not free-shooting to back up that system, because some think that we have the disease in Coventry, so I cannot badgers will never go into a trap; they are trap shy. even claim a constituency interest, but I have a deep Much has been said about the one leaked sentence hatred of unnecessary suffering in animals, and so from the report that stated that a number of badgers much of it goes on, with vivisection and all the rest of it. took five minutes to die. I understand that that was now Where there is no compelling evidence that such suffering long it took the person who shot the badger to reach the is necessary, we must seriously question our consciences badger and verify that it was dead. If there are a lot of and our policies. obstructions in their way, it could well take more than I am also aware, as I am sure is every Back Bencher—I five minutes to get from the place where the shot has heard the speech that my hon. Friend the Member for been fired to retrieving the badger and proving that it is Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela Smith) made at a dead. However, those are all matters of speculation. We party meeting last night and again today—that this simply do not know, because we have not seen the horrid and hideous disease is hated right across the report. When we get the report, we will be much better country. We feel deeply for the farmers who are wrestling informed. with it on their farms. The worst thing we can do when Many people seem to be concerned about the number we cannot see a way forward is grasp at the nearest of badgers that are being culled—roughly a few thousand solution that might do some good. The Government in both trials. They should contrast that with the 30,000 will then say, “We have no confidence that this will cattle that have to be slaughtered each year under the work, but if you want to pay for it, we’ll license it,” and TB regulations. I understand that many Members in that is when we know that we are at a dead loss. That is this House are deeply concerned about animal welfare, shown by the figures, because there has been a catastrophic as indeed am I having had a parent who owned stock all failure—it cannot be considered anything else. It is not their life, but they should think of this. When a cow is scientific evidence, but empirical evidence of people not slaughtered under the unacceptable halal regime, it being able to shoot enough badgers. It is as simple as routinely takes more than five minutes for them to die. that. If the anti-cull brigade would focus its attention on Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op): I met farmers in that, it really would be doing some good. my constituency to discuss the cull, and they did not Much has been said in this debate about vaccination. believe that it would be effective. I draw my hon. Friend’s I understand that the Secretary of State, in a recent attention to the remarks about suffering made by Professor conversation with the EU Commissioner, was told that David Macdonald, who chairs Natural England’s science it is likely to be at least 10 years before a licensed cattle advisory committee: vaccine is available. We simply cannot leave our farmers “I fear there will be two tragic losers, the farmers who are in limbo for that long. Even when a licensed cattle paying the crippling bill for extending this trial and the badgers vaccine becomes available, we need an acceptable skin whose lives may be lost for little purpose.” test—a DIVAtest—that will distinguish between vaccinated Is that not the case? 477 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 478

Mr Robinson: I thoroughly agree and thank my hon. randomised badger culling trials some 15 years ago. I Friend for that apposite intervention. was a member of the then Agriculture Select Committee The hon. Member for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton- that was looking at the issue and I strongly supported Brown), who represents a farming constituency, and the roll-out of what was effectively evidence-based policy who indeed is a farmer himself, was right when he said making introduced by the previous Government, and that vaccination would not have been an absolute solution indeed proposed by Professor Krebs as a result of some for mad cow disease and that it is not yet a science-based earlier work under the previous Conservative Government. solution to this problem. I will mention in passing It was about building up an evidence base on which to something I read in the March edition of a scientific go forward with a policy to bear down on this terrible journal—I do not suppose many colleagues will have disease, which is having a devastating effect on livestock heard of it. It talked about novel particulate vaccines farmers, especially in some parts of the country, such as utilising polyester nanoparticles, or bio-beads, which I west Cornwall. assume would be ingested orally, that work rather counter- intuitively with the animals and could be a way forward. Bob Stewart: Is this debate not about the welfare of I do not know about that, but it is clear to me that much cattle, the welfare of badgers and the fact that this less research is now being done. Could not all the money horrid disease is spreading across the country more and that is being spent—wasted, frankly—on the culls be put more? We have to do something to find a solution. into vaccine research? Ultimately, that is the only solution. A vaccine will not be a silver bullet, but it could be Andrew George: Absolutely. This is, of course, about effective alongside all the measures the Government are the impact the disease has on a whole range of wildlife, considering, as part of a shared policy. including badgers, but the primary focus, and the reason I will end my remarks by joining Members on both this is being driven, is the economic, emotional and sides of the Chamber in saying how great it is that this social impact it has on the farming community and the debate has been arranged by the Backbench Business viability of many marginal livestock farmers, particularly Committee. It is absolutely perfect. The hon. Member in my part of the world. for The Cotswolds is perhaps lucky that the report is not yet out. If it had been, he might have had much less Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) (Lab): The hon. to say. He must accept that there is never a perfect time Gentleman talks about evidence, and I think that we all for these things. I congratulate the Committee, because agree totally that that is the right way forward. Does he I think that this has been one of the best debates. not accept that the Government ignored the evidence and just went ahead with the culls? Everything that they Mr Jim Cunningham: Does my hon. Friend not think were warned would happen has indeed come to pass. that there is sufficient evidence from Scotland showing how the vaccine worked there? Andrew George: I am on the record as having cautioned the Government about the roll-out of the two pilot cull Mr Robinson: To be honest, I do not know. I have projects. read as much as I can. But I do know from the evidence so far that a vaccine would be much more humane and, I want to ground my comments on the evidence from if we put the resources into getting it, much more likely the randomised badger culling trial. Some 15 years ago to succeed, taken with other measures, than the culls. my constituency was selected as one of the triplets, so The culls are counter-productive, because they are spreading we had a proactive cull in part of the Penwith moors. I the disease. They are miles off their targets. I cannot backed the cull because it was on the basis of evidence-based imagine why farmers would want to waste more money policy making. I followed with great interest the outcome on them. I hope that the Government and the Opposition of that research and its conclusions, which found that will now get together to find a way forward, because it is reactive culling had no part to play in the management urgently needed. It is a challenge, but there is no better of bovine TB in the livestock industry, and that proactive time to get a cross-party policy on the matter. culling could have a meaningful impact only if carried out in a thorough manner that achieved a high level of cull consistently over a long period, which meant that it 2.15 pm had to achieve a 70% cull rate within the hot spot areas Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): It is a pleasure to and across a wide enough area. If the Government contribute to a debate on this subject, as I have done on chose to adopt this policy, it was important that they a number of occasions. It is important to commence my did so in such a robust manner that it would have a real remarks, following those of the hon. Member for Coventry and demonstrable impact. My concern about their approach North West (Mr Robinson), by saying that, coming is that they wanted to do it in a manner that would not from a rural constituency, and indeed a farming be at great expense to the public purse and therefore at background, I think that the important point needs to the cost of the farmer, although of course the state had be repeated once again: what we are talking about is the to step in to provide the support with policing costs, at impact of a disease on the lives and livelihoods of great expense in the case of both the pilot culls. The farmers and their families. The impact of this terrible outcome of this work ran the high risk of making the disease is, I believe, the biggest issue the farming industry situation significantly worse. currently faces, certainly south of the border. That is why, as a result of looking at the Government’s Given all that, I think that we need to be reminded proposal, I proposed in my constituency the introduction why we are here. Sadly, this is not about the welfare of of a community-led badger vaccination programme the badger—of course, it should be—but about the across a wide area—200 sq km. We are going to roll this future of the farming industry. It was on that basis that out significantly later this year on the Penwith peninsula, I first engaged with this issue, at the beginning of the working closely with the Zoological Society of London, 479 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 480

[Andrew George] Roger Williams: I respect my hon. Friend’s views on these matters, but does he agree that however poor the which has now decided to take on a management role in tuberculin skin test is, it has been effective in reducing it. Professor Rosie Woodroffe, who has been mentioned TB in previous times? several times already, will be taking the lead on the project having originally been involved in the independent Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Mr George, scientific group overseeing the randomised badger culling it is not my patience you will be testing; it that of your trials. colleagues who are patiently waiting to speak. For the third time, I remind Members that they must speak for Susan Elan Jones (Clwyd South) (Lab): Whatever our eight to nine minutes, including interventions. Mr George, views on this subject, one need only remember what the you have been speaking for 11 minutes. Secretary of State himself said in this Chamber in October 2012: Andrew George: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. “It would have been quite wrong to go ahead when it was not I will bring my remarks to a close by reminding confident of reaching the 70% target and could have made the people that I believe that vaccination is the way forward. position worse.”—[Official Report, 23 October 2012; Vol. 551, c. 847.] It is the cheaper alternative for the Government, it is likely to be more effective, and it never runs the risk of Those are the Secretary of State’s own words. I wonder making the situation worse. whether we are now getting from certain Government Members mere bluster to defend an absolutely abhorrent policy that is not helping the farming industry and 2.26 pm certainly not doing anything for animal welfare either. Mr Jamie Reed (Copeland) (Lab): While I have the Floor, I am sure that colleagues across the House would Andrew George: I think those who called for this like to congratulate pupils from West Lakes academy in debate were anticipating, or hoping, that the IEP report my constituency on sending a balloon into space this would be out by now, as it should have been. That morning—quite an achievement. It is called Project would at least have ensured that the information was Space Eye if anyone would like to look it up. already in the public domain and had not been disputed by the many people who will have seen it. I think we can As the Member of Parliament for England’s most make a number of reasonable assumptions about the remotely accessible constituency from Westminster, figures in the report regarding the lack of effectiveness I am proud to represent many dozens of farmers. As I of the two pilot culls. We have a significant amount of have said previously when debating this issue, I married evidence to go on—and it will be found to be sound—that into a dairy farming family and, as such, I have some those projects failed to achieve even a 50% cull of understanding of the wide impact that bovine tuberculosis badgers, even in the Somerset area where it is considered can have. We have not seen much of this so far, but I to have gone slightly better than in Gloucestershire. In hope that when the House discusses these issues we can these unfortunate circumstances, we have to move forward prevent ourselves from descending into some of the on the basis of the information that is currently in the crude, crass misunderstandings, clichés and characterisations public domain. about urban England and rural England that do nobody I wish to conclude my remarks with a couple of any good whatsoever. straightforward points. First, a number of people have Communities throughout my constituency were alighted on a report from DEFRA this week that has devastated by the outbreaks of foot and mouth over the highlighted the fairly significant fall in TB reactors in past decade and, as a result, we are all acutely aware of the herd across the country—down from 37,734 in the the impact that losing a significant number of livestock period until December 2012 to 32,620 last year. That can have, not only on the economic viability of farms, has happened before the impact of the pilot culls or but also with regard to emotional distress caused by anything else can be taken into account, which might enforced slaughter. Bovine TB is extremely serious, and mean that a lot of the other measures that this Government effective measures should be taken to minimise the and the previous Government have engaged in are spread of the disease. However, as more and more beginning to show some effects. That cannot be ignored. results of the badger cull are brought to light, the less Secondly, I want to refer to the collective research and less effective it is shown to be. The badger cull has that was brought together by Professor James Wood at been a failure by whichever yardstick we choose to Cambridge about a year ago. I do not have the document measure it, whether by its efficacy in reducing bovine with me, but it showed that even in the herds that had TB, by the cost to the taxpayer, or by the humaneness of been given the all-clear after a reactor, up to 25% the implementation. continued to have latent TB within them. In this debate Before the pilot culls took place, the number of cattle we are concentrating significantly on vaccinating rather slaughtered from January to November 2013 was 30,220. than killing the badger population, but we should be That means that more than 4,600 fewer cattle were concentrating a great deal more on biosecurity measures slaughtered because of bovine TB compared with the and ways in which we can bear down on the latent same period in 2012. The widely disputed effectiveness disease that still remains in the United Kingdom livestock of the cull notwithstanding, other measures such as industry. Even though it has been given the all-clear— restrictions on cattle movement, tighter biosecurity and rigorous testing regimes have clearly had a great impact Roger Williams: Will my hon. Friend give way? on reducing the need for compulsory slaughter. The pilot schemes were conducted on the basis that over six Andrew George: I will, but I am probably testing the weeks, 70% of badgers would be culled. The original patience of others. two pilot schemes failed in this regard. A freedom of 481 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 482 information request in January revealed that in west Huw Irranca-Davies: The Minister has it. Somerset just 360 badgers were killed by controlled shooting out of a population of more than 1,450, and Simon Hart: I have a huge amount of respect for the in west Gloucestershire, 543 of about 2,350 badgers shadow Minister, as he knows. It is all very well for him were killed. These numbers fall significantly below the to point at the Minister and say that he has it, but we 70% threshold. This has led to extensions of the culls, cannot just look through a lengthy report in one morning flying in the face of all sound scientific advice. or during a debate and reach a solid conclusion. Professor Rosie Woodroffe, who was involved in the original randomised badger culling trials between 1998 Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): Will the hon. Gentleman and 2005, has said: give way? “It is not unreasonable to expect that as you prolong the cull and you prolong increased badger movement, you increase the Simon Hart: Not at the moment, but I will in a short detrimental effects.” while. Those detrimental effects were incredibly serious and the result was that TB infections in badgers increased as This is a matter of great sensitivity. Although I have a movement increased, and the increase was exacerbated long and well-known track record on this particular in areas where culling was prolonged. The badger cull issue, I fully accept that not everybody shares my view was designed specifically to lower instances of bovine and that there are some passionate contrary views. I TB, but I am afraid that it is only this Government who respect them as much as I possibly can and I will—as could press ahead with a cull that is infecting more I always have—study the alternative view. badgers. We are talking not about a percentage reduction in Not only is this cull ineffective; it is cruel. The independent bovine TB, but about how we best deal with eradication. expert panel set up by the Government to assess the I want to touch on two subjects: humaneness and the culls has confirmed that those carried out in Somerset comparisons with the policy in Wales, which is being and Gloucestershire were ineffective and failed on used as a nice, easy solution whereby people say, “Why humanness. To be judged humane, no more than 5% of don’t we just do what the Welsh are doing, because it badgers would take longer than five minutes to die, but seems to be working there?” instead of meeting that one in 20 target, as many as one On humaneness, we have to take a view on whether in five took longer than five minutes to die. With all that culling is necessary. I accept entirely that not everybody in mind, it is clear that controlled shooting badger culls takes that view, but if we accept that culling will play are simply ineffective and it is appalling that the Government not the sole part, but a part in eradicating bovine TB, seek to carry on regardless. we have to look at the comparative measures available The Government said the cull was needed to prevent and the comparative suffering associated with each of bovine TB, which fell dramatically before the cull had them. There is no method of control or culling—none—that even started. They said the cull would reduce TB infection is without its welfare consequences. If anybody can rates, but more badgers are being infected owing to the highlight one, I will take an intervention. Even cage prolonging of an ineffective cull. They said the cull trapping comes with a welfare consequence—about which would be humane, but significant numbers of badgers there is very little research—because animals may be are being put through slow and painful deaths. trapped in those devices for a significant time before anybody deals with them. We have to make comparisons The contents of my postbag are a clear demonstration and reach a view. We have not done so and we are of how strongly my constituents feel about this badly avoiding that particular aspect of the argument. implemented cull. The sheer amount of correspondence I have received so far on this issue has surpassed that Only when we have looked at the comparative measures received on many other issues, with the exception of will we be able to address the whole subject in context. the national health service, and not one constituent It is important to consider the suffering of cattle and has expressed support for the cull. I am afraid it is time badgers with TB, bearing in mind that a lot of cubs get for the Government to go back to the drawing board infected while in the sett and are already carrying the and reflect the will of Members on both sides of the disease by the time they emerge from it. Any vaccination House. after that is pointless, because they have already contracted the disease. We have to look at this practically. We also 2.31 pm need to consider the suffering of farmers and the impact on their livelihood, which has been mentioned by pretty Simon Hart (Carmarthen Westand South Pembrokeshire) much every speaker. We also need to consider the (Con): It will be with a heavy heart that I will not vote suffering—I use that word carefully—of taxpayers who on this motion, if there is a Division. I really want to are, year in, year out, forking out substantial sums of support the livestock industry and to demonstrate my money while we continue to dither over this subject. commitment to eradicating this disease, but I am not prepared to vote on the basis of a partially leaked On the comparison with Wales, I want to read out document—it was not even fully leaked—reported on two quotes. The first is from the veterinary advice to the the BBC news a couple of weeks ago. Welsh Government in 2011: I agree with and share the view of the hon. Member “A proactive, non-selective badger cull is expected to reduce for Copeland (Mr Reed) that we should not seek to the level of confirmed herd breakdowns within the culling area highlight an urban-rural divide, but it is disappointing for year 1.” that he referred to a number of alleged statistics from a The second is from the veterinary advice to the Welsh report that none of us has had the benefit of seeing. Government in 2012: How we can make a reasoned judgement on that, I do “In so far as the results of RBCT can be extrapolated to the not know. IAA”— 483 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 484

[Simon Hart] Countryside Alliance and has long been an advocate of the tormenting of small mammals for fun—for sport. the intensive action area— He was known in Wales for many years before he “it is possible to conclude that the outcome of an effectively entered the House as a main advocate of killing small managed cull of badgers (in the IAA) should be an overall animals for fun. We should bear that in mind and reduction in the number of breakdowns.” consider the point made by my hon. Friend the Member It is important to bear in mind that the only thing for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman) about our historic that has changed in Wales is the colour of the relationship with animals, particularly badgers. I hope Government—the veterinary advice has not changed. It to be able to quote part of John Clare’s poem. is essential that the House and others realise that the The figures in Wales, which the hon. Member for idea that some magic cure is being applied to the badger Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire did not population in Wales is a myth. Anybody who suggests—as cite, are impressive. There were reductions in the incidence the hon. Member for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen), who is of bovine TB as measured both by the number of cattle not in his place, did—that there is a substantial decline slaughtered, which fell by 33%, and the number of in the number of herd breakdowns in Wales as a result herds affected, which fell by 23%, but does he understand of vaccination needs to take a wee bit of care, because that enormous decrease was without any culling and in fact the statistics demonstrate that the reduction is without shooting badgers? exactly the same across the whole of Wales: there is no A wholly dishonest picture has been presented material difference between the reduction outside the about Ireland. The Secretary of State compared vaccination area and that inside the vaccination area. reductions, but he compared last year with 1998. That The advice from the Welsh Government Minister, whom was a strange year to pick, but the reason for it was the I spoke to personally, is that it would be dangerous to sudden very big rise in the number of incidents of reach conclusions about the impact of vaccination based bovine TB. It had been about half that level a year on the results so far. I just want to put that on the record. earlier, and it was reduced in following years. The As the Minister himself said: significant point about Ireland, as has been suggested “I am delighted that overall the figures have come down, by the hon. Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Tracey however we cannot be certain that this is a long term trend and Crouch), is clear when we look at what has happened to there may still be more fluctuation in the figures.” the graph for Northern Ireland. The figures for reductions Those who think that the answer lies in Wales should and increases in levels of bovine TB in the north and the look again. We are a long way off being able to bring to south are virtually identical. There was a wholesale cull the House news of a silver bullet having been invented in the south—lots of animals were killed—but it made and deployed in our part of the country. no difference in comparison with the figures for the It is important to allow other speakers to have their north. say. I mentioned at the beginning of my speech that the The report before us makes a very thin case. The objective is eradication, not reduction. All the experts Government and some Government Members say that to whom I have spoken, including those in Cardiff we need another piece of paper or another report. We representing Government and agricultural interests, had 10 years of the Krebs study—it went on and on, recognise that a floor will be reached as a result of all with many millions of pounds spent and 10,000 animals the other measures that will be put in place, such as the slaughtered—which concluded that there was no advantage measures on cattle movements and more rigorous annual in culling in the United Kingdom. He said that as a testing. If we are to break through that floor and reach result of the evidence. The Government praise themselves eradication rather than reduction, culling will be back on believing in evidence-based policy, but when they do on the agenda. Nobody of any political colour or not have the evidence, they invent it, as they have today. persuasion when it comes to culling has not confirmed There is no evidence for a cull. When it was announced the fact that, if we are going to deal with the matter by the previous Secretary of State in 2011, the right once and for all, we are going to have to address the hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), I made the reservoir of the disease in the wildlife population. point that it was a bad science policy, and that there If one encouraging thing has come from today’s would be a big badger killing spree because of the debate—I share the view of those Members who say indifference shown by people in the countryside to that it is somewhat premature—it is the fact that at last some animal suffering. An hon. Member made a plea one or two people are talking about a collaborative for our treating cattle the same, but we should not give a approach between parties, rather than simply using the picture of cattle having a blissful life—born in fields, issue as a means of political point scoring. If we can running around in lovely surroundings, growing old, take an intelligent view and look at the best practice of turning grey and geriatric, and going off to some nice the policy in Cardiff as well as some of the measures in residential home for ancient cows somewhere. Farming England, I think we will make some progress. However, is brutal and cruel, and cattle have a brief life. the idea that we can simply dismiss one important part of the strategy of reducing TB simply because we find it We must say to the overwhelming majority of people in distasteful does not do badgers, cattle, farmers or taxpayers this country who oppose the cull that there is a sensible any favours. solution, which is vaccination. It will not work perfectly, and we will have to look at it again and see how it works in other areas for a number of years. Let us not delude 2.38 pm ourselves that those who support culling have anything Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): I think we should except a wish to please the farmers whom they represent. judge the contribution of the hon. Member for Carmarthen That is fine, but DEFRA has become known by the West and South Pembrokeshire (Simon Hart) by recalling name Do Everything Farmers’ Representatives Ask, his previous employment. He was employed by the and I am afraid that there is a lot in that. 485 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 486

That is the reason why we have ended up paying Mr Amess: Madam Deputy Speaker has given the £3 billion—someone has said, “Let’s leave the common impression that she does not welcome interventions, so market. Let’s leave the EU”—of welfare into farmers’ I will continue. [Interruption.] Igiveway. pockets. If there is any dependency culture in this country, it is in farming. When there are problems in other Daniel Kawczynski: My hon. Friend mentioned that industries, such as steel or heavy industries, they are not he represents an urban area. Will he agree to come to supported with unlimited subsidies. However, when there Shropshire to meet our dairy farmers, because he will is a problem in the farming industry, it is given compensation see that we have slaughtered more cows this year than for its losses. As someone has said about the floods, last year—up to 2,125—and that the misery for our when the effluent hit the affluent there was a great farmers is absolutely palpable? reaction, and I am sure that the compensation will be a great deal more generous in the fields of Somerset than Mr Amess: I am trying to keep within my eight or in the working-class areas and terraced streets that have nine minutes, Madam Deputy Speaker. This is like been flooded for years. That is what we are up against when I expressed my views on the city of culture and today. had offers to visit constituencies all over the country. If I am very grateful for the opportunity to speak, I can, I may at some time visit my hon. Friend’s constituency. Madam Deputy Speaker, and I will now finish. I believe When I represented Basildon, which had 32 farms, I that Opposition Members have compassion against cruelty, gained some understanding of the pressures that farmers and we have practical alternatives to the Government’s are under. instant solution, which does not work. John Clare’s All hon. Members probably have the same briefings— great poem, which was mentioned by my hon. Friend depending on which side of the debate we are on—and the Member for Huddersfield, described what was many of the arguments have already been made. There acceptable in Britain at that time, with a badger dragged have been two culls, and we now face a decision about out of its area, paraded through the town, and beaten the way forward. I will not get into the argument about and kicked to death. That was regarded as a great sport, the expert panel’s report, but it has apparently found and some people in the Chamber still regard animals as that pilot culls have failed in the two tests set by the suitable targets for sport or entertainment, but that is Government, namely effectiveness and humaneness. Many not what the majority of people want. If there is action hon. Members have made points about that, so I will to get rid of this disease, it must be based on science as not repeat them. well as what is compassionate and acceptable to the Different parts of the world have been mentioned, so nation, which culling is not. I will say that badgers are a unique species. When comparisons are made with possum culls in New Zealand, 2.45 pm or with culls in north America, they do not take into account the unique culture of the species. It is like Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): I do not comparing a dog with a whale. I just do not think that want to provoke my hon. Friend the Member for North those comparisons are real. Herefordshire (Bill Wiggin), but as a member of the Backbench Business Committee, I must tell him that The pilot culls, as well as seemingly being ineffective, I am delighted that we chose this subject for debate. I were very costly. The costs of conducting and monitoring have enjoyed the debate, particularly its passion. It is the target culls soared, especially when the policing such a shame that the passion demonstrated on animal costs are taken into account. That was big expense. The welfare today has not been demonstrated on all such preliminary calculations put the cost of the pilot cull at issues during the years that I have been in Parliament. more than £4,000 per badger killed. That is absolutely If it had been, we would have had a much better crazy. It has been estimated that £10 million has been outcome for God’s creatures than we now have. If I spent on the cull so far. We live in challenging economic had been told when I spoke from the Back Benches on times and that is a lot of money. Third Reading of the Protection of Badgers Bill, which The evidence suggests that the adoption of free-shooting was piloted through by the noble Lord Waldegrave in as a means of culling badgers did not meet the necessary 1992, that I would now be here to support the motion guidelines on humaneness. DEFRA set the standard of tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for St Albans 95% of badgers dying within five minutes. However, as (Mrs Main) about badger culling, I simply would not we have heard, the independent experts found that up have believed it. to 18% of the badgers exceeded that limit. According to I do not want to antagonise any hon. Friends who Natural England, badgers were often shot in the wrong represent farming communities—I am well aware of the area of the body, necessitating a second shot to kill pressures I face from my hon. Friends—but I am only them. The monitoring of the culls has been deemed too well aware that badgers are not warm cuddly creatures “woefully inadequate”. On the 41 visits made by Natural and that they can be dangerous when cornered. Some England’s monitors, they witnessed only nine badgers people claim that there are too many badgers and foxes, being killed by controlled shooting. but that is a completely different matter and is not an It would be wrong to highlight the concerns without argument for today’s debate. I represent the urban area putting forward a solution, which is what all hon. of Southend West. When I made that speech about Members want. I think that badger vaccination should protecting badgers many years ago, I had no idea how be treated seriously. Using an already licensed injectable difficult it was to move a sett from an urban area to vaccine represents a more cost-effective, compassionate somewhere else. and less divisive way of managing infection in badger populations. The House is saying that it would be good Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham) (Con) if we could agree on this matter. That solution could be rose— implemented by using the data that have been provided 487 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 488

[Mr Amess] The cull failed DEFRA’s own perverse humaneness test. The test says that it is humane if it takes an animal by Natural England, which has recorded accurate only five minutes to die. I do not think that that is information on the location of badger setts. I argue that humane, but the Government failed that test as well. As badger setts could be successfully inoculated by using other Members have pointed out, according to leaked that information. reports, one in five badgers took considerably longer The speed of vaccination is an important consideration. than five minutes to die. Of the 1,861 badgers that were It would be disingenuous to suggest that vaccination is killed in the cull, 335 took considerably longer than five a quick process. Admittedly, the process would be gradual. minutes to die. The Government therefore failed the However, vaccinating badgers is a long-term and sustainable humaneness test. way of reducing the prevalence of bovine TB. That is The Government failed to stop the spread of the what the House is coming together to say. It wants to disease because of perturbation. All the expert evidence see the prevalence of bovine TB reduced. says that. As my hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd Obviously, inoculation will not eradicate badgers that South (Susan Elan Jones) said in her intervention, the carry the disease. It will just prevent the disease from Secretary of State himself acknowledged that the 70% spreading to other badgers. Therefore, those who are in target must be met, otherwise the cull would be a failure favour of the badger cull may well argue that, on the because of the problem of perturbation. The Government face of it, the cull brings a quicker resolution to the did not manage that, so on that basis, they have made problem. However, the evidence suggests that if we the situation worse and spread TB even wider. want a long-term, sustainable resolution to the problem, The Government have failed the value-for-money test culling is not the answer. There is no doubt that badgers as well. The Conservative think-tank, the Bow Group, contribute to the problem of TB in cattle. My hon. has said that it cost £4,121 to kill each badger. Friends who have represented the concerns of their The Government have failed to acknowledge that constituents have been right to do so. However, the only vaccination works. They have failed to acknowledge way to manage the problem is to vaccinate badgers. what has happened in Wales. They have failed to accept I will not comment on matters in Wales. that in Northern Ireland, where there has been no I want to make one or two remarks to the Minister. I badger cull, the level of bovine TB has been reduced. commend the Government’s investment of £250,000 a We know that it is cattle movements and biosecurity year to support and encourage badger vaccination using measures, alongside vaccination, that will make the the existing injectable BCG vaccine. I also commend the biggest contribution. Department for continuing to invest in further research The Government have also failed to meet their into cattle vaccination and for pressing our European commitments. Government Members have talked today partners to reform EU legislation, which will be a tough about seeking cross-party consensus. The Government task. have failed to seek that consensus. The Opposition have Finally, it is important to note that the fact that they offered an open hand to find a consensus. Hopefully, oppose the method that was adopted in the recent culls after today, we will find one, but the Government have does not mean that those who champion vaccination as so far failed to deliver on that. an alternative are not on the side of farmers or that they The Government have certainly failed to listen to the do not empathise with the emotional and financial public. Some 304,202 people signed the e-petition against implications of losing cattle to TB. The evidence is that the badger cull. The Government have failed to listen we can make a serious attempt to reduce the levels of to scientific opinion, as I have pointed out. The hon. TB in farmers’ livestock, while upholding the welfare of Member for North Herefordshire (Bill Wiggin), who is these unique animals. I urge the Minister to seriously not in his place, spoke about the importance of proceeding review the evidence from the IEP and to consider a on the basis of scientific evidence and said that we more effective, compassionate and less costly alternative needed to wait for the report to be available. The that serves the interests of farmers, as well as meeting overwhelming scientific consensus before the cull was ethical standards. Today, hon. Members have clearly that it would not work, but the Government felt that demonstrated their general concern about animal it was satisfactory to ignore scientific opinion. When it welfare. suits them they ignore scientific opinion, and when it does not they call for more scientific evidence to be made available. 2.55 pm Ministers cannot say that they were not made aware Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab): I congratulate that the badger cull would be a disaster: hon. Members the hon. Member for St Albans (Mrs Main) on securing lined up to point out the folly of proceeding with it; the this debate and the Backbench Business Committee on scientific world told them not to cull and that there was allowing it to proceed. no scientific basis for proceeding with it; and the public It is important that we acknowledge that the badger were overwhelmingly opposed to it. The Government’s cull has been a catastrophic failure. It has failed farmers, own former scientific adviser said it was a fiasco, and it has failed taxpayers and it has failed the wildlife in many other choice words have been used by scientists to our countryside. It failed to reach the 70% target that it describe it. needed to reach to be effective. As Members have said, It is important that from today we move forward with the experts say that for a randomised badger cull to be some sort of unity and consensus. I am delighted that successful, it should take about two weeks. The Government some Members who previously voted for the cull have set a timescale of six weeks, but they did not even now changed their minds in the light of the catastrophe manage it in that period and had to extend it. It certainly that has befallen us in the randomised badger culling failed on that score. areas. My hon. Friend the Member for Penistone and 489 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 490

Stocksbridge (Angela Smith) talked about the importance development of policy. I am sure the House shares my of reaching a consensus, which is what the overwhelming determination to bring down the incidence of TB in our majority of the British public want. We know that the national beef and dairy herds. It is a great burden on current situation is putting the police in an impossible our cattle farmers, and an avoidable expense to the position. I have heard numerous reports—even while I Government and the taxpayer. It is also a possible risk have been sitting here listening to the debate, people to human health, but I do no think I will have time to go have been e-mailing me—of those monitoring badger into that this afternoon. culls being harassed and even having shots fired at The tragedy is that bovine TB was virtually eliminated them. We cannot allow that to happen. We have to find in the United Kingdom during the 1950s and 1960s, an alternative way forward. although there were persistent outbreaks in the south-west. That success was due to the tuberculin skin test. When Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): Would the the disease began to increase and spread from the hon. Gentleman mind looking at whether there is a south-west, it was reasonably believed that it could difference in the policing costs for Gloucestershire and again be controlled by means of the skin test, perhaps Somerset? used more frequently. Unfortunately, that was not the Chris Williamson: Policing costs are a significant case. There is now a wildlife reservoir that did not exist contributory factor to the overall cost of the badger in the 1950s and 1960s. The scenario is different, and cull, but we live in a democracy and people have a right therefore different policies are needed to prevent the to monitor the badger cull and protest against it. We do ever-increasing spread of the disease. not live in a dictatorship and those costs have to be Although the epidemiology of TB, whether in cattle factored in. or in human beings, is not readily understandable—for instance, infected cattle kept in sheds throughout the John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): Is it winter have not passed on the infection to other cattle not important to acknowledge the distress the cull has with which they have been in close contact—it is sometimes caused to the wider community overall? useful to draw parallels between different species. Bronllys hospital, in my constituency, is now a community hospital Chris Williamson: My hon. Friend is absolutely correct. that is much valued by the people whom it serves, but That distress is not confined to people living in towns originally it was the TB sanatorium for the people of and cities; it is felt by rural communities and by many south Wales. It was built in my constituency because we farmers. Dairy farmers have approached me to say that have a sunny and healthy climate. The treatment in the they are extremely distressed by the badger cull and do hospital of TB before antibiotics consisted of radical not feel that there is any justification for it. I see the surgery, fresh air, sunshine and good food. The success hon. Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Daniel of the eradication, or near-eradication, of TB in humans Kawczynski) shaking his head, but I can assure him has been due to the use of antibiotics, the use of a that that is a fact. They are fearful that this folly will vaccine, the pasteurisation of milk—which often carried make matters worse for them. They want to proceed on the organism—improvements in housing and diet, and, a scientific basis and see this disease eradicated. They nowadays, health checks for people entering the country, do not want to see badgers suffering and they certainly do not want to see the situation made worse as a Mr Jim Cunningham: What the hon. Gentleman is consequence of the folly we have seen so far. saying is very interesting. Is he going to say anything I hope that there can be a rapprochement between about the effects of the vaccine when it was used in those on the Government Front Bench and Opposition Wales? I referred to Scotland earlier, but I meant to say Members, and that we can find consensus. To achieve Wales. that, the Government must abandon this cull. Roger Williams: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that 3.2 pm correction. I shall come to the issue he has raised in a Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): For moment. the avoidance of doubt, I declare an interest. I am We would not have eradicated TB in human beings if responsible for some cattle in Wales and although this we had relied on the vaccine alone, and indeed we will debate refers to England it is appropriate that I declare not eradicate it in cattle if we rely on the vaccine alone. that interest. A range of tools must be used if we are to be successful. In a few months I will no longer have an interest to There is the tuberculin skin test, there is biosecurity, declare because we have decided not to keep cattle any there is the restriction of cattle movements, and now more, partly as a result of the problems we face with TB there is vaccination. There is also badger culling in in cattle. More grassland will be therefore ploughed up specific, focused areas where the incidence of the disease and the countryside will be less attractive. With the loss is high. I do not underestimate the contribution that a of biodiversity, the countryside will be able to support badger vaccine could make to the control of TB in fewer species. That is a shame, and is just one effect of cattle, but it cannot be relied on to achieve it on its own. this country not being able to get a grip and reduce, The problem is that we have no scientific evidence then eliminate, this disease. that the Bacille de Calmette et Guérin, or BCG—which I congratulate the Backbench Business Committee was developed in the 1920s, and has not been developed on allowing this debate and the hon. Member for further—can prevent TB in cattle. We know that it is St Albans (Mrs Main) on securing it. It is vital that, in 70% effective in providing immunity in badgers, although our shared determination to beat this terrible disease, of course it is not effective if the badgers are already we constantly scrutinise the work of the Department infected, but no scientific evidence has been produced to for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the demonstrate that it reduces infection in cattle in the field. 491 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 492

[Roger Williams] Some might say that that disqualifies me as an expert, but, as everybody in the House knows, having no skill, The pilot culls are planned to continue for four years. qualifications or even talent has never been an obstacle I believe that they should continue, and that lessons to being a Minister—I am sure we all have our own should be learnt from the report that we expect to be favourites. However, I did have the experience of being published in the next few weeks. We should bear it in at DEFRA the last time the Labour Government looked mind that the randomised badger cull trials failed to at another cull—we did cull between 1997 and 2010—and, meet the cull targets—which is the point I was trying to as many colleagues on both sides of the House have make to the hon. Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge said, the Krebs report demonstrated that the science (Angela Smith), for whom I have high regard—but the was brought into question. cull trials did result in a reduced incidence of TB in When I was appointed as Minister the Daily Mail cattle herds, so there is some good news. attacked me. It said, “He’s a veggie and he’s a townie; what does he know about farming?”, which was a very Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): Does fair observation, but I thought just a little bit too the hon. Gentleman not share my concern that whatever critical, because, as I have said, lack of qualifications we think about the issue of culling, there has to be huge has never been an obstacle before. The National Farmers concern about the failure to meet DEFRA’s own targets Union was very generous, however. It said, “We don’t on humaneness? Surely we cannot continue to extend care where he comes from or what he eats; we will judge this culling regime while this inhumaneness continues? him on what he does for farming”, and I think I established a good relationship with the NFU. In its Roger Williams: We await the report on that. We have defence, in response to a point made by my hon. Friend had only leaked evidence and I have heard less critical the Member for Newport West (Paul Flynn) about interpretation of the statistics. subsidies, if there were not subsidies for agriculture across Europe there would be a lot more people visiting Angela Smith rose— food banks. Those subsidies are not going to line farmers’ pockets exclusively, which I think is the interpretation Clive Efford rose— of what was said that people outside the Chamber might have drawn. Roger Williams: I will not give way as I have almost The hon. Member for North Herefordshire (Bill Wiggin), used up my time allowance. who is not in his place at present, was very critical of the Continuing results from the RBCTs show continuing previous Labour Government. His comments might benefits from proactive culling many years after the have been fair if he had said the Labour Government conclusion of the trials. The TB situation continues to were inconsistent, but that inconsistency arose because improve in New Zealand and Australia. Improvements we tried to do everything we could: we tried culling; we are also evident in southern Ireland where, the hon. tried restrictions; we tried extra biosecurity; and we Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge might like to tried vaccination—with all the problems the Government note, a reactive cull has been used. Surprisingly, those have in getting the vaccination validated by Europe and areas that used reactive culling in the RBCTs now show so forth. Progress was made, however. improvements compared with the survey areas. Perhaps I attended the NFU conference in Birmingham only we should re-examine the use of reactive culling. two weeks ago, as did other members of the EFRA More support for culling could be generated if we Select Committee. The Minister was also there, representing had a better test for TB in live badgers. The good news the Government on behalf of the Secretary of State. I is that the polymerase chain reaction test is making have the highest regard for the outgoing NFU president, progress and hopefully by next year we will have a Peter Kendall, and I wish his successor, Meurig Raymond, conclusive test. I am sure that the culling of infected every success during his tenure as president. I heard setts, as identified by PCR tests, and the protecting of Peter Kendall say to the Minister that the NFU was healthy setts would be supported. I ask the Minister grateful for the Government’s efforts to deal with TB. whether there is any advance on those tests. When I was a Minister, from 2009 to 2010, we were I am told that badgers culled in the pilots vary in presented with evidence to secure a cull. Some Labour weight from 6.5 kg to 22 kg. Evidence of disease in the colleagues have suggested today that the evidence is lightest badgers probably implies that they would not overwhelming, but it was not overwhelming in 2009. At survive the winter and would die in considerable distress that time, I took the view, on a balance of 55:45, not to of starvation, hyperthermia and disease. I have not recommend culling to the then Secretary of State. He heard anything today that would lead me to believe that looked at the evidence, and my hon. Friend the Member the BCG vaccine alone will lead to an elimination of for Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies), who was also in the disease in the wildlife reservoir. I believe a cull is also Department at the time, was privy to some of our needed as part of a wide-ranging policy, and for that discussions. The Secretary of State listened to the experts, reason I cannot support this motion. read the briefings, looked at my recommendations and talked to the NFU. He also concluded that culling was 3.12 pm not the way forward.

Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): I Angela Smith: I thank my hon. Friend for giving way. apologise for not being here at the start of the debate. I was named in the previous speech, but the hon. Along with a number of colleagues on both sides of Member for Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger Williams) the House, I am not an expert on this subject, but I was would not give way to me. He said in his speech that Minister of State at DEFRA between 2009 and 2010. targets had been set for the randomised badger culling 493 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 494 trial. Can my hon. Friend confirm that such targets were 3.19 pm not set for the RBCT, and that the trials were in fact designed to establish what targets would be necessary Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): It is for culling to be effective? a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick). I start by paying my own Jim Fitzpatrick: My hon. Friend has set the record tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for St Albans straight following the hon. Gentleman’s comments. I (Mrs Main) for making it to the debate today. She is also congratulate her and others on securing the debate incredibly brave to do so. I am also grateful to her for today, and I thank the Backbench Business Committee doing so because she had asked me to open the debate for allowing it. Although it is taking place in advance of on her behalf, had she been unable to be here. I thank the report’s release, it represents another step forward in the hon. Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela our attempt to address the problem of TB. I hope that Smith), not only for her contribution today, but for all we will get an oral statement from the Secretary of State her work on the issue over a number of months now. I when the report is published, and that we will be able to also thank the Backbench Business Committee for allowing have a full debate on the Floor of the House in Government us to have the debate. As the hon. Gentleman said, it is time. a timely one and a good opportunity for us to focus our minds on the issue. Clive Efford: Many Members prayed in aid the fact We need to take the debate back to basics. There has that the report was delivered to the Secretary of State been much criticism from those who have been pro the only today, and suggested that the debate was therefore cull that those of us who are anti the cull do not premature. Does my hon. Friend agree that debates in understand, because we do not have bovine TB in our the House can often focus the attention of those outside constituencies. I am one of those MPs: we have very the House? Perhaps it is no coincidence that the report little BTB in Kent—but I want to keep it that why, was produced on the same day that we are holding this which is why I am against the cull. I fear that the pilot debate. That is testimony to the work of the Backbench culls will show that they spread the disease wider. I have Business Committee in arranging the debate for today. spoken to my own farmers, who initially expressed Jim Fitzpatrick: My hon. Friend makes a valid point. disappointment with my position, but I said to them, “I One of the successes of the Backbench Business don’t want to see this nasty disease in Kent. My fear is Committee’s procedures is that they have allowed Parliament that if we continue to go down this route, that is exactly to chivvy the Government along. For DEFRA, that has what will happen.” happened in relation to dangerous dogs, wild animals in The subject is emotive, as we have seen today. Everyone circuses and bovine TB. The debates keep these matters has spoken passionately, but it is important to stick to alive in the eyes of the media, of the public and of those the facts. The debate is about how the current situation on all sides who are concerned about the issues. It is stands and about how we best move forward to eradicate certainly not a waste of time to hold this debate today. bovine TB from our cattle. It might be premature to do so before we have seen the report, but I hope that the Government will hold a Daniel Kawczynski: My hon. Friend says that she has debate in their own time when it is published, or that we been talking to her farmers in Kent. How much time will at least have an oral statement so that we can has she spent talking to farmers in places such as question the Secretary of State about its findings. Shropshire, who have been badly affected by bovine TB, The hon. Member for Brecon and Radnorshire has to listen to their perspective? suggested that the report has been quoted selectively. He even quoted some statistics from it himself. Some of Tracey Crouch: I have not come to this conclusion it is in the public domain. As soon as all of it is there, it lightly. My hon. Friend might recall that when I first will provide more evidence and give us more opportunities spoke on the issue in this House I had initially been in to make judgments. We have heard about the conflicting favour of the cull, because I thought that it was the interpretations of what is happening in Wales, Ireland right way to support farmers. Having looked at the facts and Northern Ireland. I have not heard anything so far and read the science, I completely changed my mind. I to persuade me that we arrived at the wrong conclusion do not come to this on an emotional basis; I decided in 2009-10. about it after reading the initial scientific reports that I understand the total frustration and anger among have been published. those in the farming community. They want to see something being done about bovine TB, and the cull at I am enormously sympathetic, as is everyone in the least provided evidence that something was being done. House, to the farmers who have lost otherwise healthy I still think that it was the wrong thing to do, however, cattle, because they have been compulsorily slaughtered and I hope that the Government will not extend the as a consequence of bovine TB. The impact on farmers culls in due course. In the speeches from both sides of can be devastating financially and mentally. In England the House today, no one has said anything other than alone, the disease has cost the taxpayer £500 million in that they want TB to be eradicated. We want it to be the past decade. I wholeheartedly support the Government’s done as efficiently, professionally and quickly as possible. belief that it must be tackled, for the benefit of farmers I have the utmost respect for the Minister; we have dealt and for the animals that contract this awful disease. with each other on many occasions, and I know that he Today, however, we are here specifically to discuss the is committed to this subject as a result of his own badger cull and whether it is the correct method of farming and family interests. We want bovine TB to be tackling the disease. beaten as quickly as possible, and I hope that this We need to remember that badgers are not the only debate will bring us closer to achieving that as soon as transmitters of bovine TB. Cattle and other animals possible. spread the disease as much, if not more, than badgers. 495 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 496

[Tracey Crouch] Government failed to achieve the second part of their criteria, but they have quite possibly worsened the problem Yet, despite strong opposition in this House, two pilot through perturbation. badger culls have taken place, one in Somerset and one Leaving aside the additional policing costs incurred, in Gloucestershire. The purpose of the pilots was simply which appear to be substantial, I believe that although to test controlled shooting as a method for culling. The there are minor concerns about the safety, there is, on Government decided that it must be tested against three the whole, no issue with that criterion being met. However, criteria—effectiveness, humaneness and safety—in order despite the Secretary of State’s premature declaration to determine whether the method would be successful to the House last year that the pilots were a success and and whether it should be rolled out more widely and that all three criteria have been met, it appears that that implemented as the policy to eradicate bovine TB. is not the case and that only one was. It took a leak from the IEP for people to find out There is a viable alternative that has been proved to precisely what the Government’s measure of humaneness be effective, that is humane and costs less, with no was. It was defined as whether a badger died within five unforeseen astronomical policing costs to be incurred: a minutes of being shot. The leaked IEP findings outlined vaccination programme combined with better biosecurity, that up to 18% of culled badgers took longer than five and stricter testing and movements of cattle, as is minutes to die, failing the test for humaneness. I am currently being undertaken in Wales, with great results. interested to know whether the published report will In further support of that method, I looked back to our have those same figures in it, but we will wait and see. In previous successes with tackling bovine TB. The hon. addition, Natural England released a set of compliance Member for Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger Williams) reports that show some badgers were shot in the wrong made the point that in the 1960s TB in cattle was body area, or were wounded and had to be shot a brought under control using a strict and very high level second time. Other badgers have been found outside the of cattle testing, movement restrictions and biosecurity cull area with atrocious fatal injuries, but, to be fair, we measures. Only when those measures were relaxed and do not know if they were shot by licensed marksmen or then abandoned altogether did incidences increase again. by those taking matters into their own hands. We have Surely that is the appropriate way to bring cattle TB to be careful about some of the details suggested by under control while we await a useable cattle vaccine. some groups, which are nevertheless rightly concerned about the cull. On the first of the Government’s own A licensed injectable vaccine for badgers presents criteria, however, the cull has failed. Those with genuine practical challenges in its administration, but it has concerns about animal welfare are right to be upset by been shown to be extremely effective, reducing the risk the findings in the leaked report. of becoming infected with bovine TB by 76%. Additionally, and importantly, it has a herding effect, which means I must stress that this is not only an animal welfare that when more than a third of the social group has issue, however, and that leads me to the second of the been vaccinated, the risk to unvaccinated cubs was criteria—effectiveness. Even after significant downward reduced by 79%, as a 2012 study shows. Vaccinations revision of estimated badger population numbers and not only have the potential to reduce the risk of vaccinated the pilot culling periods being extended, the target of a animals and their unvaccinated cubs becoming infected, minimum 70% reduction in badger numbers—needed but they eliminate the problem of perturbation and to slow the forecasted rise of bovine TB by a mere 12% animal welfare concerns. to 16%—was not achieved in either pilot area. In Somerset, the central population estimate was revised down from In conclusion, the pilots were an experiment to find 2,490 to 1,450 badgers and the six-week maximum an effective method for dealing with bovine TB. What is period was extended to nine weeks. In Gloucestershire, the point of doing an experiment if we are going to the population estimates were revised down from 3,400 continue regardless of the results? The test has shown to 2,350 badgers and the six-week maximum period was culling to be inhumane and ineffective, so I urge the extended to just over 11 weeks. Initial estimates suggested Minister to reconsider the policy of culling and move that in Somerset 59% of the revised estimate of badger forward with a more effective method, as has been done population were shot, a total of 940 badgers. In in Wales. However, if he intends to go ahead with the Gloucestershire, a lower figure of 30% was initially cull, he must prove he has the support of the House by suggested, totalling 921 badgers. The leaked IEP report bringing forward a motion in the name of the Government has revised the Somerset figure down further to 50%, and giving Members the opportunity to vote for or By removing fewer than the target number of badgers against his policy, based not on emotion but on evidence, over an extended period, the pilot culls have deviated which he knows shows the culls to be the shower that widely from the conditions of the RBCT, which determined many of us warned they would be. the minimum percentage that needed to be culled to ensure it would be effective. That does not even take 3.29 pm into consideration the effects of perturbation. The social structure of badgers means that when disturbed in this Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab): I do not intend way, they are likely to flee outside the areas they would to use up all the time available to me, as I have contributed otherwise stay within, thus increasing the number of to the previous two debates on these pilot culls and I animals at risk of infection. It is likely that the pilot fear that I would just be repeating some of the points culls will have seriously perturbed the remaining badger I raised before the pilots started and while they were populations in the two cull zones, which in turn could taking place. lead to an increase in the prevalence of bovine TB I know the Minister to be an honourable gentleman, among the remaining badgers and a subsequent increase and I have served with him on the Select Committee on in the risk to cattle. The lower the percentage reached, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. I hope and expect the larger the effects of that. So not only have the that he is listening intently, and that he will take to his 497 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 498 colleagues in government the consensus of the House Badger vaccination represents a less risky and potentially that these culls have to stop permanently, and that we more successful method of reducing the prevalence must look in another direction to solve the problem, of bovine TB among badger populations. Labour is particularly as the badger cull is now recognised as a committed to implementing a science-led strategy in the pretty shambolic failure by the public and everyone fight to reduce bovine TB; that includes the use of concerned with it. vaccination. DEFRA is working with the EU to change We have heard from colleagues about the pilots’ legislation so as to allow TB vaccination of cattle, and failings as regards humaneness and effectiveness. Two the use of a trade test to differentiate infected from thousand badgers have been killed and millions of vaccinated animals. pounds have been spent. We have heard of the division The Government have continually said that a vaccine in communities and the public over the issue. I welcomed is not ready. Could that be the result of one of the the announcement that badger culls had been stopped Government’s first acts in 2010—cancelling five of the after it was evidenced that marksmen had failed to meet six vaccine field trials commissioned by Labour? DEFRA the 70% kill mark, but unbelievably the Government is cutting funding for the research and development of a are still considering rolling out the policy of culling badger vaccine from £3 million to just over £300,000 by badgers in 10 new areas of England next year. The next year. It has also cut funding for developing a cattle Government need to cancel these killing plans once and vaccine by over £1.5 million. We have had a cut in for all, and to focus on improving cattle welfare, controlling vaccine development and a farce of a cull, both of cattle movements, increasing biosecurity, and developing, which have been bad for farmers, bad for taxpayers and as hon. Members have said, a badger and cattle vaccine. bad for wildlife. It has been rumoured that the Government are considering even cheaper methods of dealing with badgers, 3.35 pm such as gassing them. I hope that the Minister can confirm that that is just a rumour and is not being Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay) (LD): As a Member of considered. We need a science-led policy to manage Parliament for a constituency in Devon, I am well aware cattle movements better, and a vaccine to tackle TB in of just how devastating bovine tuberculosis is in cattle. Opposition Members have warned the Government cattle. It is the area of the country that has been most for two years that the badger cull was bad for farmers, affected by this terrible scourge over a number of years. bad for taxpayers and bad for wildlife. We recognise I do not represent many farmers, but I have had farmers that bovine TB is a terrible disease and, hopefully, those come to my advice surgery telling me about the devastation of us who do not come from a farming community of their herd. I am acutely aware of the devastation that understand the frustration of famers in those communities that causes to their families and to farming communities, that feel the devastating impacts of bovine TB. However, and we are all united in wanting to do something the cull has not helped to resolve this problem. Farmers about it. and the public have been falsely presented with the The IEP report, much of which is on the web for hon. impression that without the large-scale killing of badgers, Members to see, clearly states that culling is not suitable bovine tuberculosis in cattle cannot be effectively controlled. for preventing the spread of bovine TB. Instead, we As we have heard, that is not the case, if we accept should stick to the agreement, made at the beginning of evidence from Wales: in 2013, a programme involving the coalition, to fully consider the scientific evidence badger vaccination, stricter cattle testing and movement available before deciding on the best way forward. restrictions showed that we can get a very significant The IEP reported that the pilot cull has not met two reduction in bovine TB incidence in cattle without the of the three criteria. The culls have failed to be humane, need for a cull. as up to 18% of the badgers killed took longer than five Culling just does not work. It risks spreading the minutes to die, and have failed to be effective, as less disease further and costs far more than it saves. The than 50% of the badgers were killed in either pilot area, Government claim that any badger culling policy will far less than the target of 70% for the trial. The report be proceeded with only if it can be demonstrated that it shows that the recent badger culls did not work and is humane. However, as I have said, it has been well and suggests that they have had a negative effect by encouraging truly evidenced that the culling has not been humane. the spread of the disease through movement of badgers It did not even meet the target that the Government as badger populations are disrupted. set. Unfortunately, DEFRA has hidden behind the As the randomised badger culling trial, managed by Environmental Information Regulations 2004, claiming the independent scientific group between 1998 and 2006, that the disclosure of information would risk the safety witnessed, after killing more than 12,000 badgers there of personnel involved in the pilots and compromise its was an initial decrease in the level of disease by ability to protect the environment. It continues to do approximately 23% in the centre of culled areas, but an that in spite of the Information Commissioner’s ruling increase of 29% on neighbouring land. By continuing that there should be disclosure, and the fact that the with a badger cull we are in danger of worsening levels pilot culls have been completed. of infection, and therefore we must carefully consider If the Minister truly wishes to pursue a cross-party the viable alternatives to a cull. approach to this issue, why has he not agreed to any Evidence from Wales, as highlighted by other hon. of Labour’s key asks, put forward in the Westminster Members, shows that in 2013 a programme of badger Hall debate of 11 December last year, in which I took vaccination, stricter cattle testing and movement restrictions, part? All of them were reasonable, rational, and had resulted in a 24% fall in the number of herds with cross-party support, unlike the cull. We have heard bovine TB, compared with England where they fell by from Members on both sides of the House that we need only 3%. Those options are realistic alternatives to a to move with urgency on getting a vaccine solution. badger cull to prevent the spread of bovine TB. 499 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 500

[Mr Adrian Sanders] that potential alternative. More than 1,200 badgers have so far been vaccinated in Gloucester and the Welsh Testing regimes in England need to be improved. Assembly Government continue to pursue a vaccination Currently, a significant proportion of infected cattle are policy for their intensive action area in and around missed, so there is still a great threat that the disease will Pembrokeshire, the cost of which is estimated at £662 a spread whether or not we continue to cull badgers. As badger. Although that cost is high, it is considerably DEFRA has recognised, the single intradermal comparative lower than the estimates for the cost of the pilot culls on cervical tuberculin test can miss up to approximately a per badger basis, so the UK Government should be 20% of infected animals that are either in the early or considering the option seriously. The alternatives exist late stages of the disease. By using this means of testing, and are a realistic option to prevent the transmission of it is possible that infected animals can be present in a bovine TB. herd when movement restrictions are lifted and the In conclusion, as the IEP report has shown, culling is officially tuberculosis-free status regained, even though ineffective and inhumane. It appears completely wrong herds may be infected. to jeopardise the welfare of badgers and taxpayers’ Between the late 1980s and 2005, various changes to money when cheaper options are available to prevent the testing regime led to a re-establishment of the disease this terrible TB infection in cattle. due to major reductions in testing intensity, relaxation in movement controls, and a move to two, three and four-yearly testing, which fails effectively to identify and 3.42 pm isolate cases of the disease. The testing regime can have an important effect on the level of bovine TB in cattle. Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): I thank For instance, after moving to annual testing in 2008, the Backbench Business Committee for granting time Wales has nearly halved the number of cattle slaughtered for the debate and the hon. Member for St Albans per annum since 2009. Without such a regime we run the (Mrs Main) for her work in securing it. Like others, I risk of jeopardising any further work to reduce bovine appreciate her courage in leading it this afternoon. TB. Beyond this, a better testing regime can be supplemented Let me start by echoing the words of the hon. Member by improving methods of biosecurity, which includes for Southend West (Mr Amess), who is no longer in his area-to-area cattle movement controls and annual checks, place. The debate is not about people who love badgers as well as preventive vaccinations. versus people who love cattle. It is not about those who Attempts in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s to reduce the levels find a cull distasteful, to use the words of the hon. of the disease through a process of rigorous area-by-area Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire cattle movement controls and annual testing decreased (Simon Hart), versus those who do not. It is about how levels of bovine TB to 0.01%. Those alternatives had a we can most effectively address the scourge of bovine dramatic effect on the number of livestock slaughtered, TB. which decreased from 25,000 in 1950 to 2,081 in 1970, The science points us towards the fact that culling without resorting to the slaughter of wildlife. The research badgers in England is not an effective policy. I wish that of the Central Science Laboratory further concluded the hon. Member for North Herefordshire (Bill Wiggin) that suggested biosecurity exclusion methods could be were still in his place, because I would say to him that it up to 100% effective if used by farmers to prevent the is him, not me, who has his science wrong. I might also transmission of bovine TB from badgers to cattle. be tempted to point out to him that although I know I It seems peculiar that we could be paying to cull am guilty of many sins, I am not aware that I have been badgers, which causes an increase in the spread of guilty of spreading bovine TB myself. That was among bovine TB, before we have ensured that the biosecurity the many things he accused me of earlier this afternoon. resources, which could only have a positive effect, are sufficient. That option is particularly appealing as DEFRA Let me be serious. It is important that we address the data suggest that the average cost of improving biosecurity clichés. Even though I represent an urban constituency, for farmers is about £4,000. Considering the fact that I have spent a lot of time with farmers. I was a member the average cost of dealing with a TB herd breakdown of a European Parliament special committee on foot in Great Britain is about £27,000, such measures would and mouth disease and I visited many farms and sat appear cost-effective when compared with the cost of a with many farmers in their kitchens. I am under no cull, which DEFRA estimates at £4.56 million a cull illusion about the enormous distress they experience at with an extra policing cost of £500,000 per area per the thought of the destruction of their animals. I have year. cried as they have cried facing the loss both of their The cull is not the financially viable option and livelihoods and of animals that they love. This is not a although it has been argued that vaccination options competition about who loves animals most; it is a are too expensive to be efficient, that is not true. In fact, debate about the evidence for what works. There is no DEFRA has estimated the cost of vaccinating badgers monopoly on either side of the House on caring for at £2,250 per sq km a year whereas the cost of policing animals. What there is, I think, is a determination the first two badger culls was roughly £4,400 per sq km. among some of us to try to look at the evidence with a Vaccination is cheaper because there is no need to bit more rigour. dispose of carcases, it is unlikely to require as much I welcome this debate, because it is important that policing and wildlife organisations have hundreds of MPs are properly involved in any future decisions about volunteers who can be used as a resource to help with its the control of bovine TB, and that those decisions are administration. subject to a vote in this House. As other hon. Members Over the past 10 years, DEFRA has spent £10 million have indicated, the pilot badger cull can only be judged on research into badger vaccines and it appears a great a spectacular failure, including against the Government’s waste of taxpayers’ money for the Government to drop own terms of reference. 501 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 502

The leaked IEP report makes it clear that the pilot infected and to spread the disease to new areas. That is failed two of the Government’s tests. It failed on because of the perturbation effect, as fleeing badgers humaneness, as more than 5% of badgers took longer spread the disease further afield while the vacuum caused than five minutes to die, and it failed on effectiveness, as by culling attracts new badgers into newly vacated fewer than 50% of badgers have been killed in either territory. pilot area. Yes, those are only leaks, but we know that they echo the empirical evidence of so many people Charles Hendry (Wealden) (Con): The hon. Lady will who have been monitoring the culls. We know, for be aware that there is a high-risk area in Sussex, which example, that one of those culls took more than 11 weeks spreads broadly from her constituency to mine. It is a and that people involved in those culls stopped free fairly ring-fenced area. We understand the nature of the shooting quite early on because it was not effective. We problem there, and it is causing real difficulties. Does know as well from the people who were following those she recognise that that is an ideal example of where culls that many of the animals were not shot in a clean vaccination could be made to work? As the disease is way. geographically confined, we could see the effects of It is not the case that, because this report has not perturbation and whether, with vaccination, there were been published, we cannot make statements about it. I different issues that could be managed more effectively. wish, as others do, that the Minister had brought it forward earlier. As one of the co-sponsors of the debate, Caroline Lucas: I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s I can say that, when we went to the Backbench Business intervention and completely agree. I know that in previous Committee, we fully expected the report to be out. The debates, he has raised, as I have, the work of the Sussex reason we wanted it out fairly swiftly was that we know badger vaccination project, a volunteer-run service that that this Government have a habit of moving fast offers landowners and farmers in east Sussex the chance without consulting Parliament. They did that when to have badgers vaccinated at very low cost, thereby they extended the culls in the first place—the extended providing a humane and less controversial method of period did not come back to Parliament for a decision—so tackling the disease. I hope that as many farmers as it was right to ensure that the Government heard the possible in the area will take up that offer. views of the constituents whom we represent. I want to talk about some of the myths about culling. The leaked IEP report makes it clear not only that the One that even DEFRA is promoting—we have heard it pilots failed some of the tests that the Government set, several times already today from Government Members—is but that costs have soared, particularly when policing that results from places such as New Zealand support costs are taken into account. Preliminary estimates put the strategy of badger culling in the UK. Let us be clear the pilot costs at an eye-watering £4,000 per badger that there are no badgers in New Zealand. The wildlife killed. Shockingly, despite that, the Government have host there is the brushtail possum, an invasive species refused to rule out the extension of culling in up to introduced from Australia. Possum ecology is completely 40 additional large areas in the west and south-west of different from badger ecology. Although culling reduces England in the coming years. TB in possums, rather than increasing it, that result Much has been said about the importance of evidence- cannot simply be transposed to a different species with based policy making. Let us remind ourselves about a different ecology in a different country. Professor what some of these scientific experts have said about Charles Godfray of the Royal Society of Biological culling. Others have already quoted Lord John Krebs, Sciences puts it clearly: who called the cull policy “mindless”. He was one of “Differences in the regulatory and social structure of farming, the architects of the landmark 10-year culling trials that the countryside, and the ecology of the different reservoirs all ended in 2007. He said: mean that lessons from other countries have to be taken with great caution.” “The scientific case is as clear as it can be: this cull is not the answer to TB in cattle. The government is cherry-picking bits of The bottom line is that bovine TB is too important for data to support its case.” us to be cherry-picking the evidence. As we reflect on Lord Robert May, a former Government chief scientist the pilot culls, it is essential that we put science at the and president of the Royal Society, said: heart of future policy. “It is very clear to me that the Government’s policy does not Similarly, evidence from the Republic of Ireland has make sense.” been cited to support claims that culling badgers will He added: help to control TB in England. As with New Zealand, “I have no sympathy with the decision. They are transmuting the evidence shows that TB reductions cannot be attributed evidence-based policy into policy-based evidence.” solely to culling. Crucially, Ireland has much lower I want to highlight some of the myths associated with badger densities than England, so the badgers respond the culling strategy and to suggest some alternatives. differently to culling. In England, culling has consistently Before I do that, let me state again that I absolutely increased the proportion of badgers with TB. The evidence accept that bovine TB is a serious problem that needs to most applicable to the TB problem in England is be tackled. However, the evidence shows that badger information collected in England. culling makes the problem even worse for some farmers, We have heard that during the pilot culls, when the and risks making it worse for all of them. Today’s Government’s policy on badger control was in place, debate is not about whether we want to protect cattle or the conditions deviated massively from the conditions badgers; it is about the most effective way to protect of the randomised badger culling trial, so any reliance cattle, which, as the evidence shows, is not by killing on the results of the RBCT in predicting the likely badgers. That is not because badgers do not necessarily outcome of culling is completely invalid. Let us not contribute to the cattle TB problem, but because badger forget that even in the best case scenario the RBCT culling tends to increase the proportion of badgers only reduced the incidence of bovine TB by between 503 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 504

[Caroline Lucas] money and energy on an approach that is making matters worse. As others have said, bovine TB is too 12% and 16%. In other words, even if we were to take important for us to cherry-pick the evidence. As we Herculean measures and do absolutely everything in the reflect on the culls, let us make sure that we put science right amount of time and as cleanly as possible, we at the centre of future policy. If the Government were would still not be tackling at least 84% of TB in cattle. minded to continue with any kind of culling programme, That is what makes me feel that it is even more important they absolutely must come back to this House first and to look at alternative strategies, and chief among them, subject that decision to a vote, because I am convinced as many other Members have said, is badger vaccination. that we would win it. Badger vaccination makes sense for a number of reasons, but I want to mention just two. The first reason 3.55 pm is that it works. It reduces the probability of infection Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham) (Con): by between 70% and 75%. Even allowing for the fact Of course, one comes across a lot of emotional issues that not all badgers will be reached and vaccination with constituents, but in the nine years for which I have needs to be repeated year on year to include new cubs, it been the Member of Parliament for Shrewsbury, one of is still more effective and more cost-effective than shooting, the most emotional experiences I have faced was meeting not least because vaccination allows the badgers’population a dairy farmer in the village of Snailbeach in the structure to remain in place, granting considerable benefits southernmost part of my constituency. I went to see for disease limitation. him and spent the day on his farm, where I saw at first Vaccination does not remove infected badgers, but it hand the terrible suffering that he had been through makes it more difficult for those animals to pass infection with all his cattle being taken away for slaughter. We sat to other badgers. Over time, the infected animals die at his kitchen table afterwards, and over tea he started off, and the proportion of infected badgers is expected to cry, and I joined in. It was such an emotional to decline. That contrasts with culling, which increases experience seeing a grown man cry and seeing the the proportion of infected badgers and spreads infection constant emotional, psychological impact that this was in space. having on him—as on many children. Let us not forget The second reason is on grounds of cost. Vaccinating that on many of our Shropshire farms there is not just badgers is cheaper than culling them, for at least three the farmer but his family, and when the children see reasons: First, the poor performance of free shooting these cows being taken away for slaughter, it has a suggests that both culling and vaccination would entail terrible emotional impact on them. cage trapping, with vaccination slightly cheaper because That is why in the previous Parliament I set up the there is no need to dispose of carcases. Secondly, vaccination all-party group for dairy farmers. Over 170 Members of is unlikely to require policing. As other members have Parliament from all political parties joined that campaigning said, DEFRA estimates the cost of vaccinating badgers group, and we had an excellent secretariat in the Royal to be £2,250 per sq km per year, while policing the first Association of British Dairy Farmers. We did not have two pilot culls alone cost roughly £4,400 per sq km. many resources at our disposal, but we met many Thirdly, as with the example of the Sussex badger organisations from around the country that came to vaccination project, many wildlife organisations can speak to us at the House of Commons—not just from draw upon hundreds of volunteers to help with badger this country but from France and Ireland, as well as vaccination, markedly reducing the costs. other parts of the United Kingdom. After taking evidence As I have said in all the other parliamentary debates for a year, we came to two conclusions: first, that there on the subject, we also need to devote more resources needed to be a limited cull of badgers; and secondly, and political capital to overcoming the challenges with that there ought to be a grocery adjudicator to support cattle vaccination, as well as to addressing the role that farmers and deal with some of the more pernicious modern husbandry practices can play in placing chronic ways in which the supermarkets were treating them. I stress on intensively farmed animals. Professor John am very pleased that there has been movement on those Bourne, chair of the independent scientific group that two important suggestions, because when I brought oversaw the RBCT, stated in his final report that them to the attention of the then Secretary of State for “implementation of cattle control measures outlined in this report DEFRA, David Miliband, he was completely derisory are, in the absence of badger culling, likely to reverse the increasing about both of them. trend in cattle disease incidence.” In Shropshire last year, 2,125 cows were killed as a Improving biosecurity must also take priority, as well result of bovine tuberculosis. Although the figures have as stricter testing and movement restrictions. We can see come down in certain parts of the United Kingdom, as that measures are already playing a part in bringing we have heard, that is an increase on the previous year’s down the incidence of bovine TB. Others have mentioned figure of 1,976. The problem is continuing to increase the figures recently released by DEFRA showing that for all our farmers. At the end of last year, 401 herds in during 2013 there was a 14% reduction in the number of the county were subject to Government movement cattle slaughtered as TB reactors or direct contacts. restrictions. I would like to read to the Minister in the We have also seen the evidence from Wales, where a strongest possible way a statement from the vice-chairman combination of biosecurity, cattle movement restrictions of Shropshire NFU, Mr Richard Yates, as reported in and vaccination is being used to reduce bovine TB, and today’s Shropshire Star: where the number of cattle herds with the disease fell by “A vet said to me that there’s two types of farmer in Shropshire— 23.6% last year. those that have TB and those that are going to get it, and that was This is a complex topic, but my asks of the Minister like a knife in the back to me.” are simple. First, he should look at the evidence and He went on to say that he goes to market a lot, where he stop the badger culls for good. He should grant no speaks to many Shropshire farmers and is staggered by more licences to shoot badgers, and stop wasting time, just how many of them are affected by this terrible 505 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 506 disease. He has identified correctly that we are spending There is no doubt whatsoever that TB is a huge more than £100 million a year in compensation to problem and we need to tackle it. From listening to this farmers. That is a staggering amount of money and I do debate and the information provided outside as well as not think that anybody present would want £100 million inside this Chamber, the weight of evidence seems to to be spent needlessly. Clearly, there are much greater show that badger culling is making things wore rather priorities for funding to be spent in the health service, than better. We would therefore be very unwise to education and all the other things that we want to continue an approach that worsens the situation, rather provide for our constituents. than seeking one that will improve it. That is why it is so important that we reach a consensus. The hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Let us try to get it. I am encouraged that there has been Lucas) has already covered the fact that it is not terribly talk about some sort of compromise or consensus, helpful to use possums in New Zealand and badgers in because we have been discussing this issue for many Ireland as reference points for dealing with badgers years and we do not appear to be any closer today than in England. The best evidence for dealing with badgers we have been in years gone by to finally grappling with in England is the huge trial in England over many this terrible disease. years—the randomised badger culling trial from 1998 Mr Yates says that he wants the preservation order to to 2006—which has given us massive evidence about be taken off badgers and for farmers and gamekeepers what works and what does not work. to be allowed to deal with the problem. He says: To be fair to the pilot culls, they set out to work to “I have a sett in nearly every field. Badgers are out of control. that evidence base in trying to reach the 70% target You never see hedgehogs any more, or ground nesting birds, within six weeks. The shame appears to be that, as the because the badgers are killing them.” hon. Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Tracey Crouch) I have met the Shropshire Wildlife Trust on many clearly pointed out, the pilots failed to meet two out of occasions. It is the largest organisation in Shropshire, the three tests that were set. All the evidence is that with more than 6,000 members, and, of course, its culling to less than 70% or certainly for more than six symbol is a badger. It has taken me on several occasions weeks causes more problems than it solves. Despite the to see badgers and wildlife and to look at setts. I chorus of voices expressing concern, there is no doubt understand the passion on both sides of the argument, that the Government set out with the best of intentions, but I say to the Minister that if he and his officials but with those best of intentions, they have produced believe that badger culls are necessary in order to grapple the worst of outcomes. We therefore need to think very with this appalling disease, he must show the courage to carefully about what we do now. continue with that policy. All I care about is stopping Badger vaccination works. The evidence demonstrates this ghastly disease destroying Shropshire’s very important that it is an alternative that works: once infected badgers cattle and dairy industries, on which we are so dependent are vaccinated, the hosts are prevented from being and which I will do everything I can to protect. transmitted to other badgers and the disease is not passed on. There is an evidence base on the impact of 4.2 pm the vaccination of red foxes against rabies, indeed, of Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): I agree with the hon. human beings against measles. Vaccination works and, Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Daniel Kawczynski) on the basis of figures presented to us from the evidence, that we need to stop this ghastly disease. That is the seems to be more cost-effective and better value for money. theme of this debate. One of the benefits of speaking The problem with vaccination is that it takes a bit this late in a debate is that everything has already been longer and we have to be a bit more patient. I fully said. I hope I will not repeat much of it. understand the frustration and impatience about the As an aside, one thing that has not been mentioned is need to do something about this dreadful disease, but if the number of cows killed as a result of the devastating we made matters worse through our impatience, hurry floods in the west country and whether or not their and urgency, that would be the height of foolishness. impact on biodiversity has been beneficial to this problem. Sadly, despite everything that has been said, it appears Perhaps the Minister will comment on that. that continuing down this route will create more difficulties The briefing distributed by the National Farmers not only for badgers, but for cattle and the people Union is very helpful. It reminds us: whose livelihoods depend on them, as well as for the taxpayer, whose best interests we are all here to represent. “213,799 cattle have been slaughtered due to Bovine Tuberculosis since 2008. The disease imposes a significant burden on taxpayers, with control and testing measures costing the taxpayer around 4.8 pm £100m per year, which will rise if TB spread continues unchecked.” It is a massive problem in every way and it provokes Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): I very much strong emotional responses. The hon. Gentleman described welcome this debate. I congratulate the hon. Member the farmer whose livelihood has been destroyed and for St Albans (Mrs Main) on taking the initiative in with whom one sympathises hugely. I understand why calling it, and the Backbench Business Committee on people in the farming industry feel desperate. Likewise, selecting it and providing time for it. Now is the right one empathises with those who have been e-mailing us time for this debate. in their hundreds of thousands to voice their concern The hon. Lady is certainly not responsible for ensuring about the unnecessary, as they see it, destruction of that we have all the facts from a report at the Government’s badgers. We as policy makers need to navigate a way disposal. By the end of the debate, I hope that it will be through those emotional responses and arrive at the clear to the Minister that hon. Members on both sides right answer to make things better. If we come up with of the House want to see the report, and that he should the wrong answer and make things worse, we will have at least indicate the timetable for its publication. However, difficulties. several hon. Members have shared much of the material 507 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 508

[Paul Burstow] 4.13 pm from the leaked report, and we should be cognisant of Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): Tuberculosis infection is what it tells us about culling’s lack of effectiveness and of major concern to our farming community. The distress its inhumane nature, which is why I certainly support that is caused by having to slaughter cattle is immense. the motion. Labour Members are fully committed to making progress towards eradicating bovine TB, but we do not believe From listening to this debate, which has been a great that culling is the answer. education, it is clear that there is no silver bullet—no We know that 94% of TB infection is caused by one single thing that we or the Government can do to cattle-to-cattle transmission and only 6% by badger-to-cattle bring easily within our grasp our shared goal of eradicating transmission. It therefore makes sense to focus significant bovine TB. It is a complex, multi-faceted problem and, efforts on biosecurity, animal husbandry and cattle as such, it requires a comprehensive strategy. I therefore vaccination. Cattle vaccination puts the farmer firmly welcome the comments of the former Minister, my hon. in control. I therefore urge the Government, first and Friend the Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr Heath), foremost, to redouble their efforts to develop an effective in which he said that there is a comprehensive strategy. vaccine that can be used and tests that can distinguish Unfortunately, the strategy is all too often obscured by between vaccinated and sick animals, and to sort out the need to be concerned about and to debate the the obstacles to effective trade. In the meantime, as hon. inadequate evidence base. Indeed, the evidence demonstrates Members have pointed out, a great deal can be done that culling is not the right strategy. We need to get that through greater insistence on vigilance, biosecurity and debate out of the way so that we can have the necessary pre-movement testing. focus on delivering all the welcome aspects of the strategy. In calling for an end to the Government’s costly and cruel culling programme, I will focus on alternative The hon. Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Tracey strategies. I will therefore draw hon. Members’ attention Crouch) made an excellent speech and an excellent to the measures that my colleague, Alun Davies AM, demand of the Government. It is great that the Backbench who is the Minister for Natural Resources and Food in Business Committee has provided us with time to debate the Welsh Government, is implementing to tackle TB in this issue. However, given that it does not divide us cattle. along party lines, but is of serious concern to Members across the House, I think that the Government should In Wales, a whole range of measures are being used test the opinion of the House on a motion if they are to strengthen biosecurity. It is early days to evaluate minded to make the case for further culling. the effectiveness of the measures, but there are some encouraging signs. From December 2012 to November We have heard some compelling evidence in this 2013, there was a reduction of 23% in the incidence in debate, not least from the leaks of the report. I cannot new herds and a 33% reduction in the number of ignore the evidence that the Government’s own test for animals slaughtered. Since 2010, pre-movement testing the humaneness of killing has been breached in so has applied to all herds. From 30 September this year, many cases. The guidelines say that it is sufficiently sole occupancy authorities will not automatically be humane if a creature dies within five minutes, but 18% exempted from pre-movement testing. The Welsh of the badgers did not do so. That raises questions Government have also intensified enforcement of cross- about whether we are travelling in the right direction by compliance penalties for late bovine TB tests. The majority maintaining support for the cull. Several colleagues of farmers already comply with the requirements, but have also mentioned the flight risk that exists with such this will improve consistency. operations, which can make matters worse, not better. In April 2013, the Welsh Government set up a specialist Several hon. Members have referred to what Wales is study to look at the regional factors affecting the pattern doing. If we are to have an informed debate, we need to of disease in Wales to ensure the very best use of have all the evidence of the successes and failures in resources. Last October, they launched the Cymorth TB Wales, and to know what lessons can be learned. As my programme, or the TB support programme. Its purpose hon. Friend the Member for Torbay (Mr Sanders) said, is to give farmers extra help in dealing with a bovine TB we know that trapping and vaccinating is cheaper than breakdown, including help from local vets, and to help culling, and that it has led to a 33% reduction in the farmers to remain TB-free in future. number of cattle that have been slaughtered. He also said that having tighter biosecurity is a way of securing The Welsh Government have also implemented a what we all want at a lower cost. badger vaccination programme. In the intensive action area in north Pembrokeshire, 1,400 badgers were vaccinated I have a question for the Minister about the vaccination in 2010, the first year, with another 1,350 badgers of cattle. Every 10 years, we are told that it will be vaccinated in 2013. Participation is voluntary and there another 10 years before we get a vaccine. One of the has been very good co-operation from landowners. The issues is that the tests are not sufficiently refined to Welsh Government are also providing a badger vaccination distinguish between those that have the infection and grant, which will meet 50% of the costs of badger those that have had the vaccine. Will the Minister vaccination for five years. In June, Wales will host the indicate when we might see progress on the testing, so world mycobacterium bovis conference. This will be an that the vaccine can be used more effectively? opportunity to share expertise and the experience of This is a serious matter to which the House keeps implementing measures to eradicate TB. returning. I hope that the Government realise that One of the most depressing truths about the recent Members across parties and across the House do not cull by this Government is that it was not based on the believe that the evidence is compelling and clear enough strongest scientific evidence available in the first place. to support the use of culling. It need never have taken place. Under the previous 509 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 510

Labour Government, we commissioned the randomised We need cross-party support in this place for action badger cull trials, the largest scientific project on the in those areas in particular. It will not be possible to effectiveness of culling, which reported in 2007. The eradicate TB by means of vaccination alone; it will be report of the independent scientific group on cattle TB necessary to remove the infected badgers. The point of stated: carrying out pilots rather than randomised badger culling “After careful consideration of all the RBCT and other data trials was to establish hard boundaries in order to presented in this report, including an economic assessment, we ensure that there had been no perturbation that would conclude that badger culling cannot meaningfully contribute to spread the disease to surrounding areas. I hope that the the future control of cattle TB in Britain.” report will provide evidence of that. What the randomised As other hon. Members have graphically described, we cull did do was reduce the amount of TB in those areas have witnessed the spectacular failure of the cull. That by some 28% or 29%, which shows that the controlling failure, sadly, was predictable. In conclusion, I call on and culling of badgers does work. the Government to work closely with the Welsh I agree with my hon. Friend the Member for The Government to look at alternatives to the discredited Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown) that we need to cull programme for the benefit of farmers across England look at the report. I would be the first to say, as many and Wales. other Members have, that if we are going to cull, we must be certain that we can cull humanely. If we have to 4.18 pm trap more badgers in order to cull them, let us do so. Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): It is a great Caroline Lucas: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? pleasure to speak in this debate. It is far too early to draw conclusions from the Neil Parish: I had to wait all afternoon to speak, so report. The House has not yet seen the report properly, I do not think that I will give way. and all we are acting on are leaks from it. I have full We have tried for 30 years to control bovine TB In confidence in the Secretary of State and the other this country, and all that we have seen is increase after DEFRA Ministers to analyse the report properly and increase. We cannot go on doing this for ever, because in to come to this House with their conclusions. Where we the end we will not have a viable cattle herd, and we will need to cull badgers and it can be done humanely, we not have the food security that we all seek. We must get must carry on doing so. to grips with this disease. Many Members have referred to their own constituencies. Finally, let me deal with the myth about what is and is It is very likely that vaccinating badgers in a rural not supposed to be happening in the Republic of Ireland. constituency with very little TB in cattle, and hardly any This is the point on which I really disagree with other TB in the badger population, will be effective—badgers Members. It is possible to argue that opossums may be must be vaccinated annually, but that will do a very slightly different from badgers in Ireland, but the differences good job. However, in a constituency such as mine, between badgers in Ireland and badgers in Devon are where some 25% of herds are restricted and are testing very few. [Interruption.] I have listened throughout the positive for TB, and there is a huge amount of TB in the afternoon to speeches from the Members who are badger population, any amount of vaccination will not interrupting, and I have remained very quiet. Perhaps cure the infected badger. the hon. Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela The British Veterinary Association has said: Smith) will now listen to what I have to say. “Scientific evidence proves that badgers and cattle spread bTB Recent figures from Ireland show that TB infection to cattle and that the targeted culling of badgers does reduce the levels have fallen by more than 45% since 2000. They levels of infection in cattle herds. Cattle vaccination will be an are now slaughtering fewer than half the cattle they essential part of the long term strategy to eradicate bTB but will needed to some 10 years ago. This is a substantial not be available in the UK until at least 2023.” reduction that the Irish Government believe their badger Will we really be able to wait until 2023, and continue to culling programme has significantly contributed to. The destroy some 35,000 cattle a year—some 5,600 a year in culling of badgers is the only significant difference Devon alone? We cannot go on doing that. between the current approaches taken in England and This mythical vaccine was offered to farmers throughout Ireland; the cattle restrictions and cattle movement the 13 years of the last Labour Government. Is it any orders are virtually the same. Last year 15,612 cattle wonder that those poor farmers are pulling their hair tested positive in Ireland which represents a 15% reduction out and are almost suicidal because they cannot cure on the 2012 levels. The Irish Government have said TB their herds of TB? They are testing their cattle every six eradication is now a practical proposition in Ireland weeks. Anyone who tries to organise such tests time and after the latest figures show a substantial drop in reactor time again, running all those cattle through cattle crushes, numbers in 2013. will find that it is a huge effort, not just physical but I now quote from the Irish Department of Agriculture, emotional. Food and the Marine: When the farmers have tested the cattle and established “We believe that, while it is difficult to quantify the precise that they no longer have TB, and when the reactors have impact of badger culling on the reduction in the incidence of TB, been taken away, what do the farmers do? In the spring much of the improvement in the TB situation is due to the badger removal programme.” and summer they turn their cattle out on to the edges of Exmoor and the Blackdown hills, where there are huge Therefore the Irish believe culling badgers has worked grasslands that are very good for the production of to reduce TB in the Republic of Ireland. dairy and beef. When the cattle are out in those fields, it In a county such as the one I represent in Devon is almost impossible to prevent them from mixing with where over a quarter of the herds are restricted, where an infected badger population. we are slaughtering 5,500 cattle a year and where probably 511 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 512

[Neil Parish] into an area adjacent to one in which infection had been detected. I am pleased to say that a little more data about 40% of our badger population are infected with sharing is now in place, but I ask the Minister whether bovine TB, we have to take action not only in cleaning he is satisfied that data transmission is now at an the cattle and having stricter cattle movements, but in appropriate level. I am meeting representatives of Cheshire making sure those badgers are clean so there is no TB in NFU tomorrow morning, and I expect them to tell me them If we do that, when we turn our cattle out, it will how it is on the ground, so he might want to make sure be safe to do so, and when we drink our milk it will be that he has got his story straight. safe to do so. When our tourists come to Devon and I am very keen to ensure that we succeed in stopping Cornwall and the west country, they will come to see the spread of bovine TB further north into Cheshire the beautiful herds of beef cattle, such as Devon reds and beyond. That is why I very much encouraged the grazing there, that are not infected by TB. Cheshire Wildlife Trust and the NFU to work together on vaccination. I want to point out that vaccination is 4.27 pm not quite as simple as we in the House sometimes make Sir Andrew Stunell (Hazel Grove) (LD): Hazel Grove it sound. There is a narrow calendar window during is in the northern part of Cheshire or the southern part which the badgers can be vaccinated. They spend the of Greater Manchester, and Cheshire is on the frontier winter months in their setts and are inaccessible. There zone of the northern spread of bovine TB. We are officially is a narrow period of time during the day, too, when an edge risk area. In Cheshire there were 143 outbreaks vaccination can take place. It has to be early in the day in 2013 and 829 animals were destroyed as a result. and they have to be trapped as they come out overnight. Based on DEFRA’s figures for the average costs, dealing The trapping is not simple: we do not want to catch with bovine TB in Cheshire therefore cost something rabbits or foxes; we want to catch badgers. The trap has over £4 million, and more than £1 million—more likely to be laid in a particular way, and the bait has to be £1.5 million—of that cost fell on farmers. The House under a suitably heavy stone that neither rabbits nor will therefore understand that I share a lot of the foxes can move, but that badgers can, in order to shut concerns that have been expressed by those representing the trap. I am impressed by the care and thought that agricultural areas, albeit mine is a suburban one, but of goes into the capture of the animals, and by the course I also get a very large number of e-mails and professionalism that is needed to do it. letters from those who are concerned about the culling The day I visited a farm in the south of Cheshire, of badgers. eight or nine traps had been laid, and they yielded four I want to focus on the efforts I believe it is right to put badgers. One professional gentleman had spent a whole into preventing the spread of the disease northwards. I day setting the traps, vaccinating the animals, releasing have asked the Minister questions about this and I am them and clearing the traps, and he got just four badgers. working with Cheshire Wildlife Trust and the Cheshire It is slow, complicated work, and of course that process NFU on how we might do that. It is feasible to have a has to be repeated each year. I am not decrying the vaccinated zone across Cheshire that acts as a barrier to process; I am simply saying that there is not a solution the spread of infected badgers to the north and hence to this problem that can be achieved by waving a magic causes a reduction in the transmission of the disease to wand. cattle. Will the Minister give the House an undertaking that At the end of last year I visited a badger vaccination those of us who live in edge risk areas—the frontier project being carried out by Cheshire Wildlife Trust zones, as I call them—will have all the support that is with the full support of the NFU, and with a 50% needed for an intensive vaccination programme to prevent contribution to the cost by the Department, and I want the spread of the disease northwards? Will he ensure to thank the Minister for the £250,000 fund that is in that the data sharing relating to outbreaks is at a level place for similar projects around the country. One of that will really prevent the possibility of herds being my questions to him will be whether he can do more on unwittingly moved back into infected areas? that front, because having a vaccinated zone in Cheshire I also want to raise a point that was put to me by the is a pretty good guarantee of preventing the spread of Cheshire Wildlife Trust. In carrying out the vaccination the disease further north. programme in south Cheshire, the trust discovered more I also want to thank the Minister for the support that or less the same thing that had been discovered in the the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, culling areas—namely, that there did not seem to be as which is funded by the Department, is giving to the many badgers as people were expecting. Does the Minister road-kill testing of badgers in Cheshire. That project is think that the assessment of the density of the badger being run by the university of Liverpool, and I hope population, on which the whole culling exercise seems that it will provide us with more evidence on the prevalence to have been based, is a realistic one? Is he satisfied that of the disease among badgers, as well as assisting us in the calculations that spring from that assessment have reducing that prevalence. been made on a sound basis? If, when we get to the I thank the Minister and his predecessor, my hon. capture of animals—or in the case of culling, the destruction Friend the Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr Heath), of animals—the animals simply are not there, the whole for the steps that they have taken to improve data calculation becomes different. For those of us in the sharing. One of the absurdities of the situation up to edge zone—the high risk zone—the solution on offer is about 18 months ago was that data protection legislation not culling but the creation of a cordon sanitaire. The was being used to prevent adjacent farmers from finding problem is not easy to resolve anywhere, but we believe out about outbreaks. In Cheshire, where herds are frequently that there is a specific solution that will do exactly that, moved from one farm to another to exploit grazing at least in our area, and I would like the support of the opportunities, farmers were at risk of moving animals Minister in achieving it. 513 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 514

4.35 pm Why pursue such a policy when it is so clearly contested scientifically, so deeply flawed methodologically and so Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): I thank the evidently failing, and when there are proven alternatives, Backbench Business Committee for choosing the debate which are more humane, more effective, cheaper and and the hon. Member for St Albans (Mrs Main) for more publicly acceptable? Why do that when scientists, introducing it—with great fortitude, I might add, and I many farmers, MPs from all parties and Her Majesty’s commend her for that. I also thank the cross-party loyal Opposition are willing to work with the Government group of MPs who secured the debate, which is hugely on an alternative strategy that will be enduring and significant and timely, because the Minister is considering effective and garner widespread stakeholder and public wider roll-outs. We have seen cross-party support for a support? In all sincerity, despite—in fact because of—those new way forward and a new consensus based on vaccination flawed and failed culls in Gloucester and Somerset, it is and cattle measures. not too late for Ministers to think again and for us to I thank all Members who have spoken, even those work together on a better way forward. whose opinions I respect but disagree with. There were Before addressing what has gone wrong with the culls many good contributions, including by the hon. Member and what can now be done, let me make it clear that for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh), who has great Labour agrees entirely and unequivocally that the scourge experience, and the hon. Members for North Herefordshire of bovine TB must be eradicated. It must be eradicated (Bill Wiggin), for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown), because of the terrible waste of productive cattle, the for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire (Simon destruction of pedigree herds, the cash-flow and wider Hart), for Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger Williams)—we economic impacts on family farms, the psychological go back a long way—for Shrewsbury and Atcham trauma for farmers and their families, and the unsustainable (Daniel Kawczynski) and for Tiverton and Honiton cost of compensation payments. Some have pointed out (Neil Parish). I may not agree with many of the points that many more tens of thousands of cattle are slaughtered that they made, but they spoke with passion for their each year for many other reasons—mastitis, lameness, constituents. old age, inability to calve and so on. That is true, but 1% of the total cattle herd, dairy and non-dairy, in the UK Those who have spoken for the motion today and is slaughtered because of bovine TB, and that is for a considered, cross-party and scientific consensus unacceptable. What also distinguishes that from other on the way forward include the hon. Member for reasons for slaughter is that it is a notifiable disease. We St Albans, who made the point that this is not a case of have a public and legal duty to bear down on it, and one side against another; my hon. Friends the Members pressing trade reasons to do so, too. On that, we are at for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela Smith), for one with the Government. Dumfries and Galloway (Mr Brown), for Huddersfield We support the UK and the Welsh Governments for (Mr Sheerman), for Coventry North West (Mr Robinson), their increasingly stringent efforts, working with farmers, for Copeland (Mr Reed), for Newport West (Paul Flynn), to clamp down on the disease by use of cattle measures. for Derby North (Chris Williamson), for Poplar and As this is a disease in cattle, the primary resolution will Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick), for Inverclyde (Mr McKenzie), be in cattle measures. Some Ministers give the impression for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) and for Llanelli (Nia Griffith); that badgers are the main culprits, yet we know from the hon. Members for St Ives (Andrew George), for exhaustive in-field studies that although there is some Southend West (Mr Amess), for Chatham and Aylesford direct transmission of TB from infected badgers to (Tracey Crouch), for Torbay (Mr Sanders) and for cattle—it is about 6% of the total—and that that may Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas); and the right hon. indeed play a role in subsequent onward transmission, Members for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow) and, cattle-to-cattle transmission is the major element. lately, for Hazel Grove (Sir Andrew Stunell). In every We know also that the most significant spike in TB part of the Chamber, on every Bench, there have been was linked to the rapid spread of the disease in the calm, rational and methodical arguments on why we immediate aftermath of foot and mouth disease, when should have a different way forward. the restocking of cattle took place northwards and A number of questions face Ministers today. Why westwards, often from areas further south where TB continue to pursue a policy of eradicating bovine TB in was present. In addition, there have been sporadic cattle involving mass culling of badgers? It proved occurrences in parts of the country and farms where hugely costly to taxpayers and farmers and was critically there has been no history of TB, and we must note the flawed, from the first principles, through the methodology presence of TB-free farms in the midst of hotspot areas. to the application in the field. It failed to meet the All that reinforces the scientific conclusion that stringent Government’s own limited tests of effectiveness and cattle measures are key to a successful strategy of humaneness. In short, not enough badgers were culled, eradication. Movement restrictions, risk-based trading, and too many were not killed cleanly, but suffered rigorous biosecurity and other measures will play the before dying. Culls have diverted stretched police resources most substantial part in eradicating the disease. from front-line duties to deal with protesters and to However, we also need fully to recognise the need to ensure public safety, prompting police and crime tackle reservoirs of the disease in wildlife, where appropriate. commissioners to speak out in opposition. Culls are Our disagreement with the Government—it is a profound deeply unpopular with the public throughout the country, disagreement—is over the best means of addressing the in town and country alike. Culls are scientifically wildlife reservoir. We believe, as do many farmers and controversial to the point of flying in the face of leading scientific opinion, backed by mounting evidence mainstream, expert advice, from which, as we have seen of success, which has been set out before the Minister today, increasing numbers of Government MPs are today, that there is another way to tackle badger TB making the right and intelligent choice to seek alternative, which has greater certainty of success and avoids the workable strategies for TB eradication. significant risks of a mass-culling programme. 515 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 516

[Huw Irranca-Davies] so I repeat the offer that I made to the Secretary of State in writing in December: work with us, with farmers, Before I expand on an alternative approach, we have and with the evidence to agree a new, better way forward. to examine what went wrong with the Government’s culls last year. There was a sequence of dire policy miscalculations, each of which compounded the other 4.45 pm and led to wholesale failure. The crucial baseline population of badgers was first overestimated, then underestimated; TheParliamentaryUnder-Secretaryof StateforEnvironment, a risky and wholly untested “free-shoot” approach was Food and Rural Affairs (George Eustice): I begin by adopted, which promptly but predictably failed; more picking up on a point made by the hon. Member for costly cage-trap-shoot methods were rapidly then Poplar and Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick): this is an introduced, yet still too few badgers were culled in the incredibly difficult disease to fight, and there are no time frame allowed, posing an increased risk of spreading easy answers in the war against TB. There are several TB; the six-week time-frame was then controversially reasons for that. First, it is a very slow-growing, insidious extended and, again, still too few badgers were killed; disease, which makes it incredibly difficult to detect. It and, meanwhile, police patrolled the country trying to has been hard to get a reliable means of diagnosis. maintain order for deeply unpopular culls, and running Secondly, the disease lives within the cell wall of blood up bills for the taxpayer. cells, and that makes it very difficult to get a vaccine to work. That is why the BCG vaccine, which is the only We now understand from a delayed but leaked thing that we have, is only partially effective and provides Government report that too many badgers died inhumanely, no cure. That is why the Government have been very enduring suffering before death. As an aside, I note that clear that we need to pursue a range of options to roll the British Veterinary Association, of which I am proud back the disease. We are clear that no one measure on to be an honorary member, predicated its support on its own will work; instead, we need to pursue a range of these culls being humane—watch this space. strategies to bear down on the disease. We set those out clearly in our draft TB eradication strategy, the final Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: Between 1998 and 2010, the version of which will be published shortly. It sets out a number of herd breakdowns tripled from 1,226 to 3,334, range of options; I want to come back to that, because and the number of cattle slaughtered rose sixfold, from this is an area in which I think there will be consensus 4,102 to 24,000. Given what I am hearing from the across the House. Labour Front-Bench team today, can our farmers, who There is one area where, clearly, we take a different are suffering so terribly from this disease, expect more view from the Opposition. Our view is that nowhere in of the same? the world has managed successfully to tackle TB without also dealing with the reservoir of the disease in the Huw Irranca-Davies: No, and I refer the hon. Gentleman, wildlife population. A couple of hon. Members have who makes a valid point, to the figures for the past three attempted to cast doubt on that—they have mentioned years, which have shown a downward trend. possums in New Zealand and asked whether the case is I say to the Minister that the two key tests for the the same—but in Ireland and France, cull strategies Government of effectiveness and humaneness have been have been successfully pursued. failed. So let us not keep inflicting this costly policy failure and public relations disaster on farmers, taxpayers Caroline Lucas rose— and wildlife. Let us learn the lessons from these two failed and costly culls, stop them now and look at the alternative way forward, which can be cheaper, more George Eustice: I will not give way. I want to carry on humane and more effective. and make this point, because there were lots of issues raised. If Members do not accept that international Look instead to Wales, where there has been a significant comparisons are relevant, I say: look at the historical and substantial reduction in TB, at twice the rate of the comparisons. We got on top of TB in the 1960s and ’70s decline in England. That happened without culling, but by pursuing a badger cull strategy. Early attempts through with vaccination and stringent cattle measures. Look to measures such as the clean ring strategy pursued by Northern Ireland, where BTB is declining faster, without Dunnet in the late ’80s had some success. The RBCTs culling, than in the Republic, where culling is taking that the previous Government ran also showed a 16% place. Look closer to home, in England, where the reduction in the disease. incidence of BTB began to decline even before the culls started. We repeatedly pointed out that trend to Ministers, I want to say a little about vaccination, because we who either ignored or denied it. The trend is even more recognise that it can provide some benefits. It can pass apparent now that Ministers have admitted that the on some immunity to cubs, and can cause less disturbance figures incorrectly overstated BTB. to the badger population, but there are difficulties with it. The badgers have to be successfully trapped and More and more MPs from across the parties, including vaccinated; St Ives—the hon. Member for St Ives (Andrew independent-minded Government MPs, are calling on George) has talked to me about this—has managed to Ministers to pause and think again. There is a different catch only seven in the past year. We should recognise approach to tackling TB in cattle and wildlife, if only that no vaccine is 100% effective; the evidence is that it Ministers would listen to the evidence, and to the increasing is roughly 60% effective. numbers of MPs of their own party who have lost faith in these deeply flawed culls. We want the Government to work with the science and across political parties to Caroline Lucas: Will the Minister give way? seek a new, lasting consensus on the way forward. Labour, scientists, and many farmers want to do that, George Eustice: No, I will not; I will keep going. 517 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 518

Bill Wiggin: On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. and introducing pre-movement and post-movement tests As DEFRA has not released its report, it would be to common land. We are introducing deductions for demeaning to the House to have a Division on this farmers who are late in having their TB test, and we issue. Is it your view that Mr Speaker’s ruling should be have reduced the pre-movement testing window from maintained—that is, that if a Member shouts, he should 60 to 30 days. So we are doing a huge amount, but I vote in the way that he shouts? accept that we should be constantly looking to improve and do more, and we are looking, as the hon. Member Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): You know for Torbay (Mr Sanders) suggested, at whether more very well, as I do, that if a Member shouts one way, they could be done, for instance, on biosecurity measures. should not vote the other way, but they could abstain. Caroline Lucas: Will the Minister give way? George Eustice: I want to say a little about what we George Eustice: I am going to run out of time and have done to progress an oral vaccine. We are spending I want to leave time for the hon. Member for St Albans £1.6 million a year— (Mrs Main). Andrew George: The Minister referred to the trials On effectiveness, we have already published the numbers that were about to commence in the Penwith area with of badgers that were culled in both Somerset, where it the support of DEFRA, which is providing the vaccine was 940, and Gloucester, where it was 921. The hon. ampoules, which is much appreciated. He said it was Member for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) invited me to only seven. It was only a small trial of the methodology, speculate on what the effect on the population might not of the numbers. have been from the recent flooding. One lesson that we have learnt is that it is difficult precisely to estimate badger populations. The RBCT did not use head trapping George Eustice: I expect my hon. Friend will do of the sophistication that we did, rather it used things better next year. like sett surveys, and there is a huge amount of doubt As I said, we are spending £1.6 million a year developing about whether it had a clear understanding of the an oral vaccine. We have made some progress on the badger population. dose required for that vaccine, and it is around 10 times A number of hon. Members, including the hon. more than would be needed for an injectable vaccine. Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela Smith) We have also made some progress towards identifying a have highlighted that the RBCT concluded that the aim bait that would be successful, and we have made some should be to remove 70% of the badger population. We progress towards linking the vaccine to fats that can accept that and that is why we had that as a target. help get it through the digestive system. But there are However, it is wrong to say that if that target is not hit drawbacks even to an oral vaccine. Not all badgers will in the first year, the disease will be made worse. The take it, and some badgers may eat more of it than RBCT clearly showed that three of the 10 test areas others, so it will never be 100%. But we accept that where there was a proactive cull got between 30% and nothing in this challenge is 100% and that is why we are 40% in year one, but provided that was sustained in pursuing it. subsequent years, it went on to have a significant impact On injectable vaccines, I have had representations in reducing the disease. from my hon. Friends the Members for Morecambe Finally, on the humaneness issue, I know that this is a and Lunesdale (David Morris) and for Brighton, sentimental matter for many people. In fact, the hon. Kemptown (Simon Kirby) to look again at whether we Member for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman) highlighted could refocus some of our vaccination efforts, either in the poem “The Badger”. All I will say is that I hope that the edge area, as the right hon. Member for Hazel hon. Members can develop some perspective, because Grove (Sir Andrew Stunell) suggested, or around the shooting is used as a means of controlling foxes and all east Sussex area. I have said that we will look closely at sorts of other wildlife. If hon. Members were to go to that. As several hon. Members have pointed out, we are Bushy park or Richmond park in September and October, doing some work in that area now, and we would be they would find signs up saying that a cull of deer was willing to develop that further. going on and so the park was closed. No one would bat On cattle vaccines, the Secretary of State met the an eyelid. I hope that we can develop some perspective— commissioner on this just last week. We are continuing to do some work to develop a DIVAtest. Field trials will Caroline Lucas rose— take three to five years, so as a number of hon. Members have pointed out, it will be eight or nine years before we George Eustice: I am not going to give way, but can get export clearance for the use of such a cattle I know what the hon. Lady is going to say. vaccine. However, we are committed to taking this forward. We recognise that there are challenges with shooting I agree with hon. Members that improving the control badgers. That is why we issued best practice guidance of cattle movements is an important tool in the fight that specified a range of less than 70 metres using a against TB, but I simply point out that we have done a rifle, that they should target the chest, the type of rifle lot already. We now have annual testing in the high-risk that could be used and that the animal must be stationary area, and four-yearly testing across the whole country. and over a bait point. It might be that lessons can be We have banned practices such as approved quarantine learnt from that to improve the proficiency of marksmen units. We now have radial testing in the low-risk areas and we can obviously consider that. where we get an outbreak. We have stopped cattle going I want to pick up a point made by my hon. Friend the to major shows since July 2012. We have introduced Member for Southend West (Mr Amess) about monitoring. risk-based trading to help farmers manage the risks. We He said that it was insufficient and we do not accept have an ongoing consultation about restricting movements that. We were required to monitor 60 of the culls but 519 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 520

[George Eustice] Champion, Sarah Hendrick, Mark Clark, Katy Hendry, Charles monitored 88 and we were required to carry out 120 Clarke, rh Mr Tom Heyes, David post-mortems but carried out 150. We did more monitoring Clwyd, rh Ann Hillier, Meg than was required. Coaker, Vernon Hilling, Julie Hodge, rh Margaret As the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnorshire Connarty, Michael Cooper, Rosie Hood, Mr Jim (Roger Williams) and my hon. Friends the Members for Cooper, rh Yvette Hopkins, Kelvin Shrewsbury and Atcham (Daniel Kawczynski) and for Horwood, Martin Corbyn, Jeremy Howarth, rh Mr George Tiverton and Honiton (Neil Parish) said, this is a devastating Crausby, Mr David Hunt, Tristram disease having a devastating impact on cattle farmers. Creagh, Mary Huppert, Dr Julian When I visited one of the Gloucester culls I met a Creasy, Stella Gloucestershire farmer who had been under restriction Irranca-Davies, Huw Crouch, Tracey Jamieson, Cathy for 12 years. He was not moving cattle on or off; it was Cruddas, Jon being caused not by cattle but by a large badger sett on Jarvis, Dan Cryer, John Johnson, rh Alan his farm that was infected by TB. I saw another farmer Cunningham, Alex who had lost an entire pedigree herd as a result of the Johnson, Diana Cunningham, Mr Jim Jones, Helen disease. We know that if we do nothing it will cost us Cunningham, Sir Tony Jones, Mr Kevan £1 billion over the next 10 years and, as I said at the Curran, Margaret Jones, Susan Elan start, although we are pursuing a range of options, no Dakin, Nic Jowell, rh Dame Tessa single measure on its own is the solution to the problem. Danczuk, Simon Kane, Mike There is no example anywhere in the world of a country Davidson, Mr Ian Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald that has successfully tackled TB without also tackling Davies, Philip Kendall, Liz the reservoir of disease in the wildlife population. De Piero, Gloria Khan, rh Sadiq Lammy, rh Mr David Denham, rh Mr John Lazarowicz, Mark 4.56 pm Dobson, rh Frank Leslie, Chris Mrs Main: I thank hon. Members on both sides of Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma the House for their compassionate remarks in this important Doran, Mr Frank Love, Mr Andrew debate. Although I have not been in the Chamber for all Doughty, Stephen Lucas, Caroline of it, I have watched it all and I recognise the passion on Dowd, Jim Lucas, Ian both sides. Dromey, Jack Mactaggart, Fiona I stress again that the debate is not about one side Dugher, Michael Mahmood, Shabana Main, Mrs Anne against another. It is about whether we are pursuing the Eagle, Ms Angela Eagle, Maria Malhotra, Seema right strategy. I would like the House to express its wish Marsden, Mr Gordon Efford, Clive today, but I recognise that the motion does not bind the McCabe, Steve Elliott, Julie Minister. Whatever the result of the vote today, if there McCann, Mr Michael is a vote, I hope that the Minister will take the issue Ellman, Mrs Louise McCarthy, Kerry away and reflect on it, read the report and come back Engel, Natascha McDonagh, Siobhain before the House with a statement and a votable motion Esterson, Bill McDonald, Andy of his own. I recognise that, without that, we will get no Evans, Chris McDonnell, John further on this difficult subject, which gives rise to a lot Field, rh Mr Frank McFadden, rh Mr Pat of passion but on which we should not just be being Fitzpatrick, Jim McGovern, Jim seen to be doing something. I thank all hon. Members Flello, Robert McGuire, rh Mrs Anne for taking the time to come here on a Thursday for this Flint, rh Caroline McKenzie, Mr Iain McKinnell, Catherine important debate. Flynn, Paul Meacher, rh Mr Michael Fovargue, Yvonne Question put. Meale, Sir Alan Fuller, Richard The House divided: Ayes 219, Noes 1. Miliband, rh Edward Gapes, Mike Moon, Mrs Madeleine Division No. 232] [4.58 pm Gardiner, Barry Morden, Jessica George, Andrew Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) AYES Gilmore, Sheila Morris, Grahame M. Abbott, Ms Diane Betts, Mr Clive Glass, Pat (Easington) Abrahams, Debbie Bingham, Andrew Glindon, Mrs Mary Munn, Meg Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Blackman, Bob Godsiff, Mr Roger Murray, Ian Nandy, Lisa Alexander, Heidi Blears, rh Hazel Goldsmith, Zac Nash, Pamela Ali, Rushanara Bottomley, Sir Peter Goodman, Helen O’Donnell, Fiona Allen, Mr Graham Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Greatrex, Tom Brennan, Kevin Onwurah, Chi Amess, Mr David Green, Kate Brown, Lyn Osborne, Sandra Ashworth, Jonathan Greenwood, Lilian Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Owen, Albert Austin, Ian Brown, Mr Russell Griffith, Nia Pearce, Teresa Balls, rh Ed Bryant, Chris Gwynne, Andrew Percy, Andrew Banks, Gordon Buck, Ms Karen Hain, rh Mr Peter Perkins, Toby Barron, rh Kevin Burden, Richard Hanson, rh Mr David Phillipson, Bridget Bayley, Hugh Burley, Mr Aidan Harman, rh Ms Harriet Pound, Stephen Beckett, rh Margaret Burstow, rh Paul Havard, Mr Dai Randall, rh Sir John Begg, Dame Anne Campbell, Mr Ronnie Healey, rh John Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Benn, rh Hilary Caton, Martin Hemming, John Reckless, Mark 521 Badger Cull13 MARCH 2014 Badger Cull 522

Reed, Mr Jamie Thomas, Mr Gareth Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): That is not Reed, Mr Steve Thornberry, Emily a matter for me, as the hon. Gentleman is well aware, Reynolds, Jonathan Timms, rh Stephen but I am sure that his point will have been heard. Riordan, Mrs Linda Trickett, Jon [Interruption.] If the Minister wishes to respond, I am Robertson, John Turner, Mr Andrew happy for him to do so. Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Turner, Karl Roy, Mr Frank Twigg, Derek George Eustice: I will respond, Mr Deputy Speaker, Roy, Lindsay Twigg, Stephen Ruane, Chris Vaz, rh Keith because obviously the shadow Minister has an issue Sanders, Mr Adrian Vaz, Valerie with the fact that we have received the report. We have Sarwar, Anas Vickers, Martin indeed received it, and we are considering it. It was not Sawford, Andy Walley, Joan our decision when the report was delivered to us; an Seabeck, Alison Watson, Mr Tom independent expert panel decided that. It was not our Sharma, Mr Virendra Watts, Mr Dave decision to have this debate, nor did we get involved in Sheerman, Mr Barry Weatherley, Mike the decision of the Backbench Business Committee to Shuker, Gavin Williamson, Chris have the debate today, and nor is it the role of Labour Skinner, Mr Dennis Wilson, Phil Members to dictate when the Government should publish Slaughter, Mr Andy Winnick, Mr David the report. Let me be very clear: we have always been Smith, rh Mr Andrew Winterton, rh Ms Rosie clear that we will publish the report and then, when we Smith, Angela Woodcock, John have made a decision—we have not made any decisions Smith, Henry Wright, David yet—[Interruption.] No, I am not going to confirm that Smith, Nick Wright, Mr Iain there will be a vote. I have discussed and debated this Stringer, Graham many times, and I am sure we will have many opportunities Stuart, Ms Gisela Tellers for the Ayes: Stunell, rh Sir Andrew Graham Jones and to do so again in the future. Tami, Mark Tom Blenkinsop Miss McIntosh: Further to that point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. We have had a very well-mannered, NOES even-handed and good-tempered debate, and I regret that Hollobone, Mr Philip Mr Alan Campbell and we have had what the record may prove to be a vote on Mr David Hamilton Tellers for the Noes: very erroneous grounds indeed. I would like to refer to this point of order when we have the record of the vote.

Question accordingly agreed to. Mr Deputy Speaker: I will be quite honest: I do not Resolved, treat what you have said as a point of order. There is no That this House believes that the pilot badger culls in record of the vote as yet, and we will have to wait Gloucestershire and Somerset have decisively failed against the and see. criteria set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in guidance to Natural England for licensing of the Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): Further to that culls, which stipulated that 70 per cent of the badger population point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. This is now the should be culled within a six-week period; notes that the costs of second time the House has debated this issue on a policing, additional implementation and monitoring, and the Back-Bench motion, with overwhelming votes to stop resort to more expensive cage-and-trap methods over an extended period have substantially increased the cost of the culls, and the cull. What good is it having debates in Parliament if strengthened the financial case for vaccination; regrets that the the Government are wilfully staying out of the Lobby, decision to extend the original culls has not been subject to not involving themselves in voting for the policy that any debate or vote in Parliament; further regrets that the Independent they are pursuing in the country, and taking no notice Expert Panel will only assess the humaneness, safety and effectiveness whatsoever of votes of this House. Is not this making of the original six-week period and not the extended cull period; this House an irrelevance? and urges the Government to halt the existing culls and granting of any further licences, pending development of alternative Mr Deputy Speaker: I can understand that frustration strategies to eradicate bovine TB and promote a healthy badger is being shown at this time, but I am not in a position to population. offer any more advice.

Huw Irranca-Davies: On a point of order, Mr Deputy Paul Flynn: Further to that point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Parliament has today expressed a very clear Speaker. Youwill be aware that this debate was followed view that the mass culling of badgers is not appropriate by many thousands of people throughout the country as part of a bovine TB eradication strategy. I also learnt who have shown great interest in it through their tweets today, from a response to my named day question, that and responses. Will they not regard it as an outrage the Secretary of State has now received, and is now when there is a vote of 219 to one and the Government considering, the delayed independent expert report, which decide to ignore it? Are they out to prove themselves to will likely condemn the culls as ineffective and inhumane. be the really nasty party? May I therefore ask the Minister, through you, Mr Deputy Speaker, to confirm that a full debate and vote in Mr Deputy Speaker: That is also not a point of order. Government time will now take place before any decision It is a matter for the Government when and if they wish to proceed with an existing or new cull takes place? to have a vote. 523 13 MARCH 2014 Public Bodies (Diversity) 524

Public Bodies (Diversity) body. Ministers, however, can still take responsibility and I will come on to discuss how the previous Government Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House had targets for public appointments, which I think do now adjourn.—(John Penrose.) made a big and important difference at the very highest levels of every Department. 5.13 pm As I was saying, it was acknowledged last year that Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): the pace of change was too slow, yet a year on it is I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on this topic, slower still. Last year, the inclusion think tank Diversity which is a key issue not just for equality but for ensuring UK, led by Dilip Joshi, Lopa Patel and Sushila Khoot— the best decision making possible for our public services—an long-standing campaigners for equality of opportunity— area in which I worked in 2009. Civic engagement and undertook a survey to investigate what was happening the opportunity to play a part in public life are vital for behind the statistics and launched the findings at an building and sustaining links between all parts of society event that I attended and at which there was cross-party and our public institutions. representation. It is nearly 40 years since the Race Relations Act 1976 The survey collected the views of ethnic minority and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 were first passed individuals and found that the majority of respondents into law to end discrimination on the basis of race, had not applied for a public appointment despite being ethnicity or gender in Britain. Since then, notable milestones aware of such appointments and despite 60% of them have been achieved. We have had the first woman Prime expressing a wish to apply in the future. When people Minister, the first black woman in the Cabinet, and the were asked why they had not applied, their reasons were first Asian and Muslim to attend Cabinet in the shape varied. They did not feel that they were qualified enough of my right hon. Friend the Member for Tooting (Sadiq or that they had the right skills, which are common Khan). responses to surveys looking at people who are under- However, we have not seen commensurate attainment represented in different organisations and bodies. Other in the public sector as a whole. The most recent “Public reasons cited for detracting 68% of respondents from Bodies” report published in June 2013 by the Cabinet applying for a public appointment included the requirement Office shows a worrying trend of reversal in progress. for sector-specific and previous board-level experience We all agree that public appointments must be made on and—this is a very important point—little or no feedback merit; the question is whether the processes we have from the process and a lack of cultural awareness from in place are really delivering that. Last year, 1,087 executive recruitment consultants. However, respondents appointments were made to the boards of bodies in the also saw the positive opportunity that public appointments UK, but of those only 56 were ethnic minority individuals. can provide with regard to benefiting society and playing In just one year, black and minority ethnic representation a part in our community and national life. went down from 7.2% in 2011-12 to 5.5% in 2012-13—the The survey was circulated to approximately 1,500 senior- lowest level in more than a decade. It is positive that the director level individuals, and the findings suggest a number of female appointments went up from 33.9% to widening “aspiration gap”between the leaders in business 35.6% in the same period, but diversity strategies must and society and the leaders of our public institutions. go wider than gender. In 2003, Trevor Phillips, the then head of the Commission The drop is of particular concern because diversity on for Racial Equality, coined the phrase “snowy peaks public boards has been seemingly high on the agenda for syndrome” to help explain a phenomenon in the civil the Government Equalities Office, the Cabinet Office service. He said we should think of Whitehall as a and the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. mountain range: at the base of each mountain, we The 2011 review of the public appointments system might find large numbers of women and ethnic minorities, addressed the core principles of fairness, openness and whereas at the summit we will find a small amount of merit, and the Public Appointments Order in Council white, middle class men. 2013 refers to a duty for the commissioner to promote Today, more than a decade later, snowy peaks can equality of opportunity and diversity in public appointments. still be found in many parts of our society, including the When the commissioner published the diversity strategy public sector. We see it in the NHS, where only 1% of last March it was acknowledged that, although progress chief executives are from BME groups even though had been made, the pace of change was too slow. BMEs make up more than 15% of the health service work force. Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate and on being The Government have done some important work on the first ethnic minority woman to represent a seat in improving the representation of women on boards in west London. This issue has arisen under successive the private sector, but diversity, as I have said, goes Governments and it has been a real cause of concern wider than gender, and the public sector remains vital, over a number of years. Does my hon. Friend think that too. Fourteen per cent. of the UK population is made perhaps the problem is that, when Ministers handed up of ethnic minority individuals and it is time that over to an independent body the decision to make these the Government demonstrated greater leadership on appointments, the politics went out of the appointment the issue. system, and that those who currently sit on the Just last month, new research on the corporate sector appointments board are not as attuned to these issues revealed the widening aspiration gap, with two thirds of as Ministers would have been? FTSE 100 companies still having an all-white executive leadership. Only 10 ethnic minority individuals hold the Seema Malhotra: My right hon. Friend makes a very post of chairman, chief executive or finance director, important point. There is a separate debate to be had which is equivalent to 3.5% of roles at that level. about the effectiveness of creating of an independent A diversity deficit clearly exists in the corporate sector, 525 Public Bodies (Diversity)13 MARCH 2014 Public Bodies (Diversity) 526 as it does in the public sector. That deficit also contributes to give candidates the confidence to put themselves to the lack of growth in developing economies across forward and the belief that it is worth the time and the world, where our diaspora communities and diversity effort to do so. at board level make a huge difference in building May I ask the Minister to answer the following relationships. questions? Will he confirm which diversity targets for The disappointment is that we are still discussing this new public appointments are in place, and whether they issue today, when we would have hoped that many of are for increasing representation by gender, ethnicity the barriers to the progress of ethnic minority individuals and disability? What guidance is given to Departments in Britain had been removed. What are the solutions? on their recruitment processes, and on how to increase Lopa Patel of Diversity UK has stated: the diversity of suitable candidates at the application “To have declining BME representation at senior levels in the stage? What reviews are being undertaken of how effectively corporate and public sector at a time when BME numbers are Departments recruit, and what powers does OCPA have increasing in the general population is indicative of failings in the to challenge those that do not perform well? What process.” message is given to the head-hunters or search agencies I agree with the sentiment that the Government must do selected to assist in recruitment, and to what extent is more to identify and remove what might be institutional producing a more diverse range of suitable candidates discrimination. stipulated in any contract? How are permanent secretaries held to account for their progress on diversity in public It is precisely because of the need to address both appointments? Are public appointment opportunities demand and supply side issues in the appointments promoted at every level in our communities in order to process that the previous Labour Government brought reach a more diverse segment of the British public? in important reforms and set targets for 50% of new appointments to be women by 2015, and for appointments Finally, does he think that public bodies are using of BME people and those with disabilities to be in line executive recruitment agencies effectively, and do those with their representation in the population. The targets agencies have more knowledge of BME communities may have been ambitious, but they made a statement and how to reach them than public bodies and Departments and gave a sense of urgency about the need for reform. have through their networks? The Diversity UK report showed that respondents simply want a level playing field and a strong referee on Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Stoke Newington) this issue. The survey supported the Office of the (Lab): Does my hon. Friend agree that not only has the Commissioner for Public Appointments and its independent number of people in the BME population gone up, but assessors in providing those tools. their level of education and their role among the professions are unrecognisable from when I was a child, which Our country is admired the world over for its openness, makes it even worse that the number of such people at its sense of liberty and the opportunity that it offers all senior levels is dropping? people. I look forward to the Minister’s response and to hearing how he sees us achieving greater diversity in public appointments, which is vital in ensuring that we Seema Malhotra: My hon. Friend makes a very deliver the public services that all parts of our communities important point. It goes back to the heart of the issue, need and in providing a greater sense of opportunity for which is that, as we all believe, appointments should be all the British public. made on merit. It is about whether there is a gap between those with the talent, expertise and desire to be able to reach those appointments and their actually 5.25 pm achieving that through the appointments process. The The Minister for Civil Society (Mr Nick Hurd): This very heart of the issue is whether our system and issue is very important. I congratulate the hon. Member processes are fair and bring in talent fairly in the way for Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra) on bringing that we need. it forward for debate today. She is well supported by her Since this Government came to power, targets for colleagues and has a credible track record of interest in those with disabilities or those from ethnic minorities this matter. Her well-informed speech has raised a number have been removed. The gender target has been kept in of interesting points. the Cabinet Office diversity strategy, but it is now I agreed 100% with the hon. Lady’s opening statement described as an aspiration. that this issue is not just about equality. As she knows Diversity UK sent its survey findings to all major well from her background in the private sector, businesses Departments and requested meetings with Ministers to that reflect their customers are much better able to discuss the issues, but the response was mixed. Imagine understand their needs and can offer them better services its surprise at receiving rejection letter after rejection as a result. The same must be true of the public sector. letter, with Ministers citing lack of time as the reason There are about 8,500 people on the boards of our for not agreeing to meetings. The Home Office, the public bodies, which range from large public bodies to Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs small advisory committees. All human life is here, from and the Cabinet Office welcomed meetings to discuss those who monitor the well-being of prisoners to those the findings, but meetings were declined by, among who govern great national museums. Board members others, the Prime Minister’s office, the Department for exert significant influence over our lives. They deal with Communities and Local Government, the Treasury, the issues that affect a lot of people and shape the public Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and services that we use. the Department for Education. Increasing representation Public services are there to serve the public—the clue is a complex issue, with no easy answers, but one thing is in the name. They can do that only if they understand is clear: it requires leadership from the top, particularly the needs and priorities of those they serve and those 527 Public Bodies (Diversity)13 MARCH 2014 Public Bodies (Diversity) 528

[Mr Nick Hurd] Mr Hurd: The system is independently regulated and I will come on to that. There is more transparency in the they lead. The hon. Lady’s point about the NHS was a process and that is an issue my right hon. Friend the valid one. It leads to the obvious question of how on Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General earth they can serve the public effectively if they fail has placed at the top of the Government’s agenda. My adequately to represent the population. That has been a experience is that this is more actively monitored and long-standing challenge, as she recognises. I will try to more transparent than it has been in the past. address her points and to set out that, although we are There was a debate on whether the process benefits not where we need to be, we are making some progress. from independent regulation, overseen by the Commissioner I agree with the hon. Lady totally that it is extremely for Public Appointments. I think it does. It is key in disappointing that the figures show a recent decrease in supporting the merit principle, rather than other factors the representation of people from black and minority that might determine appointments. All panels have an ethnic backgrounds. I hope that the work that the independent member, who for chair appointments Government have done recently to encourage diversity will be nominated by the Commissioner for Public in public appointments, which I shall explain, will reap Appointments. That is a welcome initiative. The Centre the rewards and be reflected in the next set of published for Public Appointments, which is part of the Cabinet figures. However, I share her disappointment on this Office, is working across Whitehall, and with the executive important matter. search industry, to make practical steps that will help us As the hon. Lady suggested, it looks like the Government to open up public appointments to the widest possible are making progress on the representation of women on pool. I will provide three examples. public boards, after years of stagnation. Our challenging First, we are modernising the recruitment process to aspiration that 50% of new appointments to public ensure that adverts are effective and non-exclusive, and bodies should be women is proof of how seriously we that interview panels are diverse and reappointments take the issue. In the last financial year, only 37% of are made only in cases of utmost necessity. No one public board members were women. However, we have seriously disagrees that appointments should not be seen a positive improvement. In the first six months of made on the basis of merit, but talented people often do this financial year—from April 2013 to September 2013— not apply for public appointments either because they the figure was 45%. The Government continue to focus do not know about them, or because they do not on this issue by reaching out to talented women and recognise what they have to offer. We are placing greater making it clear that a range of fascinating roles are on emphasis on ability rather than experience, because we offer, and by ensuring that those roles are as accessible do not want to exclude those who may not yet have as possible to all. I will go into more detail on that. acquired board experience but could nevertheless potentially The hon. Lady did not mention disability, but would be good board members. like to say a little about it. The Government’s general Secondly, there is nothing more off-putting than an approach is that the public appointments process should unnecessarily long application process, so Departments be open to all, regardless of who they are, and should be are increasingly switching to using a straightforward designed in a way that ensures that we get the best CV and covering letter. We are working to simplify job applicants. For the record, the picture is encouraging. adverts and are cutting out jargon to appeal to as wide Last year, 5.3% of the appointments and reappointments an audience as possible. in which the disability status was known were made to Thirdly, we are maximising the use of online and candidates with disabilities. That is part of a consistent targeted advertising, and social media. Two years ago, upward trend, which I hope she will welcome. the CPA did not even have a website, let alone a Twitter I will make some general points about the Government’s account. Now the former has more than 20,000 visits a approach before moving on to the specifics. The month and the latter has 1,600 followers. These are Government have taken unprecedented steps to open sensible measures and independent regulation is important. up the public appointments process to new talent. My On the representation of women and BME communities, right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office progress has been made, particularly in relation to and Paymaster General has placed this matter at the top women. The rise of women in the public sector during of the Government’s agenda, as the hon. Lady the 20th-century was agonisingly slow. We should not acknowledged, and rightly challenges all Departments forget that until 1947, women in the civil service were and public bodies to ensure that their boards have the still expected to resign when they married. They earned mix of skills and experience that will make them as less than men into the 1950s. Indeed, when Dame Mary effective as possible. The presumption against automatic Smieton was appointed as permanent undersecretary at reappointment of incumbents supports that. We have the Department for Education in 1953—only the second made the process more transparent to improve access to woman to reach this grade—she was paid the same as a vacancies. Alongside this, we have placed a new emphasis man. It would be nice to think that that was because her on ability and skills, rather than prior experience, to Department was an early advocate of equal pay—it was ensure that key roles in public bodies are open to the not—but the Treasury had not worked out a women’s widest field, instead of a narrow merry-go-round of rate of pay at that grade because it did not think that it the same old candidates that has been a feature of the would ever need to. This is where we have come from. system to date. Thankfully, much has changed and continues to improve, both in the civil service, where 47% of employees are Seema Malhotra: Will the Minister confirm that there currently women, and across the wider public sector, is a way for permanent secretaries to be held to account where women continue to shatter glass ceilings. For for their progress? Do they need to report progress, and example, the RAF has recently appointed its second is that part of any performance review process? female Air Vice-Marshal. 529 Public Bodies (Diversity)13 MARCH 2014 Public Bodies (Diversity) 530

Significant areas for improvement remain. As the Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): Does the Minister hon. Lady acknowledged, perhaps foremost among them agree that one of the things that targets, and indeed is the number of women on public sector boards. Women aspirations, do is make people take action to meet remaining a minority in the boardroom—or worse, them? Advertising in certain places often is not enough. where all-male boards persist—becomes more and more This is about actively training people, educating people, of an anachronism every year that passes. In the last and seeking people to fill those roles, rather than passively financial year, only 37% of public board members were waiting for them to come forward. women. I believe that transparency is one of the best ways to raise performance. This was the first year that Mr Hurd: I have some sympathy with that view, but I the Government published their own statistics on the would not underestimate the strength of the new dynamics general diversity of appointments, something I hope that we have introduced. There is a clear message from the hon. Lady welcomes. the top that this matters, and there is independent regulation of the competitive process. I have already Ms Abbott: The Minister is of course the second described some of the things that we have done which generation of Hurd to serve in this House, but we know we think will make it easier to reach out to people, and he is there on merit alone and we all believe in merit. to remove barriers and obstacles. We have also made However, does he not believe that, in 21st-century Britain, the process more transparent. In my experience as a it is very important for public boards and the top of the Minister, the transparency factor is much more powerful public sector to look like Britain? than some arbitrary target with no transparency in regard to progress towards it The system knows that this matters and that it is being scrutinised—debates Mr Hurd: I hesitate to correct the hon. Lady, because such as this are helpful in that respect—and we will be the correction will not help my case, but I am actually judged against progress towards the number for which the fourth successive generation of my family to serve in we are aiming, whether it is set as an aspiration or a the House. However, I am increasingly, and thankfully, target. an anachronism. The hon. Lady’s point is entirely valid. I do not want to ignore the important issue of BME The issue of transparency is particularly important. representation. I will be frank, and say that we are The message that I am trying to convey to the hon. disappointed by the slip-back in the numbers. In their Member for Feltham and Heston, and to other Members, public appointments diversity strategy, published this is that we are making some progress. In the first six year, the Government said: months of the current financial year, the number of women on boards rose to 45%. That constitutes real “This is not just about gender; diversity is about encouraging progress. applications from candidates with the widest range of backgrounds.” It is regrettable that last year the number of successful BME candidates fell from an average of about 7.9% of Seema Malhotra: I can inform the House that I am appointments and reappointments since 2001-02 to 5.5% the first generation of my family to enter politics in my last year. We are disappointed about that, because it family. matters to us. We are hopeful that this will prove to be May I ask the Minister to return to the specific point an anomalous year, and that the work that the Cabinet about aspirations and targets? The last Government Office and the Commissioner for Public Appointments had targets relating to gender, ethnicity and disability have been doing to increase diversity in public appointments for new appointments, whereas under the present will reap rewards in the next set of published figures, Government only gender seems to remain, albeit as an which will be transparent and will be monitored by the aspiration. Was there a reason for the removal of the House and outside. other two targets? Can the Minister shed any light on The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates that? the competition for many of these posts. He also has a statutory responsibility to promote diversity and equality Mr Hurd: I sincerely hope that the hon. Lady will not of opportunity in the procedures for making public be the last generation of her family in this place. I would appointments. He is actively concerned about the issues not wish her to carry the burden that I carry. that have been raised today and he has already engaged As the hon. Lady probably knows, the present in activity to try to improve the position. For example, Administration are not particularly keen on targets. I he has run a series of workshops for different under- shall provide a more detailed response to her question represented groups to identify the challenges to increasing at a later stage, but I will say in response to what she diversity in appointments and will be coming up with said about the aspiration relating to women that I think practical suggestions to help Departments break down that aspiration is fine as long as progress is made these barriers in the future. I am looking forward to the towards the aim of the aspiration, which is what I have outcomes of this work and undertake to share them, as argued that we are doing. I hope that the hon. Lady far as I can, with the hon. Member for Feltham and welcomes that. We are certainly not resting on our Heston, knowing and respecting, as I do, her strong laurels. The public sector is doing better than the private interest in this area. sector, but I do not think that anyone considers the The public sector needs world-class leadership if it is current figures to be satisfactory. We maintain our to continue delivering the services that people rely on, aspiration that 50% of new public appointees should be and that means having diversity on the boards of public women, and we will continue to publish the figures bodies—people with clarity of vision, who can make every six months. We want them to continue to rise. decisions, and rise above process to get things done. It Transparency is a new element. As we know, it is a great needs innovators and people who understand the driver of behaviour and keeps people’s feet to the fire. communities we are trying to serve. It needs people who 531 Public Bodies (Diversity)13 MARCH 2014 Public Bodies (Diversity) 532

[Mr Hurd] important. There are already great examples of diverse leaders making a significant contribution on public can open up the system to new ways of doing things, boards, but we are very aware that there is much more who are prepared to take risks without being reckless, we can do and that is why diversity is genuinely at the and who are willing to take responsibility and to learn heart of our public appointments strategy. and grow. Question put and agreed to. I do not think there has ever been a time in the public sector when this need to open up the doors to fresh thinking and people who bring different perspectives 5.41 pm and insights and different knowledge has been more House adjourned. 183WH 13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 184WH

or six continents, however they are described, suddenly Westminster Hall to find accord on every single subject and to find themselves walking in step on economic matters at all Thursday 13 March 2014 times. My point is that continuing to strive to achieve common objectives within the Commonwealth is [HUGH BAYLEY in the Chair] emphatically worth while, even if sometimes progress seems imperceptible. The Commonwealth is a voluntary BACKBENCH BUSINESS body. Countries do not have to be a member, yet it is significant and encouraging that more countries are prepared to join, including countries that were not part Commonwealth Day of the former British empire. That is a good indicator Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting that the Commonwealth has moved on and still has be now adjourned.—(Mr Lidington.) meaning for many other countries. The Commonwealth would be a strange body, however, if it did not contain 1.30 pm members or possess friends willing it to improve its functioning, raise its standards and develop its potential. Sir Alan Haselhurst (Saffron Walden) (Con): It is The weighty report two years ago from the eminent a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, persons group was brimming with ideas, but not all of Mr Bayley, and more so because of your deep knowledge those ideas received universal acclaim from those for and experience of Commonwealth matters, on which whom the report was intended. There is no lack of we have occasionally been conjoined. I am grateful to advice on what one might try to do to give the the Backbench Business Committee for allowing this Commonwealth greater focus and meaning. debate because I have been trying to press the idea that, The Commonwealth’s anchor in the political sphere on or around Commonwealth day, all members of the is probably our charter of fundamental values, which Commonwealth should be encouraged to hold a debate was endorsed and launched by Her Majesty the Queen on either general or particular matters affecting it. Such a year ago. It would be idle to pretend that all those debates are an occasion to celebrate the anniversary of fundamental values are burning bright in every member the Commonwealth on the designated Commonwealth country, yet any perceived deficiency is not necessarily day and to raise the Commonwealth’s profile by highlighting of one kind or in one place. None of us is perfect in the why it is a body to be nurtured and encouraged as a eyes of some of our friends and colleagues. Without a forum for frank discussion. degree of caution and moderation of language, we can It is too easy for the Commonwealth to be taken for all find ourselves submerging in a sea of recrimination, granted. We recently celebrated the 100th anniversary but we also cannot simply push to one side the challenging of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, but issues that undoubtedly exist within our ranks. I suspect that if we went out on to the streets of London, and possibly the streets of many other parts of Mr Henry Bellingham (North West Norfolk) (Con): I the country, and asked the first 10 people we met what congratulate my right hon. Friend on the way he is they understood of the Commonwealth, the answers introducing this debate. What is his view of the two would be rather meagre. countries that are no longer members of the Commonwealth—Gambia and Zimbabwe? How can Sir Paul Beresford (Mole Valley) (Con): I suspect it we ensure that they are able to come back in at some depends on the street. The response on Earls Court stage in the future? What is his up-to-date view on that? road might be different. Sir Alan Haselhurst: We have to develop our contacts Sir Alan Haselhurst: I take my hon. Friend’s point. below the parapet. We should be stretching out the The British would probably have to fight for recognition hand of friendship to work on contacts and to persuade in that part of London. people so that we can bring those countries to closer I ask myself how we should respond to the public’s assimilation with the Commonwealth’s standards. That general lack of recognition of what the Commonwealth will take time, and we cannot plot an exact timetable, is and does. I tend to think of the Commonwealth as a but, once gone, countries should not be abandoned and work in progress: developing networks, exchanging forgotten. information, exploring potential, making friends and Sir Malcolm Bruce (Gordon) (LD): Does my right doing business. The word “family” is often used in hon. Friend agree that Gambia left voluntarily precisely connection with the Commonwealth, and I do not because it was moving in a direction incompatible with think that is entirely inappropriate because the occasional the Commonwealth’s ideals? In one sense, that shows quarrel is not unknown in families. The fact that we do an understanding that we stand for ideals, but leaving not all think alike on every subject all the time is not a the Commonwealth is a pretty cynical annunciation of reason for abandoning or decrying the project. I make a a country’s unwillingness to conform with those ideals. risky comparison with the European Union, which is I agree that we have to find ways of engaging so that, at also a work in progress. For all those who may despair some time in the future, Gambia can come back and be of where the EU is going, how fast it is going and what a better place than it is now. it is doing, we can look back now and realise how much the situation in Europe has changed. We are Sir Alan Haselhurst: There are examples of countries commemorating a great war of terrible privations, and that exited the Commonwealth voluntarily and happily we have moved on a long way from that after 2,000 returned some years later, so I do not despair of the years of strife. One does not expect countries from five possibilities. 185WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 186WH

[Sir Alan Haselhurst] to work and to contribute? That is particularly felt as they arrive at Gatwick or such places and see that they The high-profile difficulties, of which we are all too are aliens. aware, are likely to be besetting our politicians and statesmen. When, as parliamentarians, we understandably Sir Alan Haselhurst: Sometimes when I arrive at dwell on such things, we should balance the picture and terminal 5, I feel like an alien, but that is to do with remember that there are many organisations in civil whether we have sufficient capacity arrangements at society that span the Commonwealth and bind people our airports. I had a discussion recently with the high together in many constructive ways. There are between commissioner for India, where there are particular feelings 90 and 100 such organisations spanning many professions that our attempts to clamp down on bogus students are and interests, so it is an ever-intensifying network that, starting to deter legitimate students from coming here. in its own way, vividly illustrates the “team Commonwealth” There has also been some retrenchment on Commonwealth theme of this year. scholarships. I have also discussed that subject with the We should also acknowledge the work done by other high commissioner for Canada, because Canada has Parliaments and other countries to mark and celebrate taken a more restrictive attitude. It is terribly important the Commonwealth anniversary every March. I have that we find ways of encouraging people from been reminded by the City Remembrancer of what the Commonwealth countries to visit here. Young people lord mayor and the City of London corporation, for are, on the whole, more mobile than they have perhaps example, do to involve young people in recognising the ever been, and that is an encouraging factor. My hon. Commonwealth and the flying of the flag. Friend makes an important point. Having said that an awful lot of good things are going on—some of it below the radar—we still cannot Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (Con): Will my right ignore the family difficulties and they cannot just be hon. Friend comment on the failure this year to fly the somehow wished away. I suspect that if we locked the flags of the Commonwealth nations in Parliament square Heads of Government in a room for a month and left on Commonwealth day at the time of Her Majesty the them to talk in private, they would not be able to Queen’s arrival for the observance service at Westminster overcome some of the difficulties that are very much abbey? Is it not a retrograde step that, for the first time known to us all. That brings me to the role of the ever, the flags were not flown? Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, on which I intend to focus this afternoon. If the Commonwealth Sir Alan Haselhurst: Ihavetosaythatitwasa charter, in Her Majesty’s words, disappointment, but I am unaware of the particular “sets out the values and principles which guide and motivate us”, reason why that happened—whether it was carelessness the establishment of good governance throughout or deliberate policy. It has always been a feature that Commonwealth countries surely provides the essential Parliament square is decorated with those flags, and I foundation for the practical implementation of those am puzzled and disappointed that it did not happen this values and principles. The major aim of the Commonwealth time. Parliamentary Association is parliamentary strengthening. That is done in a number of ways, such as election The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): I observance missions and post-election seminars. apologise for interrupting my right hon. Friend, but it might help the House if I say that there was a particular We have to take note of the churn rate of elected reason for not having the flags, which was that pavement politicians—it should send a chill down all our spines— works were taking place and they restricted access to which is pretty big. Electorates of various places, small Parliament square. It was not a shift of policy; there and large, have been known to sweep out large numbers was a particular practical problem this year, and the of the incumbents. Consequently, there is a flow of new Commonwealth flags were flown in Horse Guards road. people to Parliaments and they can benefit from the type of courses put on by the CPA. Specialist courses have been developed in the field of public accounts and Sir Alan Haselhurst: I am grateful to the Minister for on the encouragement of women parliamentarians. Name making it clear that it was a mundane reason, rather the parliamentary activity and it is possible to provide than one of high policy. It covers my blushes in being an instructional seminar that can help with it and with unable to answer my hon. Friend the Member for which Members and Clerks are ready to engage. There Romford (Andrew Rosindell). is a constant cross-fertilisation of ideas and expertise. I draw attention to the stand-out event in 2014 of the We can assemble in this Chamber because of an idea Commonwealth games in Glasgow. They are often first developed in the Australian Parliament to enable described as “the friendly games”. While sport may be us to provide parallel opportunities for debates to take about rivalries, these gatherings can help to spread place and to improve the possibilities of Back-Bench friendship and understanding in their own way. participation in particular, as well as increasing scrutiny of Select Committee reports and the like. Sir Paul Beresford: On a similar theme of friendliness, The kind of activities that I mentioned require not does my right hon. Friend recognise from his visits to only financial resources, but time. Elected Members Commonwealth countries and from talking to people well know that taking so much as one step out of their from the Commonwealth that there is a feeling over the own jurisdiction is likely to bring the coals of press past few years, and under the previous Labour Government criticism descending on their heads. It is important to in particular, that there has been a tightening in the recognise that MPs across the Commonwealth—and visas and opportunities for people from Commonwealth not just young people in a different context—can inform countries, including young people, to come to this country each other. That amounts to what we might describe as 187WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 188WH soft diplomacy: creating understanding by constant described, but others are less active. We need better discussion in a friendly and informal way, which enables co-ordination with the like-minded bodies that I have some of the differences to be worn away over time. mentioned. I am now coming to the view that it would Stronger Parliaments lead to better governance and be better to acknowledge that good things are being build confidence in the validity of democratic systems. done in many of the regions, so there should be more While the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association devolution of resources and governance into those regions has the potential to bolster parliamentary democracy in order that they can work effectively. I will not do so and underpin human rights, it lacks the capacity to do today, but I could sketch out a structure that might so as well as it might. The CPA has not achieved the increase the quantum of activity and offer better value extent of Commonwealth-wide recognition that it should for money as a result. The CPA’s system of funding have. Also, there is a blurred understanding of the exact could be improved by having a separate foundation that role of the Commonwealth secretariat. Those positions looks after its reserve funds and can perhaps get them have not been as well defined as it would be helpful for more easily replenished, whether by the Department for them to be. The situation is complicated by other International Development, by people of good will or organisations in the landscape, such as the Westminster by the like-minded organisations who say, “We can do Foundation for Democracy, the Commonwealth things more effectively hand in hand with the CPA.” Foundation, the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Above all, as in so many things, communication must Commonwealth Local Government Forum. Many of be improved. It is sometimes difficult to communicate us are nibbling at the same apple, and there is insufficient to all Members of this House to make them aware of co-ordination to ensure—if we believe that we have a what is going on, but it is so much more difficult across purpose to fulfil— that we do it on a much greater and the Commonwealth. A letter can be sent to 175 branches, more effective scale. but it is still a struggle to get a reasonable number of For the reasons I have given, I believe that replies on time—if at all. That is just a consequence of parliamentarians should be to the fore, together with the pressure of correspondence and whether letters their local government equivalents. The CPA has not actually get through to the person who can action taken the helm, or, possibly, has not been helped to take things, all of which does not make it easy to achieve the helm. Sometimes Speakers or Presiding Officers in good governance within the organisation. particular Parliaments do not engage to ensure that the There is so much to be done. There is the issue of CPA branches in their country and the provinces of the representation of women in our Parliaments across their country are actively engaged in a beneficial way. the Commonwealth, but even more challenging is how The special value of the Commonwealth Parliamentary we engage young people. Such a huge proportion of the Association is that it is not just about 53 countries. Commonwealth is under 25 years of age. For how long—particularly in developing countries, but it applies Andrew Rosindell: My right hon. Friend might be across the board—will young people be patient with a coming on to commend the CPA for including the system of parliamentary government that does not British overseas territories and Crown dependencies, appear to be delivering fast enough or satisfying their but does he agree that it is time the Commonwealth aspirations? We must ensure that young people believe gave some recognition to territories and dependencies that the process of democracy is valid and will allow that are not necessarily nation states, but are, by extension, them to express their views and have them properly British territories and so should be accommodated, considered. even as associate members of the Commonwealth? They are currently excluded from main membership of the Mr Bellingham: Does my right hon. Friend agree that Commonwealth. a main priority for many young people in the Commonwealth is getting a job and achieving prosperity? Sir Alan Haselhurst: I was confident, by his presence, Does he share my vision that the Commonwealth must that my hon. Friend would raise that matter. Indeed, do more on the commercial diplomacy and trade agenda? recognition should be under favourable consideration We want more trade between Commonwealth countries, to find a way around the problem. I was about to say which share advantages around common language, contract that beyond the 53 countries, the CPA has a lot of law and legal systems, so that young people can have dependent territories, smaller jurisdictions, provinces brighter hopes for the future in terms of trade picking and states as members, and that is what makes us up. Does he agree that the Commonwealth must give different. That is why we do not neatly fit into some that agenda more priority? international organisation straitjacket, as some colleagues across the Commonwealth might desire. Sir Alan Haselhurst: My hon. Friend is absolutely The CPA’s system of governance is cumbersome. It is right. I will not venture too far down that road, but I am difficult to accommodate the nine regions in a coherent sure that if he catches your eye, Mr Bayley, he will be committee that meets twice a year only. Collegiality able to expand on that theme. The Foreign and cannot be achieved in that time, and, because of the Commonwealth Secretary raised the matter in a speech need to try to spread the net as far as possible, rotational in Sydney a couple of years ago when he said that this membership means that the committee has less collective side of the Commonwealth has not been given the memory than may be desirable. The CPA’s whole attention it deserves. I appreciate that I have already international structure needs examining. I want more been speaking for sufficiently long that I must not engagement and encouragement from mother Parliaments. develop into other areas. I am saddened by the fact that there is still, after all I want a Commonwealth youth Parliament established these years, an uneven level of activity across the regions. on an annual basis. I want representatives of that Some are extremely busy on the purposes that I have organisation to be at the top level when we have our 189WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 190WH

[Sir Alan Haselhurst] I was pleased just the other day to be asked by Huntingdonshire district council to speak to local residents annual conference of the CPA, and I want them to have at a flag-raising ceremony in my constituency on the access to Foreign Ministers when it comes to the meaning of the Commonwealth. Being in my constituency, Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. my thoughts focused on what the Commonwealth might I am sure that my hon. Friend the Member for mean to my constituents. First, we need to appreciate Romford will pay attention here, because special attention that, as my right hon. Friend intimated, memories of must be given to smaller states. We should try to have a the British empire are very distant for most people in figurehead representative chosen from the small states the UK—if people have any knowledge of it at all. I to be on the executive committee of the CPA, for which would therefore contend that most young people—anyone there is great enthusiasm. I hope that the executive under the age of 60 for this purpose—may have little committee can be persuaded to accept that idea at its idea of empire or its end. So why, I contended with my next meeting. constituents, should the Commonwealth have any relevance to our lives today? With 54 independent countries and Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): The right 2 billion people—a third of the world’s population—the hon. Gentleman has set out clearly and eloquently the scale of the Commonwealth is significant, but size in challenges and several changes that he would make to itself does not bring its relevance to life. the CPA. What is his assessment of the likely degree of The principles of the Commonwealth, offering through support among member states of the Commonwealth its charter mutual support for more inclusive and equitable for his suggestions about the CPA? Is there a groundswell social progress for member states, are also to be applauded. of opinion in his favour? In themselves, however, they sound somewhat abstract. The objectives of upholding democracy, human rights, Sir Alan Haselhurst: The answer is mixed. There is a peace and security, respect and understanding, freedom groundswell of support for doing more for women of expression, separation of powers, the rule of law, parliamentarians in the Commonwealth and for an good governance and so on are ideals that we should all annual youth Parliament, and the matter of the small aim for. Again, however, that sounds like motherhood states will be put to the test soon. The reactions may be and apple pie when read out as a long list, such that mixed to my suggestion about the devolution of power, some might consider the Commonwealth to be more of but I am merely floating the idea based on my experience a talking shop than a body for action. of the past two and half years as the chairperson of the It must be said that the measures of successful executive committee. Having seen what is happening membership are not being upheld consistently—or in across the piece, there is a case for considering that some cases at all—by certain members. The royal family proposal, but it has not yet been examined in any great has done a magnificent job in unifying the institution, detail. but their future leadership will be at the members’ The powerbrokers at ministerial level in the discretion. Many member states would, until recently, Commonwealth and in national Parliaments should have struggled to describe themselves as capitalist take much more seriously the Commonwealth’s economies, but, with the fall of communism, that is no parliamentary and local government arms and its associated longer the case. An understanding of the need for organisations. By the time of the next CHOGM in two vibrant, and let me also say uncorrupt, market economies years’ time, I hope for some progress on what was said generally exists. in Colombo in the hurried half-hour that was granted Trade between member countries is increasing for the to the associated organisations. There was a feeling benefit of all. One may have thought that that would be among Foreign Ministers that something more had to a key area of engagement for the UK, but even here the be done to engage, and I am willing to suggest ways in situation is more complicated and there is little evidence which that could be done. I envisage an event at the next in many Commonwealth member states that our CHOGM that highlights the civil society aspects of the membership gives us a significant trading advantage. Commonwealth, but which would also make clear the Indeed, despite some 250 years of trading with India, I role that can be played by the elected partners among was surprised to hear that Switzerland, for instance, the associated organisations. That ought to be seen as a does more trade with India than the UK does. Having win-win within the Commonwealth family and would said that, I acknowledge the strenuous efforts being help the CPA, in particular, to aspire to a stronger sense made to increase our trade with India and the significant of purpose and a sharper definition of its priorities. I investment by the Foreign Office and UK Trade & hope that moves in that general direction will be encouraged Investment to that end. by Her Majesty’s Government. I wanted to learn more about the Commonwealth, so, about a year ago, I was pleased to be invited on my Hugh Bayley (in the Chair): Order. We have plenty of first visit with the Commonwealth Parliamentary time for the debate. The wind-ups must start by 4 pm, Association UK branch to India. I subsequently visited but may come before then. Sri Lanka. I went to India with an open mind, keen to play my very small part in encouraging good relations 1.58 pm and trade between our two nations, but, for the reasons I have given, I was not wholly convinced at that time of Mr Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon) (Con): Thank the value of the Commonwealth per se. However, I can you, Mr Bayley. I was pleased that this debate was now say that I have changed my mind. I now believe selected and congratulate my right hon. Friend the that the Commonwealth is not a talking shop but a real Member for Saffron Walden (Sir Alan Haselhurst) on and vibrant platform for upholding good governance, organising it, recognising his deep knowledge and improving democratic institutions, respecting human participation in Commonwealth matters. rights and extending trade opportunities. 191WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 192WH

Mr Henry Bellingham: My hon. Friend and I both The further question, therefore, as I think my right have a passion for the export of UK legal services. We hon. Friend said, is: how do we explain the benefits agree that one of the stumbling blocks for the export of our membership to the wider population? As well drive has been the attitude of both the Indian Government as feeding into the youth parliament concept, greater and the regional governments in India. On his visit, did engagement by schools would be a good idea. Many he detect any discernible movement away from that areas of British engagement in environmental, social, attitude, which was previously quite negative? empowerment of women and other civil projects across the Commonwealth would be fascinating for children to learn about. Given what I have seen and the value I Mr Djanogly: My hon. Friend will not be surprised to now attach to the Commonwealth, I do see the benefit hear that I did indeed bring that up on our visit to of having a Commonwealth day in order to provide a India. I am sorry to say that, when we were there, there focus for the explanation of its relevance to our constituents was little movement in that direction. However, I recognise and their children at school. the significant efforts since made by the Foreign Secretary, and indeed the Lord Chancellor, with India. They are Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): I not giving up the ghost on this; they are working hard passionately support the Commonwealth as I was born to reverse that position. India is currently undergoing a in Pakistan in 1978. On my hon. Friend’s point about difficult time, thinking about elections rather than policy, focusing on the Commonwealth’s values and principles, but, hopefully after the elections they will look more does he agree that more work needs to be done on basic carefully at this issue and change their mind. That human rights across all members of the Commonwealth? would be, as I am sure my hon. Friend would agree, for I was in Pakistan in 2012, where I met members of the the benefit of India and Britain. Christian community who, along with many other minority Many Commonwealth countries have political communities, felt persecuted by the blasphemy laws. We institutions whose administrations and standing orders need to work here and in other Parliaments with Pakistan are not as efficient as they could be. We can—and to get them to reform those laws so that people can do—do much to assist them. By engaging with member aspire to the basic freedoms of faith and belief. countries, we also create ties and good will in different Mr Djanogly: I very much support my hon. Friend’s areas that provide much greater depth to our international comments. The Commonwealth provides a platform for relationships than fleeting ministerial visits—as important that to be done; the question is the extent to which we as those are, I say with respect to the Minister. use that platform. He makes the important point that I saw the value of engagement again when I joined a we should use that platform. I have said what I wanted CPA UK delegation to Sri Lanka to review post-conflict to say. We should all support Commonwealth day and I reconciliation and human rights issues. Sitting in a very am happy to support the motion. hot hut, which Tamil MPs used as a headquarters, we heard their grievances, which included alleged human 2.08 pm rights complaints. They appreciated our making the Pamela Nash (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab): It is a effort to go to the north of the country, which still pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mr Bayley. I shows clear signs of the terrible war. We also met with congratulate the chair of the CPA, the right hon. Member army, police and other national representatives who for Saffron Walden (Sir Alan Haselhurst), on securing explained their security concerns. Everyone seemed pleased today’s important debate. I belatedly wish all of my to see us and keen to put forward their cases. That colleagues a happy Commonwealth day. certainly gave me the impression that everyone wanted I start on the right hon. Gentleman’s idea for a reconciliation even if, unfortunately, not at the same Commonwealth youth parliament, which is a fantastic pace. idea. As a former MSYP—that is a member of the Importantly, we engaged with Sri Lankans from the Scottish Youth Parliament for those colleagues from north and south, and those of different religions and south of the as-yet-non-existent border—I think that races, not as the old imperial power coming to dictate that could be a crucial tool in a group of countries with but as equals; as friends and colleagues with a shared so many under-25s. In some of the recent news from our history, and with a will to share the benefit of our partner countries in the Commonwealth, we have heard experience and learn from each other. We also met with the voices of the past coming forward in their legislation. shared expectations of maintaining shared values—in I cannot think of a better tool to get the voices of young effect, the values contained in the Commonwealth charter, people heard actively across the Commonwealth than which, at that point, came alive to me as a living and what he suggested. relevant document. More than that, being a member of As a Scot, I am proud that we are hosting the the Commonwealth meant that I felt that I could be Commonwealth games. It is an exciting time for Scotland open and frank in setting out, for instance to the Sri and for those of us who live around Glasgow. I am Lankan human rights commission or Ministers, where looking forward to welcoming friends and athletes from we felt that improvements to conduct were required. all over the world. It is an exciting opportunity for Brits Let me add that the discussions were not one way. and Scots not only to make new friends and hear from For instance, a number of our hosts raised complicated different cultures but to make our own voices heard and questions arising from the colonisation of their countries. to speak out about the concerns we have. I will concentrate The fact that they wished to discuss such issues on an my remarks today on one such issue. open and friendly basis was, for me, proof of the worth One reason I have been involved in the CPA since of connecting through membership. I agree, therefore, I was elected four years ago is the strength of the with my right hon. Friend the Member for Saffron Commonwealth, as I see it, as laid out in the charter. Walden about the importance of the CPA. Although it has had some criticism, it is an extremely 193WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 194WH

[Pamela Nash] non-Commonwealth countries. Does she agree that aid is a key part of our bilateral relationship with most of worthwhile document. It will help to champion human those countries and there is therefore a role for the rights throughout the Commonwealth and we should Department for International Development? DFID should be wielding it as a weapon at the moment. I want to talk have very firm conversations on the matter, probably in about what has been happening in Uganda recently. In private—I have certainly found that speaking to President recent meetings I have had with them as chair of the Museveni in private on the matter was a great deal more all-party group on HIV and AIDS, Ugandan activists effective than doing so publicly. Does she agree that have all had the same war cry, which has been to ask us DFID has to look at how it finesses those conversations to cleanse ourselves of our imperial guilt. All in the very near future? Commonwealth member countries should use the charter as much as they can, and all parliamentarians who can use the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to Pamela Nash: The hon. Gentleman has made two get their views heard should do so. good points. He mentioned private conversations. My I include British Members of Parliament in that. work through the CPA has allowed me to have such Sometimes we have been too quiet about saying what conversations with Members of Parliament and we think when something has gone wrong. The anti- Government Ministers and officials from some of the homosexuality law that has recently been passed in countries I mentioned, including Uganda. At the time, I Uganda and the anti-pornography law that was passed found those private conversations to be most helpful in just before it are good examples of just that situation. gaining a better understanding of where the movements We should be calling on the strength of the Commonwealth are coming from. However, with all due respect, in to stand up to the human rights infringement in Uganda. Uganda it has not worked. We have been hearing all the right things—other Members here today will have had those Uganda is a country that means a great deal to me. I conversations, particularly with Ugandan parliamentarians, have spoken often in the House about the fact that I and the President and the Speaker of the Ugandan have friends and family there. I have visited Uganda Parliament—but we are now in the situation we are in. often, as a tourist, as a student worker and as a CPA Although my fears are mainly about Uganda at the member. It is very close to my heart and I have been moment, I am incredibly concerned about what will deeply upset by what has happened there recently. I happen across the rest of the Commonwealth. want to use the opportunity that today’s debate offers to speak about that. I hope we can use the CPA to stand In terms of the possible knock-on effect, it is not up and have our voices counted. always clear what is happening in those countries. I The law in Uganda now threatens life sentences for found it difficult to research exactly what the legislation homosexual behaviour and “aggravated homosexuality”— was in some countries and what the changes were. I will that is what the law says. It is also a criminal offence for use Malawi as an example. President Joyce Banda, who anyone to know that someone is homosexual. The law has been a guest of mine in this House, announced in will therefore divide families and ensure that men who November that she had suspended all laws criminalising have sex with men are frightened to seek health care. It homosexuality, but the Malawian Government have will cause friction where there should be none. Uganda’s recently denied issuing that statement, and the laws Health Minister has already declared that the law will criminalising same-sex acts remain in place. We are not breach human rights on access to health care for stuck in a position where we are hearing one thing in men who have sex with men, but I cannot see why that private conversations with legislators, but the reality for will be the case. Men who have sex with men will not people on the ground is something very different. seek health care if they think that they might be turned The hon. Member for North West Norfolk in to the authorities for homosexual behaviour. The (Mr Bellingham) also raised the role of DFID as a lever law also contains a provision on the promotion of to encourage or discourage partner countries on the homosexuality, which means that some of the clinics ground. Although that is possible, in the case of Uganda and non-governmental organisations that we as a country we do not, as far as I know, provide any direct Government support will not be able to operate in Uganda without support, as all our money is directed through NGOs risk of criminal conviction and jail. All that is happening and other projects. There is therefore the difficulty of in the only country in Africa that has rising rates of what levers we can use to influence Uganda. I hope that HIV. For me, the law is simply a violation of human the Minister will enlighten us about what more the rights. Foreign and Commonwealth Office can do in our The issue does not simply concern Uganda, however, conversations with Uganda. and the reason I have raised it in a debate about the Commonwealth is that I have real fears that it will spread throughout other Commonwealth countries. We Sir Malcolm Bruce: The hon. Lady is making an have already seen evidence of that happening in the two important and powerful case. Does she accept that gay and a half weeks since the Act was signed into law by rights are not our only area of concern? In a number of President Museveni. Just before that, a new anti-gay law countries there are also concerns about the rights of was signed in Nigeria. A copycat Bill has been introduced women and the right of access to family planning, and in the Kenyan Parliament and Bills have been introduced the fundamental issue of unsafe abortions. We do not in Liberia and Malawi as well. have the right to impose our view on people. We have to find partners within the country with whom we can Mr Bellingham: I share the hon. Lady’s concern that engage at all levels. She is right to say that the situation since the private Member’s Bill was passed in the Ugandan is tricky, because if we start trying to use the DFID Parliament other initiatives have been triggered in the budget as a lever, the danger is that those countries countries she has mentioned and in others, including will turn round and say, “We do not want your aid.” We 195WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 196WH have to be careful to find a partner we can work with prize. He is the successor to David Kato, who was inside the community and give them the support they murdered three years ago after his name was published need. in another tabloid in Uganda. He successfully took the paper to court, but the price he paid was to be murdered. Pamela Nash: I agree with the right hon. Gentleman, My blood ran cold when I saw that history was repeating who has a lot of experience in international development. itself in the tabloids. It is a tricky balance to strike. We should not be frightened What conversations has the Minister had with DFID of saying what we think, but we must use the correct about what the Government can do to provide support levers. We should not wield the DFID budget as a to those on the ground? I do not ask for protection from weapon but instead should use it to promote the values a law in another country, but what can we do to protect and beliefs that we have as a nation, the fundamental vulnerable Ugandans who are at increased risk of violence one of which is universal human rights. and violation of their human rights? An emergency security funding pool has been established, and I ask Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): My point is the Government to contribute to it quickly. similar to that made by my right hon. Friend the I have raised this issue today because it is fundamentally Member for Gordon (Sir Malcolm Bruce). I was at the a human rights one. The Commonwealth charter, which Commonwealth parliamentary conference with the hon. was signed last year, includes articles on tolerance, Lady and my right hon. Friend in South Africa in respect and understanding, freedom of expression and September 2013 and spoke several times on this issue. I human rights. I cannot think of a more valuable current urge caution in using the Department for International issue to address than LGBT rights in Uganda and Development budget because a big challenge for us beyond in the Commonwealth. We should use our when Canada, Australia and Gibraltar raise concerns is position in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association that our actions can be seen as an attempt to recreate and the Commonwealth to ensure that our voice is the empire or to preach from our imperialistic past. heard. Perhaps it is better if other nations, such as South Africa, advocate on such issues. We heard a wonderful speech at that conference from the Deputy Speaker of 2.25 pm the South African Parliament, and because of history it Sir Paul Beresford (Mole Valley) (Con): I am delighted may be better if South Africa advocates on such issues to serve under your surveillance, Mr Bayley. I congratulate instead of us, sadly. my right hon. Friend the Member for Saffron Walden (Sir Alan Haselhurst) on securing this debate and setting Pamela Nash: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his the broad scene. That enables me to be a little more intervention. He made the great point that we should focused on what is called the old Commonwealth, which remember that we are not the only advocates in the is the backbone of the Commonwealth with the United Commonwealth for LGBT rights, women’s rights and Kingdom at the head. There is a feeling among the old equality for all. We have strong partners in the Commonwealth nations that the door that was open is Commonwealth, and this is the time when we should slowly closing, and that that was happening particularly come together to ensure that their voices are heard. I under the last Government. take the hon. Gentleman’s point that South Africa may I have been speaking for about 10 seconds, and be a better advocate at the moment, and I hope that we everyone is aware from my accent that I come from one can work with it on that. of the Commonwealth countries. I cannot get away I would like some clarity on the Foreign Office’s from that, but my accent is not Australian. I have dual position. Has the Minister spoken about the matter to nationality and I carry a British passport and a New Uganda’s High Commissioner in London recently? Are Zealand one, which creates difficulties sometimes when there other diplomatic engagements with Uganda and there is a small battle at Twickenham. I assure all hon. other Commonwealth Governments, such as Malawi Members that I cheer for England, although I put my and Nigeria, and countries such as Liberia, about LGBT money on the All Blacks. rights and the recent proposed changes to legislation? As I said during an intervention, when I arrive at I want to pick up some points that hon. Members Gatwick, having dual nationality gives me the opportunity have made about DFID’s role and ask the Minister to to survey which is the longest queue and which has comment on his Department’s discussions with it on more people serving it. I sometimes join the alien queue Uganda and the emergency reaction. We have not touched because it is quicker. on the fact that the problem is not just the legislation and the threat of arrest but violence. There have been Andrew Percy: Does my hon. Friend share my opinion outbreaks of violence over the past few years at every that it is terrible that Canadian, Australian and New stage of the Bill’s progress in Uganda. Since it was Zealand nationals, who share the same monarch as us, enacted on 24 February, there have been several reports are treated as complete foreigners when people from 26 of people being murdered after being outed. other foreign countries can just walk through as though I was horrified to see that the Red Pepper, a tabloid in they were British citizens? That is completely unacceptable. Uganda, had published the names of 200 people, including photographs and including the name of a dear friend of Sir Paul Beresford: I thank my hon. Friend, who fired mine, Frank Mugisha, who runs Sexual Minorities Uganda. the shot for me without my accent, which was helpful. His name has probably appeared in Hansard more than The Commonwealth is a unique organisation. It is a mine over the last few years, and it is often taken in vain worldwide family with a mixture of races, religions, when this important issue is discussed. I am glad to say languages and creeds based around the United Kingdom that he has rightly been nominated for a Nobel peace and the Queen. As I said, I come from New Zealand, 197WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 198WH

[Sir Paul Beresford] The close rapport between the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia is perhaps emphasised most which is a huge supporter of the Commonwealth and in the farming communities. There are very close links, the Queen. If the New Zealand magazine, Women’s including educational links, both ways between the Weekly, does not have six pictures of the Queen and the farmers, but perhaps it is more educational for the royal family, there has been a misprint along the line. farmers from this country. One of my colleagues in this New Zealand has slight republican moments, and I place asked me whether I could find a farm—he was understand that it is considering a slight variation of thinking of a farm in this country, as I belong to the the flag, but we will see. It will be amusing because National Farmers Union—for his daughter to spend Women’s Weekly will battle to keep the flag and I her gap year on before going to veterinary school. She suspect that elderly New Zealand ladies will rally to the needed a very good and unusual entry—a star entry—on cause. farming on her CV to get into vet school. I ignored the thought that the farm would be here and rang New Next door to New Zealand is another Commonwealth Zealand. I spoke to one of the high-country farmers I nation—a little island called Australia. It has a few know there. They said, “Yes, we’d love to take her republican problems and, if asked, any New Zealander here—kith and kin etc.” She was over the moon, until would explain that being Australian is in itself a difficulty, she arrived and suddenly realised what she had taken but it seems to overcome that, particularly in the cricket on. The farm has barley, lucerne hay and so on, 1,000 head field. of cattle, 1,000 head of deer and 23,000 lambing ewes, Those two old Commonwealth nations have a huge so when they have lambed—this is the farm I came rivalry, which can be seen on the rugby field. The insults from—there are 50,000 woolly beasts running around and jokes between them are phenomenal and racist, but the place. That my colleague’s daughter went there was every joke can be turned round the other way, so an example of kith and kin. She had a hard time for anything a New Zealander says about Australia can be the first couple of weeks and then settled into it and returned the other way round. However, they work came back really educated. She staggered the people extremely closely with the British Commonwealth, who interviewed her for veterinary school, and walked particularly when the United Kingdom is under deep straight in. threat. With Canada and South Africa, they are the old Commonwealth. They have a Commonwealth link, Of course, the biggest example of kith and kin is seen reinforced by kith and kin, and a two-way flow of at times of conflict. We have the first world war tourism and migration going back two centuries, although commemoration coming up. In that war, there was the that is being stemmed now. battle of Gallipoli, which led to Anzac day. Here, Remembrance day is important. It is covered on television. My direct knowledge is obviously predominately of Anzac day in Australia and New Zealand is the same. New Zealand, although I have lived in the UK longer Interestingly, the young people in Australia and New than I lived there. I occasionally return there for a Zealand now go to the remembrance celebration there. refresher course in the accent and attitudes. A touch of They used not to do that in the past. The people of history may be helpful. New Zealand’s biggest influx of those countries remember the soldiers, sailors and airmen immigration over the past couple of centuries involved who fought for the United Kingdom as part of the people who went there by choice—I am sure I will Commonwealth. receive letters from Australians about this—and were not transported there. That can be seen when wandering I found this hard to understand as a child. My little around New Zealand, because the place names are a village—it was a little village, in the north of the south mixture of Maori, English, Scottish and Irish, and island—had a war memorial. In typical New Zealand there are even a few Welsh names. The people there style, people were pragmatic about it. It was a superb drive on the left. They predominantly speak English or memorial, but of course they had public toilets underneath a version of it, and the parliamentary system, although it, because they had to use the space there for something it has only one House, is much the same as that here. In useful. The walls of the memorial—one can see this at fact, it mimics it even to the building. It is not quite as any of the memorials in Australia and New Zealand, spectacular and not anywhere near as old, but it does but particularly at the war memorial in Canberra—were mimic it. covered with the names of the soldiers who had died, My parents’ and grandparents’ generations talked of and there were hundreds upon hundreds from that little the United Kingdom as home and of “going back”. village. They still do. What intrigued me was that many of them On Remembrance day in this country, I go to the had never been here, but they still talked about going villages in my area, and they read out the names. That is back. They all have close links with this country and desperately important—it is desperately important that they display that in their houses. My parents’ and the names are remembered—but people cannot read grandparents’ generations in particular would have on out the names in the little village that I come from, the coffee table in the sitting room—it was a sitting because that would take up the whole time for the room, not a withdrawing room or drawing room—a service. fantastic book or two. Those fantastic books are full of photographs, which are dramatic for two reasons. First, they feature the United Kingdom and its beautiful Sir Malcolm Bruce: The hon. Gentleman is making a scenery. The second and even more amazing thing is very powerful point. May I share this with him? Recently, that the photographs were taken on sunny days. How my daughter did a first world war project, which involved the photographers managed to get 50, 60 or a couple of researching the names on the war memorial in our hundred sunny days to take fantastic photos beggars village. We found that a significant number of them belief, especially after the last few months. were people who had emigrated before the first world 199WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 200WH war to New Zealand and who came back to fight for games—I am talking about rugby, ladies. The coach of their country and die for their country, their country one of the most successful Welsh national rugby teams being both New Zealand and the UK. has a very strong New Zealand accent. Distressingly, the United Kingdom, as I have said, Sir Paul Beresford: I thank my right hon. Friend for seems to be closing the door on Commonwealth that intervention. immigration. It is losing expertise in medicine, dentistry, accounting, physiotherapy, the law and so on. I find This is one of the latest examples of what I am that extraordinary. Highly trained professional people discussing. Some of us will remember that in Afghanistan who come to the United Kingdom are being required to there was a Mumbai-style attack on the Intercontinental sit extra exams so that they can work here, whereas they hotel in Kabul. Two vehicles rolled up. Six guys got out, are welcome in some other nations. The quality of their charged in, dealt with the terrorists and came out degrees is every bit as good as—and, dare I say it in unscathed. They did look as though they had come out hushed tones, perhaps sometimes better than—what is of a Rambo movie, but they were the New Zealand achieved here. If degrees from the United Kingdom are SAS, who had just been called up on spec to go in and acceptable in those countries—and they are—that should deal with the situation. They did that, calmly, and got be reciprocated, especially as a disproportionate number out. They are dangerous people, those New Zealand of the medical, dental and legal teaching staff in universities SAS. here are from those old Commonwealth nations. The Some years ago, I visited Monte Cassino, the scene of same applies to the United States and Canada, but the battle for Rome in world war two. Between 17 January without the same difficulties. and 18 May 1944, four battles were fought there. The Lord Rutherford began the process. It has continued; soldiers involved on our side were called allied troops. and I hope that, with a bit of freedom and a bit of There were Polish troops, but the only others were from relaxation, it will still continue. I receive many complaints Commonwealth countries. A total of 54,000 men from from United Kingdom businesses and from Australians Britain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India and New Zealanders that they are able to work here for and Canada were lost, as well as a number of Gurkhas. only a very few years—generally two. Perhaps the The horrible reality of what happened came home to Government could positively review that aspect of me during my visit. There were separate cemeteries for immigration policy. the various nations, with thousands and thousands of The Commonwealth is very special for its people. In tombstones, but what really struck me was the ages of these difficult days, the United Kingdom needs to build the troops buried there. Most of them—these are troops on that family of nations and not destroy the willingness from the Commonwealth countries—were in their late and desire to be in harmony with the United Kingdom 20s or in their 30s or 40s. Almost all of them would have in the Commonwealth. been married and had families. Those families had no father, because they were over here, fighting for a United Kingdom war. That explains why, when I was a kid, I 2.39 pm noticed that in my village there were a lot of single-parent Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (Con): I am delighted to families and a lot of ladies who remained single. That have the opportunity to address the Chamber on the was simply because there were no men. international importance of the Commonwealth of nations After the war, shoals of people from New Zealand in the wake of the Commonwealth day celebrations in and Australia came to the United Kingdom on six-week the UK and throughout the Commonwealth. I was boat trips. Nowadays they fly. Many if not all are proud to have been invited to attend the observance day skilled. They are doctors, dentists, nurses, farmers, service at Westminster Abbey in the presence of Her accountants, lawyers and experts in banking, finance or Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of construction. Some stay; others move on to other parts Edinburgh, together with representatives from all the of the world; and some go back. But they all contribute nations and territories in the Commonwealth family. to this country. For decades, university graduates have I was also proud to have played a part in the campaign been among New Zealand’s biggest exports. In the to fly the flag of the Commonwealth, which ensured main, they used to come here. However, the United that most town halls across the country were sent the Kingdom has become progressively less receptive in the Commonwealth flag to fly for the first time. I pay past few years. Entry is becoming more difficult, and to tribute to Bruno Peak, who led that campaign and stay to contribute is becoming more difficult. I hope organised the sending out of flags. I hope that many of that my right hon. Friend the Minister will look at that. us were at our town halls on Monday to see the raising People from New Zealand, Australia, Canada and of that important symbol of the Commonwealth family. South Africa are exactly the type of immigrants this country needs. In general, they have high skills, earn Andrew Percy: I would like to put on the record the high net incomes and pay a lot of tax. They are almost fact that I was at North Lincolnshire council civic invisible to social services, because they never use them. centre on Monday, where the Commonwealth flag was They integrate well into British society. After all, most duly raised. of them have parents, grandparents or even great- grandparents who came, either directly or indirectly, Andrew Rosindell: I would not have expected my hon. from the UK. They share the culture. They share the Friend to have been anywhere else, because he is such a language, mostly. They share the heritage. And they committed supporter of the Commonwealth. The tradition tend to play slightly better rugby, but they blend in and that we have established this week in our country—that add value to the United Kingdom. Their ability to the flag of the Commonwealth should be flown at civic blend in was recognised at one of the recent grand slam offices, town halls and, I hope, schools—will continue. I 201WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 202WH

[Andrew Rosindell] I also pay tribute to the hon. Member for Airdrie and Shotts (Pamela Nash) for her powerful speech about am proud to say that the flag of the Commonwealth human rights in many Commonwealth countries. I agree was raised on the flagpole outside the Romford Conservative entirely with her. We are not doing enough to deal with association’s Margaret Thatcher house in my constituency. the atrocious things going on today in some Commonwealth I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the Member for countries—she mentioned Uganda, and there are many Saffron Walden (Sir Alan Haselhurst) for his magnificent others—where the standards and values of the work as international chairman of the Commonwealth Commonwealth should be enshrined. Those countries Parliamentary Association and of its UK branch in must understand that being part of the Commonwealth Westminster. I know that you, Mr Bayley, also play a means that certain values, including, crucially, human significant role in the work of the CPA. When I was rights, must be upheld. I commend her for speaking so elected to Parliament in 2001, one of the first things I strongly about that. It is a message that we must spread. did was to join the CPA. I commend it on its magnificent work and the way in which it has evolved over my Rehman Chishti: On that point about human rights 13 years as a Member. around the Commonwealth, two weeks ago students On my first CPA visit in 2002, I accompanied my from Indian-administered Kashmir were charged with right hon. and noble Friend the then Member for sedition and expelled from university for supporting Folkestone and Hythe—now Lord Howard—to Mauritius. Pakistan in a cricket match. That runs completely contrary Since then, I have participated in many CPA activities. I to people’s basic human right to support whomever am delighted that the CPA is no longer simply about they like, however, wherever and whenever they like. parliamentary friendship—although that is important—but Does my hon. Friend agree that those basic rights must about helping others to develop important things such be respected around the world, and that where they are as credentials and good governance. The CPA does flouted, we, as members of the Commonwealth, should magnificent work in those areas. say that that is totally unacceptable? I put on the record my thanks to my right hon. Friend the Member for Saffron Walden and his team Andrew Rosindell: Of course, I agree entirely with my for all the work that they do to promote the CPA. There hon. Friend. The fact of the matter is that the are issues about CPA internationally, and I hope that all Commonwealth is a Commonwealth of nations, and we nations in the Commonwealth understand and appreciate are all proud of our national heritage. We are proud of that we must work together because we have important being British, and people of Pakistani origin are proud common goals, values and objectives, which we must of their origins, as are people from New Zealand or any cherish. other country. Tolerance, understanding, kindness and friendship are values that should bind us together, and I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for intolerance against people for whatever reason is wrong. Huntingdon (Mr Djanogly), who has made powerful I am sure we all agree that the Commonwealth must remarks today about his visit to Sri Lanka and the deep uphold that principle. importance of the Commonwealth. Not enough people understand that. I am glad that he is part of the CPA My hon. Friend the Member for Mole Valley (Sir Paul and that he has been to Sri Lanka and seen what is Beresford) gave a moving, powerful and thought-provoking going on. I was pleased to have the opportunity to visit speech about the huge sacrifice made by the people of Sri Lanka myself three years ago, where I saw the New Zealand, Australia and other Commonwealth terrible things that have gone on in that country and the countries in the service of king or queen and country awful divisions that have occurred. Sadly, many of over so long. That is particularly true of New Zealand, those divisions have been made far worse by the Sri which has done more than probably any other country Lankan Government’s decision many years ago that when it comes to sacrificing its own people in the service English would no longer be the country’s common of freedom, the defence of the Crown and all the values language. Surely, one of the most powerful aspects of that we hold dear. the Commonwealth is the fact that all its members are I have been to New Zealand five times and I chair the bound together by the common language of English. all-party parliamentary group on Australia and New Ending the use of English as a common language for all Zealand, having been an officer of that group during peoples of the Commonwealth will create divisions as my 13 years in the House. I believe that there is no one regional language takes precedence over another. country in the world with which we have more in The common English language does more than anything common than New Zealand, although perhaps I might else to bind us together. include Australia and Canada in that. We are cousins. The other thing that Sri Lanka did was to become a We are kith and kin, as my hon. Friend rightly said, and republic, taking away a Head of State who was neutral I find it utterly shameful that a New Zealander arriving and above politics. Countries that have gone down the at Heathrow is treated as an alien. I have raised the republic road have not necessarily had the great success matter repeatedly with this Government and the previous for which they had hoped. Those that have kept Her one. Two years ago, I put forward a ten-minute rule Bill, Majesty the Queen as their head of state—Australia, the United Kingdom Borders Bill, on that subject. In New Zealand, Canada, most of the Caribbean countries the final year before the general election, I hope that the and many others—have not suffered from the internal Minister will take back to the Government the message divisions that countries such as Sri Lanka have, sadly, that it is time we did something to address that. experienced. That is a great lesson for countries thinking It is completely wrong that someone from New Zealand, about going down that route. The monarchy is a glue Australia or Canada is treated as an alien when they that binds together people of all political backgrounds arrive at Heathrow, but someone from a country that and all ethnic origins despite divisions within countries. happens to have joined the European Union, for better 203WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 204WH or for worse, is treated as though they are British and I am proud that the United Kingdom of Great Britain comes through the same channel as we do. How can and Northern Ireland takes a leading role in flying the that be right? How did we get into a situation where we flag of the world’s oldest and truest international grouping treat countries with which we have most in common— of nations, honouring centuries of partnership in the countries with which we share a Head of State, a modern world. However, the Commonwealth of nations language and a style of parliamentary and legal system—as could be much stronger than it is, and a great deal more alien, while we give preferential treatment to countries needs to be done to realise its full potential. Successive that happen to have signed up to the European Union? Governments of all parties have failed to grasp the I urge the Minister to speak to the Foreign Secretary potential that it represents. and the Prime Minister and do something about the We have, unfortunately, spent decades focusing on situation. If we want to value the Commonwealth, and relations with the European Union—the Common Market, particularly the realms, which remain under the Crown—if as it once was—building bridges with countries on the we want to cement them as part of the great continent. That is right; we should trade and have Commonwealth family—let us try to affect that issue. friendship with the continent. However, that should Nothing offends New Zealanders, Australians and not mean focusing purely on our relations with Europe Canadians more than being treated in that way when and ignoring the Commonwealth. I fear that the they arrive at Heathrow airport. Commonwealth has been damaged because for decades we have not realised its potential. We should have been building bridges in the past few years with Commonwealth Andrew Percy: My hon. Friend is a powerful advocate, countries in Africa, Oceania, Asia and of course the as we know from previous occasions. I entirely concur Caribbean. Yet all Governments have, sadly, focused on with what he says. Does he agree that a simple approach Europe. I think the history of our country has come to would be to start with Commonwealth realms, allowing a turning point. That is not to say we should not their citizens to enter through the same channel as UK continue to work closely with our friends and allies in and EU citizens? I should have thought that that would Europe; of course we should, but we should now focus be very simple. on the Commonwealth. We should help its countries and work with them, more deeply than in the past few Andrew Rosindell: I think that my hon. Friend was decades, on building for trade and co-operation. probably a sponsor of my Bill, because he has hit on The Commonwealth cannot be defined in one sweeping exactly the point that I made about the Commonwealth statement. It has a number of unique and compelling and the realms. Realms, where the Queen is still the attributes, all of which are weathered by time and sovereign head of state, have a special, deep constitutional change. It is steeped in tradition; shared culture, heritage link with the people of the British isles—of the United and history; an intrinsic love of democracy and freedom; Kingdom. If we cannot immediately act in relation to and shared legal and parliamentary systems. Above all the entire Commonwealth, let us at least work with the the members of the Commonwealth are united in our realms, of which there are 15 apart from our own. I love of our countries and our patriotism, rather than shall not list them; I know that the Minister knows nationalism. There is a shared affection for Her Majesty them by heart. They are deeply committed to their links the Queen and for historic links to the British Isles and with the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and what the Commonwealth represents. Her Majesty the we should do something to enhance and cement that Queen put it accurately: special relationship. “The Commonwealth of societies old and new; of lands and I went to Jamaica two years ago with the Foreign races different in history and origins but all, by God’s Will, united Affairs Committee. That is another country with which in spirit and in aim.” we have strong bonds. Many Jamaicans live in the UK, There are 53 nations in the Commonwealth. Sadly, particularly around London, and they, too, feel aggrieved Zimbabwe and the Gambia are no longer members, but, when they are treated as aliens. They are also aggrieved as my hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk at the air passenger duty that has done so much damage (Mr Bellingham), who has now left the Chamber, said, to our relations with the Caribbean. it is to be hoped that at an appropriate time they will I commend my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary rejoin and that we shall work with them on that. for saying that we would put the “C” back into the The member countries range from the old dominions FCO. He has done that; but in the final year of the of Canada, New Zealand and Australia, of which we have present Government’s term of office, we need to show spoken extensively in the debate, to the newest member, that we mean it. We can do a great deal more on all the Rwanda, which joined in 2009. The Commonwealth issues I am outlining. I know that the Minister, who is spans every time zone and yields a combined GDP of also deeply committed to the Commonwealth and the more than £5.2 trillion. Commonwealth countries are things that we have been discussing, will champion my the emerging markets of the future, so we no longer talk suggestion when he next sees the Foreign Secretary. It of the Commonwealth just in terms of a traditional, would unite both sides of the House if we took the albeit important, friendship. Our intention should be to opportunity. make it relevant to the long-term future. Hon. Members will know that in my 13 years as a I am brought back to my earlier point that we should Member of the House of Commons I have been a work on trade with the Commonwealth. If that means fervent champion of the Commonwealth, which we changing our relationship with the European Union so cherish and hold dear—its aims, objectives and successes, that we can be the leading bridge between the English- and all that those things stand for. It is a symbol of speaking world and the Commonwealth countries, to unity and demonstrates friendship between old friends build trade globally, so be it. Any Government bold and allies in all corners of the world, far and wide. enough to grasp that, and think long term—to utilise 205WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 206WH

[Andrew Rosindell] than pandering to the politically correct or acceptable views of the day. We must have bold vision, and I urge the Commonwealth as the foundation for that approach— the Minister to raise that idea with the Prime Minister. will do a great service to the people of the United Look at the boldness that Lady Thatcher showed Kingdom and the Commonwealth. against adversity and in difficult situations; she risked The Commonwealth draws much of its uniqueness everything to do what she truly believed to be right. and individuality from its sprawl and its vast global What better example is there than when she sent a network of nations. It boasts many of the world’s taskforce to the south Atlantic to rescue the people of strongest economies, and its membership includes many the Falkland Islands? She could have given in and said emerging democracies. It is by no definition a western that it was too difficult—that it was not practical and club; it includes countries from all corners of the earth, too expensive—but she knew what was right and fought from the south Pacific islands to the Caribbean, from for it, and thereby ensured that the people of the all corners of Africa to the north of Canada, and from Falklands were liberated. We need the same attitude in the south Atlantic to the highest tip of the British isles. government today on a range of issues, but particularly It is an amazing collection of nations, territories and on embracing the Commonwealth nations for trade and dependencies: countries with a shared foundation of co-operation, and to ensure that the values that we hold values and common interests, that we should make dear, which have lasted for generations, are protected much more of than we have in recent decades. and cherished for future generations. I believe that all of us present could do more in our constituencies to promote the Commonwealth and the [MR GRAHAM BRADY (in the Chair)] importance of our heritage. I would like to commend members of my local Conservative association who I touched briefly earlier on our trade with our partners have formed a Conservative Commonwealth group. On in the Commonwealth of nations. That is among the Sunday, we held the first Romford service of thanksgiving most prevalent and topical economic discussion points for the Commonwealth at St Alban Protomartyr church of modern times. The tides of global trade are turning in my constituency, presided over by Rev. Father Roderick and we must adjust, to ensure that HMS Britain stays Hingley. The chairman of my constituency Conservative afloat and does not sink, lashed to the anchor of the Commonwealth association is Gloria Adagbon, who eurozone, while we yet have the Commonwealth, which originates from Nigeria, and the president is Lloyd we could harness for trade and co-operation in so many Thomas, who is from Montserrat. areas. The time has come to be bold, and for us to be a People of all Commonwealth origins in my constituency global nation again. However, it will be necessary to are being brought together, celebrating their shared change our relations with the EU to make that possible. heritage—love of country; love of Queen; love of everything Much is being made at the moment of the trading we hold dear in these islands. Many members have arrangements between the United Kingdom, Canada come to live in Britain and they cherish their and the United States of America. Those agreements Commonwealth links. I find it offensive and patronising could have been made years ago, if we had chosen. We when I hear talk of people being BME—black and did not need to wait for Brussels to negotiate trading minority ethnic. I do not think that that is a relevant agreements; we could have agreed them many years ago, term today. The term “Commonwealth origins” is a far but we chose not to. more respectful way of discussing people who have come from different parts of the world. It does not We not only chose not to but were prevented from matter whether someone is of a particular religion or making agreements because we are tied to an organisation colour; it is important that we have shared values, and that prevents us from doing what we have done throughout the Commonwealth represents that. the history of these islands: traded globally, sailed the world and fostered relationships with countries far and The Conservative Commonwealth group in my wide. We can only do so again if we remove the chains constituency is doing amazing work in bring everyone that are shackled around our feet through being members together. I urge all MPs present, from all parties, to of a political union. We can then use the Commonwealth enhance the Commonwealth through their respective as the basis of our global co-operation. parties by bringing people together in their constituencies. We should visit schools and talk about the Commonwealth I welcome you to the debate, Mr Brady, and it is a to children at assemblies and in classrooms more often. pleasure to serve under your chairmanship. I have heard The diamond jubilee in 2012 was a great opportunity to it suggested by many people that Commonwealth free do that. I visited every school in my constituency to talk trade is not practical. I disagree profoundly. With boldness about the importance of the United Kingdom, the and vision, we can lead on that idea so that Commonwealth overseas territories and dependencies, and, of course, trade is a way forward in future. It is backward-thinking the Commonwealth. to believe that our future rests only with the EU. We can We all see in our local schools young children with trade with Europe as well as with the Commonwealth, Commonwealth ancestry—I certainly do in my and be a bridge between both parts of the globe that are constituency. At the service we held in Romford on important to us. Sunday we had a Commonwealth choir from the Frances I would like to tell the Minister that a Government Bardsley academy for girls. They sang Commonwealth are strongest when they are boldest. I hope that most of hymns, and it was an amazingly uplifting occasion. us present agree that our boldest Prime Ministers, such High commissioners and representatives from all over as Lady Thatcher—some might not agree with everything the Commonwealth came to celebrate. I hope that she did, but she was bold and always stood up for what colleagues from all parties can do more in their she believed was right—and the strongest Governments, constituencies to promote the importance of the often those who are re-elected, do radical things rather Commonwealth. 207WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 208WH

Earlier, I asked the Minister about the failure to fly and I pointed out to the chief Minister of the Cayman flags in Parliament square this week for Commonwealth Islands that the Cayman Islands was not coloured in as day. I must say that it was sad to see Her Majesty arrive part of it. He looked at the map and said, “Actually, to an empty Parliament square, completely devoid of you’re right”; he had not noticed before. Ever since then, flags. I know that health and safety is important and I have been astounded to see maps of the Commonwealth that work on repairing the pavements prevented the that do not include Crown dependencies and overseas flags from being flown, but I really think that we can do territories. Why is that? Why are we not fighting for the better. I remember that the state opening of Parliament loyal subjects of our 21 territories and dependencies? last year happened to fall on Europe day. The flags of Why are we not allowing them to have at least associate the European Union were flown in Parliament square status within the Commonwealth? Why do we not give for the arrival of Her Majesty the Queen, yet this year, them some recognition on maps of the Commonwealth? on Commonwealth day, she arrived at Westminster When the Commonwealth publishes lists of member abbey and the square was blank, with no Commonwealth states and their flags, the Crown dependencies and overseas flags. We really should do better. territories are always missed out. I will refer to that Her Majesty’s Government must look at the issue of matter further in a moment, because the British Council flags, the failure to fly them on appropriate occasions, has just published a document that highlights precisely and the importance and significance of flying them in why it needs to be addressed. Parliament square. Parliament square is the centre of We have this issue of the Crown dependencies and our democracy. Nearby is Parliament, the Supreme the overseas territories not being members of the Court, the Foreign Office, the Treasury, parliamentary Commonwealth and their flags not being flown accordingly. buildings and Westminster abbey, where coronations Despite cross-party support for their inclusion, the take place—yet in terms of which flags to fly and when, people of the Crown dependencies and overseas territories Parliament square is a muddle. are still not permitted to lay a wreath on Remembrance I wrote to the Prime Minister last year about the Sunday alongside the other countries of the unbelievable events prior to Remembrance Sunday, when Commonwealth. I know that the Minister will say that all the flags of the overseas territories and Crown the Foreign Secretary lays the wreath on their behalf, dependencies were removed on the Saturday. It is bad but the Foreign Secretary represents Britain to foreign enough that the overseas territories and Crown dependencies countries. These are British territories and their people are not permitted to lay a wreath on Remembrance served and died for Britain—for King, or Queen, and Sunday, but to remove their flags literally the day before—I country. Why is it that the people of the Falkland witnessed it from my office in Portcullis House—was Islands, Gibraltar and Bermuda, our oldest territory, quite disgraceful; yet there has been no change. are not allowed to have their representatives at the We need a complete review of when flags are flown, Cenotaph to lay a wreath on Remembrance Sunday? Is and we should look at erecting permanent flagpoles in it not time that we addressed this issue once and for all? Parliament square. I am always told that it costs so Of course the Foreign Secretary should continue to lay much to put the flagpoles up and down; well, let us a wreath on Remembrance Sunday for British citizens come up with a proper plan so that whenever we are in all around the world, but let the territories and dependencies Parliament square we can see appropriate flags that lay their own wreaths. show pride in our nation. I would have no problem at all I have yet to hear from the Government who actually with permanently flying in Parliament square the flags lays the wreaths on behalf of the Crown dependencies. of the four countries of the UK, of the overseas territories It is not the Foreign Secretary, because the dependencies and of the Crown dependencies. On special occasions, do not come under the Foreign Office; they come under we can perhaps fly the Commonwealth and European the Ministry of Justice, but the Lord Chancellor does Union flags, if they are considered appropriate, as well not lay a wreath. Once again, it is another muddle that as other flags. the Government need to address, but I have yet to hear However, there is currently a complete muddle about them deal with this argument, take it seriously and sort when flags are flown and for what purpose. Departments the matter out. I hope that the Minister will deal with it are arguing with each other and blaming contractors before the next election; we have one year to resolve it for the muddles. I urge the Minister to take the issue and I have no doubt that he will make it one of his back to his Department, because it would do great priorities in the months ahead. service to our nation, promoting pride and confidence Let me give an example of how things are going so in it, if we saw flags flying every time we went to the badly wrong. The British Council has published a superb centre of our democracy, Parliament square. There booklet entitled “British Council’s Programme for Glasgow could be no better advertisement for our country than if 2014 Commonwealth Games.” We are all proud that we were to get that right—currently, we are not. the Commonwealth games are taking place in Scotland I have mentioned the overseas territories and Crown this year. The booklet is splendid and I have read dependencies, as I do on many occasions, and I would it from cover to cover. It has a splendid message from now like to discuss them further. We talk about the Sir Martin Davidson, the chief executive of the British Commonwealth, but the overseas territories and Crown Council. Flicking through it, I came to the back and dependencies are not members. That is another strange once again saw the map of the Commonwealth. Sadly, muddle that we have allowed to occur over many years. Gibraltar looks as if it is part of the Kingdom of Spain; Mr Brady, as the chairman of the all-party group on it is not really highlighted at all and looks as if it is part the Cayman Islands, you will know how proud the of Spain. The Falkland Islands are the same colour people of the Cayman Islands are of their link to as Argentina; they are not highlighted on this map Britain. When I went to the Assembly of the Cayman Islands at all. According to this map, there are no parts of several years ago, I saw a map of the Commonwealth the Commonwealth within the Caribbean. The British 209WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 210WH

[Andrew Rosindell] For me, the Commonwealth is deeply important. It is not just an organisation that we happen to be a member territories of the Caribbean—Montserrat, Anguilla, the of; it is an organisation that we founded. It is an Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands, the Turks organisation of peoples, nations and territories, with and Caicos Islands, and Bermuda, which is the oldest a common heritage, the same language and similar British colony—are completely wiped off this map. And constitutions, with Parliaments based on the Westminster yet every single one of those territories that I have just model of a constitutional Parliament. Commonwealth mentioned is a participant in the Commonwealth games, countries share a legal system, and so many other even though they are all excluded from this quite costly values and ideas that we have in common. I believe that booklet produced by the British Council. If the British we need to harness all those things more strongly for Council cannot get this matter right, what hope is the years to come. The Commonwealth is vital to our there? We need to sort these issues out. I say to the future, and any future Government should look long-term Minister that it is so important that Her Majesty’s to consider how we can develop the Commonwealth to Government recognise all Her Majesty’s territories. make it even more important, not only for the people of this country but for the developing world, which so If all that was not bad enough, according to this map, many Commonwealth countries are a part of. the Isle of Man is part of England. The people of the island will not be happy to have their status as a Crown I will close by quoting a poem that was read out on dependency taken away. The Channel Islands do not Sunday at the Commonwealth service in Romford. It exist on this map either. So, Jersey and Guernsey, both was written by Rebecca Hawkins, aged 13, who is in of which are participating in the Commonwealth games, year nine at the Frances Bardsley academy for girls are excluded from this map; Sark and Alderney are also in Romford. I will not read the entire poem, even excluded. Once again, it is a muddle. We need to sort though it is magnificent, but I will ensure that the these issues out if we are serious about taking this Minister sees a copy of the entire poem. I will read matter forward. the final verse, in which Rebecca perfectly describes the different parts of the Commonwealth: There is another issue I wish to draw to the attention “From the red rock far down under of the House today. There is one huge gap in the To Botswana with its dust and thunder Commonwealth today. We are more connected to the From Bangladesh’s rivers wide Republic of Ireland than to any other country in the world and yet the Republic of Ireland is, sadly, no longer part To Britain where our Queen resides of the Commonwealth family. It is time that we said to From djembe drums in Ghana our friends, our cousins and our extended family in To the West Indian sugar farmer Ireland that they, too, should join the Commonwealth From lives hectic and lives peaceful and come home to the family of Commonwealth nations. To green island gems and waters crystal It was the people of Ireland, together with the people From skyscrapers to mauve moors bleak of England, Scotland and Wales, who built the To deserts and forests and snow-capped peaks. Commonwealth—the original British Empire that evolved into a Commonwealth of nations. I believe that the We are the Commonwealth.” people of Ireland belong in the Commonwealth. The other evening, I was very pleased to welcome the 3.19 pm Irish Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, to Parliament. He Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): It is a pleasure was at a St Patrick’s day reception on the terrace of the to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Romford House of Commons, and I had the opportunity to (Andrew Rosindell), who—for 39 minutes—regaled us speak to him briefly about the importance of Ireland with his love of the Commonwealth. I know that he is a and why it was important that it joined the Commonwealth. passionate advocate of the Commonwealth, and that He was receptive to that possibility when I spoke to came out in every one of those minutes. I agree entirely him. In his speech at that reception, he also commended with an awful lot of what he had to say, particularly Irish citizens who had served in the British armed with regard to Commonwealth access to the United forces, and I also pay tribute today to those who, Kingdom and the importance of the relationship between despite being citizens of Ireland, died in the British the UK and the EU not being to the exclusion of that armed forces. There are still many Irish citizens in the between the UK and the Commonwealth. Although I British armed forces. am a passionate advocate of withdrawal from the European Union, I am keen that the debate should never become Ireland belongs as part of the Commonwealth family, about choosing between the Commonwealth and the and I urge Her Majesty’s Government to do everything European Union, because that would pull people into they can to work with the Taoiseach and those in opposing camps. Ireland who share this vision to bring Ireland closer to the Commonwealth and give its people the opportunity I will be brief because I want to hear from the two to be part of this great family. We are all part of the Front-Bench spokespeople, who have to respond to the British isles; we share that common heritage, language many good points made in this debate. I was going to and history. Together we built the Commonwealth, and say a few words about the Commonwealth Parliamentary I hope that the people of the wonderful country of Association conference, but I mentioned it in an intervention Ireland will join with us as part of the Commonwealth. and have spoken about it previously. Given where we As we approach St Patrick’s day next Monday, which are in the debate, I will not mention the CPA. also happens to be my birthday, I look forward to the I broadly state my support for the Commonwealth day that we can celebrate Ireland coming back within and where it comes from, and I share that support with the family of Commonwealth nations. many of my generation. Some people tend to dismiss 211WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 212WH our relationship with the Commonwealth as something As the other speakers have all done, I begin by that people in their 60s and 70s are interested in because emphasising the value of the Commonwealth and they remember empire and grew up learning history underlining the importance of Commonwealth day as through the amount of red on the map in their classroom. an occasion to celebrate both the unity and diversity of That might be the case for some of that generation, who our 53 independent countries. Other speakers said they may look back on that period with rose-tinted glasses, feel the closest connection with Commonwealth citizens but for people of my generation the issue is much more from Australia, New Zealand and Canada. I grew up in practical. There is a tendency to perceive that, because an ethnically diverse area and have had most contact we have become so much more European, the with, and feel the strongest connection to, members of Commonwealth is now less important to us. For my the diaspora communities from countries such as Pakistan, generation, in many ways, the opposite is true because India and Bangladesh. When I worked in the City there we have been able to travel much more widely than our seemed to be an awful lot of New Zealanders employed parents and grandparents. on temporary contracts, so I have had a fair bit of For many of my generation, the Commonwealth is contact with New Zealanders. Our connection with the where we visit. It is a place we know better than perhaps Commonwealth is not just about people in other countries; our grandparents did. I previously worked in the US it is about people from those countries who have chosen and Canada, with which I have a great affinity and to make Britain their home. attachment. Whenever I travelled in Canada, I could This has been an eventful year for the Commonwealth, not help but realise that I was not in a foreign country. marked of course by the birth of Prince George and our Canada feels far less foreign than popping 30 miles move even closer towards agreeing the new laws of across the English channel to Belgium or France, which succession. Fifteen of the 16 Commonwealth realms means that many of us in this country have a strong have agreed a new law to end male primogeniture and emotional attachment to the Commonwealth that was the bar on marrying Roman Catholics, which is a welcome created not only in war but through practical interaction, step forward. Less positively, Gambia has withdrawn exchange and family ties. Many of my generation feel a from the association. The Commonwealth Heads of strong affinity and attachment to other Commonwealth Government meeting in Sri Lanka last November created nations. some division, to which I will return, and led to Mauritius withdrawing as host of CHOGM 2015. When we talk about the Commonwealth, the issue is not about looking back with rose-tinted glasses to the The theme of this year’s Commonwealth day, “Team lost days of empire. Many of my friends have emigrated. Commonwealth,”indicates the association’s strong bonds, Where do they go? Some go to Europe for short periods, and it is particularly apt as we look forward to the but in many cases they do not go there to start a new Commonwealth games in Glasgow this summer. A life. They tend to be drawn to Australia, New Zealand team is a good analogy for the Commonwealth; it and Canada because of the similarities, shared values signifies our collaboration and indicates how each and and in some cases, depending on their career, the shared every member is important and has its own role to play. legal systems and educational systems. They are drawn It means that we can celebrate our successes together to the Commonwealth even now, after more than 30 and that we pull together when times are tough. It also years of EU integration and membership. For all that means that we speak frankly and offer our support we have been forced down that route, many of us still when a team member could do better. Like the feel committed to the Commonwealth. Commonwealth, every team needs rules, which is why I make no apology for concentrating on what I see as I do not want to say much more. There is a lot that scope for improvement. Teams ought to push each the Commonwealth could do a lot better, particularly other to achieve more, which is what the Commonwealth on human rights. We should hold some of our must do for each member state. Commonwealth partners’ feet to the fire, which is a point the hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) Some of these points were addressed in our debate on and I made when we were in South Africa, but I will not human rights in the Commonwealth towards the end of say any more on that as I have previously spoken about last year, but it is important that they are placed on the it here. record again, given that the situation has not improved. It is now a year since the Commonwealth charter was The Commonwealth is not about the past; it is about launched, which was a significant achievement. It was the present and the future. I hope the Minister recognises the first time in 64 years that the Commonwealth’s that many people of my generation strongly support shared values have been set out in writing. links with our Commonwealth partners and would like Those shared values attempt to balance the autonomy to see a relationship in which those links are deepened and differing cultures of many sovereign states. As I and strengthened further. This is not about the past; it is said in the debate on human rights in the Commonwealth, about the future. agreeing to the charter was not enough and cannot be enough; it was a blueprint for action, not a statement of the status quo. The charter was the start of a process to 3.23 pm promote democracy, equality and human rights within Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): It is a pleasure the Commonwealth. to serve under your chairmanship for the first time, There is progress to be made across a range of areas, Mr Brady. I congratulate the Backbench Business including gender equality—which was mentioned by Committee on providing this opportunity, and I thank the right hon. Member for Gordon (Sir Malcolm Bruce)— the right hon. Member for Saffron Walden (Sir Alan sexual violence and the death penalty. At 10 pm British Haselhurst) for leading the debate in his capacity as time tonight, 6 am on Friday in Malaysia, a Nigerian chairperson of the CPA international executive committee. national with schizophrenia is due to be executed for a 213WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 214WH

[Kerry McCarthy] Most notorious, as we heard in a good speech from my hon. Friend the Member for Airdrie and Shotts murder committed 18 years ago. I flagged that up with (Pamela Nash), is Uganda, which has now passed the the Minister when I arrived in the Chamber, and I hope long-feared Anti-Homosexuality Bill. Homosexuality he can update us on whether the British Government was already illegal in Uganda, but the penalties have have made representations to the Malaysian Government now been increased to life imprisonment. Indeed, it was on preventing that execution. We should all oppose the mooted at one point that the punishment ought to be death penalty in any circumstance, but a mentally ill the death penalty. I have also had the privilege of man is due to be executed, so it is a particularly important meeting Dr Frank Mugisha of Sexual Minorities Uganda case. on a couple of occasions, and I understand that he met There are many important human rights issues, but I Baroness Warsi yesterday.I hope that it proved a productive make no apologies for focusing today on what was meeting, because, although I know that the Foreign described as the “elephant in the room” by Dr Purna Secretary noted his sadness and disappointment that Sen, the former head of human rights at the the Bill was signed into law by President Museveni, Commonwealth secretariat, in the recent Kaleidoscope some concerns have been expressed to me that the UK’s Trust report, “Speaking Out: The rights of LGBTI response has been relatively muted. As my hon. Friend citizens from across the Commonwealth.” Globally, said, serious concerns exist that the law represents a more than half the countries that criminalise homosexuality public health threat as NGOs, including international are in the Commonwealth, and they make up 41 of the organisations that provide health promotion and HIV/AIDS 53 Commonwealth nations—that is nearly 80% of the prevention, may be forced to close to avoid criminal association. We should not be afraid to stand up and sanctions. say categorically that that is wrong. The issue was In its 2011 report, “Time for Urgent Reform”, the debated when I spoke about the charter at the CPA Commonwealth eminent persons group encouraged conference in Johannesburg in September, and it was “the repeal of discriminatory laws that impede the effective discussed in the Westminster Hall debate, too. response of Commonwealth countries to the HIV/AIDS epidemic” I know there is a concern about being seen to go in and cited United Nations Development Programme and preach to other countries, particularly those countries evidence that the Commonwealth is home to where we instilled certain values. There has been some “over 60% of people living with HIV”. interesting research in Uganda on how homosexuality The issue should therefore be a priority for the was accepted until the British came in, told people that Commonwealth. Several other countries, not least the it was not acceptable and introduced laws against it US, have made it clear that they are undertaking a during the period of colonial rule. When I raised that wholesale review of their relationship with Uganda, point at the CPA conference in South Africa in September, and the World Bank has postponed a $90 million loan it was not well received by all delegates. As the hon. to the country. Some have called for all aid for Uganda Member for Brigg and Goole (Andrew Percy) said in an to be reviewed, but only a small proportion of UK aid intervention, the point was supported by my co-speaker, actually goes into direct budget support for the Ugandan the Deputy Speaker of the South African Parliament. Government and it is linked to trying to improve She spoke eloquently about her country’s rainbow parliamentary democracy. If aid is reviewed as part of constitution and opposition to all forms of discrimination. the lobbying on the issue, it is imperative that it should She said that, in South Africa, LGBT discrimination not hurt the people that UK assistance aims to help and was seen as akin to apartheid, which was once seen as that the Government continue their support for LGBT acceptable by many and is now viewed as abhorrent by groups and human rights defenders in Uganda, to all but a few. That does not necessarily translate into which they have recently committed. perfection on the ground, however. There have been instances of corrective rape and discrimination against To conclude on Uganda, there have been calls for LGBT people, but the law sets a strong framework. travel bans, in particular for the members of the Ugandan Government and Parliament who championed the new Other countries are not making such good progress, law. What measures or sanctions does the Minister however. The Australian High Court recently overturned think could be effective in trying to turn Uganda’s legislation in Parliament allowing for same-sex marriages. position around? What action could the ministerial India has recriminalised homosexuality following its action group take? What penalties would he like for Supreme Court reinstating in December a ban on same-sex countries that violate the values of the Commonwealth relationships—a decision refused review earlier this year charter—if, indeed, he sees the charter as something despite applications from campaigners and the Indian that should be enforced? Government. Nigeria has passed a same-sex marriage prohibition law, meaning not only that same-sex marriage As I mentioned, there were concerns that last year’s is punishable by 14 years in prison, but also that same-sex CHOGM risked undermining the Commonwealth’s relationships or participation in gay clubs or organisations commitment to human rights, given the ongoing abuses are also subject to 10-year prison terms. There are in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan Government’s failure reports that men arrested since the new law was passed to deliver truth, justice and accountability. Can the have been publicly whipped and there have been claims Minister update us on the Prime Minister’s efforts to that confessions have been forced by physical interrogation. secure an international inquiry for the people of Sri Lanka The Kaleidoscope Trust quotes a human rights lawyer at the UN Human Rights Council this month? What in Cameroon who explains that LGBT people efforts have the Government made to secure action “are generally considered as animals or devils… so they are in from the Commonwealth on that? I have spoken several permanent danger. They can be injured, they can be killed, and times in this place about Sri Lanka, and the issue is they can be discriminated against. They can be rejected from ongoing, so I will leave it there, rather than outline my healthcare and justice”. concerns. 215WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 216WH

The final issue that I want to flag up is the need for ensure that it remains relevant. To do that, we must collective action on climate change. The Commonwealth continually ask more of it and ourselves. I welcome the is an appropriate forum for that, although we should be Commonwealth charter as a mechanism for raising the doing it on a wider scale, too. Bangladesh tops the Commonwealth’s expectations, but if we do not meet climate risk index as the country most affected by the high standards that it sets, it risks being used to climate change. India is in the top 10 as well. In the conceal abuses. When we come back to this issue next Maldives in 2009, as people might remember, then year to celebrate Commonwealth day, as I am sure we President Nasheed held his Cabinet meeting underwater will, I hope we will be discussing how those standards with scuba gear to try to focus the world’s attention on are not only being met, but surpassed. the grim reality of climate change. Countries such as the Maldives could be entirely submerged underwater 3.40 pm within just a few generations with just a 1 metre rise in sea levels. The Maldives are the lowest lying country in The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): First, the world, with an average height of less than 1.3 metres I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for above sea level. Saffron Walden (Sir Alan Haselhurst) on securing this The challenge of climate change is not something timely debate on the Commonwealth. I am sure I have that any state can overcome alone. The Commonwealth the support of the whole House when I pay tribute to must renew efforts to press for multilateral co-operation his tireless work in his three-year tenure as chairman of and concerted collective action to reduce carbon emissions, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association executive to limit rises in sea levels and to safeguard habitats. At committee. I hope that he will take it in the right spirit CHOGM, Australia and Canada disappointingly declined when I say that that is one of the great achievements to support a green capital fund. Last month, GLOBE and services he has given Parliament in what I believe is International published a report on 66 countries’ climate his 35th year of service in the House. change laws and highlighted that only the Australian The CPA, as my right hon. Friend has described, Government sought to repeal national legislation in the makes a valuable and concrete contribution to promoting past year. Australia and Canada are the only nations to democratic values throughout the Commonwealth and have reversed significant climate laws since GLOBE we should applaud its achievements. I would also like to International began its monitoring four years ago. Will thank all my hon. Friends and the Opposition Members the Minister tell us whether he agrees with Lord Deben, who have spoken today and outlined eloquently their the former Conservative Secretary of State for the views on the Commonwealth: both its strengths and the Environment, who said that Australia’s move was challenges and difficulties it faces. “so unintellectual as to be unacceptable”? I should add that the Minister of State, Foreign and By contrast, the report noted Kenya’s new climate Commonwealth Office, my right hon. Friend the Member change plan. Kenya, along with Mozambique and Nigeria, for East Devon (Mr Swire), who is the Minister for the was included among the eight countries to have passed Commonwealth, regrets that he cannot respond to the flagship legislation. Tanzania passed a national strategy debate. He is on a very long planned ministerial visit and Rwanda was noted for including climate change elsewhere in the world. As Minister for Europe, however, and the environment as a cross-cutting issue in its I am delighted to deal regularly with two members of economic development and poverty reduction strategy. the Commonwealth as fellow members of the European The report concluded that the momentum for climate Union, and—before my hon. Friend the Member for change legislation is moving from the wealthier, Romford (Andrew Rosindell) intervenes to remind industrialised nations to emerging economies. I hope me—with Gibraltar, a British overseas territory that is that the Minister agrees that all Commonwealth nations part of the EU and whose position in EU negotiations need to work together, as set out in the Commonwealth is something that I and the Foreign Secretary are always charter, to protect the environment through on the alert to safeguard. “multilateral cooperation, sustained commitment and collective In talking about the Commonwealth, we understandably action…and facilitating the development, diffusion and deployment focus on Governments and the incredible variety of of affordable environmentally friendly technologies and renewable countries, large and small, represented in this network energy”. of 53 nations spread across six continents and oceans. Will the Minister update us on how the Government As has come through in the debate, we always need to are pushing for more action from the Commonwealth bear in mind that those countries are home to no fewer on climate change? To what extent is there is a consensus than 2 billion citizens. The Commonwealth’s strength lies on the scientific facts of climate change and concerted not solely in the relationships between the Governments action? I am particularly worried by reports that Prime of its member states, but in that web of around Minister Tony Abbott is seeking to abolish Australia’s 100 different Commonwealth civil society organisations: independent Climate Change Authority. Its chairman professional, scientific and academic bodies that continue, has reportedly said that the “bad guys” are winning the month after month, usually unremarked and far from climate change debate with “brazen falsehoods”, “untruths” the national press headlines in any country, doing their and “misinformation”. It is essential that the UK plays important, constructive work for the good of the people a global role in challenging the misinformation and of all those 53 countries. efforts to dismiss climate change science, not least within This week, we marked Commonwealth day. This our own country. year’s celebrations have a special significance as we I realise that I have perhaps focused on the negative remember those soldiers from across the Commonwealth to too great an extent, but if we value the Commonwealth who fought and died for freedom and democracy during and want it to have a respected voice on the world stage the first world war. Also, in September, we will mark the and a continued purpose in the 21st century, we have to 75th anniversary of world war two, when we shall have 217WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 218WH

[Mr David Lidington] come from peer group pressure, or the advice of candid friends—perhaps it is best put that way. That is what we occasion to reflect on the sacrifice of so many people should rely upon to try to secure the change we want in during that conflict from Commonwealth countries and line with the Commonwealth charter, which every territories throughout the world. Commonwealth member has undertaken to uphold. Coincidentally, I was in a meeting earlier today with I will respond now to some of the specific issues the Belgian Foreign Minister and one of the subjects we raised by hon. Members. I will take first the case raised discussed was the work that the United Kingdom and by the hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy). Belgium are doing to commemorate the centenary of I am grateful to her for alerting me to the matter before the first world war. The place of Commonwealth servicemen the start of the debate. We are urgently investigating and women will be an important part of the British reports that a British national is facing execution in Government’s planning for that. I address this comment Malaysia. It is not yet certain that the man in question in particular to my hon. Friend the Member for Mole has kept British citizenship. Some media reports have Valley (Sir Paul Beresford): one of the very important suggested that he has joint Nigerian and UK citizenship, events in the Government’s planning for those but we have also heard a suggestion from Amnesty commemorations over the next four years will be the today that the person in question no longer has United centenary of the Gallipoli landings next year, which is Kingdom citizenship. We are investigating that urgently, hugely significant in the collective memory of the people given what has happened. of New Zealand and Australia. Uganda has been mentioned in several speeches, This summer, Glasgow will host the Commonwealth particularly in that of the hon. Member for Airdrie and games. Scotland is no stranger to the games, having Shotts (Pamela Nash). As the House knows, on 24 February hosted them in 1970 and 1986. I know that the games this year, the President of Uganda signed into law the organising committee, Glasgow city council, the Scottish Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which increases sanctions against Government and the United Kingdom Government are homosexuality. Ugandan civil society and human rights all working hard to make Glasgow 2014 a triumphant institutions have objected to that Bill in the strongest success. The theme of the 2014 games, Team terms. They believe that it is incompatible with Uganda’s Commonwealth, is particularly appropriate. One reason constitution and international obligations, and that it the games will be a success is that the whole of the UK will harm human rights in Uganda. We share the concerns is working together at all levels as a team to achieve expressed by those Ugandan institutions. We have that. consistently raised, and will continue to raise, our concerns Sport has a unique power to promote some of the about the Bill with the Ugandan Government at the Commonwealth values we cherish: teamwork, fairness, most senior levels. respect and equal treatment. This time last year, Her Majesty the Queen signed the Commonwealth charter, The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and to which every Commonwealth nation has agreed and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member which sets out the Commonwealth’s core values for the for Boston and Skegness (Mark Simmonds), raised this first time in a single document. Those values are important issue with the Foreign Minister of Uganda on 28 December in their own right, as respect for human rights and and again on 28 January and, most recently, with the strong institutions are fundamental building blocks of deputy Foreign Minister of Uganda on 13 February. development and prosperity. As the hon. Member for Bristol East rightly said, However, as hon. Members have highlighted today, both the Foreign Secretary and Baroness Warsi met respect for the values set out in the charter is not yet Frank Mugisha, a leading Ugandan LGBT activist, consistent across the Commonwealth. As my right hon. yesterday to discuss the latest developments and to take Friend the Member for Saffron Walden said, not every his advice on how the international community might Commonwealth member observes those values fully. best support individuals and organisations in Uganda. During our debate, a number of hon. Members have Our high commissioner in Kampala met the Ugandan drawn attention to particular problems in different Minister of Justice earlier this week. The high commissioner Commonwealth member states. has also received assurances recently from the inspector I say to my right hon. Friend that member general of police on the protection of individuals. I states have agreed to take forward all but 17 of the assure the House and the hon. Member for Bristol East 106 recommendations that the eminent persons in particular that we will continue to follow this issue group made at CHOGM. Those include agreement closely and actively make representations at all appropriate on the Commonwealth charter and a strengthened levels of the Ugandan Government and Administration. Commonwealth ministerial action group, known as CMAG. The secretariat is now working on a new strategic plan to take it through to 2016-17. The key is the swift Pamela Nash: I thank the Minister for his comprehensive implementation of the recommendations of the eminent answer. I shall ask just one specific question, which I persons group, and this country will continue to work asked in my speech. Have the Government called in the closely on that with the secretariat and with other Ugandan high commissioner here in London and if member states. not, why not? We must be honest about the fact that the Commonwealth is an organisation that has always Mr Lidington: I will draw the hon. Lady’s question to proceeded by consensus. There is no provision for majority the attention of my hon. Friend the Minister for Africa, voting or for a majority of the Commonwealth to who is travelling on ministerial duties this week. If we mandate any one member to change its practices. It is judged that to be the best way of making effective more a question of the informal influence that can representations, we would not hesitate to do that. 219WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 220WH

She mentioned various options for action that might Human Rights Council in Geneva on 3 March that we be taken. There is a judgment to be made about the would now call for an international investigation. I right balance in these circumstances, between the draw the attention of the Chamber to a written ministerial megaphone and the candid words in conversation. We statement that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary try to judge these issues so that we end up with a set of published today on Sri Lanka. It is available in the actions that are most likely to help those people who are Library and will be printed in tomorrow’s Hansard. under threat in Uganda. My right hon. Friend the That statement says, among other things, that a draft Foreign Secretary and Baroness Warsi met Mr Mugisha resolution was jointly tabled by the UN Human Rights yesterday so that they could hear first hand from somebody Council on Monday 3 March by the United Kingdom, living in Uganda who feels that his position is at risk, the United States of America, Mauritius, Macedonia and find out what he thinks are the most effective ways and Montenegro. The draft resolution calls for the to try to seek a change in policy in Uganda. office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights The hon. Lady also mentioned Nigeria. We are to lead the international investigation and to report disappointed that President Jonathan has given his assent back by March 2015. Further discussions on the text to a Bill that would further criminalise same-sex will take place this month. relationships in Nigeria and infringe on the human The adoption of the resolution is not a foregone rights of LGBT people. The Foreign Secretary made a conclusion. Ahead of the vote, the Prime Minister, the statement on 15 January that highlighted our concerns Foreign Secretary, I, other Foreign Office Ministers and and my hon. Friend the Minister for Africa raised these other Ministers across the Government have been in concerns directly with President Jonathan in Abuja, contact with a wide range of UN Human Rights Council when he visited Nigeria on 27 February. Again, we will member states to encourage them to support a strong continue to lobby at the highest levels on this issue. resolution that calls for an international investigation. I was also asked about the persecution of Christians In doing so, we have drawn attention to the assessment and other minorities in Pakistan. We continue to urge of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who the Government of Pakistan to guarantee fully the points to the need for such an investigation as progress human rights of all people in Pakistan, particularly the on accountability in Sri Lanka has been, in her words, most vulnerable: women, minorities and children. These “limited and piecemeal”. In the days remaining before principles are, after all, laid down in the constitution of the vote takes place, we will continue to urge UNHRC Pakistan and are in accordance with international standards, members to support this action, and we will maintain to which Pakistan has subscribed. our close contact with non-governmental organisations and civil society throughout. We regularly raise the issue of Christians and religious freedom more generally at senior level with the authorities Kerry McCarthy: I thank the Minister. in Pakistan, and did so during the Foreign Secretary’s I have seen the written statement. My concern is that visit to Pakistan in July 2013 and Baroness Warsi’s visit Sri Lanka will not be happy to co-operate with this in September 2013. In fairness, the Pakistani authorities inquiry, and President Rajapaksa has more or less said have publicly recognised the problems that their countries’ so already. I will not put the Minister on the spot by minorities face and the need to bring an end to religious asking a question about this, because his colleague, the persecution. The British Government remain fully Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, committed to working in partnership with the Government the right hon. Member for East Devon (Hugo Swire) is of Pakistan to achieve that, and to tackle both terrorism responsible for this policy area, but it is important that and violent extremism in all its forms. efforts are made to try to bring Sri Lanka on board and We cannot as one country impose change, particularly to convince it that it is in its best interests to co-operate in public attitudes, which may in some Commonwealth with this inquiry rather than have it imposed from nations be very different from public attitudes in this outside. It is in the interests of everyone in Sri Lanka, country, but we can and we will continue to speak out no matter what side of the conflict they are on, that a when basic human rights—life, liberty and personal line can be drawn under past abuses and continuing safety—are violated. There can be no justification for abuses. infringing such fundamental human rights, which are central to a strong and prosperous society.The consequences Mr Lidington: I agree with the hon. Lady. We will not of failing to respect human rights are apparent in Sri for one moment stop trying to persuade the Government Lanka. I will give the Chamber the update for which the of Sri Lanka that it is in their interests on two counts—its hon. Member for Bristol East asked. effect on how Sri Lanka is seen internationally and the The Prime Minister used his presence at CHOGM in need for genuine reconciliation between different Colombo in November 2013 to emphasise the United communities in that country. At the end of the day, the Kingdom’s and indeed the international community’s Government of Sri Lanka are sovereign and they will serious concerns about human rights in Sri Lanka. He take their decision. We hope that they will eventually made it clear that the Sri Lankan Government should conclude that an independent inquiry of some kind is in begin a credible independent investigation into violations the interests of Sri Lanka itself. That is why we are of international human rights and humanitarian law by disappointed that they have not hitherto established an both sides during the war by March, when the UN inquiry of their own. Had such an inquiry been set up Human Rights Council meets to discuss Sri Lanka. No in Sri Lanka, we would not need to call for one now at credible domestic process has yet begun. the UN Human Rights Council. Establishing the truth plays an important role in I should add that the Commonwealth ministerial reconciliation. As a result, the Minister of State, Foreign action group has a key role to play in upholding the and Commonwealth Office, my right hon. Friend the values to which all Commonwealth countries signed up Member for East Devon made it clear at the UN when they agreed the charter. As CMAG meets for the 221WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 222WH

[Mr Lidington] decision makers from the UK and across the Commonwealth will participate in a series of high first time since CHOGM here in London, we have a level round-table and seminar sessions to explore new timely opportunity to restate our view that it is essential opportunities to increase trade and investment in the that CMAG lives up to the strengthened mandate that it Commonwealth. received in Perth. Those are just two examples of how the Commonwealth Our debate this afternoon is a reminder that democracy can harness the potential in its membership to increase itself is a key Commonwealth value. The work that the prosperity. We should be increasing trade and investment Commonwealth Parliamentary Association does to support with all our partners globally, including the Commonwealth and extend democratic values across the Commonwealth and the EU. I welcome the point made by my hon. should not be underestimated. The CPA rightly enjoys Friend the Member for Brigg and Goole (Andrew Percy), associate organisation status within the Commonwealth especially in the knowledge of his long-standing, honourably and is the one Commonwealth organisation that directly held position on our EU membership, that it is not a represents parliamentary democracy. The Government matter of trading with either the EU or the Commonwealth recognise the CPA’s importance, and we remain happy but one of trading with both. Indeed, in the case of to discuss proposals to enhance further its work through Cyprus and Malta, we have an overlap on our Venn such measures as a democracy forum. I welcome the diagram. remarks of my right hon. Friend the Member for Saffron The free trade agreements that the EU has concluded, Walden about the wish to see greater recognition of the or is negotiating with Commonwealth countries, will CPA’s role in strengthening contact between elected enhance further the conditions for trade. We expect, for local government bodies across the Commonwealth. example, the EU-Canada comprehensive economic and I also welcome my right hon. Friend’s creative and trade agreement to benefit the United Kingdom’s economy imaginative proposal for a Commonwealth youth and businesses by more than £1.3 billion every year. parliamentary assembly of some kind. I look forward to seeing how that idea develops further within the Andrew Percy: I wanted to say this, but I got my CPA. I welcome the decision of the House—it was not timings wrong, because I had not realised that the welcomed in all quarters—to allow the United Kingdom debate was running until 4.30 pm. That was why I cut Youth Parliament to sit in the Chamber. The idea that myself off after four minutes. In terms of our relationship one day we could look at a Commonwealth youth with Canada and the CETA, we will have a special parliament visiting different Parliaments in different position once that agreement is implemented. Does the Commonwealth member states and in different continents Minister not agree that we need a particular strategy is very attractive indeed. that utilises our unique relationship with Canada to In addition to Commonwealth values, hon. Members ensure that, when the CETA is in place, we are the have referred today to the potential to increase prosperity country in Europe that benefits most from it? We need a across the Commonwealth for all its members. The UK Government strategy. Department for International Development contributes directly to member states that are developing countries, Mr Lidington: With my Minister for Europe hat on, I and allocated about £2 billion of aid to those countries would caution my hon. Friend slightly, because France in 2013-14—that figure ignores regional programmes would think that it has a particular relationship with and therefore masks a higher total. Quebec, but he makes a good point. Actually, that Local sporting events also drive economic growth, as strikes a chord, because when I last discussed EU-Canada previous Commonwealth games have shown. According negotiations with Lord Livingston, our new Minister to the organising committee of the New Delhi games, for Trade, he was focused on the need for the UK to Manchester benefited to the tune of more than £2 billion build up a greater market share in Canada. Canada is in 2002, Melbourne by £1 billion in 2006 and Delhi one of those countries where we have not yet taken itself by £2.5 billion. The United Kingdom exceeded its sufficient advantage of the commercial opportunities four-year Olympic legacy target, adding £11 billion to open to us. I shall make a point of drawing my hon. the economy through trade and investment in just over Friend’s comments to his attention. one year. The Glasgow games of 2014, which will draw in more than 6,500 athletes and officials in 17 sports, Andrew Rosindell: I take on board the Minister’s with a global audience of approximately 1.5 billion comments and commend the fact that we will have a people, offer a great opportunity for the United Kingdom trading agreement with Canada via the EU. Does he to provide leadership in enhancing Commonwealth not, however, agree that, as Canada is one of our closest prosperity. allies, we could have done that decades ago? Why have To that end, UKTI is working with Scottish Enterprise, we had to wait all these years for Brussels to negotiate in partnership with the Commonwealth Business Council, that on behalf of Britain? on behalf of the Scottish and United Kingdom Governments together to deliver the Commonwealth Mr Lidington: When looking at any one bilateral free games business conference on 22 and 23 July. That trade agreement, it is difficult to make an accurate conference will explore opportunities to strengthen trade judgment about what might have been had we not been and investment between Commonwealth partners and members of the European Union: whether it would seek new, innovative solutions to deliver sustainable have been easier or more difficult. Actually, until the economic growth. Doha round ran into the sand, the policy of successive After that conference, UKTI will also host the British British Governments was to focus less on bilateral trade Business House, to highlight the UK’s position as a negotiations than on multilateral trade negotiations, centre of trade and investment. Businesses and key first through the general agreement on tariffs and trade 223WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 224WH and then through the World Trade Organisation. That as their foremost champion in the House of Commons. would have been the best way in which to address this I accept and sympathise with his wish to see greater agenda. The failure of those global trade liberalisation recognition for the overseas territories in Commonwealth talks has resulted in the European Union and individual affairs. It is worth noting in passing that of course countries around the world looking for opportunities Australia and New Zealand, too, administer island for bilateral deals instead. My word of caution to my territories as dependencies that, as I understand it, hon. Friend would be that when we come to look at how are not full members of the Commonwealth in their trade negotiations progress—this is particularly true of own right. the negotiations with the United States—we see that the The constitutional issue is that the Commonwealth value of and the leverage provided by membership of a has always operated on the basis that there is just one market of 500 million people is greater than that of a category of membership, which is full membership, and market of 60 million people. that is available only to sovereign states. That position In respect of Canada, I have no idea how things was most recently reaffirmed by the Commonwealth would have gone had the United Kingdom some time Heads of Government in 2007. It would be perfectly ago decided to try to negotiate a bilateral agreement. I possible to create some new status of associate member, just draw my hon. Friend’s attention to the fact that the but that would, of course, require the unanimous agreement European Free Trade Association-Canada free trade of every member of the Commonwealth. I will ensure agreement, which preceded the EU one, leaves out a that the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth number of key sectors, such as financial services, that Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for East would be particularly important to this country.Sometimes Devon, who has responsibility for the Commonwealth, that European Union leverage does enable us to get, in learns of the speech made by my hon. Friend the my judgment, further than we would be able to on our Member for Romford and of his wish for this country own. That is certainly true of the talks with the United to take more of a lead in pressing for such a change. I States at the moment. However, as I have said, I do not will ask my right hon. Friend to write to my hon. think that this is an either/or situation. We should be Friend, to set out his response to those ideas in greater looking to get the greatest advantage out of our membership detail. of all the international organisations to which we are party. Andrew Rosindell: I thank the Minister and welcome My hon. Friends the Members for Romford and for his remarks and his offer to take this matter up with the Mole Valley both talked about airports, passport queues Minister with responsibility for the Commonwealth. and visa arrangements. They will not be surprised if I Following on from what he said about Australia and start by saying that, as the House will know, those are New Zealand, will he also undertake to discuss this primarily matters for the Home Office, rather than for issue with the Governments of Australia and New the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. It has been the Zealand, as New Zealand has four realm states and consistent policy of successive British Governments to Australia has seven external territories, such as Norfolk say that citizens from all Commonwealth countries Island? Many of those are participating in the should be treated, for immigration purposes, as third Commonwealth games and must also be considered in country nationals. It is also the case that the citizens of this respect. some Commonwealth countries, including at least one Mr Lidington: That must be a question for my right of the realms—Jamaica—require visas before they come hon. Friend the Minister responsible for the Commonwealth into the United Kingdom; entry clearance on its own is to consider, but my hon. Friend makes a fair point. not deemed sufficient. The position is more complicated Clearly, if there were a move to put the question of than it is sometimes made out to be, but again I promise associated status on the Commonwealth agenda to to draw to the attention of my colleagues in the Home members more generally, it would be important for the Office the points that were made very strongly by my UK, Australia and New Zealand to work out some hon. Friends. commonly agreed position between them. My hon. Friend the Member for Romford also spoke Andrew Percy: I thank the Minister for giving way; I about flags. Several different questions arise in that do think that this issue is important. I understand the regard. I tried to deal with the particular problem about specific situation with Jamaica, but of course the Jamaican Parliament square, which was outside the control of Government have stated very clearly that they wish to central Government, in an intervention. I do not know remove the monarchy from their constitution and become which layer of local government was dealing with the a republic, so perhaps at that point the situation will pavements at the time and I do not want to point the become a great deal simpler. This is something that we finger and find that I have mistaken my target. However, should, at least from the Government side, express as a we all agree that it would have been preferable had there desire and an aim, given that these are citizens coming not been that unfortunate coincidence this year. I hope to the country where their Head of State resides and we that all relevant authorities can avoid a repetition of treat them as foreigners, which of course in law they are that in future. not. We will continue—certainly, during the term of this Government—to ensure that the flags of the British Mr Lidington: I will draw my hon. Friend’s comments overseas territories are flown from Government buildings to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Home on the national days of those territories. My hon. Friend Secretary. She has the policy lead on these matters. knows that the Foreign Office has been doing that. I would have been astonished had my hon. Friend the Member for Romford not seized the opportunity to Andrew Rosindell: And the Crown dependencies as speak about the British overseas territories. He is renowned well? 225WH Commonwealth Day13 MARCH 2014 Commonwealth Day 226WH

Mr Lidington: The question of the Crown dependencies, Our taxpayers rightly expect to know why institutions as my hon. Friend knows, is a matter for the Ministry of exist and what they achieve. The EU is familiar with Justice, but I am sure that the Lord Chancellor will be such scrutiny, and the Commonwealth needs to define delighted to learn of my hon. Friend’s interest in the its relevance in a world of competing international matter and I will draw his comments to my right hon. organisations that cover all areas of activity. That is Friend’s attention. why my right hon. Friend the Member for East Devon, The Government want to ensure that the Commonwealth who has responsibility for the Commonwealth, recently remains as relevant to us in the 21st century as it was brought together high commissioners from right across 65 years ago, when the London declaration of 1949 the Commonwealth and why he will shortly host a marked the birth of the modern Commonwealth. In further discussion at Wilton Park on the future of the this, our values and our drive to seize on the Commonwealth Commonwealth. In the wake of the CHOGM in Colombo as an economic and diplomatic force multiplier will be and in preparation for the CHOGM in Malta, the work vital. will provide leadership in identifying how we can adapt the Commonwealth to reflect better all our needs and The hon. Member for Bristol East drew the House’s to strengthen it as an association that endures into the attention to climate change, a contemporary challenge next century. facing Commonwealth countries. As she hinted in her speech, Commonwealth island nations, particularly the The UK is one of 53 equal members within the Maldives under the former president, played a leading Commonwealth, and the other 52 members’ voices carry role in some of the global negotiations. Their sense of as much weight as ours, so it is incumbent on all urgency and their ability to point out directly the threat members to ensure that it remains as powerful and as faced by the islands and their citizens helped make it effective as it has always been. possible to build a bridge between some contrasting The network of parliamentary relationships provided positions held by developed and emerging economy by the CPA will be an important element in trying to countries. This Government are continuing to press for secure agreement on reforms and the evolution of the ambitious European Union offers to global negotiations. Commonwealth in a way that demonstrates to citizens At CHOGM last year, Commonwealth leaders in all member states the organisation’s continuing relevance. collectively renewed their commitment to achieving an The Commonwealth is a vast network of Governments international climate deal in 2015 and to making real and civil society. We should strive to harness its economic progress through the UN climate negotiations. There clout for the mutual prosperity of all members. At its was also agreement on the need to build the capacity of best, when it is true to its charter, the Commonwealth Commonwealth states to respond to climate challenges. can be an effective advocate for democracy and for We welcome such commitments and look to work closely human rights. It can stand up for what the Foreign with all our Commonwealth partners this year to strengthen Secretary described in a speech in July 2011 as the ambition and capacity through the UN climate negotiations values that “ultimately make us secure”. That is the and other forums, such as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth at its best. That is the vision that the United Nations’ summit on climate scheduled for CPA embodies and exists to support and enhance. I September. hope—and believe—that its work will continue to grow in importance, and I wish success to my right hon. Kerry McCarthy: Will it be possible to move forward Friend the Member for Saffron Walden and Members with this action through the auspices of the Commonwealth from all parties in this House who serve in the CPA. if some countries, particularly Australia, but also Canada, 4.24 pm are not on board? Sir Alan Haselhurst: I want to acknowledge the Mr Lidington: A Commonwealth position, as I contributions made in today’s wide-ranging debate, which mentioned in a different context earlier, requires consensus, serves to provide a peg on which to hang the concerns, but the Commonwealth can provide a forum, unique current and enduring, of those of us who are committed among international organisations, in which developed to the concept of the Commonwealth and the increasing countries, vigorous, fast-growing, emerging economies, harmony and sense of purpose of its members. I am poor, developing states, enormous countries, such as encouraged by what the Minister had to say, particularly India, and tiny island nations can all sit down together about the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, to discuss common problems. Through its network of and I shall be pleased if we can harness similar good connections—not just at Government level, but at civil will throughout Commonwealth Parliaments to ensure society level—the Commonwealth provides a means of that the CPA can be still more effective in the future. facilitating dialogue aimed at reconciling different interests Question put and agreed to. and positions on climate change. In so doing, I hope that it would be easier to get the sort of global agreement 4.25 pm that the Government want. Sitting adjourned. 29WS Written Statements13 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 30WS

away from home and studying in London will be £7,230; Written Statements for those living in the parental home during their studies, £4,005; and for those studying overseas as part of their Thursday 13 March 2014 UK course, £6,151. Dependants’ grants The Government are committed to supporting students with caring responsibilities. I am therefore announcing BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS today that means-tested dependants’ grants for full-time students attending their courses will be increased by Higher Education (Student Support) forecast inflation for 2015-16. The maximum adult dependants’ grant will be increased by 3.34% to £2,757 in 2015-16. The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David The maximum childcare grant payable in 2015-16, Willetts): I am today confirming the student support which covers 85% of actual childcare costs, will be package for higher education students undertaking a increased by 3.34% in 2015-16 to £155.24 per week for course of study in the academic year beginning September one child only and to £266.15 per week for two or more 2015. children. Tuition charges and loans The maximum parents’ learning allowance payable in For all new full-time students and eligible continuing 2015-16 will be increased by 3.34% to £1,573. full-time students who started their courses on or after Part-time grants and loans 1 September 2012, maximum tuition charges and maximum For those students who started part-time and full-time tuition loans will be maintained in 2015-16 at the £6,000 distance learning courses before 1 September 2012 and and £9,000 levels which apply in 2014-15. who are continuing their courses in 2015-16, maximum For continuing full-time students who started their fee and course grants will be maintained at the levels courses before September 2012, maximum tuition charges that apply for 2014-15. Maximum fee grants will be and maximum tuition loans will be maintained in 2015-16 maintained at £1,285, depending on the intensity of at the £3,465 level which applies in 2014-15. study of the course. Maximum course grants will be For all new part-time students in 2015-16, and eligible maintained at £280. continuing part-time students who started their courses Income thresholds on or after 1 September 2012, maximum tuition charges Household income thresholds for grants for tuition and maximum tuition loans will also be maintained at and living costs, and loans for living costs, will be the £4,500 and £6,750 levels which apply in 2014-15. maintained at 2014-15 levels for 2015-16. Maintenance Grant Disabled Students’ Allowances The Government announced in the 2013 spending Lastly today, I can confirm that maximum grants for review in June 2013 that the maximum maintenance full-time, part-time and postgraduate students with grant for students attending full-time courses in 2015-16 disabilities will be maintained at 2014-15 levels in 2015-16. would be maintained at the same levels which apply in 2014-15. This means for new students and eligible Regulations continuing students who started their courses on or I expect to lay regulations implementing changes to after 1 September 2012, the maximum grant in 2015-16 student support for 2015-16 later this year. More details will remain at £3,387. For continuing students who of the 2015-16 student support package will be published started their courses before 1 September 2012, the maximum by my Department in due course. grant in 2015-16 will remain at £3,110. Loans for living costs Eligible students attending full-time courses will be CABINET OFFICE entitled to more overall support for their living costs in 2015-16 than in 2014-15. Maximum loans for living costs for new and continuing full-time students will be City Deal increased by forecast inflation for 2015-16, 3.34%. For new students and eligible continuing students who started attending their courses on or after 1 September The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Greg Clark): 2012, who are living away from home and studying Following the successful completion of the first wave of outside London, the maximum loan for living costs will city deals in July 2012 with the “core cities”, the Government be increased to £5,740. I can confirm that the equivalent committed to work with a further 20 cities and their loan rates for students living away from home and wider areas to negotiate a second wave of city deals in studying in London will be £8,009; for those living in October 2012. the parental home during their studies, £4,565; and for I can today inform the House that the Government, those studying overseas as part of their UK course, local businesses, universities and civic leaders from Stoke- £6,820. on-Trent and Staffordshire have reached agreement on For eligible full-time students who started attending a city deal. their courses before 1 September 2012 and are living The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire city deal is away from home while studying outside London, the built around a flagship proposal for the UK’s first maximum loan for living costs will be increased to at-scale, low-carbon, heat network system. This will £5,167. The equivalent loan rates for students living support Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire’s world famous 31WS Written Statements13 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 32WS advanced manufacturing and applied materials sectors The Government are therefore taking corrective action, and the emerging energy and renewable growth sector. and will introduce new higher employer contribution The city deal will also provide local and incoming rates for these schemes from 2015. This will ensure that businesses with support to develop the next generation the contributions paid by public service employers reflect of products and materials; bring employers and education the full costs of the schemes, including the costs of the providers together to ensure residents have the skills deficits that have arisen since previous valuations. and training they and local businesses need to drive the This will not have any impact on existing pensioners, economy forward; and prioritise local sites for new and on member benefits, or on the contributions paid by existing business to expand into, along with strengthened employees in those schemes. Instead it will ensure that local planning and development policies. pension costs are properly met by employers and do not Business and civic leaders in Stoke-on-Trent and fall as an additional cost to the taxpayer. Staffordshire estimate that the city deal will generate Actuarial reports published by these three schemes 45 GWh of heat energy and achieve energy efficiency and the police pension scheme (E&W) will confirm the savings of 49,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum; make final contribution rates to be paid by each scheme. The available over 100 hectares of employment land each remaining public service schemes are expected to complete with its own enabling energy project; deliver 3,900 additional their valuations later in the year. apprenticeships and 1,100 traineeships for young Alongside this action to ensure that pension costs are people aged 16 to 23; provide support and advice to properly accounted for in the short term, the Government 1,300 businesses. Local authorities and businesses believe are also determined to ensure that costs are controlled that these measures can help create up to 23,000 jobs in the long term, and that there is a fair balance of risks over the next decade. between scheme members and the taxpayer. Accordingly, as required by the Public Service Pensions Act 2013, the Government will establish employer cost caps in the new public service pension schemes. This will provide TREASURY backstop protection for the taxpayer, and ensure that the risks associated with pension provision are shared with scheme members. The Treasury directions and Public Service Pensions regulations provide the framework for the operation of the cost-cap mechanism. The Treasury has published additional documentation The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): on the valuations and the operation of the employer The UK faces a substantial long-term challenge to cost cap to provide additional guidance on the ensure the public finances remain sustainable and the Government’s policy. It has also published the outcomes Government have therefore taken much needed action of consultation with the Government actuary. These to address the pressures from an ageing population. are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/ This includes a package of reforms to public service publications/public-service-pensions-actuarial- pensions including a move to “career average” schemes, valuations-and-the-employer-cost-cap-mechanism and and changes to the normal pension age for public I will arrange for copies to be placed in the Libraries of service workers. Reforms to public service pension schemes both Houses. are forecast to save £430 billion by 2061-62, while also I am also today publishing directions which set out ensuring that the pensions offered to public service the requirements for the provision of benefit information workers remain among the very best available. statements in the new public service pension schemes. Under the Public Service Pensions Act all new schemes The next stage in this programme of reform is to will be required to issue annual benefit statements to ensure that the costs of the public service schemes are members setting out the pension rights they have accrued. properly measured and remain sustainable in the long The attached directions set the requirements for these term. To achieve this, the Treasury has this week made statements. These short directions largely mirror directions and laid regulations on valuations of public requirements set by DWP for wider pension schemes. service pension schemes and the employer cost cap, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013. These directions formalise the basis of the full actuarial COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT valuations of the schemes that are currently being carried out to measure scheme costs. This is the first time Building Regulations valuations have been carried out for a number of years and the first time that schemes have been valued simultaneously and according to the same rigorous, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for principled and transparent approach. Communities and Local Government (Stephen Williams): The final results for the NHS, teachers and civil New homes need to be high quality, accessible and service schemes will be published later in the spring. But sustainable. To achieve this, the Government are today it is already clear that these will show the level of setting out a road map delivering a radically simplified contributions paid by employers have not been sufficient system for setting standards in the design and construction to meet the full long-term costs of these schemes. If of new homes by the end of this Parliament. This current rates were allowed to continue the shortfall represents the outcome of a significant and ambitious would be nearly £1 billion a year across the teachers, drive to reduce the regulatory burden on the housing civil service and NHS schemes. industry, and will save money and time for industry and 33WS Written Statements13 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 34WS authorities. The road map will involve consolidating have also today tabled amendments to the Deregulation essential requirements in to a national framework centred Bill currently before the House, to make necessary on the building regulations, reducing substantially the changes to existing legislation to enable this approach. number of technical standards applying to the construction The consultation made clear the Government’s intention of new homes. that planning authorities should only use the standards These changes will hugely improve the situation for emerging from the review process. The Government will all involved in this sector, by rationalising and simplifying issue a statement later this year when the new standards the many overlapping and confusing standards currently are published, which will explain how this policy will be in operation. We are also able to do this while improving implemented. quality, safeguarding environmental protections, and This means that many of the requirements of the protections for disabled people. We consulted on the code for sustainable homes will be consolidated into housing standards review proposals in the second half building regulations, which would require substantial of last year, which set out proposals to rationalise the changes to the content of the current code, as well as a proliferation of housing related standards, guidance reconsideration of its role. In the light of this, the and codes above those required by building regulations. Government think that the current code will need to be The Government are today also publishing the summary wound down to coincide with the changes incorporating analysis of the responses to the 2013 housing standards the new standards coming into force. The Government review consultation. will make further announcements on the transitional Taking account of the responses to the consultation, arrangements, and the handling of legacy developments an outcome of the housing and construction red tape being built out to current code requirements. The challenge, the Government have decided that the most Government are also interested in hearing from industry sensible way forward is for any necessary technical as to the value of elements of the code being taken standards as far as possible to be consolidated into the forward on a voluntary basis. building regulations and the accompanying approved documents, and to make significant progress on this over the rest of this Parliament. A note is being placed in the Library of the House, setting out how the DEFENCE Government intend to proceed with each of the standards examined in the consultation Armed Forces Pay Review Body The Government recognise that it is not always possible or desirable to require a single national standard for all new development, and that local discretion is in some The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): circumstances sensible. To facilitate this, the consultation The 2014 report of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body proposed the introduction of new powers in the Building (AFPRB) has now been published. I wish to express my Act which would enable different levels of performance thanks to the chairman and members of the review where these were necessary to meet certain local body for their report. circumstances. These requirements would be triggered In line with the Government’s 2011 autumn statement, by conditions set in a local plan, subject to the normal which announced that public sector pay awards will plan-making process of evidencing need and testing average 1% for each of the two years following the viability. So today I can announce we are introducing public sector pay freeze, the AFPRB has recommended measures to ensure that the system includes new flexibility an increase of 1% to base armed forces salaries for to respond to local circumstances where needed. 2014-15. In addition, the AFPRB has recommended a There are significant benefits to this arrangement. 1% increase to compensatory allowances and recruitment Building regulations apply nationally across England and retention payment categories, except for mountain and provide a clear and consistent set of requirements leaders, parachute jumping instructor, aeromedical and for home builders to meet, and for building control escort duty where there is no increase, and the lowest bodies to apply. Checking compliance will in the future rate for nursing, which is frozen this year prior to being be undertaken through building control, removing the phased out by April 2016. The AFPRB has also current maze of compliance regimes and systems and recommended an increase to food and accommodation reducing costs not only to developers but to local authorities. charges, together with a number of targeted measures, The Government will work with local authority building including two additional levels of longer separation control bodies and approved inspectors on putting this allowance. approach into practice. The AFPRB’s recommendations are to be accepted Setting requirements solely in building regulations in full and will become effective from 1 April 2014, will help to provide the certainty needed to ensure that except where the AFPRB report indicates otherwise. home builders know what they need to do, and can Copies of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body report deliver high quality new homes which meet local are available in the Vote Office. community’s needs. Implementing this approach will reduce over 100 standards to fewer than 10, and will provide significant cost savings for industry. Service Complaints System The Government will press ahead with the work to consolidate necessary standards into the regulations during this Parliament. Draft regulations and technical The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): standards will be published in the summer, with necessary A fair, effective and efficient system for handling complaints statutory regulations and supporting approved documents is an important part of our delivery of the armed forces coming into force at the turn of the year. The Government covenant, and it has rightly been the focus of considerable 35WS Written Statements13 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 36WS public debate. I am grateful to the Defence Select Committee Finally, the requirement for an annual report to be laid for the close attention which they have given to this before Parliament would continue, taking account of subject, and their constructive recommendations. I am the new functions of the SCC. particularly indebted to Dr Susan Atkins, the Service The proposals I have outlined above represent a Complaints Commissioner (SCC), not only for her significant change to the way that service complaints work in the context of the current system, but also for are handled, and in particular to the role of the her advice and engagement on how we can do better. commissioner. As a result, I have decided that this new Many service complaints are dealt with promptly and role would be better reflected in a change in the title of successfully. However, it is generally recognised that the the commissioner’s post to the “service complaints current system can only operate effectively across the ombudsman”. armed forces by devoting a level of resources which is Changes of this nature will require amendment to the not sustainable in the longer term. Armed Forces Act, and an early opportunity will be The then Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare sought to introduce the necessary legislation once detailed and Veterans, my right hon. Friend the Member for work, in which the commissioner will again be engaged, Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Francois), informed the is complete. Select Committee last year that my Department was In today’s armed forces, there is a strong commitment engaged in discussions with Dr Atkins on alternative to ensuring that complaints from service personnel are models for handling complaints, and on the reform of taken seriously and handled fairly. No service man or the role of the commissioner. I am pleased to tell the woman should lack confidence in seeking redress through House that this work has produced the outline of a new the current system. However we can do better, and, in model for the service complaints system which we believe particular, I believe we can resolve complaints more offers important advantages over the system introduced quickly. I believe that the approach I have outlined will by the Armed Forces Act 2006. strengthen the chain of command, support the interests The central feature of the new model is that the of complainants, and enhance the contribution of the Service Complaints Commissioner would, in the future, future service complaints ombudsman. have the power to consider whether a service complaint has been handled properly, once it has completed its normal internal stages. This is in contrast to the current arrangements under which the SCC cannot become ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS involved in the handling of an individual complaint, other than to monitor its progress through the system. European Environment Council In the new model, where the commissioner finds no evidence of maladministration, a complaint would remain closed. However, if the commissioner considers that The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and there has been maladministration in the handling of a Rural Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson): My right hon. Friend complaint, he or she would make recommendations, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change formally to the Defence Council, for the complaint to and I represented the UK at the European Environment be reopened and reconsidered. The Defence Council Council meeting in Brussels on 3 March. Paul Wheelhouse, would remain responsible for the decisions taken in Minister for Environment and Climate Change in the response to the SCC’s recommendations, thus maintaining Scottish Government, and Alun Davies, Minister for the authority of the chain of command, but the SCC Natural Resources and Food in the Welsh Government, would be informed of those decisions and the reasons also attended. for them. After adopting the agenda for the meeting, Environment This aspect of the new model should lead to a higher Ministers discussed the framework for climate and energy proportion of complaints being decided more quickly. in the period 2020 to 2030. The UK was joined by Complainants will gain a new right to apply to the numerous member states, including Germany and France, independent commissioner, if they believe that the handling in supporting a call for an agreement at the European of their complaint has been subject to maladministration, Council in March. The majority of member states instead of having the right to pursue further appeals endorsed a greenhouse gas target of at least 40% with within the internal complaints process. The commissioner the UK and Sweden calling for a prospective target of will, in turn, be able to concentrate his or her attention 50% in the context of an ambitious agreement. The on the cases of potential maladministration, including Secretary of State clarified that the UK could support a those which may have systemic implications. binding EU renewables target of 27% providing it could The commissioner would also have a new role at an never become binding on member states nor be translated earlier stage of the complaints procedure. Where a into national targets via EU-level action. Several member decision is made not to allow a complaint to be considered states welcomed the Commission’s proposal for reform within the service complaints system, because is it out of the emissions trading system, with the UK and of time or excluded on other grounds, a service person Denmark calling for reform to be preceded by cancellation could ask the SCC to determine whether that decision of allowances. Some Ministers called for more information was correct. At the same time, the commissioner will and discussion on burden sharing. maintain the vital role which Dr Atkins performs today, Outside of Council, the Secretary of State joined of offering an alternative route for a service man or the green growth group in co-signing a letter along with women, who does not wish to approach the chain of 12 other Ministers from the group, including those from command directly, to have their concerns fed into the France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The statement called system. This remains an important safeguard, especially for the European Council in March: to agree on the where allegations of bullying or harassment are involved. core elements of a climate and energy framework for 37WS Written Statements13 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 38WS

2030; to agree a domestic greenhouse gas target of at deal with key problems in the review of the large least 40%; an EU-level renewable energy target of at combustion plant best available techniques reference least 27% (which should not be translated into binding document. national targets); and asked the Council to consider the Over lunch, Ministers discussed the soil framework use of high-quality international carbon credits in the directive. The UK and a majority of member states context of increasing climate ambition. supported the withdrawal of the current text preferring The Council considered a presidency compromise non-binding measures. text on the proposal to allow member states to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of GMOs in all or part of their territory. Most member states, including the UK, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE supported reopening discussions on the basis of the presidency’s compromise although several noted they would like to see further technical revisions before Foreign Affairs Council/General Affairs Council possible agreement. I stressed that the EU was falling behind the rest of the world in terms of utilising GMOs. I recognised the difficulty for other member states and The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): My wanted to ensure there was legally-sound flexibility for right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and countries or regions to opt-out of cultivating GM crops Commonwealth Affairs will attend the Foreign Affairs if they so wished. The presidency confirmed that a Council on 17 March, and I will attend the General technical discussion of its compromise proposal would Affairs Council on 18 March. The Foreign Affairs now be taken forward. Council will be chaired by the High Representative of There was an exchange of views on greening the the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security European semester. The UK, supported by Lithuania, Policy, Baroness Ashton of Upholland, and the General favoured fostering greater green jobs and resource efficiency Affairs Council will be chaired by the Greek presidency. but underlined sensitivities around discussing taxation The meetings will be held in Brussels. policy in Environment Council. The UK was clear that FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL (FAC) any decisions on tax should be taken by Finance Ministers Introduction—Iran in ECOFIN. Most member states supported greening the semester including a shift to “green taxation” and Baroness Ashton is expected to provide a short update strengthening the role of Environment Ministers. Some in her introduction to the FAC on the Iran nuclear talks advocated greater focus on resource efficiency and the and on her visit to Tehran on 8-10 March. The first need for indicators and targets. France underlined the round of negotiations between the E3+3 and Iran on costs of inaction while others pointed to the lack of the comprehensive solution was on 18-20 February in access to finance as a barrier to the uptake of green Vienna, chaired by Baroness Ashton and Iranian Foreign technology which also had a disproportionate impact Minister Zarif. The E3+3 and Iran will meet again on on innovative SMEs. 18-20 March. Ukraine Under other business, the Commission emphasised Ministers will discuss the latest developments in Ukraine. the urgency of agreeing the ratification of the Kyoto We expect the discussion to focus on the next steps to be protocol’s second commitment period before the 2015 taken following the Heads of State and Government conference of the parties. The Secretary of State highlighted meeting held on 6 March. The Prime Minister set out that agreeing the amendment to the monitoring mechanism the UK’s position in his statement to the House of regulation under the European Parliament’s mandate Commons on Monday 10 March 2014, Official Report, risked making mistakes due to the lack of consideration. column 25. The Commission presented its air quality package Bosnia-Herzegovina and noted that poor air quality was the main cause of Ministers will discuss the latest developments in Bosnia early mortality in Europe’s urban areas and the economic and Herzegovina (BiH), focusing on the EU’s response damage caused through lost workdays and healthcare to the recent protests. Ministers will consider how the costs. EU can encourage Bosnian leaders to address the socio- economic grievances of their population, and how best The Commission also introduced a communication to offer support to BiH to implement the wide range of on tackling illegal wildlife trafficking noting that the reforms needed to progress on its EU path. The UK will trade was a multi-billion euro business and the EU emphasise the right to peaceful protest, and the importance remained a transit point for wildlife products. The UK of BiH’s leadership responding rapidly and comprehensively provided an update on the recent London conference to the population’s legitimate demands for change. The including the launch of the elephant protection initiative. UK will underline that we remain committed to working On shale gas, the Commission explained their aim to in partnership with BiH’s leaders to deliver substantial ensure extraction and exploitation would command reform. support and confidence in all stakeholders. The UK, Poland and Romania stressed the current legislative Middle East Peace Process framework was adequate and questioned the implication Ministers will discuss the latest developments in the that the Commission would bring forward legislation in middle east peace process, and the prospects for the 18-months’ time. The Commission said the review clause special privileged partnership as set out in the FAC allowed the Commission to take action if member conclusions in December 2013. The UK will encourage states failed to fulfil their promises. A number of member EU partners, in particular Baroness Ashton, to emphasise states supported the establishment of a sub-group to publicly the benefits that could be obtained from the 39WS Written Statements13 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 40WS special privileged partnership, supplying more detail on Sri Lanka: UN Human Rights Council the proposed content of the package, and setting out a positive vision of a shared future with deep cultural, political and economic links. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Syria Affairs (Mr William Hague): During the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting held in Sri Lanka last The discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council will year, the Prime Minister called on the Sri Lankan take place two days after the third anniversary of the Government to launch a credible domestic process to uprising. The discussion will focus on the latest ensure accountability for alleged violations and abuses developments, including the agreement of the UN Security of international humanitarian and human rights law on Council Resolution 2139 on humanitarian access. The both sides during the conflict. The Prime Minister said UK will focus on the need to reinvigorate the political that if the Sri Lankan Government did not take this process, to implement the resolution, and to increase step, we would use our position on the UN Human pressure on the Syrian regime, Russia and Iran to Rights Council to seek an internal investigation. behave constructively. In the intervening months, we have pressed the EU-Africa Summit Sri Lankan Government to set up a domestic process to Ministers will discuss preparations for the EU-Africa investigate these allegations and ensure accountability. summit in Brussels on 2-3 April, in particular progress However, no credible domestic accountability processes on proposed summit outcomes. The UK will reiterate have been set up to date in Sri Lanka. As a result, the our commitment to Africa, and underline the increasing time has now come for international action on the importance of the EU-Africa relationship and welcome human rights situation in Sri Lanka. the opportunity that the summit presents to reinforce The UK is therefore working in support of a strong this. resolution which calls for an international investigation, Energy Diplomacy which will be voted on by the end of this month at the UN Human Rights Council. Ministers are expected to discuss greater integration of energy security considerations in foreign policy objectives. A draft resolution was jointly tabled at the UN HRC The UK will note how events in Ukraine highlight the by the UK, US, Mauritius, Macedonia and Montenegro, significance of energy issues and the need for an on Monday 3 March. The draft resolution calls for the international approach to energy security. The discussion Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights will explore areas in which the European External Action to lead the international investigation, and to report Service (EEAS) might support and complement action back by March 2015. Further discussions on the text by member states and international energy organisations. will take place this month. The adoption of the resolution is not a foregone GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL (GAC) conclusion. Ahead of the vote, the Prime Minister and The General Affairs Council on 18 March will focus I, and other Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers, on: the preparation of the 20 and 21 March European have been in contact with a wide range of UN HRC Council; and the European semester. A further possible member states to encourage them to support a strong agenda item is the presentation of a Commission resolution that calls for an international investigation. communication on the rule of law mechanism. In doing so, we have drawn attention to the assessment The Preparation of the 20 and 21 March European of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights who Council points to the need for this investigation, as progress on accountability in Sri Lanka has been, in her words, The GAC will prepare the 20 and 21 March European “limited and piecemeal”. The Commissioner has also Council, which the Prime Minister will attend. The highlighted concerns on other human rights issues, March European Council agenda is expected to include: including the undermining of independent institutions the European semester; industrial policy; the energy such as the judiciary in Sri Lanka, a “significant” surge and climate 2030 package; and EU-Africa relations in attacks on religious minorities and impunity for including the preparations for the EU-Africa summit to those committing serious human rights abuses. In the be held on 2 and 3 April. remaining days before the vote we will continue to urge Following on from the 6 March Emergency European UN HRC members to support this action, and maintain Council, there may also be further discussion of the our close contact with NGOs and civil society. EU’s response to events in Ukraine. We welcome the offer of the Office of the High UK priorities for the European Council are likely to Commissioner for Human Rights to assist in an be: securing substantive conclusions on the climate and international investigation, which would be a significant energy 2030 package; and agreeing firm actions to step forward in ensuring that the Sri Lankan people will boost industrial growth, as highlighted in the Prime know the truth behind events during the conflict. We Minister’s speech in Davos. are confident that the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, together with special procedures, The European Semester can provide a full and comprehensive investigation. The GAC will consider the synthesis report on the It is important to recognise that, as a country and a 2014 semester exercise. This is a policy discussion and people, Sri Lanka has enormous potential, with the there are no anticipated outputs at this stage. We welcome opportunity to become a strong and prosperous nation, the focus of the annual growth survey on jobs and if the Sri Lankan Government addresses these vital growth and emphasise that the semester should not be issues. The UK has previously welcomed progress in diluted by the inclusion of other agendas. Sri Lanka in areas including demining (on which the 41WS Written Statements13 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 42WS

Prime Minister last year announced a further £2.1 NHS staff are dedicated and hard working and the million of UK funding), reconstruction of former conflict Government would prefer all NHS staff to receive a affected areas and the reintegration of child soldiers. consolidated 1% increase. This would be affordable if Such progress should not be overlooked. incremental progression was frozen for one year in But it is also important that this progress is matched 2015-16. If the NHS trade unions were prepared to by substantive progress on reconciliation, human rights agree to this then the Government would be prepared to and accountability. It is clear that Sri Lanka still has a reconsider the position and make a consolidated award long way to go in this respect, in order to achieve lasting as other public sector work forces are receiving. peace and reconciliation. Accountability plays an important The Government agree with NHSPRB’s observation part in the reconciliation process, and must not be that a thorough review is required of the Agenda for ignored. This is intended to be a resolution which will Change pay structure, including the operation of help to address the legitimate concerns of all communities. incremental scales, so that it might better support the challenges facing the NHS in terms of both patient care and affordability. We note its offer to look into this, given an appropriate HEALTH remit and evidence and we will consider whether to ask them to look at contract reform issues in next year’s report.

Pay Review Bodies REVIEW BODY ON DOCTORS’ AND DENTISTS’REMUNERATION We thank the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): Remuneration for its 42nd report, note its recommendations I am responding on behalf of my right hon. Friend the and observations, and: Prime Minister to the 28th report of the NHS Pay in respect of general medical practitioners (GMPs), we accept Review Body (NHSPRB) and to the 42nd report of the its recommendation for an increase of 1% to general medical Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration practitioners’ income after allowing for movement in their (DDRB). The reports have been laid before Parliament expenses, equating to an uplift of 0.28% to the overall value of general medical services contract payments for 2014-15; and today (Cm 8831 and Cm 8832). Copies of the reports are available to hon. Members from the Vote Office and in respect of general dental practitioners (GDPs), we accept its to noble Lords from the Printed Paper Office. recommendation for an increase of 1% to general dental practitioners’ income after allowing for movement in their NHS PAY REVIEW BODY expenses, but abate the increase in the general dental service We thank the NHS Pay Review Body for its 28th report contract for GDP staff costs from the recommended 2.5% to and note its recommendations and observations. 1%. This results in an overall uplift of 1.6% to be applied to gross earnings for independent dental contractors for 2014-15. We are clear that in the wake of the public inquiry into Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, our first In respect of employed doctors and dentists, we are priority must be to ensure that the NHS can afford to clear that in the wake of the public inquiry into Mid employ the right number of frontline staff needed to Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, our first priority ensure the safe, effective and compassionate care that must be to ensure that the NHS can afford to employ patients have a right to expect. the right number of front-line staff needed to ensure the safe, effective and compassionate care that patients have The NHSPRB’s recommendations for a 1% consolidated a right to expect. rise for all staff, on top of automatic increments, are unaffordable and would risk the quality of patient care. The DDRB’s recommendations for a 1% consolidated Without a pay rise, incremental pay increases already rise for all staff, on top of automatic increments, are commit nearly £1 billion every year for all NHS employees unaffordable and would risk the quality of patient care. and add 2% each year to the NHS pay bill for Agenda Without a pay rise, incremental pay increases already for Change staff. The PRB proposals suggest a pay rise commit nearly £1 billion every year for all NHS employees that would risk reductions in front-line staff that could and add 2% each year to the NHS pay bill for employed lead to unsafe patient care. It is not possible to maintain doctors and dentists. The DDRB proposals suggest a appropriate numbers of front-line staff, give a general pay rise that would risk reductions in front-line staff pay rise of 1 % and pay for incremental progression. that could lead to unsafe patient care. It is not possible to maintain appropriate numbers of front-line staff, The Government are therefore adopting an approach give a general pay rise of 1% and pay for incremental by which all staff will receive at least an additional 1% progression. of their basic pay next year. All staff who are not eligible to receive incremental pay will be given a 1% The Government are therefore adopting an approach non-consolidated payment in 2014-15. Other staff will by which all staff will receive at least an additional 1% receive an increase of at least 1% through incremental of their basic pay next year. All staff who are not progression. eligible to receive incremental pay will be given a 1% It is our intention that in 2015-16 the same approach non-consolidated payment in 2014-15. Other staff will will apply and staff who are not eligible to receive receive an increase of at least 1% through incremental incremental pay will receive a non-consolidated payment progression. of 2% of pay, while other staff receive incremental It is our intention that in 2015-16 the same approach progression. As this will be a two-year pay award, the will apply and staff who are not eligible to receive NHSPRB will not be asked to make recommendations incremental pay will receive a non-consolidated payment on a pay award for Agenda for Change staff in the 2015 of 2% of pay, while other staff receive incremental pay round. progression. As this will be a two-year pay award, the 43WS Written Statements13 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 44WS

DDRB will not be asked to make recommendations on on licensable activities—during a period of up to four a pay award for employed doctors and dentists in the days. An order may apply to all licensed premises in 2015 pay round. England and Wales, or only to premises in one or more NHS staff are dedicated and hard working and the specified areas. It is also possible to set different licensing Government would prefer all NHS staff to receive a hours on different days during the relaxation period. consolidated 1% increase. This would be affordable if The Government are mindful of the need to strike a incremental progression was frozen for one year in balance between the risks that late night drinking can 2015-16. If the NHS trade unions were prepared to lead to increased crime and disorder and public nuisance agree to this then the Government would be prepared to and reducing the burden on those wishing to celebrate reconsider the position and make a consolidated award the FIFA World cup. The consultation is therefore as other public sector work forces are receiving. considering a number of issues, including the principle We note that the DDRB would welcome a proactive of relaxing licensing hours nationally during the World and systematic approach to considering contractual cup, the dates and geographical extent that any licensing issues at an appropriate stage of the consultant and hours order might cover. doctors in training negotiations and we will consider A copy of the consultation document will be placed whether to make this part of their remit for the 2015 in the Library of the House. pay round.

Immigration Rules HOME DEPARTMENT The Minister for Security and Immigration (James Passport Fees Brokenshire): My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is today laying before the House a statement of changes in immigration rules as set out below. The Minister for Security and Immigration (James The Government are making a package of changes Brokenshire): Her Majesty’s Passport Office is committed to points-based system work routes to improve flexibility to delivering better value for money for our customers. for applicants and help to boost economic growth. In keeping with this commitment, I am pleased to This includes expanding the tier 1 (exceptional talent) announce that from 7 April the passport fee for customers category to include leading talent in the digital technology applying for a UK passport overseas will be reduced by sector, who are endorsed by Tech City UK, as well as £45 for adults and £28.50 for children. The new fees are making it easier for applicants in this category to apply as follows: from overseas, and to count time spent in other immigration Adult 32 page passport £83.00. categories towards qualifying for settlement. Child 32 page passport £53.00. I am responding to feedback from higher education Jumbo 48 page passport £91.00 (child and adult). institutions (HEIs) participating in the tier 1 (graduate This reduction comes as a result of efficiency savings entrepreneur) scheme by removing the ring-fencing of made over the last three years by bringing back the places for MBA graduates and the current restrictions processing and issuing of overseas passports to the UK, on participants’ graduation dates. This will make the while maintaining the highest levels of security and scheme more flexible and simpler to operate. customer service. In tier 2, the main work route for those with a skilled This reduction follows the 2012 decrease in fee by job offer, I am improving flexibility for employers and £5 for all UK citizens applying within the UK. migrants by allowing applications to be granted for up to five years at a time, rather than a maximum of three years at a time as at present. I am also today laying FIFA World Cup 2014 (Licensing Hours) amending regulations which will ensure that changes to tier 2 requirements are also applied to Croatian nationals. I am adding Oman, Qatar and United Arab Emirates The Secretary of State for the Home Department to the list of countries whose nationals benefit from (Mrs Theresa May): Today I am publishing a consultation different documentary requirements and ending the on whether to make a national order to relax licensing exemption from the genuineness test that applies to hours during the FIFA World cup in June and July 2014 nationals on this list when applying for a tier 4 visa. or whether to leave this as a local decision using the I am also making scheduled updates to salary and existing temporary event notice system. Any relaxation maintenance fund requirements, as well as a number of of licensing hours nationally during the FIFA World other minor changes to points-based system categories. cup would relate to the sale of alcohol for consumption The maintenance fund changes will take effect for on the premises and the provision of late night refreshment applications made from 1 July. in licensed premises at specified dates and times only. I am creating a new category for overseas Government- Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003 allows the sponsored language teachers under the tier 5 Government Secretary of State to make an order relaxing opening authorised exchange route. This will enable Government hours for licensed premises to mark occasions of, sponsored teachers to share knowledge and awareness “exceptional international, national or local significance”. of foreign languages and cultures in the UK. The first A “licensing hours order” can be used to relax licensing of these schemes will support a Mandarin teaching hours in licensed premises—any premises authorised by scheme designed to foster good cultural relations between a premises licence or club premises certificate to carry the UK and China. 45WS Written Statements13 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 46WS

I am making changes to the curtailment provisions in PRIME MINISTER part 9 of the immigration rules (general grounds for Senior Salaries Review Body refusal) to support the Home Office in its work to take robust action against those who attempt to abuse the immigration system and ensure that migrants do not The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): The 36th retain leave to which they are no longer entitled. In report of the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) is particular, I will: being published today. This makes recommendations incorporate the grounds in section 10(l)(b) and (c) of the about the pay of the senior civil service (SCS), senior Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 in preparation for the military officers, the judiciary, very senior NHS managers changes made by the Immigration Bill; and police and crime commissioners. Copies have been enable leave to be curtailed where a points-based system sponsor laid in the Vote Office, the Printed Paper Office and the notifies the Home Office that a migrant’s period of study or Libraries of both Houses. I am grateful to the chairman work is due to end earlier than had been originally planned and members of the review body for their work on this when leave to enter or remain was granted; year’s report. make further minor changes to ensure that the wording and the intentions of the rules are clear and consistent. While we are mindful of the need to ensure that we I am making changes to the visit visa requirement for are able to recruit, retain and motivate staff with the Bahraini nationals. Bahraini nationals who hold diplomatic right skills and experience, it is important that senior and special passports issued by Bahrain when travelling public servants continue to show leadership in the exercise to the UK for the purpose of a general visit will no of pay restraint. longer have to obtain a visit visa to travel to the UK. Senior Civil Service The Government keep visa regimes under constant The Government have accepted the PRB’s review to ensure that the UK has the right visa requirements recommendations to introduce a new reward principle set in the right places, aligned to risk. Today, I am laying and to take a more mandatory approach towards exit changes to the immigration rules to require all Venezuelan interviews which will provide valuable information to nationals to obtain a visa before visiting the UK. UK inform reward and wider work force strategy. The visas and immigration continues to be focused on delivering Government have also accepted the recommendations an excellent customer service and ensuring that the UK on raising minimum salaries for SCS pay bands 1, 2 and maintains a competitive visa system that can innovate 3 which will reduce overlaps between delegated grades in order to ensure that Britain succeeds in the global and SCSI and across SCS pay bands. race. The Government have not accepted the recommendation In order to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment to give SCS a uniform pay increase to all staff (except in Munir, we are incorporating into the immigration the bottom 10% of performers) and the recommendation rules discretionary policies for civilian employees of to restore the previous caps on the size of individual NATO and the Australian Department of Defence, and non-consolidated performance awards. These employees of firms under contract to NATO. recommendations do not give Departments the flexibility they require to tailor reward arrangements that meet I am making minor changes and clarifications to the their own business needs. immigration rules relating to family life. These mainly reflect feedback from caseworkers and legal practitioners This package of proposals for 2014-15 strikes the on the operation of the rules. right balance between necessary pay restraint and the need to recruit and retain people of the right calibre. It I am also clarifying the knowledge of language and gives Departments flexibility to target pay increases life provisions which apply for settlement applications within the 1% average award, enable them to reward by partners and children of members of HM Forces. outstanding performance and help them to recruit and retain people in business critical roles. Ministers will consider the PRB’s recommendations JUSTICE for raising the minima of the permanent secretary pay tiers taking account of the views of the Permanent Secretary Remuneration Committee as part of its Prison Service Pay Review Body consideration of the 2014-15 pay award for permanent secretaries. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice Senior Military Officers (Jeremy Wright): The 13th report of the Prison Service Pay The Government have accepted the recommendation Review Body (PSPRB) (Cm 8825) has been laid before of a 1% increase to base military salaries for all 2, 3 and Parliament today. The report makes recommendations 4 star officers with effect from 1 April 2014. on the pay for governing governors and other operational The Government have accepted the recommendation managers, prison officers and related support grades in that there is no change to current pay arrangements for England and Wales in 2014-5. Copies are available in medical and dental officers. the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office. The Government have accepted the recommendation I am grateful to the chair and members of the PSPRB that for future pay rounds the MOD further develops its for their hard work in producing these recommendations. database on Army officers with the potential to serve in The recommendations for 2014-15 will be implemented the senior ranks and expands it to cover each of the in full. The cost of the award will be met from within services. the delegated budget allocation for the National Offender Judiciary Management Service and will progress important pay The Government have accepted the review body’s reforms previously endorsed by HM Treasury and the recommendation that the salaries of the judiciary should PSPRB. be increased by 1%. 47WS Written Statements13 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 48WS

Due to the continuing fiscal challenge and broader safety directives. The European Railway Agency must public sector pay policy it has not been appropriate to have the necessary powers to ensure that the framework respond to the SSRB’s latest recommendations about created by these proposals can operate effectively. All the major review. The Government note the proposals UK interests and objectives are maintained by the and while they will not be able to respond at this time, presidency’s text. I therefore fully support this proposal the proposals will be considered in partnership with the and the adoption of a general approach by the Council. judiciary as we develop a broader judicial strategy. I anticipate that the Council will adopt its position on Very Senior NHS Managers a proposal for a Council regulation establishing the The SSRB has recommended that the pay of very Shift2Rail joint undertaking. The UK welcomes the senior managers be increased by 1%. The Government Shift2Rail proposal as we share the vision of reducing are not able to accept this recommendation. We believe costs and increasing capacity and reliability through that as system leaders, very senior managers must set an research and innovation. We fully support the close example of pay restraint and also that their pay should involvement of the rail industry in this new joint be subject to greater restraint than that of staff delivering undertaking and the increased emphasis on the needs of front-line NHS services. In the view of the Government, passengers and freight customers. this can be achieved only by a zero pay award in There will be a policy debate on the Commission 2014-15. communication entitled “Together towards a competitive I am also grateful to the SSRB for their other and resource-efficient urban mobility”. This communication observations on the pay system for very senior managers provides a helpful framework to support and promote and in particular welcome their support for the review competitive and resource-efficient urban mobility at a of the VSM pay framework the Department of Health national and regional level. The key issue is to retain will undertake in 2014 in partnership with its arm’s-length flexibility in this matter, not prescription. Most of the bodies. aims and measures are already being delivered in the UK through devolved local measures and national Police and Crime Commissioners initiatives. It is important, therefore, that this communication The Government have accepted the recommendation is limited to a non-regulatory framework. that the rates of pay for police and crime commissioners Under any other business, the presidency will provide (PCCs) should remain unchanged for 2014-15. information on several legislative proposals. Firstly, a The Government have not accepted the recommendation proposal for a regulation on the establishment of rules that the Home Office should review the rules and guidance and procedures with regard to the introduction of noise- relating to PCC expenses. However, we will continue to related operating restrictions at Union airports. Secondly, work with the Association of Police and Crime a proposal for a regulation on community fleet capacity Commissioners to ensure PCC expense arrangements policy to promote inland waterway transport. Finally, a are clear. proposal for a directive on the deployment of alternative Other Review Body Reports for 2013-14 fuels infrastructure—clean power. The French delegation Separate statements from the Secretaries of State for will provide information on the modernised aviation Justice, Health and Defence will also be laid today on navigation system based on a combined use of GPS and the reports of the Prison Service Pay Review Body, the Galileo. The Commission will provide information on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body, the NHS Pay the outcome of the EU-ASEAN aviation summit held Review Body and the Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body in Singapore on 11-12 February and the Estonian delegation in respect of pay for the relevant work forces for 2014-15. will provide information on state aid provisions for air The Government’s response to those reports are consistent carriers. with the need for senior public servants to show leadership in the exercise of pay restraint. Vehicle Registration and Licensing (Northern Ireland)

TRANSPORT The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Stephen Hammond): Motorists in Northern Ireland EU Transport Council have not had access to the same range and level of vehicle registration and licensing services as their counterparts in the rest of the UK. In previous statements The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport we have announced the Department’s intention to address (Mr Robert Goodwill): I will attend the first Transport this issue. This led to a consultation on the future of Council under the Greek presidency (the presidency) vehicle registration and licensing services in Northern taking place in Brussels on Friday 14 March. Ireland being carried out between July and September The presidency is aiming for a general approach on a 2013. proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament I am today announcing that following a review of the and of the Council on the European Union Agency for responses to the consultation, I have decided in consultation Railways and repealing regulation (EC) No. 881/2004—part with my ministerial colleagues that the full range of of the fourth railway package. This is an important vehicle registration and licensing services will be available piece of legislation that will serve to further enhance the to motorists in Northern Ireland from July 2014. This operation of the single European rail area. The UK’s will entail the centralisation of transactions at the Driver position on the recast regulation is to ensure that it and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in Swansea. The reflects the agreements reached in the general approach changes will for the first time allow motorists in Northern texts on the recast railway interoperability and railway Ireland to take advantage of automated vehicle licensing, 49WS Written Statements13 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 50WS either online or by telephone. Northern Ireland motorists Ireland has said that it will try to avoid redundancies will also have access to additional face-to-face services and where these are unavoidable, to aim to minimise the at around 175 Post Office branches. The changes will amount of compulsory redundancies as a result of this also ensure that Northern Ireland motorists can immediately decision, my Department will work with officials there access new services, including direct debits for vehicle to support any staff who need to learn new skills to excise duty and enhanced online services, which will be secure alternative employment. introduced later this year. As well as improving services I am publishing a package of documents to accompany to Northern Ireland motorists, the changes will save this statement which assess the impacts of the changes £12 million every year. being made and summarise the responses to the These changes mean that the Driver and Vehicle consultation. These documents provide more detail of Agency (DVA) will no longer deliver vehicle registration the future services that will be available to Northern and licensing services to Northern Ireland motorists. Ireland motorists and will be published on gov.uk and We recognise the potential impact of this change. We in the Libraries of both Houses. have considered carefully the responses we received as a I am committed to improving the services motorists result of consultation and this proposal includes additional in Northern Ireland receive, and supporting customers support both for customers and for staff. The DVA’s and staff through these changes. The DVLA will work local offices will now remain open to support vehicle with customers, stakeholders and staff to support the registration and licensing services until the end of 2014 transition to the new service channels. Finally, I would while the new services bed in. The DVA’s office in like to place on record my thanks to DVA staff for their Coleraine will provide a similar service. While I recognise hard work in delivering vehicle registration and licensing that the Department of the Environment in Northern services to Northern Ireland motorists over the years.

275W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 276W

I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Written Answers to Prime Minister to the House on 10 March 2014, Official Report, columns 25-43. In his statement the Prime Questions Minister made it clear that what has happened to Ukraine is “completely indefensible”. The UK Government along with international partners Thursday 13 March 2014 are committed to protecting the right of the people of Ukraine to determine their own future. The priority now is to deter further Russian military action and de-escalate. The situation must be dealt with through diplomacy and mediation in the relevant international INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT organisations-such as the UN and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). We are committed to supporting such steps. Developing Countries: Food

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what research her Department FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE has conducted into the effects on developing nations of the UK’s support of the New Alliance for Food Security Iran and Nutrition. [190941] Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Lynne Featherstone: Every DFID New Alliance and Commonwealth Affairs if he bring forward proposals programme, including both country-level food security to impose further sanctions against the Government of and nutrition programmes and funding for wider Iran for its continued support of terrorism in (a) Iraq, agricultural policy reforms, is subject to annual review. (b) Syria and (c) Israel; and if he will be make a This year, partner governments will conduct their first statement. [191100] annual reviews of the effects of the New Alliance at country level. Reviews will help track progress against Hugh Robertson: We have serious concerns about the topline New Alliance goal: to lift 50 million people Iran’s support for militant groups in the middle east, in developing African nations out of poverty over 10 years, including Hezbollah’s military wing, Palestinian rejectionist through increasing investment in agriculture. groups such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and DFID has worked with the Future Agricultures Hamas, and Iraqi Shia militia groups. There is a significant Consortium on New Alliance evaluation, and is assisting body of international sanctions which target such activity, World Bank research on responsible investment in New including UN prohibitions on the export of weapons by Alliance partner countries. Iran, and EU and UN sanctions targeting leading members of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how UK funds to the New Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition are allocated. and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received of human rights abuses in Iran; if he will raise [190942] that matter at the United Nations; and if he will make Lynne Featherstone: UK investment in the New Alliance a statement. [191101] is split between commitments to food security, agriculture and nutrition programmes in six partner countries, and Hugh Robertson: Despite some small but positive a range of wider enabling actions including policy tools initial steps by President Rouhani, the human rights and agricultural technology. situation in Iran remains dire. The latest report by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, The UK has New Alliance programme commitments Dr Shaheed, is due to be published within the next in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Ghana, Malawi week. The UK will be making a statement on human and Nigeria. The commitment listed in each country’s rights in Iran during the current session of the UN Co-operation Framework is what the UK will invest in Human Rights Council, and will be co-sponsoring the food security and agriculture over three years. All New resolution to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur Alliance funding contributes to the topline New Alliance for a further year. goal: to lift 50 million people in Africa out of poverty over 10 years through investing in agriculture. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had at the United Nations about the Iranian Ukraine nuclear programme; and if he will be make a statement. [191102] Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures she has put Hugh Robertson: The UK regularly discusses the in place to protect civilians in the event of an escalation Iranian nuclear issue at the UN, both at ministerial and of the situation in Ukraine. [191080] official level. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member Mr Lidington: I have been asked to reply on behalf of for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), last visited the UN the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. in September 2013, where the issue was discussed. UK 277W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 278W officials regularly attend meetings of the 1737 Iran Yemen Sanctions Committee on implementation of UN sanctions against Iran. The UK also sits on the Board of the Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for International Atomic Energy Agency-the specialised Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations agency of the United Nations tasked with monitoring he has made to the Yemenigovernment on the recruitment Iran’s nuclear programme, including concerns about its of children by the militia in that country. [191070] possible military dimensions. Iran: Syria Hugh Robertson: We have encouraged the international community to highlight the issue of the recruitment of child soldiers in Yemen, most recently in February Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign through the UN Security Council Resolution 2140 (2014) and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what recent reports he on Yemen, which expressed concern that children continue has received of weapons from Iran reaching Syria across to be recruited by armed groups and Government forces. Iraqi airspace; if he will raise that matter at the United The UK also endorsed the recent EU Foreign Affairs Nations; and if he will be make a statement; [191103] Council Conclusions to end the use and recruitment of (2) what recent reports he has received of (a) military children by Yemeni Government forces. and (b) financial support of the Syrian Government by the Government of Iran; if he will raise this issue at the Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for United Nations; and if he will make a statement; Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions [191117] (a) he and (b) other Ministers of his Department have (3) what recent discussions he has had at the United had on the recruitment of children by the Yemeni Nations about the financial and military support given militia. [191071] to the Government of Syria by the Government of Iran; and if he will make a statement. [191118] Hugh Robertson: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Hugh Robertson: Iran continues to support the Assad Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has had regime through the provision of IRGC Qods Force no recent discussions on the recruitment of child soldiers personnel, weaponry and billions of dollars of financial in Yemen. We will however continue to use multilateral support. The UK has raised concerns about this with fora such as the UN and EU to make progress on the Iranian Government. We have also raised concerns tackling this issue. I will also raise this during my with the Iraqi Government over the suggestion that regular discussions with Yemeni interlocutors. Iranian support for Assad has been transiting through Iraqi airspace. We regularly raise concerns about member states’ financial and military support to the Syrian ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE regime, in the United Nations. Export of weapons by Iran is prohibited under UN Security Council Resolutions. Absent Voting

Middle East Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for Electoral Commission, what percentage of postal votes Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment were cast in the 100 constituencies with the largest he has made of recent reports that Israeli forces amount of postal votes in the most recent general intercepted an Iranian shipment of advanced, long- election. [190399] range M-302 missiles bound for Gaza. [191134] Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission has provided Hugh Robertson: The reports are a matter of concern. the following table, which shows the 100 constituencies Details are still emerging but, if confirmed, an Iranian where the largest number of postal votes were issued at shipment of weapons would be a troubling development 2010 general election, in descending order. It also shows for anyone who supports peace and stability in the the total number of postal votes at the count as a region. percentage of all votes at the count.

Number of postal Total number of Number of postal votes included at the Percentage of postal Constituency name 2010 Electorate votes at the count1 ballot papers issued count votes at the count

Sunderland Central 74,485 42,682 27,881 21,400 50 Newcastle upon Tyne North 67,110 44,014 27,277 22,213 50 Houghton and Sunderland South 68,729 38,251 26,707 20,049 52 Washington and Sunderland West 68,910 37,528 25,609 19,065 51 Stevenage 68,937 44,752 23,814 19,780 44 South Shields 64,084 36,629 23,222 17,634 48 Rushcliffe 72,955 53,834 23,172 20,263 38 Don Valley 72,597 43,549 22,789 15,573 36 Jarrow 64,350 38,897 22,713 17,398 45 Chorley 70,976 49,922 21,994 18,383 37 Blyth Valley 62,900 38,615 21,875 17,748 46 Blaydon 67,808 45,070 21,424 17,555 39 279W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 280W

Number of postal Total number of Number of postal votes included at the Percentage of postal Constituency name 2010 Electorate votes at the count1 ballot papers issued count votes at the count

Doncaster Central 72,985 41,864 21,307 15,026 36 Newcastle upon Tyne Central 60,507 34,249 20,849 15,864 46 Tyneside North 77,690 46,529 20,786 16,678 36 Wrekin, The 65,544 46,078 20,771 17,559 38 Telford 65,061 41,379 20,709 17,453 42 Tynemouth 75,680 52,756 20,250 17,070 32 Altrincham and Sale West 72,208 49,547 20,114 15,666 32 Doncaster North 71,681 41,622 19,981 16,403 39 Rother Valley 72,847 46,852 19,346 16,208 35 Newcastle upon Tyne East 64,487 37,914 19,188 15,080 40 Calder Valley 76,903 51,939 19,119 16,036 31 Gateshead 66,492 38,343 18,540 14,370 37 Blackpool North and Cleveleys 66,017 40,649 18,313 14,208 35 Worsley and Eccles South 72,473 41,884 18,291 14,007 33 Durham North West 70,350 43,900 18,266 14,308 33 Stockton South 73,840 50,332 18,055 15,355 31 Durham North 67,544 41,040 17,985 14,195 35 Hackney North and Stoke Newington 73,906 46,811 17,965 12,629 27 Blackburn 72,331 47,217 17,888 13,744 29 Guildford 77,082 55,662 17,738 15,326 28 Newbury 79,144 58,645 17,644 15,412 26 Kettering 68,824 47,383 17,606 15,044 32 Wythenshawe and Sale East 79,923 40,887 17,579 12,149 30 Burton 74,874 49,932 17,285 14,445 29 St Helens North 74,985 44,776 17,240 14,077 31 Yeovil 82,314 57,241 17,170 14,758 26 Gloucester 79,321 50,890 17,089 13,195 26 Norwich South 73,649 47,621 17,056 14,226 30 Salford and Eccles 75,483 41,702 16,963 12,972 31 Stretford and Urmston 70,991 45,084 16,957 13,096 29 Blackpool South 63,027 35,252 16,810 12,466 35 Wentworth and Dearne 72,586 42,187 16,760 13,512 32 St Helens South and Whiston 77,975 46,299 16,710 13,600 29 Colne Valley 80,060 55,401 16,709 13,999 25 Rotherham 63,563 37,601 16,502 13,499 36 Halifax 70,380 43,797 16,463 13,163 30 Milton Keynes South 86,559 55,416 16,296 12,492 23 Easington 63,879 34,977 16,235 12,286 35 South Ribble 75,822 51,528 16,060 13,265 26 Harrogate and Knaresborough 74,760 53,209 15,934 13,240 25 Richmond Park 77,751 59,398 15,893 11,207 19 Wyre and Preston North 70,201 51,426 15,864 13,254 26 Bury South 73,544 48,379 15,710 12,474 26 Sedgefield 64,728 40,298 15,580 12,304 31 Wansbeck 61,782 38,334 15,562 12,722 33 Warrington South 79,182 55,007 15,425 12,850 23 Northamptonshire South 82,033 60,210 15,403 12,287 20 Corby 78,024 54,345 15,393 12,975 24 Westmorland and Lonsdale 66,988 51,569 15,236 13,063 25 Bury North 66,759 45,097 15,207 12,048 27 Eastbourne 77,840 52,197 15,110 12,859 25 Cheltenham 78,998 52,883 15,085 13,143 25 Sheffield South East 67,068 41,547 15,078 12,023 29 Isle of Wight 109,922 70,376 14,995 12,194 17 Somerton and Frome 81,548 60,690 14,972 13,109 22 Durham, City of 68,832 46,313 14,783 12,226 26 Kingston and Surbiton 81,115 57,262 14,693 11,716 20 Twickenham 80,569 59,846 14,690 11,166 19 Winchester 73,805 56,060 14,580 12,660 23 Hackney South and Shoreditch 72,841 43,279 14,555 9,741 23 Manchester Central 90,110 40,065 14,536 9,441 24 Penistone and Stocksbridge 68,480 46,599 14,515 11,951 26 Blackley and Broughton 69,489 34,354 14,488 9,579 28 Darlington 68,168 42,959 14,484 12,267 29 281W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 282W

Number of postal Total number of Number of postal votes included at the Percentage of postal Constituency name 2010 Electorate votes at the count1 ballot papers issued count votes at the count

Elmet and Rothwell 77,724 55,873 14,475 11,546 21 Stockton North 66,752 39,537 14,416 11,854 30 Sheffield Heeley 65,571 40,980 14,375 11,400 28 Sheffield Hallam 68,798 51,263 14,362 12,317 24 Hendon 72,943 46,547 14,359 10,502 23 Mole Valley 72,297 54,448 14,324 11,729 22 Pudsey 69,257 49,174 14,274 11,794 24 Wigan 75,407 44,302 14,261 10,533 24 Wells 79,432 55,963 14,162 10,950 20 Dewsbury 78,910 54,167 14,158 11,533 21 Southport 67,200 43,924 14,135 11,074 25 Norwich North 64,814 42,613 14,128 11,052 26 Taunton Deane 82,507 58,234 14,103 12,309 21 Cornwall South East 71,373 49,689 14,018 11,765 24 Grantham and Stamford 78,008 52,874 13,964 11,422 22 Woking 73,837 52,919 13,944 11,739 22 Leeds East 64,698 37,906 13,928 9,743 26 Cheadle 71,635 52,656 13,874 11,067 21 Bolton North East 66,846 43,445 13,863 11,763 27 Stalybridge and Hyde 69,081 41,034 13,844 9,845 24 Richmond (Yorks) 80,563 53,547 13,800 11,043 21 Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough 67,740 39,069 13,780 10,783 28 Cardiff North 65,553 47,703 13,762 11,633 24 Chipping Barnet 75,120 50,797 13,735 10,091 20 1 Includes ballots rejected at the count.

Electoral Register Electoral Register: Fraud

Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, what current campaign the the Electoral Commission, in which local authorities in Electoral Commission has to increase registration of England the Commission believes electoral fraud is a (a) UK citizens living abroad and (b) UK citizens significant problem. [190817] living in the UK. [190820] Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission refers the that in its January 2014 Electoral Fraud review hon. Gentleman to its earlier reply (189414) of 6 March 2014, Official Report, column 891W,in which it outlined http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/ pdf_file/0008/164609/Electoral-fraud-review-final-report.pdf details of current and forthcoming Electoral Commission campaigns to increase registration in the UK and for it identified 16 local authority areas in England where UK citizens living abroad, and the relevant targets for there appears to be a greater risk of cases of electoral those campaigns. fraud being reported. This greater risk is specific to individual wards within those 16 local authority areas. Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West The areas that the Commission has identified are: Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Birmingham Electoral Commission, what account the Electoral Blackburn with Darwen Commission took of the contribution of the requirement to provide photo identification to vote in the US in Bradford developing policy on the introduction of photo Burnley identification for voting in the UK. [190824] Calderdale Coventry Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me Derby that following its January 2014 recommendation that Hyndburn voters in Great Britain should be required to produce identification at polling stations for elections from 2019 Kirklees at the latest onwards, it is now undertaking further Oldham detailed work to develop a proportionate and accessible Pendle scheme for verifying the identity of electors. This will Peterborough take into account evidence from other comparable democracies which have introduced similar requirements, Slough including the United States of America. Tower Hamlets The Commission will publish detailed proposals for a Walsall proof of identity scheme by the end of 2014. Woking 283W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 284W

Voting Methods Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South asked the authority to reply. West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2014: the Electoral Commission, how many (a) items of As Director General for the Office for National Statistics correspondence and (b) meetings with Ministers in the (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question Electoral Commission has had on (i) postal ballot to the Minister for the Cabinet Office asking what recent estimate restrictions and (ii) use of photo ID for voting, in each he has made of the number of children living in households in of the last four years. [190401] Wrexham constituency where one or both parents are (a) working part-time because they are unable to find full-time work and (b) Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me employed on a zero-hours contract. (191112) that it has met and corresponded with Ministers regularly The Office for National Statistics compiles statistics for people over the last four years on matters pertaining to the full working in part-time jobs because they could not find a full time range of its responsibilities, including proposed changes post from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). However, estimates of the number of children living in households where one or both to the handling of completed postal ballot applications parents are working part-time because they are unable to find and the potential use of photo ID for voting. full-time work for the requested geography is not available due to The Commission will continue to update Ministers small sample sizes. on the progress of its work in this area. Estimates relating to zero-hour contracts are also available from the LFS; however, full estimates of the total number of people in employment on such contracts are not available from CABINET OFFICE this source. This is, in part, due to reporting error as respondents may fail to identify their type of employment contract correctly. Census Therefore we have not been able to state how many children are living in households where one or both parents are working on Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet zero hour contracts in Wrexham constituency. Office whether figures for the number of UK citizens in Employment any of the last three censuses have been subsequently amended. [190816] Ian Lucas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the how many people are employed in the (a) commerce responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have and (b) manufacturing sectors in (i) Wrexham asked the authority to reply. constituency, (ii) Wales and (iii) the UK. [191137] Letter from Caron Walker: Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the On behalf of the Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Question asking the Chancellor of the Exchequer if figures for asked the authority to reply. the number of UK citizens in any of the last three censuses have Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2014: been subsequently amended. (190816) As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I As the census is a devolved matter in Scotland and Northern have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question Ireland I am replying with regard to the census in England and to the Minister for the Cabinet Office asking how many people Wales only. are employed in the (a) commerce and (b) manufacturing sectors Information on citizenship is not collected directly from the in (i) Wrexham constituency, (ii) Wales and (iii) the UK. [191137] census. A question on passport held was included in the census in Annual employment statistics are available from the Business England and Wales for the first time in 2011, from which proxy Register and Employment Survey (BRES). Table 1 as follows information on citizenship has been derived and published in Key contains estimates of the number employed in businesses considered Statistics table KS205EW: to be part of industries involved in commerce for Wrexham http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/census/2011/KS205EW constituency, Wales and the UK in 2012, the most recent year that The figures relating to the number of UK citizens have not figures are available. Although there is no standard definition of been amended. commerce used by the Office for National Statistics, in this table commerce is taken to be the service sector with public administration, Conditions of Employment: Wrexham education, health and arts, entertainment and recreation removed. This is intended to reflect businesses that are involved in the Ian Lucas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office activity of buying and selling. Table 2 contains estimates of the what recent estimate he has made of the number of number employed in the manufacturing sector for these areas. children living in households in Wrexham constituency National and local area estimates for many labour market where one or both parents are (a) working-part-time statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant because they are unable to find full-time work and (b) count are available on the NOMIS website at employed on a zero-hours contract. [191112] http://www.nomisweb.co.uk

Table 1-Employment in 2012 for commerce Commerce industries Wrexham constituency Wales UK

Motor trades 700 24,100 511,600 Wholesale 1,300 33,800 1,136,400 Retail 5,000 144,200 2,931,900 Transport & storage (inc 1,300 40,800 1,270,000 postal) Accommodation & food 2,000 94,200 1,943,800 services Information & communication 600 22,900 1,069,500 285W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 286W

Table 1-Employment in 2012 for commerce Commerce industries Wrexham constituency Wales UK

Financial & insurance 500 29,500 1,065,400 Property 300 17,900 507,500 Professional, scientific & 1,200 46,200 2,188,700 technical Business administration & 2,700 72,600 2,311,200 support services Total commerce 15,600 526,100 14,936,000 Note: Figures have been rounded to the nearest hundred and so the sum of the employment in individual industries may not add up to the total.

Table 2-Employment in 2012 for the manufacturing sector Temple, Amritsar in 1984 will take; and whether all the Wrexham constituency Wales UK proceedings and findings of the investigation will be 7,800 134,600 2,417,200 published. [183276]

Government Departments: Procurement Mr Swire: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Andrew Percy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet On 13 January the Cabinet Secretary was asked by Office how many Government contracts have been awarded the Prime Minister to lead an urgent review into allegations to companies based in Brigg and Goole constituency of UK involvement in the Indian operation at Sri since May 2010; and what the value of such awards was. Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar in June 1984. His investigation [191363] has now concluded and his final report was published on 4 February and can be found at: Mr Hurd: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/alleged-uk-link- the hon. Member for Livingston (Graeme Morrice) on to-operation-at-sri-harmandir-sahib-amritsar-1984 16 December 2013, Official Report, column 453W. Military Medals Review Housing: Prices James Wharton: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Teresa Pearce: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) when the Honours and Decorations Committee Office what estimate he has made of the cost of purchasing last met to consider the recommendations put forward a home in (a) London and (b) the South East in each by Sir John Holmes regarding the rules for the awarding of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. of military medals; [191245] [191336] (2) when the Honours and Decorations Committee’s report from its last meeting to consider the Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the recommendations of Sir John Holmes will go forward responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have for final approval. [191246] asked the authority to reply. Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2014: Mr Maude: The Committee on the Grant of Honours, As Director General for the Office for National Statistics Decorations and Medals (HD Committee) met in January (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary 2014 and considered a number of recommendations put Question to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate forward by Sir John Holmes regarding the rules for has been made of the cost of purchasing a home in (a) London awarding military medals. The Committee’s report is and (b) the South East in each of the last five years (191336). now in the process of being formally approved. Table 1 shows the mean house price for both London and the South East, based on houses purchased using a mortgage only, in Ovarian Cancer each of the last five years. This only represents the purchase price and will not include any other costs associated with purchasing a house such as stamp duty and legal fees. Data for 2013 are Jim Shannon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet scheduled to be published 25 March 2014. Office how many people have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in each of the last three years; and what Table 1: Mean house prices for London and the South East 2008 to 2012 the survival rate of women with ovarian cancer has £ been in each of the last three years. [191414] Mean house price: London1, 2 Mean house price: South East1, 2

2008 351,000 285,000 Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the 2009 338,000 274,000 responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have 2010 385,000 309,000 asked the authority to reply. 2011 401,000 301,000 Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2014: 2012 410,000 303,000 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I 1 Mean house prices (mortgage purchases only) taken from table 23 of the ONS have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many annual House Price Index reference table 2 Prices rounded to nearest £1,000 people have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in each of the last three years; and what the survival rate of women with ovarian India cancer has been in each of the last three years [191414]. The latest available figures for newly diagnosed cases of cancer Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet (incidence) are for the year 2011. Table 1 provides the number of Office how long he expects the investigation into newly diagnosed cases of ovarian cancer in women in England, alleged UK involvement in the attack on the Golden for the years 2009 to 2011. 287W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 288W

ONS publishes one and five-year cancer net survival estimates Table 1: Registrations of newly diagnosed cases of ovarian cancer1, England, for England, for 21 common cancers, including ovarian cancer. 2009-112 The latest figures are for adults diagnosed during the period Registrations 2007-2011 and followed up to 2012. Table 2 provides one and five-year net survival estimates for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer in this and the two preceding periods (women diagnosed 2009 5,783 2006-2010, followed up to 2011, and women diagnosed 2005-2009, 2010 5,741 followed up to 2011). 2011 5,743 The latest published figures on cancer incidence in England are available on the National Statistics website at: 1 Cancer of the ovary (including associated ligaments and ducts) is coded as http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/vsob1/cancer-statistics- C56, C57.0-C57.7 according to the International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10). registrations--england--series-mb1-/index.html 2 Cancer incidence figures are based on newly diagnosed cases registered in The latest published figures on cancer survival in England are each calendar year. available on the National Statistics website at: Note: Figures for England exclude cancer registrations for non-residents http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/cancer-unit/cancer-survival/ Source: index.html Office for National Statistics (ONS)

Table 2: One-year and five-year net survival (percentage)1, with 95% confidence intervals (CI)2, for women (15 to 99 years)3 diagnosed with ovarian cancer4 during 2005-11, England Five-year relative survival Diagnosis and follow up period One-year relative survival (percentage) Lower and upper CI (percentage) Lower and upper CI

2005-2009 (followed up to 2010) 72.3 (71.8—72.8) 42.9 (42.1—43.8) 2006-2010 (followed up to 2011) 72.7 (72.1—73.3) 44.0 (43.0—45.0) 2007-2011 (followed up to 2012) 73.7 (73.1—74.3) 46.3 (45.3—47.3) 1 Net survival is an estimate of the probability of survival for the given time after diagnosis of the cancer, assuming that no other cause of death occurs. 2 A 95% confidence interval is a measure of the uncertainty around an estimate. It provides a range around the estimated value within which we have a 95% level of confidence that the true value for the population is likely to fall. 3 All women (aged 15 to 99 years) in England who were diagnosed during 2005-11 with ovarian cancer as an invasive, primary, malignant neoplasm were eligible for analysis. Ineligible patients were those whose tumour was benign (not malignant) or in situ (malignant but not invasive) or of uncertain behaviour (uncertain whether benign or malignant), or for which the organ of origin was unknown. 4 Ovarian cancer (including associated ligaments and ducts) is coded as C56, C57.0-C57.7 in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). Source: Office for National Statistics and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Pay: Wrexham Median gross weekly earnings for employees1 in Wrexham constituency between April 2010 and April 2013 Year (April) Male Female Ian Lucas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what change there has been in median gross pay for 2010 *441.6 *321.8 women in Wrexham constituency since 2010; [191115] 20112,4 *427.1 *283.2 3,4 (2) what change there has been in median gross 2011 *425.7 *283.0 weekly earnings for (a) men and (b) women in 2012 *451.7 **291.9 2013 *453.8 *306.9 Wrexham constituency since 2010. [191138] Per cent change 2010 to 20135 3.1 -4.6 1 Employee jobs are defined as those held by employees and not the self- Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the employed. Figures relate to employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have pay-period was not affected by absence. ASHE is based on a 1% sample of asked the authority to reply. jobs taken from HM Revenue and Customs’ Pay As You Earn (PAYE) records. Consequently, individuals with more than one job may appear in the Letter from Glen Watson: sample more than once. 2 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I 3 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions 4 Estimates for years prior to 2011 are based on SOC 2000 and estimates for asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what change there has years after 2011 are based on SOC 2010. Figures are only considered to be been in median gross weekly earnings for (a) men and (b) women directly comparable if they are based on the same SOC. in Wrexham constituency since 2010(191138) and what change 5 In order to account for the series discontinuity, percentage changes between 2010 and 2013 were calculated by compounding growth rates between there has been in median gross pay for women in Wrexham individual years. Consequently, the percentage changes shown in the table do constituency since 2010.(191115) not correspond precisely to the actual percentage differences between the 2010 The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried and 2013 earnings estimates. out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of Guide to quality: The coefficient of variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure; the smaller earnings information in the United Kingdom. Weekly levels of the CV value, the higher the quality. earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period average of 200 with a CV of 5%, we would expect the population average to be were not affected by absence. Figures relate to employee jobs, within the range 180 to 220. which are defined as those held by employees and not the self- Key: * CV > 5% and <=10% employed. I attach a table showing estimates of median gross ** CV > 10% and <=20%. weekly earnings for employees in Wrexham constituency from Source: 2010 to 2013, the latest period for which results are available. Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office tor National Statistics. Figures are provided for male employees and female employees. In order to account for a discontinuity in the series in 2011, Unemployment: Older People percentage changes between 2010 and 2013 were calculated by compounding growth rates between individual years. Consequently, the percentage changes shown in the table do not correspond Ian Lucas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office precisely to the actual percentage differences between the 2010 what estimate he has made of the number of jobseekers over and 2013 earnings estimates. the age of (a) 50 and (b) 60 in (i) Wrexham constituency, 289W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 290W

(ii) Wales and (iii) the UK in the most recent period for offences. The CPS maintains a central record of the which figures are available. [191125] number of prosecutors who have been trained to deal with stalking and harassment offences by way of the Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the e-Learning course. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have The following data was extracted from the CPS HR asked the authority to reply. Database on 11 March 2014. The data is based on those Letter from Caron Walker, dated March 2014: barristers or solicitors who hold a practising certificate On behalf of the Director General for the Office for National in the relevant period. The data covers the period 1 Statistics (0NS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary November 2012 (the month when the online e-Learning Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office for the module was revised to include the new stalking offences) number of jobseekers over the age of (a) 50 and (b) 60 in (i) to 28 February 2014 (this is the latest possible data Wrexham constituency, (ii) Wales and (iii) the UK in the most available). The data includes only those lawyers who recent period for which figures are available. (191125) have completed the whole course, including the evaluation For this question Jobseekers has been interpreted as those module, as the database records e-learning based on claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) which covers about half of completion of all elements of the course. those considered to be unemployed. The Office for National Statistics (0NS) compiles data on the number of people claiming CPS Cyber Stalking e-Learning completions: Lawyers by CPS area JSA from the Jobcentre Plus Administrative System. Group Area Total The table shows the number of people aged 50 to 59, 60 and Casework divisions 65 over and 50 and over who were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in January 2014 resident in the requested geographies. Headquarters 13 National and local area estimates for many labour market National areas CPS Direct 266 statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant East Midlands 89 count are available on the NOMIS website at: East of England 70 http://www.nomisweb.co.uk London 207 Number1 of people claiming jobseeker’s allowance, January 2014, not seasonally Merseyside and 33 adjusted Cheshire Number North East 69 Aged 60 and Aged 50 and Aged 50 to 59 over over North West 94 South East 44 Wrexham 255 45 300 Wales 9,870 1,645 11,520 South West 39 United Kingdom 197,725 31,020 228,745 Thames and Chiltern 118 1 Rounded to nearest 5. Totals may not equal the sum of the independently Wales/Cymru 48 rounded components. Source: Wessex 28 Jobcentre Plus Administrative System. West Midlands 51 Yorkshire and 112 Humberside ATTORNEY-GENERAL Grand total 1,346 Stalking Mr Llwyd: To ask the Attorney-General in respect of Mr Llwyd: To ask the Attorney-General how many how many alleged offences under section 4A of the Crown Prosecution lawyers have been trained to deal Protection from Harassment Act 1997 proceedings are with offences of stalking under sections 2A and 4A of currently active in magistrates and Crown courts in the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, in each England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. Crown Prosecution Service area; and if he will make a [191333] statement. [191332] The Attorney-General: The Crown Prosecution Service The Attorney-General: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) maintain a central record of the number of (CPS) updated its Legal Guidance on Stalking and offences charged under section 4A of the Protection Harassment to reflect the new stalking offences under from Harassment Act 1997 that reached a first hearing sections 2A and 4A of the Protection from Harassment in the magistrates court but these records are held for Act 1997 prior to commencement of the stalking offences finalised cases only. It is not possible to ascertain the on 25 November 2012. In addition, the CPS developed number of currently active prosecutions. Such information an online e-Learning course called Cyber Crime: Cyber could be obtained only through a manual search of Stalking in September 2012, which is accessible to all records which would incur disproportionate cost. prosecutors. This course includes cyber stalking, non-cyber The CPS case management system records the number stalking and harassment. The course was revised in of finalised cases which reached a first hearing in the November 2012 to take into account the new stalking magistrates court as follows:

2012-13 2013-14

Protection from Harassment Act Stalking involving fear of violence 9 37 I997{4A(1)(a)(b)(i)and(5)} 291W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 292W

2012-13 2013-14

Protection from Harassment Act 1997 Stalking involving serious alarm/distress 10 106 {4A(l)(a)(b)(ii) and (5)} Total 19 143

There is no indication of final outcome or if the Broadband: Rural Areas offence charged was the offence at finalisation. Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Llwyd: To ask the Attorney-General in respect of Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department how many alleged offences under section 2A of the is taking to ensure that superfast broadband reaches Protection from Harassment Act 1997 proceedings are rural areas. [903029] currently active in magistrates courts in England and Wales. [191334] Mr Vaizey: The Government has committed a total of £790 million to support superfast broadband roll-out The Attorney-General: The Crown Prosecution Service across the UK. This includes £1,211 million announced (CPS) maintain a central record of the number of on 25 February 2014 to support roll-out in Wales, to offences charged under section 2A of the Protection add to the £56.9 million that we have already committed from Harassment Act 1997 that reached a first hearing to the Welsh Government’s project to provide superfast in the magistrates court but these records are held for broadband coverage to 691,000 premises in Wales. finalised cases only. It is not possible to ascertain the We are also investing £10 million to explore how to number of currently active prosecutions. Such information provide superfast broadband to the hardest to reach could be obtained only through a manual search of parts of the UK. records which would incur disproportionate cost. The CPS case management system records the number Direct Selling of finalised cases which reached a first hearing in the magistrates court as follows: Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has 2012-13 2013-14 made of the recommendations of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nuisance Calls’ report into Protection from Stalking without fear/ 72 405 Harassment Act alarm/distress nuisance calls; and whether she will issue a formal 1997 {2A(l)and(4)} response to that report. [190939]

There is no indication of final outcome or if the Mr Vaizey: Tackling nuisance calls is a priority for offence charged was the offence at finalisation. the Department and we note with interest the recommendations of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nuisance Calls. We welcome the work that has been undertaken by them in this important area of concern for consumers and while no formal response will be CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT issued, the APPG report has been very helpful in informing our thinking in this area that will be detailed further in our forthcoming Action Plan. Betting Shops: Licensing Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she plans to publish her Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Department’s action plan on nuisance calls. [191044] Culture, Media and Sport (1) how many times her Department has met (a) local authorities and (b) local Mr Vaizey: Tackling nuisance calls is a priority for government representative bodies to discuss licensing the Department and we will shortly publish our Action of betting shops since the appointment of the Minister Plan, which will set out our achievements to date, work for Sport, Tourism and Equalities; [191344] that is currently under way and our plans for the future. (2) how many times her Department has met (a) the National Association of Bookmakers and (b) English Heritage representatives from individual bookmakers since the appointment of the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Equalities. [191343] Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the resource needs of English Heritage over the next five Mrs Grant: The Department for Culture Media and years. [903013] Sport has held separate discussions with both the Association of British Bookmakers and local authorities Mr Vaizey: We announced plans at the last spending in relation to gambling matters. Since October 2013, round to create a new business model for English Heritage, DCMS has attended local government forums, written supported by £85 million of Government investment. A to local authorities and betting operators and held full business case for the new model is currently being several ministerial meetings with bookmakers and gambling finalised, which includes estimates of the capital and campaign groups. resource funding required. 293W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 294W

Film: Shropshire Telecommunications

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Culture, Media and Sport if she will hold discussions Media and Sport what timetable her Department has with UK and international film production companies adopted for reform of the Electronic Communications to promote Shropshire as a film location. [903026] Code. [191277]

Mr Vaizey: The British Film Commission and Creative Mr Vaizey: Since the Law Commission published its England hold regular discussions with film production report on the reform of the Electronic Communications companies to promote the UK, including Shropshire, as Code in February 2013, my Department has been a film destination. It is this success, along with our considering the implications of the recommendations world-class talent and crew, studio space and generous on network roll-out and service provision to consumers. tax reliefs that has attracted investment in UK film In January 2014 we published an economic analysis of production of over £1 billion last year. the impact of various wayleave valuation regimes. A copy of this report has been placed in the House of Gaming Machines Commons Library. The analysis work is ongoing and I will make public the timetable for the reform of the Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Electronic Communications Code in due course. Culture, Media and Sport when the research on fixed odds betting terminals to be conducted by the Responsible Television: Licensing Gambling Trust is due to be completed and published. [191342] Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people were fined Mrs Grant: The Responsible Gambling Trust’s research for not holding a television licence in (a) Gillingham programme into category B gaming machines is due to and Rainham constituency, (b) Medway, (c) Kent and report and be made public in autumn 2014. (d) England in 2013. [190967] Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has Mr Vaizey: The statistics for the number of people made of whether £100 stakes in fixed-odds betting fined for not holding a television licence in the UK in terminal machines in betting shops contribute to problem 2013 are compiled by the Ministry of Justice. They will gambling. [903031] be published on the Ministry of Justice website in May 2014. The published figures will not be broken down Mrs Grant: The Government remains concerned about into specific areas or constituencies. fixed odds betting terminals and their potential association with an elevated risk of gambling harm. The review previously announced by the Prime Minister will determine what further measures may be necessary in addition to BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS enhanced player protection measures introduced earlier Apprentices this month. Local Press Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses in Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, (a) Coventry, (b) Coventry North East constituency, Media and Sport what information her Department (c) the West Midlands and (d) England employed an holds on the number of local newspapers that have apprentice in each of the last five years. [191278] closed since May 2010; and what steps she plans to take to support such newspapers. [903018] Matthew Hancock: Information is not available on Mr Vaizey: The Department does not hold that the number of businesses employing apprentices. information. Our local press plays a valuable role in local Table 1 shows the number of employer workplaces communities and we appreciate the challenges facing (site level) in Coventry North East Constituency, Coventry the sector. We have removed cross-media ownership rules, Local Education Authority, the West Midlands and to allow the development of new business models, and England that employed apprentices from 2010/11 to in addition, the Local Audit and Accountability Bill 2012/13. Information for earlier years is not readily will prevent unfair competition from council newspapers. available.

Table 1: Employer Workplaces that Employed Apprentices by Geography, 2010/11 to 2012/13 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

Coventry North East Constituency 300 400 500 Coventry Local Education Authority 1,100 1,300 1,400 The West Midlands 19,100 22,400 25,700 England 173,600 204,800 228,700 Notes: 1. The figures are a count of number of individual employer workplaces (site level). 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100. 3. Geographic information is based on the delivery location of the Apprenticeship. Note that some employer workplaces deliver Apprenticeship in more than one location. Source: Individualised Learner Record 295W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 296W

Ballooning: Safety We also have a consistent set of tax incentives driving fleet and private purchasers towards ever cleaner cars Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for and we are revising Government buying standards to Business, Innovation and Skills what representations he increase adoption within the public sector. has made about the regulatory burden imposed by the We are now developing our proposals for the shape of European Aviation Safety Agency on hot air balloon our 2015-20 support package and analysing contributions manufacturers; and if he will make a statement. from industry to our recent call for evidence. We aim to [190781] finalise a draft package of measures by the spring, before seeking state aid clearance from the European Mr Goodwill: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Commission. the Department for Transport. Energy: Industry The adoption of common type certification and airworthiness standards for balloons has benefited balloon Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, manufacturers by enabling them to freely market their Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer given to products in all member states. However, we recognise the hon. Member for Corby of 27 February 2014, that some aspects of the EU implementing rules on Official Report, columns 406-07, how much compensation aviation safety may place a disproportionate burden on beyond the £28 million already stated for the Emission the general aviation sector, including balloon manufacturers. Trading System is expected to be provided; and when We have raised this concern with the European Commission that additional compensation will be provided. [191141] and the European Aviation Safety Agency. They accept that the implementing rules need to be proportionate to Michael Fallon: Compensation for the EU Emissions the activity been undertaken. As a result, areas of Trading System runs from January 2013 to March 2016. possible over-regulation of the general aviation sector In addition to the £28 million already paid out in are being addressed under the European Commission’s compensation, we expect to pay a further £60 million General Aviation Strategy and its REFIT Programme. over the life of the scheme. ICT: Employment Cybercrime: Crime Prevention Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for number of jobs which remain unfilled in the UK online Business, Innovation and Skills what contribution cyber- and digital industries due to a lack of people with the security exports made to the UK economy in (a) 2010-11, prerequisite skills for those jobs. [191111] (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13. [191109] Matthew Hancock: Data from the UK Commission Michael Fallon: The total value of UK cyber-security for Employment and Skills ’Employer Skills Survey’ exports is as follows: gives us a snapshot of vacancies at a particular time. The 2013 survey showed that the Information Economy £ million sector had around 6,000 vacancies that were deemed to (a) 2010 1— be hard to fill for skills related reasons. The sector also reported higher than average skill shortage vacancies (b) 2011 805 (6.9 per 1,000 employees as opposed to 5.4 for all (c) 2012 852 sectors) at the time of the survey. 1 Data not available. Source: Data for 2013 will be available later this year. BIS analysis of UKCES Employer Skills Survey 2013: http://www.ukces.org.uk/publications/er81-ukces-ess-13

Electric Vehicles Land Registry

Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what data the Land Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking Registry holds on the number of leasehold domestic to support the use of electric vehicles. [190962] premises in (a) Worthing West constituency, (b) Worthing borough, (c) Arun district, (d) West Sussex county, Michael Fallon: The Government committed £400 million (e) South East England region, (f) England and (g) to support the early market for ultra low emission England and Wales; what data collection the Land vehicles to 2015 and has committed a further £500 million Registry makes on housing tenure types; and if he will from 2015 to 2020. make a statement. [191127] In January 2014, we launched a joint Government and industry information campaign to enthuse and Michael Fallon: Land Registry does not hold data engage vehicle purchasers and dispel widespread myths. which would identify a property as domestic or commercial. The UK currently has one of the most comprehensive However, the number can be split between those owned support packages anywhere in the world with discounts by private and non-private individuals. Land Registry for eligible vehicles, grants for chargepoints at home, on does not store data at constituency level; Worthing West street and in train station car parks, and a growing constituency comprises Worthing district and a small network of super-fast rapid chargepoints which will be area of Arun district. Therefore, data for both districts Europe’s best by 2015. has been provided, along with the combined figure. 297W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 298W

Leasehold titles Leasehold titles owned by private Leasehold titles not owned by individuals private individuals

Worthing district 12,756 11,508 1,248 Arun district 13,740 11,796 1,944 Combined Worthing and Arun districts 26,496 23,304 3,192 West Sussex 64,811 54,397 10,414 South East England 649,941 533,038 116,903 England 4,582,775 3,783,520 799,255 England and Wales 4735363 3902728 832635

As part of the process of registration, Land Registry Offshore Industry holds and collects data on the tenure type of every registered property. This tenure can be absolute freehold or leasehold, possessory freehold or leasehold, qualified Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for freehold or leasehold or good leasehold. On their website, Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking Land Registry provides a dataset inventory showing the to support UK manufacturing in offshore projects electronic data they hold, but the actual tenure data based on the UK continental shelf. [191351] requested is not published. Motor Vehicles: Insurance Michael Fallon: The Oil and Gas Strategy launched in March 2013 was developed in partnership with industry. It offers investment confidence and security by setting Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for out a clear path to exploit the UK’s remaining resources Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has and overcome an increasingly challenging production made of the Competition Commission’s decision not environment. The UK supply chain is integral to the to consider issues specific to Northern Ireland within success of the UK Continental Shelf and Government their inquiry into the car insurance industry. [191262] and industry have committed to work together to strengthen it. Jenny Willott: It is for the UK’s independent competition authorities to decide on the scope of their inquiries We are also working to ensure UK firms can exploit following consultation with affected parties. In this opportunities on the UK Continental Shelf and build case, the Competition Commission (CC) initially considered on the £27 billion of revenues (in 2011) which they that the private motor insurance industry in Northern already generate in the UK. Fabrication has been identified Ireland might contain aspects of competition which as one area to target to ensure the industry remains differed from that of the rest of the United Kingdom. competitive in UK as well as international markets. However, on examination of the market in Northern Ireland, the CC did not consider it to be significantly different from the picture of competition in the rest of Technology: Young People the UK, and therefore assessed it as a part of the full investigation. The CC’s provisional assessment of the Northern Irish market is set out in Appendix 5.2 of its Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Provisional Findings report, published on 19 December Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate his 2013. Department has made of the number of young people without a university qualification working in the (a) Official Receiver high-tech manufacturing and (b) space industry. [190889] Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many complaints Michael Fallon: High-tech manufacturing is defined about the Official Receiver were received in each year by international organisations including Eurostat as the between 2010 and 2014. [190894] industries manufacturing pharmaceuticals; computer, electronics and optical products; or aircraft, spacecraft Jenny Willott: Since 2010, the Insolvency Service and related machinery (Standard Industrial Classification received the following number of complaints about the 21, 26 and 30.3). official receiver: According to the Labour Force Survey (LFS), around Official receiver complaints 61% of those aged 16 to 24 working in high-tech manufacturing in the year to September 2013 did not 2009/10 1— have a higher education qualification. We have used the 2010/11 248 LFS, although it is a survey of individuals, to provide 2011/12 300 this answer as it includes information on the age and 2012/13 228 qualifications of workers. However, the Office for National 2013/14 (to end February 2014) 206 Statistic’s preferred sources for industry employment 1 Unknown. statistics are employer surveys, so rather than providing The Insolvency Service does not hold any records to an estimated level we have provided a percentage estimate. identify separately complaints about official receivers There are no data held by Government available on for 2009/10. In that year 224 total complaints were the number of young people without a university received. qualification working in the space industry. 299W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 300W

TREASURY Stamp Duty Land Tax: Greater London

Bank Services Nick de Bois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the potential Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for devolution of stamp duty land tax to the London what right of appeal account holders have in disputes Assembly. [190753] over dormant bank accounts. [191076] Mr Gauke: SDLT is an important source of Government Sajid Javid: Account holders and their heirs are able revenue, raising several billion pounds each year to help to reclaim money from dormant bank accounts at any pay for the essential services the Government provides time. and supports on a national basis. If an account holder has a complaint about a dormant Different tax rates in different parts of the country bank account, their first recourse should be to their are likely to create a distortive effect around borders, bank’s customer complaints department. If the account with negative effects on the property markets either side holder is not happy with their bank’s response, they will of the borders. be eligible to apply to have a further review conducted Devolution of SDLT to sub-national authorities would by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS represent a significant change to the existing tax system provides a free and independent dispute resolution service with potential legal, economic and constitutional for bank customers. implications. There are no currently no plans to devolve these Excise Duties: Alcoholic Drinks powers to the London assembly but the Government continues to keep all taxes under review. Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what (a) amount and (b) percentage per VAT: Tourism average bottle alcohol excise duty increased between (i) 1997 and 2010 and (ii) 2010 and 2014; and if he will Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer make a statement. [191676] what recent assessment he has made of the potential benefits of a sector-specific cut in VAT for the tourism Nicky Morgan: Current and historic Wine of Fresh industry. [191207] Grape and Made Wine duty rates for each strength-related band are available in table 12 of HMRC’s monthly Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Alcohol Bulletin, which is published here: that I gave on 11 February 2014, Official Report, https://www.uktradeinfo.com/Statistics/Pages/ columns 212-14WH. TaxAndDutybulletins.aspx The average wine bottle falls into the tax category for Video Games: Regulation still wine of alcoholic strength 5.5% to 15%. Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mortgages what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on reducing the Mr Kennedy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer regulatory burden on video games producers. [190605] what recent discussions he has had with mortgage lenders on their policy that domestic mortgages must Mr Gauke: Treasury Ministers and officials meet be repaid in full before the mortgagor’s 75th birthday. with ministerial colleagues and others, as part of the process of policy formulation and development. As has [190899] been the case under successive administrations, it is not Sajid Javid: The Government is determined that lenders the Treasury’s practice to publish details of such meetings. should treat borrowers fairly. The independent Financial The Government remains committed to introducing Conduct Authority sets the rules lenders are required to tax relief for video games producers as soon as possible; meet to ensure that consumers are treated fairly. efficiency and simplification were key design aspects for The Financial Services Authority conducted a wholesale the relief. review of mortgage regulation in the UK, the ’Mortgage Market Review’, which will be implemented by the Financial Conduct Authority in April this year. NORTHERN IRELAND The Mortgage Market Review rules ensure that lenders carry out a robust assessment of the affordability of any Army mortgage, including for mortgages that extend into the borrower’s retirement. Where older consumers have the Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for means to support repayments, as many do through Northern Ireland what recent assessment she has made employment, pensions, or other sources of income such of the investigation into the operation of the Military as investments, the rules do not prevent them from Reaction Force in Northern Ireland. [191261] accessing a mortgage. As long as lenders are meeting the appropriate legal Mrs Villiers: As allegations against the Military Reaction and regulatory requirements, decisions on whether to Force are being considered by the Police Service of apply age limits to their mortgage products are commercial Northern Ireland, it would be inappropriate for me to decisions for individual lenders. comment at this time. 301W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 302W

EDUCATION Elizabeth Truss: The most recent official visits to children’s centres made by Ministers at the Department Children: Autism for Education are as follows: The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove) visited Norwood Education what guidance he has issued to schools on Kennedy Leigh Family Centre, Hendon on 3 November 2013. ensuring inclusive practice for children with autism The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and spectrum disorders. [191372] Families, my hon. Friend the Member for Crewe and Nantwich (Mr Timpson) visited Stone Grove Children’s Centre, Edgware Mr Timpson: The Department for Education funds on 27 November 2012. the Autism Education Trust which provides training to I visited Westfield Children’s Centre, Watford, Hertfordshire mainstream early years, school and further education on 13 November 2013. providers on autism and meeting the needs of children These visits do not include political or constituency and young people with the condition. The trust has also visits. developed “Tools for Teachers”, which brings together resources for meeting these children’s and young people’s Secure Accommodation needs and advice on how to use them. The Department will be publishing a new Special Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Educational Needs Code of Practice for approval by how many places are occupied in each secure children’s Parliament in due course. This will provide improved home; and what the total capacity is of each such guidance on identifying children and young people’s institution. [191385] needs and providing for them in appropriate settings. Mr Timpson: The following table indicates the number Children’s Centres of places licensed by Ofsted for each secure children’s home (SCH), the number of places actually being offered Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education by each home and the occupancy split by welfare and when (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department last justice young people. The occupancy has been averaged visited a Sure Start children’s centre that was not in out over a seven-day period to provide a more accurate their constituency. [191374] current occupancy rate.

Welfare beds Justice beds occupied average occupied average SCH/Provider Beds available Welfare beds last seven days Justice beds last seven days

Aldine House Sheffield CC 8 4 4 4 4 Atkinson Devon CC 10 10 9 0 0 Aycliffe Durham CC 32 8 8 24 19 Barton Moss Salford CC 20 2 2 18 12 Beechfield West Sussex CC 7 7 7 0 0 Clare Lodge Peterborough CC 16 16 16 0 0 Clayfields House Nottinghamshire CC 18 4 5 14 13 East Moor Leeds CC 27 2 2 25 22 Kyloe House Northumberland CC 12 12 12 0 0 Lansdowne East Sussex CC 7 7 7 0 0 Leverton Hall Essex CC 6 6 6 0 0 Lincolnshire—Lincolnshire CC 12 2 2 10 10 Red Bank St Helens CC 29 8 0 21 14 St Catherine’s Nugent Care 12 12 12 0 0 Swanwick Lodge Hampshire CC 10 4 4 6 6 Vinney Green 24 3 2 21 21

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS George Eustice: The recent announcement described the priorities for and main elements of the new Agriculture: Environment Protection environmental land management scheme. Among other things, it responds to the views expressed in the CAP Implementation consultation exercise we undertook in Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for last November. We will be making further details available Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with regard to over the coming months, including about targeting, payment the environmental land management scheme announced rates and expected benefits. Once this design phase has on 26 February 2014, if he will provide further details been completed we will need approval from the European on (a) how the scheme will be targeted, (b) whether Commission before we implement the new scheme. specific local areas have been identified for the scheme, Ash Dieback Disease (c) what the (i) minimum and (ii) maximum grants available to farmers are, (d) when the scheme will be Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for open for applications to farmers and (e) what assessment Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he his Department has made of the potential environmental has made of the geographical spread and impact of ash benefits of this scheme. [190487] dieback disease. [190903] 303W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 304W

Dan Rogerson: As of 3 March there were a total of ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE 632 confirmed findings of ash dieback caused by ‘Chalara fraxinea’ in the UK, of which 405 were in England. The Coal Gasification and Carbon Sequestration: North total is made up of 26 nurseries, 345 recent planting East sites and 261 in the wider environment. While there has been a steady increase in the number of findings since Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the national survey undertaken in November 2012, Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has there has been a fairly modest spread of the disease over made of the future prospects for coal gasification and the last year. carbon capture and storage projects in the North East. To date, ‘Chalara’ has been confirmed in: Derbyshire, [190613] Dorset, Somerset, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Kent, Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Devon, Michael Fallon: The Government undertook a feasibility Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Leicestershire and study of underground coal gasification (UCG) in 20041 Northumberland. which concluded that, in conjunction with carbon capture Epidemiological modelling on the basis of current and storage, UCG has the potential to contribute to the evidence suggests that the pathogen is likely to continue UK’s energy requirements. to spread in Great Britain, although there is likely to be The Coal Authority is the licensing body for the noticeable regional variation, with areas in the south exploitation of coal and, as of now, six conditional east, east and south west most affected. These predictions licences have been issued near offshore in the North are likely to change as additional information becomes East and there are another two applications pending available from ongoing research. decision in the region. There are not yet any CCS prospects in the North East but a pilot study is being funded in Teesside. Ferrets: Tagging 1 “Review of the feasibility of Underground Coal Gasification in the UK” was published in October 2004 (DTI/Pub URN 04/1643): Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http:// Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations www.berr.gov.uk/files/file19143.pdf he has received from (a) the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and (b) the Countryside Energy: Competition Alliance on micro-chipping ferrets to reduce thefts of those animals. [191381] Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 27 February George Eustice: The Department has received no 2014, Official Report, column 401, on energy market such representations. competition, by what criteria his Department assesses the competitiveness of the energy market. [190666]

Hill Farming Michael Fallon: There are established competition indicators including market characteristics (such as market concentration) and market outcomes (such as prices Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for and profits and levels of consumer engagement). These Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans he are set out in the Competition Commission Guidelines has to ensure that the upland entry level scheme is for market investigations: maintained; and what discussions he has had of other http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/assets/ funding mechanisms to assist upland farmers. [191286] competitioncommission/docs/2013/publications/ cc3_revised_.pdf George Eustice: On 19 December last year we announced The independent competition authorities (Ofgem, that the new environmental land management scheme, Oft and the new Competition and Markets Authority) which is being finalised, would replace existing Entry are currently carrying out an energy market competition Level Stewardship. Independent scientific scrutiny has assessment. shown the need for a more targeted approach that The competition authorities published their assessment better delivers environmental outcomes. The new scheme framework on 19 December and are due to report in will be open to upland farmers. spring 2014: However, in recognition of the particular hardships https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-publications/85260/ faced by upland farmers, and the marginal basis on assessmentframework18decfinal.pdf which they operate, we also announced that we would equalise direct payment rates between upland and lowland Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy farmers by increasing the rate per hectare in the non- and Climate Change pursuant to the answer to the hon. moorland Severely Disadvantaged Areas (SDA). In Member for Wirral South of 27 February 2014, Official addition, we undertook to carry out further modelling Report, column 398, on energy prices, what the evidential to look at an increase to the direct payment rate in the basis is for the statement that next-day trading has increased moorlands. We expect to make an announcement on to more than 50 per cent of electricity. [190668] the moorland rate later in the spring. Our proposals were subject to full public consultation Michael Fallon: The Department of Energy and Climate and we continue to work with a range of upland Change has calculated that, on average, for 2013 just stakeholders, including those who make up DEFRA’s over 52% of UK electricity generated was traded within Direct Payments Consultative Group. the day-ahead markets. This calculation was made using 305W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 306W data on UK electricity trading volumes and generation Michael Fallon: The Department of Energy and Climate from a variety of sources. The data are a mixture of Change has not carried out an assessment of the proportion auction, exchange traded and OTC trading data for of UK energy which shale gas might supply over the day-ahead UK electricity volumes. These are then compared next 20 years. The Department has, however, published to UK generation data. The data sources used for this an Environmental Report which is currently out for are: consultation as part of the process of strategic Day-ahead APX and N2EX electricity auction volumes data environmental assessment for further onshore licensing. (sourced from Bloomberg); The report is available at: Day-ahead OTC electricity volume data from the London https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/environmental- Energy Broker’s Association (LEBA) (sourced from the LEBA report-for-further-onshore-oil-and-gas-licensing website); On the assumptions of its high scenario, this report UK electricity generation data (sourced from the Elexon website). estimates that production on new licences over 20 years could be some 4 to 8 trillion cubic feet. In addition, the Energy: Coventry British Geological Society (BGS) published an estimate of the gas in place in the Bowland-Hodder shale that underlies northern England, last year. It estimated that Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the most probable value of gas in place as 1,300 trillion Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has cubic feet. The BGS is currently conducting a study of made of the Coventry Switch and Save scheme supported the Kimmeridge Clay of the Weald Basin in Surrey and by the Cheaper Energy Together fund. [191201] Sussex, and the Oil-Shale Group of the Midland Valley in Scotland. Michael Fallon: The Department has published an assessment of schemes supported by the Cheaper Energy The Department’s energy projections suggests that Together scheme, including the Coventry city council over the next two decades, overall primary energy demand scheme. This is available at this link: in the UK is expected to remain roughly stable with gas accounting for over a third of such demand. Until https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ further exploration and testing can be done to determine attachment_data/file/253862/Helping_Customers_Switch _Collective_ Switching_and_Beyond_final__2_.pdf the extent of shale gas that can be technically and commercially recovered, however, it is impossible to estimate the proportion it might supply in the UK’s Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for future energy mix. Energy and Climate Change what funding his Department has allocated to the Coventry Switch and Save scheme through the Cheaper Energy Together fund. [191281] Green Deal Scheme

Michael Fallon: The Department allocated funding Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for of £63,000 to Coventry city council through the Cheaper Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of Energy Together fund. 25 November 2013, Official Report, columns 11-12W, on the Green Deal scheme, what estimate he has made Energy: Prices of the number of (a) Green Deal assessments made, (b) Green Deal plans installed and billed and (c) energy company obligation measures installed in (i) the Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for UK, (ii) Scotland, (iii) England and (iv) Wales in each Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of month since June 2013. [191284] 16 January 2014, Official Report, column 990, on the wholesale energy market, whether his Department has Gregory Barker: The Department publishes the number undertaken an impact assessment of the effects of ring of Green Deal Assessments lodged in Great Britain in fencing between supply and generation businesses each month in Table 2 of its monthly Green Deal and within vertically integrated companies. [191285] Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Official Statistics release: Michael Fallon: The Government uses impact assessments https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/green-deal-and- to assess the costs and benefits of Government policy. energy-company-obligation-eco-monthly-statistics-february- For example the Department undertook an impact 2014) assessment on the costs and benefits of taking powers in the Energy Act to address liquidity. Table (a) presents separately the number of Green Deal Assessments lodged in England, Scotland and Ring-fencing between supply and generation businesses Wales for each month between June and September 2013. is not a Government policy and therefore the Department Table (a): Number of Green Deal Assessments lodged in England, Scotland and has not undertaken a formal impact assessment on the Wales, by month potential effects. England Scotland Wales

Fracking June 2013 12,187 640 690 July 2013 11,993 919 733 August 2013 11,066 1,349 672 Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for September 2013 11,722 1,533 712 Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the proportion of UK energy which may be The Department publishes the number of Green supplied through extraction of shale gas over the next Deal Plans in Table 3 of its monthly Official Statistics 20 years. [190969] release. The Department will publish geographic 307W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 308W breakdowns of Green Deal Plans installed and billed in Housing: Insulation its next quarterly release, which is planned for publication on 20 March 2014. Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer to the hon. The Department publishes the provisional number of Member for West Dunbartonshire of 27 February 2014, ECO measures installed in Great Britain in each month Official Report, column 389, on energy efficiency, what in Table 5 of the monthly Official Statistics release. his Department’s policy is on loft insulation. [190670] Table (b) following presents separately the provisional number of ECO measures installed in England, Scotland Gregory Barker: It is important that lofts with inadequate and Wales for each month between June and September insulation should be fully insulated. It is also important 2013. that, wherever possible, those that can afford to pay for this themselves do so—ideally as part of a wider package of measures, and not rely on subsidy which is best Table b: Provisional number of ECO measures installed in England, Scotland reserved for the most needy. and Wales, by month1,2,3 Natural Gas Installation month England Scotland Wales Sarah Newton: To ask the Secretary of State for June 2013 28,014 3701 27380 Energy and Climate Change how many connections to July 2013 36,817 5,225 2,869 the gas grid have been made in each constituency in August 2013 40,933 6,308 2,956 each year since 2010. [191005] September 48,752 6,316 3,409 2013 Michael Fallon: The figures set out as follows are for 1 ECO measures installed in earlier installation months can be notified at a later gas grid connections that fall under the eight gas distribution date under some circumstances. Some notified measures can be reallocated to networks in Great Britain. These figures are not typically different ECO sub-obligations and so are subject to change. 2 The sum of these breakdowns do not match the Great Britain figures recorded by constituency. These figures do not include published in the monthly Official Statistics release. Monthly figures are based gas transmission, nor do they include Independent Gas on later cuts of data. Transporters (IGTs) as IGTs are not regulated (they are 3 Excludes a small number of ECO measures where the address is unknown. part of a relative price control as part of Ofgem’s remit). Green Deal and ECO do not cover Northern Ireland Please see following figures from 1 April 2010 until and, hence, United Kingdom figures are not applicable. 31 March 2013:

2010-11 New housing Existing housing Industrial/commercial Fuel poor Total

East of England 1,528 4,083 22 1,125 6,758 London 348 948 17 357 1,670 North West 452 1,451 22 1,981 3,906 West Midlands 480 1,421 6 1,059 2,966 Northern Gas Networks 1,935 4,129 470 801 7,335 Scotland 560 5,385 396 3,768 10,109 Southern 3,656 6,077 699 626 11,058 Wales and West 2,703 6,894 755 1,779 12,131 Industry 11,662 30,388 2,387 11,496 55,933

2011-12 New housing Existing housing Industrial/commercial Fuel poor Total

East of England 2,097 4,227 79 2,214 8,617 London 675 1,503 149 378 2,705 North West 662 1,844 58 1,858 4,422 West Midlands 637 1,564 47 954 3,202 Northern Gas Networks 1,569 3,640 468 1,804 7,481 Scotland 439 4,620 330 4,533 9,922 Southern 4,057 5,691 642 725 11,115 Wales and West 2,929 5,983 688 2,205 11,805 Industry 13,065 29,072 2,461 14,671 59,269

2012-13 New housing Existing housing Industrial/commercial Fuel poor Total

East of England 1,559 4,534 74 2,748 8,915 London 635 1,145 68 200 2,048 North West 494 1,523 57 1,943 4,017 West Midlands 469 1,257 47 1,206 2,979 Northern Gas Networks 1,187 3,341 407 914 5,849 309W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 310W

2012-13 New housing Existing housing Industrial/commercial Fuel poor Total

Scotland 378 7,531 295 2,801 11,005 Southern 3,405 6,577 458 120 10,560 Wales and West 2,653 5,069 556 2,105 10,383 Industry 10,780 30,977 1,962 12,037 55,756

Total gas grid connections over this period are 170,958. Michael Fallon: The Secretary of State for Energy Of this figure, 90,437 connections were as part of the and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Kingston Domestic Load Connection Allowance scheme and 38,204 and Surbiton (Mr Davey), has not received any reports as part of the Fuel Poverty Extension scheme (or Assisted of safety breaches in this respect. Similarly, the Office Gas Connection scheme). The remaining 42,317 for Nuclear Regulation assures me that it has not received connections are new housing connections and non-domestic any reports of safety breaches meeting the reporting connections (35,507 and 6,810 respectively). criteria during clearance operations within this facility. Radioactive Materials: Irish Sea

Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT and Climate Change how many incidents of safety Betting Shops breaches occurred during transport of nuclear material through the Irish Sea in each of the last five years. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for [191264] Communities and Local Government which local Michael Fallon: The Office for Nuclear Regulation authorities, which have issued Article 4 directions, have (ONR) has published reports on three incidents during subsequently received planning applications for change the last five years that involved radioactive material of use to a betting shop in the last year. [191346] being shipped via ports which would have travelled through the Irish sea. All incidents were reported and Nick Boles: This information is not held centrally. addressed. These incidents represented breaches of the Community Assets regulations covering the transport of radioactive material but did not affect the safety of the packages involved Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for and had no radiological implications. Reports of these Communities and Local Government how many incidents can be found on the ONR website at: facilities have been listed as assets of community value www.hse.gov.uk/nuclear/transport/guidance.htm under the Localism Act 2011 to date. [190964] under reference ’2009033’ in the 2010 report and references ‘2011028’ and ‘2011026’ in the 2011 report. Stephen Williams: Local authorities are responsible for administering the assets of community value scheme. Renewable Energy The Government does not require local authorities to report on the numbers and types of buildings and Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for facilities that have been nominated and listed as assets Energy and Climate Change how much investment in of community value. However we estimate that from the Green Energy sector there was in each year between February of this year over 900 assets have been listed 2005 and 2013. [190662] across England. Gregory Barker: At present, there is no official statistical Empty Property definition of “green sector”or “low carbon”so investment figures are not recorded in these terms. Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for DECC, BIS and DEFRA have recently commissioned Communities and Local Government what estimate he work to produce a range of statistics on the green has made of the number of empty homes in (a) Harrogate energy sector later this year. and Knaresborough constituency, (b) Yorkshire and Office for National Statistics data (ONS Annual Business the Humber and (c) England in each of the last three Survey) is available for investment in the electricity financial years. [190963] sector, and these figures indicate that, from 2005 to 2009, average investment in the electricity sector was Stephen Williams: Statistics on vacant dwellings in around £5 billion per year. This has increased in the England and in each local authority district are published period since 2010 to almost £8 billion per year, with in the Department’s live table 615 which is available at investment in 2012 exceeding £10 billion—the highest the following link. This table shows the annual total figure on record. numbers of empty homes and those vacant longer than six months and also vacants in the local authority, Sellafield housing association and other public sector tenures: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live- Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy tables-on-dwelling-stock-including-vacants and Climate Change what reports he has received of Data is collected only at local authority district level safety breaches during the clearance of the Pile Fuel and is not available by parliamentary constituency. As Storage Pond at Sellafield nuclear plant. [191265] outlined in the written ministerial statement of 18 September 311W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 312W

2012, Official Report, columns 31-33WS, my Department https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/making-local- no longer publishes statistics by Government office councils-more-transparent-and-accountable-to-local-people/ region. Local authority figures from which regional supporting-pages/single-data-list estimates can be calculated can be found at the above We have one of the strongest safety nets in the link. world—protected in law—which means that people with The figures show that the number of long-term empty a priority need for accommodation will always have a homes in England has fallen by over 40,800 from October roof over their heads. We have maintained our £470 2010 to October 2012. million investment to help prevent and tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. In addition, I would note that the New Homes Bonus also records long-term empty homes being brought Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for back into use, and figures show that it has recorded Communities and Local Government what steps he is 93,000 homes to date (over a longer time period) being taking to tackle women’s homelessness. [191330] returned to occupation. Kris Hopkins: This Government has invested £470 Fire Services: Floods million to prevent and tackle all forms of homelessness over the spending review period. The homelessness John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for legislation in England provides one of the strongest Communities and Local Government how many flood safety nets in the world for families with children and rescues and flood evacuations were carried out in England vulnerable people who become homeless through no by firefighters from each fire and rescue service in each fault of their own. of the months of December 2013, January and February The Government is committed to tackling and preventing 2014. [191035] all forms of homelessness and rough sleeping the Government. We have: Brandon Lewis: The Department receives fire and Invested nearly £2 million to stop the unlawful practice of rescue incident data to a quarterly timetable and data councils placing families in bed and breakfast for more than six for this period are not yet available. weeks; Supported the roll out of ’No Second Night Out’ schemes Homelessness: Females across England, helping 67% of rough sleepers off the streets after a single night; Invested £42.5 million to improve rough sleeper hostels; Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Made it easier for councils to help move homeless families out Communities and Local Government if he will publish of temporary accommodation more quickly by using good-quality data on the level of women’s homelessness; and if he privately rented accommodation—backed up by a £1 billion will ensure that such data includes (a) the number of investment to expand the rented sector; and women who become homeless in a reporting period Supported local authorities to deliver high quality housing and (b) the length of their homelessness. [191329] solutions for vulnerable people through the Gold Standard scheme. Councils aiming for the Standard are supported by £1.7 million Kris Hopkins: The Department already collects and worth of training and other support. publishes some information relating to homeless women. In particular, figures on the following are collected on Housing: Construction quarterly returns from local authorities and published at Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables- Communities and Local Government how much was on-homelessness spent on the Get Britain Building Scheme in (a) 2011, in the live tables indicated: (b) 2012 and (c) 2013. [190130] Table 773 Kris Hopkins [holding answer 5 March 2014]: The Households in the ’household member pregnant’ priority need Get Britain Building programme is on track and on category accepted as homeless during the quarter course, and the spending reflects the timetable of the Table 780 programme. It has been helping clear up the mess that one-person female households accepted as homeless during the we inherited from the Labour Government’s housing quarter bust. lone parent households with a female applicant accepted as My answer to the hon. Member of 27 February 2014, homeless during the quarter Official Report, column 445W, outlined the progress to Table 781 date in unlocking stalled sites (with 11,165 starts as of one-person female households in temporary accommodation at that date), and how the programme is supporting new the end of the quarter, build housing to be completed by 2015. lone parent households with a female applicant in temporary The prospectus for the first round of Get Britain accommodation at the end of the quarter Building programme was published on 22 December The Department has no plans to collect any further 2011. The prospectus for the second round was published information relating directly to homeless women. Along on 21 June 2012. In both cases, the expressions of with other Government Departments, it is seeking to reduce interest received after each prospectus were followed by the data reporting burden that it places on local authorities, due diligence and a contract agreement process. In that in line with the Single Data list arrangements that have light, there was no expenditure in 2011, £29 million in been agreed with the Local Government Association. 2012 and £281 million in 2013. The remainder of the More details of these arrangements are available at: budget will be spent by 2014-15 to the planned timetable. 313W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 314W

Each contract agreement includes arrangements for Further details on the £5,000 “repair and renew” the financial drawdowns under the facility, and there grant for all affected homeowners and businesses has may be a number of drawdowns as a site is built out. been announced. The information can be found on my Since interest is payable on the loans, contractors will Department’s web pages here: drawdown the agreed development finance as needed. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flood-support- This explains why government expenditure will be incurred package-for-homeowners-and-businesses over the course of the programme rather than all up £750 million from the major banks has been made front; however, the existence of the finance facility in available to provide financial support to businesses and itself gives developers the confidence and financial security individual customers affected by the floods. to get building again. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs will consider any request for a Time To Pay extension for customers Local Government: Assets affected by the recent flooding. National Fire assets have been pre deployed and John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for deployed as and when needed to affected areas. Communities and Local Government how many bowling In addition, Somerset will receive more than £20 million greens have been listed as assets of community value. to deal with—and recover from—the severe floods. [190316] I would refer the hon. Member to the statements that Stephen Williams [holding answer 6 March 2014]: Government Ministers have made to the House on Local authorities are responsible for administering the flood recovery to date. Assets of Community Value scheme. The Government does not require local authorities to report on the Right to Buy Scheme numbers and types of buildings and facilities that have been nominated and listed as Assets of Community Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Value. Under the scheme, local authorities maintain a Communities and Local Government what assessment list of assets that have been listed in their area which his Department has made of the effect of reducing the they must make available on request. The proposed new qualifying period of right to buy from five to three local government Transparency Code also recommends years on the feasibility of local authorities ensuring a that councils publish their own community assets online. replacement of homes sold. [191288]

Recovery Ministerial Group Kris Hopkins: The Government intends to reduce the qualifying period for the right to buy from five years to Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for three years through the Deregulation Bill. We have Communities and Local Government what steps to produced an impact assessment on this change, including assist communities affected by the flooding and bad its impact on replacement policy. weather since the Christmas storm his Department has The impact assessment shows that the change to the taken as a result of decisions of the Ministerial qualifying period will enable increased home ownership Recovery Working Group. [186140] among social tenants, while ensuring sufficient sales receipts to deliver a new home for each additional home Brandon Lewis [holding answer 4 February 2014]: So sold under the reinvigorated right to buy nationally. far the Government has taken a number of steps to The impact assessment was cleared by the Regulatory provide financial and logistical support to affected Policy Committee on 4 March and will be published on households, businesses and local authorities in England. the Deregulation Bill website shortly: These include: http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2013-14/deregulation.html a number of enhancements to the Bellwin Scheme, including upfront payments to ease cashflow and an extension to the eligible spending period; Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps his a scheme to support councils to provide a council tax discount where homes have been flooded; Departments is taking to ensure that local authorities ensure a one-for-one replacement of homes sold under a £76.5 million Severe Weather Recovery Scheme to support local authorities with recovery issues; right to buy. [191289] £31 million to improve rail resilience; Kris Hopkins: This Government has committed to £130 million of Grant in Aid Scheme for repairs and rebuild of re-invest, for the first time ever, the additional receipts flood assets; from right to buy sales in new affordable rented housing. £10 million to support famers suffering water logged fields; Our aim, across the country as a whole, is to deliver a business rate relief for businesses affected by flooding; new home for each additional home sold under the £10 million of support for small and medium enterprise for reinvigorated right to buy. clean-up costs, materials and exceptional costs to help them The one-for-one replacement policy applies to additional continue trading; local authority sales, that is sales above the level forecast £2 million for firms in flood affected areas which rely on before the reinvigoration of the policy in April 2012. tourism; Since the reinvigoration, local authorities have sold £5 million to repair and restore sports facilities; 13,800 homes, approximately 8,300 of which are additional, £100,000 to help with urgent repair work for churches damaged and over 2,000 dwellings have been started on site or in flood affected areas. acquired. 315W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 316W

There will be a time lag between the right to buy sale Steve Webb: Yes, in general, the policy set out in the and the construction of the new build home, but the 2012-17 Child Maintenance Arrears and Compliance replacement timetable is in control of the local authority. Strategy does apply to Child Support Agency cases If a council were to fail to spend the receipts within with a current liability. However, there are instances three years, it would be required to return the unspent where the circumstances of the case mean this approach money to Government with interest. This provides a is not appropriate. For example, a payment via a Deduction strong financial incentive for any slow-coach councils from Earnings Order is actually not legally due until to use this new funding and get on with building more after the set payment date, even though there may be an homes for local people. agreement or established practice for it to be paid earlier. Consequently there are some missed payments Trade Union Officials which the agency does not act on within the 72 hour window, even if notified. Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work has made of the amount spent by local authorities on and Pensions (1) what proportion of cases paying funding for staff to carry out trades union activities in 90 per cent or more of their child maintenance liability each of the last three financial years. [190992] using the Child Support Agency collection service in the quarter to December 2013 were paying their child Brandon Lewis: My Department does not collate data maintenance through a deduction from (a) an earnings on the amounts spent by local authorities on funding order, (b) a regular deduction order and (c) other for staff to carry out trade union activities. There enforced method of payment; [191083] should be full transparency about the level of facility time given to trade unions and we intend to ensure this (2) what proportion of non-resident parents who happens at a local level by requiring councils to publish were making child maintenance arrears payments in on-line details of the amounts spent on providing support December 2013 were making arrears payments as a and facilities to trade union representatives in their result of (a) a voluntary agreement, (b) a deductions work forces. from earnings order or (c) other enforcement action. [191084] Councils should review the merits of using publicly funded full-time union officials. In March 2013, we Steve Webb: As of December 2013, of the 337,500 issued advice to councils on how they could follow the cases contributing 90% or more towards their liability example set by my Department by ensuring that no via the collection service, 29% of these cases had a employees spend all their working hours on trade union preferred method of collection as Deduction from Earnings duties and by restricting the amount of facility time Order/Request. Of the 244,500 cases contributing towards offered to private sector levels. I am placing a copy of arrears, 29% had a preferred method of collection recorded this guidance in the Library of the House. as Deduction from Earnings Order/Request. A regular Deduction Order is classed as an enforcement action and these are not classed as a method of maintenance WORK AND PENSIONS collection. Those who have paid due to enforcement Beaches action will also have a preferred method of collection recorded on the system. Consequently, it is not possible Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for to identify those who have contributed towards their Work and Pensions what obligations public beach operators liability or arrears voluntarily and those who have have to carry out risk assessments and provide a minimum contributed as a result of enforcement action. level of lifesaving equipment on public beaches. [191361] The Agency does not hold information on the actual method of collection, but does record the non-resident Mike Penning: Public beach operators may be required parent’s preferred method of collection. It is possible to carry out risk assessments under the Management of that maintenance is actually paid via a different method. Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. This will Enforcement information is routinely published in depend on whether they are an employer and the nature the Child Support Agency Quarterly Summary of Statistics and level of control they have over work activities which is available at: taking place at the beach. Depending on the particular https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ circumstances a risk assessment may lead to the provision attachment_data/file/286597/csa_qtr_summ_stats_dec13.pdf of rescue and lifesaving equipment as part of a package of reasonably practicable risk control measures. HIV Infection Under civil law, public beach operators may need to consider their wider public safety responsibilities; this Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work may direct them towards the provision of rescue equipment and Pensions with reference to the Terrence Higgins at particular locations. Trust report on HIV and poverty, published in February 2014, if he will review the effectiveness of the assessment Children: Maintenance used to decide whether HIV positive people are entitled to the help they need. [190862] Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the policy set out in his Department’s Mike Penning: Assessment for entitlement to personal 2012-2017 Child Maintenance Arrears and Compliance independence payment (PIP) and employment and support Strategy to act within 72 hours of a missed child allowance (ESA) is based on the impact of an individual’s maintenance payment applies to Child Support Agency health condition or impairment, rather than the condition cases with a current liability. [191066] itself. 317W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 318W

We continually improve and refine the processes for Personal Independence Payment both assessments to ensure that they are as fair and accurate as possible. Additionally, the first independent Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work review of the PIP assessment is expected to report to and Pensions if he will estimate the total cost to the Parliament by the end of 2014 and we recently announced public purse of the higher rate mobility component of the appointment of Dr Paul Litchfield to carry out the personal independence payment with eligibility criteria fifth statutory independent review of the work capability set at (a) 50 and (b) 20 metres in (i) 2014-15, (ii) assessment for ESA. 2015-16, (iii) 2016-17 and (iv) 2017-18. [191072]

Housing Benefit Mike Penning: The up-to-date information requested is not available and gathering it would take the costs of John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for responding to the question over the disproportionate Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the cost threshold. cost to local authorities of administering housing benefit in each of the last four years. [191378] Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 28 February Steve Webb: While housing benefit is within the remit 2014, Official Report, column 564W, on personal of DWP, we do not estimate the cost of administering independence payment, what monitoring of the proportion this benefit. However, local authorities do include the of new claims referrals that involve a consultation cost of administering this service as part of their Revenue assessment his Department is undertaking. [191247] Outturns that they submit to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). Mike Penning: Although the Department doesn’t hold robust, validated data on the number of face-to-face PIP consultations undertaken by the assessment providers, Jobseeker’s Allowance the providers do monitor this themselves. The providers’ management information is examined against original John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for assumptions about the proportion of referrals resulting Work and Pensions what the cost to his Department in a face-to-face consultation, as part of the regular was of administering job seeker’s allowance in each of performance management discussions between the the last four years. [191379] Department and providers.

Mike Penning: The costs of administering JSA in the Universal Credit: Northern Ireland following years was: 2011-12: £730 million Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2012-13: £702 million and Pensions what discussions he has had with the Data is not available in a comparable format for the previous Northern Ireland Executive on the system for paying two years. benefits into Post Office card accounts under the universal The data supplied is the sum of both the New Claims and Live credit programme. [191348] load costs for each of the financial years. The costs include management and support and non-staff Steve Webb: DWP officials hold regular discussions costs but exclude arm’s length bodies and NDPBs. with Northern Ireland counterparts on all elements of The costs also include an apportionment of the costs of the universal credit payments, including payments into a corporate directorates (HR, Finance, IT) plus an apportionment Post Office card account (POCA). of shared services costs. Work Capability Assessment Local Welfare Assistance Fund Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to and Pensions what representations he has received improve the claimant experience of the work capability supporting the removal of the Local Welfare assessment. [191279] Assistance Fund. [190637] Mike Penning: The Department is committed to Steve Webb: Funding has not ended. It was always improving the claimant experience of the work capability the intention that 2014-15 would be the last year of assessment. The independent review process plays a key separate funding for local welfare provision from the role in helping us do this. Department for Work and Pensions. Councils will continue The Department has implemented or is in the process to provide support to those in their community who of implementing over 50 recommendations made by face financial difficulties or who find themselves in Professor Harrington across his three independent reviews. unavoidable circumstances. The fourth independent review, undertaken by Dr Paul In contrast to a centralised grant system that was Litchfield, was published on 12 December 2013. It poorly targeted councils can now choose how to best to made a number of further recommendations to improve support local welfare needs within their areas. further the WCA. The Department welcomes This Government continues to provide support to Dr Litchfield’s review and is currently considering how local authorities through general funds as part of the to respond to each recommendation. The Government Government’s commitment to reducing ring-fencing intends to publish its response before the end of March and ending top-down Whitehall control. 2014. 319W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 320W

Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for In addition, there are two further Army posts and Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of one RAF post which are currently vacant. There are the suitability of the work capability assessment to also two temporary posts in the Army historical branch; establish the fitness to work of those suffering from (a) one ends in April 2015 and the other December 2016. mental, (b) progressive or (c) fluctuating illnesses. [191280] Armed Forces Covenant

Mike Penning: The Evidence Based Review of the Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is a study that Defence how many local authorities have adopted the provided a unique opportunity to understand how we Armed Forces Covenant to date; and how many might make the assessment more accurate by systematically remain to do so. [190970] reviewing the existing descriptors alongside a different version of the assessment, which was developed by Dr Murrison: As of 11 March 2014, 399 out of 407 disability representative organisations. local authorities in Great Britain had signed a community The study included claimants with a range of health covenant pledging to work to bring the civilian and conditions, the vast majority of whom had mental armed forces communities closer together. We have held health problems or other conditions that would be discussions with all the remaining authorities, tabled as commonly recognised as fluctuating conditions. follows, and we are working to finalise signing dates. The findings suggest that overall the WCA works as The following reflects our understanding of the local intended and is a valid assessment relative to independent authorities’ plans. experts’ opinion about individuals’ fitness for work that can support decisions about who should be paid ESA. Expected timescale for signature This study is an important step in developing Harborough district council By end March 2014 understanding of this complex area. The Department is Fareham borough council By end March 2014 currently considering the findings of the Evidence Based Oadby and Wigston borough council By end March 2014 Review and will set out what we intend to do as a result Hinckley and Bosworth borough By end April 2014 as part of our response to Dr Litchfield’s independent council review, which is due to be published before the end of Bristol city council By end June 2014 March. North West Leicestershire district By end July 2014 council Blaby district council Discussions ongoing Isles of Scilly council Discussions ongoing DEFENCE Armed Forces Armed Forces: Higher Education

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many full-time staff are currently employed Defence how many serving armed forces officers have in each of the armed forces historical branches. [190912] undertaken full-time postgraduate degrees funded by his Department in external educational establishments Dr Murrison: The following table shows the number in each year since 2010; and what the type of degree of full-time staff currently employed in each of the and subject studied were. [190909] armed forces historical branches. These are all civilian staff. Dr Murrison: Information held by the Ministry of Defence on numbers of Service officers engaged in Number of staff employed full-time in full-time postgraduate education in external educational Service AF historical branches establishments in academic years 2010-13 (September 2010-August 2014) is provided in the following tables. Army 8 The main areas of research are strategic studies, security Royal Navy 8 and development studies, international relations, business Royal Air Force (RAF) 13 management and engineering.

Royal Navy Starting academic Hudson Visiting Fellow (Oxford year University) MPhil Systems Engineering MBA MA/MSc PhD

2010-11 2 1 - 4 - - 2011-12 1 2 - 5 - - 2012-13 1 2 - 2 - - 2013-14 112 1-21 1 Starts Easter 2014

Army Army Starting academic year MPhil Starting academic year MPhil

2010-11 3 2012-13 5

2011-12 3 2013-14 9 321W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 322W

Royal Air Force Falkland Islands Starting academic year MPhil MSc MA Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 2010-11 3 11 2 if he will investigate what happened to the citation 2011-12 3 8 1 written for Corporal Stewart McLaughlin who was 2012-13 3 6 1 killed in the Falkland Islands in 1982. [191388] 2013-14 3 8 - Dr Murrison: There is no dispute about Corporal Armed Forces: Horses McLaughlin’s brave actions during the Battle of Mount Longdon in 1982. However, there are a number of hurdles that any recommendation for an honour or Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for award must clear as it goes through the chain of command Defence what the cost of feeding, watering and and finally to the Honours and Awards Committee. A maintaining the armed forces’ ceremonial horses was in recommendation may fall at any time in this process each year since 2010. [190905] and it has long been our policy that unsuccessful citations are not retained. There is no provision to grant awards Dr Murrison: Military horses are a powerful symbol retrospectively so, given the passage of time in this case, of our operational military heritage, enhancing the it is difficult to see what value an investigation would standing of the sovereign and the country before national add as it would not change the outcome. This has been and international audiences. To best maintain their explained to Corporal McLaughlin’s family. health and welfare, horses must be fit, watered and looked after correctly. Military Attachés Information on the cost of maintaining ceremonial horses is not held in the format requested. However, the cost of feeding, watering and bedding ceremonial horses Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for for each financial year (FY) since 2010 is as follows: Defence what the salary bands for UK defence attachés are; and how many fall within each band. [190907] Financial year £ million Dr Murrison: The salary bands for UK defence attachés 2010-11 1 (DA) are the same basic pay bands that all full-time 2011-12 1.2 military officers are paid across the three services. Within 2012-13 1.2 the military salary bands are a number of annual 2013-14 1.2 incremental levels of pay which are rank and seniority related (dependent on the number of years served within Armed Forces: Training each military rank). Defence attachés ranks range from OF3 (Major and equivalent) to OF7 (Major General and equivalent). Pay ranges for financial year (FY) Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for 2013-14 were: Defence how many international military personnel and from what countries attended (a) RAF Cranwell, Rank Number of UK attachés Pay range within rank (b) Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, (c) Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and (d) the OF7 Defence Academy, Shrivenham in each year since 2010. RN–Rear Admiral [190904] RM–Major 1 £109,369.00 to £120,492.00 General Dr Murrison: The tables that show how many Army–Major international military personnel and from what countries General RAF–Air Vice attended RAF Cranwell, Britannia Royal Naval College, Marshall Dartmouth, the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and the Defence Academy, Shrivenham in each year OF6 since 2010 will be placed in the Library of the House. Figures for 2014 are as of 11 March 2014. RN–Commodore Although the vast majority of those attending the RM—Brigadier 16 £98,172.48 to £102,145.08 Defence Academy are military personnel there are also Army–Brigadier some non-military personnel. It is not possible to separate RAF–Air these figures without incurring disproportionate costs. Commodore

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for OF5 Defence what the annual running costs for basic RN–Captain training services were at (a) RAF Cranwell, (b) RM—Colonel 58 £82,381.44 to £90,560.28 Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, (c) Royal Army–Colonel Military Academy, Sandhurst and (d) the Defence RAF–Group Academy, Shrivenham in each year since 2010. [190908] Captain

Dr Murrison: We do not separately record that element OF4 of the running costs of the establishments listed that is RN–Commander attributable solely to basic training services. 323W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 324W

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Rank Number of UK attachés Pay range within rank whether his Department has reviewed its plans to operate RM–Lieutenant 41 £67,998.84 to £78,737.16 successor submarines without mid-life refuelling in the Colonel light of the incident on the Dounreay prototype in Army–Lieutenant 2012. [191073] Colonel RAF–Wing Commander Mr Dunne: The reactor plant and reactor core for the Successor submarines are based on a completely different OF3 design to those at the Naval Reactor Test Establishment at HMS Vulcan, near Dounreay. We continue to plan to RN–Lieutenant Commander operate the Successor submarines without the need for RM–Major 5 £48,449.76 to £58,025.04 mid-life refuelling. Army—Major However, I have asked the chief scientific adviser to RAF–Squadron review again the evidence on which the decision not to Leader operate a test reactor was based, and to report on the appropriateness of that decision. Total pay related costs for military UK Defence Section personnel since 2009 are as follows: RAF Henlow

Financial year £ million Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for

2009-10 17.1 Defence what the running costs of the Defence 2010-11 17.5 Cultural Specialist Unit at RAF Henlow were in each [190910] 2011-12 17.8 year since 2010. 2012-13 17.84 2013-14 18.649 Dr Murrison: The running costs of individual units are not collated at a single point. For example, infrastructure costs (including utilities) are managed through Regional These costs include allowances, pensions contributions Prime Contracts which do not split out individual units. and ERNIC etc. and also reflect non-commissioned Similarly, equipment costs can also not be split out. For officers who work for the DAs at post as military this reason, the running costs of the Defence Cultural support staff. Support Unit cannot be provided. Defence attachés are a key component in delivering the International Defence Engagement Strategy, which Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for provides the means by which the UK uses its Defence Defence how many armed forces personnel of what assets and activities to achieve influence internationally. rank and service have attended the Defence Cultural This includes promoting UK prosperity, understanding Specialist Unit at RAF Henlow for each year since other nations security objectives, capabilities and intents, 2010. [190911] and building international capability. The rank of any particular DA post is determined by the complexity and Dr Murrison: The Defence Cultural Specialist Unit is extent of the role, the importance to the UK of a tasked to provide cultural and human terrain specialist country, the need to ensure DAs are not over-matched force elements, in order to deliver the cultural support by colleagues from other nations and cultural norms in for army and defence operations, and wider military some regions that place significant store on seniority. tasks. They do this by sending individual personnel to perform specialised tasks in support of units and headquarters in the UK and on operations overseas. Nuclear Submarines The unit is manned by personnel from all three services and has a headquarters element plus a pool of Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for deployable personnel. Personnel are typically posted Defence when his Department became aware of the into the unit for between two and three years and the detection of low levels of radioactivity in cooling water strength of the unit since 2010 is as follows: surrounding a prototype core at the Naval Reactor Test Establishment at Dounreay; and when he first made As at 31 December each year: Strength the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency aware 2010 20 of this issue. [191068] 2011 30 2012 30 Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence first detected 2013 50 small additional levels of radioactivity in the cooling water within the reactor at the Naval Reactor Test RAF Northolt Establishment in January 2012, as part of routine monitoring. The Defence Nuclear Regulator was informed immediately and following the completion of initial Stephen Pound: To ask the Secretary of State for investigation work and a series of trials to determine Defence what his policy is on the continued classification the likely cause of the issue, the Scottish Environment of RAF Northolt as a military aerodrome; and what Protection Agency was made aware in October 2012, account that policy takes of the proportion of flights before reactor operations restarted in November 2012. using that aerodrome that are commercial. [191136] 325W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 326W

Mr Dunne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Damian Green: The Child Exploitation and Online given by the then Minister for Defence Equipment, Protection (CEOP) Command is fully integrated within Support and Technology, my hon. Friend the Member the National Crime Agency (NCA). As part of the for Mid Worcestershire (Sir Peter Luff), on 28 November NCA, the CEOP Command is able to draw on the 2011, Official Report, column 689W,to the hon. Member whole of the NCA’s resources. The NCA works as a for Cambridge (Dr Huppert). flexible organisation and as such there will be NCA Civilian Commercial movements at RAF Northolt officers whose work covers a range of serious and continue to utilise irreducible spare capacity at this organised crime threats. military aerodrome to ensure we get the best return for In total the NCA has 1,900 officers who currently the taxpayer. hold arrest powers who can be called upon to tackle child exploitation. This number is for NCA permanent officers and does not include secondees or those attached Red Arrows to the NCA. It is the ambition of the Director General to increase Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for this number over time to enhance the capabilities of the Defence what the running costs of the Red Arrows NCA and meet any operational surge. were in each year since 2010. [190913]

Dr Murrison: The available figures for the running Childbirth costs of the Red Arrows for the last two financial years (FY) are as follows: Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Financial year £ million the Home Department (1) what assessment she has 2011-12 10.04 made of the number of births which took place where 2012-13 11.22 no medical attendant was present in each of the last five years; [191263] These figures include all operating costs, but exclude (2) what plans she has to promote child protection asset depreciation and the capital cost of aircraft or through more stringent enforcement of the Birth and buildings. Death Registration Act 1953; [191266] Ministry of Defence officials are collating the information (3) pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2014, Official requested for FY 2010-11 and I will write to the hon. Report, column 732W, of the 113 cases of births in the Member when this work is complete. last five years not registered with the General Register Office, what assessment has been made of those births not registered; and whether any of these cases have Reserve Forces been the subject of police investigations, care orders or serious case reviews; [191267] Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for (4) pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2014, Official Defence what the cost of the ceremonial duties Report, column 732W, of the 113 cases of births in the performed by the London Regiment was in each year last five years not registered with the General Register since 2010. [190906] Office, how many remain unregistered; [191268] Dr Murrison: The London Regiment has not undertaken (5) pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2014, Official any State Ceremonial or public duty events from 2010 Report, column 732W, of the 113 cases of births in the to date. last five years not registered with the General Register Office, what assessment has been made of the whereabouts State Ceremonial duties are defined as ‘events of and wellbeing status of these cases. [191269] National importance which help uphold the Sovereign’s Majesty’. Public duties are routine activities held on a daily basis, in some cases, providing personnel for events James Brokenshire: The General Register Office (GRO) such as the Queen’s Guard at a number of locations is responsible for administering the law and processes such as Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. for birth registration in England and Wales. The 113 Although not classed as either State Ceremonial or births referred to in the answer of 4 March 2014, public duties, the London Regiment participates in the Official Report, columns 731-32W, remain unregistered. annual Lord Mayor’s Show as an integral part of the GRO records do not indicate whether any of these cases procession. In 2013 the Regiment provided the Guard have been the subject of police investigations, care of Honour at the invitation of the Lord Mayor. orders or serious case reviews. There are a number of possible reasons for a delay in birth registration and each case needs to be handled HOME DEPARTMENT with sensitivity. Any enforcement action under the Birth and Death Registration Act 1953 is considered in this Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre context. Issues such as monitoring the level of medical attendance Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the at births and assessing the whereabouts and wellbeing Home Department how many employees of the Child of children whose birth has not been registered are Exploitation and Online Protection Centre have arrest matters for a number of other organisations, rather powers. [191205] than GRO. 327W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 328W

Colnbrook Immigration Removal Centre Entry Clearances: Married People

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she has taken in response Home Department what average time is taken for a to recommendations 5.1 and 5.66 in the Report on an British citizen resident in the UK applying for a unannounced inspection of Colnbrook Immigration spousal visa for a non-EU citizen. [191095] Removal Centre, 28 January to 8 February 2013 published by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons. [191308] James Brokenshire [holding answer 11 March 2014]: The Home Office does not hold this data as it is not James Brokenshire: In line with a protocol with Her necessary to differentiate between British nationals and Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons, a service improvement third country nationals when considering applications plan is drawn up within two months of an inspection to for spouse visas. address each recommendation and outline what action The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual will be taken. The Home Office then has 18 months to statistics including those for entry clearance visas granted effect improvements. under the spouse route within the quarterly Immigration Recommendation 5.1, that detainees held in the First Statistics release. A copy of the latest release, Immigration Night Last Night Unit (FNLNU) should have access to Statistics October-December 2013, will be placed in the an open and full regime in a clean and properly ventilated Library of the House, and is available from: environment, was accepted in part. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office/ Improvements to access the full centre regime and series/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release increased ventilation are limited by the building design and could be addressed only at considerable cost. Immigration At the time of the inspection, women were held in the FNLNU. A dedicated women’s unit at Colnbrook George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) opened shortly the Home Department how many immigrants arrived afterwards in March 2013. in the UK in each of the last five years. [191004] The service provider has taken action to improve the admissions process, and to reduce time spent in the Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the unit. The on-site Home Office team monitors access to Cabinet Office. the regime on a daily basis and lengths of stay in the The information requested falls within the responsibility unit to ensure that these are limited to five days or seven of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority days where a flight has been set. Immediately following to reply. the inspection new cleaning schedules were introduced throughout the IRC. Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2014: Point 5.66 that detainees should be given a bail As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I application form during their induction interviews is no have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how longer part of the Home Office induction procedures. many immigrants arrived in the UK in each of the last five years. Detainees are signposted to IRC Libraries, legal advice [191004] surgeries and welfare officers for advice and forms to The best available calendar year estimates of immigration are make a bail application. the estimates of Long-Term International Migration (LTIM) which are produced by ONS primarily based on data from the Deportation: Somalia International Passenger Survey (IPS), with adjustments made for asylum seekers, people whose intentions change with regard to their length of stay, and migration to and from Northern Ireland. Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the LTIM estimates are based on the United Nations definition of a Home Department what her policy is on returning to long-term international migrant, that is, someone who changes Somalia those without permission to remain in the their country of usual residence for a period of at least one year. UK. [191299] In light of the results of the 2011 Census, ONS has published revised net migration estimates for the UK as components of James Brokenshire: Our aim is for those people who change in revised population estimates from the year to mid-2002 to the year to mid-2012 for the United Kingdom. These include have no legal basis of stay in the UK to leave voluntarily revisions to the net migration component, focused primarily on and we may offer an assistance package to help them the middle part of the decade before improvements were made to re-integrate into their home country. For those who the International Passenger Survey in 2009. However, these revised choose not to do so, it becomes necessary to enforce estimates are not published on a calendar year basis, and the their departure. question specifically relates to immigration not net migration. The Home Office will only enforce the return of The latest final calendar year LTIM immigration estimates are individuals who they, and the courts, are satisfied are for the years 2008 to 2012 and are shown in Table 1. Provisional not in need of international protection and who do not LTIM estimates for calendar year 2013 will become available on elect to leave voluntarily. 22 May 2014. All asylum claims, including those from Somali nationals, Table 1. Immigration to the UK, 2008-12 are carefully considered on their individual merits in Estimate +/- 95% confidence interval accordance with the 1951 United Nations convention 2008 590,000 39,000 relating to the status of refugees and the European 2009 567,000 30,000 convention on human rights against the background of 2010 591,000 31,000 the latest country information and relevant case law. 2011 566,000 28,000 329W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 330W

Table 1. Immigration to the UK, 2008-12 Stalking Estimate +/- 95% confidence interval

2012 498,000 27,000 Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Source: Home Department how many police officers have been http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/migration1/migration-statistics-quarterly- trained to deal with offences of stalking under sections report/february-2014/provisional-13q3.xls 2A and 4A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in each police force area; and if she will make a Members: Correspondence statement. [191335] Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Damian Green: This information is not available centrally Home Department when she plans to reply to the letter as most of the relevant training for police officers takes from the hon. Member for Walsall North of 11 February place within individual police forces. 2014 on behalf of a college in his constituency. [191274]

James Brokenshire: I wrote to the hon. Member on 11 JUSTICE March 2014. Community Orders: Greater London Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will arrange for the hon. Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Member for Walsall North to receive a reply to his letter what change there has been in the number of supervisory to the interim Director General of UK Visas and staff as a result of the sub-contracting of community Immigration of 3 February 2014 on behalf of a constituent, payback in London to Serco. [180965] reference M1583/14. [191275] Jeremy Wright: Serco won the contract to deliver James Brokenshire: The director general replied to community payback in London because its bid offered the hon. Member on 11 March 2014. the best value for the taxpayer, while providing continuity of service and performance. Serco manages almost 1,000 offenders per month and the contract to date has Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the provided London with over a million hours of offender Home Department if she will arrange for the hon. labour. It is performing above the national average on Member for Walsall North to receive a reply to his letter successful completion and enforcement of orders. At to the Chief Executive of HM Passport Office of 3 the point of transfer, 265 regularly-contracted staff February 2014 on behalf of a constituent. [191276] were engaged in the delivery of community payback in London. In September 2013, 156 regularly-contracted James Brokenshire: Her Majesty’s Passport Office staff were employed by Serco Group plc to deliver the replied to the hon. Member on 11 March 2014. community payback contract. This reduction reflects a Registration of Births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil significant fall not only in the overall number of sentences Partnerships passed by the courts, but in particular in the number of community sentences. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Convictions Home Department what plans she has to open historic civil registers of births, marriages and deaths and Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for transfer them from superintendent registrars’ offices to Justice what proportion of rape-flagged convictions were county record offices. [191331] convictions for (a) rape or attempted rape, (b) any other kind of sexual assault, (c) a non-sexual offence James Brokenshire: There are no current plans to against the person and (d) another offence in 2012-13 open historic civil registers of births, marriages and and each of the five preceding years. [190810] deaths and transfer them from superintendent registrars’ offices to county record offices. We continue to look for Jeremy Wright: Information held centrally by the opportunities to improve civil registration services in Ministry of Justice on the Court Proceedings Database England and Wales, including access to historic records. does not contain information about the circumstances behind each case, beyond the description provided in Special Constables: Rural Areas the statute under which proceedings are brought. It is not possible to identify from this centrally held information Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the convictions for offences where the prosecution was flagged Home Department what recent steps she has been as a rape. This detailed information may be held on the taking to recruit special constables in rural areas; and if court record but due to the size and complexity is not she will make a statement. [190936] reported centrally to the MOJ. As such, the information requested can be obtained only at disproportionate Damian Green: The Special Constabulary is an important cost. and cost-effective resource in policing. Prison Service Individual police forces are responsible for determining their own recruitment requirements in order to meet Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State local policing needs. In line with the Government’s for Justice what the average ratio of prison officers to commitment to increase the number of volunteers, it inmates in prisons in England and Wales was in June will continue to support the development of the Special (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011, (d) 2012 and (e) 2013. Constabulary in England and Wales. [182796] 331W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 332W

Jeremy Wright: I refer the hon. Member to the reply Young Offenders given on 2 September 2013, Official Report, column 192W, to the hon. Member for Darlington (Jenny Chapman). Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what offences were committed by those aged 18, 19 or 20 years old found guilty of criminal offences in 2013. Prisons [189833]

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Jeremy Wright: A list of offences committed by those which prisons closed since May 2010 were previously aged 18, 19 and 20 in England and Wales for 2012 housing young adults. [190211] (latest available), can be viewed in the table. Jeremy Wright: Prisons holding young adult prisoners Please note that court proceedings statistics for the (aged 18 to 20-years-old) that have operationally closed year 2013 are planned to be published by the Ministry since May 2010 are set out in the following table. There of Justice in May 2014. have been no closures of institutions designated for sole use by young adults. Offences committed by those aged 18, 19 and 20, England and Wales, 2012 The table does not include the closure of wing(s) Age Offence within prisons or accommodation temporarily taken out of use for maintenance or refurbishment work. 18 1 Murder 2 Attempted Murder Prison Predominant function 3 Threat or Conspiracy to Murder Reading Young offender institution (dual designated) 4.1 Manslaughter Northallerton Dual designated prison/young offender institution 4.4 Causing Death by Dangerous Driving Dorchester Local dual designated prison/YOI 4.6 Causing Death by Careless Driving when under Gloucester Local dual designated prison/YOI the influence of Drink or Drugs 4.8 Causing Death by careless or inconsiderate driving On 4 September 2013 the Lord Chancellor and Secretary 5 Wounding or other act Endangering Life of State for Justice, my right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling), announced the 6 Endangering Railway Passenger next steps to modernise the prison estate so that we 7 Endangering Life at Sea always have enough prison places for those sentenced 8 Malicious Wounding etc. by the courts but at much lower cost and in the right 99 Other (Excluding Motoring Offences) places to deliver our ambitions for reducing our stubbornly high reoffending rates. The changes form part of plans 11 Cruelty to or Neglect of Children to save over £500 million from the costs of running 13 Child Abduction prisons by the end of this spending review period. 17 Sexual Assault on a Male 19 Rape of a Female Temporary Employment 19 Rape of a Male 20 Sexual Assault on a Female Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 21 Sexual Activity with child under 13 how much has been spent on recruitment of temporary 22 Sexual Activity with child under 16 staff by his Department and its agencies in each month since May 2010. [190150] 23 Familial Sexual Offences (Incest) 28 Burglary in a Dwelling Mr Vara: Temporary employment within the Ministry 29 Aggravated Burglary in a Dwelling of Justice falls into two categories. Fixed term contract 30 Burglary in a Building Other than a Dwelling staff recruited and employed directly by the Department, 31 Aggravated Burglary in a Building not a Dwelling and short-term interim and contingent staff employed by and engaged through a third party supplier. 33 Going Equipped for Stealing, etc. Cost details for the recruitment of fixed term contract 34 Robbery staff engaged directly by the Department cannot be 35 Blackmail provided without incurring a disproportionate cost. 36 Kidnapping, etc. The Ministry of Justice uses the Crown Commercial 37.2 Aggravated Vehicle Taking Services (CCS) framework for the engagement of specialist 38 Money laundering contractors and interims. The framework provides 39 Theft from the Person of Another contingent labour via three sources: management and specialist roles are supplied by Capita Business Services 40 Theft in Dwelling not Automatic M/c or Meter (CBS), administration and clerical roles by Brook Street 41 Theft by an Employee and operational and support roles by Hays. 42 Theft or Unauthorised Taking from Mail There are no direct costs to the MOJ in the engagement 43 Abstracting Electricity of interim and contract staff as costs in identifying and 44 Theft of Pedal Cycle recruiting candidates is borne directly by the employing 45 Theft from Vehicle agency. These costs are then recouped through the monthly invoice paid for the candidate’s services during 46 Theft from Shops the period of their assignment. 47 Theft from Automatic Machine or Meter 333W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 334W

Offences committed by those aged 18, 19 and 20, England and Wales, 2012 Offences committed by those aged 18, 19 and 20, England and Wales, 2012 Age Offence Age Offence

48 Theft or Unauthorised Taking of Motor Vehicle 137 Pedal Cycle 49 Other Theft or Unauthorised Taking 140 Drunkenness, Simple 53 Other Fraud 141 Drunkenness, with Aggravation 54 Handling Stolen Goods 143 Other Offence against the Liquor Law 56 Arson 149 Summary Criminal or Malicious Damage Offence 57 Criminal Damage Endangering Life 151 Social Security Offence 58 Other Criminal Damage 155 Military Law—Air Force 59 Threat etc., to commit Criminal Damage Other Summary Offence (Excluding Motoring) 61 Other Forgery etc. 160 Pedlars Act 64 Rioting 162 Disorderly Behaviour 65 Violent Disorder 164 Other Offence 66 Other Offence against the State or Public Order 166 Offence by Prostitute 71 Abuse of children through prostitution and 167 Aiding, etc. Offence by Prostitute pornography 168 Public Health Offence 72 Trafficking for sexual exploitation 169 Railway Offence Other drug offences 170 Motor Vehicle Licence 78 Assist Entry of Illegal Immigrant 173 Stage Carriage or Public Service Vehicle Offence 79 Perverting the Course of Justice 180 Tram or Trolley Vehicle Offence 80 Absconding from Lawful Custody 182 Begging 81 Firearms Act Offence 185 Found In Enclosed Premises 83 Failing to Surrender to Bail 191 Wireless Telegraphy Acts 84 Trade Descriptions Act and Similar Offences 193 Drug Offence 86 Possession of Obscene Material etc. 194 Immigration Offence 88 Miscellaneous sexual offences 99 Dangerous Driving 91 Public Health A Summary Motoring Offences 92.3 Unlawful importation—Class A 814 Fraud, Forgery etc. associated with Vehicle or 92.4 Unlawful importation—Class B Driver Records Production, supply and possession with intent to supply a controlled drug—Class A 19 1 Murder Production, supply and possession with intent to supply a controlled drug—Class B 2 Attempted Murder Production, supply and possession with intent to 3 Threat or Conspiracy to Murder supply a controlled drug—Class C 4.1 Manslaughter Production, supply and possession with intent to supply a controlled drug—Class unspecified 4.4 Causing Death by Dangerous Driving Possession of a controlled drug—Class A 4.6 Causing Death by Careless Driving when under the influence of Drink or Drugs Possession of a controlled drug—Class B 4.7 Causing Death of a child or vulnerable person Possession of a controlled drug—Class C 4.8 Causing Death by careless or inconsiderate driving 94 Town and Country Planning Act 1990 4.9 Causing death by driving unlicensed, disqualified 95 Disclosure, obstruction, false or misleading or uninsured drivers statements 5 Wounding or other act Endangering Life 104 On Constable 6 Endangering Railway Passenger 105 Common, etc. 108 Cruelty to Animal 8 Malicious Wounding etc. 111 Offences Relating to Dogs 99 Other (Excluding Motoring Offences) 112 Education Acts 11 Cruelty to or Neglect of Children 115 Firearms Acts 13 Child Abduction 116 Fishery Acts 17 Sexual Assault on a Male 118 Night Poaching 19 Rape of a Female 119 Day Poaching 19 Rape of a Male 121 Other Offence against Game Law 20 Sexual Assault on a Female 122 Obstruction Other than by Vehicle 21 Sexual Activity with child under 13 123 Nuisance Other than by Vehicle 22 Sexual Activity with child under 16 125 Public Order Act 1986 28 Burglary in a Dwelling 126 Interference with Motor Vehicles 29 Aggravated Burglary in a Dwelling 130 Unauthorised Taking of a Conveyance 30 Burglary in a Building Other than a Dwelling 131 Summary Aggravated Vehicle Taking 31 Aggravated Burglary in a Building not a Dwelling 335W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 336W

Offences committed by those aged 18, 19 and 20, England and Wales, 2012 Offences committed by those aged 18, 19 and 20, England and Wales, 2012 Age Offence Age Offence

33 Going Equipped for Stealing, etc. Production, supply and possession with intent to supply a controlled drug—Class unspecified 34 Robbery Possession of a controlled drug—Class A 35 Blackmail Possession of a controlled drug—Class B 36 Kidnapping, etc. Possession of a controlled drug—Class C 37.1 Causing Death by Aggravated Vehicle Taking Inciting another to supply a controlled drug—Class B 37.2 Aggravated Vehicle Taking 95 Disclosure, obstruction, false or misleading 38 Money laundering statements 39 Theft from the Person of Another 104 On Constable 40 Theft in Dwelling not Automatic M/c or Meter 105 Common, etc 41 Theft by an Employee 106 Betting or Gaming Offence 42 Theft or Unauthorised Taking from Mail 108 Cruelty to Animal 43 Abstracting Electricity 111 Offences Relating to Dogs 44 Theft of Pedal Cycle 112 Education Acts 45 Theft from Vehicle 115 Firearms Acts 46 Theft from Shops 116 Fishery Acts 47 Theft from Automatic Machine or Meter 118 Night Poaching 48 Theft or Unauthorised Taking of Motor Vehicle 119 Day Poaching 49 Other Theft or Unauthorised Taking 121 Other Offence against Game Law 53 Other Fraud 122 Obstruction Other than by Vehicle 54 Handling Stolen Goods 123 Nuisance Other than by Vehicle 56 Arson 125 Public Order Act 1986 57 Criminal Damage Endangering Life 126 Interference with Motor Vehicles 58 Other Criminal Damage 130 Unauthorised Taking of a Conveyance 59 Threat etc. to commit Criminal Damage 131 Summary Aggravated Vehicle Taking 60 Forgery etc. of Drug Prescription 137 Pedal Cycle 61 Other Forgery etc. 138 Offences involving impersonation 64 Rioting 140 Drunkenness, Simple 65 Violent Disorder 141 Drunkenness, with Aggravation 66 Other Offence against the State or Public Order 143 Other Offence against the Liquor Law 67 Perjury 149 Summary Criminal or Malicious Damage Offence 70 Sexual activity etc. with a person with a mental 151 Social Security Offence disorder 155 Military Law—Air Force 71 Abuse of children through prostitution and pornography Other Summary Offence (Excluding Motoring) 72 Trafficking for sexual exploitation 160 Pedlars Act Other drug offences 162 Disorderly Behaviour 78 Assist Entry of Illegal Immigrant 164 Other Offence 79 Perverting the Course of Justice 165 Kerb Crawling 80 Absconding from Lawful Custody 166 Offence by Prostitute 81 Firearms Act Offence 168 Public Health Offence 83 Failing to Surrender to Bail 169 Railway Offence 84 Trade Descriptions Act and Similar Offences 170 Motor Vehicle Licence 85 Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 172 Other Offence Against Revenue Law 86 Possession of Obscene Material etc. 173 Stage Carriage or Public Service Vehicle Offence 88 Miscellaneous sexual offences 180 Tram or Trolley Vehicle Offence 91 Public Health 182 Begging 92.1 Unlawful importation—Class unspecified 183 Sleeping Out 92.3 Unlawful importation—Class A 185 Found In Enclosed Premises 92.4 Unlawful importation—Class B 190 Wild Birds Protection Acts 92.6 Unlawful exportation—Class A 191 Wireless Telegraphy Acts Production, supply and possession with intent to 193 Drug Offence supply a controlled drug—Class A 99 Dangerous Driving Production, supply and possession with intent to supply a controlled drug—Class B A Summary Motoring Offences Production, supply and possession with intent to 99C Vehicle insurance offences: Making false supply a controlled drug—Class C statements 337W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 338W

Offences committed by those aged 18, 19 and 20, England and Wales, 2012 Offences committed by those aged 18, 19 and 20, England and Wales, 2012 Age Offence Age Offence

814 Fraud, Forgery etc. associated with Vehicle or 60 Forgery etc. of Drug Prescription Driver Records 61 Other Forgery etc. 64 Rioting 20 1 Murder 65 Violent Disorder 2 Attempted Murder 66 Other Offence against the State or Public Order 3 Threat or Conspiracy to Murder 67 Perjury 4.1 Manslaughter 70 Sexual activity etc. with a person with a mental 4.4 Causing Death by Dangerous Driving disorder 4.6 Causing Death by Careless Driving when under 71 Abuse of children through prostitution and the influence of Drink or Drugs pornography 4.7 Causing Death of a child or vulnerable person 72 Trafficking for sexual exploitation 4.8 Causing Death by careless or inconsiderate driving Other drug offences 4.9 Causing death by driving unlicensed, disqualified 78 Assist Entry of Illegal Immigrant or uninsured drivers 79 Perverting the Course of Justice 5 Wounding or other act Endangering Life 80 Absconding from Lawful Custody 6 Endangering Railway Passenger 81 Firearms Act Offence 8 Malicious Wounding etc. 83 Failing to Surrender to Bail 99 Other (Excluding Motoring Offences) 84 Trade Descriptions Act and Similar Offences 11 Cruelty to or Neglect of Children 85 Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 13 Child Abduction 86 Possession of Obscene Material etc. 17 Sexual Assault on a Male 88 Miscellaneous sexual offences 19 Rape of a Female 91 Public Health 19 Rape of a Male 92.1 Unlawful importation—Class unspecified 20 Sexual Assault on a Female 92.3 Unlawful importation—Class A 21 Sexual Activity with child under 13 92.4 Unlawful importation—Class B 22 Sexual Activity with child under 16 Production, supply and possession with intent to 23 Familial Sexual Offences (Incest) supply a controlled drug—Class A 24 Exploitation of Prostitution Production, supply and possession with intent to 28 Burglary in a Dwelling supply a controlled drug—Class B Production, supply and possession with intent to 29 Aggravated Burglary in a Dwelling supply a controlled drug—Class C 30 Burglary in a Building Other than a Dwelling Production, supply and possession with intent to supply a controlled drug—Class unspecified 31 Aggravated Burglary in a Building not a Dwelling Possession of a controlled drug—Class A 33 Going Equipped for Stealing, etc. Possession of a controlled drug—Class B 34 Robbery Possession of a controlled drug—Class C 35 Blackmail 95 Disclosure, obstruction, false or misleading 36 Kidnapping, etc. statements 37.2 Aggravated Vehicle Taking 104 On Constable 38 Money laundering 105 Common, etc 39 Theft from the Person of Another 106 Betting or Gaming Offence 40 Theft in Dwelling not Automatic M/c or Meter 108 Cruelty to Animal 41 Theft by an Employee 111 Offences Relating to Dogs 42 Theft or Unauthorised Taking from Mail 112 Education Acts 43 Abstracting Electricity 115 Firearms Acts 44 Theft of Pedal Cycle 116 Fishery Acts 45 Theft from Vehicle 118 Night Poaching 46 Theft from Shops 119 Day Poaching 47 Theft from Automatic Machine or Meter 120 Unlawful Possession of Game, etc. 48 Theft or Unauthorised Taking of Motor Vehicle 121 Other Offence against Game Law 49 Other Theft or Unauthorised Taking 122 Obstruction Other than by Vehicle 53 Other Fraud 123 Nuisance Other than by Vehicle 54 Handling Stolen Goods 125 Public Order Act 1986 56 Arson 126 Interference with Motor Vehicles 57 Criminal Damage Endangering Life 130 Unauthorised Taking of a Conveyance 58 Other Criminal Damage 131 Summary Aggravated Vehicle Taking 59 Threat etc. to commit Criminal Damage 137 Pedal Cycle 339W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 340W

Offences committed by those aged 18, 19 and 20, England and Wales, 2012 Offences committed by those aged 18, 19 and 20, England and Wales, 2012 Age Offence Age Offence

138 Offences involving impersonation 99C Vehicle insurance offences: Making false statements 140 Drunkenness, Simple 814 Fraud, Forgery etc. associated with Vehicle or 141 Drunkenness, with Aggravation Driver Records Source: 143 Other Offence against the Liquor Law Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. 144 Selling Tobacco to Juvenile Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 149 Summary Criminal or Malicious Damage Offence (1) how many of those aged 18, 19 or 20 years old found 151 Social Security Offence guilty of criminal offences in 2013 had committed a 155 Military Law—Air Force previous offence that resulted in a custodial sentence; [189834] Other Summary Offence (Excluding Motoring) (2) how many of those aged 18, 19 or 20 years old 160 Pedlars Act found guilty of criminal offences had (a) no previous 162 Disorderly Behaviour convictions, (b) one to five previous convictions, (c) 163 Playing in Street six to 10 previous convictions and (d) more than 10 previous convictions in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and 164 Other Offence (iv) 2013. [189835] 165 Kerb Crawling 166 Offence by Prostitute Jeremy Wright: The number of offenders found guilty at all courts, by age (18, 19, 20) that had committed a 167 Aiding, etc. Offence by Prostitute previous offence that resulted in a custodial sentence for 168 Public Health Offence the 12 months ending in September, which is the latest 169 Railway Offence date for which data are available, is in Table 1. 170 Motor Vehicle Licence A breakdown of the number of previous convictions for offenders found guilty of criminal offences for the 172 Other Offence Against Revenue Law 12 months ending in September by age (18, 19, 20) is in 173 Stage Carriage or Public Service Vehicle Offence Table 2. 175 Sexual Offences—Miscellaneous Table 1: Number of offenders convicted for any offence, who have received at 1 180 Tram or Trolley Vehicle Offence least one previous custodial sentence , by age, 12 months ending September Age 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 182 Begging 183 Sleeping Out 18 5,301 5,102 4,601 4,127 3,248 19 7,082 6,686 6,638 5,642 4,854 185 Found In Enclosed Premises 20 8,020 7,541 7,566 6,984 5,941 190 Wild Birds Protection Acts 1 Figures are based on counting the number of sentencing occasions for 191 Wireless Telegraphy Acts offences committed by offenders which were prosecuted by police forces in England and Wales including the British Transport Police. Offenders may 193 Drug Offence appear more than once in each year, where they have been convicted on multiple occasions within the year. 194 Immigration Offence Note: 99 Dangerous Driving Figures are based on counting the number of occasions on which offenders have previously received a conviction (with a custodial sentence) for any offences A Summary Motoring Offences recorded on the Police National Computer, including some offences committed outside of England and Wales. Where there were multiple offences on the same 99A Driving licence related offences: Making false occasion, only the primary offence as recorded on the Police National Computer statements would be counted.

Table 2: Number of offenders convicted for any offence, by number of previous convictions1 and age, 12 months ending September Age Number of previous convictions 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

18 No previous convictions 9,172 8,368 7,403 5,973 5,026 1 to 5 previous convictions 11,357 10,954 9,906 8,413 6,532

6 to 10 previous convictions 3,926 3,869 3,498 3,044 2,424

Over 10 previous convictions 2,996 3,202 2,995 2,625 2,102

19 No previous convictions 9,542 9,040 8,431 7,120 5,968

1 to 5 previous convictions 11,882 11,439 10,277 8,826 7,249

6 to 10 previous convictions 4,155 4,279 4,131 3,395 2,913

Over 10 previous convictions 3,748 3,646 4,176 3,425 2,998

20 No previous convictions 8,551 8,220 7,952 7,033 6,019

1 to 5 previous convictions 11,371 10,980 10,482 9,026 7,547

6 to 10 previous convictions 4,502 4,202 4,188 3,654 3,053 341W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 342W

Table 2: Number of offenders convicted for any offence, by number of previous convictions1 and age, 12 months ending September Age Number of previous convictions 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Over 10 previous convictions 4,169 4,094 4,411 4,330 3,670 1 Figures are based on counting the number of sentencing occasions for offences committed by offenders which were prosecuted by police forces in England and Wales including the British Transport Police. Offenders may appear more than once in each year, where they have been convicted on multiple occasions within the year. Notes: 1. Figures are based on counting the number of occasions on which offenders have previously received a conviction for any offences recorded on the Police National Computer, including some offences committed outside of England and Wales. Where there were multiple offences on the same occasion, only the primary offence as recorded on the Police National Computer would be counted. 2. These figures have been drawn from the police’s administrative IT system, the police national computer, which, as with any large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

Youth Custody The Department publishes statistics on average speeds on local ‘A’ roads in England during the weekday Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice morning peak (7 am to 10 am). These are available on how many (a) 18, (b) 19 and (c) 20-year-olds were the Department’s website at: held in the secure estate in England and Wales on 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/congestion- February 2014. [189911] statistics-on-local-a-roads-england-oct-to-dec-2013 Speeds for the A31 road section, in Hampshire for Jeremy Wright: The number of 18, 19 and 20-year-olds each direction are presented as annual averages from held in the secure estate in England and Wales as at 31 the year ending July 2007 to the year ending December December 2013, the latest data available, can be seen in 2013. This road section includes A31 section at Four the following table. Marks. Across the last three years, annual average speeds for the A31 (in Hampshire) were broadly stable at Population aged 18-20 in custody, 31 December 2013, England and Wales around 50 mph in each direction. Number

18 1,288 A595 19 2,038 20 2,589 John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 5,915 Transport what total sum was spent on safety improvements 1 Data sources and quality: on the A595 in each of the last four years; and what These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with schemes have been completed using that funding. any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. [191373]

Mr Goodwill: The Highways Agency has invested a total of £107,026 in safety improvement schemes along TRANSPORT the A595 trunk road during the last four years. This is broken down as follows: A31 Financial Scheme cost year Completed scheme details (£) Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-11 A595 Provision of a right-turn lane at the 33,490 Transport when the most recent (a) volume and (b) Joseph Noble Road Junction. speed measurements were taken for vehicles on the A31 2011-12 Nil 0 in or around Four Marks; and what assessment he has 2012-13 A595 Provision of road signing and road 43,061 made of trends in such measurements in the last three marking improvements at Scalegill. years. [191260] 2013-14 A595 Minor improvements resulting from the 30,475 mandatory safety audit of the A595 Parton to Lillyhall bypass scheme delivered in 2009. Mr Goodwill: The Department publishes Average These improvements include the provision of Annual Daily Flow (AADF) data for each major road four new advance roundabout warning signs with collision-deformable posts. Four safety link, for every year. Traffic is counted at two points camera warning signs were relocated, with (links) on the A31, in the vicinity of Four Marks; at two additional signs installed. Count Point No. 18707 (between its junction with the B3047 and its junction with Barn Lane), and at Count Driving: Licensing Point No. 46341 (between Barn Lane and its junction with the A32). Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for The AADFs for these Count Points, for 2010, 2011 Transport if he will raise the age of compulsory driving and 2012 are shown in the following table: licence renewals to 80 years to reduce administration costs. [191415] AADF year AADF for CP18707 AADF for CP46341

2010 14,701 17,843 Stephen Hammond: Increasing the driving licence 2011 15,417 17,800 renewal age was proposed as part of the recent review 2012 15,394 17,793 of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). No detailed evaluation has been made about this The most recent counts at the two links on the A31 proposal. Any such decision would not be taken until a took place on: 6 April 2011 (Count Point 18707), and full consultation had been carried out and supporting 22 March 2010 (Count Point 46341). evidence considered. 343W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 344W

Shipping: Exhaust Emissions Stephen Hammond: The British Transport Police have 1,002 persons recorded on their system as having been Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for arrested and processed following searches under Section Transport (1) when he last estimated the existing stocks 44. There have been no arrests identified from the of low sulphur fuel available for use by commercial information held that individuals were processed for ships; [191249] terrorism offences. In the main detainees were processed for being wanted on warrant, being in possession of (2) what recent estimate he has made of the level of controlled drugs or being in possession of offensive access to low sulphur fuel products for vessels working weapons. from UK ports in the short seas shipping sector in (a) Data on whether the detained persons were ultimately 2014, (b) 2015 and (c) 2016. [191252] convicted of the offences for which they were arrested Stephen Hammond: The Department has not assessed cannot be obtained without a detailed review of each the level of access or the existing stocks of low sulphur case, and cross referencing to the criminal justice database. fuel for ships. The market for low sulphur fuel is determined by user demand and local fuel suppliers. We are not aware of HEALTH anticipated problems with the availability of 0.1% sulphur fuel. We are actively working in the International Maritime Abortion Organisation to take forward a review of the availability Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for in 2020 of 0.5% sulphur fuel. Health what scrutiny measures are in place to identify illegal abortion referrals; whether the competence for Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport such scrutiny rests with the chief medical officer alone; what steps he is taking to minimise the effect on seafarers’ and if he will make a statement. [190304] employment of the introduction of new sulphur dioxide emission limits for the shipping industry on 1 January Jane Ellison: Abortion is only legal if it is carried out 2015; and if he will make a statement. [191250] within the terms of the Abortion Act 1967. Two doctors must be fully satisfied that any abortion is lawful, and Stephen Hammond: I have chaired two ‘round table’ that must be based on understanding the facts of a meetings for stakeholders from a range of industries- woman’s case. shipping, ports, abatement technology, oil refining, The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is responsible logistics-to discuss the way forward on sulphur. We are for monitoring the providers of abortion services in exploring the scope for securing EU finance for shipowners England, to make sure they comply with the regulations and ports who would like to invest in using an abatement set out under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 technology or an alternative fuel. We are playing an (HSCA). active role in the European Sustainable Shipping Forum which the European Commission has established. If a CQC inspection identifies instances of non- compliance with the HSCA and Regulations then Our aim is to have a consistent, fair and proportionate appropriate regulatory action will be taken. enforcement regime across Europe, to ensure that UK industries do not suffer from any competitive disadvantages. The Department is responsible for administering the Relevant evidence will be incorporated into the provisions of the Abortion Act. The Act places specific Department’s impact assessment on the new sulphur responsibilities on the Secretary of State and the chief regulations, which we will publish in draft in the next medical officer. Departmental officials continue to monitor few weeks. An eight week public consultation will follow, compliance with the Abortion Act through scrutiny of which is expected to provide more detail on potential HSA4 forms. impacts. The impact assessment will also consider the An allegation of an illegal abortion should be reported economic cost to the UK as well as the benefits in terms to the police. of improved public health and reduced damage to the environment. Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department considers cleft palate Stop and Search to be a serious disability for the purposes of establishing the legality of abortions. [190390] Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Jane Ellison [holding answer 6 March 2014]: The how many times the British Transport Police used stop Abortion Act 1967 sets out the criteria for abortion and search powers under section 44 of the Terrorism which include the ground that Act 2000 from that section’s coming into force until it “there is a substantial risk that if the child were born it would was repealed. [190993] suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped”. Stephen Hammond: The British Transport Police have Parliament did not define serious handicap and chose 224,282 searches recorded under section 44 of the Terrorism to leave this to the expert judgment of two doctors, Act. based on the merits of each individual case.

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Mr Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many convictions there have been due to the use of (1) whether it is necessary for a doctor to see a stop and search powers under section 44 of the Terrorism pregnant woman in order to make a judgement in good Act 2000 by the British Transport Police from that section’s faith that she qualifies for an abortion under ground C coming into force until it was repealed. [190994] of the Abortion Act 1967; [190721] 345W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 346W

(2) how many and what percentage of HSA4 forms relating to cancer research, but below the national did not specifically indicate whether the certifying average on questions on patient experience of nurses on doctors had seen or examined the patient in each of the the ward, respect and. dignity, the provision of post last three years; [190799] discharge information and support, help to deal with (3) whether failure properly to disclose on an HSA1 the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy and form whether a patient has been seen by the two on provision of emotional support. certifying doctors constitutes a breach of the Trust level reports are helping to drive improvement regulations governing abortion. [190801] locally, enabling commissioners to directly challenge and incentivise improvements and providers to benchmark Jane Ellison: Since the 1967 Abortion Act was passed, their performance against one another. NHS England is the law has required that two doctors certify in good also working with high performing trusts in the survey faith that there are lawful grounds for any abortion. to identify best practice that can be shared and developed Doctors must be fully satisfied that any abortion is into toolkits and will then work with trusts with poorer lawful, and that must be based on understanding the scores to review how they use insights gained from the facts of a woman’s case. survey to develop service improvement plans. From the data routinely collected from the HSA4 Both national and trust level reports are available on form, it is not possible to specify in how many cases the the website of the survey provider, Quality Health, at certifying doctor has seen and/or examined the woman the following links. seeking the abortion. This information could be obtained National Report: only at disproportionate cost. www.quality-health.co.uk/resources/surveys/national-cancer- HSA1 forms are not submitted to the chief medical experience-survey/2013-national-cancer-patient-experience- officer but are held locally for three years. The Care survey/2013-national-cancer-patient-experience-survey- Quality Commission (CQC) is responsible for monitoring reports/301-2013-national-cancer-patient-experience-survey- the providers of abortion services in England, to monitor programme-national-report/file compliance with the regulations set out under the Health Medway NHS Foundation Trust: and Social Care Act 2008 (HSCA). If a CQC inspection www.quality-health.co.uk/resources/surveys/national-cancer- identifies instances of non-compliance with the HSCA experience-survey/2013-national-cancer-patient-experience- and regulations, or other legislation, then appropriate survey-reports/south-east-strategic-health-authority/112- regulatory action will be taken. rnedway-nhs-foundation-trust/file Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust: Breast Cancer www.quality-health.co.uk/resources/surveys/national-cancer- experience-survey/2013-national-cancer-patient-experience- Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for survey-reports/south-east-strategic-health-authority/110- Health what assessment he has made of the efficacy and maidstone-and-tunbridge-wells-nhs-trust/file quality of care of patients with breast cancer in (a) Gillingham and Rainham constituency, (b) Medway, Diabetes (c) Kent and (d) England; and if he will make a statement. [190975] Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to better integrate Jane Ellison: On 30 August 2013, NHS England care for people with diabetes across health and social published the national report of the 2013 Cancer Patient care settings. [R] [190914] Experience Survey. The survey provides an invaluable insight into cancer patients’ experience of care, treatment Jane Ellison: The Department’s approach to health and support. The survey report includes the responses and social integration is not condition-specific; rather of over 68,000 patients, 13,916 of which had breast we are supporting and facilitating joined-up care for cancer. Nationally, patients with breast cancer reported citizens with any medical conditions or social care the most positive experience of care. needs. Medway NHS Foundation Trust and Maidstone and Local national health service and local authorities, Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust are the two providers covering through health and wellbeing boards, are responsible the areas for Gillingham and Rainham constituency, for meeting the needs of their communities, which will Medway and Kent. differ from place to place. That said, many people who Medway NHS Foundation Trust is ranked 51st out of we expect to benefit from greater integrated care will 155 trusts providing adult cancer care in England (with have multiple long-term conditions, including diabetes, 1 being the best). Specifically on breast cancer, Medway the prevalence of which has increased in recent years Maritime performs slightly below average overall compared and is forecast to continue (the Department’s evidence national scores. Although the Trust scores particularly for the Public Accounts Committee in 2012 showed that well on questions relating to awareness of and participation the percentage of the population diagnosed with diabetes in cancer research, it score less well on some questions doubled between 1994 and 2009; and the number of relating interactions with doctors, patient experience of people with diabetes is expected to rise to from 3.1 million nurses on the ward and for patients being able to talk to to 3.8 million by 2020). a member of staff about their worries and fears. The Department is supporting better joined-up health Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells is ranked 105th out and social care in a number of ways. The 14 health and of 155 providing adult cancer care in England. Specifically social care pioneers announced in November 2013 will on breast cancer, Maidstone also performs slightly below be at the forefront of developing and showcasing innovative average overall when compared national scores. In common practice. From 2015-16 we will introduce a £3.8 billion with Medway, it scores particularly well on questions pooled budget for better care across the country, for 347W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 348W which local NHS organisations and local authorities via the National Diabetes Audit, which includes the will need to have joint plans in place from April 2014 to core audit, the national inpatient diabetes audit, the drive improvements from 2014-15. national diabetes pregnancy audit, the national patient experience of diabetes services survey, and the national Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health diabetes foot audit, due to be launched this summer. what assessment he has made of the effect of diabetes There are currently no plans to publish an in social care settings; and what guidance he issues to implementation framework to accompany Action for commissioners on improving care for people with Diabetes. diabetes in social care. [R] [190915] Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Jane Ellison: The treatment of individuals with diabetes, what steps he is taking to extend diabetes testing to whether in national health service or social care settings, people who are not eligible for the NHS Health Check is the responsibility of local medical professionals acting Programme. [190984] in accordance with relevant professional guidelines and standards. The Care Quality Commission is responsible Jane Ellison: At this time, there are no plans to for inspecting care homes (as well as general practitioners extend the eligible age range for the NHS Health Check surgeries and other NHS bodies) to ensure people receive programme. However, in some local areas where there is safe, effective, compassionate and high-quality care, a high representation of vulnerable or high risk groups, whatever their medical condition. local authorities may choose to extend the eligibility age The Department has therefore not made any specific range to target these groups. assessment of the effect of diabetes in social care settings, Where an individual is not eligible for an NHS Health nor issued guidance to commissioners relating to people Check, it is at the discretion of the health professional with diabetes in such settings. to determine whether an assessment of diabetes should be undertaken. Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the work of Currently, the National Institute for Health and Care cardiovascular disease clinical networks and their role Excellence recommends that health professionals should in improving diabetes care. [R] [190916] encourage people aged 25-39 of South Asian, Chinese, African-Caribbean, black African and other high-risk Jane Ellison: Strategic Clinical Networks (SCNs) are black and minority ethnic groups, as well as adults with managed by 12 locally based support teams which build a condition that increases the risk of type 2 diabetes to and oversee effective network arrangements for their complete an diabetes assessment. area, helping SCNs develop an annual programme of quality improvement in local services. Each SCN has an Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health oversight group that monitors progress against the annual how many local authorities have prioritised (a) obesity programme, of quality improvement. and (b) diabetes in their (i) joint strategic needs assessments There are 12 Cardiovascular Disease Strategic Clinical and (ii) joint health and wellbeing strategies to date. [R] Networks. 10 of these have now appointed dedicated [190985] diabetes clinical leads. Diabetes UK is helping to support meetings between the NHS England National Clinical Norman Lamb: The Department does not systematically Director for Obesity and Diabetes, and the diabetes collect information on the priorities of local authorities, clinical leads and associate directors of the SCNs. This or the content of their joint strategic needs assessments will ensure that best practice is shared across all 12 regional (JSNAs) and joint health and wellbeing strategies (JHWSs). networks. JSNAs and JHWSs are locally-led processes, led by the Health and Wellbeing Board, through which local Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health areas identify the current and future health and wellbeing (1) if he will report annually on progress against needs of the local population. delivering the objectives within Action for Diabetes; They therefore offer valuable opportunities to lead [R] [190917] efforts to reduce obesity and to prevent and treat diabetes (2) against what measures his recently published in the local population. However, the Department has Action for Diabetes document will be assessed; [R] not highlighted any care group or area of need over [190918] another as this would risk undermining-the purpose of (3) whether he plans to publish an implementation JSNAs being an objective, comprehensive and most framework to accompany Action for Diabetes. [R] importantly—a locally-owned process. [190983] Advice from Public Health England (PHE) is that Directors for Public Health, responding to a survey Jane Ellison: Action for Diabetes sets out the broad issued by PHE and the Association for Directors for vision and direction for how NHS England will support Public Health, reported that tackling child and adult improvements in outcomes for people with and at risk obesity remains a priority, with the majority (97%) of diabetes in the coming years, as a direct commissioner stating that child obesity was a priority in their local and as support to the commissioning system. strategies. Outcomes for people with diabetes will continue to be measured through the NHS Outcomes Framework and Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the Clinical Commissioning Group Outcomes Indicator (1) what steps he is taking to raise awareness of diabetes Set, which are both updated and published annually. amongst black, Asian and minority ethnic and other Outcomes for people with diabetes will also be assessed hard to reach groups; [190986] 349W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 350W

(2) what steps his Department is taking to raise understand their risk of developing the condition. awareness of the symptoms of diabetes. [190989] Advertising was used to drive people to Diabetes UK’s online risk score or into pharmacies for an assessment Jane Ellison: The NHS Health Check programme with information on what people should do next, depending raises awareness of diabetes and its symptoms among on their risk level, including visiting their general practitioner participants by assessing and discussing, among others, (GP) if recommended. The charity wrote to all GP the risk factors for this disease with participants. surgeries across the United Kingdom as well as professional A key aim of the programme is to ensure equitable organisations to advise about the campaign. uptake of the NHS Health Check. To achieve this, local authorities focus particularly on groups that experience First Aid the greatest health inequality or that are known to be at higher risk of disease such as black, Asian and other Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health high risk groups, and people who live in vulnerable what recent assessment he has made of potential ways circumstances. to increase the number of people trained in In addition, Ministers support charities focusing on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and using automated diabetes in black, Asian and minority ethnic groups to external defibrillators. [190948] help raise awareness in Parliament and in the media. NHS Improving Quality is working to produce material Jane Ellison: No recent assessment has been made of to promote better practice between local authorities. potential ways to increase the number of people trained The focus of this material is the promotion and delivery in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and using automated of the NHS Health Check and the transition to an external defibrillators. intervention post NHS Health Check for those groups However, NHS England is working with the British described as “seldom seen and seldom heard”, with a Heart Foundation and the Resuscitation Council to particular focus on, addressing health inequalities. help drive up training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, identify the location of public access defibrillators and Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health establish a national database. how many cases of diabetes have been diagnosed as a The British Heart Foundation is also working successfully result of the NHS Health Check programme in each with industry partners to increase the public availability year since that programme’s inception. [190987] of defibrillators.

Jane Ellison: The number of diabetes cases diagnosed Health: Screening as a result of the NHS Health Check Programme is not currently recorded nationally. Economic modelling has demonstrated the potential for the programme to prevent Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 4,000 people a year from developing diabetes and detect what recent assessment has been made of the at least 20,000 cases of diabetes or kidney disease. implementation of the NHS Health Check programme in England. [190949] The recent NHS Health Check Implementation review recommended taking action to improve the flow of data Jane Ellison: An implementation review of the NHS across the system, improve evidence and the evaluation Health Check programme was published in July 2013. of the programme. Public Health England are currently The review made 10 recommendations which are being developing a research and evaluation strategy that will addressed through the implementation of Public Health be published later this year. England’s NHS Health Check 10 point action plan. Recent data reported by local authorities confirmed Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health that between April and December 2013, 13.2% of the what steps his Department is taking to ensure that eligible population (2,022,063 people) had been offered people with diabetes who are unaware of their an NHS Health Check. Of those offered 48.1% (973,093 condition are tested for diabetes. [190988] people) had received an NHS Health Check. This compares with 11.7% and 48.5% for offers and uptake respectively Jane Ellison: NHS England is putting a real emphasis for the same period in 2012. on screening for high risk or the presence of Type 2 diabetes through NHS health checks. The NHS Health For the first time since the programme’s implementation Check programme is a risk assessment and management in 2009, the quarter three NHS Health Check data programme, for those aged 40 to 74, aimed at raising confirmed that all upper tier local authorities are now awareness and preventing a range of illnesses, including delivering the programme. Type 2 diabetes. Delivery of the NHS Health Check programme has Heart Diseases been mandated to local authorities from April 2013, and NHS England has an objective in its Mandate from Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the Department to work with Public Health England to (1) how implementation of the Cardiovascular Disease support local government in this work. Outcomes Strategy is monitored and evaluated; Beginning on 23 September 2013, and supported by [190900] NHS England and Public Health England, Diabetes (2) what recent steps NHS England has taken to UK launched the largest ever Type 2 diabetes awareness incentivise and support primary care to consistently campaign. The campaign aimed to raise awareness of provided good management of people with, or at risk the risk factors of Type 2 diabetes and enable people to of, cardiovascular disease; [190947] 351W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 352W

(3) with reference to Action 4 of his Department’s with the NHS England SCNs and national audit publication, Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes Strategy, programme partners. They will provide practical what progress has been made by NHS England on interpretation and increased understanding of the developing new tools to support the improvement of knowledge and evidence available across the cardiovascular detection rates for cardiovascular disease in primary family of diseases. care. [190991] A key strategic priority of NCVIN will be to bring together the rich clinical data currently collected through Jane Ellison: Outcomes for people with and at risk of a range of national clinical audit programmes which sit cardiovascular disease (CVD) are measured through in organisations including the Royal College of Physicians, the NHS Outcomes Framework and Clinical the Renal Registry, Health and Social Care Information Commissioning Group Outcomes Indicator Set. NHS Centre and National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes England has also established a working group with Research. These organisations are significant partners Public Health England which meets quarterly to discuss in the NCVIN. progress on the recommendations of the CVD Outcomes Strategy. In order to facilitate data sharing and opportunities for data linkage, Public Health England (PHE) has NHS England’s future commissioning of primary invested in NCVIN Clinical Leads embedded within the care services will be informed and guided by the national audits. The NCVIN Partnership Board and development of the primary care workstream of the NCVIN Clinical Leads will drive the work programme, Call to Action on the future of the NHS. This workstream identifying joint collaborative projects. A strategic goal is considering how best to drive and encourage better of the NCVIN is to develop a cardiovascular population management of people with, or at risk of, all long-term view from across the data sources. PHE is working with conditions, including CVD. partners to understand what infrastructure and information NHS Improving Quality (NHS IQ) has developed the governance frameworks will be required to ensure that ’GRASP Suite’ of primary care audit tools to help this is achieved. general practitioners (GPs) improve the detection and management of two cardiovascular conditions-atrial Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF). Each of these (1) what recent assessment he has made of the efficacy toolkits contains a case finder, which helps GPs identify of the processes for identifying (a) familial patients presenting with symptoms which may indicate hypercholesterolemia and (b) sudden cardiac death the presence of AF or HF which has not been diagnosed, and inherited cardiac conditions; [190938] and a management audit tool comparing current management with National Institute for Health Care (2) what steps have been taken by the National Clinical Excellence guidelines. Director for Heart Disease to spread good practice on identifying people who may have (a) familial NHS IQ monitors the uptake and use of these toolkits, hypercholesterolemia, (b) inherited sudden cardiac death and currently over 2,600 practices in England have run or (c) another inherited heart condition. [191043] and uploaded data from the AF toolkit. The HF toolkit will be formally launched later this year, though it is Jane Ellison: No recent assessment has been made of already available for use and is being promoted by NHS the efficacy of the processes for identifying familial IQ. hypercholesterolemia, sudden cardiac death or familial The case finding elements of GRASP-AF and HF hypercholesterolemia. will have an impact on the recorded prevalence of these conditions, and the GRASP toolkits will allow us to The National Clinical Director for Heart Disease monitor the increase in recorded prevalence of each of (NCD) at NHS England is currently working with the these conditions over time. The data collected also Cardiovascular Disease Strategic Clinical Networks to allows NHS IQ to monitor the management of AF and promote cascade testing for the relatives of people who HF against NICE guidelines, and track future improvement have familial hypercholesterolemia, sudden cardiac death in this management. or another inherited heart condition. In addition, the NCD for Cardiac Care met with the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Chief Coroner who agreed to send out a letter to all what progress has been made by the national cardiovascular coroners highlighting the importance of offering appropriate intelligence network in bringing together existing information to families when a young (<40 years) member cardiovascular disease data. [190901] of their family is thought to have died from an inherited cardiac condition. The information is supplied by the Jane Ellison: Early National Cardiovascular Intelligence British Heart Foundation (BHF), and both BHF and Networks (NCVIN) deliverables include a web portal— the charity Cardiac Risk in the Youngoffer support and www.ncvin.org.uk—a series of factsheets with information advice regarding referral for specialist advice. and data about cardiovascular risk factors and disease areas and profiles presenting a baseline position for Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Strategic Clinical Groups (SCNs); clinical commissioning what steps he has taken to raise awareness of the signs groups (CCGs) and local authorities (LAs) geographies. and symptoms of cardiovascular disease in the last As well as bringing together data into a range of 12 months. [190945] tools and resources, NCVIN will invest in supporting health professionals such as CCGs, LAs and clinicians Jane Ellison: Public Health England (PHE) and the in ensuring that this knowledge and evidence translates national health service have taken steps to raise awareness into quality improvement. NCVIN has invested in a of the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease. programme of masterclasses developed and delivered At an individual patient level, health care professionals 353W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 354W will use their judgment to provide clinically appropriate working with NHS England and NHS Right Care to develop information and advice on the signs and symptoms of Commissioning for Value CVD focus packs for all clinical cardiovascular disease. commissioning groups in England. Specific information on cardiovascular disease, its In collaboration with NHS England and HSCIC, signs and symptoms can also be accessed by the public PHE continues to develop and establish robust datastreams through the NHS Choices website. Information on for CVD risk factors. cardiovascular disease was also shared directly with just PHE also worked with NHS England to publish and over 2,022,063 people between April and December deliver on the NHS Health Check 10 point action plan. 2013 as part of the NHS Health Check invitation. Over Further to this PHE is now progressing a joint programme the same period, 973,093 people also benefited from a of activity to improve clinical follow-up and management. discussion about cardiovascular disease as part of the Hospitals: Waiting Lists NHS Health Check. At a population level, PHE has continued to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke through Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the Act FAST (Face Arms Speech Time) campaign. how many operations were cancelled on or after the PHE has also launched two pilot campaigns, one on day of admission in each NHS trust in England in each breathlessness and one on high blood pressure, both of of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. which are symptoms of cardiovascular disease. These [191000] pilots aim to improve early diagnosis by encouraging people to visit their doctor to check for these signs and Jane Ellison: The information has been placed in the symptoms of cardiovascular disease. PHE will be evaluating Library. the pilot’s performance by collection and analysis of Human Papillomavirus: Gillingham clinical data. Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Health how many people in Gillingham and Rainham how many people with coronary heart disease have a constituency have received the human papillomavirus co-morbidity in England. [190950] vaccine since its introduction. [190929]

Jane Ellison: This data is not collected centrally. The Jane Ellison: Data is available from September 2008 Long Term Conditions Compendium (Third Edition), to August 2013 and is available only at the old primary which was published in 2012, stated that 33% of people care trust (PCT) level. The constituency of Gillingham with one long-term condition have at least one other and Rainham falls within the boundaries of Medway condition. The Long Term Conditions Compendium is PCT. available online at the following weblink: Since September 2008, at least 10,426 girls were reported www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/216528/dh_134486.pdf from Medway PCT to have received the completed course of three doses of human papillomavirus vaccine. This figure will be an underestimate due to some girls Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health receiving their vaccine after the data submission date. with reference to paragraph 37 of his Department’s Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes Strategy, what steps Malnutrition Public Health England has taken to work with NHS England and the Health and Social Care Information Sarah Newton: To ask the Secretary of State for Centre on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Health what recent estimate he has made of the [191040] number of hospital admissions for malnutrition; and if he will make a statement. [191006] Jane Ellison: Public Health England (PHE) has established a national cardiovascular intelligence network Jane Ellison: A count of finished admission episodes (NCVIN) with a range of organisations including NHS for patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of England, the Health and Social Care Information Centre malnutrition in England in 2012-13 showed 5,499 (HSCIC), the custodians of cardiovascular national admissions. This is not a count of patients as the same audit programmes and various charities. Further patient may be admitted more than once in a financial information can be found at: year. www.ncvin.org.uk The Government is helping to raise awareness of Working with both the HSCIC and NHS England, malnutrition among individuals and carers though NHS PHE routinely provides data and intelligence on the Choices and we are funding a pilot led by the Malnutrition range of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Taskforce to reduce malnutrition among older people Early deliverables have included: in health and care settings and the community. a series of sourced and referenced key facts on risk factors for cardiovascular disease published through NCVIN; Medical Records: Databases publication of the Public Health Outcomes Framework indicators through a web portal, with specific indicators relating to CVD Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health risk factors, found at: whether any companies with contracts to receive NHS www.phoutcomes.info/ patient data approved by the former NHS information health profiles providing a snapshot overview of health for centre are still being provided with data updates by the each local authority in England to inform joint strategic needs new Health and Social Care Information Centre. assessments and health and wellbeing board priorities and [190888] 355W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 356W

Dr Poulter: There are data sharing agreements that Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health were in place prior to 1 April 2013 and therefore agreed what auditing procedures are in place to monitor the by the NHS Information Centre, which permit the use use of NHS patient data which has been provided to of data after 31 March 2013, and therefore during the companies. [190951] existence of the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC). There are also agreements approved Dr Poulter: Where identifiable data, ‘red data’, or by the NHS Information Centre which permit the provision de-identified data for limited disclosure or access, ’amber of additional data post 31 March 2013. data’, has been provided to a third party, the Health On 5 March 2014 the HSCIC Board agreed four and Social Care Information Centre will draw up a data important steps to improve the transparency of its sharing agreement. This agreement will include the decision-making and build public trust in its actions. right to undertake an audit of the licensee to ensure that The measures included writing to all recipients of HSCIC the terms of the agreement are being followed. data to remind them of their responsibilities under their The Health and Social Care Information Centre will data sharing agreements, the HSCIC’s right to audit use only release data if there is a legal basis to do so, for the of the data released to them, and the HSCIC’s intention good of health and care and patient privacy will be to publish details of their access. respected.

Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Health and Social Care Information Centre whether patient data can be retrieved after it has been will be liable to legal action initiated by companies to extracted under care.data. [190952] which they have refused to supply patient data under the care.data scheme. [190932] Dr Poulter: If a patient objects to the use of their personal information for purposes other than direct Dr Poulter: As data controller, the Health and Social care following an extraction, they can instruct the Health Care Information Centre (HSCIC) is legally responsible and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) to stop for the data it collects and can decide to provide it to processing their identifiable information in the different third parties or not. data collections the HSCIC is responsible for. They can do this by completing an appropriate form available on A third party could sue HSCIC for breach of contract the HSCIC website and providing proof of their identity. but could not force the HSCIC to release data where HSCIC was concerned about the purpose of the use of If a patient objects and the identifiable information is the data. removed, the HSCIC can continue to use the information that relates to the individual, but has been anonymised, to compile statistics and reports. This is because information Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health that does not identify an individual is neither personal pursuant to his answer of 25 February 2014, Official nor private and the Data Protection Act 1998 no longer Report, column 275W, on medical records: database, applies to it, therefore the law allows its use. Anonymised what remedial action for breach of contract would data, which reveal no personal information about patients, involve. [190940] is immensely helpful to the national health service, public health and social care. Dr Poulter: Extracts have not yet begun, therefore, NHS England has not finalised what remedial action Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health would be taken for a breach of contract. Focus is on whether companies will be permitted to use patient supporting general practitioner practices to ensure that data extracted under care.data for profit-making patients understand how their information is shared for activities. [190953] these purposes and the choices they have available to them. Dr Poulter: The Health and Social Care Information Centre will only disseminate information for the purposes Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health of the provision of health care or adult social care or what the value is of the care.data contract with Atos. the promotion of health. [190943] Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Dr Poulter: There is no care.data contract in place what steps he will take to ensure that patient data with Atos. extracted as part of care.data will not be sent outside the UK. [190954] Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which companies bid for the care.data contract. Dr Poulter: In accordance with the Information [190944] Commissioner’s Office, personal data can be transferred to countries, within the European economic area (EEA) on the same basis as transferring data within the United Dr Poulter: There is no care.data contract. Kingdom. The Health and Social Information Centre may only release information under its general dissemination Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health powers if for the purposes of health and care or adult for what reasons his Department awarded the care.data social care provision, or the promotion of health. contract to Atos. [190946] Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Dr Poulter: There is no care.data contract in place whether he has carried out a risk assessment on with Atos. care.data. [190955] 357W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 358W

Dr Poulter: As with all major projects and programmes Dr Poulter: The Secretary of State for Health, my on the Health and Social Care Information Centre right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey portfolio of work, the programme adheres to the Major (Mr Hunt), has not held any meetings with commercial Projects Authority assurance process, led by the Cabinet companies on care.data. Office. Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many meetings he has had with the hon. Member what audits he will carry out on care.data after for Mid Norfolk to discuss care.data in the last two extraction of patient records begins. [190956] years; and when such meetings took place. [190973]

Dr Poulter: The Health and Social Care Information Dr Poulter: Details of all ministerial meetings with Centre (HSCIC) is responsible for ensuring that it does external parties are published quarterly in arrears on not disclose information to bodies that do not have the Department’s website. The latest publication can be secure data handling procedures. The HSCIC requires found on the Department’s website: all bodies requesting information to meet published www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministerial-gifts- information security standards and to sign an agreement hospitality-travel-and-external-meetings-2012-to- that enables the HSCIC to conduct follow up audits 2013?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter where stronger assurance is desirable. Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures are in place to retrieve or destroy NHS Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health patient data which has been wrongly provided to (1) what types of organisation (a) will and (b) will not companies. [190974] be permitted to access patient records extracted as part of care.data; [190957] Dr Poulter: The Health and Social Care Information (2) under what circumstances and for what purposes Centre (HSCIC) has strict assurance processes in place amber data can be disclosed to companies under which are completed before any data is passed to an care.data. [190959] organisation that has requested it. The HSCIC has recently revised the strict assurance processes for releasing Dr Poulter: Any organisation can make an application data and has a robust checking mechanism in place to to the Health and Social Care Information Centre ensure the correct data is sent to the correct organisation. (HSCIC) for identifiable data (‘red data’) or de-identified data for limited disclosure or access (‘amber data’) and Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health each application is considered individually. what steps he will take to test the technology used to Data collected under care.data will only be released extract patient records as part of care.data before full by the HSCIC for commissioning purposes and where data extraction takes place. [191045] applicants can demonstrate that it will be used for the benefit of health and social care. Dr Poulter: The care.data primary care extract will be assured in line with the General Practice Extraction Service certification process. The Health and Social Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Care Information Centre (HSCIC) will produce the who will be responsible for taking decisions on the Extraction Requirement which is circulated to general disclosure of identifiable and potentially identifiable practice system suppliers and sets out the data that will data under care.data. [190958] need to flow to the HSCIC for this requirement. The certification process tests whether general practice Dr Poulter: Decisions will be made by the Health and system suppliers interpret and implement the Extraction Social Care Information Centre within a policy framework Requirement in the manner it should be interpreted and agreed with the Department and NHS England. This implemented. framework is currently being reviewed to reflect proposed changes to the current Care Bill and will ensure that all Obesity disclosure of data are lawful, ethical and appropriate. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Health if he will make it his policy to ensure that under what circumstances (a) the Department for Work psychological support is always provided alongside medical and Pensions and (b) HM Revenue and Customs can interventions for Tier 3 obesity treatment of children, access patient information extracted as part of care.data. adolescents and adults. [191200] [190960] Jane Ellison: Local health and care service providers Dr Poulter: Data can only be used for the purposes of are responsible for the provision of tier 3 obesity services health and care or adult social care provision, or the to meet the needs of their population. As part of the promotion of health. The Department for Work and obesity care pathway, Public Health England and the Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs would fall Department would expect local services to be developed outside these purposes. taking into account both NHS England’s and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance for Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health tier 3 assessment and support; namely that a tier 3 how many meetings he has had with commercial companies service for children, adolescents and adults, is comprised on care.data in the last two years; and when such of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) of specialists, led meetings took place. [190972] by a clinician and including psychological support. 359W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 360W

For children and adolescents it is recommended that the Norman Lamb: The Transform programme was launched MDT has a paediatric obesity focus and in addition to in 2011 to provide practical support to managers and clinical treatment, to also provide support on family clinicians in acute trusts in England with the aim of lifestyle behaviours. delivering real improvements to the quality of end of life care for individuals and their carers. The aim was Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for also to promote the quality improvement approach and Health what steps the NHS is taking to tackle obesity the dissemination of best practice. among members of its workforce. [191360] Evaluation of the programme started in August 2013 and included a rapid review of all the data and published Jane Ellison: National health service organisations documents that had been captured in relation to Phase I. are encouraged to lead the way in supporting staff to A series of interviews took place in October and November address their own weight and health issues, in addition 2013 with members of the Transform programme steering to helping patients do the same. NHS England has group to scope plans for a further evaluation of the committed to supporting the NHS Sports and Activity programme from April 2014 onwards. Additionally, a Challenge which aims to support the importance of series of case studies have been generated to highlight staff well-being, as well as the opportunities which it innovative practice and to help share learning. The offers to deliver the very best care we can to patients, executive summary of the evaluation of the Transform carers and the public more generally. programme is due to be published at the end of March 2014. The Public Health Responsibility Deal health at work pledges include one on Healthier Staff Restaurants which makes it easier for people to choose and maintain Pancreatic Cancer a healthier diet while at work. The food and drink available and promoted in the workplace, for example in Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health staff restaurants and cafes, vending machines and buffets what steps he has taken to include pancreatic cancer in for staff, can play a vital role in influencing people’s the National Awareness and Early Diagnosis Initiative. choices and behaviour about what they eat at work and [191079] outside of work. There are now 57 NHS trusts signed up to at least one of the health at work collective Jane Ellison: Achieving earlier diagnosis of cancer is pledges and of these, 21 are signed up to the Healthier key to our ambition to save an additional 5,000 lives per Staff Restaurants pledge. year by 2014-15. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for The focus of Be Clear on Cancer campaigns so far Health how many officials at Public Health England has been on cancers with the largest number of avoidable deaths, compared with countries with the best survival are tasked specifically with tackling obesity. [191377] rates. We know early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can Jane Ellison: Public Health England (PHE) obesity be very difficult as the symptoms are shared with a wide related workforce complements the Department’s Obesity range of benign conditions. We will continue to keep and Food Policy team and local public health teams. campaigns under review and work with relevant experts to see what might be done to tackle other cancers, PHE has approximately 12 full-time staff working on including pancreatic cancer. obesity from the following teams: obesity and healthy weight, obesity knowledge and intelligence and staff working on childhood obesity in the children, young Skin Cancer people and families’ team. PHE delivers its programmes, through teams working Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health together across the life course and on specific subject what assessment he has made of the clinical areas. A range of teams make a significant contribution effectiveness of ipilimumab as a first line treatment for to the work on obesity including: Diet and Obesity; patients with advanced melanoma; and if he will make Children; Health Equity; Adults and Older People; and a statement. [190933] its Regional and Centre teams, who also support local public health teams to deliver action to prevent. Norman Lamb: We have made no such assessment. Ipilimumab (Yervoy) is licensed for the treatment of Out-patients advanced (unresectable or metastatic) melanoma in adults. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (NICE) is currently appraising the use of ipilimumab how many out-patient appointments were cancelled in for previously untreated unresectable stage III or IV each NHS trust in England in each of the last five malignant melanoma. Details of NICE’s draft guidance years; and if he will make a statement. [190999] for consultation for this appraisal are at: Jane Ellison: The information has been placed in the http://guidance.nice.org.uk/TAG/209 Library. Stakeholders have until 18 March to comment on NICE’s draft recommendations. Palliative Care Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that patients with what recent assessment he has made of the advanced melanoma have access to all appropriate, development of the Transform programme in hospitals. innovative and clinically effective treatments; and if he [190902] will make a statement. [190968] 361W Written Answers13 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 362W

Norman Lamb: The National Institute for Health policy list, regional clinical panels can consider individual and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended ipilimumab applications for funding in exceptional cases. (Yervoy) as an option for treating advanced melanoma in people who have received prior therapy and vernurafenib Surgery (Zelboraf) for the first-line treatment of advanced melanoma in patients with a particular gene mutation. Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many finished admission episodes there were in National health service commissioners are legally each NHS trust in England in the last five years for required to fund those treatments recommended by which figures are available; what the (a) mean and (b) NICE in its technology appraisal guidance. median time waited was in days for (i) hip replacement, Where a drug is not routinely funded by the NHS, (ii) hysterectomy and (iii) cataract removal procedures patients may be able to access it via the Cancer Drugs in each such area; and if he will make a statement. Fund. NHS England is responsible for administering [190997] the fund, and decisions on which treatments are afforded priority funding status are taken by an expert clinical Jane Ellison: The information has been placed in the panel. For cancer drugs not on the national cohort Library. ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 13 March 2014

Col. No. Col. No. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 389 CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT—continued 2022 World Cup (Migrant Workers)...... 398 Sport for People with Limb Loss ...... 397 BBC (Funding) ...... 394 Topical Questions ...... 400 Betting Shops (Area Deprivation)...... 395 Women’s Participation in Sport...... 396 Broadband Infrastructure ...... 390 Contemporary Arts...... 400 WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 403 First World War Commemoration ...... 391 Disabled People ...... 403 Football Clubs (Supporter Engagement)...... 393 Occupational Gender Segregation...... 406 Football Governance ...... 389 Women in Public Life...... 406 Local Newspapers...... 399 Women in Work ...... 408 Online Antisocial Behaviour ...... 398 Women in Work (Overseas)...... 409 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Thursday 13 March 2014

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 29WS HEALTH...... 41WS Higher Education (Student Support) ...... 29WS Pay Review Bodies ...... 41WS

CABINET OFFICE...... 30WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 43WS City Deal...... 30WS FIFA World Cup 2014 (Licensing Hours)...... 43WS Immigration Rules ...... 44WS COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 32WS Passport Fees ...... 43WS Building Regulations...... 32WS JUSTICE...... 45WS Prison Service Pay Review Body ...... 45WS DEFENCE...... 34WS Armed Forces Pay Review Body ...... 34WS PRIME MINISTER ...... 46WS Service Complaints System ...... 34WS Senior Salaries Review Body ...... 46WS

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL TRANSPORT ...... 47WS AFFAIRS...... 36WS EU Transport Council ...... 47WS European Environment Council...... 36WS Vehicle Registration and Licensing (Northern Ireland) ...... 48WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 38WS Foreign Affairs Council/General Affairs Council... 38WS TREASURY ...... 31WS Sri Lanka: UN Human Rights Council...... 40WS Public Service Pensions ...... 31WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Thursday 13 March 2014

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 289W CABINET OFFICE—continued Stalking...... 289W Employment ...... 284W Government Departments: Procurement ...... 285W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 294W Housing: Prices ...... 285W Apprentices...... 294W India ...... 285W Ballooning: Safety...... 295W Military Medals Review...... 286W Cybercrime: Crime Prevention...... 295W Ovarian Cancer...... 286W Electric Vehicles ...... 295W Pay: Wrexham...... 287W Energy: Industry ...... 296W Unemployment: Older People ...... 288W ICT: Employment ...... 296W Land Registry ...... 296W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 310W Motor Vehicles: Insurance ...... 297W Betting Shops...... 310W Official Receiver...... 297W Community Assets...... 310W Offshore Industry...... 298W Empty Property ...... 310W Technology: Young People...... 298W Fire Services: Floods...... 311W Homelessness: Females ...... 311W CABINET OFFICE...... 283W Housing: Construction...... 312W Census ...... 283W Local Government: Assets ...... 313W Conditions of Employment: Wrexham ...... 283W Recovery Ministerial Group...... 313W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— HEALTH—continued continued Breast Cancer...... 345W Right to Buy Scheme ...... 314W Diabetes ...... 346W Trade Union Officials...... 315W First Aid ...... 350W Health: Screening...... 350W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 291W Heart Diseases ...... 350W Betting Shops: Licensing...... 291W Hospitals: Waiting Lists...... 354W Broadband: Rural Areas ...... 292W Human Papillomavirus: Gillingham...... 354W Direct Selling ...... 292W Malnutrition ...... 354W English Heritage ...... 292W Medical Records: Databases ...... 354W Film: Shropshire ...... 293W Obesity...... 358W Gaming Machines...... 293W Out-patients ...... 359W Local Press...... 293W Palliative Care...... 359W Telecommunications ...... 294W Pancreatic Cancer ...... 360W Television: Licensing ...... 294W Skin Cancer ...... 360W Surgery...... 362W DEFENCE...... 319W Armed Forces ...... 319W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 325W Armed Forces Covenant ...... 320W Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre .. 325W Armed Forces: Higher Education ...... 320W Childbirth ...... 326W Armed Forces: Horses...... 321W Colnbrook Immigration Removal Centre...... 327W Armed Forces: Training ...... 321W Deportation: Somalia...... 327W Falkland Islands...... 322W Entry Clearances: Married People ...... 328W Military Attachés...... 322W Immigration...... 328W Nuclear Submarines...... 323W Members: Correspondence ...... 329W RAF Henlow ...... 324W Registration of Births, Deaths, Marriages and RAF Northolt...... 324W Civil Partnerships...... 329W Red Arrows...... 325W Special Constables: Rural Areas...... 329W Reserve Forces ...... 325W Stalking...... 330W

EDUCATION...... 301W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 275W Children: Autism...... 301W Developing Countries: Food ...... 275W Children’s Centres...... 301W Ukraine...... 275W Secure Accommodation ...... 302W JUSTICE...... 330W ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE ...... 278W Community Orders: Greater London...... 330W Absent Voting ...... 278W Convictions...... 330W Electoral Register...... 281W Prison Service ...... 330W Electoral Register: Fraud ...... 282W Prisons ...... 331W Voting Methods ...... 283W Temporary Employment ...... 331W Young Offenders ...... 332W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 304W Youth Custody...... 341W Coal Gasification and Carbon Sequestration: NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 300W North East...... 304W Army...... 300W Energy: Competition...... 304W Energy: Coventry ...... 305W TRANSPORT ...... 341W Energy: Prices ...... 305W A31 ...... 341W Fracking...... 305W A595 ...... 342W Green Deal Scheme...... 306W Driving: Licensing...... 342W Housing: Insulation ...... 308W Shipping: Exhaust Emissions ...... 343W Natural Gas ...... 308W Stop and Search ...... 343W Radioactive Materials: Irish Sea...... 309W Renewable Energy...... 309W TREASURY ...... 299W Sellafield ...... 309W Bank Services...... 299W Excise Duties: Alcoholic Drinks...... 299W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Mortgages...... 299W AFFAIRS...... 301W Stamp Duty Land Tax: Greater London...... 300W Agriculture: Environment Protection...... 301W VAT: Tourism...... 300W Ash Dieback Disease ...... 302W Video Games: Regulation ...... 300W Ferrets: Tagging ...... 303W Hill Farming ...... 303W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 315W Beaches ...... 315W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 276W Children: Maintenance ...... 315W Iran...... 276W HIV Infection ...... 316W Iran: Syria...... 277W Housing Benefit ...... 317W Middle East ...... 277W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 317W Yemen ...... 278W Local Welfare Assistance Fund...... 317W Personal Independence Payment...... 318W HEALTH...... 344W Universal Credit: Northern Ireland...... 318W Abortion ...... 344W Work Capability Assessment...... 318W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Thursday 20 March 2014

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CONTENTS

Thursday 13 March 2014

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 389] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Minister for Women and Equalities

Business of the House [Col. 411] Statement—(Mr Lansley)

School Funding [Col. 427] Statement—(Mr Laws)

Local Government Procurement [Col. 443] Select Committee Statement—(Mr Betts)

Burma [Col. 450] Select Committee Statement—(Sir Malcolm Bruce)

Royal Assent [Col. 455]

Backbench Business Badger Cull [Col. 456] Motion—(Mrs Main)—on a Division, agreed to

Public Bodies (Diversity) [Col. 523] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Commonwealth Day [Col. 183WH] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 29WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 275W] [see index inside back page]