Tuesday Volume 524 1 March 2011 No. 123

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 1 March 2011

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2011 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through The National Archives website at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/our-services/parliamentary-licence-information.htm Enquiries to The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] 145 1 MARCH 2011 146

government boundaries, but ultimately they have to House of Commons deliver constituencies of more equal size. At the moment, constituencies can vary by over 50%, which is simply Tuesday 1 March 2011 not right. Recall of MPs The House met at half-past Two o’clock 2. Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): What plans he has to introduce a power for electors in a PRAYERS constituency to recall their elected Member of Parliament. [42562] [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] 5. Chris Skidmore (Kingswood) (Con): What plans he has to introduce a power for electors in a constituency Oral Answers to Questions to recall their elected Member of Parliament. [42566] 7. Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab): DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER When he plans to publish his proposals to allow electors in a constituency to recall their elected Member of Parliament. [42568] The Deputy Prime Minister was asked— The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): The Parliamentary Constituencies Government are committed to bringing forward legislation to introduce a power to recall Members of Parliament. 1. Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): What We are currently considering what would be the fairest, recent representations he has received on his proposals and most appropriate and robust, procedure, and we to create fewer and more equally sized constituencies. will make a statement soon setting out our plans to [42561] establish a recall mechanism. The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Mark Nadhim Zahawi: Will the Government’s proposals Harper): The last representation that I received on this provide a definition of serious wrongdoing, enabling matter was from Parliament, to say that the Parliamentary voters to know clearly what could trigger a recall? That Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 received is important in providing clarity about what voters Royal Assent on 16 February, and I am sure that many can do. Members of this House and the other place were grateful that it did. The Deputy Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is exactly right: that is precisely the kind of detail that we need to Gavin Barwell: Figures published by the Office for get right in the Bill. In some cases it is clear: if someone National Statistics last Wednesday showed that on is sentenced to prison for 12 months or more they are 1 December the Wirral—represented in this House by automatically disqualified already, under the present four Members of Parliament—had 239,000 electors, rules. There is certainly a case for removing that 12-month whereas my borough of Croydon, with just three MPs, cut-off line. If someone is imprisoned for any period, it had 243,000 electors. Can my hon. Friend tell me when seems to me that there is a strong case for disqualifying the boundary commissions will publish their draft proposals them. The key problem is when wrongdoings do not to deal with this shocking injustice? lead to a prison sentence, and that is exactly why we would want to engage the House authorities, to provide Mr Harper: My hon. Friend puts his finger on exactly a means by which they could be clearly proven. why it was necessary to have more equally sized constituencies across the country, so that voters will Chris Skidmore: In other countries that already have have equal weight when they cast their votes. He will a right of recall, there is a significant annual cost in know that the boundary commissions have to report having departments to administer public petitions. Has finally to Ministers by 1 October 2013. We expect that the Minister considered making an impact assessment they will set out their initial proposals some time this of the annual cost of introducing such a measure? year, but that is a matter for the independent boundary commissions. The Deputy Prime Minister: As my hon. Friend may know, we want the recall mechanism to be based on two Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab): simple steps: first, proof that wrongdoing has been Democratic Audit has said that equalising constituency committed, as I explained in answer to the previous sizes will lead to chaotic boundaries. Does the Minister question; and secondly, a petition by at least 10% of the think that the Deputy Prime Minister—or, to be more electors to trigger a by-election in the constituency precise, his immediate successor in 2015—will be happy concerned. That is slightly different from some of the representing not only parts of Fullwood and Broom models to which my hon. Friend referred, in California Hill, but Glossop, 20 miles away? and elsewhere, where there is a much more open-ended process. Mr Harper: I simply do not agree with the premise of the hon. Gentleman’s question. The 2011 Act provides Roberta Blackman-Woods: Can the Deputy Prime for a spread of plus or minus 5% of the quota, which is Minister tell the House whether he still believes that quite a significant number—around 8,000 electors—so MPs should be recalled for breaking their promises—and that the boundary commissions can take into account if he does, how many Liberal Democrat MPs does he all the traditional things, such as local ties and local expect would be subject to that system? 147 Oral Answers1 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 148

The Deputy Prime Minister: The recall mechanism—as to take into account all the changes made to that supported, I think, in the manifestos of all three parties—is legislation in the later stages of its progress through for serious wrongdoing, as I explained in answer to Parliament. previous questions. Steve Rotheram: Although it appears that the Deputy Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): I am not quite sure Prime Minister has calculated the cost of the changes in that that is right, is it? Did not the Liberal Democrat pound notes, he does not have a clue about the social manifesto say that people would be given the right to cost of his plans, which will lead to the fragmentation of sack MPs who had broken the rules? The question then communities as new constituencies cut through historical, is: who gets to decide who has broken the rules? If, as political and cultural boundaries simply to achieve his the right hon. Gentleman says, it is the courts, that is a arbitrary arithmetical norm. Does the Minister not fairly straightforward process. However, if it was left up wish that he had simply decoupled that part of the Bill to voters, might they not think that if someone promised to secure his miserable little compromise? 3,000 more police officers and then cut 10,000, or promised not to raise VAT and then put it up by 2.5%, they had Mr Harper: The reason why I gave the hon. Gentleman broken the rules? an answer in pounds was that his question was about the cost to the public purse, and I was answering that The Deputy Prime Minister: As I said before, wrongdoing question. has clearly been committed if someone is given a prison Steve Rotheram: But what is the real cost? sentence, and I think that any prison sentence of any length should disqualify MPs. Otherwise, we clearly Mr Harper: I do not agree with the premise of the need to establish a mechanism here in the House to hon. Gentleman’s question. There is a 10% margin, plus prove serious wrongdoing, and only once that has been or minus 5%, within which the independent boundary established would we grant electors the right, following commissions can take account of factors such as local a petition of 10% of the electors, to trigger a by-election— ties and local government boundaries, but it has to be [Interruption.] I think that the hon. Gentleman is asking right that constituencies should be more equal in size. from a sedentary position whether that mechanism In the part of the world that the hon. Gentleman should be without any kind of filtering here in the represents voters have more weight in the House of House. The honest truth is that if we did it like that, and Commons than they should, compared with those in had a sort of free-for-all, there would be a real danger other parts of the country, and that is simply not right. of a lot of vexatious and unjustified claims being made against one Member by others. Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): Does the Minister not agree that holding a boundary review Sir Peter Tapsell (Louth and Horncastle) (Con): Will every five years will be a recipe for chaos and uncertainty, extreme care be taken in the drafting of the legislation given that the number of seats allocated in each country to ensure that in absolutely no circumstances will a within the United Kingdom could change in that period? recall of a Member of Parliament be possible because That would create great uncertainty among local electors, of the way in which a Member votes or speaks—however local authorities and local communities, who will not objectionably—or because he changes party, as Winston know what constituency they are going to be in. That Churchill did on two occasions? will have a direct impact on the make-up of the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh The Deputy Prime Minister: We certainly would not Assembly. want a recall mechanism that would have disqualified Winston Churchill. Precisely for the reasons that my Mr Harper: There is a choice: we can have either hon. Friend has alluded to, we need to ensure that the infrequent boundary reviews, which would be more system contains checks and balances so that it does not disruptive, or more frequent ones, which—all other impinge on the freedom of Members on both sides of things being equal—would be smaller. Clearly the first the House to speak out and articulate our views. That boundary review, with a change in the rules that will will not be the purpose of the recall mechanism. Its result in a reduction in the number of seats in the House purpose will be to bear down on serious wrongdoing from 650 to 600, will be a fairly significant one. After and to give people a chance to have their say in their that, however, boundary reviews will simply reflect the own constituencies without having to wait until the next movements of the electorate, and I think that that will election for an opportunity to do so. be a much less disruptive process. House of Lords Reform Boundary Reviews 6. Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): What 4. Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): What progress he is making on proposals for the reform of estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of the House of Lords. [42567] holding constituency boundary reviews every five years. [42565] The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): The cross-party Committee, which I chair, has been considering The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Mark proposals for a wholly or mainly elected second Chamber. Harper): Our current estimate of the costs of undertaking The Government will publish a draft Bill shortly, which a boundary review under the Parliamentary Voting will then be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny. The System and Constituencies Act 2011 is £11.2 million. Government hope that that will be carried out by a We are currently working on that estimate to update it Joint Committee of both Houses. 149 Oral Answers1 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 150

Paul Blomfield: I thank the Deputy Prime Minister Topical Questions for that answer. Will the proposals include a fulfilment of the Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment to a T1. [42441] Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): If he fully elected House of Lords? will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. The Deputy Prime Minister: From what the hon. Gentleman has said, I take it that he supports 100% election The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): As to the other place, which is a great advance on the 0% of Deputy Prime Minister, I support the Prime Minister elected Members that the Labour Government delivered on the full range of Government policies and initiatives. over the past 13 years. My party’s manifesto was very Within that, I take special responsibility for this clear about a fully elected House of Lords, so it is no Government’s programme of political and constitutional secret that that would be my preference, but as I have reform. explained, we want to proceed with this process on a cross-party basis as much as possible. That is why I have Kelvin Hopkins: We have heard that while the Prime been chairing the cross-party Committee, and why I Minister was touring the middle east, the Deputy Prime would like all the proposals in the draft Bill to be Minister was skiing in the Alps. Does that suggest that subjected to rigorous scrutiny by a Joint Committee of the Prime Minister prefers to have the Foreign Secretary both Houses. My preference is clear, but all I would say in charge, rather than leave the Deputy Prime Minister to the hon. Gentleman is that, given the fact that the running the shop? reform of the other place has been stalled for about 150 years, there is always a danger of making the best The Deputy Prime Minister: As for the events of last the enemy of the good. week, I am sure everyone will agree that we should all pay tribute to the extraordinary courage and professionalism Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The Deputy of the armed services personnel who did so much—last Prime Minister said that it had taken 150 years to get to week, again this weekend and ongoing now—to secure this stage. May I urge him to take another 150 years the safe return of British citizens from Libya, which was before we have to vote? the first priority of the Government throughout last week. In the end, I spent just short of two days—two The Deputy Prime Minister: I do not agree with my working days—away last week, but as soon as it became hon. Friend, for the simple reason that a principle is at obvious that I was needed here, I returned. stake—that those who make the laws of the land should be accountable, as is common to bicameral systems T3. [42444] Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) across the democratic world, to the people who have to (Con): Can my right hon. Friend please tell me what abide by those laws. That is a simple principle. As he steps he is taking to restore the public’s faith in politics, knows, we are committed by the coalition agreement to and in their Members of Parliament? introducing legislation for a wholly or mainly elected House of Lords. As I said, we shall publish a Bill The Deputy Prime Minister: Our whole constitutional shortly, and it will then be subject to extensive scrutiny reform programme is directed towards restoring the by a Joint Committee of both Houses. public’s faith in politics, and in their MPs. That is why Sadiq Khan (Tooting) (Lab): The Deputy Prime Minister we have legislated to give people a choice in the electoral has just confirmed what he said at the last Deputy system for the House of Commons. We have also legislated Prime Minister’s Questions, which is that he has not to introduce more evenly sized constituencies so that made up him mind whether the draft Bill will keep his people feel they are equally represented in the House of promise to have a 100% fully elected second Chamber, Commons. As was discussed earlier, we will introduce a or whether there will only be a partially elected one. recall mechanism so that when an MP is found to have On another issue of timing, the Deputy Prime Minister committed serious wrongdoing, a by-election can be has said that he will publish the draft Bill shortly. Before held. We will introduce a statutory register of lobbyists, the general election he said that a Bill would be published and our plans for fixed-term Parliaments will mean that within six to seven weeks of a new Parliament being Prime Ministers can no longer manipulate the timing of formed, and the coalition agreement said that one would general elections for their own party’s advantage. Finally, be published by December 2010. I know that he is a our plans for a wholly or mainly elected second Chamber busy, hard-working Deputy Prime Minister, so when will mean that the people, not the Prime Minister, will exactly can we expect to see this draft Bill, and what is have a role in determining how our legislatures work. the reason for the delay? Ms Harriet Harman (Camberwell and Peckham) (Lab): The Deputy Prime Minister: I profess to being a little I welcome the Deputy Prime Minister back to the surprised, given that the right hon. Gentleman sat in the Dispatch Box. At least today it has not slipped his mind cross-party Committee that I chair, and I seem to that he is Deputy Prime Minister. May I follow up on remember that our last meeting was shortly before the question asked by the hon. Member for South Christmas. He may profess ignorance of this matter, but Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom)? The Deputy Prime he knows very well that the Committee, which I think Minister talked about how the Lib Dems represent trust has been proceeding in a methodical, co-operative and in politics—a politics that keeps its promises. Will he cross-party manner to try to create a cross-party consensus, remind the House what he promised at the general concluded its work only relatively recently. He attended election about police numbers? the last meeting shortly before Christmas, and we are now doing the work in government, which is entirely The Deputy Prime Minister: As the right hon. and reasonable, to present a draft Bill based on that Committee’s learned Lady knows very well, this Government have work—and as I said, we shall do that shortly. the unenviable, difficult task of clearing up the unholy 151 Oral Answers1 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 152 mess that she left. I know that she and her colleagues The Deputy Prime Minister: Actually, I think that one want to live in complete denial, but because of the of the problems in policing, as is widely recognised, has mistakes and economic incompetence of the Labour been that there are not enough police officers out on the Government, we are spending £120 million, every single front line, on the beat, in our communities. By some day of every single week, simply to pay off the interest estimates, only 11% of police officers are out and about on her debts. That is why, as the outgoing Labour Chief in our communities at any one time. Yes, we are having Secretary to the Treasury said, “There’s no money left.” to deal with financial pressures because of the reasons Unfortunately, when there is no money left, we must that I explained earlier, but at the same time we must make savings across the public services. reform policing to minimise the amount of time that police officers allocate to work in the back office, and to Ms Harman: But that has not stopped the Government ensure that they are free to be out on the streets, which spending £100 million on elected police commissioners, is where we want them, for as much time as possible. and the Deputy Prime Minister has not answered the T7. [42448] Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): In a question; perhaps it has slipped his memory again. May sample of more than 80 immigration cases coming I remind him? He promised 3,000 more police, and he through my constituency, more than 15% of those has voted for 10,000 fewer police. Is the problem not involved were found to be on the electoral roll when just his forgetting that he is Deputy Prime Minister, but they had no entitlement to be there. Does the Deputy that he has forgotten every promise he ever made? Is he Prime Minister not agree that urgent, immediate steps aware that his complete betrayal on tuition fees, VAT, are needed to introduce positive voter identification? the NHS and the police has led to a new word in the English language: if someone has been the victim of a The Deputy Prime Minister: I strongly agree that we total sell-out, we say that they have been “clegged”? Is must introduce measures to tackle electoral fraud. As he proud of that? my hon. Friend may know, we have announced that we will legislate to speed up the introduction of individual The Deputy Prime Minister: What an extraordinarily electoral registration to before the next general election, laboured question! The right hon. and learned Lady in 2014. Under that new scheme each person will have may have forgotten that her party promised an emergency to register individually, whereas the current system is Budget some time soon, and £14 billion of cuts starting registration by household, and they will be asked to in a few weeks. She complains about the difficult decisions provide personal identifiers, including their national that we are having to take, yet I have not heard her and insurance number, to enable registration officers to her colleagues make a single suggestion about how to verify the identity of a person before they are added to fill the enormous black hole in the public finances that the register. That should tackle fraudulent or inaccurate they left to us to sort out. register entries, which my hon. Friend rightly highlights.

T4. [42445]LucianaBerger(Liverpool,Wavertree)(Lab T5. [42446] Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Will my right /Co-op): Before the election the Deputy Prime Minister hon. Friend agree to consider extending the terms of said that providing more police was the Protection of Freedoms Bill to give stronger powers to the Information Commissioner to fine internet companies “the only way to create safer streets.” who misuse people’s personal data? Does he not agree Now the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice says that we need an internet Bill of Rights to stop the that there is no link between crime and police numbers. advancement of the privatised surveillance society? Which is it? The Deputy Prime Minister: As I explained in answer The Deputy Prime Minister: This is a very important to an earlier question, of course we want the police issue. As it happens, since April last year the Information officers who are available to be out on the streets as Commissioner has had the power to impose a penalty much as possible. It is true that this is partly a question of up to half a million pounds for serious breaches of of resources—[Interruption.] Nothing is possible when the Data Protection Act, and that applies to internet there is no money. It was the outgoing Labour Chief companies who misuse personal data. The commissioner Secretary to the Treasury who said, “There’s no money can also serve information notices and enforcement left.” Those were not our words; they were his words. notices, apply for warrants, pursue prosecutions and We cannot provide for our schools, hospitals and accept undertakings. As my hon. Friend may know, the police forces unless we have money. Because of the commissioner has issued a code of practice for collecting mistakes made by the hon. Lady’s party, we are pouring personal information online. Finally, he might be interested £120 million down the drain every single day simply to to know that the Department for Culture, Media and pay off the interest on her party’s debts. That is the Sport and the Department for Business, Innovation and problem that we face. At the same time, we need to Skills are working on updating the relevant regulations reform policing to ensure that police officers can spend and are considering extending the powers of the as much time as possible out on the beat rather than Information Commissioner and the sanctions available behind their desks. when privacy is breached. T8. [42449] Mr Edward Timpson (Crewe and Nantwich) T2. [42443] MrTomClarke(Coatbridge,Chrystonand (Con): In both Nantwich and Crewe, and in the surrounding Bellshill) (Lab): Will the Deputy Prime Minister give rural areas, many people feel strongly that the current the House his definition of front-line policing? If he planning system is not on their side, particularly when it cannot, does he understand that the House will have comes to wind turbines, mobile phone masts and great difficulty in believing that he can protect essential overdevelopment. Can my right hon. Friend tell me services? what the Government are doing to improve the situation? 153 Oral Answers1 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 154

The Deputy Prime Minister: The basic principle is The Deputy Prime Minister: It is a vital issue of that we want people to feel that they have a stake in the concern for all Members on both sides of the House planning system rather than feeling that things are that those who are not registered should be registered. being done to them. That is why, in the Localism Bill One step that we will soon be piloting is to allow and in further measures that we wish to take, we are electoral registration officers to compare their databases introducing new powers enabling local communities with other publicly available databases, so that they can and neighbourhoods to determine for themselves what literally go from door to door and say, “You’re on this kind of decisions they want to be pursued in their areas, database, but you’re not on that one,” and thereby if necessary by triggering local referendums. For too encourage people to register. Drawing international long planning has been obscure, difficult to understand, comparisons, our registration rates of just over 90% are very technocratic and highly over-centralised, and that pretty respectable, but of course we want to continue to is what we will be trying to change in the coming years. do whatever we can to raise that standard even further. Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): T6. [42447] John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): The first Birmingham city council will today vote through the Deputy Prime Minister in British history to fail to turn biggest local government cuts in history, with cuts of up for work when the Prime Minister has gone abroad £212 million for next year. Two weeks ago the council’s for a week! I think what I want to ask is, “What is the deputy leader, Liberal Democrat Councillor Paul Tilsley, point of Nick Clegg?” wrote to The Times protesting against the cuts, but 24 hours later he signed the budget. As the Deputy The Deputy Prime Minister: That was another much- Prime Minister believes in restoring faith in politics, rehearsed question. [Interruption.] I merely sigh at the how would he describe the actions of Councillor Tilsley, laborious way in which these questions have been rehearsed or is he too on a slippery slope? and over-rehearsed. The Prime Minister was away on an official trip. The The Deputy Prime Minister: All local authorities of fact that the Prime Minister is away on an official trip whatever political persuasion are clearly facing a very does not mean that he is not the Prime Minister any tough local government finance settlement, and we have more. When the chief executive of a company goes on a never hidden the fact that it is extremely difficult. I business trip, he is still the chief executive. When the think there is a great deal of discretion in how local manager of a football club attends an away game, he is councils can respond to those same pressures, however. still the manager. As I sought to explain earlier, last For example, I am very struck by the fact that in week I was away for just under two working days, and I Sheffield, the city where I am an MP, the Liberal returned as soon as it became clear that I was needed Democrat council has kept every library and swimming back here. pool open and has not made any major cuts to adult social services, and only 270 people will be laid off next T9. [42450] Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con): The pilot year, whereas across the Pennines in Labour-controlled for the public reading stage of the Protection of Freedoms Manchester, 2,500 people have been laid off and almost Bill is an innovative way of opening up the legislative everything has been closed across the whole city. In process to the public. In that context, can my right hon. Birmingham, as in all great cities, difficult decisions are Friend update the House on progress on the delivery of being made, and I trust that they are being made in a a mechanism allowing formal parliamentary debate of way that safeguards the services for the most vulnerable petitions bearing at least 100,000 signatures? in that city. Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): I too welcome The Deputy Prime Minister: My right hon. Friend the the excellent innovation of a public reading stage for the Leader of the House is working on a proposal to deliver Protection of Freedoms Bill, to involve the public in the precisely what my hon. Friend has described: the ability law-making process. Can the Deputy Prime Minister of people who petition the House to ensure that their confirm that the Government intend ultimately to extend demands are heard on the Floor of the House of that process of public engagement to all Bills? Will they Commons. That is one of a number of innovations that also consider improving it even further—for example, will open up the way in which we scrutinise legislation by putting a Bill’s explanatory notes on the consultation and allow the public, as well as ourselves, to have a say website and considering the public’s suggestions at in how we do it. Committee stage? Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): How The Deputy Prime Minister: As my hon. Friend may will the boundary reviews take the 2011 census into know, using the Protection of Freedoms Bill as the first account, given that the preliminary results will not be pilot for providing the public with a public reading available until the middle of next year? stage is precisely that: a pilot. We must learn the lessons from that, and see whether a Public Reading stage The Deputy Prime Minister: As the hon. Lady may sufficiently engages people and makes the whole legislative know, we are basing the boundary reviews on the electoral process accessible to the public. If it does prove to be register rather than the census. That has been standard successful, and if we can make all the technical adjustments practice for a long time, and we do not intend to that might be needed work, then yes of course, in change it. principle we would like to see this extended to all other pieces of legislation and draft Bills. Mr Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con): What action Several hon. Members rose— can the Deputy Prime Minister take to ensure that local authorities make every effort to ensure that young people Mr Speaker: Order. I am sorry but demand has find their way on to the electoral roll? exceeded supply as usual, and we must now move on. 155 Oral Answers1 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 156

ATTORNEY-GENERAL The Solicitor-General: On the first point, both my right hon. and learned Friend and I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend and the group at some mutually The Attorney-General was asked— convenient time, and I look forward to doing so. On the second point, all successful prosecutions depend on Mr Speaker: I call Tom Harris to ask Question 1. He bringing the available evidence to court. It is not only is not here, so I call Hugh Bayley. our policy, but that of the Crown Prosecution Service and the police, that every assistance should be given to vulnerable witnesses, particularly those in cases of the Serious Fraud Office sort that my hon. Friend describes, so that we can achieve prosecutions. We take this matter extremely 2. Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): What the seriously—indeed, I was in the Court of Appeal just policy of the Serious Fraud Office is on seeking costs before Christmas applying successfully to have an unduly from those convicted as a result of a prosecution lenient sentence increased. brought by the office. [42452] Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): But the Solicitor- The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve): The SFO General will be aware that often in human trafficking considers costs in all criminal proceedings where a cases the victim is reluctant to give evidence or does not conviction is secured. assist the progress of the case. Can he assure the House that in such cases, where the victim is more frightened Hugh Bayley: I am extremely pleased about the change of the police than she is of her abusers, the CPS is of policy in the case of the British Aerospace contract committed to carrying forward prosecutions wherever in Tanzania, for which costs were sought and paid. Will possible? the Attorney-General make sure that costs are always sought where there is a conviction? At a time of very tight public expenditure, it is important for the SFO to The Solicitor-General: Yes, I can. The hon. Lady is get income from wherever it can in order to investigate perfectly right to say that many victims of human and prosecute such cases. trafficking come from countries and jurisdictions where the police are seen as oppressors, rather than as assistants The Attorney-General: I entirely agree that costs should to the criminal justice system and to victims. However, normally be sought. Of course there may be instances the CPS and this country’s police forces are acutely where that is simply not appropriate, such as where the aware of that and are sensitive to the needs of those defendant is destitute or penniless and it is clear that a traumatised victims. I can assure her that everything cost order will serve no purpose—and, indeed, a court will be done to assist the prosecution of traffickers, with is unlikely to make one. Subject to that, however, it is or without the evidence of the victim. the normal policy that where a conviction is secured, costs are sought. Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) (Lab): The Solicitor-General will be aware of the recent Human Trafficking legal challenge to the Government threatened by the POPPY project, the organisation that supports victims 3. Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): What plans the of trafficking. It is based on the Ministry of Justice’s Crown Prosecution Service has to improve the effectiveness failure to consult and to publish an equality impact of prosecution policy in human trafficking cases. assessment on the proposed funding cuts, which the [42453] POPPY project claims breaches the Council of Europe convention against human trafficking. Given the High Court’s recent damning verdict on the way in which the The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier): The CPS Department for Education cancelled the Building Schools keeps the effectiveness of prosecution policy and guidance for the Future programme and given the Fawcett Society’s to prosecutors on human trafficking under review, and challenge relating to the disproportionate impact on updates them on a regular basis. The CPS will soon women of the emergency Budget, will the Solicitor-General publish a new public policy statement on human trafficking assure the House that Departments are aware of their to explain the prosecutor’s role in such cases and the duties to consult properly and consider rigorously equality approach taken by the CPS. impacts before decisions are made? Will he place a guidance note on the matter in the Library so that Valerie Vaz: I thank the Solicitor-General for his Parliament can better understand the obligations, thereby answer. In June 2010 there were 139 convictions for avoiding such abuses of power? human trafficking. Will he write to me with an updated figure for such convictions? The Solicitor-General: The hon. Lady’s first paragraph The Solicitor-General: Yes. or so would be better directed at the relevant Departments—the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Education—but the points that she makes will doubtless Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Will the have been noted. On the later points, I will certainly Attorney-General meet the officers of the all-party consider what she has to say and see whether it is group on human trafficking, because one thing we have appropriate to put such a note in the Library. learned is that there is a considerable problem in prosecuting human trafficking cases and prosecutors often decide to pursue a lesser offence as it is easier to get a conviction? Mr Speaker: I call Chris Williamson. He is not here. 157 Oral Answers1 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 158

Ministerial Speech The Solicitor-General: I commend my hon. Friend on his close interest, both within his county and nationally, 5. Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): If he will place in in matters of this sort. Police charging of some offences the Library a copy of the speech he made to Politeia on will clearly help to cut time-wasting, as will doing away 14 February 2011. [42456] with the unnecessary duplication of case file preparation and the better use of IT. The police and the CPS need to The Attorney-General: I did not make a formal speech co-operate and work together from a very early stage so during the Politeia event, so any comments I made were that the gathering and assessment of evidence can be in response to points raised during a seminar. I therefore effectively and efficiently directed towards achieving regret that I do not have any written record that can be justice. placed in the Library. Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): Will the Minister advise the House what contact his Department has had Tony Baldry: The Attorney-General is reported as with the Attorney-General for Northern Ireland, the having said the following at the Politeia seminar: public prosecutor, the Police Service for Northern Ireland “The court”— and our Justice Minister to ensure that cases in our the European Court of Human Rights— courts are processed expeditiously and that there is not “doesn’t have the last word. It only has the last word so far as a two-gear system in which cases in Northern Ireland parliament has decided that it should. We could, if we wanted to, progress considerably slower than in the rest of the undo that—I think we should always bear that in mind—and United Kingdom? actually undo it without some of the consequences we have over the European Union.” The Solicitor-General: My right hon. and learned Did he say that? If so, what does it mean? Friend and I meet and speak to the Attorney-General for Northern Ireland from time to time, but the hon. The Attorney-General: The question arose in the context Gentleman will understand that the justice system in of parliamentary sovereignty. What I said to the seminar Northern Ireland is devolved to Northern Ireland and was what I also said to this House on the previous that it would not be right for us to interfere in its Thursday, which was that the operation of the European day-to-day work. convention on human rights and the jurisdiction of the Court are based on the UK having signed up to the Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con): convention in the late 1940s and having ratified it My hon. and learned Friend will be aware that one through Parliament, with Parliament thereby accepting problem faced by the CPS is that there often is not the jurisdiction of the Court. It is legally open to sufficient time for those who have the charge of cases to Parliament to enact primary legislation or otherwise to review them, partly because they have to spend so much withdraw from the convention if it wished to do so and time on administration. What steps is he taking to if the Government wished that through Parliament. ensure that changes? That was the point that I was making; I was simply The Solicitor-General: I am not sure that the picture trying to explain the legal framework under which my hon. and learned Friend paints is of general application, parliamentary sovereignty works in this context. I would although I am sure it is true in some cases. Certainly, the add that any withdrawal would not come without costs Attorney-General’s office and the senior management or consequences, and it is not Government policy to of the CPS, from the Director of Public Prosecutions withdraw. downwards, are determined to ensure that we have a system of prosecution that is not only just but efficient CPS/Police Co-ordination and effective.

6. Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): How can the What steps he is taking to ensure better co-ordination CPS and the police work together better to persuade between the Crown Prosecution Service and police courts not to give bail to persistent and prolific offenders? Nothing annoys the police more than regular offenders forces. [42457] appearing before a court only to be released to commit The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service offences while on bail. and the police have a close working relationship. They The Solicitor-General: I understand the point of are working together on returning the charging of some frustration that my hon. Friend raises. The Law Officers offences to the police, eradicating duplicated work and are not here to direct judges on what to do in any given improving communications, making greater use of case, but the CPS and the police need to co-operate to information technology through the service and delivery make sure that relevant evidence is put before the court of electronic case files and providing a better service to so that it can make a decision based on its application victims and witnesses. of the facts to the law and the sort of cases to which my hon. Friend refers happen on fewer occasions. Andrew Selous: In 2010, more than a fifth of abandoned prosecutions were because of the CPS’s failure to review Witness Care cases before they came to trial, which was extremely upsetting for the victims concerned. What steps can my 9. Mr Tom Clarke (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) hon. and learned Friend take to make sure that the (Lab): What steps he plans to take to ensure that the police and the CPS work together more collaboratively outcome of the comprehensive spending review will and share information so that this does not happen so not have an adverse effect on the provision of services much in future? by witness care units. [42460] 159 Oral Answers1 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 160

The Attorney-General: The Crown Prosecution Service Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): The Electoral is committed to ensuring that the provision of services Commission has had discussions with the Deputy Prime by witness care units is protected. Future funding for Minister about the use of national data sources to aid witness care units will still be made from the CPS registration levels. Does this extend to the use of the baseline budget along with the commitment that also national insurance database, which contains rising 16-year- comes from the Ministry of Justice. Consequently, the olds? Giving them early experience of electoral registration outcome of the comprehensive spending review will not might improve subsequent levels of registration by students. have an adverse effect on the provision of those services. Mr Streeter: The hon. Gentleman makes an interesting Mr Clarke: I thank the Attorney-General for his point. I know that these matters are being discussed reply. Has he made representations to the Home Secretary between the Deputy Prime Minister’s Department and to ensure that the police input into funding, which is the Electoral Commission. Hopefully, these discussions extremely important, continues in respect of witness will come to a fruitful conclusion before too long. care units? Electoral System The Attorney-General: It is my experience, from the importance that the Home Secretary attaches to ensuring 2. Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): What steps the that witnesses and victims are properly cared for, that Electoral Commission plans to take to inform members she gives this matter considerable priority. I have not of the public about the merits and demerits of the been made aware of anything that suggests that my alternative vote system for elections to the House of Department’s work will be adversely affected in this Commons. [42462] area by anything being done by the police, but I will certainly raise the matter with my right hon. Friend. If 5. John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): What steps the Electoral she or I can provide the right hon. Gentleman with Commission plans to take to provide information to some reassurance, I am sure we will be happy to do so. voters on the forthcoming referendum on the alternative vote system for elections to the House of Commons. [42465]

ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission plans to send an information booklet to each household in the United The hon. Member for South West Devon, representing Kingdom. The booklet will include a factual description the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, of the first-past-the-post and alternative vote systems. was asked— It will not comment on the merits of different electoral systems used for particular elections. That is a matter Voter Registration (Students) for the yes and no campaigns. The booklet will also include information on the devolved elections and how 1. Nicky Morgan (Loughborough) (Con): What steps to register to vote, and will be supported by an advertising the Electoral Commission is taking to improve levels of campaign. voter registration among students. [42461] Hugh Bayley: I have already seen some palpably false Mr Gary Streeter (South West Devon): The commission claims about the alternative vote system from the no runs campaigns before every election to encourage electors campaign, which the yes campaign will obviously need to register to vote. These typically include activities to rebut, yet I note that it has been awarded only targeted at students. The commission is running a public £380,000 to make its arguments, as of course has the no awareness campaign ahead of the May 2011 elections campaign, whereas a maximum of £600,000 was available. and referendum, which will include working with student Is there any chance that the Electoral Commission will unions and other student groups across the UK to increase the funding equally to both sides? promote awareness of the election and referendum and the voter registration deadline. Mr Streeter: Nobody has been awarded any money yet because nobody has been designated to run the yes Nicky Morgan: In the Loughborough constituency, and no campaigns. That will happen later in March. I 12,000 students are studying at university, yet only am not aware of the specific figures that the hon. 50% or so are on the electoral register. Registration is Gentleman mentions, but I will refer his comments to patchy among those in halls and those living out. It is the Electoral Commission. If there is an opportunity to important that students register to vote because for do more and do better, we will certainly take it. many of them this will be the first election in which they can vote. Is my hon. Friend happy that the Electoral John Glen: I thank my hon. Friend for his earlier Commission is providing specific guidance on the fact reply. Will he go further and clarify what independent that they can be registered at their home and also where academic input has been used by the Electoral Commission they are studying? as it prepares the briefings, who those people are and on what basis they were selected? Mr Streeter: My hon. Friend raises an important point. We are confident that all the information that Mr Streeter: I am happy to be able to reassure my students need is on the Electoral Commission website, hon. Friend on that point. As part of the development but the role of local electoral registration officers, student of the text for the core section of the information unions and universities in getting that information across booklet, the commission consulted academic experts on to students is critical. electoral systems. These were Professor Colin Rallings 161 Oral Answers1 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 162 of the university of Plymouth and Professor David Mr Gary Streeter (South West Devon): The Electoral Sanders of the university of Essex. The consultation Commission believes that there is sufficient time for it was intended to ensure that the explanations of the to provide factual information to the public on the first-past-the-post and alternative vote systems were alternative vote and first-past-the-post voting systems accurate. The commission also consulted the Plain and for campaigners to put across their arguments Language Commission to ensure that the text was as effectively. The commission has been preparing for the accessible as possible, and undertook research co-ordinated referendum since the Parliamentary Voting System and by the Central Office of Information to ensure that the Constituencies Bill was introduced in Parliament last text was understood by voters. This involved in-depth summer. interviews with members of the public in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Fiona Bruce: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his reply. However, in response to an earlier question he indicated that the Electoral Commission will not even CHURCH COMMISSIONERS designate the yes and no campaigns until the end of March, or thereabouts, leaving only April and five days in May for the campaigns. Is that really long enough? The hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, was asked— Mr Streeter: My hon. Friend makes an extremely Property Disputes important point. The designation of the yes and no campaigns will happen as soon as possible after 15 March—anyone can bid to become part of those 3. Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): What procedure campaigns before then—and in any event by 29 March. exists for resolving disputes between the Church The Electoral Commission is confident that the campaign Commissioners and third parties over the ownership of period is adequate for the purpose. property. [42463]

The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Tony Baldry): Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): Will the hon. There is no set procedure for resolving disputes of Gentleman condemn the outlandish and wholly fictitious property ownership. Each dispute is treated individually, claims being made by the no campaign about the costs having regard for the particular circumstances of the of introducing the alternative vote if there is a yes vote? case. These include claims about voting machines, which the Electoral Commission has confirmed would not be Robert Halfon: In one of the villages in my constituency, necessary, about the cost of the referendum itself, which just outside Harlow, a community group is in dispute will be the same whichever campaign wins, and about with the local parish church over the ownership of a the cost of an education campaign, which the commission hall and its land. Does my hon. Friend agree that an has made quite clear would not be necessary. Will he arbitration service would surely be preferable to a costly deprecate those false claims? court case in such matters, as the community group concerned does not have the resources to fight a lengthy Mr Streeter: I am delighted to say that it is not the legal battle? role of the Electoral Commission to act as a referee between the yes and no campaigns. It is up to those Tony Baldry: In such instances, I suggest that mediation campaigns to make their political arguments and rebut is always preferable. I understand that the Archdeacon those with which they do not agree. of Harlow offered to act as a mediator but was turned down. I am a qualified and trained mediator, so if I was acceptable to Roydon parochial church council and the Dobbs Weir residents association, I would be willing, CHURCH COMMISSIONERS pro bono, to act as mediator.

Mr Speaker: We are grateful to the hon. Gentleman, as obviously is the House. The hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, was asked— Former Roman Catholic Priests (Ordination) ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE 6. Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): How many former The hon. Member for South West Devon, representing Roman Catholic priests have sought ordination in the the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, Church of England since 2005; and if he will make a was asked— statement. [42466]

Electoral System (Referendum) The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Tony Baldry): Figures held by the Archbishops Council show that in 4. Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): What assessment the past five years 14 former Roman Catholic priests the Electoral Commission has made of the adequacy of have sought to be received into ordained ministry within the time available for provision of information to the the Church of England. As there is also discretion at public on the forthcoming referendum on the alternative diocesan level for acceptance into the ministry, not all vote system for elections to the House of Commons. candidates are centrally recorded, so the national figure [42464] is likely to be higher. 163 Oral Answers1 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 164

Bob Russell: National newspapers suggest that there personation and postal vote fraud in Peterborough in is a one-way road leading from Canterbury to Rome. I the past four years. What specific strategies are the have no brief for the established Church—I come from Electoral Commission pursuing to concentrate on postal good non-conformist stock—but does the hon. Gentleman vote fraud? agree that more should be done to make it clear to those Roman Catholic priests who are unhappy that there is a Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission has made welcome for them in the Church of England? recommendations to the Government about tightening up voter identification, and the Government are considering Tony Baldry: I say to my hon. Friend that there is a that report. Naturally, the Electoral Commission takes welcome for everyone in the Church of England. He all allegations of fraud seriously, but it is a matter for makes a good point; national newspapers give the the police to investigate each and every incident. impression that there is a one-way street for disaffected Church of England priests going to the Roman Catholic Church, but that is certainly not the case. There are very CHURCH COMMISSIONERS good ecumenical relations between the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church, as was demonstrated by Pope Benedict’s recent visit to the UK. There is The hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church certainly two-way traffic, and long may that continue. Commissioners, was asked—

Clergy Accommodation ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE 8. Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): What The hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the policy of the Church of England is on the retention the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, of freehold accommodation for clergy. [42468] was asked— The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Tony Baldry): There is no single Church of England policy on the Electoral Fraud retention of freehold accommodation for clergy. 7. Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): What recent Mr Chope: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that representations the Electoral Commission has received answer, but does he not think that there should be such on its report on fraud in the 2010 elections. [42467] a policy in the light of what is happening in Christchurch at the moment? The vicarage adjoining the priory lies Mr Gary Streeter (South West Devon): The Electoral empty, but the diocese pays more than £2,000 a month Commission published its report on cases of alleged to rent alternative accommodation, several miles from electoral malpractice in 2010 on 16 February 2011 and the priory, for the new priest in charge, who is quite has received no representations on it. willing to occupy the priory should the diocese be willing to allow that to happen. Will my hon. Friend Mr Spellar: I will make one representation. The convene a meeting, using his powers of mediation, to commission’s report stated that it was not aware at try to drum some common sense and economic sense the time of any case reported to the police that affected into the diocese on that issue? the outcome of the election to which it related. In fact, there has been one case of alleged electoral malpractice Tony Baldry: The Christchurch parsonage is a very resulting in prosecution and conviction, and court large building, being twice the recommended size, and it proceedings have been initiated in another case. Does is very expensive for the diocese to maintain and for the that not make absolutely absurd the claim made in occupier to run. The diocese is looking to replace it with September by the Conservative party chair, Baroness a more suitable property, and the newly appointed Warsi, that the Conservatives failed to win an overall priest in charge has therefore simply been housed majority in the general election because of electoral temporarily in a rented property. In this instance, I do fraud, predominantly within the Asian community, that not need to act as a mediator, because there is a perfectly benefited Labour? Does the Baroness not owe the Electoral good remedy. If the parochial church council is unhappy Commission an apology for the slur on its oversight of with what the diocese is doing, it can make representations electoral proceedings? Frankly, does she not owe an that the Church Commissioners will have to consider. apology to the Labour party and the Asian community as well? Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission is not responsible ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE for the comments of any politician in this country, I am delighted to say. The report on electoral fraud showed The hon. Member for South West Devon, representing that there were 232 cases of alleged electoral malpractice the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, in 2010, 137 of which required no further action. Sixty-eight was asked— cases remain under investigation; in 23 cases police advice was given; two cases resulted in a caution; and court proceedings were brought in two cases, resulting Voter Participation (Overseas Residents) in one conviction. 9. Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) (Con): What Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): The House recent discussions the Electoral Commission has had with will know that, regrettably, six individuals have been Ministers on increasing the level of (a) registration and found guilty of election malpractice arising from (b) turnout of electors resident outside the UK. [42469] 165 Oral Answers1 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 166

Mr Gary Streeter (South West Devon): The Electoral Electoral Commission. I thought that that already Commission meets Ministers regularly to discuss the happened. Obviously it does not, so I shall make delivery of elections and referendums, including how to representations, and we will write to her with our response. ensure that all electors, whether overseas or in the UK, can cast their votes easily and securely. Voter Registration Greg Hands: My hon. Friend will be aware of the shockingly low participation by overseas electors in UK 10. Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) (Con): What discussions elections. Of the potential 5.5 million British subjects the Electoral Commission has had with electoral registration living abroad, only about 15,000 are registered. What officers on their performance in respect of voter registration. work has the Electoral Commission done on the [42470] implications of fixed-term Parliaments for sending out postal ballot papers significantly earlier in the electoral Mr Streeter: Since 2008, the Electoral Commission cycle, thereby improving the participation rate of overseas has monitored the performance of electoral registration electors? officers in Great Britain against a set of standards, and it publishes an annual assessment of those standards Mr Streeter: My hon. Friend is a consistent advocate which covers the key planning and management processes of overseas voters. The Electoral Commission has done put in place by EROs. The Electoral Commission advises work on the issue and submitted representations to the and works closely with EROs who do not meet these Deputy Prime Minister as part of a comprehensive standards in order to improve their performance. modernisation strategy for our electoral system. We wait to see what the Government will do with that Sajid Javid: I thank my hon. Friend for his answer report. and welcome the steps that he has outlined. Should those steps not bear fruit, has the Electoral Commission Fiona O’Donnell (East Lothian) (Lab): As I am out considered any other, more directly interventionist actions knocking on doors just now in East Lothian, encouraging that it could possibly take? people who are not on the register to register, or those who are on the register to register for a postal vote, I am Mr Streeter: Once again, my hon. Friend makes a not always confident that the forms will be returned. very important point. The Electoral Commission does Does the hon. Gentleman agree that a freepost return work with EROs who underperform, but they remain at facility on all the forms would increase participation all times employees of the local authority, and the and registration? commission has no statutory power to intervene. It is of course a matter for this House whether we wish to Mr Streeter: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her consider further powers to enable the Electoral Commission recommendation, which I shall certainly pass on to the to do an even better job. 167 1 MARCH 2011 Aid Reviews 168

Aid Reviews phased process, honouring our existing commitments and exiting responsibly. These countries are China, Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Moldova, Bosnia, Cameroon, 3.30 pm Lesotho, Niger, Kosovo, Angola, Burundi, Gambia, The Secretary of State for International Development Indonesia, Iraq and Serbia. This will allow us to focus (Mr Andrew Mitchell): With permission, Mr Speaker, I our bilateral resources in the following 27 countries: should like to make a statement about the Government’s Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Democratic Republic bilateral and multilateral aid reviews, which are published of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, today. Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, the The coalition Government’s decision to increase the occupied Palestinian territories, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra UK’s aid budget to 0.7% of national income from 2013 Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, reflects the values we hold as a nation. It is also firmly Uganda, Yemen,Zambia and Zimbabwe. Together, those in Britain’s national interest, but this decision imposes countries account for three quarters of global maternal on us a double duty to spend this money well. On my mortality, nearly three quarters of global malaria deaths first day in office, I took immediate steps to make our and almost two thirds of children out of school. Many aid as focused and effective as possible. I commissioned of them are affected by fragility and conflict, so we will reviews of the Department for International Development’s meet the commitment made through the strategic defence bilateral programmes in developing countries and of the and security review to spend 30% of British aid on UK’s aid funding to international organisations. These supporting fragile and conflict-affected states, and to reviews have been thorough, rigorous, evidence-based and help some of the poorest countries in the world to scrutinised by independent development experts. They address the root causes of their problems. will fundamentally change the way in which aid is allocated. We will have three regional programmes in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, and an ongoing aid relationship Recent events in north Africa and the wider middle with three aid-dependent overseas territories, namely east have demonstrated why it is critical that the UK St Helena, the Pitcairn Islands and Montserrat. increases its focus on helping countries to build open and responsive political systems, tackle the root causes The multilateral aid review took a hard look at the of fragility, and empower citizens to hold their Governments value for money offered by 43 international funds and to account. It is the best investment we can make to organisations through which the UK spends aid. It avoid violence and protect the poorest and most vulnerable. considered how effective each organisation was at tackling In the middle east and north Africa, we are monitoring poverty. It provides a detailed evidence base on which events closely and will respond as appropriate. Ministers can take decisions about where to increase funding, where to press for reforms and improvements, The bilateral aid review considered where and how and in some cases where to withdraw taxpayer funding we should spend UK aid. Each DFID country team altogether. The 43 multilateral agencies fall into four was asked to develop a “results offer” setting out what broad categories. they could achieve for poor people over the next four First, I am delighted to tell the House that nine years. Each offer was underpinned by evidence, analysis organisations have been assessed as providing very good of value for money, and a focus on girls and women. value for the British taxpayer. They include UNICEF, The results offers were scrutinised by more than 100 internal the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, or technical reviewers and a panel of independent experts. GAVI, the Private Infrastructure Development Group, Ministers then considered the whole picture, deciding and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and which results should be prioritised in each country. Malaria. We will increase funding to those organisations, Consultation with civil society and other Government because they have a proven track record of delivering Departments was undertaken throughout. excellent results for poor people. Of course there is As a result of the bilateral aid review, we will dramatically always room for improvement and we will still require increase our focus on tackling ill health and killer strong commitments to continued reform and even diseases in poor countries, with a particular emphasis better performance. on immunisation, malaria, maternal and newborn health, Funding for the next group of agencies—those rated extending choice to girls and women over when and as good or adequate value for money, such as the whether they have children; and polio eradication. We United Nations Development Programme and the World will do more to tackle malnutrition, which stunts children’s Health Organisation—will be accompanied by specific development and destroys their life chances, and do pressure from the UK for a series of reforms and more to get children, particularly girls, into school. We improvements that we expect to see in the coming years. will put wealth creation at the heart of our efforts, with We are placing four organisations in special measures far more emphasis on giving poor people property and demanding that they improve their performance as rights and encouraging investment and trade in the poorest a matter of urgency. Those organisations are UNESCO, countries. We will deal with the root causes of conflict the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the development and help to build more stable societies, as people who programmes of the Commonwealth Secretariat, and live amidst violence have no chance of lifting themselves the International Organisation for Migration. Those out of poverty. And we will help the poorest, who will organisations offer poor value for money for UK aid, be hit first and hardest by floods, drought and extreme but they have a potentially critical niche development weather—the effects of climate change. or humanitarian role that is not well covered elsewhere As a result of this review, we have decided to focus in the international system, or they contribute to broader British aid more tightly on the countries where Britain UK Government objectives. We expect to see serious is well placed to have a significant long-term impact on reforms and improvements in performance. We will poverty. By 2016, DFID will have closed significant take stock within two years and DFID’s core funding bilateral programmes in 16 countries. This will be a may be reconsidered if improvements are not made. 169 Aid Reviews1 MARCH 2011 Aid Reviews 170

Finally, the review found that four agencies performed who no longer have to walk miles to fetch water and the poorly or failed to demonstrate relevance to Britain’s millions of children who no longer die from preventable development objectives. The review therefore concluded disease are proof of that. Is not that the way to build that it is no longer acceptable for taxpayers’ money support for aid, rather than by announcing as “new” from my Department to continue to fund them centrally. decisions that we had already made? Will the Secretary I can therefore tell the House today that the British of State admit that there is nothing new about ending Government will withdraw their membership of the significant bilateral aid to Russia? We ended it in 2007. United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, Grand gestures of shutting down already closed and that DFID will stop voluntary core funding to programmes create a misleading picture of aid and UN-Habitat, the International Labour Organisation undermine rather than support it. He should know and the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction. better. As tackling poverty depends greatly on trade That will allow more than £50 million of taxpayers’ as well as aid, will he implement the Bribery Act 2010 money to be redirected immediately to better performing now? agencies. We are working closely with other countries to Will the Secretary of State acknowledge that after build a coalition for ambitious reform and improvement 13 years in which the Labour Government tripled the of all multilateral agencies. aid budget, reversing the cuts of the previous Tory As a result of the reviews, over the next four years Government, this country led the world in tackling British aid will secure schooling for 11 million children, global poverty? Is he not concerned that that leadership, which is more than we educate throughout the UK, but which is so important during a global economic downturn, at 2.5% of the cost; vaccinate more children against is undermined by his decision to freeze the percentage preventable diseases than there are people in England; of aid as a share of national income for the next two provide access to safe drinking water and improved years? Can he tell the House how many lives will be lost sanitation to more people than there are in Scotland, and how many fewer children will go to school because Wales and Northern Ireland combined; save the lives of of the lost £2.2 billion in aid? 50,000 women in pregnancy and childbirth; stop 250,000 Will the Secretary of State assure the House that he newborn babies dying needlessly; support 13 countries will protect his Department from raids by other to hold freer and fairer elections; and help 10 million Government Departments? DFID’s budget is for the women to access modern family planning. world’s poorest, and he must not let other Government I believe that those results, which will transform the Departments use his budget as a source of cash. Will he lives of millions of people across the world, will make reclaim the £1.8 million that he gave to fund the Pope’s everyone in the House and this country proud. They visit? That was not tackling global poverty, nor was his reflect our values as a nation—generosity, compassion Department’s loan of £161 million to the Turks and and humanity. However, those results are not only Caicos Islands. He has to be strong and stop his ministerial delivered from the British people; they are for the British colleagues using DFID as a hole in the wall. people. They contribute to building a safer, more stable In our 2009 White Paper, we recognised the need to and more prosperous world, which in turn helps to keep help people who suffer the twin problems of grinding our country safe from instability, infectious disease and poverty and living in an area ravaged by violence. It is organised crime. right that we co-ordinate our development, diplomatic Aid can perform miracles, but it must be well spent and security efforts, but our aid programme must not and properly targeted. The UK’s development programme become subsumed in our military and security objectives. has now been reshaped and refocused so that it can Of course, in places such as Yemen it is right that our meet that challenge. I commend this statement to the aid efforts complement our foreign and security policy House. objectives where they can. We are absolutely committed to upholding our security and countering terrorism, but Ms Harriet Harman (Camberwell and Peckham) (Lab): that must be the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence I thank the Secretary of State for his statement and for and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Will the giving me advance copies of it. Secretary of State confirm that poverty reduction will I welcome the Secretary of State’s declaration that remain the focus of DFID money? our aid programme is both morally right and in our I welcome the Government’s continuation of Labour’s national interest. As he argues against those who decry commitment to the international co-ordination of aid aid, he will have our strong support. This is not just through multilateral organisations, and in particular about charity; it is about justice, tackling global inequality the Secretary of State’s reaffirmation of the EU’s work, and fulfilling our responsibilities to the world. We put but will he reconsider his decision on the ILO? development at the heart of our agenda because we believe The Secretary of State’s men-only ministerial team we must struggle for a fairer and more equal world. talk a lot about how they will empower women in the As things change in the world, as we are seeing in developing world. Why, then, has he still not decided north Africa and the middle east, it is right to review how much he will contribute to the new UN women’s our aid programme, but what should not and must not agency? Why should the women of the world have to change is the commitment to spend 0.7% of our national wait for the men in his Government to put their money income on aid by 2013. There must be no slipping back where their mouth is? on that. Will the Secretary of State tell the House when On bilateral aid, we welcome the focus on setting aid he will bring forward the Bill to put that promise into objectives for each country, but did the recipient countries law? play a part in that? Will the Secretary of State continue Will the Secretary of State campaign vigorously to the spirit of the 2005 Paris declaration, which put the show that our aid matters and saves lives? The girls and developing country in the driving seat and did so much boys sitting in classrooms in Nepal, the Nigerian women to end the problematic post-colonial relationship between 171 Aid Reviews1 MARCH 2011 Aid Reviews 172

[Ms Harriet Harman] The right hon. and learned Lady referred to the guarantee that has been so skilfully negotiated in the Turks donor and recipient countries? Will he confirm that the and Caicos Islands by my right hon. Friend the Minister decisions to cut aid to very poor countries such as Niger of State. The islands are a dependent territory, and we and Lesotho involved co-ordination with other donor stand by our dependent territories—she will be aware countries, to ensure that our decisions do not leave that that is one of the first commitments in the International them high and dry? Will he also explain his decision to Development Act 2002. However, thanks to my right end aid to Burundi, where there is deep poverty, and hon. Friend’s skill, we have negotiated a guarantee which is in the great lakes region, where there is still while they sort themselves out, rather than funding instability? from the British taxpayer. I welcome the Secretary of State’s continuation of The right hon. and learned Lady asked whether we the previous Labour Government’s focus on results and would reconsider our decision about the ILO. I emphasise value for money.We made progress towards the millennium to the House that the decision came from a recommendation development goals, such as cutting maternal mortality in the multilateral aid review, which I strongly encourage and increasing child survival. To say that that was her to look at, and in which the professional analysis wasting money is an insult to all those who worked on reads: those programmes, and it is to deny the value of those “The ILO has a wide range of organisational weaknesses lives that were saved. I hope we will hear no more of including weak cost control and results reporting” that. and With more than 1 billion people still living in poverty, “limited transparency”. the Secretary of State is right to recognise that there is a It continued: long way to go. As Secretary of State for International “We will consider, on a case by case basis, funding the ILO in Development, he will have the Opposition’s support. country on specific projects—provided it represents good value We will back him in his work if he keeps faith with for money and is consistent with UK poverty reduction goals”. British generosity and our duty to the world’s poor. That is a fair analysis. However, I invite hon. Members Mr Mitchell: I think I will take that as qualified who do not agree with it to have a look at the multilateral support for the Government’s position. aid review and reach their own conclusions. I want to emphasise that the four elements of a decent work The right hon. and learned Lady emphasises that it is agenda—employment, social protection, labour standards morally right and in our national interests to stand by and social dialogue—form a core part of my Department’s the very strong commitments that have been made by work in this area, and will continue to do so. all parties in the House, which I welcome. We made it absolutely clear when we took office that in sorting out Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): What about the dreadful economic inheritance we received from the trade unions? Labour Government, we would not balance the books on the backs of the poorest people in the world, and we Mr Mitchell: The right hon. Gentleman mentions honour that promise today. On that point, let me make trade unions from a sedentary position. Let me make it it clear to her that the legislation agreed before the clear that the trade unions, for the work they do, will be election in support of the 0.7% pledge from 2013 will able to apply to the global poverty action fund, and I come before the House as soon as the parliamentary look forward to their doing so. business managers can find a convenient time. The right hon. and learned Lady made three other Let me make it clear that I have cut back the programmes points. The first related to support for the new United in Russia and China that we inherited. The programme Nations women’s agency.The Government strongly support in Russia will be completed by the end of April, and the the agency and argued for it to be set up. One of my programme in China will be completed by the end of noble Friends was there last week, and I saw Michelle March, but the coalition Government have made the Bachelet, the brilliant new head of UN Women, on—I decision to rein back those programmes—we inherited think—her first day in office. We have offered her staff a continuing programme. in order to assist in her tasks, and when she comes I should make it clear to the right hon. and learned forward with a strategic plan in July, I have no doubt Lady that support came in equal proportions from a that we will be able to fund it. We will urge other number of British Government Departments involved countries to share the burden appropriately, but we will with the Pope’s visit, but that included DFID because, be very strong supporters of what she is doing. as she will be aware, the Catholic Church and its The right hon. and learned Lady asked me about organisations deliver health care and education in some Niger and whether I would confirm that other donors of the most difficult parts of the world, and DFID has were involved in the decision. We decided that it was not a very strong relationship with the Church on that basis. appropriate to keep a bilateral programme in Niger. However, let me put her mind at rest: my Department’s Other donors were certainly involved in the decision. share of the cost of the visit did not come out of the Much of the work that is being done in Niger, which she 0.7% budget or the official development assistance budget. will know is an enormously food-insecure part of the The right hon. and learned Lady also asks whether world, is done on a multilateral basis. Last year, I agreed other Departments are raiding the DFID budget. She specific support on a humanitarian basis to feed 810,000 should know, because we have made it absolutely clear, people, including 35,500 children suffering from acute that we will stand by the OECD development assistance malnutrition. Some 81,000 families received seeds, and committee definition of what is and is not aid. We stand we sent specific support for 15,000 livestock, which of by that, and it governs what can and cannot be spent by course is very important to people continuing their the British taxpayer under the ODA budget. lives. We are very much engaged in Niger on a humanitarian 173 Aid Reviews1 MARCH 2011 Aid Reviews 174 basis, but we look to other countries to share the for our objectives in this field? As two examples of how burden, and we strongly support the multilateral architecture he can act quickly on such matters, may I urge him to in addressing the situation in Niger. accept the advice about implementing the Bribery Act 2010 The right hon. and learned Lady also asked about as quickly as possible and to consider the role of British Burundi. We have completed our work on revenue companies involved in mineral extraction in developing capacity-building. We had a very small programme countries? there, but we judged that it was right to close it. These are tough and difficult decisions, but we thought that Mr Mitchell: I certainly pay tribute to CAFOD and we could spend the money better elsewhere. However, the brilliant work of Chris Bain in leading it. I agree TradeMark East Africa, which we strongly support, with the right hon. Gentleman about the importance of will be based there as well. Wiring that into the regional transparency, which is why one of the coalition infrastructure is extremely important, and work is ongoing Government’s first acts was to publish our transparency on that. guarantee. He is right about results and openness. We are all strongly behind the Bribery Act 2010. There are Finally, a letter and a copy of the document “Changing some standing instructions that need to be worked out lives, delivering results”, which sets out the results of by a number of Departments, but that will happen the review, are available to all Members on the Board. relatively quickly and the Act will be fully implemented. Furthermore, the full multilateral aid review can be read on the internet by anyone who wishes to do so. Malcolm Bruce (Gordon) (LD): The review was right, and the tighter focus is welcome. The Select Committee Several hon. Members rose— on International Development will monitor not just the quantity and transparency of aid, but its effectiveness Mr Speaker: Order. A great many right hon. and hon. in tackling poverty and creating the space for development. Members are seeking to catch my eye, but I remind the However, will he explain one or two anomalies in his House that there is another statement to follow and announcement? Burundi, which has already been thereafter an important Second Reading debate. If I am mentioned, is a surprising omission, given that it is a to accommodate the level of interest, brevity in questions poor country, but South Africa is included. What is the and answers alike is of the essence. case for that, given that every other country on the list is a low-income country? Finally, will he confirm that Sir Peter Tapsell (Louth and Horncastle) (Con): May targeting fewer countries will enable some of the staffing I warmly congratulate my right hon. Friend on a truly shortfalls that have been so apparent to be addressed, impressive statement, which was both highly practical so that DFID staff are fully complemented where they and highly moral? May I also make a micro-economic are operating bilaterally? point? It is one thing—and difficult enough—to establish projects in poor countries, but the most difficult thing Mr Mitchell: The Chairman of the Select Committee of all is ensuring their subsequent daily, humble makes an important point. Programme staffing will be maintenance. When I walked around poor villages in set to ensure that we can implement all the programmes. Africa and Asia, I often came across a tap with clean South Africa is a regional hub—an engine of economic water in it—one of the greatest assets that we can development throughout the region—and much of our provide through aid—in the middle of the village. However, programme there is devoted to that. I have explained very often the tap was either dripping or gushing, and the position on Burundi, but, clearly, it too benefits when one asked why, one was told that the rubber from that engine of regional economic development. washer was always stolen within a few days of being On his first point, the independent commission for aid installed. Nobody has ever told me what subsequent use impact, which is led by chief commissioner Graham the rubber washers are put to, but if the tap does not Ward, one of Britain’s most distinguished accountants, work or runs out of water, the whole scheme collapses. reports to his Committee, not me, injecting that independent evaluation of British aid that is so important in maintaining Mr Mitchell: My hon. Friend said he was going to taxpayer confidence in what we are doing. make a micro-economic point! He has great experience of such matters from his distinguished past, and he is Several hon. Members rose— absolutely right. Seeing assets that have been installed but are not in working order is an enormously depressing Mr Speaker: Order. My exhortations to brevity have aspect of international development. Seeing empty schools not been quite as faithfully heeded as I might have in Africa that do not have children to go to them or hoped, but I feel sure that we will return to the path of teachers to serve them is similar to what he described. virtue with a question from Mr Chris Ruane. All our work is designed to achieve effective and transparent results that work not only for British taxpayers but for Chris Ruane (ValeofClwyd)(Lab):TodayisStDavid’s those we are trying to help. day, and Wales is twinned with Lesotho. Will the Secretary of State tell us why Lesotho has been victimised in these Mr Tom Clarke (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) cuts, and whether he had any discussions with the (Lab): I declare an interest as the chair of the all-party Welsh Assembly Government about his decision? friends of CAFOD group. Does the right hon. Gentleman acknowledge the contribution of aid agencies and non- Mr Mitchell: The Under-Secretary of State for governmental organisations to the current focus of his International Development, my hon. Friend the Member Department’s work? Does he also agree with the for Eddisbury (Mr O’Brien), will be visiting Wales overwhelming view that the greater the transparency, shortly. I reciprocate the comments of the hon. Member the greater the support will be from the British people for Vale of Clwyd (Chris Ruane) about St David’s day. 175 Aid Reviews1 MARCH 2011 Aid Reviews 176

[Mr Andrew Mitchell] the decision to pull the plug on UN-Habitat. Will the Secretary of State look at the report’s recommendations In regard to Lesotho, we think that there are better and write a note to the Select Committee explaining ways of supporting that country than through a bilateral how his Department is going to meet them? programme, for the reasons that I set out earlier. When my hon. Friend goes to Wales and meets Members of Mr Mitchell: The hon. Gentleman makes a good the Welsh Assembly, I am sure that this is one of the point about urbanisation. Only in the very recent past matters that can be discussed. has the majority of the world lived in towns and cities rather than in the countryside, and the report to which Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Will my right hon. he refers is a very good one. If he looks at the multilateral Friend make two things clear to the NGOs? The first is aid review, he will see the comments that were made that they have a shared responsibility with us to make it about UN-Habitat, and I think that he will find them clear that international development is a moral obligation helpful in understanding the Government’s approach. as well as being in our national interest? The second is that, given that international development aid is now at Mr Peter Lilley (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con): 0.6% of GDP and will soon be at 0.7%, if people want May I congratulate my right hon. Friend on putting more aid spent on a specific topic or area, it behoves such a strong emphasis on the effectiveness of aid, given them to explain which part of my right hon. Friend’s that its purpose is not to make us feel good but to do programme they want money to be taken away from, good? Does he agree with the all-party parliamentary because the Department has now reached the maximum group on Trade Out of Poverty that, although effective amount of funds that it is going to have during the aid is important in alleviating poverty, countries can course of this Parliament. leave poverty behind in the long run only if they have opportunities to trade their way out of it? Will he place Mr Mitchell: I will certainly pass on my hon. Friend’s great emphasis on encouraging the rich unilaterally to message to the NGOs. They also have a strong agenda remove tariffs, quotas and other barriers to poor countries of accountability and transparency, and we encourage trading with us? them strongly in that. The workings of the Global Poverty Action Fund will greatly simplify the way in Mr Mitchell: I am most grateful to my right hon. which NGOs access taxpayer support, and will also be Friend for his remarks. He, of course, led our party’s very effective in driving forward that agenda. approach to the “globalisation of poverty” review of 2005—a most important document. I entirely endorse Mr David Blunkett (Sheffield, Brightside and what he says about the importance of trade and trading Hillsborough) (Lab): Will the Secretary of State join me out of poverty. The fact that there is such a strong in applauding the generosity of the British people, not coalition—if I may put it that way—between my right least at the moment through their donations to Comic hon. Friend and Clare Short who are driving forward Relief? Will he also say something about his review’s this issue, emphasises how wide the support is for what impact on the poorest of the very poor—namely, the he is doing. That underlines the importance of continuing children and men and women with severe disabilities in to work flat out for a successful outcome to the Doha the developing world, who constantly get lost in these round. debates, not least because they were not included in the millennium development goals? Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): The Secretary of State has said that there will be a new focus on both bilateral Mr Mitchell: The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely and multilateral aid. Will that focus include giving right on that point. Some four years ago, I went to Laos priority consideration to marginal farmers, with women and Cambodia deliberately to look at the way in which numbering heavily among them? Did he have them in disability impacted on development. We have not forgotten mind in his reference to property rights? How will he about this, and disability is clearly recognised in the ensure that the special measures attaching to the Food work that we are taking forward. and Agriculture Organisation do not interfere with improved focus on the position of women marginal Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con): Will the Secretary farmers? of State give me an indication of how he intends to work with the Dalit community, some 65,000 of whom Mr Mitchell: The hon. Gentleman will have heard the live in Dhaka, to ensure that they are not excluded in contrast between what I said about the Food and spite of the best efforts to deliver aid to poor people? Agriculture Organisation, which has been placed in a form of special measures, and the World Food Programme, Mr Mitchell: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The which is doing extremely well under the leadership of Dalit community represent the poorest of the poor in Josette Sheeran. We would probably have pulled out of India, and we are looking specifically at ways of introducing the FAO but it is about to recruit a new director and we a scholarship scheme to bring advantage to hundreds of want to work with that new director to ensure that the thousands of Dalit girls in that country. FAO becomes a much more effective organisation. I completely endorse what the hon. Gentleman says about Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): More than half the importance of my Department’s focus on farming the world’s population now lives in urban areas, and less and agriculture. than half in the countryside. Just over a year ago the International Development Select Committee published Mr Gary Streeter (South West Devon) (Con): I warmly a report on urbanisation which recommended a large welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement, giving a increase in funding for UN-Habitat. I am astonished at renewed focus to British aid policy. He will know that 177 Aid Reviews1 MARCH 2011 Aid Reviews 178 improving good governance is one of the most effective Mr Mitchell: We had specific discussions with Vietnam ways of lifting people out of poverty. Will he confirm on our programme there, which does not wind down, I that, under his new order, there will still be a significant think, until 2016—it has the longest tail of any of the investment in capacity as he develops his targets for wind-down programmes. Vietnam is powering out of developing countries, as this will help them improve poverty, and ensuring that the role of the private sector their democratic systems and their good governance? is fully embraced is a big part of the work that my Department is undertaking. We have agreed the scale-down Mr Mitchell: My hon. Friend is absolutely right in with the Government of Vietnam, and it works for us the emphasis he places on good governance. Helping and them. people to hold their leaders and their politicians to account is an extremely important part of an open and Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con): I also commend free society, as events—not least, in the middle east—have the Secretary of State and his colleagues on today’s made clear in recent weeks. This is an important focus statement and the review behind it. On a visit to Kashmir of my Department’s work. last week, the outcomes of British aid that I saw in the capital, Muzaffarabad, impressed me. Given his mention Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): The Secretary of the European development fund, is he satisfied about of State will recognise that among the most exploited the hundreds of millions of euros that go via the workers in the world are Dalits, garment makers and development fund to Turkey and Croatia, which are brick makers working in the very poorest countries. neither contaminated with a lot of poverty nor fragile Their way out of poverty is organisation, better employment states? If he is dissatisfied, will he take measures in practices and decent wages. In that light, why is the future to ensure that the money is redirected to other right hon. Gentleman cutting money for the International countries. Labour Organisation, which provides an important benchmark on the employment basis of those people Mr Mitchell: I hear what my hon. Friend says, but and, of course, on the rights of migrant workers as many people would agree that building up Turkey’s well? capacity to trade with us through such assistance is a sensible use of European Union funds. I will have a good look at his point in respect of Croatia. Mr Mitchell: The hon. Gentleman is entirely right to emphasise that there are four key elements of the decent Eric Joyce (Falkirk) (Lab): Today’s announcement of work agenda, which I mentioned earlier: social dialogue, the continuation of bilateral aid to the Democratic labour standards, social protection and employment. It Republic of the Congo is welcome, but will the Secretary is a common purpose across the House that those of State continue to press the DRC Government on the elements should be supported, and we will work in a importance of transparency in getting UK companies variety of ways, including with the trade unions, to to engage and take risks in that country? ensure that we uphold them. Mr Mitchell: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): The Secretary of to stress the importance of that agenda in the DRC, State will know that the all-party groups on Kenya, which is a strong partner of ours. Over the next four Uganda and sanitation and water will be extremely glad years, we will be doing a great deal of work there, to hear that they are still going to receive aid. I notice, spending on average £198 million, with a strong focus however, that Commonwealth Secretariat and UNESCO on tackling malaria, ensuring that 6 million people get are being placed into special measures as a matter of access to clean water, boosting the electoral system, and urgency. Is there a case for putting the EU in the same ensuring that girls get into school. category? Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): Mr Mitchell: We have looked carefully at EU aid Unfolding events in north Africa and the wider middle spending and while it is true that the spending through east could not have been anticipated when the review the Commission is not as good as it should be, it is began. Will the Government’s proposals allow enough nevertheless also true that the European development flexibility to deal with these issues and with others that fund spends British taxpayers’ money quite well. Let me are bound to arise in future? also make it clear to my hon. Friend that although some 17% of the funding comes from Britain, 40% of it is Mr Mitchell: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right: spent on the Commonwealth countries for which I we are watching extremely carefully what is happening. know he has a particular affection. We are fully engaged on issues of humanitarian relief on Libya’s borders with Egypt and Tunisia, and I will Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield) (Lab): The be going there in the next couple of days. Secretary of State suggests terminating the aid programme in Vietnam. I suggest that he looks again at the report Sir Gerald Kaufman (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab): of the Select Committee after its visit to the country in Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that when he 2007. It recognised that although the aid relationship refers to the occupied Palestinian territories, he includes needed to change, the graduation of Vietnam to middle- the prison camp of Gaza and the hells on earth that are income status was fragile, that many good ideas that the refugee camps in Lebanon? Is he aware that the could be used elsewhere in the world were being tested, $2.4 million that his Department has awarded for medical and that the aid relationship, although changing, should aid in the Lebanese refugee camps is enormously continue. Will the right hon. Gentleman look at that appreciated but will last for only a month, which is a again? symbol of the dire need in these places? 179 Aid Reviews1 MARCH 2011 Aid Reviews 180

Mr Mitchell: The right hon. Gentleman is extremely food-insecure areas to change the way in which they experienced in the issues of the occupied Palestinian secure their food so that it is sustainable in the long territories and of Gaza. Through the United Nations term. Very good work is being done in Karamoja, in Relief and Works Agency, we take a careful interest in northern Uganda, and we intend to intensify it. what is happening in Gaza and will continue to do so. Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con): The Secretary Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): Having visited of State said that he would put more money into the the flood-hit areas of Pakistan and Kashmir before development of democracy in 13 of the 16 countries Christmas, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he that he listed. Elections have already taken place last will confirm that the money saved on aid to China and year and this year, so we have missed the boat on those. Russia will go to such areas and to the other poorest Can we be certain that the programme will continue areas in the world that need the aid most? and that we will carry out intensive work with some of the countries that have not done as well as they might Mr Mitchell: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. As a have in reducing corruption in the electoral process, not result of the much more careful prioritisation of aid just during the four-year period that has been mentioned and aid programmes, we are able to re-channel British but, if necessary, for five or six years? taxpayer’s money into the kind of causes that he identifies. Mr Mitchell: My hon. Friend has asked a very good Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): How question. Over the next four years, we will work intensively does the Secretary of State justify ending bilateral aid to try to boost freer and fairer elections. As I said in my to Cambodia, given that last year 31% of the population statement, we shall be working in 13 countries, notably were estimated as living under the poverty line, and the Zimbabwe. We have made it clear that if there is a country is in danger of missing seven of its eight proper route map towards freer and fairer elections in millennium development goals? that country, we shall be able engage much more directly in development work there. Mr Mitchell: I hear what the hon. Gentleman says, but it is important to recognise whether a British bilateral Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): It is all very well programme that is small compared with several other for the Secretary of State to be charming about bilateral and multilateral programmes was having a real Mrs Bachelet, the head of UN Women, but when I impact. We concluded that such a programme was not heard her speak at the Commission on the Status of the best way of spending taxpayer’s money. Women last week, she pointed out that she still had to raise the bulk of the $500 million dollar budget of UN Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): I congratulate Women. Britain was the fourth biggest donor to UN my right hon. Friend and his team on an important Women last year, but although some 30 other countries piece of work that is in the national interest, but may I have made commitments for 2011, we have thus far press him a little further on the subject of the European failed to do so. UN Women has an ambitious programme Union? Would he consider discussing with the EU the to tackle violence against women, to empower women, possibility of a pan-European review conducted on the and to ensure that women’s voices are heard in some of same basis on which he conducted his valuable review the poorest countries in the world. Why has the Secretary on this country, to establish whether that would help the of State not yet made a decision? EU to deliver its aid more effectively? Mr Mitchell: I think that I was respectful rather than Mr Mitchell: We continue to discuss a range of matters charming about Mrs Bachelet, but as soon as we have a with the EU and with Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, plan that we can fund, we will fund it. We have already who is in charge of development. The multilateral aid provided some transitional funds. As the hon. Lady will review examined the work of the European development know, there is specific funding to tackle violence against fund in much the same way as the bilateral review women, and she can rest assured that the Government examined our country-to-country programme. There is strongly support this agency, as we always have. When ongoing work to be done, but I assure my hon. Friend we see the plan, we will fund it. that we are very much on the case. Joseph Johnson (Orpington) (Con): I welcome the Dr Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): Last tighter focus of the aid programme, but the India week I was in Ghana with the all-party parliamentary programme continues to present a juicy target for aid group on agriculture and food for development. Members sceptics who criticise it for being a nuclear power and a of both Houses observed for themselves the critical space power. Does the Secretary of State agree that it importance of agriculture to not just the sustaining of would be fairer for them to acknowledge that the civil livelihoods but the potential for economic growth in nuclear programme is playing an essential part in meeting developing countries. I noted the Secretary of State’s India’s energy deficit, and that since its inception the concern about the Food and Agriculture Organisation, space programme has focused largely on development, but what strategic role will agriculture play in DFID’s using satellite technology to give Indians in rural areas plans for the future? access to long-distance learning opportunities, remote health care and crop-related weather analysis? Mr Mitchell: Food security and agriculture are at the heart of many of the programmes that we operate in Mr Mitchell: My hon. Friend makes an extremely food-stressed areas. We are working increasingly closely good point. India presents a paradox, because although with the World Food Programme, not only on the it has the programmes to which he refers, there are also provision of emergency aid but on trying to enable more poor people in India than in the whole of sub-Saharan 181 Aid Reviews1 MARCH 2011 Aid Reviews 182

Africa. Our programme is in transition: we are shifting Mr Mitchell: I am afraid that I cannot give that its focus on to only three of the poorest states in India, precise figure to my hon. Friend off the top of my head, and over the next four years up to half the programme but I shall write to her on the matter. What I can tell her will be spent on pro-poor private sector investment for is that last year Britain educated about 5 million children development. We will not be there for ever, but now is overseas, but that figure will rise substantially in the not the time to end this programme. future.

Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): How Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab): will the increase in aid to conflict-affected countries be Further to the question asked by my hon. Friend the evaluated to ensure it is having the greatest impact? Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart), does the Secretary of State recognise that the new agency UN Women needs some certainty about its budget in order to prepare Mr Mitchell: In future, all our programmes will have its strategic plan, rather than the other way around? detailed evaluation criteria from day one whether or not Will he therefore lead from the front, instead of delaying they are in conflict-affected areas, and, of course, the his decision as to how much to commit to this vital UN Independent Commission for Aid Impact will evaluate agency? whether the taxpayer is getting good value for money. These criteria therefore apply across all our programmes, Mr Mitchell: I can reassure the hon. Lady that we are not just those that are easiest to evaluate. in very close touch with UN Women. When the plan is produced, I am sure we will be able to fund it. Meanwhile, Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con): we have given some hundreds of thousands of pounds I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement on the in transitional funding to assist the agency to get to that refocusing of our aid to target it and get value for point. This agency has only just been started; the hon. money from it. Does he agree that education, particularly Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) suggested we for girls, remains a top priority? What is his Department failed to fund it last year, but it has only just come into doing, and what more can it do, to encourage education existence. With the transitional funding, it will be able throughout the developing world? to produce its strategic plan, and then I am sure we will be able to fund it. Mr Mitchell: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. For reasons he will readily appreciate, one of the best Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): I development investments we can make in terms of welcome the Secretary of State’s excellent statement. outcomes is to get girls into school, which is why that is Will he join me in paying tribute to the excellent work of such a key target for us going forward. Over the next UNICEF, which saves the lives of millions of children four years, Britain will educate 11 million children around the world, and will he now publish, in full and in overseas, far more than in the whole of Britain, and, as detail, the review’s analysis of UNICEF’s performance? I have said, at 2.5% of the cost. Therefore, if any of my hon. Friend’s constituents say that this programme Mr Mitchell: My hon. Friend will be able to download should be repatriated, he should point out that 2.5% of the review straight after this statement. UNICEF is the cost would not even get one laptop per class. doing a brilliant job, and I can assure him that we are going to be able to double its funding in the next two years and support it because of the excellent results that Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): An Inter- it is achieving and the very good work that it does. Parliamentary Union delegation visiting a former communist country last week was shocked to hear from Mr Michael McCann (East Kilbride, Strathaven and the head of a trade union that she was under pressure to Lesmahagow) (Lab): Can the Secretary of State tell us relinquish her post so that she could be replaced by a what proportion of the current aid programme is allocated Government stooge. We offered her hope from the to multilateral aid, what proportion is allocated to International Labour Organisation, which is the only bilateral aid and what the proportions will be after his effective body that can influence her Government. Why reviews are put in place? are we denying the ILO funds? Mr Mitchell: If the hon. Gentleman downloads the Mr Mitchell: As the hon. Gentleman will have heard reviews, he will be able to see the precise figures. The me say, we are maintaining our membership of the ILO. proportion used to be about 50:50, but it will be slightly However, if he looks at the report—which he can download different in the future. I stand to be corrected but, as I from the internet immediately after this statement—he recall it, the multilateral element increases slightly, principally will see the professional analysis of the ILO’s work, and because of the very strong support for the World Bank. he may then decide that there are organisations that I will write to him on this matter. might be better than the ILO in assisting the lady he mentioned in the specific circumstances he described. Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): I thank my right hon. Friend for his commitment to an ongoing aid relationship Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): Save with the island of St Helena, whose citizens are, of the Children, which is a very well supported charity in course, British citizens. Can he confirm that proposals West Worcestershire, has particularly welcomed this for the airfield on the island are still firmly on track? review. The Secretary of State has just emphasised the importance of educating girls. Can he tell us how many Mr Mitchell: My hon. Friend is right to identify more girls will receive an education as a result of this St Helena as an important dependent territory which review? rightly has our support. He will know that negotiations 183 Aid Reviews1 MARCH 2011 Aid Reviews 184

[Mr Andrew Mitchell] Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The Secretary of State’s performance today has confirmed, yet again, are ongoing on three key areas which, when they are the that he is the only Member of this House who can really subject of agreement, will form the basis of a contract. run overseas aid. Given that, will he confirm that the Those negotiations are ongoing and I hope to be able to extra £21 billion the previous Government forced us to give the House more information in due course. pay to the EU to provide aid in the poorer EU states should come into his Department? Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): I very much welcome the Secretary of State’s announcement. Mr Mitchell: My hon. Friend has a long record of He categorised the multilateral organisations as the speaking out vigorously on European issues and the good, the bad and the ugly, so will he say where, in his whole House will have heard his comments today. assessments, CDC falls? Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) Mr Mitchell: CDC is not one of the organisations (Lab): The Secretary of State said, in response to my that has been assessed as part of the multilateral aid right hon. Friend the Member for Coatbridge, Chryston review because we are in the process of reforming the and Bellshill (Mr Clarke), that the Bribery Act 2010 will way in which it operates. The point that we have made be implemented soon. Given that combating bribery, in a written statement to the House is that widespread fraud and corruption is paramount to ensuring that aid consultation is taking place on how we inject more gets to the right people and the right places, could he be development genes into CDC going forward. Those a little more specific about when he anticipates Labour’s negotiations and discussions are continuing, and I hope Bribery Act being implemented and what he is doing to to be able to say more to the House shortly about how press his Government on this very important matter? that will proceed. Mr Mitchell: I have made no secret of my very strong Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): What proportion support for the Bribery Act—anyone who holds this of the ongoing aid budget will be absorbed by India, office realises how incredibly important it is. I would say and across the global programme what is the split that the hon. Lady is a member of a party that did not between funding direct to Governments and funding to do an awful lot about this in its 13 years in government. non-governmental organisations? However, we will ensure that, once the wrinkles are ironed out, the legislation is up and running as soon as possible. Mr Mitchell: My hon. Friend will be able to see that the figure for India is frozen at its current level for the Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con) rose— next four years. If he looks at the results, which are available on the internet, he will see the different proportions Mr Speaker: Order. It is always a pleasure to hear the of spending, but I can tell him that there will be less hon. Gentleman but I have a faint suspicion that he direct budget support under this Government’s programme toddled out of the Chamber at one point, which is of than there was under the previous Government’s. itself not a criminal offence, but it does rather disqualify him from participating in the exchanges on the statement. Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): The Prime We will hear from him again soon I am sure. Minister, both in Kuwait last week and yesterday, has held up freedom of association as something that Britain Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Why on earth are the should support, so this attack on the International Government lending £160 million to the Turks and Labour Organisation will horrify every trade union Caicos Islands, which have a very high gross domestic worker around the world. Britain founded the ILO, and product per head, per country, and why are we also in the 1980s the ILO was central to getting rid of Soviet allowing the Cayman Islands to borrow a similar amount communism and apartheid in South Africa. I know that of money without introducing anything to tackle their the Secretary of State has to represent Lazard and the tax haven status? banking community, but this attack on working people around the world is shameful. Mr Mitchell: The hon. Gentleman did not listen carefully to my earlier response, which was that the Mr Mitchell: That may have been a little over the top. Government are supplying a guarantee to the Government First, we are not withdrawing from the ILO. We have of the Turks and Caicos Islands so that they have a made it clear that we will not be making any voluntary period of time in which to sort out their financial contributions to it. We remain a member of the ILO, difficulties. If all goes well, there will not be any costs at but the subscription is paid for by the Department for all to the British taxpayer as a result. Work and Pensions. Where countries find that the ILO is able to provide a specific service that offers value for Mr Speaker: I must thank the Secretary of State and money and effectiveness, they will be able to take on its colleagues for their succinctness, which has meant that services. everybody who wanted to get in was able to do so. 185 1 MARCH 2011 Intercity Express and Rail 186 Electrification Intercity Express and Rail Electrification expected to create at least 500 direct permanent jobs, as well as hundreds of temporary construction jobs. Thousands more job opportunities will be created in the 4.31 pm UK manufacturing and service supply chains. Coming The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip just days after the news of the reopening of the Redcar Hammond): With permission, Mr Speaker, I shall make steelworks, this is a massive and very welcome shot in a statement on the Government’s plans for extension of the arm for the skilled work forces of the north-east’s the electrification of the Great Western main line and industrial heartland. for the procurement of a replacement for the existing I turn now to the related issue of electrification of the diesel inter-city trains. The two issues are closely connected. Great Western main line. I announced to the House on First, I shall address the provision of a new generation 25 November that, over the next six years, Network Rail of inter-city 125 mph trains to take advantage of the will electrify the commuter services on the Great Western electrification of the Great Western main line and to main line from London to Didcot, Oxford and Newbury. allow the phasing out of most of the ageing diesel I recognise that this announcement, although welcomed InterCity 125s. in the Thames valley, left unanswered the clear aspirations In February 2009, the intercity express programme, of rail users further west for the extension of electrification launched by the previous Government, identified Agility to Bristol and into Wales. I and my right hon. Friend Trains, a consortium of Hitachi Rail and John Laing the Secretary of State for Wales have subsequently plc, as the preferred bidder to provide a new fleet of considered the options for extending electrification, inter-city trains. Subsequently, the previous Government alongside the Government’s consideration of the proposals placed the process on hold and ordered a review of the for replacement of the current diesel InterCity trains, procurement by Sir Andrew Foster. Last summer, and in close consultation with the Welsh Assembly recognising the fiscal challenges that the UK faces and Government. the impact of the new Government’s plans for high-speed rail to Leeds and Manchester, Agility put forward an We have concluded that there is a case for extending improved, lower-cost proposal to provide the required electrification westwards to Bristol and Cardiff, and I service through a mixed IEP fleet with some all-electric am today asking Network Rail to add that major extension trains and some with a combination of electric and to its electrification programme immediately. This is diesel power, allowing it to operate through-services good news for Wales and the south-west against a beyond the electrified railway. The proposal retained backdrop of public spending constraint as we deal with the more modern electric InterCity 225s on the east the legacy of debt that we inherited. Bringing electrification coast main line, as the previous Administration had to Cardiff will mean that we are linking, for the first proposed. time, the capital cities of England, Scotland and Wales by electrified rail. These measures will deliver a London We have reviewed the proposal against the alternative to Cardiff journey time of 1 hour and 42 minutes and of an all-electric fleet, with purpose-built diesel locomotives will shave 22 minutes off the London to Bristol journey. coupled to trains to haul them beyond the electrified railway. Either way, it would represent a multi-billion I have received representations calling for the pound investment for this country, underpinning the electrification of the Great Western main line to be operation of inter-city services on the conventional extended as far west as Swansea and we have looked railway for many years to come, and it is imperative that carefully at the arguments. The business case for the right choice is made. electrification is heavily dependent on the frequency of As I said at the time of my statement to the House on service. Services between London and Swansea currently 25 November, there were complex legal, technical and operate at a frequency of only one train an hour off-peak. commercial issues to be addressed and both the Government There is no evidence of a pattern of demand that would and Agility Trains, as preferred bidder, recognised that. be likely to lead imminently to an increase in this Over the past few months, we have worked together on frequency. Consequently, I regret to have to say that these issues and I can now announce that I am resuming there is not, at present, a viable business case for the IEP procurement and proceeding with the proposal electrification of the main line between Cardiff and that Agility Trains has put forward as preferred bidder. Swansea. We will now work with Agility Trains with a view to However, because of the decision to proceed with reaching financial close by the end of this year. That is, Agility’s proposal for a bi-mode train, journey times of course, subject to the Government’s continuing to be from London to Swansea will be shortened to 2 hours satisfied that the proposal offers value for money as the and 39 minutes—20 minutes faster than today—with commercial negotiations are concluded and that the trains switching automatically to diesel power as they final arrangements are compliant with the United leave Cardiff. As the constraining factor on the south Kingdom’s European Union obligations. This deal will Wales main line is speed limitations dictated by the allow us to provide better, faster, more comfortable geometry of the line, there would be no time-saving services and to continue providing through-journeys benefits from electrifying the line from Cardiff to Swansea. between London and parts of the rail network that are However, the policy of the Government is to support a not electrified. In total, there will be over 11,000 more progressive electrification of the rail network in England peak-time seats each day on the Great Western main and Wales, for environmental reasons among others. line and the east coast main line post-IEP compared My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales with today. and I will therefore keep under active review the business Hitachi is today confirming its plans to locate its case for future electrification of the Great Western main European train manufacturing and assembly centre at line between Cardiff and Swansea in the light of developing Newton Aycliffe in County Durham. That investment is future service patterns. 187 Intercity Express and Rail 1 MARCH 2011 Intercity Express and Rail 188 Electrification Electrification [Mr Philip Hammond] Can the Secretary of State confirm when passengers will first be able to enjoy these new trains? Have the I have a further announcement to make to the House. delays in making the announcement had any impact on In the course of the examination of the case for the delivery date for the trains? Will he confirm whether electrification in south Wales that I and my right hon. he has made any other changes to the contract, for Friend have undertaken, we have established, at an example to the number of trains or the cascading plan initial high level, that there appears to be a good case for the existing rolling stock, as a result of today’s for electrifying the key valley commuter lines north of announcement? Cardiff via Pontypridd and Caerphilly to Treherbert, The Opposition obviously welcome the decision to Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil, Coryton and Rhymney, as go ahead with the electrification of a further stretch of well as the lines to Penarth and Barry Island to the west. the Great Western main line to Cardiff. It is the result of My Department will therefore work with the Welsh the commitment we made in government and also the Assembly Government to develop a full business case efforts made since the Secretary of State’s last statement for the electrification of the Cardiff valley lines during in November by my right hon. Friend the Member for the next rail investment control period beginning in Neath (Mr Hain), my hon. Friend the Member for 2014. The Welsh Assembly Government will need, in Pontypridd (Owen Smith), the First Minister of Wales, parallel, to consider the case for specifying suitable electric Carwyn Jones, other MPs and Assembly Members, and trains for those routes when the Wales and Borders the business community across south Wales. I am glad franchise is re-let in 2018. That would, of course, be a that the Secretary of State has listened to them about prerequisite for electrification proceeding, and the timetable the vital need for modernisation, which will speed up for franchise re-letting and re-specification necessarily the journey time between our capitals from 2 hours five dictates the time scale of the proposed electrification. minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, which has to be welcome. On the basis of our preliminary evaluation, the valleys It is a real boost to business, with the potential for electrification represents the best value for money rail investment and jobs, and to Wales. electrification investment that can be made in Wales. It However, does the Secretary of State understand the promises to bring all the benefits of electric commuter deep upset that will be felt by people in Swansea and trains—faster acceleration, greater comfort, cleaner and across Wales at the St David’s day disappointment that greener travel, and greater reliability—to rail users in the electrification will not continue as far as Swansea, south Wales. It would have a significant effect on the as Labour had intended? He has broken his manifesto economy of Cardiff and the valleys by deepening labour commitment to markets, improving connectivity and significantly enhancing “support the electrification of the Great Western line to South the attractiveness of the area to investors. Coupled with Wales.” the electrification of the Great Western main line, it The Secretary of State for Wales, who I am glad to would represent a major boost to the economy of south see is in her place, was pretty quiet yesterday when the Wales as a whole. These three decisions—on the intercity Transport Secretary confirmed plans for a high-speed express programme, on Great Western main line rail route through her constituency, which she previously electrification and on building the business case for said she could not support. The people of south Wales electrification of the valleys commuter lines—represent will expect her to be more vocal today in explaining why a major further investment in UK rail infrastructure. the Government have let down the people and businesses They follow the announcements that I have already that are further south and west than Cardiff. made on Crossrail, Thameslink, tube upgrades, Thames The Transport Secretary has just extolled the virtues valley and north western electrification and additional of electrification, including, in his own words, its “significant rolling stock. effect on the economy of Cardiff and the valleys— The decisions sit alongside the Government’s proposals deepening labour markets, improving connectivity and for high-speed rail, the consultation on which I announced significantly enhancing the attractiveness of the area to to the House in a written statement yesterday, as testimony investors.” Why cannot the people of Swansea, and of to this Government’s commitment to investment in the west Wales beyond Swansea, also have that advantage? future of Britain’s railways. They represent excellent Can he confirm when the electrification of the line to news for passengers on the Great Western main line and Cardiff will be completed, and why, as far as he is the east coast main line, for commuters on the Cardiff concerned, electrifying just 40 more miles of track to valley lines and for the economies of south Wales and Swansea appears to be such a bad idea? north-east England as a whole. I commend this statement Is it not true that the case for electrification was to the House. previously approved by the Treasury? Anybody who Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab): I thank was dealt with the Treasury, as we now all have, knows the Secretary of State for the early sight of his statement—he that the rate of return would have had to meet its tough actually sent me two statements, although they appear criteria, so why does the right hon. Gentleman continue to be the same. I will begin by welcoming the much to suggest that there is no proper business case for delayed green light that he has today given to the new electrification all the way to Swansea? Does he accept intercity express programme, which was launched by that, if Swansea is not a part of the single roll-out Labour before the last election. That this programme is construction programme, the Government will incur now to go ahead, with the significant boost for jobs that 20% additional costs to stop construction and then take he referred to, is testament to the tenacity and tireless it up again? He is in fact saying that the stretch of line campaigning of my hon. Friend the Member for Sedgefield from Cardiff to Swansea will not be electrified at all—except (Phil Wilson), The Northern Echo, the local community by incurring unnecessarily high extra costs. trade unions, particularly Unite, and the local work I welcome in the right hon. Gentleman’s statement force. I congratulate them all on what has been an the part about looking at further electrification in Wales incredible triumph for their campaign. on the valleys train lines, but he is holding out the 189 Intercity Express and Rail 1 MARCH 2011 Intercity Express and Rail 190 Electrification Electrification promise of potentially producing a post-dated cheque On the question of electrification, the hon. Lady at a later date, because there is no funding available in mentioned the right hon. Member for Neath (Mr Hain), this spending review period. He says that he has made a the man who talks a good talk about electrification but decision about the matter, but his only decision has was, if I remember rightly, Secretary of State for Wales been to look at whether there is a business case, so there in the previous Administration—an Administration who, is no guarantee of his carrying out the project. Perhaps in 13 years, did not manage to electrify a single inch of he is trying to deflect attention from the fact that he is railway in the Principality. A couple of weeks ago, the failing to meet his manifesto commitment to take hon. Lady, who is now so keen on electrification in electrification all the way to Swansea. Wales, was telling us that Labour had no commitment Will the right hon. Gentleman update the House on to electrification in Wales because it was conducting a where his Department is with the procurement of the spending review and everything was up for grabs. That 1,200 new carriages for Thameslink? We still have not was until the very same right hon. Member for Neath heard about that major project, in which considerable came along and slapped her down, and made her change UK jobs are at stake, and it would be good if we did not her tune. have to put up with Thameslink being hit by the same The hon. Lady talked about our manifesto commitment delays that have beset the IEP project. Does he have an at the last general election. I can tell her—[Interruption.] updated time scale for when the new Thameslink and I have it right here; I will quote it back to her in a Crossrail trains will benefit passengers by actually being minute if she wants. Our manifesto commitment at the in service? Will he explain what impact the delay will last general election was to electrify the railway into have on the plans for cascading the existing rolling south Wales. I know that she is not shadow Secretary of stock? State for Wales, but even she should know that Cardiff Why, when the right hon. Gentleman must have is in south Wales. We have delivered today on the known that he was making a statement today, did he commitment that we made. choose yesterday to slip out by written answer—without The hon. Lady made a plea for electrification to informing the media or the House—a decision to end Swansea. I understand that people in Swansea will be all funding for local rail schemes that local authorities disappointed by the announcement that I have made and integrated transport authorities develop? His decision today because of the expectations that the previous means that no new schemes will be able to go ahead Government raised without bothering to establish that there between now and April 2015. Can he explain why that was a sound business case for the proposed expenditure. decision was not made in the comprehensive spending However, she has not, at any point, made a logical review, and why he put it out yesterday under cover of argument for the electrification that she pleads for. I his publication of the high-speed rail consultation? have told her that the bi-mode trains that we are procuring As I have made clear, I welcome today’s confirmation will deliver a journey time saving of 20 minutes to of the investment in the rail network that Labour planned Swansea—the same journey time saving that the previous and announced when in government. The additional Government were promising through electrification. We electrification and the major project to replace our will deliver the benefits to the people of Swansea from outdated inter-city fleet will significantly improve the electrification to Cardiff and continuing bi-mode train passenger experience on our rail network and bring operation onward from Cardiff to Swansea. She asked economic benefits to the country.However, the unnecessary me about the electrification to Cardiff. That will be delays in bringing forward those plans, and the decision completed in 2017. to bring disappointment to south Wales on St David’s day, are just further evidence of the dither and delay On the valleys electrification, the hon. Lady says that that seems to grip the right hon. Gentleman’s Department. there is no funding in the spending review. I am disappointed Both of his announcements today imply more delay that she has not yet grasped the complexities of rail than the original plans. His third announcement on capital funding. Network Rail funds electrification through further electrification in Wales is another example of its regulated asset base. The investment programme is jam tomorrow but no money today, and no guarantee set in control periods, the next of which starts in 2014. of progress. In the end, he will be judged on what he What I have announced today is that we have established delivers, and Labour Members will be looking closely at that there is, on the face of it, a strong business case for that. this investment in the valleys electrification. We will work it up with Network Rail and the Welsh Assembly Mr Hammond: We have been treated to a classic rant. Government, with a view to including it in the next There are two types of people in this world: the glass- investment programme period. half-full brigade and the glass-half-empty brigade—and let us guess which one the hon. Lady belongs to. She is determined resolutely to find bad news even in a statement Several hon. Members rose— about massive investment at a time of constrained public spending. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. A lot of The hon. Lady, apart from treating us to a read-out Members wish to get in on this statement, so single and of her contacts book, which was fascinating, had the short questions would be welcome. nerve to accuse us of unnecessary delays. I would like to remind her that it was the previous Administration who pulled the IEP procurement and asked Sir Andrew Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): In Foster to review it, reopening the issues. I can tell her the face of gloom, doom and whingeing from the today that trains will start to be delivered on to the Opposition, this is really good news for Wales. St David’s Great Western main line from 2016 and on to the east day will be toasted with a full glass in Cardiff and coast main line from 2018. a nearly full glass in Swansea. I am pleased that the 191 Intercity Express and Rail 1 MARCH 2011 Intercity Express and Rail 192 Electrification Electrification [Roger Williams] a glass to them. Unfortunately, I will have to go back to my constituents in Swansea and explain that they are Secretary of State said that he will continue to review not as important. I will have to explain that modern the case for electrification to Swansea. Will he confirm transport and infrastructure, and opportunities for that he will do so? investment and tourism are not on the cards for them. The Secretary of State spoke about there being no good Mr Hammond: As I have said, my right hon. Friend financial case for rail electrification to Swansea. All the the Secretary of State for Wales and I will continue trains along the south Wales main line—I will talk actively to look at the case for electrification to Swansea. slowly to make this point— I said that we would do so in the light of developing service patterns. The important point is that once the Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. I know valleys lines are electrified, it is quite possible that new how passionate the hon. Lady is about this matter, but electric services could be provided that head through please can we have single, short questions, because a lot Cardiff and to the west, which might change the economics, of Members wish to get in? and thus the business case, for the Cardiff to Swansea section. Mrs James: Most of the trains along the south Wales main line have to go to Swansea, because it is a turnaround Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab): I congratulate the point. How can we increase the pattern of trains to Secretary of State on his announcement on the intercity Swansea if we have already said that trains do not go express programme. As he knows, the investment and there as often as we need them? jobs involved are very important for my constituents in north-east England. Will he join me in congratulating Mr Hammond: Obviously I understand that the hon. the Back on Track campaign, which was led by The Lady is disappointed. She has made her pitch to me Northern Echo, Durham county council, the chamber repeatedly, having caught me every time I have passed of commerce and the northern TUC? Will he also behind the Chair over the past few months. I am sorry congratulate my constituents on the way in which they that I have had to be rather uncommunicative, but she brought this matter to the attention of the Department will understand the reasons. I am disappointed that she for Transport, and helped it to make the right decision? has not acknowledged that the huge time-saving benefit from electrification will be delivered through the Mr Hammond: I am happy to acknowledge the hon. introduction of bi-mode IEP trains and the electrification Gentleman’s tireless battle for the IEP. He has arranged of the route as far as Cardiff. Because of the line speed for various worthies from his constituency to visit me restrictions, there would be no further time savings for and the Department to make the case. This has been a Swansea even if we electrified the rest of the line. Huge complex process with legal, technical, financial and benefits will be delivered to Swansea—a 20 minute time commercial issues to resolve. We have worked closely saving is extremely significant. I hope she will at least with Hitachi to get to this point. I understand that he acknowledge that that will be a huge benefit for the area wanted us to get here more quickly, but I assure him that she represents. that we have progressed as fast as possible. Jonathan Evans (Cardiff North) (Con): As a Cardiff Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): I warmly Member of Parliament, I thank my right hon. Friend welcome the Secretary of State’s announcement this unequivocally for today’s announcement. I also congratulate afternoon. Will he confirm my memory that Isambard my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, Kingdom Brunel’s Great Western main line runs from who has fought her corner wonderfully. Making the Swindon, through Chippenham and Bath, to Bristol case for the electrification of the valley lines in the Temple Meads, not on the branch line from Bristol announcement was something that Opposition Members Parkway and onwards to Wales? Does he intend to did not expect and that they were never committed to. allow the electrification of the line to Bristol Temple From June 2009, they were supposedly committed to Meads, as well as the branch line to Wales? electrification, and yet nothing whatsoever was done. Will my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Mr Hammond: I am not sure whether I mentioned Transport commit to ensuring that this announcement this in my statement, but my hon. Friend is absolutely is carried forward, unlike the announcements that were correct—the electrification will include the line through made by those on the Opposition Benches? Bath to Bristol Temple Meads and also the line from Bristol Parkway to Bristol Temple Meads. That will Mr Hammond: Absolutely; I give my hon. Friend that ensure that we can increase the frequency of London-Bristol commitment. The hon. Member for Garston and Halewood Temple Meads trains to four per hour and shave 20 minutes (Maria Eagle) used most of her time in responding to off the journey time to Bristol Temple Meads from the statement by talking about Swansea. The evidence London, using the Bristol Parkway route rather than shows that there is a much stronger business case for the the Bath route to get the additional time saving. electrification of the valley lines. When a limited amount of public money is available, it is absolutely incumbent Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): I fully on us—she can ask her sister about this—to ensure that appreciate the announcement as far as Cardiff and the it is spent on the areas that deliver the best value for valley lines are concerned, and I congratulate the money to the Exchequer. Government on it. In a spirit of, I hope, reasonable suggestion, may I ask the Government to ensure that Mrs Siân C. James (Swansea East) (Lab): Having work is done urgently to see how the line speed from fought a long and hard campaign to get rail electrification Cardiff to Swansea can be improved in due course, so in Swansea, I congratulate Cardiff and the valleys because that electrification can be taken across to Swansea with, their glass is very much full at the moment—I will raise I am sure, a good business case? 193 Intercity Express and Rail 1 MARCH 2011 Intercity Express and Rail 194 Electrification Electrification Mr Hammond: I welcome the right hon. Gentleman’s rejoice in that saving and pick up the phone to Rolls-Royce comment, because it is at least a constructive comment and Tata to tell them how it improves the case for that plays into the need to develop a proper business investment in his city. case for a proposal. We can consider line speed improvements, and indeed the current rail investment Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): This is a programme includes a significant number of them, first-class announcement on St David’s day for my including some on the network in south Wales. However, constituency and the whole south Wales economy. I understand that the geography of the area creates Announcing electrification of just the main line would some difficulties and potentially some very significant have been good, but to consider the valleys lines and the expense in enhancing the line speed between Cardiff line to Barry Island, which is in my constituency, gives and Swansea. the statement gravitas. My right hon. Friend the Transport Secretary has Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): Having travelled mentioned the inaction of the former Secretary of State the Great Western main line this morning, may I welcome for Wales, but will he outline what action was taken by the statement warmly? It promises far more quiet, efficient, the current Secretary of State for Wales in bringing reliable and energy-efficient trains for my constituents about pressure for this announcement? and many others than the last Government ever delivered. It is good news for English and Welsh jobs, and incidentally it makes an even stronger case for the redoubling of the Mr Hammond: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of Swindon to Kemble line, which would add resilience. State for Wales and I discuss such matters all the time—I always discuss with them matters that trespass In the Department’s long-term thinking, will Ministers into the jurisdictions of my right hon. Friends the still look favourably on eventual electrification to Swansea Secretaries of State for Wales and for Scotland—but it and on longer franchises for train operators, which would be inappropriate for me to give the House details might in time enable them to specify their own rolling of discussions that occur between Cabinet colleagues. stock? That would add even more to an increasingly bright future for Britain’s railways. Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): Mr Hammond: As the hon. Gentleman will know, we I welcome the announcement of major investment in have already announced that we intend to operate a rail, although there is considerable disappointment in longer default franchise period of 15 years, to start to relation to Swansea. Will the Secretary of State indicate stimulate exactly the type of behaviour that he talks what the benefits of that investment will be in terms of about. jobs and economic growth, and when does he expect them to materialise? It is the Government’s policy to support a progressive electrification of the railway throughout England and Mr Hammond: If the hon. Lady is talking about the Wales—Scotland makes its own rail infrastructure wider package, I can tell her that there are obviously investment decisions—not only because of time savings many components to it. Jobs will be created through the but because of the environmental case for an electric electrification process over a number of years as Network railway. Through progressive investment control periods, Rail gears up to deliver that programme, and others will we will continue to look to roll out the electrification of be created at Newton Aycliffe for the IEP. Further the railway across England and Wales. jobs—thousands of jobs—will be created in the UK supply chain that will support that major investment Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): This is which, incidentally, is not just about delivering the UK a sad and disappointing St David’s day for Swansea—[HON. IEP, but about Hitachi’s manufacturing and development MEMBERS: “Ah!”] Well, it is, particularly in the light of base for its involvement in European rail in future. the fact that the Secretary of State denied a meeting with private sector stakeholders and Swansea university, In addition, of course, there will be huge benefits in alongside the MPs of Swansea and west Wales, to the south Wales area from the electrification of the examine the business case for inward investment in valleys lines—what economists like to call agglomeration further electrification. Given that Swansea is the second benefits, meaning the reinforcement of the economy worst hit city in the UK from Government cuts, will he that happens when connectivity is improved and labour undertake to have that meeting at long last with those markets are deepened. Those will allow people in towns stakeholders, including the university, even though he up the valleys lines, some of which, frankly, are among has made the decision already? That would enable them the most deprived in Wales, more readily to access the to discuss the co-operation and inward investment of markets and economy of Cardiff, which is a powerhouse Rolls-Royce, Tata, Boots and other companies that are for the area. That will bring significantly increasing coming to Swansea. They would have made that case prosperity and wider opportunities for people who live had he been bothered to have a meeting with them. in the Cardiff hinterland.

Mr Hammond: I can tell the hon. Gentleman that my David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): Had the officials discussed the business case for electrification to Secretary of State announced that he was electrifying Swansea with Welsh Assembly Government officials and putting a high-speed train on every branch line in exhaustively, but he misses the fundamental point. He Wales, Opposition Members would still object. Will he talks about Rolls-Royce and Tata, and if they are looking instead accept the congratulations of all those who are at rail investment as a criterion for investment, they will worried that some want Wales to become more separate? be examining journey-time savings. The IEP announcement His statement is a tangible way of putting Wales at the that I have just made introduces a journey-time saving heart of the UK. Dewi Sant will be looking down today of 20 minutes to Swansea. He should go back to Swansea, with a glass not half full, but almost overflowing. 195 Intercity Express and Rail 1 MARCH 2011 Intercity Express and Rail 196 Electrification Electrification Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend puts it very eloquently. Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): I welcome the He has clearly spotted the glass-half-empty tendency of statement, particularly the increase in passenger capacity Opposition Members, which disappoints me. I cannot that will result. My right hon. Friend will be aware that think why they would wish to score political points over the next five years Reading station will undergo a today. major redevelopment through Government investment. Will he ensure that all necessary works for IEP and Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): The Secretary electrification are undertaken alongside the alterations of State probably knows that the first steam trains were made to Reading station, because I am sure that it made in Shildon, so it is quite right that the skills of the would result in cost savings? County Durham work force should be recognised in his statement. He says that he will work for financial close Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend makes a very sensible over the course of this year, but can he say when jobs point. I will raise it at my next meeting with the chief will materialise? executive of Network Rail, and ensure that it is being done in a properly co-ordinated manner. Mr Hammond: I understand that Hitachi will issue a press release broadly simultaneously with my statement Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): I that will set out more details of its plans, but clearly, it welcome today’s announcement on the intercity express will be unable to start building factories until financial programme, and I look forward to welcoming the trains close occurs later this year. There will then be a factory themselves to Newcastle in due course. Will the Secretary to build, which will create hundreds of temporary jobs of State confirm that he will work with his colleagues in the area. I have heard that the owners of the industrial across Government to ensure that local communities, estate on which the factory will be built have also businesses, universities and further education colleges indicated that they will expect to build other units receive the kind of support that they need to ensure that simultaneously on a speculative basis in anticipation of the Hitachi centre can be a platform for jobs and suppliers to Hitachi wanting to locate around the factory. growth for the region as a whole? I therefore hope that there will be significant construction job creation quite early in the programme. Then, of Mr Hammond: The hon. Lady is absolutely right that course, Hitachi will begin recruiting for the permanent when we get such an opportunity to reinforce our skills jobs for the actual building of the trains—my guess is base and move up the value-adding curve with our work that this will happen later next year, but it is for the force, we have to seize it. There is already a project in company to confirm. Nottingham that I am hoping to visit very shortly that involves rail engineering apprenticeships, and there is Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): I welcome the another project in Crewe that I have been invited to go Secretary of State’s clarification that electrification to and see. We need to generate more of these projects in Bristol will also take in the line through Bath and response to the investment opportunities arising. I agree Chippenham. Can he confirm my estimation that this completely with the sentiment that she expresses. proposal might even bring down journey times from London Paddington to Chippenham to less than one Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) (Con): I welcome hour? unequivocally my right hon. Friend’s statement and its excellent news for rail infrastructure. He will be aware Mr Hammond: It may surprise the hon. Gentleman that ongoing designs for existing platforms are usually to know that among the many destinations for which I more cost effective than new designs. Will he confirm to have journey time savings, Chippenham does not appear, the House, therefore, that the revised Agility proposal I am afraid. However, I will be very happy to get back to represents better value for the British taxpayer both in him immediately after this statement. what it represents and in cost terms?

Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): My constituents will be Mr Hammond: The value-for-money appraisal certainly very disappointed that electrification will be starting in shows that the revised Agility proposal represents the Cardiff, but not in Swansea. However, will the Secretary highest value for money of the proposals that we have of State look into the franchising agreement and consider considered for the replacement of the inter-city diesel whether anything can be done so that my constituents express trains. It represents a strong value-for-money can benefit more from reductions in journey times by case and is affordable. Hitachi has responded in an having more through bi-mode trains that go all the way exemplary way to the Government’s commitment to from London to Llanelli, Kidwelly and beyond to the high-speed rail—that changes the dynamics—and to Irish ferries, rather than having to change? That is the the UK’s fiscal situation in order to ensure that we can case with nearly all the trains at the moment, and it go ahead with the programme. involves an enormous amount of delay and wasted time. Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP): I welcome the statement and having early sight of it. I agree with the Mr Hammond: I am happy to look at the issues that Secretary of State that the purchase of the locomotives the hon. Lady raises. Of course, responsibility for franchised will represent a multi-billion pound investment that, as operations is shared between the UK Government, in he said, will underpin the provision of inter-city services. respect of the through services from London, and the May I ask him whether the decision is for bi-mode Welsh Assembly Government, in respect of locally hybrid trains or for a mixed fleet of diesel and electric originating services. However, I will certainly consider trains, and whether sufficient numbers will be bought her point. The IEP train fleet will give us greater flexibility. on time to guarantee the continuity and frequency of 197 Intercity Express and Rail 1 MARCH 2011 Intercity Express and Rail 198 Electrification Electrification direct services from London on the east coast main line James Wharton (Stockton South) (Con): It is a matter north of Edinburgh, through Fife, Dundee, Angus and for hon. Members whether they see their glasses as half Aberdeen? empty or half full, but I am pleased to see the Government busily topping glasses up. As a representative of a Mr Hammond: It is not about diesels. There will be north-east constituency, I am also pleased to say that no diesel traction locomotives in the mix; there will be last week we had the excellent news that Teesside Cast bi-mode electric-diesel trains and all-electric trains. The Products was being sold to SSI—Sahaviriya Steel services to Aberdeen and Inverness will be provided by Industries—and now we have today’s announcement the bi-mode trains, running straight off the wires at from the Government. Does my right hon. Friend agree Edinburgh and on to the existing routes, so that service that this is a vote of confidence—not just by the private will be protected. sector, but by the Government—in the skills and abilities of those working in manufacturing right across the Mr Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): In the spirit of north-east? St David’s day, I respectfully remind the Secretary of State that St David probably lived in west Wales. Has he Mr Hammond: I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend: made any assessment of the extent to which west Wales it is a vote of confidence in UK manufacturing. This and Swansea will lose out from his partial electrification Government are committed to rebalancing the economy, of the south Wales line? reviving manufacturing and reasserting the value of Britain’s manufacturing skills base, and both announcements Mr Hammond: Many people coming from England play to that theme. will access west Wales through Cardiff, and journey times to Cardiff are being reduced. Everybody would like a high-speed railway running right to their front Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): Let me door, but as we—[Interruption.] Okay, to the next bring the Secretary of State to the question of the street. As we progressively modernise our infrastructure midland main line—the forgotten line in this country—and with electrification and new train services, the impact ask him about the ageing high-speed trains, as my hon. will be felt by all locations. Even those locations not Friend the Member for Luton South (Gavin Shuker) directly benefiting from the new, faster services will has just done. Those trains were second hand when they benefit from the savings in time, and I am sure that the were introduced on the line. Can he give a commitment hon. Gentleman’s constituents in west Wales will benefit that we will actually see bi-mode trains introduced on significantly from today’s announcement. the midland main line? We have the immediate advantage of being able to use the electric line up to Bedford, Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): In congratulating allowing electrification of the rest of the line progressively the Secretary of State on what is, so to speak, a first-class and incrementally in the future. example of investment in infrastructure that, in the context of protecting the environment, will bring jobs Mr Hammond: The announcement today does not and further growth, may I remind him that, as my hon. include provision for the midland main line. The hon. Friend the Member for Cheltenham (Martin Horwood) Gentleman mentioned bi-mode trains, and I am sure said, it also strengthens the case for taking action to that he has also been lobbying for the electrification of continue doubling the line from Swindon up to Kemble the line, as have many other midlands Members. The and Stroud? debate about the line’s future also has to take account of the implications of High Speed 2, however. Once the Mr Hammond: I am well aware of the vigorous High Speed 2 consultation, which began yesterday, has campaign to redouble the Kemble to Swindon link, and been completed and the Government have announced I know that the case will continue to be made for it as a their definitive plans later this year, it will be much major investment programme, and also for its possible easier to plan for the long-term future of the midland inclusion in Network Rail’s next control period. main line.

Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): Following the delivery of the IEP, will the Secretary of State tell Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con): This might not be the House how many ageing inter-city 125s will still be quite as headline-grabbing as my right hon. Friend’s on the network and for how long? statement today, but he will be aware that, on 22 May this year, my constituents will see the reintroduction of a direct link to London. However, this will be only a Mr Hammond: Only a small number of diesel 125s will single daily service—once up and down. Does he think remain on the network, and they will be serving the that the old diesel stock whose replacement he has route down to Penzance in Cornwall. All the other announced today could be put to good use in increasing 125s will be replaced by bi-mode trains under today’s the level of service to and from my constituency? proposal. I cannot say for how long those diesel 125s will remain on the network. There are no specific proposals to replace them at the moment, but I would remind the Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend is certainly right to hon. Gentleman that the intercity express programme say that one of the benefits of any announcement of was always conceived as a commitment to a firm fleet of new rolling stock is that it creates a larger pool of trains as the first phase, with options on further trains retired rolling stock and thus creates greater opportunities for future phases. It will therefore be for my successors for train operators to acquire rolling stock leases at at some point in the future to consider whether the sensible prices. This helps to change the dynamics of remaining inter-city 125s should in due course be replaced the rolling stock market for the benefit of passengers by bi-mode IEPs. and train operators. 199 Intercity Express and Rail 1 MARCH 2011 Intercity Express and Rail 200 Electrification Electrification Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): A word of croeso Stephen Williams (Bristol West) (LD): This statement for the report, but my constituents are still greatly will be warmly welcomed in Bristol. As an émigré irritated by the fact that the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line, valleys boy, may I also point out that it will be welcomed which was reopened by the previous Government and is in my home village of Abercynon, where the world’s hugely successful, passes through the city of Newport first railway journey ended in 1804? The Secretary of but does not stop at the main station there. This affects State mentioned that the line from Bristol Temple Meads many passengers who normally commute to Newport to Bristol Parkway was to be included in the electrification and whose access to the shopping centre there is now plans. Will that open the window for looking at the being denied. When can the appropriate link be put in business case for electrifying the Severn Beach line, place? which the Rail Minister will be visiting with me on Friday? Mr Hammond: I am looking at my map, and, as the Minister of State, Department for Transport, my right Mr Hammond: I always learn something in these hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers) situations. I thought that the world’s first railway journey reminds me, it is a matter for the Welsh Assembly started somewhere up near Darlington, so if it ended in Government to specify services on the Wales and west the Welsh valleys, it was doing extremely well. My right franchise. hon. Friend the Rail Minister will be happy to discuss this matter further with my hon. Friend. I know that she Mr Edward Timpson (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con): has already discussed the proposal with him and is Will my right hon. Friend ensure that, should the preferred looking at the business case for it with a view to its consortium for the IEP contract be unable to deliver all inclusion in future programmes. that is has offered, other bidders in the procurement process, including Bombardier Transportation, which Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): May I press has a site in my constituency, will be given due and the case for the midland main line and encourage the proper consideration in any future procurement that Secretary of State to look at the introduction of upgraded, might result from such a situation? Will he also ensure bi-mode inter-city trains on that line, not least because that its strong, advanced technical expertise is taken that might well facilitate the reintroduction of an inter-city into account? service between Kettering and London, which was taken away when it was effectively downgraded to an outer Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend makes a plea for suburban service? Bombardier, which has a site in his constituency. Bombardier is involved in programmes for the delivery Mr Hammond: I can only say to my hon. Friend what of other trains in the United Kingdom, and I think that I said to the hon. Member for Sheffield South East it has a very bright future in the UK train market. The (Mr Betts)—that the future use of the midland main IEP project is a train availability contract to supply line is bound to change if the high-speed rail network trains, ready for use and fully maintained. Hitachi or proposal goes ahead. By the end of this year—once the the Agility consortium will therefore be entering into an high-speed network is to be built, if that is the decision obligation to deliver specified numbers of trains ready taken, following the consultation—we will be in a much and available for use in accordance with that contract, better position to talk about the future plans for the and it will be a matter for them to ensure that those midland main line and, indeed, for the east coast and trains are made available. west coast main lines. 201 1 MARCH 2011 202

Point of Order Resource Extraction (Transparency and Reporting) 5.25 pm Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): On a No. 23) point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Some months ago, the Foreign Secretary announced a cut to the funding of 5.26 pm the BBC’s World Service and devolved the budget to the BBC itself. The first wave of cuts to the World Service’s Anas Sarwar (Glasgow Central) (Lab): I beg to move, services has now been announced and they apply to That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require certain Africa, Latin America and eastern Europe. Those cuts companies engaged in oil or gas extraction, and other mining have consequences not just for job losses but for the role activities, to disclose the type and total amount of payments of the World Service in purveying independent information made to any national government, or any company wholly or in those world regions. partly owned by a national government; and for connected purposes. I would have expected—and I think the House would This Bill is designed to make it a legally binding have expected—a statement from the Foreign Secretary requirement for companies involved in natural resource to inform us about this wave of cuts, so that we could extraction that are listed on the London stock exchange debate them. At the very least, we should have had a to provide in their annual report details of the payments written statement, but no statement of any kind has they have made to national Governments on a project- been provided for Members. May I, through you, by-project and country-by-country basis. Mr Deputy Speaker, express the House’s concern that a I am a passionate believer in international development Minister has not kept Members informed of these because I deeply believe in the principles of equality important decisions and say that, in future, Members and social justice, both at home and abroad. That is should be afforded at least a written ministerial statement, why, on entering the House, I immediately put myself even if not an oral one in which we could question a forward for election to the International Development Minister? Committee. I hope you will indulge me for a moment, Mr Deputy Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I have been Speaker, if I ask you to picture a country filled with vast given no indication of any statement today on the areas of natural beauty and heritage—a country in World Service. Although this is not a matter for the which there is an abundance of natural resources. You Chair, I am sure that those on the Treasury Bench will will be surprised at my next request when I ask you to have heard the hon. Gentleman’s remarks on the World picture that very same country as being home to some Service. of the most impoverished and poorest people in the world. Sadly, there are many countries around the world where this is precisely the case—countries that have significant natural resource wealth in terms of oil, gas and precious metal reserves but for which this natural wealth has not translated into the economic prosperity that it should have. Right hon. and hon. Members may have heard this situation described as “the resource curse”. In the absence of strong democratic institutions and strong governance, the people of these countries are unable to hold corrupt officials to account, as those officials siphon off public money for their own benefit instead of using it for the public good. The figures from Equatorial Guinea display just one example. Equatorial Guinea had the 12th highest gross domestic product in the world in 2008, with more than $30,000 per capita. However, it also ranked 121st out of 177 countries on the United Nations human development index. Africa as a whole exported over £400 billion-worth of oil and minerals in 2008—nearly nine times the value of international aid to the continent, yet millions still struggle to survive. One major problem is a lack of transparency. As Paul Collier, the director of Oxford university’s centre for the study of African economics points out, the sale of natural resource extraction rights in the developing world has so far “been spectacularly deficient in respect of transparency”. In recent years, the UK has been a leader in the promotion of corporate transparency. My right hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) put tax transparency on the agenda for the G20 in 2009. The international extractive industries transparency 203 Resource Extraction (Transparency 1 MARCH 2011 Resource Extraction (Transparency 204 and Reporting) and Reporting) [Anas Sarwar] value companies and evaluate regulatory, taxation and geopolitical risks, while enhancing company accountability initiative, EITI, launched by the former Member for and governance. The improved stability that we hope Sedgefield when he was Prime Minister, has also played would develop in resource-rich nations would also provide a fantastic role in improving voluntary transparency in a better environment for investment, both for British the extractive industries. business ventures and UK sponsored aid projects. This time, however, America is blazing the trail for Although I have been working on the Bill for several improvements in tax transparency. The bipartisan Cardin- months, its introduction could not have come at a much Lugar amendment to the Dodd-Frank Bill, passed in better time. During the recess, we had the welcome news the United States last year, has given the voluntary rules that the Chancellor and the Business Secretary are of the EITI the force of the law in the US. Backing that backing President Sarkozy’s plans for Europe-wide rules amendment, President Obama said: on the issue. I believe that EU legislation is crucial if the “We know that countries are more likely to prosper when global drive for increased transparency in the extractive governments are accountable to their people…That’s why we now industries is to be truly successful. That is why I anxiously require oil, gas and mining companies that raise capital in the United await a statement in the House from the Chancellor, States to disclose all payments they make to foreign governments”. clarifying what active steps the Government will take to It represents a long-awaited regulatory change, championed ensure swift progress at EU level. globally by a 600-strong group of non-governmental However, potential EU regulation should not be seen organisations and charities known as Publish What You as a reason for us to withhold from legislating independently. Pay, and could ultimately improve the lives of millions Natural resources are finite, and obtaining EU approval of people in developing countries that are consistently and implementation of such rules could take a considerable resource rich but cash poor. time. The amount of money disappearing every day In effect, the Bill would replicate the measures in the could translate into lifting millions of people out of Cardin-Lugar amendment for UK listed extractive poverty in developing countries. Independent action by companies, supporting the move towards a global standard the UK would not jeopardise EU progress, but would on the issue and a first step towards full tax justice for strengthen the campaign by setting an important example. developing countries. The changes would enable civil It would represent a big contribution to international society and NGOs to hold Governments to account. development at little or no cost, while at the same time Albert Oduman, Uganda’s shadow Minister for Finance, promoting the kind of corporate social responsibility of in a recent video interview for the ONE campaign, which we can all be proud. expressed incredibly powerfully his support and appreciation I am delighted to say that the Bill enjoys strong support for the new global transparency efforts, which will from all three main political parties. As with many empower him with the information to challenge corruption development issues, it can be said genuinely to transcend in his own country. party politics. I thank all the Members who have shown In one of my first speeches in the House, I emphasised their support by being present today, and I especially the importance of aid in the developing world. At the thank those who have agreed to sponsor the Bill. same time, however, I stressed the need to promote stronger governance through an accountable state-citizen This Bill has the support of non-governmental relationship. The Bill seeks to do precisely that, and the organisations, independent economists, and leaders of potential benefits are huge. Transparent, effective tax the developing world and developing countries. It has systems and the reduction of corruption could allow cross-party support in the House, and above all it has money otherwise lost to be spent on schools, doctors, the support of the British people. In the last 10 days clean water and infrastructure—exactly the kind of alone, nearly 9,000 people have signed a ONE campaign Financial projects on which British aid money is spent now. petition on the issue with which it deals. The Times Improving access to their own wealth could lead many has said that the United States has shone a light developing countries out of poverty, away from aid into an area that is widely considered to be shrouded in dependency, and into self- sufficiency and sustainable mystery, and has applauded the brave leadership that it growth—the ultimate development goal. has demonstrated on the issue. It is now up to us to show similar leadership here in Europe. With more than 80 extractive companies listed on the London stock exchange, representing more than £1 trillion International development is not just about cash and of capital, the UK has a responsibility to take action on “percentage of GDP” commitments; it is also about the issue, for the benefit not only of the developing world leading by example and setting global standards. The but of UK business. Many of the British companies developing world does not have time to wait for Europe that would be caught by a UK rule are already listed on to catch up. A genuinely sustainable and cost-effective the New York stock exchange, and therefore will already approach to international development demands that be providing the information in the near future. Bringing the UK Government act now. the London stock exchange in line with the New York Question put and agreed to. stock exchange would level the playing field for those Ordered, organisations already reporting, by requiring the remaining companies in the UK extractive sector to do exactly That Anas Sarwar, Tony Baldry, Fiona Bruce, Malcolm the same. Bruce, Richard Burden, Mr Tom Clarke, Mr Tobias Ellwood, John Glen, Eric Joyce, Jeremy Lefroy, Catherine Transparent disclosure of payments will also help McKinnell and John Thurso present the Bill. responsible companies reduce the reputational risk in operating in unstable nations and states where false Anas Sarwar accordingly presented the Bill. accusations of supporting corruption are only too easily Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on made. Transparency would also help UK investors to Friday 17 June and to be printed (Bill 156). 205 1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 206

Protection of Freedoms Bill and goes against any sense of natural justice, so we will be taking innocent people off the DNA database and putting guilty people on. 5.37 pm The Bill introduces a new regime, whereby retention periods depend on a number of different factors, including The Secretary of State for the Home Department the age of the individual concerned, the seriousness of (Mrs Theresa May): I beg to move, That the Bill be now the offence or alleged offence, whether they have been read a Second time. convicted, and, for under-18s, whether it is a first conviction. Today we have a rare opportunity. The Bill gives us a So in future, as now, an adult who is convicted or chance to roll back the creeping intrusion of the state cautioned will have their fingerprints and DNA profile into our everyday lives, and to return individual freedoms retained indefinitely, and we will take steps to plug the to the heart of our legislation. Under the last Government, inexcusable gaps in the DNA database where the profiles we saw a steady erosion of traditional British liberties of those who have previously been convicted of a and a slow march towards authoritarian government. serious offence are not currently included on the database. They presented us with a false choice between our future security and our historic liberties, disregarding David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): Although I any notion of balance between the two. recognise the Home Secretary’s concerns about privacy, The House rejected that choice on many noble occasions, does she accept that these moves will inevitably mean—this notably when an extraordinary attempt was made to should be stated—that some people who have committed increase the period of pre-charge detention of terrorist crimes will not be caught and convicted? suspects to 90 days. On other occasions, illiberal laws were passed, and on yet others, well-intentioned schemes Mrs May: No I do not agree, and my hon. Friend will were left open to abuse. The Bill gives us an opportunity see that that will not be the case if he looks at the many to redress the balance and to right some of those provisions in the Bill setting out the circumstances in wrongs, although it is not the only such opportunity. which people’s DNA can be retained. I come back to We have already repealed some measures, and we will the fundamental issue, which is whether we think it is repeal others. right for the DNA profile of innocent people to be retained on the database. Before and since the election, Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): Will my right hon. both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties Friend be kind enough to give way? have consistently taken the view that it is not right for the DNA of innocent people to be retained on the database, but that it is right for guilty people’s DNA to Mrs May: I will happily—I will give way to my hon. be retained. The last Labour Government did not do Friend. that.

Mr Cash: I note that my right hon. Friend did not Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) actually say that she would be happy to do so. (Lab): Will the Home Secretary confirm that under her Does my right hon. Friend accept that however good proposals the DNA of innocent people will be kept on the intentions may be, one of the great problems with the database? She is not removing from the database the the Bill is that it serially adopts, endorses and puts into DNA of everyone who has not been convicted. British legislation European Court rulings, and that that in itself runs counter to the sentiments expressed Mrs May: Indeed, the police will be able to apply for only a few weeks ago when the House voted against a the DNA of some people who are arrested but not ruling by the European Court of Human Rights by charged to be retained. I would expect that application 222 votes to 15? to be made in certain circumstances, such as when the victim has been vulnerable, which may mean there is Mrs May: My hon. Friend is right, I am afraid; but I very good evidence that the individual concerned has almost said I was happy to give way to him. I am not committed a crime but the victim is not able or not going to rehearse all the arguments we have had on the willing to come forward and see that case through. issue he raises. I am well aware of the vote in the House I also say this to the right hon. Lady: the last Government on the Backbench Business Committee motion on prisoner wanted the DNA of all innocent people to be retained votes, and the Government have made it absolutely on the database indefinitely. We do not think that is a clear that we are not happy about having to give prisoners proportionate response, and what we are introducing votes and we will be looking to do so in the most today is a proportionate response. We would expect the minimal way possible. DNA of the majority of the 1 million innocent people The first issue the Bill addresses is DNA. The police on the database would now to be removed from it. national DNA database, established in 1995, has led to An adult who is charged with, but not convicted of, a a great many criminals being convicted who otherwise serious offence will have their fingerprints and DNA would not have been caught, and I am sure all sensible profile retained for three years, with the option of a people support it, but in a democracy there must be single extension for two years with the approval of a limits to any such form of police power, and we simply district judge in the magistrates court, and an adult who do not accept that innocent people’s DNA should be is arrested for a minor offence but not convicted will have kept for ever on a database, as the last Government their fingerprints and DNA profile destroyed as soon as seemed to think was appropriate. Storing indefinitely possible once a decision has been taken not to charge the DNA and fingerprints of more than 1 million them or once they have been found not guilty by the innocent people undermines public trust in policing courts. Different arrangements will apply for under-18s who 207 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 208

[Mrs May] its operation and providing advice on it, including on any changes that might be necessary. This sensible and are convicted of a first minor offence, and there will be measured approach will help to ensure that CCTV is special provisions for DNA and fingerprints to be retained used proportionately and best serves the purpose for for national security purposes. If the police believe which it was designed: tackling crime. there are sufficient public protection grounds to justify My hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East the retention of material following an arrest for a (Mr Ellwood) mentioned local authorities. I think that qualifying offence that does not lead to a charge, the the public have been disturbed by the many stories of Bill allows them to apply to the new commissioner for councils using intrusive techniques, under the Regulation the retention and use of biometric material, who will of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, to deal with trivial decide whether retention of the DNA profile and offences. Breaching school catchment area rules and fingerprints of the arrested person is justified. dog fouling are not offences that warrant being subject We must protect the most vulnerable in society, so to surveillance. These tactics are more appropriately when the victim of the alleged offence is under 18, vulnerable used for tackling serious crime and terrorism, and it was or in a close personal relationship with the arrested irresponsible of the previous Labour Government not person the expectation is that the police apply to the to put in place stronger safeguards for their use. That is commissioner for retention. I believe that these rules why the coalition agreement contained a commitment give the police the tools they need without putting the to ban the use of these powers by councils unless they DNA of a large number of innocent people on the are signed off by a magistrate and are required to stop database. In all cases, the DNA profile and fingerprints serious crime. The Bill enacts that commitment because of any person arrested for a recordable offence will be it will require local authorities’ use of the powers to be subjected to a speculative search against the national subject to approval by a magistrate. In parallel with the databases. That means that those who have committed passage of this Bill, an order will be made to introduce crimes in the past and have left their DNA or fingerprints a seriousness threshold for the use of the most controversial at the scene will not escape justice. power: directed surveillance. Local authorities will be The Bill also fulfils our coalition agreement commitment authorised to use directed surveillance only for offences to outlaw the fingerprinting of children at school without that carry a maximum custodial sentence of at least six parental permission. I must say that I found it amazing months. Subject to limited exemptions relating to the that any school ever thought it appropriate to fingerprint under-age sale of alcohol and tobacco, this measure schoolchildren without their parents’ permission. The will restrict local authorities’ use of surveillance to Bill will contain a double lock, whereby a school or serious cases. college must obtain the consent of the parents and the As we restrict state powers of surveillance to serious child before processing their biometric data. If either offences, we should also ensure that state powers of opts out, the school or college must ensure that reasonable entry into people’s homes or business premises are arrangements are in place to enable the child to access reasonable and proportionate. There has been a huge the full range of school services. increase in the number of powers of entry in recent years, and there are now some 1,200 separate powers of I deal now with surveillance. As with DNA, it is clear entry. That means there are 1,200 reasons why state that CCTV can act as a deterrent to criminals, can help agencies or other bodies can invade people’s privacy. We to convict the guilty and is warmly welcomed by many need to protect the privacy of home owners, so we will communities. This Government wholeheartedly support remove unjustified powers and ensure that the remainder the use of CCTV and DNA to fight crime. are subject to appropriate safeguards. Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): On Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): This is all this sensitive issue of surveillance, does my right hon. wonderful news and I am a strong supporter of the Bill. Friend agree that it is being abused by local authorities Given that there are 1,200 such powers, will my right which have taken it upon themselves to film such things hon. Friend make sure that her Cabinet colleagues are as dog fouling and littering? Were the measures not assiduous in rooting out dozens or hundreds of them, introduced to deal with far graver issues? not just a handful, so that we make a real impact on this disgrace? Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. Mrs May: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for I will be referring specifically to the abuse of powers by his intervention and I absolutely agree with him. We local authorities, so if he could be a little patient, I will will provide three order-making powers in the Bill to deal with that point. On the specific issue of CCTV, it is allow the repeal of unnecessary powers of entry, the not right that surveillance cameras are being used without addition of safeguards and the rewriting of powers of a proper regulatory framework. That is why the Bill will entry with a view to consolidating a number of powers place a duty on the Secretary of State to prepare and in a similar area coupled with the inclusion of extra publish a code of practice, which will contain guidance safeguards. Within two years of Royal Assent, the on surveillance camera systems. I have today launched Government will be required to carry out a review of all the consultation on what that code of practice should existing powers of entry and to report the findings to contain. Local authorities and chief officers of police Parliament. Provision will also be made for a code of will be required to have regard to the code and, over time, practice for powers of entry, adding further protections we will consider extending this duty to other operators for home owners. of CCTV and automatic number plate recognition systems. The Bill will also allow for the appointment of Mr Cash: Will my right hon. Friend note that the a surveillance camera commissioner responsible for Library research paper on the Bill indicates that a third encouraging compliance with the code of practice, reviewing of all powers of entry are based on EU requirements? 209 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 210

Will she explain why and how she is going to repeal the Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): I just provisions that are entrenched in our legislation through want to say that this part of the Bill is fantastic and that the European Communities Act 1972? What formula the Home Secretary has my full support for it. [HON. will she use—will it be the “notwithstanding” formula? MEMBERS: “Where’s the barb?”] There is none—I just want to be nice. The thousands of people who signed Mrs May: When I gave way to my hon. Friend, I my cowboy clampers petition will thank her for finally almost said I had a deep suspicion that I knew what he listening to the people of West Bromwich. was going to say, and I was absolutely right. Of course we will not be able to get rid of all powers of entry, and Mrs May: I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman nor would that be appropriate. It will be appropriate to for those remarks. It is good to have cross-party support keep some, and with others we will need to look at the on such issues as this one, which affects many MPs implementation of a request or desire to gain entry in whose constituents have suffered from cowboy clampers. relation to what is at stake, what is the most appropriate By criminalising clamping and towing without lawful use of power and how that power should be used. The authority, the Government are committing rogue clampers process will take some time, but it is essential that the to history and putting an end to intimidation and Government are committed to reducing the number of excessive charges once and for all. powers of entry, whereas the previous Government oversaw a significant increase in that number. Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): Further to my right hon. Friend’s answer to the hon. Member for Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): Will my right hon. Luton South (Gavin Shuker), will she confirm that Friend reassure the House that at the end of this local authorities will continue to have the power to process the number of powers will be sufficiently small clamp on the public highway? Will residents in private and simple that home owners will be able to determine developments be able to contract with their local authority for themselves whether someone who knocks on the to clamp on private developments? I have been contacted door has a right to enter? by a large number of people in my constituency who have tried ticketing and barriers but found that they do Mrs May: That would certainly be our aim and we not work close to the town centre and public transport will try to ensure that home owners are well aware of hubs. Could local authorities continue to clamp on exactly who has a right of entry to their property. private land?

Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): Has the Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising Home Secretary had discussions with Ministers and the that point. Local authorities already have the ability to Justice Secretary about the overlap with issues relating take a controlling interest and to run parking on private to bailiffs and credit enforcement agencies and their land, subject to the agreement and request of the landowner, rights of entry? although that facility has not been much used. To ensure continued access to key buildings, existing Mrs May: I have been in touch with colleagues across powers for the police to remove vehicles that are illegally, Departments about powers of entry because they are dangerously or obstructively parked on roads will be found in all sorts of places. All Departments will be extended to other land. The registered keeper of a required to review powers of entry, and duplication will vehicle will also be made liable, in certain circumstances, be exactly the sort of issue we will be looking at. for charges incurred as a result of parking on private We know that powers of entry are of great concern to land. the public, and another issue of great concern is wheel- Let me address the counter-terrorism measures in the clamping. The Bill will protect motorists from cowboy Bill, starting with pre-charge detention. Both coalition clampers, making it a criminal offence to immobilise, parties and many Opposition Members are clear that in move or restrict the movement of a vehicle without the area of counter-terrorism legislation the previous lawful authority. For too long, motorists have fallen Government went too far. I have already announced to victim to extortion and abuse from rogue clamping the House the outcome of our review of counter-terrorism companies. We have heard stories of drivers being and security powers, and the Bill puts many of those frogmarched to cash points late at night or left stranded changes into practice. I announced that we would not by rogue operators who have towed their vehicle away. renew current legislation on the 28-day pre-charge detention Clearly that is unacceptable. period, which means that the sunset clause inserted by the previous Government has now brought the maximum Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): There will period of pre-charge detention down to 14 days. The be support from across the House for measures to Bill will finally repeal the power to increase the maximum restrict the efforts of cowboy clampers, but what would period of pre-charge detention to 28 days by means of the Home Secretary say to my constituent Mary Harrison secondary legislation. As I said to the House in January, who has concerns about her residential area being overrun police, prosecutors and the Government are clear that with cars because the existing structures to enforce the normal maximum period of pre-charge detention parking restrictions are not sufficient? should be 14 days, but we recognise that in exceptional circumstances that might need to be temporarily increased Mrs May: Other powers will be available to control to 28 days. I have therefore published draft legislation parking, such as barriers and ticketing. I suggest that that could be introduced to Parliament only in such the hon. Gentleman point out to his constituent the circumstances. The draft Detention of Terrorist Suspects experience in Scotland, where such clamping was banned (Temporary Extension) Bills will be subject to pre-legislative in 1992, I think. No problems have arisen from that scrutiny, the arrangements for which will be discussed change, so that is a good example for him to consider. through the usual channels. 211 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 212

Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): This has been asked The purposes for which an officer may search a before, but what will happen during parliamentary recesses? person or vehicle will be limited to looking for evidence What if the right hon. Lady was seeking that extension that the individual is a terrorist or that a vehicle is being on 30 July when Parliament was in recess? Will she used for the purposes of terrorism. The Secretary of expect to recall Parliament? State would have the option of amending the authorisation, rather than only accepting or refusing it, as previously. Mrs May: I will not expect to recall Parliament every Finally, the Secretary of State will be required to prepare time a recess is called. We are talking about exceptional a code of practice containing guidance on the use of the circumstances and I hope that Members will recognise powers. These changes will provide the police with the that in exceptional circumstances it might be necessary powers that they need to deal with terrorist threats, to recall Parliament to put these powers in place. while also ensuring that the public are not needlessly Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): My question follows stopped and searched. The measures will also prevent that of my right hon. Friend the Member for Delyn the misuse of stop-and-search powers against (Mr Hanson). I had to propose a recall of Parliament, photographers, which I know was a significant concern to which the Prime Minister and the Speaker agreed, to with the previous regime. introduce emergency legislation following the Omagh As recommended by the counter-terrorism powers bombing. The bombing took place on 15 August 1998, review, I have considered whether the police need these but with the very best will in the world we were not able revised powers more quickly than the Bill would allow. to get a recall for almost three weeks, so Parliament was Given the current threat environment, I have concluded not recalled until 3 September, as the right hon. Lady that they do. The most appropriate way of meeting the might remember. That was a three-week period. If the legal and operational requirements is to make an urgent prosecutors have a suspect whom they wish to continue remedial order under section 10 of the Human Rights to question, how in practice will the Home Secretary be Act 1998 to make immediate changes to the legislation. able to shorten that time? The right hon. Lady shakes I will be doing this shortly. This is only an interim her head. I promise her that we were seeking the shortest solution. The proposed new powers will remain in the possible time, and it is very complicated. How far has Bill to ensure full scrutiny of the provisions. she thought about that? Another important area where we will roll back the Mrs May: I understand the point that the right hon. state’s power to common-sense levels is in the vetting Gentleman is making about his experience in relation to and barring and criminal records regimes. The previous the Omagh bombing. I believe that it is possible to Government created the vetting and barring scheme shorten that period to ensure that we can recall Parliament with reasonable intentions, but, as with much that they in such exceptional circumstances if that is needed. It did, their implementation was disproportionate and would be wrong for hon. Members to expect that the over-reliant on the state. There is no doubt that a small only circumstances in which that would be required minority pose a risk to vulnerable people, including would be towards the end of a 14-day period of pre-charge children, but requiring more than 9 million people to detention. The period that would be available for the register and be monitored is not an appropriate response. recall and for the new measures to be put through might We should be encouraging volunteers, not treating them be a little longer than the right hon. Gentleman is like criminals. considering. The Bill will therefore introduce a new regime, whereby I want to move on to stop and search, which is the employers will be given a much more central role in other aspect of counter-terrorism legislation that we ensuring safe recruitment practices, supported by a will deal with in the Bill. As well as scaling back the proportionate central barring scheme. We will retain the excessive counter-terrorism legislation of the past, we sensible features of the vetting and barring scheme, but need to stop the misuse of these laws. The extensive and will not require registration or monitoring, which means disproportionate use of stop-and-search powers under that there will no longer be an intrusive state-run database section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 is one example of containing the details of 9.3 million people. The scheme that misuse. It has eroded public trust and dented public will cover only those who have regular or close contact confidence. But the evidence, particularly in Northern with vulnerable groups. This will create a more convenient Ireland, has demonstrated that when there is a credible and proportionate system for both employers and voluntary threat of an imminent terrorist attack, the absence of organisations and the people seeking to work or volunteer such powers might create a gap in the ability of the with children or vulnerable adults. police to protect the public. On the criminal records regime specifically, the Bill The Bill therefore repeals section 44 and replaces it will enable criminal records disclosures to become portable, with a tightly defined power which would allow a senior through a system which allows for continuous updating. police officer to make a targeted authorisation of much This would enable an employer to establish whether more limited scope and duration for no-suspicion stop- new information had been recorded since the certificate and-search powers. These would be authorised to prevent was issued. It will also remove the provision requiring a a terrorist attack only when there is a specific threat. copy of a certificate to be sent directly to an employer. The new power to search a person or vehicle would be This will allow an applicant legitimately to dispute the subject to a number of additional safeguards, including information released on the certificate, without this a requirement that a senior police officer should reasonably information already having been seen by the employer. suspect that an act of terrorism would take place and that the use of these powers was necessary to prevent To administer the new scheme, the Criminal Records the act of terrorism. The duration of any authorisation Bureau and the Independent Safeguarding Authority must now be no longer and no greater than is necessary will be merged into a single, new organisation. These to prevent the act of terrorism. changes will ensure the continued protection of vulnerable 213 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 214 people and children, while at the same time allowing comment by the hon. Member for Eltham (Clive Efford), those who want to volunteer to do so without fear or but it would probably be better not to do so in the suspicion. It will end the unnecessary state scrutiny of context of the Chamber of the House. law-abiding people. On the point made by my hon. Friend the Member As well as dealing with recent illiberal laws, today’s for Monmouth (David T. C. Davies), the Bill contains a Bill rights historic wrongs. Consensual sex between men great number of significant measures that will be to the over the age of consent was decriminalised in 1967, yet benefit of the people of this country and will ensure more than 40 years on, gay men can still be penalised that surveillance cameras are used for the proper purposes and discriminated against because of convictions for for which they were introduced. conduct which is now perfectly lawful. It is right that we should change the law and wipe the slate clean. The Bill Mr Watson rose— establishes a scheme whereby an individual with a conviction that would today not be considered an offence would be Mrs May: I am being incredibly generous. I had said able to apply to the Home Office to have the conviction that I was giving way for the last time, but I will give and caution disregarded. If an application were approved, way to the hon. Gentleman. details of the conviction or caution would be removed from police records and the individual would be able Mr Watson: The Home Secretary is indeed being legally to conceal their previous conviction in any incredibly generous. What will be her approach in circumstances. It would also no longer appear on a Committee to the Information Commission’s powers? criminal record disclosure. The relevant clause seems rather weak. Part of it mentions Greater transparency is at the heart of our commitment hearings for the appointment, but it does not really free to open up government to greater scrutiny and to allow the commissioner from a Department. The commissioner public authorities to be held to account, so the Bill is currently under the yoke of the Ministry of Justice, makes a number of changes to the Freedom of Information but previous Select Committees have recommended Act to extend its provisions. We will consult the House that the commissioner be answerable to Parliament, not authorities on these provisions before the Committee a Department. Will she take a generous approach in stage to ensure that parliamentary copyright is properly Committee to helpful amendments on those provisions? safeguarded. The Bill also makes changes to the Freedom of Information Act and to the Data Protection Act Mrs May: The hon. Gentleman’s previous intervention to enhance the independence of the Information was extremely helpful in supporting parts of the Bill. Commissioner. Members might wish to discuss that issue in Committee. It has been suggested that the Information Commissioner Mr David Blunkett (Sheffield, Brightside and should be responsible to Parliament. The role goes Hillsborough) (Lab): The Home Secretary will be surprised rather wider than Parliament, however, which is why it to hear that I agree with quite a lot of the Bill, but on has been placed where it has. We intend to increase the data protection, will she consider a constituent of mine commissioner’s independence, so I am sure that the who is extremely worried about the amount of information issue will be debated and discussed in Committee. being collected about him and retained? For privacy Finally, the Bill protects one of the most historic reasons, I will not give his name, but let us call him freedoms and liberties enjoyed by the British people: Mr N Clegg. He is worried that in the next four weeks the right to trial by jury. The Bill repeals section 43 of information will be gathered from him which he does the Criminal Justice Act 2003, which allows the prosecution not wish to give and which he does not wish the to apply for a serious or complex fraud trial to proceed Government to retain. It is called the census. What in the absence of a jury. We sacrifice the cornerstones of advice would the right hon. Lady give to my constituent our justice system at our peril. in such circumstances? I have told the House today that the Bill contains a number of provisions that put into effect commitments Mrs May: I was waiting for the dénouement of the contained in the coalition agreement, but that does not right hon. Gentleman’s question. There is a requirement mean that it should fail to gain support from across the on people to fill in the census. It is an extremely useful House. Indeed, a number of positive statements have tool for Government. Previous Governments wanted a been made by hon. and right hon. Opposition Members. census because it informs Government in the production of policy. What I would say to the right hon. Gentleman’s Any Government and any Parliament must seek to constituent is that the census can provide useful information protect not only the security of the British public but better to inform Government to produce better policy. the freedoms that we hold dear. The Bill achieves those aims. All those who believe in liberty and the rights of David T. C. Davies rose— the individual should support the Bill, and I commend it to the House. Mrs May: I will give way for the last time. 6.12 pm David T. C. Davies: I am grateful to the Home Secretary. I was waiting for her to be specific about surveillance Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) cameras. I understand that it will be much harder for (Lab): I suggest to the Home Secretary that some of the the police and local authorities to use them. Will newspaper rhetoric in her speech was perhaps unwise. She is probably editors be subject to the same restrictions? still thinking too much like an Opposition politician three months before an election, and not enough like a Mrs May: I always wait with interest and occasionally Home Secretary less than a year into a Parliament who trepidation for the points that my hon. Friend makes. will have to live with the consequences of her decisions [Interruption] I could make a response to the sedentary and the laws that she changes. 215 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 216

[Yvette Cooper] Yvette Cooper: I will discuss the DNA database later. It is important to have safeguards, but it is equally There are difficult balances to be struck between important to ensure that proper processes are in place protecting people’s freedoms from police or Government to protect people against crime. interference and protecting their freedom not to become victims of interference or violence by criminals and Mr Blunkett: I want to reassure my right hon. Friend terrorists. Those balances should be guided by the evidence, that my DNA is on the database, and I have never been not by the political rhetoric that she has used today arrested or convicted of anything. I was proud to do about the march to authoritarianism or the ending of that because I thought that it was an example that British liberties. Although some of the measures that would encourage people not to see the database as she is introducing are perfectly sensible—we will support something that should be feared, but as a safeguard and many of the sensible measures and arrangements—they a real asset to policing and security. are not, as the Deputy Prime Minister has tried to claim, a fundamental rolling back of the powers of the Yvette Cooper: My right hon. Friend makes an interesting state. There are other areas where we think she has got point. In many cases, the DNA database is also a way of the balance wrong. protecting the innocent by ensuring that they are not wrongfully convicted of crimes. DNA evidence will Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): Will ensure that the person who is guilty of the crime is the right hon. Lady tell Members what evidence there convicted. was for 90-day pre-charge detention? Let me cover some of the areas of the Bill where we agree with the Government. We agree wholeheartedly Yvette Cooper: As I have said before, I do not think with removing old convictions for gay sex, which is now that it was right to go for 90-day detention and it was legal. We think that it is right to remove them, just as we not justified by the evidence. There will always be areas thought that it was right to abolish section 28 and where Governments need to be cautious in getting the introduce civil partnerships. We also agree that we balance right. Equally, however, they must be cautious should remove the restrictions on when people can get not to over-hype the rhetoric and inappropriately claim married or become civil partners. If people want to get that problems will somehow be easily solved. There is married at 2 o’clock in the morning and can find always a difficult balance to be struck. someone nocturnal enough to conduct the ceremony, I hope that the right hon. Lady, in her tenure as Parliament should not prevent them from doing so. Home Secretary, will not have to deal with some of the We support sensible extensions to the Freedom of extremely difficult and dangerous terrorist incidents Information Act 2000. As the party that introduced that her Labour predecessors had to cope with, such as that Act, we believe that it is a vital way of ensuring the Omagh bombing, to which my right hon. Friend the proper transparency and accountability. In passing, I Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw) referred, and the would appreciate it if the Home Secretary would have a London 7/7 bombings, that led to many of the stronger word with the Chancellor and ask him to stop blocking counter-terrorism measures that her predecessors my freedom of information requests on the impact of introduced. I also hope that she will rarely have to deal his changes on women. with some of the deeply disturbing and serious crimes, We agree that action was needed against rogue car such as the Soham case, which led to the new procedures clampers. In fact, the Opposition Chief Whip, my right on vetting and barring. hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster Central The Home Secretary will know that when in the (Ms Winterton), has run some fantastic campaigns Home Office one can never predict what is coming against wheel clamping bullies. Some action had been around the corner, what problems might be uncovered taken to legislate for new licensing measures, but we are or how one might need to respond in order to protect ready to support alternatives that work and will discuss people’s freedom not to become victims of crime or those in Committee. terrorist threats. In those circumstances, it is wise to We also agree with tighter restrictions on stop and build consensus, rather than engaging in the kind of search powers, which were being used more widely than over-simplified, political rhetoric that will make it more originally intended under the legislation. The Home difficult to strike the right balance in future. Secretary will be aware that her predecessor, my right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull West Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): Does the and Hessle (Alan Johnson), had already taken some shadow Home Secretary think it right that the details of action in that area and that the provisional data had 1 million innocent people should be on the DNA database, shown a significant drop in stop and search cases in which is exactly what the 2009 report stated? Can that 2009-10, but we are ready to support sensible changes possibly be right? that bring the legislation more closely in line with the original intention. As I have said to the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper rose— before, I am still worried about the implications in Northern Ireland. I hope that she will be able to reassure Michael Ellis: Is that not a damning indictment of me, and the shadow Secretary of State for Northern Labour’s record on civil liberties? Ireland, on the measures that she is taking on those areas. Mr Speaker: Order. May I say from an advisory point For all those reasons, we will not oppose the Bill on of view that Members normally make one intervention Second Reading, although we have serious concerns at a time? They cannot suddenly pop up again when about some elements and believe that significant they remember a point that momentarily eluded them. amendments will be needed in Committee. 217 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 218

I also agree that in some cases the implementation of Then, the Home Secretary said that it would not and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 has the order-making power to increase detention to 28 days gone beyond Parliament’s original intention and that would suffice. Then, we learned that the Government’s further safeguards are needed. Again, we will scrutinise own review stated that the order-making power would the detail, as it is important that the new procedures are not be fast enough. Then, the Home Secretary said that not so bureaucratic that they prevent councils doing a she would consult the Opposition on the emergency sensible job. We believe that communities across the legislation so that it could be agreed as soon as possible. country will be concerned if they find that a new code We are still waiting on that one. The legislation has of practice makes it harder to get the CCTV they have finally been published, but, while the draft Bill refers to been campaigning for because they know it is critical to three months, the explanatory notes refer to six months, preventing crime and antisocial behaviour in their areas. and the Government’s intention is still not clear. There is a massive contradiction in the Government’s approach to councils’ powers and abilities. In the Bill Mr Ellwood: The right hon. Lady has rattled on a bit, before us, the Home Secretary wants to make it harder but I wonder whether I can take her back to 90 days, for councils to gather information or to use surveillance. because she did not really answer the question about the Yet, in her other Home Office Bill, the Police Reform evidence on which that limit was based. I have taken a and Social Responsibility Bill, which is also going through personal interest in the matter and in the issue of 14 and the House at the moment, she wants to give local 28 days. When there is a case for more than 14 days but councils extra powers to seize people’s property if byelaws there are difficulties in recalling Parliament, officers can are breached. So she does not want council officers choose to put forward a lesser charge that can result in a watching people, but she does not seem to mind them conviction, thus allowing the person to be detained. taking people’s property away. The police say that that is easy to do, rather than having The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill to go for the super-charge that would result in the major states that byelaws will be able to conviction. It is a simple solution to an easy problem. “include provision for or in connection with the seizure and retention of any property in connection with any contravention Yvette Cooper: That might be possible in some cases, of the byelaw”. and officers might be able to use it, but there is an issue, Local councils have byelaws on things such as dog because, although it is right to make 14 days the norm, fouling, mud falling on roads, music outside churches it is also right to have the provision to move to 28 days if or, in the case of Westminster, giving out free refreshment, needed. Doing so through emergency legislation, as the all of which could be covered by future byelaw seizure Government propose, however, raises some significant powers. The Bill before us contains an entire clause difficulties. entitled “Protection of Property from Disproportionate My right hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn has Enforcement Action”, but at the very same time raised the question of what happens if Parliament is not disproportionate enforcement action is being actively sitting, and whether it will be possible in those circumstances encouraged in the other Bill. Imagine: a council cannot to move fast enough. The Home Secretary says, “Well, monitor the noise from a nuisance neighbour, but it it’ll be all right because we’ll find out on day one can, if a child is playing a tune in the church square, whether we might need longer,” but we might not. We seize the recorder; it cannot check if any dog fouling is might not find out until day 10 of an interrogation that, taking place, but, if an officer happens to pass by at the in fact, a longer period is required. critical moment, they can confiscate the dog. Let us suppose, for example, that the police have a So what on earth are the Government up to? We are serious case, including credible intelligence on an imminent used to chaos and confusion in this Government, but terrorist attack or some extreme situation. After 10 days that is usually because the Deputy Prime Minister says it becomes clear that they need more time before they one thing while the Home Secretary does another: he can charge, but they are afraid of releasing the suspect abolishes control orders; she renames them; he abolishes because they might abscond abroad or even trigger the antisocial behaviour orders; she introduces criminal attack. What happens in those circumstances? The Home behaviour orders. We know that she does not agree with Secretary will come to Parliament and say, “We need lots of what the Deputy Prime Minister says and does, emergency legislation,” but neither she nor anyone else but now it seems that she does not even agree with in the House will be able to discuss why we need it, for herself. Such chaos and confusion is absurd when it fear of prejudicing an investigation or a possible trial. comes to council byelaws, but it is rather more worrying Parliamentary scrutiny will be very difficult, so, given when it comes to counter-terrorism, because the process how difficult and risky it might prove, I urge her to look has been chaotic from beginning to end. again at options such as special bail conditions, which We can agree to support limiting pre-charge detention could reduce the need for emergency legislation. to 14 rather than 28 days, on the basis of the evidence from experts, but we also take very seriously the conclusion Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): I have of the Home Secretary’s own counter-terrorism review, listened to my right hon. Friend’s reservations, which I which states that the Government must provide for the share: I am very much in favour of a reduction from possibility of needing to hold someone for longer in 28 to 14 days; that goes without saying. Leaving aside exceptional circumstances. whether the House is to be recalled, and assuming that The right hon. Lady’s original plan was to allow the it is sitting, what details will be given to us about those old limit of 28 days to lapse without even showing us whom it is felt should be held for longer than 14 days? If the review or telling us the Government’s plans. Then, we cannot have the relevant information because it will the Immigration Minister told the House that the draft prejudice any proceedings that take place if the person emergency legislation would be put directly in the Library. is charged, what are we supposed to do? Are we just 219 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 220

[Mr David Winnick] Some practical issues have been raised, and we will want to pursue those further in Committee. supposed to nod our approval? If we are not, and the We think that this is an important development. details are given out, it will be argued in any later court However, the Home Secretary’s proposals go too far. proceedings that the House has prejudiced the case. She is creating a series of loopholes in child protection that parents will rightly be very worried about. The Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend makes a really important evidence from the NSPCC makes that clear. It says that point that goes to the heart of the problem. The reason her proposals leave for emergency legislation through primary legislation to “a disturbing gap in the planned legislation that could put children change those powers is, in theory, to give Parliament the at harm.” chance to scrutinise, debate and decide whether the action is reasonable. In practice, however, it is very hard Under these plans, it will be possible for people to spend to see how Parliament will be able to discuss the detail long hours in positions of authority and in regular at all without being at serious risk of prejudicing a intensive contact with children without being covered potentially dangerous investigation and important case, by the barring arrangements because someone else is in which we would all want to see go properly through the a supervisory role. For example, voluntary teaching courts, with the proper judicial process followed. assistants may well not be covered. As the NSPCC points out, That is why I say to the Home Secretary that it seems “supervised employees and volunteers are still able to develop and sensible to explore whether there are alternatives, such exploit relationships with children…A volunteer part time teaching as bail conditions and other procedures with a judicial assistant in a classroom of 30 children with only light touch process, that might be used in such extreme circumstances. supervision by the classroom teacher has plenty of opportunity We all hope that the circumstances do not arise, but to develop inappropriate relationships and groom children.” those alternatives would reduce our need to use emergency legislation. Mrs May: Perhaps I can help the right hon. Lady and the House. This afternoon, the Minister for Equalities, Mr Cash: Has it occurred to the right hon. Lady or, my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood indeed, to those on the Government Front Bench that Green (Lynne Featherstone), who is responsible for we have habeas corpus, and that in such conditions it is criminal information matters, had a meeting with a the first duty of any judge to give effect to that provision? number of children’s charities, including the NSPCC, It does not matter what statute says; habeas corpus and was able to reassure them on that precise point. The comes first, unless it has been expressly excluded by employer will be able to get an enhanced CRB check for statute. an individual who is volunteering in a capacity such as a teaching assistant which will contain the same information Yvette Cooper: The hon. Gentleman has considerable that has been available in making the decision on the legal expertise, and I shall not attempt to get into a barring of that individual. The employer will therefore detailed debate about that point, but the critical issue is be able to make a decision based on exactly the same the complicated interaction between not only the work information as that on which the decision for barring of the police and the role of Parliament, but the necessary was taken. role of the judiciary, and the alternatives merit more thoughtful debate, so that we do not prejudice individual Yvette Cooper: If the Home Secretary is changing her cases or put the House in a difficult position. policy, perhaps she will take the opportunity to intervene again to clarify this point. Will somebody in these Mrs May: Given what the right hon. Lady says about circumstances— our proposals for emergency legislation on 28 days, will she explain why the previous Government put on the Mrs May rose— stocks emergency legislation for 42 days? Yvette Cooper: Let me ask the question. Will somebody Yvette Cooper: Legislation is not the right way to in these circumstances be able to find out whether the respond in such extreme circumstances. In the end, it independent safeguarding authority has made the judgment might be the backstop that the right hon. Lady needs, that somebody should be barred? but she should do more to avoid the situation arising. She is not even looking at what the appropriate special Mrs May: I am very happy to intervene again on the bail conditions might be, for example, or at other measures right hon. Lady, but may I just correct her on one thing? that could prevent her ever needing to use emergency I have not changed the policy. The policy remains legislation in the middle of an extreme situation. She exactly as it was, and the Bill remains exactly as it was. should look at the possible alternatives. A misinterpretation of what was in the Bill has led to Part 5 makes significant changes to the vetting and the comments from the NSPCC, which, as I said, is one barring regime, which works to protect children from of the children’s charities to which my hon. Friend the abuse. As the Home Secretary knows, the Labour Minister has been speaking today. In the circumstances Government said that changes were needed to the system that the right hon. Lady outlines, the fact of the barring to ensure the right balance between protecting children will not be available to the employer, but the information and vulnerable adults without being unnecessarily that led to the decision on the barring will be available burdensome. Indeed, Sir Roger Singleton recommended to the employer. We take a slightly different position removing a series of unnecessary checks, and we welcome from that of the right hon. Lady and her party—that the recent technological developments that will enable the employer must then take some responsibility for portable Criminal Records Bureau checks and substantially making a decision as to whom it is appropriate to have simplify the system. potentially dealing with children in the classroom concerned. 221 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 222

Yvette Cooper: This is really weird. It means that Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): Although somebody who has been working with children—a teacher, there are many excellent things in the Bill that I welcome, for example—and has been barred for grooming a the right hon. Lady is absolutely right on this point. child, may then apply for a job, perhaps a voluntary When it comes to the protection of children and to post as a teaching assistant, and the school will not be giving confidence to parents, is it not right always to err told whether they are barred, but the Home Secretary on the side of caution? thinks that that is okay because the school may be able to get some of the information that led to the barring in Yvette Cooper: The right hon. Gentleman is right. the first place if it is summarised on the CRB check. This is a difficult area. People will raise concerns if they Why not give the school the information about the fact feel that there are inappropriate burdens in reporting that someone has been previously barred? arrangements, and of course it is right to try to reduce The Home Office guidance says: those and to prevent inappropriate checks or bureaucracy, “Some people who may previously have been barred…may be but it is also right to put safeguards for our children at able to gain posts in other areas where they are able to work less the heart of the measures that we set out, and not to do closely with children or adults. It will be up to employers to weigh things that feel inappropriate given the potential risks, up the risks involved”, given the evidence, and given the security that parents but let us think of the position in which that puts want for their children. employers. They will not even know if they have got the full information; nor will they have the judgment of the Robert Flello: My right hon. Friend is talking about experts at the safeguarding authority who have made a the incredibly important issue of safeguarding our children. decision based on their professional experience and Given what we have seen in the media over the past expertise that the person should be barred. The guidance week about the risks to vulnerable adults, would she also says that care to comment on the fact that, although those of us “employers will not be able to find out the barred status of people who are parents are deeply concerned about children, who are not working in regulated activity roles.” including other people’s children, there are serious A lot of parents will find this puzzling and worrying. implications for vulnerable adults too? Why should they not be able to find out whether someone has previously been barred for working with children if Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend is right. Some cases they are going to be working with children again in a of very distressing abuse have taken place involving similar way? vulnerable adults, and it is important that they, too, should have protection against that. The key is to ensure Let us consider the other consequences. If a voluntary that if one authority or organisation knows that somebody teaching assistant is caught grooming a child, then as has a history of abuse, that person should not be long as they have never been a teacher, worked in allowed to work again in a position where they may put regulated activity, or expressed a desire to do so in vulnerable adults or children at risk in a way that other future, they will not even be added to the barred list. So authorities, or the families, were not aware of and might two years later they can apply for teacher training and lead to harm. no one will know that they were kicked out of another school for deeply inappropriate behaviour. Future employers I want finally to turn to DNA, which is another area may be able to get a criminal records check but, as the where we believe that the Government are going too far. NSPCC has made clear, My right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle had already legislated for safeguards “This is highly concerning as most people who pose a risk to children are not prosecuted, and thus future employers may not on DNA use, including a six-year limit on retention for be alerted to the risks they pose.” those who were not convicted. He based those safeguards on analysis of reoffending rates and the benefits in I have to say to the Home Secretary that most parents terms of preventing and solving crimes. The Government will not just think that it is “highly concerning”—they have decided to reject those safeguards and to go much will think, like me, that it is wrong. further in restricting the use of DNA, but not on the Mr Watson: My right hon. Friend is right that this is basis of evidence. Some people object, as a matter of a complex and puzzling piece of the Bill, and the devil principle, to DNA being held at all if the person has not will be in the detail when it comes before the Committee. been convicted. I do not agree with that, but neither I hope that the Home Secretary is in no doubt, though, does the Home Secretary. She claimed that nobody’s that what is very clear is that if a child is harmed as a DNA should be kept at all if they were innocent, but result of this deregulatory measure, she will carry the that is not what the proposals in her Bill achieve. responsibility for it. Rightly, she recognises that there must be a balance that supports the needs to prevent crime and to ensure that Yvette Cooper: The Home Secretary needs to think crimes are solved. A balance needs to be struck, but she again about this matter and take responsibility for the is not striking the right one. The changes go too far in changes that she is making. As parents, we want to be restricting the use of DNA and will make it harder for sure that someone who has a history of inappropriate the police to solve and prevent serious crimes. behaviour towards children will not end up as a voluntary This is a particular problem in rape cases. As the teaching assistant in our child’s class. The Deputy Prime Home Secretary knows, rape cases not only have a Minister has described the proposed new arrangements notoriously low conviction rate, but a notoriously low as common sense. I am afraid that the truth is that they charge rate. That is because the trauma for the victim is look, at best, naive and confused, and at worst, extremely so great and because of problems with evidence. Many irresponsible. I urge the Home Secretary to change this perpetrators of serious sexual crimes are not brought to proposal and not to put political rhetoric above the justice for their first offence. In about 70% of cases in safety of children. which a rape suspect is arrested, there is no charge. 223 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 224

[Yvette Cooper] Yvette Cooper: My right hon. Friend is right about the importance of protecting victims, as well as protecting According to Home Office papers, in cases where there other people. It is a shame that the Government, having is no charge, DNA will be kept only in very limited supported the measures in the 2010 Act and allowed it circumstances, so in most of these cases the DNA will to go through, have not chosen to implement it. The be destroyed, even though it might be critical in catching revised measures will take much longer to put in place. a repeat offender for a nasty and violent sexual offence. The Home Secretary will know that a considerable Mr Watson: I was not aware of the cases that my number of cases have been solved because of DNA. right hon. Friend raised. Before we decide where we Kensley Larrier was arrested in 2002 for the possession stand on this matter, I think that the people of Stafford, of an offensive weapon. The case never reached court, Birmingham and Barnsley deserve an explanation from but two years later he raped someone and was found the Home Secretary about why these measures would because of a DNA match. Lee and Stephen Ainsby have allowed serious criminals to remain free. raped and kidnapped a 17-year-old girl in Barnsley. A match with Lee Ainsby’s DNA was found years later in Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend raises an important a case review. It had been taken because he had been point. If these restrictions go through and make it arrested for being drunk and disorderly. Under the harder for the police to solve serious crimes, the Home Home Secretary’s system, his DNA would not have Secretary will have to explain to the victims of crime been kept. Without that DNA, those two men would and those who are worried about serious crimes and still be free, and justice for that young girl would not offences why she has chosen to draw the line where she have been done. Abdul Azad was arrested for violent has, and to strike the balance in a way that frankly will disorder in Birmingham in February 2005, but released mean that more victims will not get the justice that they without charge, according to the Forensic Science Service. deserve and that we have a responsibility to pursue on In July 2005, he raped somebody in Stafford and was their behalf. identified only because the police had his DNA. The Protecting freedom means getting the balance right. senior investigating officer for the case said: It means protecting the freedom of victims as well as “We would never have caught him had his DNA not already protecting everyone else from unnecessary suspicion or been on the database—he didn’t even live locally so we had no interference. It means making sure that there are safeguards, intelligence leads either.” checks and balances that protect people’s freedoms and Case after case would have been much harder for the protect the innocent. It also means making sure that the police to solve under the Home Secretary’s new rules. police have the tools they need to fight and prevent Yes, she has an obligation to ensure that individuals are crime that hurts innocent people. protected from unjustified interference, but she also has an obligation to protect people from crime and to In reality, what are the Home Secretary and her deliver justice for the victims of horrific crimes. Government doing? Their record on protecting freedoms and ensuring checks and balances is a mass of confusion Mr Cash: I am sure that the right hon. Lady will and contradiction that makes a mockery of their rhetoric: appreciate, given the importance of this debate, that new powers of confiscation for local councils; restrictions many of the points that she has made about those cases on protest in Parliament square and powers for non- derive from European rulings and the European convention warranted officers to move people on physically; substantial on human rights. The problem with almost everything powers over the police concentrated in the hands of a she has said is that it was her Government who were single politician—the police commissioner; and a populist responsible for bringing in and endorsing many of these assault on the courts and the Human Rights Act, which provisions, including through the Human Rights Act 1998. play an important role in preventing arbitrary state Does she not accept that there is a dilemma, which has power. The Government are not putting in place checks to be resolved in Committee, about whether we should and balances or protecting freedoms. At the same time, go down the human rights route and follow article 8 or they are making it harder, not easier, for the police to legislate in this House to ensure that we achieve justice fight crime and bring offenders to justice—through for the people concerned? restrictions on DNA, loopholes in child protection, weakening the sex offenders register, ending antisocial behaviour orders, weakening control orders and by Yvette Cooper: The Crime and Security Act 2010, having more than 10,000 fewer police officers thanks to which was passed before the election, addressed many the 20% front-loaded cuts. That is not a good list. of those issues and concerns. A wider discussion, which we will not stray into, is about whether one of the The Bill does not do what it says on the tin. It does benefits of the Human Rights Act is that it refers issues not deliver a fundamental change in the protection of back to Parliament and allows it to respond. freedom for the innocent, and it does not protect the freedom of victims. The Home Secretary has given in to Mr Hanson: Is my right hon. Friend aware that when the rhetoric of the Deputy Prime Minister and she will my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth (Mr Campbell) be judged by the reality of her decisions today. She is and I took the DNA provisions through this House at getting some of those decisions wrong. the beginning of last year, the then Opposition did not oppose the six-year retention period? That was because 6.47 pm they recognised that many murderers, rapists, sexual offenders and others were caught after committing crimes Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): I welcome because of DNA profiles, meaning that other victims the Bill. How could one not support clamping down on were not created. Does she agree that the proposals the wheel clampers? Some of my constituents have had threaten to create more victims? terrible experiences at their hands. 225 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 226

Although I listened carefully to the shadow Home he tabled an interesting proposal to amend the Public Secretary’s arguments, and although she made some Order Act 1986. He wanted to delete the word “insulting” fair points about DNA, one cannot, on civil liberties from section 5, because he was concerned that that grounds, oppose removing the DNA of innocent people section was being used to trample on free speech. As I from the DNA database. It is a fundamental principle have said, I did not agree with a lot of what he said, but of British law that when people are found innocent by I did agree with that. the courts, they are innocent. My speech will be rather like the speeches that we Mr Cash: Is my hon. Friend aware that the said Evan used to have at Conservative party conferences, which Harris, on one occasion in the House, referred to those said that the motion was fine, but did not go nearly far of my hon. Friends with my inclination in these matters enough. Much of the Bill is frankly pretty unexceptional. as the “odious right”? Compared with the Deputy Prime Minister’s rhetoric Mr Leigh: I am reminded of that Somerset Maugham last year about bringing in a Bill to story in which two old men hate each other and argue “protect our hard won liberties” all the time, and then one dies and the other one fades much of it is a bit tame. What happened, I wonder, to away. I feel that a bit about Dr Evan Harris leaving the the 14,000 ideas that were suggested by members of the House. public via the “Your Freedom” consultation. It is like a scene from “YesMinister”. An enthusiastic new Minister Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): Does my says, “I want to have a Freedom Bill,” and 14,000 replies hon. Friend remember the Hayes dictum, named after come in. One can imagine Sir Humphrey, in his most my hon. Friend the Member for South Holland and mellifluous tone, advising the Minister that freedom The Deepings (Mr Hayes)? It was that if a Member was can be a very incendiary device when it comes to in the same Lobby as Dr Evan Harris, they were in the Government. wrong Lobby. I suggest that the Bill should go further, and I hope Mr Leigh: That is enough about our friend, I think. that I will get support not only from those on the Government Benches, but from Opposition Members. Section 5 of the 1986 Act outlaws The Leader of the Opposition has admitted that Labour “threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour” was if they are likely to cause “harassment, alarm or distress”. “too draconian on aspects of our civil liberties”. The proposal that I wish to make, which I and the Liberals supported before, is the deletion of the lowest Where can we go further? I am particularly worried threshold of that offence, which is the word “insulting”. about freedom of speech. I believe that political speech That would still leave the two higher thresholds of and debate, even in this place, are becoming very bland. “threatening” and “abusive”. There is a chilling effect on free speech, because people are discouraged from expressing unpopular opinions The 1986 Act was brought in to replace the Public that do not fit with the winds of political fashion. Did Order Act 1936, which had worked very well in dealing not George Orwell once say: with the blackshirts and all that. The 1986 Act does not define the terms “threats” and “abuse”, but we all know “Freedom is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear”? them when we see them. The courts have often said that. Threat is obvious, is it not? It is when someone is in I would add that the right to speak against received your face and there is a fear of violence, and abuse is wisdom is the only way to make social progress, as I when someone uses obscene language. Insult, however, hope many Opposition Members would agree. We have is clearly something less serious and more subjective, to protect the ability to express widely differing opinions and that is the problem. I believe that removing the in strong terms in the public square. word “insulting” would be enough to stop section 5 One reason why I was worried about the Phil Woolas being misused and generating a chilling effect on free case, as I said at the time on the Floor of the House, is speech. that if someone has a British National party candidate standing against them, for example, they have to be able Tom Brake: I wonder whether the hon. Gentleman to denounce them for what they are without fearing will take any reassurance from the fact as recently as legal sanctions. We have a more and more active and Monday, Evan Harris was in the House campaigning activist judiciary, not just in the Supreme Court and the on the issue of getting rid of the word “insulting”. lower courts but in the European Court of Human Rights. Again, that has a somewhat chilling effect. We Mr Leigh: Good, I am very glad. That just shows that should examine some of the debates that there used to there is support for that from all over the House, and be during general elections, certainly 100 years ago but indeed from outside. even 50 or 40 years ago. They were a lot more robust Section 5 of the 1986 Act is a classic example of a law than they are now. that was brought in for a fair reason, to deal with a With that in mind, and in the spirit of warm and cosy particular state of affairs long ago, but has been used in friendship with my Liberal Democrat friends, I wish to practice for something quite different. It was brought in try to persuade the Home Secretary to give some thought to tackle hooliganism, but it is increasingly used by to adopting a Liberal Democrat proposal for inclusion police to silence peaceful protestors and street preachers. in the Bill. It was made by Dr Evan Harris, who at the I shall give a couple of examples of how section 5 has time was the Member for Oxford West and Abingdon. been used, to show what has been going on. It has been May I say how much we all miss him? Although I used to prosecute a couple of hotel owners, Ben and disagreed with him on virtually everything, he was a Sharon Vogelenzang, who had a breakfast-table dispute kind of foil to some of my arguments. In March 2009, with a Muslim guest. I do not comment one way or the 227 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 228

[Mr Leigh] exercise, why cannot we just remove the word “insulting” and leave the higher grades? I have support from our other on their views, but they said that Mohammed was own Joint Committee on Human Rights, which heard a warlord and that Islamic dress oppressed women. For evidence that section 5 was being used to suppress free that breakfast-table dispute, they were prosecuted. True, speech and made representations to the previous Labour the judge threw the case out and apparently hinted that Government, which were resisted. That Government the police should have handled it differently, but the rejected our own Committee on human rights. point is that for some reason, Merseyside police thought I say to the Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend that section 5 applied to theological debates over breakfast. the Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup (James Even though the couple were acquitted, their business Brokenshire)—please will he listen for a moment, as the went to the wall. It is not enough to say, “Well, we don’t responsible Minister?—that it appears that civil servants need to worry, because they were not convicted”. We at the Home Office are still using, almost verbatim in should worry, because people are increasingly worried correspondence signed by him, the arguments used by about expressing strong opinions. the last Government against amending section 5. I There are other examples. In 2008, a 16-year-old wonder whether he knows that the letters that he is protestor was issued a summons by police under section 5 sending out use exactly the same language as was used of the 1986 Act for holding a placard outside a scientology by the Labour Government to resist what our own centre that read, “Scientology is not a religion, it is a JCHR suggested. dangerous cult”, which is something that many people In response to the JCHR recommendations, the previous agree with. City of London police referred the allegation Government said that they believed that problems with that the sign was abusive or insulting to the Crown section 5 could be addressed by “guidance”, which is a Prosecution Service. I am glad to say that Liberty, classic cop-out for civil servants. It is true that the which is supporting the campaign for the change, intervened Association of Chief Police Officers recently produced and the case was finally dropped. However, it shows the new guidance on breach of the peace, which covers problem that exists. section 5. However, that still encourages police to pursue Then there were the animal rights protestors in Worcester, insulting words or behaviour, because of course, that is who were threatened with arrest and seizure of property what the law tells them to do. If we tell the police that it under section 5 for protesting against seal culling using is wrong for people to use insulting language, they will toy seals coloured with red dye. Police told them that pursue them. It is up to us to make the law clear so that the toys were deemed distressing by two members of the the police can operate in an entirely sensible fashion. public and ordered them to move on. Frankly, it is not good enough for Ministers to say, “We The last and most ridiculous case is that of Kyle can solve this with guidance,” especially when there is a Little. After being warned by the police for using bad Protection of Freedoms Bill on the stocks. In any case, language, he was arrested and prosecuted under section 5 an issue as serious and significant as civil liberties for a daft little growl and woof aimed towards two should not be left to mere guidance. It is for MPs to Labrador dogs. I have a dog, my own dearly beloved make such decisions. William, and I am sure he has never felt insulted by The previous Government used another argument anything that I have ever said to him. But this poor Kyle that is still used by Ministers in correspondence. They Little, for growling at a dog, was detained for five hours, say that if the word “insulting” is removed from section 5, despite the dog owners not wanting any prosecution, at the police will not have sufficient power to protect the a cost of £8,000 to the taxpayer. Unbelievably, Newcastle public, but that is not the case. Neil Addison, a barrister Crown court finally had to acquit Little of the charge. who spent 10 years prosecuting cases in Newcastle, has We can see what is going on. [HON.MEMBERS: “It’s suggested that the “threatening” and “abusive” limbs of barking.”] The right hon. Member for Blackburn section 5 will cover all genuine public order cases. He (Mr Straw) and others are right. We need to bring it to says: an end. “Looking back on the large number of s5 cases I have either We should all worry about this. There is something prosecuted or defended over the years I cannot think of any wrong with a law when the police think that it requires ‘normal’ public order situation which could not be covered by the them to regulate debate. As I have said, the 1986 Act words ‘threatening and abusive’. Most cases under s5 involve people (often drunk) yelling aggressively and making frequent use was introduced to replace the 1936 Act during a period of the ‘F’ word and that is the sort of situation that s5 and indeed of football hooliganism, as people might remember. At the entire Public Order Act was supposed to deal with, it was the time, a White Paper identified the mischief at which never supposed to deal with the situation where individuals, the Act was aimed—hooligans on housing estates throwing whether street preachers or otherwise”, things down stairs and banging on doors, and groups of including demonstrators or people we do not like, youth persistently shouting abuse and obscenities. Section 5 was a fairly reasonable response to that. The then “were expressing their personal opinions.” Home Secretary, Douglas Hurd, told the House that it We use other laws if we get complaints from distressed would not undermine civil liberties, but 25 years later, individuals. The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 we see a major difference between what was intended criminalises any repeated harassment of an individual, and what has happened since. We therefore need to which I support. Therefore, deleting the word “insulting” examine the wording. I cannot act very easily as a Back from the Public Order Act 1986 would not leave police Bencher, but Ministers can do so very easily. and prosecutors without powers to deal with low-level Liberty has argued that we should use the Bill to public disorder. repeal section 5 of the 1986 Act in its entirety. That may One of the silliest arguments used to defend that part be going too far for Ministers, and I do not follow of section 5 is that removing the word “insulting” would Liberty as far as that, but in a classic triangulation mean that the courts would have to adjudicate on the 229 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 230 difference between abuse, which is criminal, and insult, those later, but on our record of balancing necessary which is not—we see that argument in letters from security with the expansion of freedoms, I and the Ministers both of the previous Government and of the Labour party defer to no one. current one. However, courts make such adjudications Labour was the party that introduced the Human all the time. We could equally say that under section 5, Rights Act 1998. I remind the Conservatives that they the courts must adjudicate between insult, which is voted against it on Second Reading. I am glad that, criminal, and incivility, which is not. Criminal courts following amendments to the Bill, which I sought to decide whether an activity is criminal—it is their raison make to build the kind of consensus of which my right d’être. All the arguments put up by this and the previous hon. Friend the shadow Home Secretary spoke today, Government on why “insulting” cannot be removed the then Conservative Opposition supported it on Third from section 5 fall to pieces. Reading. The then shadow Attorney-General, the late I am sure we all agree that free speech is a bedrock of Nicholas Lyell, said from the Opposition Dispatch Box true democracy. It encompasses the freedom to disagree that he wished the Bill well. and to challenge received opinion. We might not like I also remind the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) what someone says and we might take offence, but lively that the 1998 Act is about bringing British rights home, debate and a robust exchange of ideas are integral parts so that they can be adjudicated on by British courts. of a true democracy. Lord Justice Sedley, in his landmark The Act does not create a sovereign Supreme Court. As ruling in the case of Richmond-Bate in 1999, put it my right hon. Friend pointed out, under section 4, even better than anybody. He said: if the British Supreme Court declares that legislation “Free speech includes not only the inoffensive but the irritating, made by this House is incompatible with the incorporated the contentious, the eccentric, the heretical, the unwelcome and European convention on human rights articles—that the provocative provided it does not tend to provoke violence. happens rarely, and not in the cases of DNA or votes Freedom only to speak inoffensively is not worth having.” for prisoners—the legislation is not unenforceable: it In my view, the criminal law does not exist to protect stays in force unless and until this House decides otherwise. people from feeling insulted. I urge Ministers to think The Labour Government introduced the Human Rights about addressing section 5 of the 1986 Act in the Bill. Act 1998, the title of which was never disputed, because They and no one else have the power to do so. it was indeed about human rights—we could have called The JCHR, Liberty, Justice, the Christian Institute it the “Human Rights and Freedom Act”. We also and Dr Evan Harris are calling on us to do something introduced the Freedom of Information Act. I am about section 5. I note the Liberal Democrats specifically proud that I was the Home Secretary who produced referred to reforming the 1986 Act on page 93 their those measures and a number of others. The previous manifesto last year. It is a Lib Dem idea that we would Conservative Government opposed the freedom of be wise to adopt. I urge such a measure on the House in information legislation at every stage for 18 years. They the name of that most precious commodity—freedom wanted only a non-statutory, unenforceable code. That of speech. is all they would have introduced. 7.4 pm David T. C. Davies: I wonder what the right hon. Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): I am delighted to Gentleman made of the claim in Tony Blair’s book that follow the hon. Member for Gainsborough (Mr Leigh). one of the two worst things he did was to pass the This is the first time that I have ever heard him endorse Freedom of Information Act—the other one being to anything Liberal Democrat. pass the Hunting Act 2004. I share the hon. Gentleman’s opinion of the Bill, Mr Straw: I will pass lightly over the Hunting Act, if which he described as pretty unimpressive. The content I may. I do not happen to agree with Tony Blair on that of the Bill does not remotely justify its extraordinary point. Although freedom of information requests can and wholly inaccurate title. We would expect a debate be irritating, especially if one is in government, I did not on a Bill to protect our freedoms to include a far more change how I operated as a Minister. It did not mean wide-ranging discussion by the Home Secretary of the that I ceased to record my decisions or comments on nature of freedoms in this country and how they should submissions. As was brought out by the Dacre report, be properly balanced. We would also see a description whichever party is in power there is a case for the proper of such essential freedoms in the Bill. However, the Bill, protection of Cabinet discussions and collective parts of which are worthy and others downright dangerous, responsibility—that issue might need to be reconsidered, is no more than a standard criminal justice amendment because it has not worked out as intended—but I am in Bill. no doubt that overall the Freedom of Information Act Mr Leigh indicated assent. has been a force for good. In addition to those two Acts, we passed the Data Mr Straw: I am glad that the hon. Gentleman endorses Protection Act 1998. There had been no provision to that view. protect people’s personal data before I introduced that I am sorry that the Home Secretary has left the Act in 1998. We also introduced extraordinarily important Chamber, although I understand the pressures on her. freedoms and protections for people who do not happen She made some extraordinarily hyperbolic remarks, to have white skin, including in the Race Relations and described the situation under the previous Government (Amendment) Act 2000 following the Lawrence inquiry. as the creeping intrusion of the state and a slow march I am sorry that the Home Secretary is not here, but to authoritarianism. As my right hon. Friend the shadow while we are on the subject of freedoms, I would draw Home Secretary has accepted, the previous Government to the House’s attention the extraordinary difficulty got some things wrong, and, in the light of experience, that we had in providing freedoms for gay men and some things turned out not as intended. I will deal with women by reducing the age of consent—equalising it 231 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 232

[Mr Straw] intended to be used in a much narrower way than has been the case, so I have no objection to its effective at 16. The first attempt, which was an amendment to redefinition in the Bill. the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, was defeated in the We got it wrong on 90 days—I am perfectly happy to Lords so strongly that we lost the whole Bill. I then had say that—but it must be seen in the context of what to introduce a further Bill containing simply a reduction happened on 11 September 2001. People were terrified, in the age of consent to 16. That, too, was defeated in and the first responsibility of any Government is to the Lords, and it was not until we used the Parliament secure the most fundamental liberty—the right to life. Act that it got through, against vehement Conservative Of course, we still needed to have a balance, and we opposition, including from some in this Chamber—to sought one, but we did not quite get it right. I am the shame of the Conservative party—and a huge amount perfectly happy to say that. I simply say to the hon. in the other place. So let us hear no more nonsense from Gentleman, however, that although the prescription in the Conservative party or the Liberal Democrats suggesting the Bill of 14 days is fine as a standard, the contortions that we in the Labour party failed to balance liberty and in the Bill and in draft legislation that would provide for order effectively and properly. Yes, we introduced a a reserve power of 28 days will prove impractical. The number of measures on the other side of that equation, reserve power, which we all agree ought to be there, has but most of those—as far as I can recall, all of them to be used in circumstances in which it is virtually during my period—were actively supported by the impossible for the Home Secretary to disclose the details. Conservative party in opposition. The full-scale parliamentary legislative process that would follow a recall of Parliament—hon. Members can bet Tom Brake: I do not think that any Government their lives that that is how it would happen, because that Member is saying that the previous Government achieved is how terrorists operate—would be the most extraordinary nothing in relation to civil liberties. However, does the and mocking ever seen: the Home Secretary would have right hon. Gentleman agree that on the other side of to come to the House and say, “I want this legislation to the balance, in terms of what the Government did, were double the period of maximum detention, but I can’t the fiasco over 90-days’ detention, control orders, blanket tell you why.”It would be far better, in those circumstances, stop-and-search powers and some very draconian measures to say, “Here is a power for the Secretary of State for that went to the heart of providing a threat to our civil which he or she will be accountable in due time.” Given liberties? that he or she is the only individual in possession of all the information that should trigger this power, the Mr Straw: I will deal with each of those measures in responsibility for triggering it should rest with the Secretary turn, and then come to the contents of the Bill. I will of State by way of a special order. run through them in the order they appear in my notes. On surveillance measures, the Regulation of Investigatory Mr Cash: Will the right hon. Gentleman, to whom I Powers Act 2000 was introduced, again by me, to do am listening carefully, seek, as a former Home Secretary, what it says in the title—to regulate investigatory powers. to answer the question I put to the shadow Home My predecessor, now Lord Howard, had started that Secretary regarding habeas corpus? I also asked Charles regulation. Before 1996, there was no regulation of Clarke, another former Home Secretary, whether habeas those powers, and the most extraordinary situation corpus would survive these provisions. I never got a obtained inside the police. They suited themselves whether satisfactory answer. Does the right hon. Gentleman accept to put microphones in walls. They had guidelines from that these provisions do affect habeas corpus, but that, the Association of Chief Police Officers, but there was as I insist in my Bill, which comes out tomorrow, no statutory supervision or proper regulation, and no habeas corpus is absolute and must apply in all terrorism account was taken of the equipment used. That was cases? improved, to some extent, by my predecessor, and then comprehensively by RIPA. However, I accept that the provisions in RIPA have been used by local authorities, Mr Straw: I do not want to get drawn too far down in respect of minor offences, in a way that was never this road, but the hon. Gentleman will know that until intended, so I support the change proposed in the Bill. the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and the recommendations of the royal commission that preceded I also support the change on wheel-clamping. I will it, there was no statutory regulation of the length of have to look at some of the detail, but like my right hon. time for which, or the circumstances in which, the Friend the shadow Home Secretary I strongly celebrate police could hold a suspect. It is extraordinary, if we the campaign by my right hon. Friend the Member for think about it. There were the judges’ rules, which were Doncaster Central (Ms Winterton), who has been promoted non-statutory, and the only effective check on an arbitrary partly because of this and has now had to take Trappist use of power—apart from practice—was habeas corpus. vows as Opposition Chief Whip. I also strongly support If somebody was locked up for too long, his solicitor or a campaign that my right hon. Friend the Member for friends would threaten a writ of habeas corpus. That Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) began on the was how it worked, and I would refer those who think elimination of all convictions involving consensual relations that they were halcyon days for criminal justice to the with gay men. 2010 Judicial Studies Board lecture in which the current The hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, reflected on his time as (Tom Brake) asked me about counter-terrorism powers. a junior at the Bar and on how that non-statutory Although we did not get everything right, the introduction system of regulation led—as I saw when I was a young of those powers needs to be seen in context. The Terrorism barrister in the 1970s—to fitting up, to words being put Act 2000 was approved by the House—I cannot remember into criminals’ mouths and sometimes to very substantial where the Liberal Democrats were, but I remember that and totally unacceptable physical pressure and violence the Conservatives supported it. However, section 44 was against suspects. Of course, one consequence was that 233 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 234 confession statements were often successfully challenged. this issue has to be examined with the greatest care. We Habeas corpus is one part of the law, but where there is forget too quickly the context in which the measures in more recent statute, the courts will go to that first. question were put in place. The Soham murders were Let me turn now to other matters in the Bill about awful. Huntley, like many serious sexual offenders, was which I have some serious reservations. As the Member brilliant at deception. Indeed, there are no better of Parliament for Blackburn, I have had many deceivers—of themselves as well as everybody else—than representations about closed circuit television. I do not serious sexually predatory men such as Huntley. If it know whether my experience is any different from that means a bit more bureaucracy, but also that our children of anyone else in the Chamber, but all the representations and grandchildren do not become the next victims, we I have received about closed circuit television have been should err on the side of safety. requests from constituents to introduce more of it. In Finally, let me come to DNA and the taking of other the whole of my 32 years in this House, I have never had biometric data, including fingerprints. The hon. Member a single representation seeking the removal of CCTV for Northampton North (Michael Ellis), who is no monitors. Not one. The demand is there because it longer in his place, asked about the 1 million “innocent” makes people feel safe, and I bet that this experience is people on the database. That prompts the question shared across the Chamber. I cannot remember an whether people who are “innocent” actually mind having occasion as Home Secretary when I received any their DNA on the database. Again, I do not believe that representations suggesting that the existing system, which my constituents are significantly different in character we should bear in mind is subject to control under data or profile from those elsewhere, but plenty have had protection and other measures, was unsatisfactory. their DNA or fingerprints taken when either the case has not proceeded to charge or they have been acquitted, Steve Baker: Just on a point of information—as the yet I cannot remember a single case of someone right hon. Gentleman invites it—during the election complaining to me about it. On two occasions in my campaign I received at least one request to reduce the life—this was before DNA was available—I have had amount of CCTV. my fingerprints taken. The first was at school when there was a burglary and it was necessary to eliminate a Mr Straw: I am grateful for that intervention, which group of us as potential perpetrators, and I was happy makes my point, because that one representation is enough to give my fingerprints. balanced by the large number that we receive the other As an adult, when I was a special adviser there was a way. I just wonder whether the Government are setting criminal investigation into the leak of a limited circulation up significant and costly bureaucracy to solve a problem annexe to some Cabinet documents, and a Commander that does not exist. Habershon, with a sergeant who looked like Oddjob On criminal record certificates, let me say this. I have out of “Goldfinger”—I should tell the House this was been a governor of Blackburn college—a further and before the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984—came higher education college—for the last 20 years. Following to interview me. I was invited to give my fingerprints; the post-Soham measures, each member of the governing and, looking at Oddjob, I decided that this was probably body had to fill in a lengthy form and produce their an invitation I should accept. I gave my fingerprints, not passport, as part of the application process for an least in the belief—which turned out to be accurate—that enhanced CRB certificate, a process that I regarded as doing so would be a means by which I would be frankly rather tedious. I am pleased to say that it eliminated from the police inquiries. They asked me, confirmed what I had already told the clerk to the “What should we do if you are eliminated?”, and I said, governors, which was that I had no convictions since, as “I really don’t mind if you hang on to these.” far as I knew, nothing adverse had been recorded by the As it happens, I have not given my DNA, unlike my police. At first blush I thought, “This is going a bit over right hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Brightside the top.” I certainly accept that there ought to be a and Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett), but I would be perfectly lighter regime for the generality of volunteers, but I happy to do so. Most people believe—I know that some would just offer this salutary point to the House. Conservative Members also take this view—that that is Just before we were asked to fill in those CRB checks, sensible for two reasons. One is that, as my right hon. there was an apparently entirely respectable man on the Friend the Member for Normanton, Pontefract and governing body who, to shorten the story, was convicted Castleford said from the Front Bench, doing so helps to of very serious sexual offences against someone who protect the innocent. Since the introduction of DNA, was vulnerable—albeit an adult, and not at the college—and not only have more guilty people been convicted of he went to prison. I cannot be certain about this, serious crimes, but a number of serious miscarriages of because I do not have access to the information, but I justice have at long been last ended, resulting in justice know enough about that man to know that there was for the innocent person who had ended up in prison. information that could not have led to an earlier arrest I would also remind the House why I introduced the but which was on the police database and would almost change that meant that once there had been an arrest or certainly have been included in a CRB check. I happen charge, the samples should be retained indefinitely. There to believe that although it was tedious for me and were two cases in 2000—one was called Weir, the other everybody else on the governing body to apply for a was called R v. B—one of which involved a murder, the CRB check, the balance in terms of public safety—and other involving a rape. In both cases DNA samples had particularly the safety of young people and children— been taken in respect of offences for which the defendants favours having such checks. had been subsequently acquitted, but the courts held I just think—I know that my right hon. Friend the that that DNA evidence could not be used for their later Member for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford convictions. In the case of R v. B, there was a rape—an (Yvette Cooper) on the Front Bench believes this too—that awful rape—in 1997 of an elderly person where DNA 235 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 236

[Mr Straw] she denied that these changes would undermine the detection of crime or lead to fewer guilty criminals swabs were subsequently taken from the victim. In being convicted. She said that she would go on to 1998, this man B was arrested and charged with an explain how and why she was able to make that statement, unrelated burglary and his DNA was taken. He was but I noticed that the rest of her speech was completely subsequently acquitted of the burglary; meanwhile, the silent on that point. I was not surprised. The changes forensic examination of the rape victim’s DNA was are bound to lead to some people whom we all know to proceeding. After that acquittal, the victim’s DNA and be guilty and dangerous being allowed to go free. B’s DNA were matched and he was charged with rape. After the right to life, the next most important right The case went to trial, and the trial judge took a and freedom is the right to security. We were the first submission from the defence that the critical evidence—in Government since the war to preside over a year-by-year fact, the only evidence; but as the trial judge himself reduction in crimes of all kinds, as the Library paper said, it was compelling evidence—of the defendant’s makes clear. There was a 43% reduction, according to guilt, namely the DNA, could not be adduced in evidence the British crime survey. That dramatic reduction made because it should have been destroyed. this country safer. I celebrate all the freedoms, including The matter went to the Court of Appeal, which said those mentioned by the hon. Member for Gainsborough, that, on a construction of the Act, that was correct. I do but I also celebrate the fact that, although we are a long not criticise the senior judiciary for that decision, because way from perfection, this country is now safer for they have a job to do, and it is to construe the law, not to people living in their homes, for people out on the invent it. We should not criticise them in any circumstances. streets and for people driving their cars. Those are real It was quite inappropriate for the Prime Minister to freedoms, and some of the changes in the Bill will put criticise the judiciary recently. Any decision that they them at grave risk. make, including those made by the Supreme Court, can be overturned by this House. It is different in respect of 7.35 pm the European Court of Justice and the European Court Gareth Johnson (Dartford) (Con): I am please to be of Human Rights, but I shall not tread that particular able to contribute to the debate, and to be able to follow path just now. the right hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw), As a result of the Weir case and the R v. B case, who made his points very forcefully. This is an important someone who was unquestionably guilty of murder and Bill as it builds on a fundamental principle of this a guilty rapist were found not guilty because of the Government—namely, the empowering of the individual. inadmissibility of the evidence. They were both allowed It will ensure that more power is vested in people and to go free and, my guess is, to commit further crimes. I not in the state, and it trusts people to take control of then introduced changes in what became the Criminal their lives. In short, it will create a smaller state and Justice and Police Act 2001, and my right hon. Friend bigger people. the Member for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough Much of the Bill involves trying to strike a balance then amended the legislation further. between two undesirable extremes. With DNA, for example, I mention those cases to remind the Home Secretary we need to strike a balance between everyone having that, in talking about freedoms, we must strike a balance their DNA taken and no one having it taken. With between the important rights of defendants charged CCTV, the balance needs to be struck between having with crimes—which have been strengthened quite no limits at all on its usage and a total ban. With profoundly, not least by the Human Rights Act 1998—and parking restrictions, we need to find a balance between the rights of victims and the public. The Law Lords said allowing clampers to do just as they like and allowing in their judgment, when they reluctantly had to endorse anyone to park anywhere on private land. Similarly, part of the Court of Appeal’s decision, that there had to with CRB checks, we must strike a balance between be a triangulation—their word, not mine—to balance having no checks on people who work with children the three sets of rights. and treating everyone as though they were a paedophile. My right hon. Friend the Member for Normanton, Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance): I understand Pontefract and Castleford spoke of the risks that the the hon. Gentleman’s point about balance. I am a Home Secretary is taking by introducing these measures. voluntary youth worker with Girlguiding UK, and I It is a truth about being Home Secretary that something would be slightly concerned if volunteers thought that will go wrong, and that when one thing goes wrong, there was an implication of guilt in their being asked to something else normally does as well. Indeed, when I undergo checks. We need to be careful not to over-hype was Home Secretary, there was one week in which I had the language involved, because most of us who work to come to the House to make an emergency statement with vulnerable young people are quite comfortable each day. That was exceeded only by the late Lord with being checked in order to protect them. Whitelaw, who had to make two statements on one day about things that had gone wrong—sometimes very Gareth Johnson: The hon. Lady makes a good point. badly wrong. The intention of the Bill is not to put off volunteers. I It is possible that the right hon. Member for Maidenhead have worked on the governing body of an organisation (Mrs May) will turn out to be the luckiest Home that assists young children. We all joined in the September Secretary since 1782, when the post was created, and I and submitted our CRB checks at that time, but we did wish her well. I do not think that she will be, however. not get the results back until the following June, which She is the person proposing these dangerous measures highlights the farcical nature of the system. The Bill is that will put freedoms at risk for the vast majority of about trying to strike a balance; we need to protect the British public, and she needs to have a care both for children without putting off the volunteers who want to the British public and for her own future. In her speech, work with them. The Bill is all about trying to find that 237 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 238 sensible balance and I suspect that the debate will bodies would have to adhere. That will now happen if largely centre on that today. There will be as many the Bill is successful and becomes an Act, and, in my opinions on where that balance should be struck as opinion, it is long overdue. We need protection from the there are people voicing an opinion. I believe, however, small number of abuses that can take place. Public that the Bill gets it about right in balancing our basic confidence in CCTV systems is essential and an unregulated right to freedom with protecting us from those who system is unlikely to convey public confidence for much abuse freedom. longer. Currently, only the Data Protection Act 1998 The Bill covers many issues but I will concentrate on provides any safeguards, but that legislation was not just three. The first is the retention of DNA. The right designed to regulate CCTV, so it is far from satisfactory hon. Member for Blackburn told the House how he had for that purpose. As I say, I do not object to CCTV allowed his fingerprints to be taken to eliminate him cameras, but to their unregulated use, and I am pleased from suspicion of committing a crime. That, however, that this Bill mirrors that view. was a choice that he was able to make, as distinct from Finally, let me deal with the number of powers of the circumstances envisaged by the Bill in which people entry currently in force. With so many powers of entry, have no choice. Even if he had to face Mr Oddjob when it creates a confusing and complex system that is open giving his fingerprints, he nevertheless had a choice to abuse. Those who want to abuse their position and about doing so for the purposes of elimination. enter premises illegally can hide behind our present multi-faceted system. There are so many ways of entering Tom Brake: Does the hon. Gentleman agree that just premises that it is often too easy for a property owner to as a choice was made to allow fingerprints to be given, assume that somewhere out there is a power to do so, so it should also be a choice voluntarily to seek to have although that might not be the case. How can occupiers them taken off the register? know their rights when there are so many powers of entry and an inconsistent approach to dealing with how Gareth Johnson: Of course the difficulty at the moment those laws came about? It makes sense to have a simplified is that unconvicted people remain on the list, but the system that is clearer to understand for both the occupier Bill’s proposals will ensure that such unconvicted people and those seeking access. will not have their DNA on a list for ever and a day. In my experience, requests for warrants of entry by That is the fundamental change that the Bill brings the police are rightly open to vigorous inquiry, yet about. warrants of entry by utility companies, for example, are Before the general election, there was general agreement almost rubber stamped. That inconsistency has to change. between all political parties that the laws surrounding There will be many occasions when it is correct to have DNA retention had to change. The arguments centred a right of entry, but the combination of so many on where the line should be drawn. Few would want different powers under so many different pieces of legislation every man, woman and child to be on the register, while makes it almost impossible for people to know where few would want to scrap the register in its entirety. they stand. Estimates have been made, and the Home Generally speaking, the DNA register has been very Secretary mentioned 1,200 different powers. That is an successful, but we must find a balance between the two estimate—just that. Nobody knows exactly how many extremes. different rights of entry there are, so how can anyone be At present, the only safeguard an innocent person certain whether a person is acting lawfully when entering has after arrest is that DNA can be removed from the a property against the occupier’s will? Again, we require register by the police in exceptional circumstances—and a balance in which property can be entered to protect that is it. Being not guilty does not necessarily constitute against crime, but clarity and certainty also exist so that exceptional circumstances. That is the difficulty. It is people are aware of their rights and obligations. That unacceptable if a completely innocent person can be cannot occur in a system as complicated as the present wrongly accused, entirely cleared of any wrongdoing one. and not charged with an offence, yet their DNA is never In conclusion, freedoms are easy to lose, but very returned and instead remains on the register. An innocent difficult to claw back. This Bill seeks to empower the man is not an exceptional man, so his DNA remains on individual and lessen the control of the state. I want to the register for life, which cannot be right. Those who see less government, not more. I want power to be preach that “if you do no wrong, you have nothing to vested in the individual and not the state, and I support fear” embark on a very dangerous journey where the this Bill’s attempt to further that cause. state is master and the individual is subservient to those in control. 7.46 pm The second issue is the proliferation of CCTV cameras, and I shall again pick up a point made by the right hon. Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): It was Winston Member for Blackburn. I agree that constituents only Churchill who said: rarely contact us to ask for fewer CCTV cameras. Our “All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in constituents are more likely to contact us to ask for single words: freedom, justice, honour, duty, mercy, hope”. more of them or for mobile CCTV cameras to be It is under the banner of freedom and democracy that moved to their particular estate or house so that an our troops fight on foreign fields, and it is freedom that issue of concern can be monitored. My issue here is not we celebrate in Northern Ireland on 12 July each year. with the idea of having more CCTV cameras; it is their I support much of what is put forward by the coalition non-regulated basis that I object to. Government in the Bill, but I have some concerns. The When the CCTV first came about and the boom took right hon. Member for Normanton, Pontefract and place, we all expected some sort of code of conduct to Castleford (Yvette Cooper), the shadow Home Secretary, be drawn up to which councils or any other public clearly and eloquently outlined one of our main concerns: 239 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 240

[Jim Shannon] as it has been elsewhere, I believe that a review of clamping regulations in Northern Ireland is to be the relaxation of the vetting procedures. I am concerned undertaken. to see that through their deliberations members of the Committee protect children. If that does not happen—I Jim Shannon: Perhaps I have cornered the market in suspect that it will—we will take the opportunity to those who have problems with clampers, but I have table amendments on Report. heard plenty of concerns expressed. I have had complaints On the subject of regulation of biometric data—we nearly every other week. It got to the stage where I was have all heard the comments about that—I am firmly on first name terms with the people in the companies opposed to any kind of nanny state, but I do not believe concerned, although I am not sure whether that was that freedom can or should be used as a licence to good for them or me. behave in any way with no consequence. In other words, In my area, a firm of clampers was brought in by people must be accountable for their actions and those residents, but the clampers began to clamp visitors to who break the law must pay the price; they have, in my those residents along with everyone else, and it was opinion, limited their own freedom by their choice of realised that there was no regulation of clamping and action. I firmly believe that, in accordance with section 63D that the clampers were a law unto themselves. We have of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, people’s all heard horror stories about clamping firms. I won a DNA should be held on record if they are found guilty case in which a lady was clamped who had a disabled of any crime. I am somewhat perturbed, however, that child and needed her vehicle for transportation and so section 63D(2)(a) allows for the destruction of DNA if paid the fine. Unbelievably, the clampers informed her “the taking of the fingerprint or, in the case of a DNA profile, the after payment that the guys who unclamped vehicles taking of the sample from which the DNA profile was derived, were headed home for the weekend and she would have was unlawful”. to wait until Monday. After a number of phone calls, I That is clear, and I am concerned about it. got them to come back and do the right thing by letting In my opinion, even if correct protocol has been her drive away. It is abhorrent that such daylight robbery, followed and the sample has been taken lawfully, if the though morally defunct, was legally acceptable. The suspect is subsequently found innocent they should Home Office estimates that 500,000 drivers every year have their DNA record destroyed, as they have no are clamped on private land. The week before last, I criminal conviction. Is the Minister aware, and will she read in a newspaper that a lady who worked in a taxi clarify it in her response, that as of 24 April 2009 almost firm had come outside to find her car had been clamped. 1 million unconvicted persons had records on the national She contacted her firm, and the taxi drivers, like a DNA database? A very small minority of those people wagon train, surrounded the clamping car until the are still under investigation; the remainder will have to impasse was sorted out. be found innocent of any crime. During 2008-09, only It is estimated that the public pay out £55 million in 283 innocent individuals were successful in getting their clamping fees, which benefit nobody apart from the records deleted under the “exceptional cases” provisions. clamping companies. Towing away will also be outlawed, That was touched on by the hon. Member for Dartford with private landowners still able to regulate parking by (Gareth Johnson) and many others in the debate. This erecting a barrier to keep drivers out or charging regulated issue must be specified clearly in the Bill, and we will parking fees. The ban will apply only on private land seek to achieve that in Committee. and will not affect clamping and towing by lawful There are many other issues with biometric information, authorities such as the police, local authorities or Driver such as the collection and retention of schoolchildren’s and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland. That means DNA information, which caused upset of late in a that those who do not pay appropriate tax or adhere to school not far from my constituency. It became clear signage will be held accountable. That must be good that parents must and should have a complete veto on news, and a system is in place to ensure that that the collection and storage of their children’s genetic happens. Councils will continue to have the power to make-up. Children have been particularly affected by tow away cars abandoned on private land. Police can the expansion of the DNA database, as there has been a also remove vehicles that are causing an obstruction or significant increase in the number of young people are dangerously parked, providing a redress for home arrested following minor crimes or even false accusations. and business owners. In relation to clause 56, however, I Some offences have been as minor as pulling each other’s believe that a reasonable standardised fee should be hair or damage to trees and fences. Labelling children as introduced to regulate extortionate fees that may still be criminals at a young age can be counter-productive, and levied. I hope that the Minister will address that point, I hope that will be taken on board in Committee. because the Bill provides the opportunity to clarify maximum fees. Under part 3, “Protection of property from disproportionate enforcement action”, I welcome the In one of his plays, Shakespeare wrote, “Kill all provision in clause 54 to make it unlawful for clampers lawyers”, which was a bit extreme, but some people to clamp on private land. I have heard the clamping by have used similar terminology in relation to clamping one firm described as legalised mugging, and although companies. I tell them that that is just words and does that brought a laugh, there is some truth in it. All not mean much, but I am hopeful that it will no longer Members have had examples of abuses by clampers be the quotation used in my constituency if the Bill is brought to their attention. amended and tightened up. Harking back to the need to control legislation, there Naomi Long: The hon. Gentleman will be aware that was a great deal of concern some time ago about local the matter is devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly. councils spying on people through bugged litter bins. I Although the problem has not been as significant there hope that the Bill will provide protection in that regard. 241 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 242

I would commend the use of CCTV, which is a kind of are doing by presenting a Bill to restore personal freedoms sleeping policeman that observes at a distance all that that were threatened by the last Government, and to takes place. While one Member mentioned that he had end excessive surveillance of individuals. only one complaint against CCTV, every person who The right hon. Member for Blackburn seemed to comes to me tells me that they want more CCTV. In my acknowledge that some of the policies implemented by opinion, CCTV is a weapon that we should use, as the the last Government were—if not draconian—an coverage that such cameras record enables us to catch infringement of the rights of the individual, expensive, those involved in unlawful incidents. As someone who and in many cases ineffective. The Deputy Prime Minister watches late-night television programmes such as “CSI”, was right to describe the Bill as a rolling back of the I am always impressed by the number of policemen who state. However, although I will not over-hype it, because come on to a crime scene outside a pub or restaurant or I trust that many of the measures referred to by the hon. in the street, and I just wish that some cases in the past Member for Gainsborough (Mr Leigh), who is no longer had had the same level of response. in the Chamber—[Interruption.] He is, in fact, present. I commend the Bill, although I have concerns that I I trust that many of the measures that he mentioned hope will be addressed in Committee. If that is not the will be subject to a protection of freedoms (No. 2) Bill, case, I put down a marker that we will address those because I do not see this as the endgame when it comes matters on the Floor of the House when the opportunity to protecting our freedoms. I believe that we cannot arises. place too high a value on liberty and freedom. The Bill has received support from a number of 7.57 pm quarters. The Law Society, for instance, has described Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): It is a the destruction of DNA profiles of innocent people as pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Strangford “an improvement”, welcomes the reduction in the maximum (Jim Shannon), who made a sensible and measured pre-charge detention time, and believes that the new contribution, as have other hon. Members. The right stop-and-search powers are “far more proportional”. It hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw) made a fair has listed a number of other proposals that it supports, assessment of what the previous Government had done. including the changes in the vetting and barring system. They improved some aspects of civil liberties through The Bill proposes regulation of biometric data, and I the Freedom of Information Act, but he also recognised am pleased that we are adopting the protections of the that some measures had been extremely counter-productive. Scottish model in regard to retention of DNA and In any scenario in which a Government, over the course fingerprints. Although the Bill will not ensure that all of their lifetime, introduce an extra 3,500 offences, there innocent people are removed from the DNA database, will inevitably be problems with how the police interpret it will ensure that hundreds of thousands of those who and apply the rules. are currently on it are removed from it. In Committee, Let me give just one example of how some of the those who have received a briefing from the Forensic powers introduced by the previous Government have Science Society will want to examine aspects of the been used in an unfortunate way. The example was deletion process to establish what deleting a DNA profile given to me by a very good friend of mine who now sits means and what constitutes the totality of such a profile. in the other place, and whose son-in-law, who is black and from America, has stopped coming to the UK with Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): his son, because every time he went out in London, As one who practised at the Bar before becoming a irrespective of where he was going, he was guaranteed Member of Parliament, I know that the whole ethos of to be stopped by the police under stop-and-search the DNA database was that the data of those found powers. He did not want to have to explain to his son innocent of offences should no longer be on the record. why his dad was being stopped every time they went out. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the system used to be administered in a shocking way? Half a million Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): Will the hon. Gentleman records on the database were completely wrong: names explain why the coalition has taken away the requirement and details were false. Although the Bill contains much on police officers to record the ethnicity of people that is welcome, we must ensure that the database is whom they stop on the street? fully and thoroughly managed.

Tom Brake: I am sure the hon. Gentleman will be Tom Brake: Of course we must. Whenever a massive aware that many police forces intend to continue to database is introduced, there is significant potential for seize that information. It appears that they are exercising errors such as mismatches to be hidden in it. I hope that discretion in that respect. He should reflect on the fact the Committee stage will provide scope for further that his Government introduced those stop-and-search examination of the details relating to the database. I am powers, which were applied in a blanket way across thinking particularly of the retention of children’s DNA. London and allowed the action that I have described to In its briefing, Liberty expressed concern about the fact take place. that a child who was caught shoplifting at the age of Although I welcome the announcement by the right 10 and again at the age of 12 would remain on the hon. Member for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford database for the rest of his or her life. If Liberty’s (Yvette Cooper) that the Opposition will not vote against understanding is correct, that makes me extremely the Second Reading of the Bill, I think that the tone of uncomfortable. her comments in relation to the Home Secretary were a I am pleased that children will no longer be fingerprinted touch patronising. I am sure that our Home Secretary in schools. I am astonished that schools have never been fully appreciates the need to balance security with liberty required to seek permission for that from parents. As and freedom. That is what the coalition Government for the regulation of surveillance and CCTV,my experience 243 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 244

[Tom Brake] to push us much further and faster in that regard. I consider 14 days to be a good starting point, but I am is similar to that of the right hon. Member for Blackburn happy to leave open the option of introducing a shorter and others who have spoken today. The most frequent period. request that I have received as a Member of Parliament In relation to terrorism prevention and investigation has been for additional CCTV systems, but many people measures, which are being dealt with separately to some have approached me expressing concern about, for instance, extent, let me say as an aside that I hope we will be given the fact that CCTV cameras were pointing straight more clarification of precisely what is being proposed. I through their front windows, or their bedroom windows, do not want control orders to be replaced by something from premises opposite. I believe that better regulation that looks very much like them. I should also like could solve the problems that have been reported to me, clarification of what will replace curfews, and I want to and I therefore welcome the proposals in the Bill. know that what we propose as a Government is a system that will focus on securing prosecutions rather Jim Shannon: In my experience, when CCTV has than simply containing people. been introduced in what might be described as hot spots where there is plenty of antisocial behaviour such as On safeguarding vulnerable groups and criminal records, violence and robbery, there has been a marked reduction I welcome the fact that the vetting and barring scheme in the number of such incidents. Does the hon. Gentleman will be changed, and that 9 million people will be taken share that experience? out of the scheme. Simply classifying and categorising people does not guarantee safety, and creating massive databases does not necessarily provide a solution to all Tom Brake: I certainly think that CCTV deals partly the security and safety problems. We have to be more with the fear of crime. However, I know from the results subtle and sophisticated than that. of an inquiry conducted by the Home Affairs Committee that its effectiveness in cutting crime is not so clear-cut. I welcome the changes on consensual gay sex, and I It obviously makes a difference in, for instance, car am sure the Minister is aware of the concerns that, as parks, but it is less obvious whether it makes a difference far as possible, every single record that relates to that on a wider scale. The evidence may not be as strong as previously illegal activity should be deleted. I know Members wish it to be. there are challenges in terms of how to go beyond cleaning electronic data, but I hope that that can be I am pleased that we are considering the issue of dealt with comprehensively. automatic number place recognition systems. I have raised with Ministers in the past the extent to which The freedom of information changes are very welcome, bailiffs and private contractors can use such systems, although not all aspects of the freedom of information and have suggested that more regulation might be necessary. ten-minute rule Bill that I have pressed on two separate In Committee, we will doubtless wish to clarify the occasions in the last three or four years will be picked relationship between the Information Commissioner up. I hope they will be, perhaps in the protection of and the surveillance camera commissioner to ensure freedoms (No. 2) Bill, when we get round to that in, I that there will be no overlap between them. The regulation hope, the second half of this Parliament. I do not see that is being discussed at present clearly relates to any reason why very large private sector organisations CCTV in the public sector, involving local authorities that are, in effect, doing public sector work should not and police, but that constitutes a relatively small proportion be subject to FOI in the same way as the public sector. of the CCTV that is available. We may have to consider If they are simply taking on what was previously done whether the boundaries specified in the Bill should be by the public sector, and to which FOI legislation would extended. have applied, it would be appropriate for it to apply to private sector organisations now doing that work. I An issue that is closely related to the issues of CCTV welcome the fact that we will preserve trial by jury and and ANPR systems is that of the use of identification that we are restoring such rights. systems in pubs and clubs. Like, I suspect, a number of Members, I took up an offer a couple of weeks ago In the past couple of weeks, we have watched with during special constables week, when we were encouraged astonishment the courage, bravery and thirst for freedom to go out with our local special constables to observe of the Tunisians, Egyptians and Libyans, who have their valuable and committed work. On Friday night I been desperate to embed some of the most basic freedoms spent some time in Sutton high street, visiting pubs and in their societies. We have a more straightforward task. clubs virtually all of which were using systems that We have started the process of restoring some of our captured people’s ID—typically, their driving licences. I most cherished rights in the Protection of Freedoms know that there is significant concern among the police Bill, and will, I hope, continue that process in the about the extent to which any of those systems comply protection of freedoms (No. 2) Bill, which I hope will be with the relevant data protection legislation by ensuring introduced in the second half of this Parliament, and that the data that they capture are secure and are which I would expect to pick up on some of the issues handled in an appropriate manner. I realise that that raised—such as that mentioned by the hon. Member for may be beyond the scope of the Bill, but I think that the Gainsborough on free speech, so that the concerns of Government could usefully consider it. Dr Evan Harris about removing the word “insulting” As for counter-terrorism, Members will know from can be addressed. what I said earlier about stop- and-search powers that I We must maintain the momentum. With freedoms, am pleased that they will be much more tightly defined. we can never afford to stand still; we are always swimming I also welcome the reduction in the maximum period against the current. This Bill demonstrates that the for pre-charge detention from 28 days to 14, although coalition is starting to reverse the tide, and that an organisations such as the Law Society and Liberty want unprecedentedly great rolling back of the state is under way. 245 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 246

8.13 pm Pamela Nash: That is correct. As I have said, I would hope the Scottish Parliament would move more towards Pamela Nash (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab): I want to the current system in England and Wales, rather than highlight my concerns about the Government’s proposals, have us go in the opposite direction as we are doing this which seek to restrict the scope for using DNA to evening. convict dangerous criminals. First however, I shall briefly touch on CCTV, which many of my colleagues have Let us look at the crime figures for 2007-08. Some also mentioned this evening. 17,614 crimes were detected in England and Wales where a DNA match was available. These included Although in doing so I run the risk of receiving an 83 murder and manslaughter cases, and 184 rape cases. avalanche of e-mails by tomorrow morning, I want to Some of these cases have been very high profile. For take this opportunity to say that I have only once been example, Steve Wright, the so-called “Suffolk strangler”, approached by a constituent who was concerned about convicted of murdering five prostitutes in Ipswich, and the level of CCTV coverage in my constituency. That Mark Dixie, jailed for life for killing Sally Anne Bowman, speaks volumes when we take into account the fact that were both identified through DNA samples taken in Airdrie was the first town in Scotland to have open-street relation to other crimes. Without the DNA information CCTV, and that many lists indicate that its centre has a held on these individuals, they may never have been particularly high ratio of such cameras in comparison caught and brought to justice for their horrendous with other Scottish town centres. On the other hand, crimes, and may have gone on to commit even more many constituents have requested the installation of serious offences. I hope that in summing up the Minister CCTV on their streets, to protect them and their neighbours offers an explanation to their victims’ families of why it from crime, vandalism and other antisocial behaviour. is acceptable to change a law to allow criminals such as In fact, we now seem to have an issue with crime being these to escape justice. Equally, had they committed driven into areas that are not covered by CCTV. I their crimes in Scotland, they might, because of the therefore support the expansion of CCTV coverage in more restrictive rules on holding DNA samples, have my constituency. Crime in Airdrie town centre fell by got away with those crimes. 24% in the first two years after the introduction of open-street CCTV. It continues to be supported locally, If the law on the storage of DNA samples were to and is seen to be a great success in reducing crime and change radically, I would have hoped it would happen antisocial behaviour. in the Scottish Parliament. Police in Scotland have made it clear that a new regime that allowed more DNA DNA evidence has proved to be a powerful tool in samples to be retained would increase clear-up rates helping us bring to justice violent criminals and sexual and make the public safer. The Association of Chief offenders. Although I support many of the Bill’s proposals, Police Officers in Scotland has repeatedly called for the I have serious concerns about any change that will make situation in England and Wales to be mirrored in the it much more difficult for the police to catch criminals Scottish judicial system. Labour politicians in Scotland and build cases against them. It was my hope that the agree with them. Of course there should be safeguards Scottish law on DNA storage would move towards that in the system, but we believe police should be given currently in place in England and Wales. However, effective tools to help bring rapists, murderers and other instead I find myself today criticising Government attempts criminals to justice. to restrict the use of DNA, even though the way it is currently used has led to rapists and murderers being Labour MSPs recently proposed an amendment to convicted when they otherwise might not even have the Scottish Government’s Criminal Justice and Licensing been identified. (Scotland) Bill to give police the power to retain for up to six years the DNA of those arrested for, but not As Members may know, there is currently a different convicted of, a crime. From my point of view and that law on DNA retention in Scotland. North of the border, of most Scots, who want the police to be able to catch DNA that is taken as part of a police inquiry is criminals, it was unfortunate that the Scottish National automatically removed if the person concerned is not party Government joined forces with the Conservatives convicted, with the exception that in extreme cases and the Liberal Democrats to stop this. someone charged with a violent or sexual offence but not found guilty can have their details stored for up to It is therefore deeply disappointing to stand here three years. In England and Wales there is currently debating Government plans to restrict further the retention much greater retention of DNA samples by police. At of DNA samples in England and Wales. In some cases present, people charged with, but not convicted of, a retention will be restricted to three years, but in many crime will have their DNA samples held indefinitely. As cases, particularly those involving minor crimes, the a result, several serious crimes have been solved and police will be prevented from storing samples at all. We many more criminals convicted than would otherwise all know that the rate of charging and prosecuting have been the case. Violent and sexual offenders have suspected rapists is very low. The Government’s proposals been brought to justice by virtue of the fact that their in this Bill mean that someone arrested but not charged DNA had been taken during inquiries into previous, with rape—this is what happens in the vast majority of unrelated and often minor offences and then matched up. rape cases—may not have their DNA retained. Under these restrictions several high-profile crimes, including those I mentioned earlier, could have remained unsolved. David T. C. Davies: Is the hon. Lady critical of both It is difficult to understand the Government’s purpose the Government here in Westminster and the Scottish in doing this. It is doubtless about pandering to the Parliament for the changes they are making? The Deputy Prime Minister’s political rhetoric, but it is Government’s changes on DNA will bring them into certainly not based on evidence about what works in the line with what the Scottish Parliament are doing, so I fight against crime and it is certainly not about protecting presume she is critical of both institutions. the liberty of our country. 247 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 248

[Pamela Nash] himself the subject of five Criminal Records Bureau checks, not to mention the innocent man who suddenly I am going to read out a quote and I will then tell finds himself without the right to a trial by jury. Given hon. Members who said it: that the Labour party is so apparently committed to “I have not yet been aware of any innocent person adversely human rights, I find it inexplicable that that state of affected by having their details on the DNA database. Actually, affairs should have ever arisen. Thankfully, we can rather than impinge on freedoms, it enhances our freedoms. The always rely on the electorate to draw the line when their rapists, murderers and other criminals brought to justice by Government lose their grip, and I am greatly reassured DNA—these people being taken off the street enhances my that the coalition Government have been so prompt in freedom. Why on earth the Conservative Party would want to try to take people off the DNA database, Lord only knows.” introducing this Bill. As must be obvious by now, I support its intentions and I would have been voting for Those are not my words but those of the hon. Member it today had the Opposition decided to push for a vote. for Shipley (Philip Davies), who represents the Conservative party, and I could not agree with him more. I urge the I would, however, like to take this opportunity to Government to think again about these plans. We owe it raise a few points of detail with the Minister. Nobody is to the victims of crime and their families to ensure that questioning the fact that DNA can play an invaluable laws that work and that have brought serious criminals role in crime detection, but under Labour a new profile to justice continue to do so. If the Government push was added to the new DNA database every 45 seconds. ahead with this proposal, they should not be surprised Unsurprisingly, the Home Office had to admit that the to find themselves labelled “soft on crime”. Their coalition database contained more than 500,000 false or wrongly partners have always been happy with such a label, but I recorded entries. The new biometric data retention regime am surprised that Conservative Members are allowing proposed in part 1 seems to strike the right balance themselves to be dragged into this nonsense. Freedom between greater proportionality and targeting, while for violent criminals is a sorry price to pay for staying in still protecting the public from those who would commit power. Our freedom is enhanced by violent criminals heinous crimes. That is a great step forward and the being taken off our streets. The Government should regime seems likely to meet the requirements of the bear in mind the fact that being soft on crime achieves European Court of Human Rights ruling. However, I absolutely nothing for anybody’s civil liberties. am unclear why the Government have not chosen to distinguish between an adult and a child who is charged 8.22 pm but not convicted of a serious crime. In general, legislation does make the distinction between the adult and the Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): child. Childhood convictions are considered spent in My hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough (Mr Leigh) half the time of those of adults, childhood lawbreaking is no longer in his place, but I hope he will forgive me for has not been found to be necessarily indicative of future being here in place of my predecessor, and perhaps the behaviour, and the principles of restorative justice are fact that I share his concerns about section 5 of the now commonly associated with youth justice. It would Public Order Act 1986 will act as some consolation. be helpful if the Minister could clarify the decision-making It is a joy to have the opportunity to speak in this process on that point. debate on another coalition move to try to redress the Secondly, except in the specific case of an application current imbalance between security and civil liberties. for extended retention to be heard by the magistrates All Governments must, of course, be fully committed to court with right of appeal for both sides to the Crown public safety and protecting victims of crime, but under Court, I am unclear whether there is a right of appeal to the previous Government far too many of our liberties a judicial or otherwise independent body for individuals were sacrificed in the name of apparent short-term who feel that their biometric data have been retained securities. In too many cases, the previous Government unlawfully or inappropriately. I have no doubt that acted before establishing a causal link between that many colleagues have had the same experience as I have sacrifice and the claimed “greater security”. In the of constituents whose data have been taken and retained absence of the necessary evidence or, in some cases, in error. I even have one constituent who was inaccurately even public debate, actions including the indefinite retention registered as a sex offender for 15 years owing to a of DNA of children never convicted, the creation of clerical error. We cannot overestimate the damage that more than 500 new powers of entry and the careless this sort of error can cause to a person’s life. It is vital scattering of a patchwork of surveillance powers across that a clear route of appeal and system of remedies are the statute book, not to mention the spectre of 90-day available to innocent individuals who get accidentally detention without trial, all left us wondering whether caught up in the system. some members of the previous Government had had a “common sense-ectomy”. Even the Human Rights Act 1998 I am also a little unclear where the new regime will sit cannot make up for the disproportionate and draconian in relation to the Association of Chief Police Officers’ measures that they introduced. guidelines. I am particularly concerned that there should be clarity about the role of the “exceptional case procedure” In that context, I am pleased that the coalition in the new system. As the Minister knows, the guidance Government are living up to their promise to cut back states that an individual’s record will be retained until on the previous Government’s aberrations and to begin that person has attained 100 years of age but it may be restoring the civil liberties that for so long defined removed before this date by way of the exceptional case British democracy. I apologise if that language seems procedure. The guidelines state: hyperbolic, but let us think for a moment about the mother who finds herself being spied on by her local “Chief Officers have the discretion to authorise the deletion of authority because she has said that she lives in a certain any specific data entry on the PNC ‘owned’ by them” school catchment area; the child who needs an iris scan but only to borrow a library book; or the archbishop who finds “in exceptional cases.” 249 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 250

Those might include I could go on and welcome the permanent reduction “cases where the original arrest or sampling was found to be of pre-charge detention to 14 days, the reinstatement of unlawful” the right to trial by jury and the progressive proposals or cases on stop and search without suspicion, but the point is “where it is established beyond doubt that no offence existed”. clear. In large part, the Bill returns the state’s powers to I believe it is helpful for chief officers to have some common-sense levels and signals a significant step forward degree of discretion, especially in relation to scenarios for the civil libertarians among us. The Bill is the answer outlined in the exceptional case procedure. I am anxious to the calls of many in this country, including those who to learn how such circumstances are to be addressed had felt, under the previous Government, that state under the new system. abuse of power had reached a new low, that they had become guilty until proven innocent or that they were Finally, on part 1 of the Bill, I welcome wholeheartedly being forced to make a false choice between democracy the regulation of schools’ retention of biometric data, and security. Of course there is a difficult balance to especially the requirement for the consent of the parents strike between liberty and security, and any adjustments and the child before such data are recorded. I do not need to be made with the utmost care, but there can be understand why schools need to retain these data and I no doubt that in the past decade that balance had tilted was rather shocked by the Library’s estimates that 30% of much too far in the direction of security away from civil secondary schools and 5% of primary schools already liberties. That is why I support the Bill and hope that it use such biometric systems. I would like to see official will mark the end of the Government-sponsored fallacy figures on this issue so that policy in this very sensitive that absolute security can be achieved by the unacceptable area can be made on the basis of evidence. Is the erosion of civil liberties. Minister considering requiring schools to notify the Information Commissioner’s Office if they intend to 8.32 pm hold such data, and if not, will he tell us why not? Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance): Let me start by The surveillance regulation proposals in part 2 are welcoming the broad thrust of the Bill, which contains well overdue. No one challenges the value of well-located, much to commend it. I believe that the protection of targeted surveillance, which has undeniable importance civil liberties, privacy and personal freedoms is incredibly for crime detection and public safety, but there has been important and is a fundamental building block of a an exponential growth of CCTV and automatic number democratic society, but it must be sensitively balanced plate recognition systems, which has for the most part against the need to provide security, safety and public taken place outside formal regulation. The UK now has confidence, which is where the debate hinges. As I said an estimated 5 million to 6 million surveillance systems. in an intervention, I am a volunteer with young people—an The British Security Industry Association claims that adult leader in Girlguiding—and I am particularly interested state-owned CCTV accounts for less than 10% of these in the proposed changes to the vetting and barring and that scheme, on which I shall focus my remarks. “it is the privately owned surveillance systems that provide the I agree entirely with the Home Secretary that we do majority of evidence in prosecutions.” not want to place unnecessary barriers in the way of It would therefore be helpful if the Minister clarified people who wish to volunteer. Many youth organisations how the new code of practice will apply to privately depend almost entirely on people who are willing to owned systems and whether the “relevant authorities” give freely of their time to benefit our young people, mentioned in clause 33 will include private owners and those volunteers often find themselves caught up in whose surveillance systems cover public areas. an incredibly intrusive situation that can be a bureaucratic nightmare and incredibly off-putting. I hope that the Tom Brake: Often, one purpose of CCTV is to provide Home Secretary agrees that our primary concern as we evidence and if a CCTV image is not of the appropriate try to resolve those issues must be the safety and protection quality, it cannot be used as evidence. Does the hon. of young people and vulnerable adults. If there is a Lady agree that some regulation of both public and balance to be struck, the emphasis and greater weight private systems might help in pursuing cases against must be on protecting the vulnerable; it is incredibly criminals? important that we do not lose sight of that. We must therefore proceed with a degree of caution as we try to Nicola Blackwood: I cannot imagine why the change those protections and we should recall the context Government’s understanding where surveillance systems in which they were introduced. The earlier comments of are held and who holds them could in any way limit the the right hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw) greatly improvement of justice in this country. assisted us in recalling some of the incidents that led to I also welcome the proposals in part 3 to insert the introduction of the protections, their very serious judicial oversight in relation to the Regulation of nature and the public outcry that surrounded them Investigatory Powers Act 2000. This is an excellent start when people felt that children were not being adequately in reforming the confusing jumble of legislation dealing protected from predatory adults. with access to communications data. However, we have Although no one would question the need to redress some way to go before we have a system which tightly the balance, given that the pendulum has swung almost defines the reasons for which access can be granted—a too far in one direction, we need to be careful not to particularly vague example of which is take it too far in the other direction, but instead try to “the economic well-being of the United Kingdom”— find some sensible balance. Most people would welcome and which offers a straightforward legislative framework simplification of the system—for example, a system of so that not only the bodies that use surveillance powers vetting and barring that would allow clearance in one but the citizens who may be subject to them can clearly role to be carried forward into other roles, rather than understand their rights and responsibilities. repeated checks being carried out on the same individual. 251 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 252

[Naomi Long] He is right. That is why the Bill is so welcome, trimming away, as it does, some of the vast undergrowth of However, if that is to happen, the detail of the Bill poses legislation that has undermined our traditional liberties. a challenge. People would still be checked only for the DNA retention, CCTV, wheel clamping, vetting and immediate role that they would be fulfilling and would barring have all become synonyms for the erosion of not be able to carry those checks with them. That has freedoms, and most people will be glad to see the Bill not been addressed, but it is important to people who tackle them head on. However, there is something else work with young children. that concerns a wide cross-section of the general public One of my concerns arising from reading the Bill is and, sadly, has not been addressed in the Bill: the way that if someone working in a non-regulated activity freedom of speech has been undermined by what we might displays behaviour that would cause concern—behaviour call over-enthusiastic policing. It is often generated by which, were that activity regulated, could lead to their the pressures of political correctness and causes officers being barred—it is not clear that that would trigger a to overreact to situations when no harm is being caused. referral to the Independent Safeguard Authority or to To voice one’s opinion without fear of punishment or barring. My concern is that that individual could later censorship is a fundamental human right. Without it, move into a regulated activity, and young people would political action and resistance to injustice and oppression be left vulnerable. are impossible. It is a precious right, and we must not A further area of concern to me is the treatment of allow it to be undermined. Several pieces of legislation 16 and 17-year-olds in the context of the Bill. The have been suggested for amendments to improve free changes proposed appear to remove some of the protections speech, but I want to focus, as did my hon. Friend the afforded to 16 and 17-year-olds in matters of sport, Member for Gainsborough (Mr Leigh), on section 5 of faith and education. The young people with whom I the Public Order Act 1986, which outlaws threatening, work directly are aged 14 to 25 and therefore include abusive or insulting words if they are likely to cause that group. Despite the fact that they are entering distress. adulthood, they are still young and vulnerable and they As we have heard, section 5 has been at the heart of still require protection as children. They appear to fall several high-profile cases in recent years. Liberty wisely into some kind of gap between regulated activity for took up the cause of a 16-year-old protester who was children and the vulnerable adults provision in the Bill. given a court summons by police for holding a placard I seek reassurance from the Home Secretary that that outside a Scientology centre stating, “Scientology is not grey area will be clarified. We do not want children of a religion, it is a dangerous cult”. The boy claims that 16 or 17 to become easier prey for predatory adults. police told him that he could not use the word “cult”. Finally, I want to examine the relationship between City of London police gave him the court summons the Bill and what will happen in Northern Ireland. At and confiscated his placard after he refused to take it present, with respect to vetting and barring schemes, down. They referred to the Crown Prosecution Service England, Wales and Northern Ireland operate within a an allegation that the sign was “abusive or insulting”. single framework. The reforms set out in the Bill are not When Liberty took up the issue, there was widespread proposed to be extended to Northern Ireland. The mix criticism and the CPS dropped the case. As my hon. of responsibilities between the Department of Justice Friend the Member for Gainsborough has said, the and the Department of Health, Social Services and defence of the existing law has been that guidance can Public Safety would largely cover the areas encompassed be given to the police, but it did not work and has not by the vetting and barring scheme. It would be a matter worked in a number of cases. for the Executive and the Assembly whether or not to Dale Mcalpine, a Christian street preacher, was arrested extend that to Northern Ireland by a legislative consent in Cumbria for answering a question from a police motion or an Assembly Bill, if they choose to do it. community support officer about his views on sexual However, there is significant merit in the Home Office ethics. He said that the Bible described homosexual pursuing with the devolved Administration every conduct as a sin. He was arrested and detained by opportunity to maintain the common approach that police for nearly eight hours. Even the president of the currently exists, as that is one way to maximise protection National Secular Society has said that the police response for young people throughout the country. We would not was ridiculous and over the top. I find myself in agreement want to see the protection reduced, and the Assembly with the renowned campaigner, Peter Tatchell, who would have the right, if it considered that the Bill would said: reduce protection, to go its own way on these matters. “If offending others is accepted as a basis for prosecution, During the Bill’s Committee stage and beyond, it is most of the population of the UK would end up in court.” important for the Home Office to listen carefully to the He is quite right. concerns that are raised and to work closely with the devolved Administrations so that we can achieve a In a similar case, another street preacher, Anthony UK-wide consensus on this serious issue and maintain Rollins, was arrested, handcuffed and kept in a police the common framework that has served us well. cell for four hours after a passer-by was offended by him reciting a biblical list of those who would not 8.38 pm inherit the kingdom of God. I am a Christian, and personally I might not agree with that method of John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): One of the beliefs that evangelism, but the idea that someone can be arrested unites Conservatives and Liberal Democrats is that the for reading from the Bible in public is very worrying. past 13 years of Labour Government saw a squeeze on Once again, the guidance from the Association of Chief civil liberties. The Leader of the Opposition admitted Police Officers did not work. Mr Rollins got help from a that the Labour Government were Christian campaign group, the charges against him “too draconian on aspects of our civil liberties”. were dropped and they helped him bring a legal action 253 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 254 against the police. The court decided that Mr Rollins’ 8.48 pm right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech had been breached, that he had been wrongfully arrested, Priti Patel (Witham) (Con): It is a pleasure to follow had suffered assault and battery by being handcuffed my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury (John Glen). and had been unlawfully detained. However, the police I shall focus on certain aspects of the Bill, some of are appealing against that ruling. Despite everything, which have already been covered, but the pertinent West Midlands police think that section 5 of the 1986 point about freedom of speech has not been lost on the Act allows them to arrest street preachers for reciting House or, no doubt, the Minister. My hon. Friend the Bible. Clearly, the police have difficulty applying the certainly made that point very well. law and the guidance that the Home Office says should I welcome the Bill not only because of the measures deal with the problem. that it introduces, but because it is another demonstration As my hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough of the Government’s commitment to reversing the said, some cases are just plain ridiculous, and it is intrusiveness of Labour’s big-state, big-government astonishing that the police waste time with them. In approach to running the country. As right hon. and 2006, demonstrators in Worcester protested against seal hon. Members know, the more the state does and the culling by using toy seals coloured with red food dye—a larger the state is, the more powers it inevitably takes harmless way of making a point. They were, however, away from individuals and the more control it exercises threatened with arrest and the seizure of their property over the public. This legislation sits alongside other under section 5. The police told them that the toys were Government Bills in taking away powers and control deemed distressing by two members of the public, and from politicians and bureaucrats and restoring them to they ordered them to move on. Ridiculous. the people. I think that that is welcome. It is also a As the grandson of a police officer, I feel sorry for the hallmark of a Government who trust people and respect police. They have to make extremely tough decisions the majority of the law-abiding public instead of day in, day out, and often under the most extreme automatically treating everyone with a degree of suspicion. pressure. They are criticised by all sides for being too By contrast, for 13 years the British people not only had rough, too soft, insensitive or over-sensitive. They just to put up with the previous Government’s “nanny cannot win, and the media rarely give them a break. I knows best” attitude but had to face the burdens of a do not want to run down the police. I want to focus on Government who were prepared to ride roughshod over what we as legislators can do to avoid putting them in civil liberties. the situation where they have to decide whether a complaint Part 1 of the Bill deals with powers of entry. Despite from someone who feels insulted should result in an arrest. their claims to support and promote human rights, the previous Government seemed to neglect the rights of Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): My individuals to enjoy a private life. It is obscene that the hon. Friend is making an important and strong case. Is state can exercise some 1,200 different types of powers he aware that, before he became a Member, whom we of entry, with an estimated 20,000—this is probably a welcome, the House was occupied with debates about conservative figure—unaccountable town hall officials public order, particularly when dealing with cases of having the right to enter private property without a homophobic hatred? Many examples were cited and warrant. There are powers to check anything from the many concerns were expressed about application in that height of hedges, to plant passports, to the energy case. Such examples lend themselves to the issue of ratings on people’s refrigerators, and even, bizarrely, section 5 and its wide interpretation and the need for us households containing dancing bears without a permit. to take a proper, thorough look at it. This is an important This system has been left unchecked for far too long opportunity to do so. and has expanded to erode people’s freedoms. I therefore John Glen: I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s welcome the new measures in the Bill to enable Ministers intervention. He makes a powerful point and underscores to review the powers of entry and then repeal those that the fact that this Bill should take account of that are absolutely unnecessary or inappropriate, or to include anomaly. It is unfortunate that it does not. the relevant safeguards. Having such powers on the statute book and open to abuse not only represents an We have to ask ourselves, “Should the law really attack on people’s privacy and freedoms but undermines criminalise insulting words?” Surely insult is in the eye the occasions when there may be a genuine need for of the beholder, so how can the police be expected to powers of entry to be exercised. regulate that? Abusive behaviour is clear cut: we all know it when we see it, and it is right that the law Part 2 covers surveillance and CCTV. We hear about addresses it. Threatening behaviour is absolutely bin inspectors going through people’s rubbish, CCTV unacceptable, and we need laws to tackle it. But “insulting”? cameras pointing at people’s homes and being utterly What would debate be like in this Chamber if an hon. intrusive, councils using powers designed to prevent Member could be silenced by an allegation from another terrorism to snoop on people, and other frivolous acts hon. Member that he felt insulted by what was said? of espionage on the private lives of our constituents. In July last year my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister told us that this Bill would Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): Part of the hon. Lady’s “protect hard-won liberties and repeal unnecessary laws”. constituency includes the borough of Colchester. Does The Government have made a good start, but they she accept from me that there is a code of practice for should seize the opportunity that the Bill presents to the CCTV security cameras in Colchester town centre bolster freedom of expression by removing “insulting” that prevents any of the intrusions that she is talking from section 5 of the 1986 Act. There will be freedom about? Only public areas and public buildings are covered, from wheel clampers, but no freedom of speech. It does not private dwellings, which is particularly important not make sense. where we have residences in town centres. 255 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 256

Priti Patel: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his comments. everybody with a degree of suspicion and almost like I absolutely agree. This shows not only the extent to criminals than with protecting children and vulnerable which we need the Bill but the extent to which some of groups. these powers have got out of control. CCTV must be focused on the correct areas and used in the right way. Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): I am grateful to my In relation to CCTV and many of the other areas hon. Friend for raising this issue, and I think there is covered in the Bill, the state has gone too far and has another element to it. Too many employers seem to too many intrusive powers. It is shameful that the UK is think that because CRB checks are made, they do not now regarded as the only endemic surveillance society have to make checks themselves. We must be alert to in Europe, placing us alongside China, Russia and that danger. Malaysia. Priti Patel: I agree absolutely on that point. There is Although there will often be a fine line between the no doubt that this issue needs some rebalancing and need, on one hand, to protect the freedom and privacy some common sense. This system has had a devastating of individuals and, on the other, to curtail those protections impact on people who have been wrongly referenced. for the benefit of the wider public interest, I welcome There should be a more proportionate approach. Hopefully the new safeguards on liberty in the Bill, rebalancing the mistakes will be reduced as well. I want to see the law in favour of our freedoms. It creates standards measures that protect the vulnerable and our children. for the use of CCTV through a code of practice and a This Bill is a step in the right direction and it is a surveillance camera commissioner, and that provides proportionate response in this area. more transparency and accountability, which is to be welcomed. I look forward to reading the commissioner’s 8.58 pm report in due course and seeing where local authorities, David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): We have in particular, and other organisations are in breach of heard from many people on the Government and the code and, in effect, wasting taxpayers’ money by Opposition Benches for whom I have the utmost respect, being far too over-zealous in their surveillance activities. including from my hon. Friend the Member for Witham However, I also believe that CCTV has a very important (Priti Patel). However, I do not share the enthusiasm of role to play in the fight against crime, and these measures all Government Members for all aspects of the Bill. have the potential to strengthen the effectiveness of its There are many parts with which I heartily agree, and use. Can the Minister therefore give an assurance that we have heard a few examples of areas where the the code will also recognise the benefits of some key current legislation has gone wrong. and vital uses of CCTV? Perhaps that can be done Years ago, I was involved in a case in the Welsh under clause 29(3)(a), which relates to the provisions in Assembly in which a bus driver who worked for a the code about company that undertook school bus runs was told that “whether to use surveillance camera systems”. he may lose his job because 20 years previously he had In the commissioner’s report, perhaps the details on incurred a minor conviction for shoplifting or a drink-related best practice could include how CCTV is being used offence at the age of 19. For 20 years, he had lived a effectively to detect and prevent crime. perfectly good life and suddenly he was about to lose his I also say to the Minister that my constituents obviously job over that minor offence. Clearly, such examples are do not want to move away from the use of CCTV to the totally and utterly disproportionate and I hope that we point of being overly cautious and fearful of using the will do something about them. technology.We have heard examples from the constituencies I am less keen when I hear people talking about a of many right hon. and hon. Members. I trust that, in police state. I declare an interest as a serving special drawing up the code, the Minister will take these points constable in the British Transport police. I assure Members into account. On Friday, when I meet Witham Industrial that when I go out it does not look like a police state. I Watch, a group of businesses that has come together to have conducted many section 44 stop-and-searches, and introduce CCTV across Witham’s various industrial I do not recognise the descriptions that have been given. estates, it will want an assurance on this matter. In I would challenge the hon. Member for Carshalton and particular, it will want to hear that we will not create Wallington (Tom Brake), who is not currently in his unnecessary burdens on businesses or small shopkeepers place, to ask the gentleman who says that he was who use CCTV in the right way to protect their business stopped and searched every time he stepped out on the interests, staff and property from theft, damage and streets of London to produce the written evidence. attack. Written evidence there most definitely will be, because Finally, I congratulate the Government on the provisions every stop and search of that nature required about 20 to restore common sense to the vetting and barring minutes of paperwork. system. We have heard a great deal about that aspect of One problem with section 44 stop-and-searches was the Bill in this debate. I am interested in this matter in that they were carried out entirely at random and were relation to volunteering, engagement and participation never actually picking people up. The police officers in our communities. We have heard endlessly, for years themselves were not enthusiastic about doing them, and years, about the additional cost and bureaucracy of because they knew that they would annoy a member of the system, and about how it prevents people from the public who was probably not doing anything at all, participating in our communities. In my view, that is a incur at least 20 minutes of paperwork and be most bad thing. Change is long overdue to bring back some unlikely to get anyone for anything. common sense. I have heard the various views this Section 44 is going, which is fine, but the Government evening and although we should never water down ought to consider the fact that the other stop-and-search safeguards and protections, I think that the previous legislation is not adequate to catch people who are system—Labour’s system—had more to do with treating clearly breaking the law. For example, on many occasions— 257 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 258

I assure Members that I mean many, many occasions—I The issue of previous criminal records brings me to have stopped people for committing offences that were that of DNA, on which I have some sympathy with never going to be arrestable. The first thing that a police Opposition Members. I do not think that there was officer does in that situation is to check whether the anything fundamentally wrong in collecting people’s person in question is known to the police for anything DNA. I have done it myself, and I will be quite honest and whether they have a previous record. Very often it in saying that I am not sure that the Government have turns out that they do, and that there are warning got it right. I asked the Home Secretary earlier whether markers indicating that they regularly carry knives, she accepted that, as a result of the change, people who guns, drugs or other illegal paraphernalia. had committed crimes would be able to get away with it. At that point, faced with somebody who has committed She said that that was not true. I have the utmost an offence that will not get them arrested—perhaps respect for her, but I am very direct and I must say that I begging or abusive language—but who regularly carries do not believe that and cannot accept it. guns, knives or drugs, one would think that the officer We see in the Bill that the Government have decided would have the power to search them, but they do not. that anyone who is arrested for specific types of offences— Unless the police office can actually see the knife or terrorism, drugs, violence, rape and that sort of thing—will drugs sticking out of a pocket, there are no powers to have their DNA kept indefinitely if they have a previous search somebody. The officer cannot take account of a recorded offence. The Government recognise that keeping person’s previous record. If we are going to get rid of people’s DNA is useful when they have been arrested section 44 stop-and-search powers, which is absolutely for offences such as murder, rape, violence or terrorism fine, we should at the same time ensure that people who even if they are not convicted, which I welcome. However, are likely to commit offences or carry illegal apparatus it surely follows, therefore, that DNA can also be useful can be properly searched. in respect of less serious offences, such as burglary or We need to let the police know that when they see taking a vehicle without consent. We should make it people acting suspiciously, they will still the have the clear to members of the public that we are increasing power to stop and search. A lot of police officers, their rights and liberties, but that there is a cost—that is myself included, having undergone courses such as the obvious, and we should be honest about it. One cost is behaviour spotting one—it is called BASS, but I will that some burglars and car thieves will not be caught. not bore Members with the details of what that means. It is about spotting people behaving in a suspicious Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con): Does my hon. Friend fashion. Many police officers I have spoken to still feel agree that the Bill is about striking a balance between uneasy about simply going up to somebody to stop and maintaining law and order and ensuring that crimes are search them, even if they have been displaying obvious properly investigated, and maintaining civil liberties signs of acting in a manner that is likely to mean they and ensuring that we do not live in the sort of society in were about to commit an offence. which people who are completely exonerated of the Members of the public might feel that the police are smallest misdemeanour find that their DNA is kept for for ever stopping and searching them—every time they ever or even for a considerable period? The previous go out on the streets of London, according to one Government got that balance wrong, and this one are Member—but police officers actually feel very nervous putting it right. about going up to people to stop and search them. They feel that they are likely to get complaints if they do so. I David T. C. Davies: One’s DNA might be kept for a hope that my hon. Friend the Minister will think about long time, but that would be irrelevant if one did not go that. I have tabled amendments in the past suggesting out and commit another offence. If one did, one would that officers should be able to take account of somebody’s be arrested. previous criminal record in deciding whether to conduct a stop-and-search, but I have not succeeded thus far. I I agree, however, with my hon. Friend’s general point do not know whether I have any more chance under the on the balance. The previous Government may have got current Government than under the previous one—I it wrong—they have accepted as much—but we should suspect possibly not. also look at the context in which they took some of their decisions. The terrible tube bombings in 2005 Tom Brake: The hon. Gentleman has referred to me caused people to think long and hard about it, and both since I came back into the Chamber and, I understand, perhaps it always changes. To be philosophical for a while I was not here. I would be very happy to introduce moment, would my hon. Friend rather live in a failed him to the baroness in question at the other end of the state where there is no police presence or law and order building, who will explain to him precisely what her whatever, or in a rather unpleasant dictatorship of the son-in-law experienced. Then he will be able to make his sort that we currently see falling in north Africa? Although own judgment. that is not an easy choice, most people would rather live David T. C. Davies: I would be delighted. I believe the under Mubarak in Egypt than under whatever passes hon. Gentleman said that every time that baroness’s for a Government in Somalia, because at the end of the son-in-law set foot on the streets of London, he was day, security is one of the most important things that stopped and searched. The first thing that I would ask people have—without it, we have nothing. him would be, “Did you ask for the copies of the pink The only general complaint that I have heard about slips that have to be lodged every time you are stopped CCTV and surveillance cameras is that there are not and searched?” If he was stopped and searched there enough of them, but I accept that the police and some will be a record of it, and we should be able to prove local authorities have recorded people inappropriately. whether that happened every time he set foot on the The police have a great deal of paperwork to fill out streets of London. I look forward to pursuing the before they can use surveillance cameras on people, but matter. I am not sure about local authorities. 259 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 260

[David T. C. Davies] 9.11 pm Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): I shall support the The stringent new rules will presumably stop the Second Reading of the Protection of Freedoms Bill, police from targeting criminals and local authorities although I hope that some of the reservations I am from targeting the ubiquitous karate instructor who about to express will be taken note of in Committee. claims disability benefits, but will they apply to newspaper There are at least two unintended consequences in the editors? This is a serious point. As I said, men who have Bill concerning not so much the protection of freedoms had consensual sexual relationships with other men will for the law-abiding, but which will make life so much no longer have to declare that as an offence—and quite better for two categories of antisocial people. The first rightly; that is one of the many measures in the Bill with are those who park illegally on other people’s property, which I agree. However, what if a newspaper surreptitiously and the second are those who cause undue misery with films people having consensual sex, and because they late-night parties and so on. I cannot believe that there are in the public eye, publishes the details and puts the is a single Member here who has not had casework from film on the internet? I suggest that if anyone else tried to constituents complaining about late-night noise or antisocial do that in any capacity, they would quite rightly find noise on summer afternoons. If the Bill passes as proposed, that they had breached a law—yet newspapers get away with its subsections and so on, I regret to say that it will with it. Will the Home Secretary assure us that, in be an open invitation for the antisocial noise people to future, newspapers will have to abide by the same codes up their game in the confident knowledge that local and laws that are and will be applied to local authorities authorities will have fewer powers at their disposal to that are looking for benefit cheats or police officers who deal with them. are looking for criminals? Benefits cheats and criminals should be targeted far more stringently than footballers I will, however, begin with the wheel-clamping provision, who have slept with somebody to whom they are not which has been added to the Bill because—I think—it married. was here to have things added to it. I am not here to I have one final point on that. I notice that some sort defend the rogue firms of wheel-clampers. I do not of ombudsman or commissioner will be responsible for think that anyone in the Chamber is prepared to speak ensuring that the rules on surveillance cameras are up for those cowboys, although I always think that to applied, but they will have no powers. They will have the describe them as that is an insult to cowboys. Nevertheless, ability to say, “I think that that was wrong”, but they there are companies and individuals who have abused will not have the ability to do anything about it. However, the wheel clamp, which used correctly and in the right they will have a salary of £250,000 a year. That is way is a tool that helps the law-abiding. extraordinary, given that Members of Parliament have The Minister for Equalities started this debate on been told to change the law to ensure that we do not get 17 August last year. I have raised the matter on the any salary increase at all. We are being paid £65,000 a Floor of the House before and spoken to her, so I am year, and if it is good enough for us, it should be good not saying anything that will come as a surprise. She enough for whoever is put in charge of this rather announced that the freedom Bill would provide for an toothless surveillance camera body. I would like an outright ban on clamping on private land, where it is assurance from the Government that we are not putting carried out by private companies. I can just about through a Bill that will get rid of a lot of quangos only understand that if the private land is a commercial to create a job that will pay £250,000 a year. Mind you, property, but I am not sure about the idea when applied there will be quite a few MPs looking for jobs in four to private land owned by individual householders. At years, so perhaps one of us will be the lucky one who the moment, the Bill proposes that if somebody parked gets the £250,000 salary. in the Minister’s drive, he would be restricted in the Last but not least, a few people have got the wrong action that he could take to deal with the problem. idea about the police. I know that you might think that I I want to quote the case of the Balkerne Heights am a bit biased—not you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I residential area, which is right next to a multi-storey car forget the correct use of language or terminology.However, park on the edge of Colchester town centre. The communal I am sure that most people will understand that the parking for the area’s housing became a magnet for police have a very difficult job to do. One hon. Member illegal parking by late-night revellers, weekend shoppers went out with protesters during the G20 riots. I was out and so on. The notion that polite requests not to park in with the police the day before. I turned up for duty on people’s private parking areas will be acceded to is a the day, but spent most of my time sat in a police little optimistic. The people causing the problem generally station, drinking tea and watching the events unfold on responded with certain words, the second of which was Sky—such is the way when we sign up for these things. “off”. The only way that those parking abuses were However, I went out the night before, and I was threatened dealt with was through the introduction of the wheel by people. I knew that the police were outnumbered and clamp. I would say that the Minister’s front drive is felt very threatened. Police officers are human like exactly the same as the communal parking area of everybody else. They get scared when confronted by people living in flats or communal housing. It is their people, when they are outnumbered 10 to one and when drive: it is where they park their cars. people are throwing iron bars and trying to attack them, and I think that we should show a little bit more Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): Looking understanding when we talk about a police state, and at the Bill, it is clear that people will be able to close realise that the police are very often the victims of their gates and stop somebody removing a car that way. crime, yet also end up as the people about whom There is implied consent to allowing a restriction under complaints are made. I hope that everybody in the clause 54(3)(a), and if the case is broader than that, the House recognises the very difficult job that the vast people or the commercial organisation involved can majority of them do courageously and well. 261 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 262 apply to the council to come and do the clamping for As an aside, I would like to make an important them. I think the problem that my hon. Friend is observation as the former chairman of the all-party worried about is covered. parliamentary group on noise reduction. I wish that the Bob Russell: I hope that my hon. Friend is correct in coalition Government would introduce regulations to his understanding, but that has to be spelt out in the require greater noise insulation in new house building. Bill, because it is not my understanding. If he is right, A lot of attention is paid to heat retention in such no problem; but if I am right, there is a problem. That is buildings, but nothing is done about noise elimination. exactly the sort of thing that needs to be fleshed out and Perhaps another Government Department could pick firmly written down, because clause 54(3)(a) refers to that one up. cases where It has been suggested that the Bill has been prompted “there is express or implied consent by the driver of the vehicle to by claims in the popular press of unjustified snooping restricting its movement by a fixed barrier”. by local authorities, because it contains provisions to Whether the barrier is up or down is irrelevant. Currently, restrict the surveillance activities of those authorities by the local planning authority may well refuse an application inserting additional tests into the Regulation of Investigatory to start erecting barriers in carefully designed new housing Powers Act. One such test would require authorisations areas, with landscaped grounds and all the rest of it, but given by senior local authority officers to be approved, if the Bill goes ahead, they will have to erect barriers to in addition, by a magistrate. That would make the meet the very point that has quite rightly been made. process of authorisation more time consuming, and it Those are the unintended consequences. would make things harder for increasingly stretched I would argue that if residents living on a private authorities—not least at night, when most complaints housing estate with their own private communal parking of this nature are made. The likely outcome of the areas wish to put a wheel clamp on, why can they not do proposal is that many fewer noise complaints would be so? It is an extraordinary state of affairs when the investigated. coalition Government are putting forward a Bill with a clause that would give more rights to the illegal parker Anna Soubry: Does the hon. Gentleman agree that than the person who owns the land where the car is such matters are not the domain of local authorities? illegally parked. The notion that residents could run off The last Government made a big mistake when they to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency or whoever mixed up the role of the police with the civil functions else to get fines paid, and all the rest of it, is fanciful. of local authorities. I suggest that problems of noisy Therefore, with the greatest of respect, what I would say neighbours holding late-night parties are the domain of is that more work needs to be done on that one. the police, not the local authority. The House of Commons Library has produced some Bob Russell: I do not think that I can agree with the excellent research—as ever, by the way—on the Bill. If hon. Lady on that. We are talking about authority in its Members who have the briefing would care to look at broadest sense, whether it involves the police, the local pages 26 through to 28, they will realise that the authors authority or whoever. The public are entitled to live in of the Bill need to dot a few i’s and cross a few t’s in peace, and if their peace is disrupted, the matter could Committee, because—I repeat—what we have at the be dealt with by the police or by the local authority. The moment is an opportunity for those who want to park two working in concert would be the best way; that has illegally in other people’s private, communal, residential always been the way in which I have approached these parking areas to do so almost with impunity. Under a issues. heading entitled “The Bill’s provisions”, the research paper tells us: The Bill proposes a further test that the crime that is “The Government had not previously indicated that there to be prevented or detected should carry a minimum would be any parking-related measures in the Bill, or in fact that prison sentence. Noise offences do not, however, carry it was planning to make any changes to parking regulation at all.” custodial sentences, and the effect of the provision Therefore, those provisions have been bolted on. People would be to remove that ground for authorising surveillance. who live in town centres have the advantages of the This matter needs to be thrashed out in Committee, town city, but sometimes one of the disadvantages is because the RIPA was never intended to deal with people coming into town, not parking where they should problems such as these. At a time when local authorities and abusing other people’s private parking areas. I ask are shedding significant numbers of officers, they will the Minister to address that issue in Committee. I need to become more efficient in order to maintain understand the need to tackle rogue wheel-clamping services. I have no argument with that, but barriers to firms, but, with the greatest respect, I think that private achieving that will need to be removed, rather than new home owners should have the right to use wheel clamps ones being erected. When there is no evidence that noise on vehicles parked on their private property, whether it investigations are being carried out inappropriately, is a private drive or a communal parking area. additional controls are neither justified nor in the public The second unintended consequence of the Bill relates interest. I suggest that we should take the opportunity to those people whom we all love and who delight in in Committee to remove them from the ambit of the causing problems for their neighbours by, among other RIPA altogether. things, having all-night parties. Chapter 2 of the Bill I am sure that many of us will have read the letter in covers safeguards for certain surveillance under the The Times yesterday from Mr Howard Price, the principal Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. I am policy officer of the Chartered Institute of Environmental grateful to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health—[Interruption.] Well, Members are going to Health for drawing my attention to the serious consequences hear it now. It says: of these provisions. There cannot be a Member here “The Protection of Freedoms Bill is about to receive its second tonight who has not been contacted by constituents as a reading. It contains provisions to amend the Regulation of result of noisy antisocial neighbours. Investigatory Power Act… to limit the surveillance activity of 263 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 264

[Bob Russell] often throws up one or two of the unfortunate aspects of the manner in which Governments—and the coalition local authorities by requiring authorisations made by senior Government in particular—operate. The memorandum officers to be approved in addition by magistrates. Hundreds of says: thousands of neighbour noise complaints are made to local “This is a human rights enhancing Bill.” authorities each year. Listening to such noise in the course of investigation amounts to ‘surveillance’ under the Act and arguably No, it is not; it is a European Court of Human Rights requires authorisation. The Bill will make that more time-consuming enhancing Bill. I refer to cases such as the S. and and harder for authorities to obtain, especially at night when Marper case which related to the retention of fingerprints most complaints are made. Complaints will go unanswered. RIPA and biometric data. I would like to see such matters was never intended to apply to this activity. It will be a further properly dealt with in legislation, and the same applies unintended consequence if this Bill protects the freedom of noise-makers over that of householders wanting only a peaceful to the stop-and-search provisions, to which the Gillan night’s sleep. Noise investigations should be excluded”— and Quinton case relates. Why can we not legislate on our terms in this House? Why must we subject the Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. House to legislating to implement the rulings of the The hon. Gentleman may provide us with a quotation, European Court of Human Rights, when we have no but I do not think we need him to read out the entire reason whatever for not legislating on our terms? Putting letter. He can make his point quite succinctly now, as we it in statute form means that the matter goes to our still have a few more speakers wanting to contribute. courts on an interpretation of that legislation. Then, in the interpretation of the legislation, our own courts, Bob Russell: I am grateful, Madam Deputy Speaker. I either at first instance or more likely in the Supreme accept what you have said and I shall now sit down as I Court, apply the European jurisprudence. had fewer than 10 more words to go. I remind the House of a point that I have tried to make in debates over a long period and of a speech by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, who said that we 9.26 pm must beware of the manner in which our legislation is Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): I fear that the expression being subjugated to Strasbourg decisions. He warned “Protection of Freedoms Bill” is not really what is on the judges, “Brothers and sisters, beware of applying the tin, as we say. People might think that the Bill the decisions of the Strasbourg court.” [Laughter.] protects freedom, but I am afraid to say that it does Brothers and sisters, comrades. many things that are not apparent in its provisions. In The manner in which the implementation will happen particular, one of the greatest freedoms we need to is a form of Trojan horse. I would want to see many of protect is the right to decide our own laws and, indeed, the problems that the Bill raises dealt with by legislation, to ensure that the judiciary complies with the will of to ensure that people were not unfairly stopped and Parliament. Unfortunately, on close examination, I found searched or that children got the proper protection. that the Bill’s content is to do with the upholding of However, it should not be done through this vehicle. By European Court rulings. That is where the problem lies not eliminating the European convention on human and I fear that some hon. Members may have missed rights and the Human Rights Act formula, we give the wood for the trees. The Bill is the Protection of ourselves over increasingly to the Europeanisation of Freedoms Bill, but it would be far better to describe it as our law-making and the judicial claims made in the the “Subjection to European Rulings Bill”, as one case Supreme Court at the expense of the House. Effectively, after another simply endorses decisions taken by the we are digging our own grave. European Court. By that, I mean the European Court At the same time, I hear and read that the Government of Human Rights in particular. are becoming more “Eurosceptic”—I do not know what We recently debated the rights of prisoners to vote, that word means; Eurorealist is much more to the point. and the result of the Division on the motion was 222 to 15. Unfortunately, I could not be here. I am sorry to Ms Louise Bagshawe (Corby) (Con): Is my hon. have to admit this, but I was working as Chairman of Friend not in danger slightly of over-egging the pudding? my Select Committee in Budapest. However, I thoroughly I share many of his concerns about European law, but endorse what was said in the course of that debate on does the Bill not attempt to address some domestic prisoners’ votes, but there is no reference to prisoners’ injustices, and should we not support such a step in the votes in the Bill. The Bill has skipped that one; it is right direction? waiting for another occasion. The reason is quite simple: the coalition Government know that idea of including Mr Cash: As I said, I am extremely glad that many of prisoners’ votes as one of the freedoms in this Bill the provisions are being dealt with, as they needed to be would be catastrophic for them. That is not to say that dealt with, but not in this manner. Notwithstanding the we should endorse the Bill’s reference to other European Human Rights Act, if it was done as my Bill on terrorism Court rulings contained in the provisions, but not set will provide, for example, we could preserve habeas out in the Bill. Unless hon. Members have read much of corpus and avoid all the difficulties that have arisen in the background material and case law, it is impossible relation to control orders and pre-charge detentions, on for them to know exactly how much this Bill offends the our terms. That is the way we should be going, but that principle endorsed by this House by 222 votes to 15. is for another day. Let me provide some examples. Given that we have The Bill takes us in the wrong direction. As I said in only recently come back after a recess, I doubt whether an intervention on the Home Secretary about powers of people have had a chance to read the Home Office entry, the Library note states that memorandum on the Bill, and some may be more “around one third of these powers of entry derive from regulations interested in its detail than others. I find that detail made under the European Communities Act 1972.” 265 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 266

The Home Secretary said it was important for us to get This is therefore about an attitude of mind: it is about rid of many of the 1,272 powers of entry, but, as I there being a determination to go down a certain route, pointed out to her then, it is essential for us to get rid of irrespective of the consequences for how we in this the regulations made under the European Communities House legislate. I therefore simply say that I think there Act 1972 as well. I think she would have accepted that, are many good reasons for adapting some of the provisions had it not been for the existence of a rather considerable that are currently on the statute book, but the key is problem: we cannot get rid of the regulations made how we do it. The crucial point is that if we do it the under the 1972 Act without expressly providing in the wrong way, all we will end up doing is reducing the right legislation that, notwithstanding the Act, we should act of this House to legislate for itself. in that way. There is an element of what I would not 9.40 pm describe as hypocrisy, but would certainly describe as contradiction, in the principle behind the Bill. Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): We have had a very I could give many other instances of overlap with the lively debate, and I hope Members will forgive me if I European Court of Human Rights, but I shall merely cannot respond to every point that was made. We heard observe that I think it extremely unfortunate that this is from the hon. Member for Gainsborough (Mr Leigh), being sold as the Protection of Freedoms Bill when, for my right hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn practical purposes, it is taking us further and deeper (Mr Straw), the hon. Members for Dartford (Gareth into European integration. I say that without really Johnson) and for Strangford (Jim Shannon), my hon. wanting to have to say it. It would be easy to step back Friend the Member for Airdrie and Shotts (Pamela and say, as my hon. Friend the Member for Corby Nash), the hon. Members for Oxford West and Abingdon (Ms Bagshawe) said just now, that it does some good. (Nicola Blackwood), for Belfast East (Naomi Long), Indeed, I have heard many Members say that there is a for Salisbury (John Glen), for Witham (Priti Patel), for great deal of good in it. However, as I said to the Home Monmouth (David T. C. Davies) and for Colchester Secretary earlier, although there may be good intentions (Bob Russell) and, last but not least, the hon. Member behind it, we must ask ourselves what kind of law we for Stone (Mr Cash). The question I ask myself, however, want in this country. is: where is the Deputy Prime Minister? We were told that sweeping away all these measures was going to be When the Supreme Court speaks of the rule of law, I his big achievement in government. Having heard all ask yet again: which law, and who will enforce it? We the rhetoric, I was expecting to see the right hon. already know that there are serious problems, but here Gentleman burst the doors open and ride into the is another one. In one of the cases in question, after the Chamber on a trusty white steed, with his shield of House of Lords had made its judgment the Supreme truth and his sword of virtue, telling us he was going to Court was brought in, and, because the European Court lead us all to some promised land of freedom. of Human Rights had made a decision in the meantime, Sadly however, that was not to be the case. All we decided to endorse that decision rather than the decision have had is a handful of Liberals in the Chamber all made by our own courts. Some very difficult questions evening, but we would have thought they would be arise. There seems to be an increasing tendency for the piling in to support this Bill since it is their key platform—it Supreme Court to assent to the manner in which the is the major plank of their contribution to the coalition European Court of Human Rights makes its decisions, Government. [Interruption.] Well, that is the source of effectively moving into a new arena in which what the Bill. We support some aspects of it, as some of them Parliament may decide is overridden, and making decisions are sensible, yet there are others on which we will want that are not necessarily what the electorate expected to ask questions and some on which we will challenge when they elected us as Members of Parliament. the Government position. Let me also mention, in parenthesis, the accession of Throughout the debate, we have heard Members say the European Union to the European convention on that this is about balance, yet first and foremost, it is human rights. As I discussed the issue during our debates about balancing the coalition and appeasing Liberal on the European Union Bill, I shall not go over the Democrat Members. It is also about the need to hold territory again, save to say that it creates a great deal of together the coalition, and I wonder what some of the uncertainty about which of the jurisdictions will prevail. Tory Members, who are shuffling uncomfortably in I regret to say that I believe that what is happening in their seats, will do when they are asked to vote for the Bill is not what was expected to happen. Some measures that in normal circumstances they would not commentators may misunderstand it, but the truth is support. that if we do not get the principle right—the principle Over the past few decades, this House has been called of who rules—we will find ourselves drawn increasingly on to act to protect people in the face of threats of into a web that is growing all the time, involving the many kinds, and to legislate on matters such as those sovereignty of the House and decision making. addressed in this Bill. Public opinion has been strong on I believe that this is entirely deliberate. I am absolutely many of them, including the threat from international certain that the Home Secretary has been properly terrorists who have carried out atrocities on an briefed. I think that she knows exactly what is in her unprecedented scale, increased concerns about public Bill. I think that she wants it, I think that she is protection and the protection of children and vulnerable determined to have it, and I think that the coalition is adults, the proliferation of closed circuit television, and completely and utterly convinced of its merits. Indeed, freedom of information. At the same time however, new the Home Secretary said the following in a statement on technology and advances in science have challenged us the judgment in the Gillan and Quinton case: to legislate on, and regulate, their uses. We have faced “The Government cannot appeal this judgment, although we demands for new scientific and surveillance techniques would not have done so had we been able.”—[Official Report, to be made available to those charged with the task of 8 July 2010; Vol. 513, c. 540.] keeping the public safe. 267 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 268

[Clive Efford] I shall now discuss barring and vetting. The protection of children is one of the most important issues that can This debate, like those that have gone before it, is come before us on the Floor of the House. The issue is about the balance that should be struck in respect of the about setting the balance between the need for people civil rights of ordinary citizens to live without fear of to volunteer and for us to encourage people to play harm or interference or becoming the victim of crime, their part in their local communities, and the need to and the need to protect the civil liberties of those ensure that the right framework is in place to create a individuals and hold back the state from intruding in safe environment where parents can be sure that their their private lives. Events have led us to legislate on the children will come to no harm. This is not only about issues we are debating today. We will be judged on our the risks from people who have unsupervised contact actions in respect of these events, the balance to be with children; it is also about the people who can come struck and the issues addressed in the Bill. close to vulnerable children and groom them. Such people are among the most dangerous individuals in We have heard from Members on both sides of the our communities and they go to great lengths to gain clamping argument. The hon. Member for Colchester our trust in order to deceive the most vulnerable. So it is spoke very forcefully. The residents of one estate in my again important that we strike the right balance between constituency are concerned because they live close to a the need to protect those individuals and the individual railway station where commuters want to park and they rights that the Home Secretary has said that she is fear that their estate will be turned into a car park. By seeking to protect. contrast, a private road in my local town centre is policed by a cage fighter in a van who sits at the bottom We all want to protect children and vulnerable adults of the road like a trapdoor spider waiting for anybody in our communities but it is important to get the balance to park illegally on that private land. So a balance needs right. The previous Government’s record was to leave to be struck on this issue. crime down by 43% and satisfaction rates among the police at record levels. We now face cuts of 10,000 police The same is true on the use of biometric information officers and some will question why the Government in schools. Labour Members accept that it is sensible for have chosen to take away some of the most important parents to be consulted and we welcome the proposal. tools the police have in their toolkit when they are also However, on protecting individuals’ rights in schools, facing a reduction in resources. these powers have been used to protect young people who receive free school meals from being identified and 9.50 pm stigmatised. So as much as we may want to see this sensible change made, we will want to see how far it The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the goes in protecting the rights of those individuals too. Home Department (James Brokenshire): This has been a good debate. The passion shown and the wide-ranging On the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, nature of the debate has underlined the fact that freedom CCTV and surveillance, councils have played a vital of speech is very much alive and well in the House. I role in creating public areas that the public consider to take heart from the broad support across the House for be safe. Such measures have been used to tackle issues many, if not all, of the Bill’s provisions. There is a clear relating to speeding cars, town centres and antisocial recognition from Members on the Government Benches— behaviour. So our attempts to legislate to regulate the and, indeed, by a number of Opposition Members—that use of CCTV and surveillance must not limit the ability the previous Government’s approach during their 13 years of local authorities to play their important role in in office eroded a number of freedoms and, importantly, ensuring community safety. I have never had anyone failed to enhance our security. Freedom was not enhanced come to me asking for the removal of a CCTV camera, by the creation of a leviathan national identity register and many colleagues have said the same. containing the personal details of every adult in the country. Civil liberties were not protected by creating a We all accept the principle that some individuals who database holding the details of every child. The vulnerable are innocent will have their biometric details retained, were not safeguarded by requiring more than 9 million and I hope that the Home Secretary accepts that. Tonight’s employees and volunteers to register with a Government debate is not about all innocent people having their agency. Justice was not served by including more than biometric details destroyed, as some have claimed; it is 1 million unconvicted individuals on the national DNA about where we set the balance. The Government have database, and community cohesion was not strengthened clearly come down on the side of reducing the amount by the police stopping hundreds of thousands of people of biometric information that we retain, but I suggest to under anti-terrorism powers but making only a handful Government Members that events will cause us to revisit of arrests for terrorist offences. this issue. Can any Government Member say that the changes to reduce the scope of biometric details that I remind Opposition Members of the Leader of the will be retained will not result in one of their constituents Opposition’s words to the Labour party conference: saying that had the changes not been made, their family “But we must always remember that British liberties were hard member or friend would not have suffered a serious fought and hard won over hundreds of years. We should always criminal assault? Nobody here tonight can say that so take the greatest care in protecting them. And too often we we must think carefully about what we are about to do. seemed casual about them.” The media will make a great deal of the issue if those This Government will not be casual about liberty. That circumstances come about and Government Members is why the Bill sets out a different approach that will will have some serious questions to answer. How many protect our communities while defending personal freedoms. children need to be attacked for it to be worth some This has been a good debate and I thank hon. Members people in our communities suffering the intrusion of on the Government side, including my hon. Friends the having their biometric details retained on a DNA database? Members for Gainsborough (Mr Leigh) and for Dartford 269 Protection of Freedoms Bill1 MARCH 2011 Protection of Freedoms Bill 270

(Gareth Johnson), as well as my hon. Friend the Member suggested that changing the law was not the answer. In for Oxford West and Abingdon (Nicola Blackwood), many ways it was the constant changes to the Public whom I welcome as the successor to Evan Harris, Order Act that had led to operational confusion. The although there have been some comments in support of Government will continue to review the law throughout the activities that Evan continues to do outside the the course of this Parliament to ensure that it allows House. I thank also my hon. Friends the Members for competing rights to be properly balanced. Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake), for Salisbury Comments were made on the provisions for safeguarding (John Glen), for Witham (Priti Patel), for Monmouth vulnerable groups. Some Opposition Members expressed (David T. C. Davies), for Colchester (Bob Russell) and concern that reforms to the vetting and barring scheme for Stone (Mr Cash). In addition, I thank many Opposition would put children and vulnerable adults at greater risk. Members for their contributions, including the light We do not consider that that will be the case. The relief provided by the vision of his brush with Oddjob remodelled scheme set out in the Bill will cover those described by the right hon. Member for Blackburn who may have regular or close contact with children or (Mr Straw), who did not specify whether his fingerprints vulnerable adults. It will provide for a more proportionate were taken by Goldfinger. I know that the right hon. and efficient scheme in tandem with a refined criminal Member for Doncaster Central (Ms Winterton) would records disclosure service. The creation of a huge database have liked to take part in the debate in relation to to monitor millions of ordinary people created an artificial wheel-clamping issues and we appreciate her support sense of security. We are moving back to a common-sense for those measures. approach. I am conscious of time and I will do my best to cover as many as possible of the points that have been raised, Yvette Cooper: Will the Minister confirm that if but I apologise if I am not able to get through them all. somebody applying for a post as a voluntary teaching On CCTV,I welcome the support of many hon. Members assistant has been barred from work as a teacher owing for the introduction of a statutory code of practice and to inappropriate contact or behaviour with children, the the appointment of an independent surveillance school will not be told that the independent experts at commissioner. Those measures will help to maintain ISA have barred that person? and strengthen public confidence in the use of CCTV systems and will ensure that the millions of pounds James Brokenshire: As my right hon. Friend the invested in such systems deliver value for money. Some Home Secretary made clear, the underlying information hon. Members have commented on whether this trust will be known. That is the key point. It is worth mentioning and confidence is required, and I highlight the comments that the Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the of Sara Thornton, the chief constable of Thames Valley Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Lynne police, in her review of Project Champion concerning Featherstone) met the NSPCC and other bodies, which CCTV usage in Birmingham. She said: said that they were assured by the explanations that “As a consequence, the trust and confidence that they”— they were given. in other words, the local people— On DNA, we reject the allegations that we are being “have in the police has been significantly undermined. soft on crime. That is not the case. We recognise the There is a real opportunity to learn from Project Champion importance of DNA and how it combats crime. Our about the damage that can be done to police legitimacy when the approach is based on putting the guilty on the database police are seen to be acting in a way which prizes expediency over to make a difference there, not putting on the database legitimacy.” those who are innocent. That is the context in which we should consider the The Bill strikes the right balance between individual provisions in the Bill relating to CCTV. freedom and collective protection. It guards against the My hon. Friends the Members for Carshalton and unnecessary and unregulated intrusion by Government Wallington and for Oxford West and Abingdon highlighted into the lives of the many. It protects the fundamental the application of the CCTV code of practice. The code values of liberty and freedom that mark this country is intended to benefit all system users. The specific out. I commend the Bill to the House. requirement to have regard to the code is initially limited Question put and agreed to. to the police and local authorities as the principal Bill accordingly read a Second time. operators of public space CCTV systems, but the use of privately operated cameras in private or semi-public spaces is more complex. We wish to achieve a consensus PROTECTION OF FREEDOMS BILL on key issues before considering whether to extend the (PROGRAMME) duty to have regard to the code of practice to other operators—for example, in shopping centres. I take on Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing board the comments that were made. I can offer my Order No. 83A(7)), hon. Friend the Member for Witham an assurance that That the following provisions shall apply to the Protection of we recognise the important role played by CCTV in Freedoms Bill: detecting and deterring crime. Committal An issue that was raised which is not in the Bill was 1. The Bill shall be committed to a Public Bill Committee. section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986. It is essential to Proceedings in Public Bill Committee consider in the round whether current laws strike the 2. Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as not right balance on freedom of expression, freedom of previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Tuesday 10 assembly, freedom to manifest one’s religion and the May. need to protect the public. In its report, “Adapting to 3. The Public Bill Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the Protest”, Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary first day on which it meets. 271 1 MARCH 2011 Business without Debate 272

Consideration and Third Reading Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing 4. Proceedings on Consideration shall (so far as not previously Order No. 118(6)), concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour before the moment of interruption on the day on which those proceedings DANGEROUS DRUGS are commenced. That the draft Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) 5. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously Order 2011, which was laid before this House on 13 January, be concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption approved.—(Bill Wiggin.) on that day. Question agreed to. 6. Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall not apply to proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading. Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Other proceedings Order No. 118(6)), 7. Any other proceedings on the Bill (including any proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments or on any further messages CLIMATE CHANGE LEVY from the Lords) may be programmed.—(Bill Wiggin.) That the draft Climate Change Levy (Fuel Use and Recycling Question agreed to. Processes) (Amendment) Regulations 2011, which were laid before this House on 31 January, be approved. —(Bill Wiggin.) Question agreed to. PROTECTION OF FREEDOMS BILL (MONEY) Queen’s recommendation signified. Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing EUROPEAN UNION DOCUMENTS Order No. 52(1)(a)), Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Protection of Order No. 119(11)), Freedoms Bill, it is expedient to authorise— (1) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of— EU INTERNAL SECURITY STRATEGY (a) any expenditure incurred by a Minister of the Crown by That this House takes note of European Union Document virtue of this Act; and No. 16797/10, relating to a Commission Communication on the EU Internal Security Strategy in Action: Five steps towards a (b) any increase attributable to this Act in the sums payable by more secure Europe; and supports the Government’s aim of virtue of any other Act out of money so provided, and working with other Member States to strengthen the security of (2) the making of payments into the Consolidated Fund.—(Bill EU citizens, with a strong preference for practical cooperation Wiggin.) over new EU legislation where appropriate.—(Bill Wiggin.) Question agreed to. Question agreed to. Business without Debate PROCEDURE Ordered, DELEGATED LEGISLATION That Mike Wood be discharged from the Procedure Committee Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing and Helen Goodman be added.—(Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, on Order No. 118(6), behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

EUROPEAN UNION Mr Speaker: Before calling Mr Laurence Robertson That the draft European Union (Definition of Treaties) to speak to the Adjournment, I appeal to Members (Stabilisation and Association Agreement) (Republic of Serbia) leaving the Chamber, who quite unaccountably do not Order 2011, which was laid before this House on 10 January, be wish to hear the speech about the Tote, to do so quickly approved.—(Bill Wiggin.) and quietly so that we can listen attentively to Mr Laurence Question agreed to. Robertson. 273 1 MARCH 2011 The Tote 274

The Tote Mr Robertson: I certainly do share the hon. Lady’s concerns. I shall come to that issue in a moment, but she Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House makes a very important point. do now adjourn.—(Bill Wiggin.) Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): Does the 10 pm hon. Gentleman agree that, if the Government are Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con): I, too, going to assess any bids for the Tote, they should use am surprised that so many Members do not want to only two criteria: first, the retention of jobs in the hear this timely and important debate. I am pleased to north-west; and secondly, the contribution to racing? have secured it and grateful to the Minister for staying Does he not think that those are the two overriding behind to reply to it. I am also grateful for his genial decisions that should determine who gets the Tote? and informed approach to all the horse racing issues that the Government have to deal with. Mr Robertson: The hon. Gentleman makes a very I wish to declare two non-declarable interests. I have good point. I have already mentioned the money going the honour of being joint chair of the all-party group to racing, and the issue of jobs is important not just to on racing and bloodstock industries, which is one of the the Tote. Many people are employed in racing, and, if it most active, well-attended and important all-party groups loses the Tote’s contribution, those jobs will be adversely in Parliament. I have the honour of being joint chair affected, so he is absolutely right. alongside the hon. Member for Mansfield (Mr Meale), The Chancellor, in his Budget speech, mentioned the whom I am pleased to see in the Chamber this evening. intention of moving the Tote on and changing its status, I also have the honour of representing the great race and more recently the Minister here tonight said that, course at Cheltenham, which by a quirk of the boundaries when that happens, 50% of the proceeds of the sale will falls within my constituency of Tewkesbury. It is looking be returned to racing. That statement is generally welcome, forward to one of the greatest national hunt racing and from a racing perspective it has to be good news, festivals in the world in a couple of weeks’ time. but it is not enough. There are various questions about The debate is timely because the Government have that 50% figure. How much would it be worth after announced their intention to finalise the status of the pension and debt liabilities have been taken into account? Tote. It was set up in 1928 to benefit horse racing, and Who in racing would get the money? How much would benefit horse racing it has done. Last year, it provided it amount to? Would that 50% satisfy European Union almost £19 million to horse racing through the statutory state aid rules? Those questions need to be answered. levy and sponsorship. The Tote sponsors the Cheltenham My central point—the most important point, which gold cup, one of the greatest steeplechase races in the the hon. Gentleman touched on—is that the money world, which will take place in a couple of weeks’ time. that the Tote puts into racing each and every year is It also pays a lot of money in rent to around 60 race more important than 50% of the proceeds of any sale courses across Great Britain, and that money is absolutely going to racing. As I have frequently said, that could crucial to racing. The Tote is more than that, however; turn out to be like selling one’s house and living off the it is an institution, and it provides the friendly face of proceeds: it is okay to do so for a while, perhaps five bookmaking. years, but at the end of that period the proceeds are all It is 10 years since the right hon. Member for Blackburn gone and then one is left without an asset. More important (Mr Straw), then Home Secretary, announced that the than that 50% is therefore the Tote’s year-on-year Government of the day would change the status of the contribution to racing, and I cannot stress that enough. Tote. At the time, it looked as though it would be transferred to a racing trust. Indeed, a shadow trust was Mr Alan Meale (Mansfield) (Lab): May I remind the set up with its own chairman, Lord Lipsey, but the hon. Gentleman of the contents of early-day motion 1516, transfer was never made. One of the big questions that which members of the all-party racing and bloodstock we must ask before getting too far into the detail is this: industries group tabled? It talks about who represents who actually owns the Tote? That is not an easy question racing per se, and the answer is organisations such as to answer. It was for that reason that in 2004 the then the Jockey Club and the British Horseracing Board, the Government passed an Act of Parliament that nationalised owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff and their representative the Tote, with a view to moving it on to the racing trust, organisations. They all support the Tote’s foundation, but they never included that intention in the Bill, which as he has been describing. The Minister knows that the was a problem. My submission is that, if the Government Government have never given a penny to the Tote, never had to nationalise the Tote and obviously did not own even acted as guarantor to it, but have gleaned millions it, they in some way had a responsibility to racing, so it from it, so should he not at least listen to the people would be wrong for them to do anything with the Tote who have actually made a business out of it? that would deprive racing of its annual income from the Tote. Mr Robertson: The hon. Gentleman, the joint chairman of the all-party group, makes an important point, which Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab): The hon. Gentleman will I was going to come on to but shall dwell on now for a know that I have the privilege of representing Wigan, moment. The people who run horse racing are well where the Tote has its headquarters, and the staff there known for falling out over every issue that there is to fall have lived with uncertainty about their futures for a out over. It is almost a standing joke in the racing long time. Does he share my concerns about how their industry that they cannot agree on anything, but the jobs and, in particular, their pensions will be protected, hon. Gentleman is absolutely right, because on this and would he welcome some clarity from the Minister issue racing speaks with one voice, and it is crucial that on that? the Government listen to it. 275 The Tote1 MARCH 2011 The Tote 276

[Mr Laurence Robertson] difficulty that the Minister and his Department may face, because over the years we have seen the Treasury I do not remember racing being as united on any grow in strength, and it wants some money out of this issue as it is on this one. The central point that it is process. However, a bid from a Tote foundation may making is that whoever ends up running the Tote in a qualify to be one of the best bids that it could take up, few months’ time should not only able to pay this for some of the reasons that have been given. A Tote contribution to racing every year but guarantee to do foundation would of course continue to employ staff, so. In other words, the purpose of the existence of the and therefore continue to have a pension liability. It Tote must be to contribute to horse racing, because that would continue to be responsible for any debts that the is what it was set up to do. If other bidders are Tote may have. All that has to be put into the melting considered—of course, the Government have to follow pot. An undiscounted cash payment could be made. If due process and consider other bidders—would the the Tote is to continue as a foundation, or as the Tote industry be able to ask for guarantees from those bidders organisation, and continue, year on year, to pay money that the Tote would continue to look after horse racing? to horse racing, there is no need for the 50% sum to be That would provide some difficulty for those bidders given back to horse racing because it would be getting because it would reduce the value of the Tote as a something far more valuable—the ongoing amount each business—I understand that—but how on earth would and every year. That is extremely important. they be able to give that guarantee? I do not think that they could. Matthew Hancock (West Suffolk) (Con): I congratulate When the Chancellor and the Minister further considered my hon. Friend on securing this extremely important the status of the Tote, they said that they would look debate at this crucial time. As he well knows, in my after racing’s interests and also look after the interests constituency about 5,000 jobs in and around Newmarket of the taxpayer. I return to what the hon. Member for are connected with the racing industry. Does he agree, Mansfield (Mr Meale) said. The taxpayer has never put especially given the history of this issue, that the crucial a single penny into the Tote, and so, in my view, the element is the contribution that is made to racing? I taxpayer does not deserve a return from any sale of the strongly agree with his view that an ongoing contribution Tote. This is very different from the millions upon to racing is vital in terms of the future of the Tote, and millions that the taxpayer used to have to put into the that whatever choice of bidders is made, an obligation old nationalised state industries. I want to see more for a contractual support of the future of racing is fairness for taxpayers, and lower taxes. I am always on required. the side of the taxpayer; I come to this House to represent them. However, on this occasion they do not Mr Robertson: My hon. Friend is absolutely right need any representing. that that is the crucial element. If there is one message that I would like the Minister to receive tonight, it Mr Meale: While I commend the hon. Gentleman’s is that we have to be certain of the ongoing contribution. words about what contribution is made, I refer back to We cannot be certain of it if merely the highest bidder is what my hon. Friend the Member for Wigan (Lisa accepted. Under certain circumstances, we would not Nandy) said about the taxpayers of Wigan and the even be sure that the Tote would continue to exist as an north-west and the contribution that they have made. organisation, because bits of it could be sold off. It is The fact is that there would be no business whatever only through this process that I have come to understand were it not for the people who work for the Tote in what is meant by embarrassment clauses. That is how Wigan, in Lancashire, and up and down the length and the Government might ensure that once the Tote is sold breadth of Britain’s high streets where Tote bookmakers or transferred to another organisation or company, it operate. These women, in the main, work for the Tote, will not asset strip it, sell it the next day and make a travel to race courses throughout the UK, and glean the massive profit, or cause it not to survive as an organisation. many hundreds of millions of pounds that turn the profit that we are talking about. Ian Swales (Redcar) (LD): Does my hon. Friend agree that almost every country in the world that has a successful racing industry also has a state-owned pool Mr Robertson: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely betting system, and that in many cases that is the only right. It is the efforts of the staff, who have contributed form of legal betting? so much towards the Tote as an organisation, that have allowed it to contribute so much money to horse racing. Mr Robertson: My hon. Friend makes a good point. I do not want the Government to continue to own the Yvonne Fovargue (Makerfield) (Lab): Does the hon. Tote—not that they own it yet, but hon. Members know Gentleman agree that much of the value of the Tote lies what I mean. I do not think that it is for Governments in the loyal and mainly long-serving work force, who to own betting shops; that is not what they are there for. need to be protected? Their needs must be given proper My hon. Friend is right that the model I am proposing, weighting in the bidding process as a reward for their whereby racing gets all the benefit from the Tote, is not loyal and long service, which has helped the Tote to unusual, but exists in many parts of the world. Perhaps develop in the way that it has today. the system here differs because the Tote, if it continued as a foundation, would be competing with many other Mr Robertson: I entirely agree with the hon. Lady. I companies such as Ladbrokes, Coral and William Hill. will touch on that in a moment. However, his central point is absolutely right. As I said, the taxpayer has never put any money into I am coming to the end of my speech, or certainly to the Tote and therefore does not deserve any money out the end of the time that I wanted to take, but I want to of the Tote. Having said that, I fully understand the make one further point. In a debate two or three weeks 277 The Tote1 MARCH 2011 The Tote 278 ago initiated by my hon. Friend the Member for West group on the racing and bloodstock industries, my hon. Suffolk (Matthew Hancock), we discussed the future of Friend the Member for Tewkesbury, asked. He is right: the horserace betting levy. It was pretty well agreed that clearly, these will have to be net proceeds. the present system is out of date and that it cannot There is a series of questions to be answered about carry on in its present form. It needs to be reformed or precisely how the transfer of the 50% of the proceeds to be replaced completely. Racing will have to generate will take place, and to whom it will be transferred. The more commercial opportunities to get more money into answer to most of these questions is tightly bound by horse racing, even if the levy continues as it is. If the European law, because we have to ensure that we do not Tote were transferred or sold to an organisation or inadvertently trip over concerns about state aid, which foundation that was there purely to finance horse racing, has already derailed one or two earlier attempts to deal it would be a move in that direction. Allowing the Tote with the Tote under previous Administrations. There foundation bid to succeed, for example, would be a step are things that we can and cannot do, and we are towards a solution with regard to the levy and the two examining them and ensuring that everybody understands policies would go forward together. what they are. However, I would make the point that I started by saying that the ownership of the Tote is they apply equally to any of the potential bidders who uncertain, but one thing that is certain is that racing has are interested in taking over the Tote in due course, who a right to the money that comes from the Tote. I ask the will be bound by charity law and so on. It is most likely Minister to ensure that that continues to be the case. that the money will end up in some kind of trust that is governed by the requirements of European law, to 10.18 pm ensure that it does not fall on the wrong side of the state aid rules. More details are being developed and worked The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for out through the lawyers as we speak, and when the time Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (John Penrose): I comes we will obviously need to publish rather more congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Tewkesbury detail. (Mr Robertson) on securing this important debate. A number of Members have made the point that this is a timely discussion and I am delighted to have the opportunity Mr Meale: I thank the Minister for what he has just to respond to the excellent points and questions that my said, which will give great heart to the people who work hon. Friend raised. I thank him for describing me as for the Tote, as they will realise that they will not be left genial. I do not think I have been described as genial in limbo. There is a case for a trust, at least for their before. I shall tuck that away and tell my mum when this welfare. is all over. I also compliment him because, as he said, by a quirk of the boundaries his constituency includes the John Penrose: I am happy to come on to the issue of wonderful race course of Cheltenham. It is my hard lot Tote staff, but I actually meant to describe a slightly in life to have to go to the Cheltenham festival for two different type of trust, in that the money that is paid to days this year. That is a terribly tough part of my job, racing will need to go into a carefully bounded trust but I am rather looking forward to it. that is constrained by EU state aid rules. That may or I should point out that we are in the middle of an may not be helpful to the future of the staff, but it is a open market process in which a number of people are parallel and separate issue. bidding for the Tote. I hope that my hon. Friend and the The principal point made by my hon. Friend the hon. Members who have intervened will understand Member for Tewkesbury to which I wish to respond was that I am therefore limited in what I can say at this that the value of the 50% share would almost certainly point. Some people who are bidding to take over the be less than the value of the ongoing income stream Tote have signed non-disclosure agreements with the that there has been from the Tote to racing year on year. Government and the Government have signed them in I completely understand the basic point that he was return. It would not be fair to individual bidders if I trying to make, which was that if someone is given a started disclosing details of one bid and not another. large lump of capital in year one and they fritter it away, That would clearly not lead to a fair, safe and equitable or even spend it on terribly valuable and useful things, disposal process, so I will have to watch my p’s and q’s. I they will be left with nothing else unless they have a am not trying to be deliberately obstructive or obscure, yearly income as well. but I need to be careful However, it is not necessarily true that the ongoing My hon. Friend began by asking a series of questions annual income is worth more than the value of the about the details of the 50% commitment. As he rightly up-front capital. It rather depends on how much that pointed out, the Government have committed to ensuring ongoing annual income will be under the various potential that we honour the Labour Government’s original future owners of the Tote. Without revealing details of commitment that 50% of the proceeds of any disposal all the different bidders—as I said earlier, I cannot do go to racing. I will come on to his points about whether that—I can tell everybody that the various people who that is a high enough proportion. are bidding for the Tote are coming up with an interesting and rich variety of proposals for how to treat the level, Mr Meale: The Minister has reminded me of the structure and so on of that ongoing income stream. Labour Government’s promise to hand over 50% of the They are not all the same, and some are better for racing monies that come from the disposal. I hope that by that on an ongoing basis than others. However, we need to he means 50% after liabilities have been met, not before. value the best and worst differentials alongside the value of the capital. It is not true that the value of the John Penrose: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that differential will always be bigger and more valuable intervention because it leads me on to answering some than the upfront capital. In some cases, it could be that of the points that he and his co-chairman of the all-party 50% of the proceeds properly invested could yield a 279 The Tote1 MARCH 2011 The Tote 280

[John Penrose] an initial assessment and are now in phase 2, with a smaller selection of people, but we still have a pretty very significant return. It is not a straightforward calculation, wide range. so I caution the hon. Member for Mansfield (Mr Meale) on how he makes that comparison. Mr Watts rose—

Mr Watts: Are the Minister or the people making Lisa Nandy rose— bids guaranteeing that the income stream to racing will be not reduced, but increased? John Penrose: I have a very short amount of time left. I will take the hon. Lady’s intervention because I have John Penrose: I am afraid that if I answer that question, already taken one from the hon. Gentleman. I will fall the wrong side of the line that I described earlier. The people who are bidding are making a variety Lisa Nandy: Will the Minister at least tell us what of pledges and proposals on that, which must all be relative weight he has given to the continuing employment valued, addressed and compared. Some are notably of existing Tote staff? better than others, and that is one factor that we will take into account. John Penrose: I apologise. I did not mean to gloss Hon. Members on both sides of the House have said over that and the hon. Lady is quite right to pick me up that 50% is not enough, and that 100% of the proceeds on it. I am afraid that I cannot quantify the relative should go to racing. As Minister with responsibility for weights, but the Government will apply three crucial racing, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to criteria: return to the taxpayer; return to racing; and sign up to that proposal, but that is not where this pledges on the future of staff, including those in Wigan. Government are, and nor was it where the previous Those three factors will be crucial in our evaluation of Government were—they passed the legislation that allows the different bids. As I said, the structures of the bids us to dispose of the Tote by passing it into public are widely different, and we must calculate carefully if ownership and eventually on to a bidder. we are to make like-for-like comparisons. The Chancellor made a commitment in his Budget To return to my point, we have a strong, wide and on 22 June, and used a phrase that is emblazoned on my powerful range of people who are through to round 2. heart—I suspect that it is well known to all hon. Members They are currently involved in due diligence, crawling in the Chamber. He promised to through the books with a fine-toothed comb and ensuring “resolve the future of the Tote in a way that secures value for the that they understand all the issues. In due course, we taxpayer while recognising the support the Tote currently provides will whittle the bidders down still further to a final the racing industry”. smaller group, which we will endeavour to take through Given the current state of the national finances, I am to completion. afraid that it will be extremely hard—or completely The good news is that because we have such a strong impossible, in my view—to argue that we should do field of runners and riders, we stand a very good more than a 50:50 split. I appreciate that there are chance—although one can never be sure of these things—of deeply held views on both sides of that argument, but bringing this to a successful conclusion. All in our that is the situation that, to a large extent, we inherited. collection of bids are of high value in respect of all We have honoured the previous Government’s commitment three of the main criteria that I just described. That is to 50%, but I fear that it would be extremely difficult to our best guarantee of a successful outcome. If we have a go any further at this stage. good choice between those three different values, we The Government are extremely pleased with the quality stand an excellent chance of success. and quantity of the interest and bids that we have received for the future of the Tote. It is a matter of 10.30 pm public record that the number of bids in the first round House adjourned without Question put (Standing Order was in the high teens. We have whittled that down with No. 9(7)). 1WH 1 MARCH 2011 Forestry Commission 2WH

Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): The right Westminster Hall hon. Lady has made a number of comments about the Labour proposals, but she has not mentioned that the Forestry Commission is both a big commercial operator Tuesday 1 March 2011 in the forestry market and a regulator of everyone else—all its competition. Was that part of the Labour party’s consideration, and did it feature at all in its [MR JAMES GRAY in the Chair] report?

Joan Ruddock: The report, which was of course Forestry Commission independent, was never responded to by the Labour Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting Government, for the obvious reason that there was an be now adjourned.—(Miss Chloe Smith.) election. The report went to the Forestry Commission and there was no opportunity for us to respond, but I 9.30 am recommend it to the hon. Gentleman. It took a considerable amount of time—more than a year—and came up with Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab): I am a huge range of suggestions, and the underlying research, very grateful for the opportunity to open this debate on which was reported upon, was very important. The the future of the Forestry Commission. When I applied issues that the hon. Gentleman mentions are in the for the debate the Government were, of course, intent report, and I will come on to say what I think was very on selling off up to 100% of our public forest estate, important about the review. which by any standards was an outrageous proposal, Has the Minister read that report? I wonder whether especially given Ministers’repeated boasts of their intention he has read this: to be the greenest Government ever. The U-turn made by the Secretary of State on 17 February, heralded by “Public consultation and social research showed passionate the Prime Minister’s disowning of the policy the day engagement with the public forest estate…and most people saw it as relevant to their lives”, before, has to be one of the most humiliating ever. Just like the U-turns on green individual savings accounts, or this, among the major recommendations: housing benefit, rape anonymity, dissolution of Parliament, “The public forest estate should remain large scale, widely knife offences, school sports, Bookstart, free nursery distributed throughout England, have a flexible and varied cross- milk and debt advice, the forestry U-turn was the result section of all types of woodland, be able to provide a significant of a rushed and ill-conceived set of proposals, put volume of products, services, skills and experience, and remain under public control and accountability.” forward by an ideologically driven Government. I have to assume that the Minister did not read the Where did the policy come from? It certainly did not report; otherwise, how could he and his colleagues have come from the people who carried out the Labour embarked on such a reckless policy of selling off the Government’s review of the public forest estate. I suggest lot? that once again we see a Secretary of State out of touch with the community of interests relating to her Department, That brings me to future sales. I say immediately that and I only hope that the 500,000 people who rose up some sales can be justified when holdings are small or in protest against the forest proposals will do so again distant from the main estate, and when they are degraded to defeat another Secretary of State and his plans to or appropriate for restoration to open land. Over the restructure the NHS. 13 years of Labour Government our policies resulted in the sale of 9,000 hectares and a consequent purchase of As a Department for Environment, Food and Rural 5,000 hectares—a net change of 4,000 hectares over Affairs Minister, I had responsibility for the Forestry 13 years. The comprehensive spending review announced Commission for a short time, and was very impressed the sale of 10 times that amount—40,000 hectares over with how the custodians of our public forest estate were a mere four years—quite separate from the new legislation developing their mission. They had moved some that had now been abandoned. This Tory-led Government considerable way from the overriding timber priorities have sold 1,748 hectares to date, but we have been told of the past, to delivering multi-purpose sustainable that no further sales will take place—awaiting new forestry, embracing the need to combat climate change, advice. Can the Minister tell us how the Government—not to enhance both biodiversity and leisure pursuits, and necessarily his Department—expect to find the £745 million to develop sources of renewable fuel. We, the Labour that their forestry sales were expected to realise, or what Government, wanted to build on that progress, alongside percentage of the public forest estate he still expects to our Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and the sell off over the next four years, albeit with his new creation of two new national parks, and so in November potential safeguards? 2008 we launched the review of the public forest estate, to which I referred earlier. That review was conducted by independent representatives from academia, the civil The Minister of State, Department for Environment, service, industry and nature conservation, and the research Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): Will the right covered the economic, environmental and social costs hon. Lady give way? and benefits of the public forest estate. It was accompanied by a public consultation, which received more than Joan Ruddock: If the Minister wishes to answer now 4,000 responses. The review group’s final report was rather than in his summation, of course I will give way. presented to the Forestry Commission in May 2010, and its findings offered a way forward that was very Mr Paice: I can assure the right hon. Lady that I have different from the wholesale sell-off proposed by the a number of points to make when I wind up the debate, Minister. but I am slightly puzzled about where she got the figure 3WH Forestry Commission1 MARCH 2011 Forestry Commission 4WH

[Mr Paice] and their proposals; perhaps other regions are on safer ground. However, it will be for the Minister to answer of £745 million—the supposed gain from the sales—from, the hon. Gentleman’s question. given that during the debate on this issue in the Chamber, I have a list of questions for the Minister. I shall not the Labour Front-Bench spokesperson, the hon. Member speak at huge length, as I want to hear his answers and for Leicester South (Sir Peter Soulsby), said that there do not want him to run out of time. Will he guarantee was nothing in it financially for the Government. that there will be a place on the panel for representatives of the Forestry Commission work force? How will the Joan Ruddock: I am simply citing the Government’s voices of those who campaigned to defeat his proposals own ambitions, and there are substantial sums to be be represented? Will the panel’s deliberations be held in realised from sales. I cannot, off the top of my head, public? remember what the Government have raised from the The public have shown overwhelming support for our 1,748 hectares sold off already, but it is certainly many public forests; I pay tribute to the campaign 38 Degrees. millions. I would be delighted if the Minister answered The Government would be well advised to harness that my question in his response, and told us what was support. The public forest estate in England must be expected to be raised from the sales of the forestry maintained as the national asset that it is, under a single lands—the 15%. Will he also indicate how the Government management structure. Rather than being sold off, it will make up that money if they do not go ahead with should be extended. the sale of the 15%? They cannot have it both ways; either they plan to sell or they do not. If they plan to I pay tribute to my constituents and those of other sell, I know—I have been a Minister myself—that the MPs who took the time not only to express their outrage Minister will have a real estimate of the financial result at the Government’s proposals but to tell us what the of those sales. forests mean to them. Annette Lewis from Brockley wrote to me: I have another question for the Minister. In principle, “As I have always lived in cities, I know how important it is for does he rule in or rule out the sale of woodland in city dwellers to access the countryside. I believe in the preservation national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, of woodland in public ownership for future generations. I want community forests and sites of special scientific interest? my children and their children to be able to find the joy and Will he confirm that DEFRA still requires the Forestry relaxation I have found from a walk in the woods.” Commission to cut its budget by 25% this year, with a Hazel Montgomery from Lewisham Central wrote potential loss of 400 jobs? Surely job losses of such that magnitude undermine any recommendations that his “there are many places around south-east London and Kent new panel might make for the future of the Forestry which are woodland. They are fantastic because London is so Commission. overcrowded and children love to roam freely in safety with In the drafting of the terms and conditions of the parents; this is so for all our national woodlands.” independent panel, is any account being taken of the Simon Brammer of Telegraph Hill, who works on findings of Labour’s review of the public forest estate? climate change, wrote: The Minister frowns, but it was an independent review “How can we ask other countries much poorer than our own carried out by experts over 12 months and was available not to chop down forests, critical in regulating our climate and to his Government the moment they took office, and it storing carbon, when we are prepared to sell our own for a song”? appears that he did not even bother to read it before coming up with these madcap proposals. Referring to Hon. Members: Rubbish! the review would be significant. Critically, will the panel be allowed to consider continuing Glyn Davies: The right hon. Lady refers to the chopping public ownership? The Minister frowns again, but the down of forests. Is she aware that forests can be cut consultation that has just been cancelled prohibited down only if a licence is granted, and that in almost continuing public ownership. The new panel’s terms of every instance new forest must be planted in its place? reference will be significant. The public believe that they have won a great battle now that the consultation and Joan Ruddock: I am more than aware of that. I am plans have been cancelled pending the findings of the expressing the passionately held views of my constituents. independent review, but the panel’s terms of reference If people are concerned enough to write to their MPs in are critical to determining the future. unprecedented numbers, it is important that we understand their concerns. Concerns about climate change and the Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Is the right hon. future of this planet are dear to the hearts of many of Lady aware that in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, our constituents. and in the area that I represent, public forests are retained for public use and are not to be sold? Does she Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con) rose— feel that the decisions of other regions in the United Kingdom to retain public forests should be part of the Joan Ruddock: If the hon. Gentleman will calm down panel’s review and its final decision making? for a moment, I will be more than pleased to give way. I am dealing with a point already raised. The issues are Joan Ruddock: Perhaps forests in the other part of important, and it is greatly to the credit of the public in the United Kingdom are safer left out of the Government’s this country that they can and do associate our precious review. I am not sure that I would trust this Government forests with tackling climate change and have linked with any bit of the forest, whether in Scotland, Northern that issue to the fact that we should not only do what we Ireland or Wales. History to date suggests that we in must in the developed world but seek to influence those England have been poorly served by this Government in the underdeveloped world who have custodianship of 5WH Forestry Commission1 MARCH 2011 Forestry Commission 6WH the most important forests in the world. That is important, Joan Ruddock: The hon. Gentleman has to take into and I resent the fact that Conservative Members should account the many remarks that have been made, not attempt to rubbish my constituents on an issue about least by the Minister, about the so-called sell-off and which they are passionately and properly concerned. disposal of up to 100% of the forest estate. The hon. Gentleman criticises the term “sell-off,” but the fact is Damian Hinds: I did not hear anybody rubbish anybody, that disposals of whatever kind mean that the estate but for the avoidance of doubt, although important is totally fragmented. That is the big difference and that issues are being discussed about the future of the Forestry is why it is so significant. Commission’s estate, will the right hon. Lady acknowledge that the subject is not in the slightest related to deforestation Tony Baldry: I do not wish to pursue this point, but or the chopping down of forests? the right hon. Lady was a Minister in the previous Government and understands the concept of collective Joan Ruddock: No, absolutely not. The hon. Gentleman government, so she well understands that comments by is completely wrong. We have one of the smallest forest a Secretary of State at the Dispatch Box represent the estates in Europe, so the extent of ours is important to collective view of the Government. The Secretary of people. I argue that if we keep the forest estate in public State could not have been clearer when she spoke at the ownership, we are more likely to be able to deal with the Dispatch Box about what the Government intended to diseases that are arising and manage it comprehensively do. and effectively, and less likely to encounter some of the I was fortunate to grow up in Burnham Beeches, problems that occur when forest estates are fragmented which is a substantial area of woodland between and people fear, maybe wrongly, that trees will be felled Maidenhead and Slough that is owned and very well unnecessarily. He will know that over the years, the managed by the City of London corporation. It makes Forestry Commission has changed its culture and become the point that much of our woodland in this country is very aware of the great issues of our time, such as the owned by a diverse group of owners. I am a Church threat of climate change and the loss of biodiversity. Commissioner and the Church Commissioners own a People understand that. It is important that we as fair amount of woodland, much of it in our agricultural parliamentarians associate ourselves with those concerns estate, and we lease woodland to the Forestry Commission. and in no way criticise people when they want to bring Having had the opportunity as a child to enjoy the them to our attention. benefits of Burnham Beeches, I am conscious of the I was about to wind up, but gave way because there importance of woodland. Moreover, as a representative was such agitation opposite. I now come to my final of the county of Oxfordshire, which has very little point. I have read out only selected comments from the woodland cover, I am conscious of how important it is long e-mails that I received from three of the 392 to encourage woodland cover as a whole. constituents who contacted me, and they will now ask, When I was fortunate enough to be a Minister in the as I do, what exactly is the future of the Forestry Department of the Environment, I was proud to be part Commission? of a ministerial team that advanced initiatives on both the national forest and the community forest. At that time, Mr Gray, you were a distinguished special adviser 9.50 am to Ministers in the Department. Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): One of the depressing things about this House is that, sometimes, hon. Members Mr James Gray (in the Chair): Order. It is kind of the do not listen to what has been said. I am not sure hon. Gentleman to remind me of that and to be so whether the right hon. Member for Lewisham, Deptford flattering, but for the sake of today’s debate, I cast aside (Joan Ruddock), who introduced this debate, was present all previous party political roles that I may have had. I in the main Chamber when the Secretary of State made am highly dispassionate about today’s debate. her original statement when launching the original consultation document. The right hon. Lady has sought Tony Baldry: I did not want you to think, Mr Gray, to suggest that the Government intended to “sell off” that I was trying to steal all the glory of those days the forests, but I heard the Secretary of State clearly say under Lord Heseltine and others in the Department of two things. On commercial forest, she said that the the Environment, when we benefited from your advice. Government had no intention of selling freehold interests, It is worth recalling that the Conservative party has a but that they would grant leaseholds for the specific long tradition of seeking to enhance woodland cover in reason of enhancing protections for access and other the UK. The national forest, which was an initiative by rights—for walkers, cyclists and so on—within those that Government, has been a great success story. Last commercial lettings. year, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee reported: On heritage woodland, I heard the Secretary of State make it very clear that, if community, voluntary or “Fifteen years on from its inception, The National Forest is a success story. It is delivering tangible environmental, economic other groups did not come forward to run community and social benefits out of a bold vision to transform a 200 square and heritage woodland, it would remain within public mile swathe of the Midlands—much of which was suffering ownership. I invite the right hon. Lady to re-read what economic and environmental decline—through planting trees to the Secretary of State said in her statement to the create new woods and forests. Its achievement is not so much in House, because her comments bear absolutely no trebling the proportion of land with tree cover to 18%, but that, in relationship to the Government’s policy. Part of the so doing, it has helped to regenerate the local economy, open up problem with this whole debate is that the perception of the Forest to greater public use and improve the natural environment.” the Government’s policy bears no relationship to what On community forests, the Countryside Agency Ministers actually proposed. commissioned consultants a few years ago to assess 7WH Forestry Commission1 MARCH 2011 Forestry Commission 8WH

[Tony Baldry] The Forestry Commission also has heritage woodland within its ownership. I suspect that there has sometimes their impact, and they concluded that, overall, the been a deliberate attempt by those wishing to create community forests programme mischief to cause confusion between the Government’s “has been successful in levering in high levels of private and policy on commercial forestry and on heritage woodland. voluntary sector support”, The Secretary of State could not have been clearer and that about the matter when she spoke to the House when launching the consultation paper: the Government consider “over the period 1990-2003, the total amount levered” those matters to be two very different entities. The into new woodland Secretary of State could not made it plainer to the “totalled £42.9 million.” House that if appropriate bodies do not come forward They also noted: to manage heritage woodland properly, that woodland will remain within the public estate. “Overall, the CFP is performing well in terms of increasing woodland cover and improving the environment. I am conscious that other hon. Members wish to The CFP is performing particularly well in terms of providing speak. The other points I want to make are that we have opportunities for informal recreation and opening up rights of heard a lot about the Forestry Commission during the way.” past few weeks, but I hope that the independent panel I am proud to have been involved in initiatives such as will give regard to how we can increase woodland cover the national forest that encourage the development of more generally in the UK, particularly in England. On everything from community forests to local pocket parks, commercial forestry, I hope that the panel will consider and which have enhanced community woodland. the effect and impact of the tax regime in England in It is sensible for the Secretary of State to establish an comparison with regimes elsewhere in the world—for independent panel to consider forestry policy in England. example, considerable tree planting is taking place in It will report its findings to the Secretary of State in the the United States. The trust funds of universities such autumn, and it will advise on the direction of forestry as Harvard, Yale and others are investing considerable and woodland policy in England and on the role of the money in commercial forestry because, as they are Forestry Commission and the public forest estate. I charities, there are incentives for them to do so under hope that the independent panel will be able to look at US tax law. all the questions raised in the consultation paper—it was published by DEFRA, but subsequently On heritage woodland, I hope that the Minister will withdrawn—on the future of the Forestry Commission. be able to tell us what will follow the environmental Part of the difficulty in this whole saga is that the stewardship schemes that have formed part of the rural clauses relating to the commission in the Public Bodies development programme for England for a considerable Bill had, by necessity, to be published before DEFRA time. It is clear that the majority of agricultural land is was able to publish its consultation on the commission’s almost entirely in private ownership and therefore planting future. When their lordships considered a number of for new broadleaf community woodlands will almost different issues in the Bill, they managed to get themselves certainly take place on private land. What incentive or confused and allow a considerable degree of speculation encouragement will there be for farmers, as landowners, about what might have been happening when it was to plant new community woodland? clearly not what was intended. I think that that was When the independent panel concludes its work, I made clear by the Secretary of State’s statement to the hope that there will be two coherent chapters on different House. policies. I hope that there is one chapter on the future of commercial forestry—how we can encourage more of it Sir Peter Soulsby (Leicester South) (Lab): Could it in the UK—and the Forestry Commission, and a second not be that their lordships’ understanding of the proposals on how we enhance heritage woodland and encourage was based on what was said to them by the Minister? access and amenity in relation to community woodland, He said that as we did with the national forest and community “we wish to proceed with…very substantial disposal of public forests. It should be on the record that the Government forest estate, which could go to the extent of all of it.” have made it very clear that they wish to enhance and That sounds very clear and it is hardly surprising that protect the rights of access. I suspect that the main their lordships took the Minister at his word. concern of a large number of constituents who have understandably contacted us about the issue is that they should continue to have access to woodland. That is Tony Baldry: That highlights a fundamental very important. The Government have made it clear misunderstanding. The Forestry Commission has within throughout that they want to protect access to woodland. its control two different types of woodland. It was However, that needs to be stated and restated time and brought into being at the time of the first world war to again. enable the country to have access to commercial forestry to provide timber for such things as pit props for the 10.4 am mines, and the vast majority of commercial forestry in this country—about 82%—is and has always been in Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): I thank my private ownership. It would be very surprising if, at a right hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham, Deptford time when we no longer expect the state to run airlines, (Joan Ruddock) for securing the debate. There are own travel agencies, generate electricity or operate sewage people who think that the issue has been resolved, but it treatment works, we thought that the state should be clearly has not. This morning’s discussions have shown growing Christmas trees. Such a view is slightly bizarre. that. 9WH Forestry Commission1 MARCH 2011 Forestry Commission 10WH

The hon. Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry) started might not have shown any interest in the woods or have his speech by saying that we should listen. I have spent been able to manage them. Ultimately, the woods would my life listening to what Conservative Ministers have have gone into private hands. That is the real issue. said. I read what they say and, more importantly, I The truth is that people do not trust what the always read between the lines on what they say. I do not Government have said. That comes through time and need faceless bureaucrats or Government Front Benchers, again. I read the consultation thoroughly and listened who perhaps want to extend their already big land very closely to what the Minister has said because ownings, to tell me about heritage. My heritage is the people do not believe that the Government will stick to coal mine industry. The hon. Gentleman mentioned what they are saying. What people believe is based on that when he talked about the shortage of pit props the Conservative party’s history and the privatisation during the first world war. My grandfather was a miner that people have seen under Tory Governments during during the first world war, as were some of my uncles. the past two decades. Let us think about some of those They were working in dangerous conditions that were things. made even more dangerous by the shortage of things such as pit props. People were basically failed by the There was the deregulation of buses. If we had been private sector and the Forestry Commission was set to in the House—some of us probably were—25 years ago, ensure that such a situation did not happen again. Ministers would have said, “Don’t worry; the public will have control. This will give a bus to every community The heritage of the forest is more than just the in this country.”That has not been the case. Monopolies heritage of the nation; it is the heritage of individual are running the buses and public service comes last. We areas. The area of the world that I am massively proud could have had a discussion about the deregulation of to represent includes a place called Chopwell. In that the utilities. There was the “Tell Sid” campaign—tell area is Chopwell wood, which is owned by the commission Sid we are going to become a shareholding democracy. and has been classed as a heritage site. We did not need Now the big six utility companies are putting prices up people to tell us that because we knew it was our by 9% when people have seen their pay frozen and their heritage. We believed that that was our land and that we pensions held back. owned it as part and parcel of the work we put into it. Anyone—no matter what their background or wealth— Mr James Gray (in the Chair): Order. The hon. should be entitled to enjoy that country. Gentleman is ranging rather wide of the debate today, People came together to defend their woods against which is the future of the Forestry Commission. Perhaps these proposals, including the Friends of Chopwell he could bring himself back to that topic. Wood, the Chopwell Wood Horse Riding Association, Mr Anderson: I accept entirely what the Chair says, the organisation representing Northumbria ramblers, but I am talking about the reality of why people have of which I am proud to be the president, and the people not got on board with what the Minister, the Secretary who represent the Friends of Red Kites in the North of State and the hon. Member for Banbury, for whom I East of England. I am a member of that organisation, have a lot of respect, have said. They have said that which has been involved with the re-introduction of red people are not listening. People are listening, but they kites in the north-east of England during the past six are saying, “We don’t believe what we are hearing years within 3 miles of one of the biggest shopping because we believe that what is happening is an attempt centres in Europe. The fact that organisations worked to dethrone us from where we were.” We have been here together in relation to Chopwell wood and other such before. We were here in 1992, when the previous Tory places meant that the re-introduction of red kites was Government set up a review when there was a rising up so successful. The re-introduction of red kites has been when Michael Heseltine, who was mentioned earlier, one of the most positive of any such actions that have decided he was going to close 31 of the most technologically thankfully taken place in this country over the past two advanced coal mines in this country. decades. We should take stock and say, “Where exactly are Mr James Gray (in the Chair): Order. I am very sorry, we?” A lot of people think that this battle has been won but the hon. Gentleman really must confine himself to and that the Government have seen sense and have the future of the Forestry Commission, which is the agreed that the forest will stay in public hands, but that topic under debate today—nothing else, just the future is not the position we are in today. Let us remind of the Forestry Commission. ourselves what the Secretary of State said. First, she said that she had ended the consultation. Secondly, she Mr Anderson: Again, I take on board what the Chair said that the Government are supporting the removal of says and I acknowledge that he may well not agree with the relevant clauses from the Public Bodies Bill. Thirdly, where I am coming from, but the truth is— she said that she has set up the review. That is all she has done. She has not stopped the Forestry Commission Mr James Gray (in the Chair): Order. It is not for the from being looked at in respect of privatisation and she Chair to agree or disagree with where a particular hon. has not cut off the potential for the whole of the estate Member is “coming from,” as the hon. Gentleman puts to end up in private hands. That might not happen it. It is my job to ensure that the debate is about the immediately, but it could happen over time. future of the Forestry Commission and nothing else. The hon. Gentleman will return to the subject of the A great concern of many of the campaigners—I am debate; otherwise he will return to his seat. talking about people who devote their lives to these woods—was that they may well have had to take control Mr Anderson: I accept, again, what the Chair says and ownership of certain areas of the woods. They were and I hope that he will accept that we have a situation worried that they could not sustain that. They were also where people worry about what the future holds, because concerned that, when they had gone, their children they do not trust what has happened in the past. 11WH Forestry Commission1 MARCH 2011 Forestry Commission 12WH

[Mr Anderson] asset base runs down. Sadly, those assets that have been sold off have, in many cases, gone with inadequate Another issue that people are unsure about is exactly protections. The Government’s recent proposals clearly where the Liberal Democrats are on this, because they focused and magnified the great interest in our forests—in will play a key part in deciding the debate about where my own constituency, the much-loved Bushy Leaze, this country is going. In the next period, what will they Chawton Park woods, Alice Holt forest and Queen feed into the consultation? What is quite clear on the Elizabeth country park. The correspondence that many ground in Chopwell, is that the Liberal Democrats are of us received—we could all trade a considerable number nowhere to be seen, despite the fact that in part of that of e-mails and letters—amplified how much, although area Liberal Democrat councillors represent some of we knew this already, people value the recreational the people who live at the side of the woods. So people benefits of those facilities, and want to protect biodiversity. have the right to say, “Where are you?” We have been It is a little unhelpful to introduce things into the here before. In 1921, under a coalition Government of debate that are not directly relevant, such as climate Tories and Liberals, there was an attempt to sell off change and the development of the countryside. As was Runnymede, of all places. That did not happen. pointed out, in this country, we cannot just fell large I come back to the statement made by the Secretary numbers of trees, raze them to the ground and build of State. She said: things. That is just not allowed, whoever owns the land, “I am sorry, we got this one wrong”. as I think the right hon. Lady knows. There are, however, I think every one of us would admire the Secretary of a number of reasonable, legitimate and important questions, State for saying that and accepting that, but she then and people have some deep, understandable concerns said, about aspects of the proposals. One key point, with the distinction between heritage forests and other forests, is “we have listened to people’s concerns.”—[Official Report, 17 February 2011; Vol. 523, c. 1155.] that the protections for the heritage forest are clear. However, people want additional comfort about forests Well, I am very pleased about that, but if she has that are not classified as heritage forests and, indeed, listened to people’s concerns, and if she has listened to how they can appeal for a forest to be classed as a the responses to the consultations, and if she has listened heritage forest. That is the case with some of the forests to the 500,000 people who signed up on the website, she in my patch of East Hampshire. will know that those concerns are saying one thing and one thing only: the Forestry Commission, and the 18% I welcome the Government’s new independent panel. of forest lands that are in public ownership and control, I hope that it will be an opportunity for us to improve must remain. If we end up, at the end of the review forest cover, relative to the starting point. It is worth procedure, with anything other than that, then clearly restating that the Forestry Commission is not the only she has not listened and has not responded to what the owner of forest. I was at a forest planting last week as people of this country have said. part of the Woodland Trust jubilee project, which is an excellent project. The next opportunity is not just to The truth is that the people of this country will be protect, but enhance access and amenity. This debate watching the Secretary of State, her ministerial team has helped to put into sharp focus some of the issues and the Government like a hawk for the next few not just for walkers, but for cyclists and horse riders. I months. They will be very concerned, as my right hon. urge the Minister to say a little more on those matters, Friend the Member for Lewisham, Deptford said, about and what he hopes will come out of the independent the make-up of the independent panel. If there are no panel, which I very much welcome. work force representatives, or representatives from green groups, on the panel, it will fail before it starts. If the terms of reference do not allow the latitude for the 10.16 am Forestry Commission to continue with full control and ownership, it will have failed before it starts. Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): Thank you, Mr Gray, for allowing me to speak in this debate. I To the people outside—wake up. Do not pretend that will keep it short. I congratulate the right hon. Member this is all done and dusted and that we had a great for Lewisham, Deptford (Joan Ruddock) on securing victory two weeks ago. We had some success two weeks the debate. I well remember her contribution as a Minister ago, and it was people power that did it, but we have in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural been here before: reviews have been used to put things Affairs in previous Parliaments. on the back burner in the hope that we will forget about it and that it will be slipped through in six months’ time. I would like to declare an interest. I am a member of Do not fall for that one. a partnership that is in receipt of a farm woodland grant from the Forestry Commission to promote both the management of woodlands under our responsibility 10.13 am and the public good through, for example, access and Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): I am grateful biodiversity. I will return to that—not that I am an for the opportunity to speak in this important debate. I example of a good forester, although I am an enthusiastic congratulate the right hon. Member for Lewisham, one—because it is not just the public estate that is Deptford (Joan Ruddock) on securing the debate. important for access and biodiversity, but private woodland The background to this situation is that the Forestry and private forestry too. Commission has been running a deficit—a microcosm I have another small interest to declare. Some members of the overall national position—for some years, with of my family, although not immediate members, are the gap being plugged by asset sales. There is a revenue involved in the sawmill industry, which is a commercial funding gap, which is being plugged by capital sales. aspect of forestry that has not been mentioned today. That is not a sustainable situation, because in time the Many jobs in my constituency are dependent on sawmills 13WH Forestry Commission1 MARCH 2011 Forestry Commission 14WH and on a consistent throughput of material, both in take private woodland into account. The Forestry quality and quantity, to go into those sawmills. Sadly, Commission is already making planting grants to the only 10% of all timber used in this country for construction private estate, so that would be within the panel’s terms—at or for furniture manufacture originates in this country, least, I hope that it is—because, in making those grants, but that is still an important part of the rural community. we can ask for public good to be demonstrated. We can Sadly, the House has not shown much interest in ask for access and improvements in biodiversity. forestry until the past couple of months. In fact, in We should remember that conifer woods are not almost 10 years as an MP, we have had no debates in completely aseptic, or without any life at all. In fact, the Government time on forestry. We have had one debate red squirrel and the dormouse have been shown to use in Opposition time on forestry, and that was the recent such habitats, so they are important. The Forestry debate. We have had two Adjournment debates on the Commission also has a big part to play in ensuring that New Forest. We have had two Westminster Hall debates, there is a supply of timber to go through our sawmills, one sponsored by the hon. Member for Christchurch so I would ask the Minister whether there is any way in (Mr Chope) and, in 2005, one that I sponsored. which all of that can be taken into consideration. In the Unfortunately, DEFRA did not manage to put up a enthusiasm to protect our public estate, we have forgotten Minister to reply to the debate, such was its interest in about the contribution that private woodland makes as forestry, and the reply was made by a member of Her well. Majesty’s Treasury team—the former Whip, Nick Ainger, who is no longer a Member of the House. We had a good debate in this Chamber for 30 minutes. 10.24 am That is the sum total of interest that the House has Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): I am grateful shown in forestry in the past 10 years, so I am pleased for the opportunity to speak in this debate. I have been that we are now able to debate this issue more calmly inspired to speak by the previous contributions, particularly than we did a fortnight ago—I am sure that the Minister that of the right hon. Member for Lewisham, Deptford is not very pleased that it has caused the interest that it (Joan Ruddock). I congratulate her on providing this has—because the future of forestry in this country is useful opportunity to have a considered discussion about important. Some 20% of the forest cover in England is an issue that is hugely important to me personally. I am in the public estate, and 80% is privately held. Of that enjoying the debate. 80%, 40% is either undermanaged or not managed at I agreed with much of what the right hon. Lady said all, and that is a real challenge for the Forestry Commission about objectives. I love forests. As a farmer, I planted in the future. How can we better manage that woodland, forests on my land, purely for my own pleasure—they not only in commercial terms but also in terms of are of limited commercial benefit. Like the hon. Member access and biodiversity? for Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger Williams), I, too, should declare an interest, albeit a small one, in that I Jim Shannon: Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the planted woodlands with the support of Forestry sporting potential of forests, and therefore their economic Commission grants, and my main farm is surrounded benefits as well? Does he agree that perhaps that has by Forestry Commission land. been overlooked when it comes to any potential sales or Clearly, the objective has been to increase biodiversity. otherwise of forests? That is a stated objective of the Government as well as the Opposition. It is also hugely important that we Roger Williams: The sporting potential of forests increase and improve access. I must say that when I first should be taken into account. One of the points that I saw reports on the coalition Government’s intention to would make if I had more time is about the great change the ownership of woodland, I had personal demand on our forests for different kinds of access. In concerns because of my huge interest. my area, there are not only walkers, cyclists and horse When I was a young man, I spent much of my time riders, but people who go scrambling and rally driving on Forestry Commission land at Cwmystwyth in central as well. Rally driving and horse riding do not go together Wales looking at red kites. I make this point because it very well, so we have to manage the diverse demands on is relevant to another contribution that we heard. There our forests. were probably no more than about a dozen red kites left Yes, the Forestry Commission was set up in response in the whole of Britain. The only way we were able to to the lack of timber for pit props, but its reputation has reintroduce the red kite into central parts of England— not always been as holy as it is now. Indeed, the people can now see them everywhere along the M40 as contraceptive conifers that march up and down our they drive into London—and the north-east is because woodlands were all planted by the Forestry Commission. many people in mid-Wales put in a lot of voluntary The planting of the Flow country in Scotland, where we effort to retain the red kite when its very existence was had the last of our native conifer woodland, was not to threatened. its glory, but, yes, it has improved; it has altered its The one part of the right hon. Lady’s speech that terms of reference and its priorities. caused me concern was the way in which she misinterpreted When the panel meets—I hope that it will be called what the coalition Government intended to do. Like the wood panel, because everyone would then be able to other Members, I have received letters and e-mails—I recognise it—I hope it will take into consideration not think there were 250, although the proposals did not only the public estate, which is managed by the Forestry even apply in Wales. Even before I heard the Secretary Commission, but private woodland as well, which can of State’s statement in the House, I thought that people make a huge contribution in this country. Someone said had misunderstood what the Government were proposing. that we probably have less woodland cover than almost After the statement, I wrote to those 250 people and any other European country, so it is important that we sent them a copy of what the Secretary of State actually 15WH Forestry Commission1 MARCH 2011 Forestry Commission 16WH

[Glyn Davies] 10.31 am said in the House. Much of the statement was drowned Sir Peter Soulsby (Leicester South) (Lab): I join other out—it was a noisy, highly emotional debate, and I do hon. Members in congratulating my right hon. Friend not think that people actually heard what was said. I the Member for Lewisham, Deptford (Joan Ruddock) have not had 250 e-mails back, but I have probably had on securing the debate. It is clear from the contributions 15, and people are saying, “We didn’t know that. We that Members have made that, despite the Government’s didn’t understand what the Government were actually somewhat change of approach, this is still a current planning to do.” They were much more supportive of issue for us. As she reminds us, the context of her the plans. However, I do not want to hark back too request for the debate was the threat to England’s much to that, because we are now moving forward. woodlands and forests seeming immediate and imminent. Although there has been some change since then, that threat has not gone away, as she and my hon. Friend the Joan Ruddock: Is it the hon. Gentleman’s understanding Member for Blaydon (Mr Anderson) reminded us. that the Government were proposing—and, therefore, It is evident from the contributions to this debate and could propose again in future—the disposal of anything to the debate in the main Chamber on 2 February that up to the whole national forest estate? He has criticised our forests and woodlands are precious to us and to our use of the words “sell off”, but “disposal” would mean constituents. The steward of those forests and woodlands— that the Forestry Commission and its comprehensive the body that has oversight of them on our behalf, approach to the national forests would no longer exist. which cares for, looks after and nurtures them—is the The situation would be very different. Forestry Commission. Its role in undertaking those tasks on our behalf is vital. It is vital for the land that it Glyn Davies: No, that was not my understanding. directly manages, for the oversight, regulation and advice Clearly, I had an interest, and I had concerns because of that it provides to others, and, most particularly, for the reports in the newspapers, but I must admit that I do example that it sets to others on how to manage the not always believe everything I read in the newspapers. woodland under its control. Sometimes interesting issues are raised, but that was As the debate on England’s forests on 2 February not my understanding, which was why I said that I highlighted, the Forestry Commission manages 258,000 waited to hear exactly what the Government were proposing hectares of land in England. As pointed out during the before making a judgment. I thought that the speech in debate, that represents only 18% of all woodland in the House during the last major debate was sensibly England. That 18% represents only 44% of the total based. woodland accessible for the public to enjoy and appreciate. However, I want to move on from that to an issue of Our debate today is not simply about the woodland in concern that has not been addressed: the position of the England, but about the Forestry Commission in general Forestry Commission as both regulator and a major and its stewardship. operator in the field. That is a real issue which, at some stage, the Government will have to address. It cannot be Roger Williams: The hon. Gentleman makes a good right that the body that is the main commercial operator point about the public estate being only 44% of publically in the field also regulates all its competitors. That accessible land and about how much public access is matter will have to be dealt with. The one other aspect provided by the woodlands and forests in private ownership. to which we must refer—this something which my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry) raised—is Sir Peter Soulsby: That is indeed the case. As I dealing with commercial property. I cannot see the acknowledged, we very much welcome the fact that the sense in Government dealing with commercial forestry. Forestry Commission, in the exemplary way it manages Changing the ownership or management of forestry its land—promoting biodiversity, providing education, through lease is crucial. We have to get back to a interpretation and access—offers an example to others, position of maintaining or increasing access, increasing which some follow. biodiversity wherever possible, and contributing to fighting climate change if that is part of the wider debate, as it Woodland managed in England is only about one should be. That can be better done through lease than third of the total woodland and forest managed by the sale, which is why I hugely welcomed the original debate. Forestry Commission across Great Britain. It is estimated that that is more than 1.4 billion trees—although I do I want to refer to Wales. I live in Wales, and a lot of not think that anyone has actually counted them all. people say that the Government there are taking a completely different line on the issue. The hon. Member The hon. Member for Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger for Brecon and Radnorshire made that point. What is Williams) spoke about how the Forestry Commission proposed in Wales is that the estate should be retained, dramatically has changed its approach to management but there will be improved and more dynamic management, over the years and about how it has become an exemplary and there will occasionally be sales. That policy really is organisation. It is a major land manager that sets very not very different from what we might propose. One high standards. It has one of the largest collections of does not know where we go from here, but a report is sites of special scientific interest, with an excellent record coming, and things will not be the same as before. To of 99% being in favourable or recovering condition. It say that we will simply retain forestry in aspic in the provides for a substantial number of visitors, and is other nations is not accurate. In all areas, where a large estimated to have had more than 40 million visits last part of land is owned, there has to be a degree of year. He put his finger on it when he mentioned previous flexibility and of management responding to conditions debates— as they come along, and that will be what we will do. That is all I wish to say. Roger Williams: Lack of. 17WH Forestry Commission1 MARCH 2011 Forestry Commission 18WH

Sir Peter Soulsby: Or the lack of debates on forestry learning and educational programmes will be cut, and in the House over recent years. That is interesting there will inevitably be extended charges for services or because I think that it points not to a lack of interest in the shutting of facilities. Elements of what the Forestry forestry, but to a belief, up until now, that the forests Commission manages directly and excellently at the were in safe hands and it was not a matter about which moment will have to be passed over to others. Members needed to concern themselves. That was why I have a number of questions for the Minister. My it was so distressing and surprising when we heard the right hon. and hon. Friends have already mentioned Government’s proposals to sell 40,000 hectares immediately. some of them, but I will list the points again and allow The hon. Member for Daventry cannot get away from it the Minister plenty of time to respond. When will the and the hon. Member for Montgomeryshire (Glyn Davies) Government bring forward details of who will sit on the cannot suggest that we misinterpreted the Government’s new panel, and how will they guarantee the independence intentions. As shown by the quotes earlier, the Government of that panel? Will the panel include public and local were clear about their intentions for the public forest campaign groups that have been involved in the campaign estate. I quote the Minister of State, Department for to save the forests, and will it include members of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: work force? Will the panel meet in public? Will all “We wish to proceed with very substantial disposal of public existing planned sales be halted pending the panel’s forest estate, which could go to the extent of all of it.” report? That is clear. People were not making it up. People did Will the panel be able to recommend maintaining the not misunderstand it. Those words meant what they— land in public hands? The Minister muttered “Rubbish” from a sedentary position when this point was raised Mr Paice: Rubbish. earlier, so perhaps he will take the opportunity to tell us if it is untrue. How can the Government deliver better Sir Peter Soulsby: They could mean nothing other woodland access and biodiversity when the Forestry than that. There could be a wholesale sell-off. The Commission is cutting staff by a quarter over the next outcry was totally predictable to everybody other than three months? Finally, will any future receipts from the Minister and his colleagues. They tried to dismiss sales of land stay within the Forestry Commission so that as scaremongering, and in the run-up to the 2 February that they can be used for the enhancement of our public debate, they said that they were doing it for the money. forest estate? That is what the previous Government did Perhaps the Minister will explain some of the figures and, as my right hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham, behind the proposals and say what he now believes the Deptford reminded us, it is something of which we are net proceeds would have been. They tried to justify the proud. sale in that way, and when that fell apart, they tried to The public were appalled by what the Government justify it in terms of the big society. But that fell apart proposed, and they understood clearly the full extent of and, as we heard again from Government Members, what it might mean. Those who campaigned so effectively they invented the spurious explanation that it was about were aware of the threat to our precious woodlands and trying to resolve a conflict of interest within the organisation forests, but they must be reminded that the threat has of the Forestry Commission. It was somehow inappropriate not gone away, and we have had the opportunity to do for the Forestry Commission to be both the operator that today. Conservative Members have been dismissive and the regulator, and it was incapable of doing something of those fears in the past, and we have heard such fears that it has done successfully for many decades. dismissed again today. Hon. Members from all sides must have heard the clear message during the run-up to Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): I did not really the debate on 2 February, and it is still something that support the plans the Government introduced, but I we need to hear. Our woods and forests are just that—they thought that it was right to have a consultation period, are our woods and our forests. They must be kept that for which I voted. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that way and properly managed by the Forestry Commission, we should think more about what the independent an organisation that has an excellent record in the review might say and about how we might funnel our stewardship of those precious assets on our behalf. views and the views of our constituents towards it? Tony Baldry: On a point of order, Mr Gray, for the Sir Peter Soulsby: I will come to questions to the benefit of Hansard, I am the hon. Member for Banbury, Minister about how independent the review will be and not the hon. Member for Daventry. what its terms of reference will be in one moment. Before doing that, I will return to the concerns about the continuing threats to the Forestry Commission’s 10.43 am work expressed by my right hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham, Deptford when she introduced the debate The Minister of State, Department for Environment, and later by my hon. Friend the Member for Blaydon. Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): I have attended They pointed out that although it appears that there many debates in Westminster Hall, which is normally a has been some pause in the Government’s headlong place for relatively non-controversial issues to be raised rush to dismantle the public forest estate, they are and discussed in a calm manner by hon. Members from pressing ahead with requiring the Forestry Commission all parties. I am afraid I cannot say that of today. The to make substantial cuts in its staff. Some 400 jobs—about opening speech by the right hon. Member for Lewisham, a quarter of the total—are at risk immediately. That Deptford (Joan Ruddock) repeated many of the myths will inevitably reduce its capacity to undertake the and nonsenses that we have heard during previous excellent stewardship achieved over recent years. Its discussions and questions about forestry. It was not the ability to manage the deer and wildlife will be reduced, serious contribution to the future of the Forestry 19WH Forestry Commission1 MARCH 2011 Forestry Commission 20WH

[Mr James Paice] that environment. Therefore, we have withdrawn it and I do not propose to waste more time discussing what Commission that my hon. Friend the Member for Brecon was or was not in the consultation document. That and Radnorshire (Roger Williams) referred to and urged would not be constructive. upon us. The issue was raised of the ongoing sales, or the 15% I will address some of the key issues and respond of the Forestry Commission estate that is in the spending where I can to the questions raised. My hon. Friend the review for the next four years. It is estimated that we Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry) rightly pointed out would have raised £100 million from the sale of up to that part of the public concern arose from the Public 15% of the forestry estate in England. The hon. Member Bodies Bill. One can look back and say that the cart was for Leicester South asked what is happening to that, put before the horse, but because we believed that and as the Secretary of State made clear, we have changes to the Forestry Commission were necessary suspended that process. No parcels of land or forests and we were conscious of the constraints of the legislation, will be offered for sale until the panel—to which I will we decided to put the provision into what appeared to refer later—has reported and made recommendations be a suitable vehicle to permit us to make those changes. regarding the protection of public interests. At the I am the first to recognise that, together with the moment, there is no direct financial consequence. The remarks I made to which the hon. Member for Leicester £100 million, although placed in our spending review, South (Sir Peter Soulsby) referred—I am not withdrawing was not allocated to any heads of expenditure. Therefore, those remarks, but they were back in October—that other than a short-term cash-flow issue, there are no allowed people to become concerned. As it happened, direct consequences of deferring those sales. I hope that that concern was unnecessary, but it allowed a number explanation has clarified the issue. of myths to gain credence. A point was made about sales by previous Governments. In the communication to which the hon. Gentleman Again, that makes me doubt the right hon. Lady’s—the referred, I used the word “disposal” carefully. I did not hon. Lady’s— use the word “sale” because, as will be observed, the consultation document often implied disposal but not Joan Ruddock: Right honourable. sale. Part of the absurd nonsense from the right hon. Mr Paice: My apologies. It makes me doubt the right Lady included the figure of £745 million, which I suspect hon. Lady’s commitment to the whole picture. On her she took from the Forestry Commission’s annual report. website, she has been on about how much land the That is actually the book value of all the public forestry previous Conservative Government and the Forestry estate, prior to any discounts for the preservation of Commission sold. Of course, she omits to point out access and other public interests. It includes the book that most of that was in Scotland, because under that value of the New Forest and the Forest of Dean, and we previous Government the Forestry Commission was made it clear that for both of those the disposal was to one body, so in comparison with what happened under be free—gratis—had it gone through. The right hon. the Labour Government, who were selling only in England Lady’s figures were absurd; the concept of disposal after devolution, the figures look dramatically different. included a free handover to a charitable trust. She also omitted to mention, although one of my hon. Friends did mention it, that under the previous Government Joan Ruddock: I am more than happy to be corrected. tree planting fell to an all-time low. The rate halved Perhaps the Minister will let us know the estimate for under the Government of whom she was so proud to be the amount of money that would be raised by the a member. disposals of which he speaks. Much has been said about the fact that the public forest estate comprises just 18% of all woods and forests Mr Paice: As the right hon. Lady knows, the consultation in England. We should not in any way ignore that document contained a lot of variability, particularly statistic. It is clear that many people were confused about what might be called the middle strata of woodlands about how much of the forestry in this country was and forests—not heritage but not the main commercial owned or rented by the Forestry Commission. It is just areas—where there was a range of options. The income 18%. Although the right hon. Member for Lewisham, from that is not easy to estimate, but we published an Deptford and other hon. Members have been, by impact assessment as required, and the figures are in the implication, quite damning of the 69% that is held in public domain. I repeat: the primary objective of the private hands—the rest is in other forms of public or proposition was not simply to raise cash. I will return in community ownership—we do not see with that 69% all a moment to the issue of ongoing sales. the disasters that we were told would befall public land The right hon. Lady referred to the 0.5 million people if it went into the private sector. As my hon. Friend the who expressed concern about this matter. I cannot help Member for East Hampshire (Damian Hinds) rightly but observe that she took a lot less notice of the pointed out, people cannot fell trees in this country 0.5 million people who opposed a ban on fox hunting without a felling licence, and almost certainly they will and whom she treated with disdain. have to replant. Indeed, since I have been the Minister responsible, I have had to intervene on a few occasions Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham) (Con): to enforce the replanting requirements to ensure that Selective. that happens. Therefore, suggestions of massive deforestation are completely absurd and take us away Mr Paice: Quite. As we have said, and as the Secretary from the serious debate that others want to address. of State said in the House, we recognised that public Let me deal with some of the specific questions that I concern was raised dramatically, and that it was a was asked. I will not disclose anything about the content pointless exercise to continue with the consultation in of the panel, because the Secretary of State will announce 21WH Forestry Commission1 MARCH 2011 Forestry Commission 22WH in due course who will serve on the panel and what its It is worth pointing out that the Forestry Commission’s terms of reference will be. I can emphasise, though, that commercial arm makes a margin of just £1 million on the status quo—the hon. Member for Leicester South its commercial activities. That is substantially offset by asked about this—is of course an option. If the panel the understandable costs of recreation, amenity, biodiversity recommends that, clearly it is entitled to do so. To rule it and the other services that the commission provides, as out would be nonsensical. If the panel recommends a number of hon. Members rightly identified. That change, the issue of public consultation comes back means that there is a massive overall cost to the taxpayer. into play, so there will be plenty of time. The hon. As my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury said, in the Member for Blaydon (Mr Anderson) said that if the past the commission has made that up by selling off panel concludes in favour of anything other than the assets on an annual basis, and it has been selling those status quo, we will not have listened to the public. I say assets without the protection for public access, rights of to him that we will consult the public about any changes way and all the other things that Opposition Members if the panel recommends them. I do not want to prejudge now preach to us about. Those things were not protected, what the outcome of the panel will be. so Opposition Members are not in a good position to The hon. Member for Leicester South asked how we criticise us. would guarantee independence. The chairman will be We hope that the panel will consider all aspects of the appointed and will be completely independent; indeed, public forest estate. As I said, the Secretary of State will all the members will be. We are not filling the panel with publish details of the proposed membership and the civil servants or anything like that. It will be completely terms of reference of the panel shortly. We look forward independent. It will be for the members to decide how to the conclusions that it comes to. I can assure the they operate, but I cannot see why they should not have House that the present Government’s genuine commitment public meetings if that seems appropriate. to forestry in this country—public, private and community—is real and as strong as it has ever been. The hon. Gentleman asked about the 25% cut, and other hon. Members have raised that. All Opposition The truth of what I have just said is underlined by the Members should be well aware that they managed to fact that, as my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury leave this country in desperate straits and we have had said, the National Forest was brought in by a Conservative to take very tough decisions on public expenditure. All Government, who did a tremendous amount of work in DEFRA’s arm’s length bodies have had to take a 25% developing forestry in the former coal mining areas of cut, just as core DEFRA has had to. That is tough, and the midlands. That is a great place for everyone to visit. I feel for all the people who may find themselves losing The real point to make, though, is that virtually none of jobs or not being able to get a job because the job has it is on state-owned land. Planting has been incentivised disappeared as a result. However, as my right hon. on private and community-owned land, not public land Friend the Prime Minister has made clear, the deficit bought by the Forestry Commission. Therefore, we can must come first—we must deal with it. I will not have a vibrant, strong forest in this country, with access apologise—indeed, it should be for those on the Opposition and with all the necessary protection for biodiversity. Benches to apologise—for the fact that we have had to Whether the state needs to be involved not only in make those reductions. The details of how they will be owning it but in managing and running it is now a made in this area are a matter for the Forestry Commission. matter for the panel, the details of which we will announce It has made its proposals, which are out for consultation. shortly. It would be wrong of me to discuss them in public while that consultation is going on. Sir Peter Soulsby: I understand the Minister’s reluctance to give the names of those who might serve on the A number of other points were raised. I shall try to panel, but surely he will accept that it is important that encapsulate some of them but, most importantly, I those who have spoken out so strongly on behalf of want to make the point that, contrary to the impression woodlands and forests have their voice heard on that that the Opposition have tried to give, the Government panel. Will he at this stage agree to ensure that on that feel very strongly about forestry. Perhaps I should have panel are members of the public and local campaign said, like other hon. Members, that I have the grand groups who have been speaking so vehemently on behalf total of 1 hectare of woodland on my own little property. of our forests? Like others, I planted it myself 20 years ago under a woodland grant scheme, although that has long since Mr Paice: I am sorry, but I will not be drawn on the expired, and I am proud to spend a lot of time in it membership of the panel because once I give way on managing it. I passionately believe in the importance of one aspect of who might be on the panel, I will be forestry. What I do not believe is that the status quo is drawn into discussing everything. The Secretary of State automatically always the best way forward. It is right will make the announcement shortly. I hope that we can that we should reconsider how the Forestry Commission then go forward with the seriousness of approach that operates, and the panel will advise us on whether there my hon. Friend the Member for Brecon and Radnorshire should be changes. mentioned so wisely in his contribution. 23WH 1 MARCH 2011 Search and Rescue Service 24WH

Search and Rescue Service of function between the MCA and Ministry of Defence helicopter forces, and similar time frames for the potential 11 am introduction of new aircraft fleets, led Ministers in the MOD and the Department for Transport in May 2006 Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): I am to announce a cross-Government approach to the grateful for the opportunity to raise this extremely acquisition of a harmonised UK SAR helicopter service. important matter, which has exercised the House for A joint project team from the two Departments was some time. I have raised it on several occasions, and it is tasked with running the project, which was essentially a time that we looked in detail at what the future holds for Labour privatisation project. I say that not as a criticism, the search and rescue service, on which we all depend. but simply to set out the context, because if this Government The search and rescue service covers 1.25 million contemplate privatising anything, the Opposition tend nautical miles of sea and 10,000 nautical miles of coastline, to say that they would never consider such a thing. as well as the entire land area of the United Kingdom. However, the previous Government did devise a It is a joint service, which is operated by the RAF, the privatisation project, and that was because they thought Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and Her Majesty’s coastguard. that such a project was essential to ensure that new It uses more than 40 helicopters from 12 bases around helicopters could be provided relatively quickly to replace the UK. the Sea Kings. The total project contracts were worth HM coastguard uses Westland AW139s and Sikorsky £6 billion. S-92s, which are under contract to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The RAF and the Royal Navy use During discussions on the project, a number of concerns Sea Kings. The Sea King has four crew members—the arose and were subject to quite a lot of public discussion. pilot, the co-pilot, the winchman and the radar operator, What aircraft would be used to replace the Sea King? who is also the winch operator. There are two versions How long would it take to get them into service? Which of the Sea King, the Mk 3, which entered service in personnel would be required to operate the new service? 1977, and the Mk 3A, which is slightly newer. The age Would they be drawn from the military, civilian life or a of the aircraft has been causing significant technical mixture of the two? If there were to be a mixture of problems, and they require constant maintenance to military and civilian personnel, how would that work in keep flying—a point to which I will return. practice, given that the civilians would be covered by the European working time directive, while the military The RAF bases are RAF Boulmer, which is the personnel would not? That has already caused issues at headquarters of A flight and 202 Squadron; RAF the coastguard-operated bases in the Hebrides and the Lossiemouth, on the Moray firth; RAF Valley in Anglesey, Shetlands. Consideration would also need to be given to where Prince William is based; Leconfield, near Hull; the equalisation of pay and other conditions. Chivenor, in Devon; and Wattisham, in Suffolk. The Royal Navy bases are Culdrose in Cornwall and Prestwick What training would air crew receive? At the moment, in the west of Scotland. HM coastguard operates from there is a fairly heavy dependence on experienced personnel Lee on Solent, Portland, Stornoway and Sumburgh in with RAF training moving into other areas of search the Shetland islands. and rescue and other helicopter services. Of course, it is The RAF has just celebrated 70 years of involvement true that RAF training is heavily drawn on in aviation in the search and rescue service. It has 16 Sea King more widely. Furthermore, what arrangements would Mk 3 and 3A helicopters in service, which are divided be provided for SAR cover in the Falkland islands between 22 Squadron and 202 Squadron. Each squadron under the SAR helicopter scheme? SAR in the south maintains a 15-minute readiness state during daylight Atlantic is currently provided by the RAF, using the hours and a 45-minute readiness state during the hours same crews who man our stations in the UK. That is of darkness. 22 Squadron operates out of Chivenor, done on a six to seven-week rolling rotation, with two Wattisham and Valley, while 202 Squadron operates out crews of four personnel based in the Falklands at any of Boulmer, Lossiemouth and Leconfield. The training one time. A normal feature of a career spent in a search unit operates out of RAF Valley with three Griffin HT1 and rescue aircrew will therefore be time spent in the helicopters. Falklands. In Boulmer, which is in my constituency, the RAF Where do the prospects of a new helicopter with search and rescue service is a source of enormous local faster flying speeds and a longer range leave the existing pride and satisfaction. It is hugely respected and very basing pattern? What changes would be feasible under involved in the local community, and the RAF helicopter SAR? Linked to that, would 24-hour cover be provided is often to be seen not only engaged in operations or by each base? An early answer to that question made it training, but supporting local community events. That, clear that there were proposals to reduce the cover at a of course, is good public relations for the RAF and number of bases to 12 hours, after which time the area adds to its excellent reputation in my area. Indeed, such for which the base was responsible would be covered by activities are such a prominent feature of the RAF’s the base in the adjoining area. That raised great concern. work that they tend to distract attention from the fact In the Lake district, for example, rescue operations are that the vast majority of the work done at RAF Boulmer often mounted by the RAF Boulmer helicopter, and is in the very different field of monitoring and guarding there was particular concern that the area could not our skies and training people. None the less, it is the easily be served from other bases. Those bases would, familiar yellow helicopters going about their rescue and like Boulmer, have extensive responsibilities for the training work that enjoy the greatest and most immediate North sea and the east coast, and their helicopters public awareness. could easily be on a rescue operation and be unable to Under the previous Labour Government, a private respond. Bases would be covering two huge areas—their finance initiative contract proposal was developed under the own area and the neighbouring area—so there was a lot name of search and rescue harmonisation. Commonality of concern about the idea of 12-hour operation. Following 25WH Search and Rescue Service1 MARCH 2011 Search and Rescue Service 26WH a number of meetings with Ministers and others, it was organisations such as mountain rescue teams. That decided that RAF Boulmer would continue to provide depends on consistent good working relations. The 24-hour cover, at least until new helicopters with greater military operators such as RAF Boulmer and 202 Squadron range and the ability to reach other areas at greater have done that particularly well. In general I think that speed were introduced. most people feel more confidence about military crew, In the course of the project, bidders were identified, because they know the high standards of training that although some did not stay the course until the end. On are involved. However, it is quite an expensive way to 9 February 2010, the Soteria consortium was identified provide the service, and other options probably should as the preferred bidder. The consortium was made up of be considered. Some of the training and experience that CHC Helicopter, which is the largest global supplier the military has, and some of its operational practices, of civilian helicopter services and the current provider would need to be transferred if there were any wider of the MCA’s interim SAR service; the Royal Bank of civilianisation of the service. The hon. Gentleman is Scotland, as a PFI equity investor; Thales UK, the well right to raise that as a matter of concern. known defence contractor, which has been involved in a The review announced by the Chief Secretary was number of PFI and partnership projects; and Sikorsky, about cost-effectiveness, against the background of a which has long experience in the design and manufacture huge deficiency in defence capital programme funding. of military and commercial helicopters. It was not about the issues that finally brought down The consortium proposed a fleet of 24 Sikorsky S-92 the contract. Indeed, Ministers were on the point of aircraft, with a top speed of 190 mph and a cruising announcing the final decision on the contract. Various speed of 167 mph. The S-92 would have been fitted with other things had been going on, however. There were an internal fuel tank, increasing the aircraft’s flying rumours that as part of the comprehensive spending radius to 310 statute miles. The aircraft would also have review the Government had proposed that the project been fitted with the latest high-speed twin hoist, providing should be rewritten, so that an entirely civilian work for the possibility of single-hoist failure. It would also force would operate the service, rather than a mixture of have had a 300-foot hoist cable and a lift capacity of up civilian and military personnel. Of course, if the to 600 lb at 350 feet per minute. It is hard to envisage Government had done that, it would have created a big being raised on a winch at 350 feet per minute, but such saving, because it would have taken about 66 higher-paid things are necessary in certain situations—for example, military personnel out of the project, and probably on the moving deck of a ship in rough seas. The aircraft created up to an additional £100 million over the lifetime cabin would be fitted out to allow paramedic medical of the project in personnel costs for the contractor. It care to be administered to a casualty. The ramp at the also sidestepped the problem of some personnel being rear of the aircraft would provide access for loading subject to European working time directive rules, while and unloading stretchers, incubators and medical equipment others were not. That issue was rumbling in the background. and access for rescue teams and their equipment. The On 16 December a dramatic announcement was made—I other major bidding consortium went under the name think that it was the very day on which we were to have of AirKnight, but two further consortia pulled out at a heard the final decision about the contractor. The Secretary relatively early stage in the process. of State for Defence announced that information had At some stage—I must confess I now forget when it come to light about the preferred bid in the search and was—responsibility for the future operation was transferred rescue competition, which required clarification. The from the Ministry of Defence to the Department for preferred bidder had informed the Government of Transport, which is why the Minister with whom I deal irregularities in the conduct of the bid team, which had with all sorts of other transport issues is replying to the only recently come to light. The irregularities included debate. All that I have described of course preceded the access by one of the consortium members, CHC Helicopter, dramatic events of the suspension of the SAR-H scheme to commercially sensitive information about the joint and its subsequent abandonment. The first stage of that Ministry of Defence and Department for Transport was just part of the process of the incoming Government project team’s evaluations of industry bids, and evidence reviewing the spending commitments left to them by the that a former member of that project team had assisted previous Government. In June the Chief Secretary to the consortium in its bid preparation, contrary to explicit the Treasury announced that the Government had identified assurances given to the project team at the time. several projects, some of which were dropped, while others were to be reviewed. SAR was one of the reviewed I believe that considerable time previously a letter projects. went to the Ministry of Defence warning it of potential irregularities of that nature. One of the matters that I hope is being investigated is why that warning was not Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): I understand that heeded. Of course many other matters are being investigated on average over the past five years there have been as well, not just by the Ministry of Defence but by the between 80 and 120 mountain rescues in the United police. A former member of the MOD team, subsequently Kingdom. Does the right hon. Gentleman think that employed in the industry, is, I believe, the subject of such rescues could adequately be carried out using investigation. I do not know to what extent others are as non-military personnel and equipment, in a way similar well. to what happens in France and the United States; or should they remain in the hands of the military? On that basis, we were told that “the Government have sufficient information to enable them to Sir Alan Beith: Some of the rescues are done in that conclude that the irregularities that have been identified were way even now. Not all SAR services are provided by such that it would not be appropriate to proceed with either the military crew, but a high degree of training is required, preferred bid or with the current procurement process.” and there must be consistent co-operation with local The statement continued: 27WH Search and Rescue Service1 MARCH 2011 Search and Rescue Service 28WH

[Sir Alan Beith] to whom I am sure the Minister will want to listen, as he is now the Government Deputy Chief Whip, said in “The Department for Transport and the Ministry of Defence February 2010: will now consider the potential procurement options to meet “It is essential that this contract…is better negotiated and has future requirements for search and rescue helicopters in the fewer loopholes than the interim contract we had for the last few United Kingdom, including options to maintain continuity of years”— search and rescue helicopter cover until new longer-term arrangements can be put in place. the MCA contract. He said that the contract must We will make a further announcement once a way forward has protect against situations like the one that arose in 2008. been agreed.”—[Official Report, 10 February 2011; Vol. 523, The back-up helicopter based at Sumburgh was off-station c. 17WS.] for a whole week, but the Department for Transport That brings me to the focus of today’s debate, which and the MCA were powerless to do anything about it. is what progress has been made in reaching those decisions He also wanted to see the new service rooted properly in and when we are likely to get a proper announcement the communities that it serves rather than being dependent about it. Other factors could be at work. There is the on a stream of temporary pilots and support officers potential for legal action involving contractors. An constantly being shipped in and out. unsuccessful contractor might want to pursue the successful What are the options? What are the Government one over bid costs incurred. There might be legal action considering? First are the short-term immediate continuity between the Government and a contractor. The Minister arrangements. The RAF will carry on, as it always does. may be inhibited in what he can say about that, but it It has the resilience and determination to cope in situations, could be going on at the same time. whether created by Governments or world events, that What will happen next? The Sea Kings were due to be would challenge many other organisations, and I have withdrawn by 2016 or 2017. They are ageing and they every confidence in its ability to do so. However, we continue to need substantial levels of maintenance to need answers on how long it will be before a new keep them operating. Those of us who keep in close scheme replaces the present arrangements. Personnel touch with the search and rescue service know that have careers to plan, and MCA helicopters are contracted there are many occasions when the Sea Kings are not only until next year. As I said earlier, the Sea Kings are available to fly. I have seen that for myself. I was flying now extremely difficult to keep airworthy. How long in a Sea King that returned to base because the radio will this situation continue? What level of refit of the system failed. The other aircraft was on land having Sea King is possible? Would a major upgrade of the Sea returned from necessary maintenance work, and was King be a short-term option, or would it be too expensive? not yet tested and available to take over. At that point Should it therefore be considered as a longer-term therefore neither was available. There have been moments measure? when no helicopter has been available at Leconfield, What is being considered in the longer term? There Lossiemouth or Boulmer at the same time. That clearly are obviously several options. One is to retender a is a situation we cannot allow to continue. version of the contract. The Government clearly ruled Mr David Laws (Yeovil) (LD): I congratulate my out retendering the contract in its present form when right hon. Friend on securing an extremely important they made their announcement, so they have obviously debate. I urge him to keep an open mind about whether given it some consideration. There are several reasons a life extension to Sea King could be a short and why retendering is not the answer. There were too many medium-term option. Is he aware that in the United flaws in the original contract, some of which I referred States, Germany and India the Sea King fleets, which to earlier; once it became impossible to continue it, the are all older than ours, are having their lives extended, questions that had arisen while it was being considered and that on the whole Sea King availability recently has then needed to be considered again. At that stage in the been quite good? contract process, it may have been too late to resolve those questions, but when the matter was reopened they Sir Alan Beith: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend needed to be reconsidered. who, from his constituency, knows well the work of Another reason why it would have been difficult to Westland in that area. I have an open mind about retender was that experience has shown that the whether a major refit of at least some of the Sea Kings procurement process is not up to the job. To go back to could be carried out. It is one of the options to be the same process and risk another failure was not considered. However, we cannot simply go on as we are something that the Government could properly have with relatively short-term maintenance of the Sea Kings. done. We have seen many other weaknesses in the The personnel who work in search and rescue with defence procurement process, which has led many to the RAF and the Royal Navy are also in limbo. That is lack confidence in it. also true of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency In some respects the previous contract was not cost- personnel, although they already have a contract; but it effective, which is why it was under review. The reason expires within the year, I think, so they too are in a state why the Government did not stop it as a result of the of uncertainty. The Government need to get a grip on Chief Secretary’s review, but were about to announce the situation and some people need to know pretty that it would go ahead, was that the contract had gone soon, for their careers, what will happen. Are they likely too far to be stopped and the gap would be undesirably to have a future in search and rescue, whether on the long if the process had to be started again. However, military side or as contractors’ employees? What will events have now forced us into that very gap. The happen? Government concluded during the cost review that it We also need to bear in mind some of the warnings would be unwise to have such a gap, but they now have given during the contract process. My right hon. Friend one. That puts a particular responsibility on Ministers the Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael), to tell us how they intend to deal with a situation that 29WH Search and Rescue Service1 MARCH 2011 Search and Rescue Service 30WH they felt obliged to avoid until dropping the contract efficiently, as they should, but that the RAF develops became inevitable because of the irregularities that were good close personal relationships with the coastguards— found. Simply retendering does not seem to be a proper mostly volunteers in coastal communities up and down option. our coastline—as it does also with the lifeboat service. Another alternative would be to lease helicopters for The building of those relationships, and therefore the use by existing RAF, Royal Navy and MCA-based desirability of having crew in place for reasonable periods, crews. There are various options, but even in the short is essential to the success of the service. term it may be necessary to have short leasing contracts. I emphasise a few more points that I believe the What else is the MCA to do when its existing contract Minister needs to consider. What about 24-hour cover? expires? What can the RAF do if it is found that a It raised great concern when the idea that two or even major refit of the Sea Kings will be too expensive to be three search and rescue areas—a single area is huge—could considered as a short-term measure? Will aircraft have be treated as one for 12 hours of the 24 became part of to be leased? The option of leasing of helicopters is the proposal, and even more concern when it was clearly on the table, but will there be a new form of suggested that it could be done with existing aircraft contract, involving both leasing aircraft and crew, with before the new contract came into being. some of the features of the previous contract but rather That concern remains. People want to know that better developed? there is 24-hour cover on no larger a scale than the There is significant private sector interest in providing existing areas, because if a neighbouring area is already helicopters to the oil industry, the police and other on operational duty and carrying out a rescue, there will services where they are essential. The market is not be no search and rescue helicopter within a reasonably devoid of other operators, but as we heard earlier, the manageable distance for 24 hours of the day. We need service requires a particularly high level of skill and an answer on that. We also need clarification on what is training and it has to serve a wide range of functions. going to happen to the Falklands support operation if Rescues take place at sea, in dangerous coastal areas, in the RAF is no longer to be involved in SAR there. We mountains, in fog—conditions that would defy many need to know about the potential impact of legal action, traditional commercial operators. It would be a pretty and whether it is likely to cause delay to the key decisions demanding contract, and the public are entitled to that are now being taken. I hope not. know that it will be carried out by people with the skills Overall, it is an awful business. We will know fully and equipment to do so. when the investigations are completed, but it approaches what we could call a scandal. Courageous and skilled Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): I aircrew have been let down by the inadequacy of the congratulate my right hon. Friend on securing this Ministry of Defence procurement process and the way debate. The Government have inherited a difficult situation, in which it was carried out. The challenge for the and I agree with what he says about the importance of Department for Transport is to carry out the task rather introducing some certainty. better than the MOD, which has conspicuously failed. Many people in my constituency work at RNAS The time scale now is short and demanding. Can the Culdrose, which plays an important role in our community. Department do it? How will it do it, and what assurances We are proud of its role in search and rescue, as it works can the Minister give to those employed in, or dependent closely with Falmouth coastguard. The Sea King helicopters on, search and rescue that they will have satisfactory provide what I would call a more inshore rescue service, continuity arrangements over a reasonably short time but does my right hon. Friend agree that we must not and that a new system will be put in place in which the lose sight of the important role of the Nimrod, and the public can have confidence? necessity to have some replacement for the much more distant sea rescues, which are also part of the search Mr James Gray (in the Chair): Order. Let me remind and rescue service? hon. Members that if they want to speak in a debate, it is helpful if they write to the Speaker. That applies both Sir Alan Beith: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for here and in the main Chamber. those comments. She obviously has similar experiences to mine in working with the RAF locally and being very aware that its work is respected by the community. 11.30 am My hon. Friend spoke also about the Nimrod. That is Tim Farron (Westmorland and Lonsdale) (LD): I am a big problem for the Ministry of Defence, and it extremely grateful for being called to speak, and I am illustrates similarities to the subject of our debate, not pleased to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Gray. I least because it has been dragging on for a long time congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for and we still do not have a proper solution. However, it is Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Beith) on securing this probably beyond the scope of today’s debate—and, I important debate. He will be delighted to hear that I believe, beyond the responsibilities of the Minister answering will speak relatively briefly. it—but my hon. Friend was right to flag it up. In Cumbria, we rely heavily on search and rescue Much has been said in public recently about the teams, particularly those at RAF Boulmer, which is our relationship between the RAF and the coastguard. I local base. They provide essential back-up to our mountain simply make this comment. If its relationship with the rescue teams in Ambleside, Langdale and Kendal and, coastguard were dependent on where the major control as my right hon. Friend mentioned, to our search and centres were situated, we would have got into difficulties rescue teams at Flookburgh on Morecambe bay. The years ago, when our major control centre moved from mountain rescue teams across Cumbria rely on RAF Tynemouth to Humberside. What makes the relationship Boulmer, and they regard it as essential to their work, work well is not only that the control centres operate which is voluntary in nature but professional in standard. 31WH Search and Rescue Service1 MARCH 2011 Search and Rescue Service 32WH

[Tim Farron] dales. The Lakes are England’s most mountainous region. It seemed barmy, therefore, to exercise a contract that On behalf of the mountain rescue teams and the would move the airborne rescue further away. search and rescue teams in Cumbria, and south Cumbria I urge the Minister to make a decision relatively in particular, I want to say how much we value the quickly, maintain 24-hour cover from Boulmer and professionalism of the staff at RAF Boulmer and indeed ensure that whatever decision is taken from this point of all of those involved in search and rescue. We value on provides maximum support for mountain rescue their responsiveness, their 24-hour cover and the fact teams and search and rescue teams on the ground and that they work so well with our mountain rescue teams. in the water and in the interests of all those people who When the new contract, which has recently been may find themselves in peril on the fells. cancelled, was first suggested, many of us across the country objected. There were objections in Cumbria 11.37 am largely because it would have made Boulmer a half-time base. We would only have obtained 12-hour cover, Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): It is a which is extremely dangerous. My right hon. Friend great pleasure to see you in the Chair today, Mr Gray. I rightly referred to that towards the end of his speech. It am delighted to follow the hon. Member for Westmorland is dangerous not to have 24-hour cover. My mountain and Lonsdale (Tim Farron) and I congratulate the right rescue volunteer friends say that a typical time for a hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Beith) person to go missing, or to be reported missing, on the on securing this important and timely debate. Given fells, in the Lake District or on the Yorkshire dales is that this whole policy began under the previous when it gets dark. That is the time at which a person is Administration, the right hon. Gentleman cautioned deemed missing—the time that they have not returned me about the scope of my remarks. I fully acknowledge home—and the emergency is activated. It is very dangerous that, so my remarks will be relatively brief. for that critical time to be the point at which the source Let me begin by adding my tribute, and tribute from of the rescue craft moves further away. Reducing cover the Opposition, to the air sea rescue service and all would also mean a reduction in responsiveness; there those involved in search and rescue across the country. will be longer times from the call-out to the scrambling The Minister and I are former fire fighters, so we were of the craft and its arrival in the Lake district. We are part of that industry in a very big way, and we recognise also deeply concerned about the reduction in capacity the conspicuous role that these brave men and women that the contract would bring. My right hon. Friend play in all aspects of search and rescue across the rightly talked about the possibility of a craft being country. occupied in one region when it is supposed to be serving It would have been better if the Minister had opened another. this debate, because we could all have commented on About 14 months ago, we had some dreadful flooding what he said. The right hon. Gentleman could have in Cumbria, particularly in the west of the county. stood up and just said, “What’s happening, Minister?” There is no doubt that had the contract been in place What we want to find out is where we go from here. then, there would have been insufficient air cover to There is a lot of interest and concern about that across rescue people from dangerous situations. Therefore, the the country, not least from the Palace. A few months contract that has been cancelled could have been dangerous ago, we heard in Prime Minister’s questions that there in a number of areas. None the less, the cancellation is a had been royal lobbying on the matter. I suspect that the matter of deep concern for those whose careers depend Minister’s speech has been proofread not only by the on an outcome to this process, for all those who work lawyers but by officials at No.10 who will want to make with the search and rescue teams, and for all of us sure that he is careful in his responses to us today. because of what it means for the probity and efficacy of The right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed the process. Moreover, we were all terribly concerned outlined the history of this matter very effectively and about the irregularities that were uncovered. explained why it is so important. The questions originally were about the split command structure and the fact Having said that, those of us who had deep concerns that although this process is led by the Department for about the contract cannot help but think that we now Transport, the Ministry of Defence has an important have an opportunity to re-examine the situation. The role to play. That is why there is duality and why the Government have the chance to think again, but, as my Minister, who is a Transport Minister, is in the driving right hon. Friend said, they should not do so for too seat. However, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, long. A whole range of options exist. The Government the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force all make might want to consider whether it is entirely wise to go contributions. There are other issues: the life expectancy down the private finance initiative route again. They of helicopters; European regulations and terms of might also consider the wisdom of refitting the Sea employment, and the PFI replacement programme for Kings, which was suggested by my right hon. Friend the helicopters. All those factors have made it very complicated Member for Yeovil (Mr Laws). That could be done with to try to unlock and disentangle the sector. With information great operational effectiveness and would be relatively emerging about irregularities in the tendering of the cost-effective, giving certainty and a medium-term future contract, the Government had no option but to stop the for all those involved. tendering process and review it. As the right hon. Gentleman Whatever the Government decide, they must do it logically said, we need answers as quickly as possible relatively quickly to give us confidence and a sense of about where we go now. long-term stability, and ensure that it is in the interests The questions that I would have asked have already of maximising safety across the country, particularly been asked. They included questions about the durability across Cumbria, the Lake district and the Yorkshire of the existing helicopter fleet—for example, how long 33WH Search and Rescue Service1 MARCH 2011 Search and Rescue Service 34WH that fleet will last and whether it will last until the new Having secured this debate, the right hon. Gentleman arrangements are put in place. The issue of 24-hour might have thought that there would be a few more cover was raised by the right hon. Gentleman and the Members here for it. The amount of correspondence hon. Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale, who that I have had on this issue is not reflected in the both spoke before me. There have also been questions in number of Back Benchers who are in Westminster Hall recent months about the use of armed forces pilots as today. I hope that those who are not here will read the part of the pilot provision for the search and rescue report in Hansard later, so that we can get some better service, given that we must ensure that we have enough knowledge out there around the country about what is pilots for front-line services in Afghanistan and elsewhere. happening. The right hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr Laws) also asked The shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Poplar about the life expectancy of the Sea Kings and the and Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick), was quite right to say upgrades that might happen. that I am somewhat tied by “legal eagles”. There are some things that I can talk about today and clearly Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab): I thank my hon. there are some things that I cannot talk about. I will be Friend for giving way and I apologise for not being here as open and honest as possible, as I always am. As for the start of the debate. I was unavoidably detained Members can imagine, there are officials from the Ministry in Committee. of Defence who are keeping a very close eye on me as I My hon. Friend has made a point about pilots. It is stand here, as well as my own officials. absolutely essential that there is clarity about that issue, We are discussing a really serious issue today. I am because what we are seeing now is that RAF pilots, who not particularly happy about the position that I am in. have completed three quarters of their training and As the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse and nearly finished it, are being withdrawn from service. other right hon. and hon. Members have said, we The search and rescue service really needs the continuity inherited the position that we are in and literally on the that RAF bases, such as RAF Valley in my own eve of our announcement information was brought constituency, provide. Those bases have an intake of forward that meant that the whole procurement process pilots, who go elsewhere before coming back. The search and the awarding of the contracts had to be halted. and rescue service needs to know that the pilots at those Indeed, they were not only halted but we had enough bases will graduate. Does my hon. Friend agree that information at that time, as the police were brought in, clarity about that issue must be provided now? to know that that procurement process and the awarding of the contracts would cease. Jim Fitzpatrick: I agree with my hon. Friend that the So, wherever I can be, I will be as open as I can, but I issue of military pilots being used as part of the air-sea hope that Members will understand that I am speaking rescue service has been raised in recent months and that under legal constraints and I do not want to jeopardise the loss of such pilots might impact on the ability of the any possible legal action or police inquiry by what I say MOD to perform front-line duties. during this debate. It is to the great credit of the control and management Quite correctly, right hon. and hon. Members have arrangements of the air-sea rescue service that although paid tribute, and I join them in paying tribute, to the there are so many organisations involved—the RAF, men and women who have served in the air-sea rescue the Royal Navy and the MCA—the service has worked service in the many roles that they have played in the so well. Obviously what we all want to see is whatever many years—nearly 70 in total—that they have carried arrangements are put in place in future working equally out this service on behalf of the British public. well. However, given that the Government have been What is interesting is that the public have a perception stopped in their tracks because of the irregularities in about who is flying those funny-coloured helicopters the tendering arrangements, questions are being asked that have the word “Coastguard” written on their side. by right hon. and hon. Members about where we go When I first became a Minister, I assumed that the from here. Those questions are about how the Government crews involved were all military crews and I think that a intend to proceed in providing the service, including the lot of people make that assumption. They assume that new tendering arrangements, the use of the existing when they are on the beach, or on the moorlands and fleet, the potential upgrades and how long it might take lakelands of this country, or when they are waiting to the Minister and his colleagues to resolve these issues. be rescued from a cliff, that those pilots, navigators and Those are very big questions, but I know that the loading guys in the back are military personnel. However, Minister has all the answers, as he usually has, and we let us be perfectly honest. We know that many of them are all waiting with bated breath to hear what they are. are not military personnel and that for some 27 years four of the bases—four of the air-sea rescue facilities—have 11.43 am been run under contract by the private sector. Have there been huge numbers of complaints about the ability, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport skill, dedication, commitment or professionalism of (Mike Penning): It is a pleasure to serve under your those private sector crews? To be truthful, no, there have chairmanship, Mr Gray, for the first time as a Minister not been—not at all. So, although I understand the of the Crown. concerns of areas where there are military bases, we First, I want to say that a leak has taken place. It must not undermine the work of the civilian crews who must have taken place last night, because the right hon. have done fantastic work for many years. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Beith) has I acknowledge the concerns that exist about some of read out my summary of events, with great clarity and the contracts—not being responsible for them, I can say great accuracy. I praise him for his knowledge of the that. The contracts were there, we inherited them and issues that he has raised in Westminster Hall today. we have moved forward with them. 35WH Search and Rescue Service1 MARCH 2011 Search and Rescue Service 36WH

[Mike Penning] commitment to mountain rescue and sea rescue, and also cliff rescue, which has not been covered today. The There are obvious and understandable concerns about skill involved in cliff rescue, with the down draughts, is the future. However, the awarding of these contracts unbelievable. In the short term, we will commit to those has been delayed for some time. I myself would probably areas, and we are working very closely with the MOD. have flown in some of these Sea King helicopters when In the long term—not too long a term, I hope, but we I was in the armed forces and I joined as a boy solider in must get it right—we have a plain sheet of paper, and I 1974. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, I was in Sea hope that hon. Members appreciate that. We can say, Kings rather too often. I was also in Wessex helicopters. “What do we need for air-sea rescue, to go forward in The Wessex is long gone, but Sea Kings are still fulfilling the 21st century?” The MOD will continue to be involved a fantastic role, here in the UK and on operations in the negotiations, deciding for itself to what extent; it abroad. I have been lucky enough to be in Sea Kings on is not for me as a Department for Transport Minister, operations in Iraq and Afghanistan on my visits to even with my military background, to make decisions those countries. We must pay tribute to the work that is on behalf of the MOD. It is absolutely crucial that, being done by our armed forces, particularly because as because of the concerns that have been raised both we speak today they are doing a lot of work in the today and in the press in the past few weeks, we come middle east as well as in Afghanistan. forward with proposals—although I am sure not everyone To be polite, the Sea King is a very old lady. As the will be happy with them—for a service that is there to right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed said, there do the job and to provide the skills that we all want. are two versions. However, the older version—the 1977 There has, I think, been some misinformation in the version—is not a modern aircraft. It has nowhere near press, which is understandable because not everyone the sort of lift capacity or range that modern helicopters realises how service air-sea rescue is already provided. offer. I am aware that other countries have looked seriously at their Sea Kings and upgraded them. Very Jim Fitzpatrick: When the first review was under way often, they have done so for cost reasons as well as for and the consultation was taking place, it was difficult to other reasons, because if the life of a Sea King can be deal with the different cultures in the Ministry of Defence extended the difficult decisions that we have been trying and the Department for Transport. When the DFT and to make can be avoided. the Maritime and Coastguard Agency decided that we So, as we look at what we have inherited, we must would consult on the local provision for the civilian look at what will happen in the short term—that is, stations, the culture was pretty much one of open now—because of what has happened with these contracts. politics but, with no disrespect or criticism, the MOD We must consider how we can continue to have the culture was much less open in its engagement with local cover available and my Department is doing that jointly MPs. If the Minister is looking to consult again, right with the MOD and the MCA. However, we must also hon. and hon. Members would obviously look for every look forward to consider what will come in to replace assurance that the consultation or the exercise would be the existing service. as open as possible, and as accessible as possible for Members, so that they could contribute to it. Perhaps I can say now that there will be no demise in cover at all in the short term or in the long term. We will look very carefully at the existing contracts—both the Mike Penning: The shadow Minister is very civilian contracts and the MOD contracts—and there knowledgeable in this area because he was around in will be provision of service while we look for a long-term the Department at the time, so I pay tribute to his solution. So I hope that I can alleviate any concerns knowledge of the problems that occurred during the that exist among the constituents of right hon. or hon. consultation. It will always be difficult, because some of Members, including the hon. Member for Poplar and the stations are operational and so an operational capacity Limehouse, or among the armed forces or in the MCA. need has to be addressed as well as the secondary use, We will ensure that we get this right. In the short term, which is the air-sea rescue. we will ensure that there is cover and that the Sea Kings are available and operational. Sir Alan Beith: Will the Minister give way? I am really pleased that my right hon. Friend the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed was as honest as I Mike Penning: If my right hon. Friend will bear with was going to have to be about the Sea Kings’ current me, I want to answer on this point and will then gladly availability. They are very often off the run. I have been give way—we have plenty of time, to say the least. surprised by a couple of incidents that I have been The procurement will now be Department for Transport involved in in my short time as Minister, when I have led, with MOD involvement. I say this in the presence had to say, “Guarantee to me who is available.”Sometimes of listening ears from the MOD: we certainly will be as the Sea Kings are not there, but that is not because of a open and honest as we can, and will provide as much lack of will or because people are not professional in access as possible both to colleagues throughout the maintaining them, it is just because they are very old House, and to local communities, because it is important ladies. They need a lot of TLC, and sometimes we just that they feel part of what is going on. We are all about cannot physically get them up there. Their range is trying to do the right thing and developing a service restricted, compared with the civilian-operated Bristows, that we can all be continually proud of—we are very especially the new ones we would like to bring in, and so proud of the current service, but we know that there are there are big issues about who covers. Very often, as I issues. I assure Members that we will do as much as am sure Members are aware, the civilian crews cover in possible as we lead on this in the new procurement areas where the military cannot, simply because they programme, which is why I say that we have a plain have the range. We will very consciously ensure our piece of paper. We can learn from mistakes and from a 37WH Search and Rescue Service1 MARCH 2011 Search and Rescue Service 38WH lot of the issues that the shadow Minister has mentioned, that I did not know, which is that the Secretary of but we will not necessarily take on everything. We have State for Defence has already been in contact with a blank piece of paper, and can ask, “What’s best for AgustaWestland—last month—to see if we could engage us?” with the company to consider how to extend the life of the Sea Kings beyond 2016. That is because of the Sir Alan Beith: It would be helpful to know what interim short-term situation, and how we go forward. It machinery has been set up to make the decision, or to was mentioned earlier that perhaps the most cost-effective prepare the ground for Ministers ultimately making it. way of doing that would be a major refit, taking us a That cannot be a state secret. Is there a joint project long way forward, or we could do a shorter-term refit. board between the two Departments, or a working Two separate projects have to take place, although I am party? What stage is it at, and what mechanisms are in not saying that the same people will or will not be on place for making this important proposal? the working groups. The key is to get on with this now, so that we have the provision in place and can then go Mike Penning: As my right hon. Friend will realise, forward. we are at a very early stage, not least because there are As to when the announcement was made and the legal issues—he mentioned them in his speech—which reason why it was not made to the House first, it was, are very difficult and technical. The police are fully obviously a significant market announcement, which is involved and there is a full inquiry going on, so I am why it had to be made to the stock exchange at 7 am. I very restricted in how far I can go down that line. My am always passionate in the belief that things should be right hon. Friend is absolutely right that others may announced to the House, and I have done so myself on decide to take action in the civil courts, and it is entirely many occasions, but an announcement involving such a down to them to decide that. We have to ensure that the large private finance initiative had market significance, existing contract is not affected in any shape or form by which is why it needed to be made, and was made, the private finance initiative contract. It is completely at 7 am. separate, but it has been lumped in with the existing one, certainly in the media. That contract is close to its I know the Falklands rather well. Sadly, several of my end time, and we have to negotiate best value for the friends are there in war graves. Luckily or unluckily, taxpayer as well as ensuring that we have the service when the Falklands war began, I was with the Grenadiers provision. At this stage, I am not in a position to say, on spearhead, who were not deployed, but my friends in “This is the mechanism that we’re going to go forward the Welsh and Scots Guards were. As my right hon. with,” but we will announce it as soon as possible. This Friend knows, one of my closest friends is Simon Weston, will be led by the Department for Transport, and that who was disfigured and scarred while he was there and decision has been made. has done much work for charity since he came back. The Falklands is not affected by the PFI. The MOD Mr Laws: Do the Minister’s comments imply that will continue to provide air-sea rescue in the Falklands most or all of the expenditure on the long-term solution and will decide its future. It was never part of existing is likely to fall outside the existing spending review search and rescue helicopter procurement. There are period? still a lot of MOD and service personnel in the Falklands. I have flown in a Sea King down there in recent years, Mike Penning: The PFI contract went way beyond although not during my time in the armed forces. the existing spending review period, and so we do not We have mentioned the effects of service personnel know how quickly we can get this going. It is crucial and knowing what they are doing. Service personnel that we get it right, so that we do not get anywhere near work on tours of duty. The original time scales involved this position ever again. The PFI was signed off for this in the PFI meant that they would have been beyond spending review period, but it went way beyond it, as I their tour of duty—the Prince would have been away am sure my right hon. Friend is aware. The key is that from Wales, serving in whatever other duties Her Majesty the interim measures, which must be in place, are what it had in mind for him—long before the changes took says on the tin—“interim”—and that we then have a place. The MOD will, obviously, continue with its own proper contract. We have not just gone to another tour of duty process. That is a matter for the MOD, not re-bid, we have said, “Whoa, let’s look at this another for me as a Transport Minister. As we enter the interim way.” That will take longer than if we just said, “Okay, period with cover, I am sure that tours of duty will be there’s a few mistakes here. Someone’s been naughty, addressed in many ways. and we’ll do it this way.” That would be the quick option, but it is right to say, “Let’s put this completely The hon. Member for North Antrim (Ian Paisley), on hold and look fundamentally at the contract.” who has left the Chamber, mentioned the interim contract for the coastguard. The existing MCA contract is not [MR JOE BENTON in the Chair] interim; civilians have been doing that work for many Sir Alan Beith: I would like to press the Minister a years. We need to find out what the interim contract is little further. It would be helpful to know whether there now, but the existing contracts are not interim. We can is one process, or two separate processes, with a team of also learn a lot from the concerns about the MCA people from the two Departments assessing the viability contract as we go forward. There are concerns involving of the existing arrangements and what has to be done to the working time directive; I assure hon. Members that keep them going for the time being, and a separate team it is one of the pains of my life as a Minister. In the past considering the future options. couple of days, I signed off on a document exempting the military from certain things such as driving time, Mike Penning: There are two separate processes, which tachographs and so on. At the same time, the MOD is why, when I began my speech, I stated that there is manages brilliantly to provide cover within existing what we need to do now and what we need to do in the restraints. All of that will be part of the documents as future. I have just been passed a note with some information we go forward with the concerns. 39WH Search and Rescue Service1 MARCH 2011 Search and Rescue Service 40WH

[Mike Penning] tied up. When something is tied up, I am concerned to know whether we will have cover from the other bases, I do not want to pontificate for another half-hour, as especially if the Sea Kings are vulnerable, as we know there is not much more that I can say. We are conscious they are at times. that there are concerns, and we as a Government are I do not want to drag out this debate for the sake of concerned. In a perfect world, this would never have it. I am disappointed, as I am sure is my right hon. happened. But we do not live in a perfect world and, Friend the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, that more sadly, an anomaly has occurred with the procurement Members are not here for this 1.5 hour debate. As soon programme that has created real concerns and legal as we know more, we will say more, and we will be as ramifications. A huge amount of taxpayers’ money has open as we can throughout the procedure. However, at been expended on the procurement programme, and we the end of the day, we are where we are. We will sort this will be looking to recoup it, as it is not the fault of mess out and ensure that the public are safe and that taxpayers or the Department for Transport. To be fair, air-sea rescue is protected, as we all expect it to be, and the MOD, which was criticised earlier, could not have cover is provided. predicted that the persons involved would do what they did. I know that there are concerns about the MOD’s procurement programme—that is for the MOD to 12.8 pm address—but the criticism that the MOD is to blame for Sir Alan Beith: I thank the hon. Members who have what happen might not be right. Individuals are responsible, taken part in this debate. There are, obviously, other rather than the MOD. hon. Members whom it would have been useful to have Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab): The Minister was present to represent other areas. I am particularly grateful right to pay tribute to those who maintain Sea Kings. for the support shown by my hon. Friend the Member Maintenance crews must be considered as well. They for Westmorland and Lonsdale (Tim Farron) for the are concerned that under the PFI contract, many of work of RAF Boulmer in his constituency, of which them will not be retrained for any new helicopters air-sea rescue is a significant part. We have also heard procured. Will the Minister assure me, on his blank interventions from my hon. Friend the Member for piece of paper, that that will be considered and that, in Truro and Falmouth (Sarah Newton), my right hon. the interim, those highly skilled people working on air Friend the Member for Yeovil (Mr Laws) and the hon. bases, including RAF Valley in my constituency, will Member for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen), in whose have the opportunity to retrain for any new craft? constituency is located basic training for all RAF search and rescue pilots, a fact of which people might not have Mike Penning: I cannot give the hon. Gentleman been widely aware until a royal prince became one of those assurances, as I am not an MOD Minister, but the the aircrew there. Their interventions have been helpful. MOD will have heard those concerns, and I will ask someone there to write to him about them. It is clearly In concluding, I will focus on what the Minister could not in my portfolio to deal with armed forces staff. I, and could not do today.Clearly, Ministers cannot comment too, pay tribute to maintenance crews, which I have on what has happened in any detail while investigations always found to be unsung heroes when I have visited are taking place, and legal action—not just legal action the military around the world. When I visited Helmand arising directly from the investigations but civil legal last year, I saw that they worked astonishing hours to action—is a possibility. He said that he had a blank keep Chinooks, in particular, in the air. We should all piece of paper, but I remind him that it cannot stay realise that it is not just the helicopter pilots—the blank for long, particularly in respect of the continuity gung-ho guys—who do all the work; often, it is the arrangements, and that he does not have a blank ground crew that get them up in the skies to start with. chequebook with which to make extremely expensive Sharing knowledge and working together with other temporary arrangements that might prejudice what is emergency services, particularly in the voluntary sector, done in the long term. That is why I am so concerned to is crucial—whatever will happen in the future—as is establish that there is a clear process at work. I am not happening now on the four civilianised bases. I must sure whether we are entirely clear about that yet. The admit that many of the crew members whom I have met long-term alternatives have to be looked at in some are ex-military; I do not think that I have met a single detail, and I assume that a joint working party is doing search and rescue helicopter pilot who is not. We have a that at the moment. wonderful training programme for them, but it is crucial On the continuity arrangements, the centre of gravity that training and working-together exercises continue in has shifted back to the Ministry of Defence, which must the short and long term. affect the way this is being done. The Minister has a I am conscious of what hon. Members, especially the more direct responsibility for what is happening in hon. Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale (Tim relation to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency—it Farron), said about distance. It will always be an issue. has a contract that will expire shortly—but the dependence We go out to sea some distances now to incidents, as in on the continuing RAF and naval provision shifts the the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for centre of gravity of the immediate decision-making Truro and Falmouth (Sarah Newton), but interestingly, process back towards the MOD. civilian aircraft—the ones that we have now, let alone It has never been clear whether the Department for the ones that we were considering procuring—can go Transport has become a purchasing Department with much further and cover greater distances. the relationship of a purchaser with the MOD that says, Of course, they can do only one job at a time. The “This is what we want, even in the short term. How can shadow Minister and I are both ex-firemen. I did operations you provide it for us?” or whether this is a traditional with air-sea rescue on the Thames estuary when I was in joint departmental process with a degree of fuzziness the fire service. When we were tied up there, we were about who is really in charge. We cannot afford that in 41WH Search and Rescue Service1 MARCH 2011 Search and Rescue Service 42WH situations such as this, so I will continue to press Ministers Jim Fitzpatrick: Will the right hon. Gentleman allow in both the DFT and MOD to be clearer about how me to indirectly ask the Minister to deposit the decisions will be taken in both the short and long term, correspondence to him in the Library, or to issue a and how the relationship between the two Departments written ministerial statement, so that all hon. and right can be operated in a way that ensures that decisions are hon. Members can share the updated information? made quickly on the things that have to be decided quickly. It is bad enough trying to get decisions out of Sir Alan Beith: I am sure that the Minister will do the MOD alone, but when two Departments are involved, that. It was implicit in my request, and it is desirable unless there is some sort of purchaser-provider split and necessary. In conclusion, I say to the Minister that between the two, there is too much uncertainty about he should not—quite clearly, he is not now going to—wait how decisions are taken. I am not even sure how confident until the two Departments come up with their final plan the Minister is that we have a real grip on the issue and before he keeps us informed. We need to know soon an effective process in operation. about the processes and the decisions being made about The situation inherited by the Government is difficult, continuity arrangements—in a way that is as helpful as but difficult situations call for resolute action and I possible to those who have to operate the system—as want to be sure that there is a process that can do that. well as about the processes in relation to devising an Will the Minister, when he reflects upon this debate, effective longer-term solution. write to me, in a letter that can be published, an explanation To revert to a point I made earlier, I believe that when of the process? It would be helpful. the Government decided to announce that they were going ahead with the contract, they must have concluded Mike Penning: I think that I have already said that. I that a period of delay, even with a contract that was not am sure that there will be other debates on this subject— entirely to their satisfaction, was too much of a price to although I cannot predict what Mr Speaker will or will pay. That price now has to be paid, because it is clear not select for debate—but we will do that in writing as that the contract cannot go ahead due to some of the things develop. I am conscious of two things. First, we things that went on during the procurement process. We have to make sure that we get it right. Secondly, at the are, therefore, paying a price in terms of certainty and end of the day, this was not the fault of the taxpayer so decisions that ought not to be further delayed. I want to it is crucial that, wherever possible, the taxpayer will not make sure that we have a process capable of dealing pay for it. As we progress, I will be open and we will with that. write, correspond and give as much information as possible. The MOD has a procurement skill that the Mr Joe Benton (in the Chair): Before I call the debate DFT does not in this area, so we need to work closely to a close, may I take this opportunity to say that it is together and we will continue to do so. It will be led by not normal in a debate such as this for people to the Department for Transport. respond after a Minister has spoken to conclude it? As there was time, I made due allowance for that, but I do Sir Alan Beith: That is a helpful intervention and I not want a precedent to be set. I hope that hon. and am grateful to the Minister for a number of points. right hon. Members will remember that. Indeed, he said a number of things during that short intervention that had not been fully clear previously in 12.15 pm the debate. Sitting suspended. 43WH 1 MARCH 2011 UK Military Basing Review 44WH

UK Military Basing Review the UK decided to scrap Nimrod while spending up to £100 billion keeping Trident—a weapon system that can never be used. 12.30 am Meanwhile, back in the most defence-dependent part Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): A happy St David’s of the country, local authorities and agencies have had day to you, Mr Benton. It may be worth noting at the to deal with the consequences of closing RAF Kinloss start of the debate that Sky Television is reporting the without any material support whatever from the UK details of military job losses. No written statement is in Government. The impact on service families, the local the Library, so Members of Parliament are only able to economy and local public services has been devastating. learn of those circumstances by watching the media. Of course, the UK Government knew that this was No doubt the Ministry of Defence and its officials will going to happen. They knew that this was going to try to rectify that as a priority. happen because information was provided to them in a Like other Departments, the MOD is going through detailed report by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. significant spending cuts and, with an outline of the Despite that, support has still not been provided. main structural changes to the armed forces and their Moray is unique in the UK as it is the only part of the equipment in the strategic defence and security review, country that is facing the prospect of a double RAF consideration is now being given to what that means for base closure. In the first instance, that makes no defence military basing. One major change in future years will or security sense whatever. RAF Lossiemouth was recently see the return of UK service personnel from Germany. judged by the RAF to be the best base for the next With a head count reduction in the Royal Air Force, as generation of fast jets. Given the wish for better military well as in its equipment, there will be fewer RAF co-operation by both the UK and Norway, it is worth operating stations. Changes are also in the pipeline for reminding ourselves that RAF Lossiemouth is the closest the Royal Navy, which will have a considerable impact base to Norway. Norway wants to maintain and operate on the three services and on the communities where the next generation of fast jets in co-operation with the they have been based, often for many decades. UK, and RAF Lossiemouth is the designated UK base With the most defence-dependent constituency in the for the same aircraft. RAF Lossiemouth is adjacent to UK, I have more reason than most MPs to watch the best training areas, which is a significant consideration, developments closely, and the experience has not been a given the cost of flying from bases further away. Given happy one. The MOD has already announced the closure the double runway and facilities, it is also easily able to of RAF Kinloss, with devastating local consequences in host different types of aircraft. Moray, and the sword of Damocles is hanging over neighbouring RAF Lossiemouth. On the day of the The defence case to retain the facility is unsurpassed, SDSR in October, the Defence Secretary told me personally which is why it is supported by all political parties and that the decision on RAF Lossiemouth would be political leaders in Scotland, as well as the Scottish taken before Christmas—Christmas 2010. Then, in Government. Few will have missed the public reaction November, he told me—again, personally—that the in support of the base. In a unique show of support in military recommendations would be made by the end of the UK, thousands of people marched through February, with a political decision within weeks. As we Lossiemouth last November. That support continues. now know, that has not happened, and a decision and Only a few days ago, thousands of people took to the announcement have been delayed until the summer. streets of Elgin to welcome home personnel from operations, Frankly, that is no way to run a military basing review, and I would like to thank all local campaigners, the and no way to treat service families and the communities Moray Task Force and The Northern Scot for their hard in which they live. The consequences of that dithering work and support. and delay has been economic stagnation and uncertainty. Reports from within the MOD suggest that the It is costing jobs and livelihoods, as well as causing Royal Air Force has already recommended that RAF unnecessary economic damage and undermining business Lossiemouth should remain. Ministers must listen to confidence. that recommendation. Ministers have to understand When the announcement to close RAF Kinloss was that closing RAF Lossiemouth is like losing 40,000 jobs made in October, it came as a bolt out of the blue. The in Glasgow, or 400,000 jobs in Greater London. The MOD decided at a stroke to cancel the new generation MOD needs to understand that a double RAF base of Nimrod maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and with closure in Moray would be the biggest single economic it, its home base at RAF Kinloss. Nearly £4 billion of shock in the north of Scotland since the Highland taxpayer investment was binned and the planes have clearances. RAF Kinloss and RAF Lossiemouth together been cut up for landfill. Now, both the Republic of support 5,710 full-time equivalent jobs in the local Ireland and Norway have a greater dedicated fixed-wing economy, which equates to 16% of all full-time employment maritime patrol capability than the UK, and the UK is in Moray. The two bases also generate £158 million a without a dedicated ISTAR combat platform to perform year for the local economy, while RAF households vital intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and account for 7% of the total population of the region reconnaissance tasks. Imagine if there were suddenly and 8% of its working age population. At least 15% of geostrategic developments, let us say, in northern Africa. local NHS staff have partners connected to Moray Imagine if it was vital to operate long-range flights, to RAF activity, while in areas such as midwifery, district sit off the coast for 8 hours and to monitor all nature of nursing and cardiology, that figure increases to 25%. electromagnetic spectrum, while having the ability to Some 30% of hotel business in Moray is RAF-related. image the coast. I guess we will never know how many Inactivity at RAF Kinloss amounts to the loss of £500,000 lives that could have saved, or which operations we a week. Imagine the compounded impact of a double could have supported in, for example, Libya, because base closure. 45WH UK Military Basing Review1 MARCH 2011 UK Military Basing Review 46WH

Other parts of Scotland also have cause for concern, The commissioners also have to assess whether the with a threat to RAF Leuchars in Fife, to 2nd Division results of the closure or realignment process might leave Headquarters at Craigiehall and to Fort George near insufficient strategic presence in some parts of the US. Inverness. Should Scotland see a reduction from three Having gone through a non-partisan, transparent, air force bases to only one, that would constitute a 70% fully costed analysis, the commission’s recommendations cut in RAF personnel numbers and would leave fewer are approved or rejected in their entirety on Capitol 40 aircraft. That stands in contrast to the Royal Norwegian Hill. There is full democratic oversight and approval. air force, which operates more than 110 aircraft from Where bases are to close, the OEA provides comprehensive seven air bases; the Royal Danish air force, which support for communities, as its website highlights: operates more than 111 aircraft from three air bases; “In today’s economic climate, OEA and federal government and the Royal Swedish air force, which operates more support is essential to communities nationwide as they cope with than 187 aircraft from seven air bases. Defense program changes.” It is widely expected that the MOD will close the What a contrast with the UK, where the Ministry of operational Army headquarters outside Edinburgh and Defence seems to take no responsibility whatsoever, there are fears of a further reduction in historic battalions. where the basing review is an internal MOD exercise In total, that would leave fewer service personnel in which is totally opaque, and where base reviews appear Scotland than there are in the armed forces of the Irish to be ad hoc, financially driven and, frankly, unstrategic. Republic. Unlike many other parts of the UK, Scotland The Minister now has 15 minutes to enlighten Parliament, has recently seen a significant defence contraction, with the defence world, military families and defence-dependent a multi-billion pound defence underspend, base closures communities about the UK military basing review. I and an amalgamation of historic military units. hope that he will confirm that the MOD will publish all At the time of the strategic defence review in 1997, supporting documentation and the full balance of there were 15,000 service personnel in Scotland. Under investment appraisals from the UK basing review. If the the previous Government, that was cut to 12,000 while, USA can publish full documentation without compromising at the same time, manning rose in other parts of the security, so can the UK. UK. When adding civilian defence job losses to the I want to leave the Minister and his colleagues with equation, Scotland lost 10,500 jobs between the 1997 this quote from a recent editorial in Scotland’s biggest SDR and the 2010 SDSR. MOD statistics show that the selling national daily newspaper: defence underspend in Scotland totalled at least £5.6 billion “In election after election, Labour, the Lib Dems and the in the same period. That underspend constitutes a 36% Tories have warned that the SNP would leave Scotland defenceless. budget shortfall. At the same time, there has been an But shutting RAF Lossiemouth will destroy that argument for unprecedented concentration of defence spending, good, leaving us with far weaker defences than other small manpower and basing in the south of Britain. There European nations. Scotland has no tanks, no heavy artillery, no are no prizes for guessing where the main training armoured vehicles, no self-propelled artillery, no armoured personnel carriers, only five helicopters and 12 Snatch Landrovers. If RAF establishments, super-garrisons, command headquarters Lossiemouth goes, we would have just one RAF base left.” and largest operational bases are located. They are almost all in the southern half of England. Amazingly, Given those circumstances, it is unsurprising that an no defence or security logic has ever been outlined by ever-growing number of people in Scotland are now this or any previous Government as to why that should asking why Scotland does not make its own defence be the case. decisions like other normal countries. It is clear to most people that if we were to spend the tax revenue we This is not what happens in allied countries. To find currently contribute to the MOD, there would be more out what the norm is elsewhere, I travelled to the United bases, more equipment, more service personnel and States in December to learn how it deals with the same more jobs in Scotland. We would also be able to support challenges. There, the Department of Defence has clear conventional defence properly rather than waste money responsibilities to maintain a defence footprint across on nuclear weapons. The MOD needs to prove that it is the US, and a commitment to defence-dependent worthy of support from Scottish taxpayers, voters and communities. The US has an independent Base Realignment service personnel. Frankly, at present, it is not fit for and Closure Commission which makes final purpose. recommendations on basing that then go for congressional approval. There is also an Office of Economic Adjustment which supports local communities with technical and 12.44 pm financial support. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence Just in case the Minister wants to say in his reply that (Mr Gerald Howarth): I commend the hon. Member for there are issues of national security, I would like to draw Moray (Angus Robertson) on securing this important his attention to the full documentation published by the debate. He and I have been on trips together, we are BRAC Commission and the OEA. In the US, the both officers of the all-party Royal Air Force group—I process seems to be managed well. In the UK, in have very much enjoyed his support in that group—and contrast, military basing reviews are entirely opaque. I we have conferred many times in the past on these should point out that the main policy objective of the matters. I know that he takes a genuine interest in this Department of Defence when dealing with base closures subject, not least because, as he said, he has a defence-intense is to act expeditiously—that has not happened in the constituency. Of course, I am entirely in sympathy with UK basing review.The statutory criteria of the commission’s him, because my constituency of Aldershot is also work require it to conduct an assessment of the economic heavily defence-oriented. He will, of course, point out impact on existing communities in the vicinity of military that it is in the south of England. We cannot move installations, and an environmental impact assessment. Aldershot—it is in the south of England. 47WH UK Military Basing Review1 MARCH 2011 UK Military Basing Review 48WH

[Mr Gerald Howarth] and the expertise that has built up in RAF Marham, which employs more people than Kinloss and Lossiemouth There can be no doubt that this debate is important put together. to those who take an interest in the future of Her Majesty’s armed forces, and to the constituencies of a Mr Howarth: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I had number of Members in the House. I see that my hon. the benefit of visiting Kinloss and Marham, so I am Friends the Members for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth acutely aware of the assets of both bases. All I can say Truss) and for North Wiltshire (Mr Gray) are here. The to her is that final decisions have not yet been made. I hon. Member for Moray has therefore rightly set out will come back to that point later on. Ministers will several concerns which are, understandably, felt by many make the decisions based on military advice as well as Members. detailed investment appraisals. I am afraid that that is In today’s and previous debates, several RAF bases as far as I can go to reassure her today. have been mentioned. I would like to put on record the I shall continue on the economic legacy we inherited. Government’s gratitude for the exceptional work of all In defence, the consequences of 13 years of the catastrophic those who serve in the RAF. I was commissioned in the mismanagement I mentioned a moment ago are more RAF volunteer reserve and would have joined the service—I severe than in any other area. Labour allowed a black nearly did—had I not had political aspirations. Our hole of £38 billion to build up in the forward defence gratitude extends to the local communities which have, programme, over half of which was made up of equipment over the years, given such strong support to the bases and support, with no plans in place to fund it. Restoring from which the RAF operates—a point that the hon. the nation’s finances is not only critical for the health of Gentleman made forcefully. our economy and for the future funding of public However, given the context of this debate, I would services, but essential for national security, because a like to focus for the moment on RAF Kinloss and its weak economy creates a national security risk. proud association with the Nimrod. The Nimrod force Every Department has had to make its own contribution played a vital role in helping to keep this country secure to reduce the staggering budget deficit we inherited, and during the cold war. More recently, it played a key role the Ministry of Defence is required to shoulder its share in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and of the burden. However, due to the priority we place on some RAF Nimrods continue to do so. Kinloss has security, the defence budget is making a more modest been the home of Nimrod and those who flew and contribution to deficit reduction than many other supported them for nearly 40 years. I am an aviator, and Departments. Even so, we are not immune from tough I am acutely aware of the bond between RAF personnel decisions. Some of the toughest decisions were about and the aircraft that they service and fly. I understand the Royal Air Force’s structure, not least the future of the shock that was felt when the decision was announced. Nimrod. I know that there is a real sense of loss in the tightly-knit There is no doubt that the Nimrod MRA4 would service community, and that seeing pictures of the have performed an important role. It would have contributed Nimrods being broken up will have been extremely to a wide range of military tasks. We have sought to painful to all of them, as it was to me. mitigate the gap in capability through the use of other I did not come into government to take such decisions, military assets such as frigates, helicopters, and C-130 nor did the Defence Secretary or the Prime Minister. Hercules aircraft. We will also request, where appropriate, Nor did I come into government to make communities assistance from allies and partners. However, it is important fear for their future as we take difficult decisions on the to remember that the country has been without Nimrod fate of their bases. The decision to scrap the Nimrod since March 2010. That was when the previous Government MRA4 programme was one of the hardest we had to withdrew the Nimrod MR2 from service, so this was take. So how did we come to this situation? That not a decision of this Government alone. decision must be viewed in the context of the previous Why was that necessary? As the hon. Member for Government’s dire economic mismanagement of the Moray knows only too well, the original plan conceived public finances. Under the stewardship of the former in 1996 was for 21 aircraft to be delivered in 2003—eight Chancellor, the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and years ago. By the time the new Government took office Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), Labour doubled the national in 2010, the programme had already been reduced to debt and left us with the biggest budget deficit in our nine aircraft, was almost £800 million over budget and peacetime history. Today, we are spending £120 million had seen the unit cost of each aircraft rise by 200% from every single day just to pay the interest charge on £133 million to £455 million. At the time of the review, Labour’s debt. That is Labour’s legacy. a number of design faults had been identified on the first MRA4 aircraft, which would have taken additional time and money to resolve. The headquarters of the Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) (Con): I thank contractor, BAE Systems, is in my constituency yet, as the Minister for allowing me to intervene in this important the hon. Member for Moray knows perfectly well, that debate. I understand the concerns expressed by the hon. has not stopped me being a vocal critic of its performance Member for Moray about bases in his constituency. My on this programme. concern, given our deficit, is that costs should be taken As we all know, the decision to scrap Nimrod was not into account in the basing review. Given that in January the only difficult decision facing the RAF: the fast-jet the Minister for the Armed Forces said that it would be fleet of Harrier and Tornado air defence was also prohibitive to move engineering facilities away from affected. The RAF now plans to make a transition to a RAF Marham, could I ask what is being considered in fast-jet force comprising the Typhoon and the joint respect of the joint strike fighter maintenance facilities? strike fighter by 2021. Those were decisions about military We need a long-term decision that will reflect the costs capability and priorities. An inevitable consequence was 49WH UK Military Basing Review1 MARCH 2011 UK Military Basing Review 50WH that the RAF no longer requires RAF Kinloss and two Mr Howarth: I will give way, but the hon. Gentleman other bases. I need to emphasise that—no longer required is taking time out of my winding-up speech. by the RAF. That does not mean that they are no longer required by defence. I will take the opportunity now to Angus Robertson: I will be very quick. In the last say again that we have not yet taken a decision about three minutes, could the Minister, for the first time on the long-term future of RAF Kinloss or any other air behalf of the UK Government, explain the strategic base as a result of the strategic defence and security logic behind the over-concentration of UK armed forces review. in the south of England? As Members will be aware, another major decision of Mr Howarth: I would like to answer the hon. Gentleman the SDSR was to return to the UK 20,000 service in my own way, because I want to come on to that issue personnel from Germany, with the intention of returning in a moment. half by 2015 and the remaining personnel by 2020. Like all other parts of the public sector, defence is looking Decisions will take into account the implications for hard at its land holdings to ensure that we are using Tornado personnel operating in Afghanistan and their them as efficiently as possible. We have the cancellation families. The army rebasing I mentioned will take account of Nimrod, a rationalised fast-jet fleet, the return of of all deployments to Afghanistan. We know what this large numbers of personnel from Germany, and a means for local communities. Officials from the Scottish requirement to realise better value for money and efficiencies Office, the MOD and the Treasury have met the Moray through broader estate rationalisation. Task Force and representatives from Fife council, so the idea that the local community has not had input is untrue. However, it is imperative that the defence footprint Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): in the UK is determined by national, not regional, I have tabled parliamentary questions on the issue of requirements. the returning personnel from Germany. I discovered from the Minister for the Armed Forces that there have It is worth stressing that the defence budget is used to been absolutely no discussions with Scottish Ministers buy the best equipment for the armed forces at the best or the Department of Education in England about the value for money for the taxpayer. Where the companies capacity of any of the RAF bases to take the 7,000 children are located is not the responsibility of the MOD. Defence coming back from Germany. Does the Minister not is not an exercise in quotas for the regions and nations accept that it looks like this is a political decision, not a of the UK. Using the logic of the hon. Member for fact-based decision? Moray, we could say that Dorset, Kent or Cornwall have not had their fair share among the English counties. He mentioned southern England, but what about northern Mr Howarth: The hon. Gentleman makes a point England? Once we go down that line, we are on a hiding that I am about to make, which is that all I have said to nothing. The MOD has an interest in the defence adds up to an extremely complex piece of work. He is footprint principally in so far as it enables our military right. Where the children are to be educated and which functions to be better performed and the UK better base may be best suited to a land army operation are defended. not decisions that can be made on the back of a fag packet. They clearly require considerable thought. I will We are the Conservative and Unionist party, so we come on to that again in a moment. recognise that all regions have a part to play in the defence of the UK. The hon. Gentleman did a good job in playing down the defence footprint in Scotland, but Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): The Minister he is wrong to do so. The MOD has—and will continue does not need reminding by me that RAF Lyneham and to have—a considerable footprint in Scotland. It has a the neighbouring towns of Wootton Bassett and Lyneham presence in nearly 400 locations and employs nearly provide all the schools, infrastructure and transport 20,000 people. Even if his worst-case scenario came that could possibly be needed for returning troops from about, Scotland would still have one of three fast-jet Germany, and it will be available to them later this year. main operating bases; one of three Royal Navy bases, which is the largest single-site employer in Scotland; a Mr Howarth: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for significant army presence; and a shipbuilding industry putting that on the record. It looks as though I could with thousands of jobs sustained by contracts for aircraft organise a competitive tender here, but I am not sure carriers and destroyers. whether his parliamentary allowance could be used to We must not forget that Scotland’s extraordinary bid to see who would offer the best value to the Ministry contribution to the defence of the UK manifests itself of Defence. Having visited Lyneham, I understand the today in the presence of the ultimate representation of facilities it offers. I reiterate my tribute to the people of Britain’s military prowess—her independent strategic Wootton Bassett in his constituency. I have been privileged nuclear deterrent, which the hon. Gentleman wishes to to see the repatriations with him, and see how the town get rid of. He cannot claim to be a champion of defence has been a credit to the whole kingdom for its dignity jobs in Scotland while advocating that the UK abandon and the tributes it has paid to the fallen from Afghanistan. its nuclear deterrent. He claims to be acting in the As we work our way through these issues, I assure hon. interests of Scotland, but he knows as well as I do that Members that we are well aware of the human his party’s policy would leave Scotland bereft of jobs in dimension—the effect on our own people as they wait the defence industry, and vulnerable to nuclear blackmail to hear how these decisions will affect them and their or, even worse, attack. families. Mr Joe Benton (in the Chair): Order. We now move Angus Robertson: Will the Minister give way? on to the next debate. 51WH 1 MARCH 2011 Rail Services (South-East London) 52WH

Rail Services (South-East London) the franchise may be extended for a further two years until 2014. At the time it was agreed that Southeastern would receive a huge public subsidy of £585 million 1pm over the lifetime of the franchise, and promises were Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con): definitely made about investment in facilities and I am grateful for the opportunity to raise once again my improvements. concerns, and those of my constituents, about rail services A written ministerial statement announced the franchise in south-east London. The problems experienced by all in November 2005. The then Secretary of State for rail users, whether daily commuters, pensioners, families Transport, the right hon. Member for Edinburgh South or holidaymakers, remain frustrating and annoying for West (Mr Darling), claimed: local people. “I am satisfied that the competition for the franchise has I am pleased that my right hon. Friend the Minister is resulted in a contract that represents very good value for taxpayer. present and I know that she will listen carefully to the It is a tough contract on which Govia will be expected to deliver.”— points raised and respond sympathetically. I put on [Official Report, 30 November 2005; Vol. 440, c. 34WS.] record my thanks for her responses to my letters and That has proven to be wrong. Commuters are paying questions. She is always constructive on such matters significantly higher fares, performance is not up to the and her letter to me of 31 January was particularly level passengers rightly expect, and communication is helpful. I am pleased that my hon. Friend the Member very poor, especially when something goes wrong. for Orpington (Joseph Johnson) is present, as is my Trains are busier. Since Connex lost the franchise, neighbour the hon. Member for Erith and Thamesmead there are 800,000 more journeys from stations in my (Teresa Pearce). It shows that not only my constituents, constituency every year. As a commuter on Southeastern, but those in Erith and Thamesmead, Bromley and I understand the anger that my constituents feel about Orpington have had a tough time recently due to poor the service that they pay for. They expect—and deserve— rail services in the area. better. The Govia website makes many promises about There are four stations in my constituency—Barnehurst, the improvements that it will bring to the franchise, Bexleyheath, Crayford and Slade Green—and they are claiming that trains will be less crowded, more punctual used to make nearly 5.5 million journeys every year. and cleaner, and that there will even be wi-fi access on Some of my constituents also use Abbey Wood, Erith some stations. However, some of those things have not or Welling stations. Because there are no London been delivered, and the improvements that I have requested underground or docklands light railway stations in Bexley, for local stations have often been difficult to obtain. my constituents are more reliant on overground services In September I held an Adjournment debate about than people in most other London boroughs. Therefore, the campaign I started in May 2009 for step-free access when there is a problem with the trains, the only real at Crayford station. Currently, only the London-bound alternative is to take a bus to a neighbouring borough platform 1 is fully accessible. Platform 2 can be accessed to catch the tube or DLR. only by a footbridge, and is therefore difficult for those I would like to make a short positive comment about with mobility problems or those who have young children the buses. Under the leadership of the Mayor of London, and have problems with the steps. During that debate, I Boris Johnson, bus services in our area have improved highlighted the numerous problems that I experienced considerably and buses are more frequent, reliable and in getting Southeastern to open an existing gate on cleaner than in the past. With the introduction of safer platform 2 to a pathway that already runs along the side transport teams, which I know the Mayor is keen on, to Station road. The cost of the scheme was minimal, there have also been considerable improvements in safety and the only issues concerned the ownership of the land on the buses. Obviously, there are things that could be that the path goes through, and making the area safer. improved. I contacted the Mayor and Transport for All I asked was for Southeastern to open the gate and London about diverting the route of the 96 bus to serve install an Oyster card point, but initially it decided that Darent Valley hospital directly. My constituents use it would not proceed with that scheme for financial that hospital more and more, and it would be helpful reasons. After the Adjournment debate, however, and for patients and visitors if the buses could be slightly the helpful intervention of the Under-Secretary of State re-routed. for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Lewes (Norman Baker), Southeastern agreed to install the Joseph Johnson (Orpington) (Con): I add my voice to Oyster machine and open the gate. my hon. Friend’s words of support for the Mayor’s bus That was welcome progress and I would like to put policy generally and for the improvements to transport that on the record. At this stage, we are waiting for the within London. There are small areas of criticism: the transfer of land from the owners, Sainsbury’s, to Bexley route of the 320 bus, the extension from Bromley North council to be completed. That has taken some time to Catford, has not worked. I urge TfL to revert to the because issues such as resurfacing and lighting need to old route of Biggin Hill to Bromley North, which was be resolved. Bexley Councillor Linda Bailey is responsible very successful. for ensuring that the scheme goes ahead, and I understand that she and the leader of the council will be looking to Mr Evennett: I am sure that that will be noted and see what they can do in that area. I have every faith and taken on board by the relevant authorities. hope that the matter will be brought to a successful Rail services in south-east London are part of the conclusion. I had similar problems with Southeastern integrated Kent franchise, and are currently operated when campaigning for step-free access to Barnehurst by Southeastern railway. The present franchise agreement station. That was easier to achieve, however, and it was started on 1 April 2006 and initially runs until 2012. If much needed and welcomed by local commuters and Southeastern meets certain targets set out in the contract, residents. 53WH Rail Services (South-East London)1 MARCH 2011 Rail Services (South-East London) 54WH

Sometimes, issues with Southeastern are not easily Teresa Pearce (Erith and Thamesmead) (Lab): I thank resolved because the company does not take on board the hon. Gentleman both for giving way and for obtaining the seriousness of the problem. For example, at Barnehurst the debate. On the point about the website, constituents station—the station I use—the waiting room is open came to me saying that the website said that their only for a couple of hours late in the afternoon. A service was running when it was not and they had similar situation exists at other stations. That is ridiculous unsympathetic employers who said, “I don’t believe you because the majority of people do not travel at tea time, couldn’t get to work because the website says there’s a between 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm, and constituents have service running.” Did the hon. Gentleman have the complained. same experience with his constituents? Southeastern needs to be more proactive in understanding what constituents and commuters want. Mr Evennett: I agree; I had exactly the same experience It is also failing in other important areas and people are with my constituents. The website was useless, giving becoming increasingly vocal about their displeasure. wrong information, which of course fed through to One needs only to search for comments about Southeastern other people, who said, “Well, the service seemed to be on Twitter to see what people really think about the running because it said so on the website.” That is a fair services provided. Comments include: point and I am grateful for the hon. Lady’s comment. “First train out of Victoria this morning....is filthy” All that increased the pressure on station staff, and tempers flared in some circumstances. The communication and there are complaints that the toilets are not clean, was absolutely appalling. I cannot understand why that and that the service was late or cancelled. All aspects of was allowed to happen and why someone from Southeastern the service are not up to the standard they should be. was not briefing the local radio stations. I happen to listen to LBC and Magic in the mornings, and they are Joseph Johnson: My hon. Friend is generous to let me very good stations, but they had no information at all. intervene Again. I support his point. There is an urgent Any good organisation would have passed the information need for Southeastern to show more responsiveness to to the media, so that they could update people who the concerns of constituents. The lift at Orpington, were getting ready to go to work. On one occasion, I which is so necessary for people with limited mobility, had to drive up to Westminster because I could not was out of action for eight weeks at the end of last year guarantee that there would be a train to take me up and and the beginning of this year. It took the threat of a bring me back. wheelchair demonstration by disabled people to get the Recently, I was privileged to be at a meeting of Kent lift back to working order. MPs with Southeastern, which was organised by my hon. Friend the Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Mrs Grant). I was underwhelmed by the excuses offered Mr Evennett: It is disappointing that Southeastern is by its managing director, Charles Horton, and his team. not more proactive when dealing with the problems Although some of the blame of course lies with Network faced by constituents, the fare-paying public, so as to Rail, I do not believe that Southeastern has learned the help to improve facilities and services. lessons and I am worried about the consequences for Of course, the main issue that we are discussing passengers. I wrote to the Minister to ask questions today—an issue that my hon. Friend the Member for about that and am grateful for her response. Orpington and the hon. Member for Erith and However, the poor performance cannot be blamed Thamesmead are well aware of and have raised concerns only on the snow. I believe that the service has got worse about—is the period of bad weather that we had at the since September. I receive regular e-mails and am regularly end of last year. Despite the snow being forecast, it contacted by constituents on the matter—sometimes seemed that Southeastern was not in any way prepared when I am travelling with them on our daily commute for it. Trains were cancelled at very short notice, and a up to Westminster. The comments are universal. One reduced service operated. Some stations had no trains person said: stopping at all for long periods. If trains did run, they “The service/performance is failing…The passengers’ charter were very congested and were running with fewer carriages. is a list of meaningless words.” As a result, many people simply gave up on the trains and tried to find alternative routes to work. I am told that the service is not any better; it is worse. Those are the words of constituents. I, too, have concerns There were also real problems with the information and I share their views. provided to customers. On some days, stations such as Some constituents say that the journey is taking Crayford were not manned at all. If station staff were longer and that the problem is affecting their job. Punctuality able to make it through the snow to the stations, they is a real issue. Despite the poor performance, Southeastern were not properly briefed by their managers on the has been trying to avoid paying compensation and services that were running and where the trains would reducing the cost of season tickets. Regrettably, that is be stopping. I commend the staff at my own station of because of the low targets agreed with the previous Barnehurst. They do a fantastic job; they are friendly, Government. If punctuality falls below 82% during a efficient and really nice people. But during that period, 12-month period, Southeastern is supposed to cut season when they were asked when there would be a train, they ticket prices by 5%. That means that nearly one in five had not been told—they had no information coming trains can run late without incurring a penalty. That is through—and they were the first point of contact for poor service and it was a poor agreement at the time. people who came to the station to see what was going Also, by running an emergency timetable during the on. period of bad weather, Southeastern was able to distort The Southeastern website was also useless and at the statistics by not counting the trains that it should times misleading. have run. Southeastern is therefore claiming that its 55WH Rail Services (South-East London)1 MARCH 2011 Rail Services (South-East London) 56WH

[Mr Evennett] constituents. I am very much aware of the significant concern expressed about the quality of rail services in punctuality was 82.04%—marginally above the season south-east London and Kent by my hon. Friend and a ticket discount threshold. That is a betrayal of commuters number of other MPs, stakeholders and passengers. It and it is unacceptable. is good to see my hon. Friend the Member for Orpington To support its case, Southeastern recently commissioned (Joseph Johnson) and the hon. Member for Erith and the university of Sheffield to audit the statistics. Predictably, Thamesmead (Teresa Pearce) here to take part in the it found the following: debate as well. “As judged against the present validation criteria, the source I fully appreciate how important rail service provision data, processing and public information for the Passenger’s Charter is in the suburban constituency of my hon. Friend the are satisfactorily accurate.” Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford, where so many I am sceptical about that and I understand from people commute into London every day and which I correspondence with the Minister that the rail industry’s have enjoyed visiting on a number of occasions during national taskforce will be looking into the operation the past 10 years or so. As he set out, recent months and performance of both Southeastern and Network have seen an overall decline in the reliability of services Rail. I hope that the Minister will look closely into the under the Southeastern franchise, culminating in the validity of Southeastern’s figures and perhaps consider huge disruption that occurred during the cold weather an independent audit, taking into account all the matters episodes at the end of last year. He outlined some of the that I have raised. most troubling examples. Fares have gone up again dramatically because of the Ministers and officials were in constant contact with agreement that they could be increased by retail prices train operators and Network Rail throughout the severe index inflation plus 3%. That has meant that many weather. I think that we all accept that, unfortunately, people in our area have been clobbered by high fare some disruption is unavoidable when extreme weather rises. Again, that seems unfair to me and to my constituents. conditions occur, but it is imperative to ensure that So what of the future? There are some welcome lessons are learned from the severe problems that passengers developments under way that should help to increase experienced in my hon. Friend’s constituency and elsewhere rail capacity and reduce overcrowding. I know that the during the severe weather at the end of last year. That is Minister is working hard to improve the opportunities why we asked David Quarmby to conduct an urgent for travel in and around London and throughout the audit of how our transport networks performed. We country. I am a big supporter of Crossrail and hope now expect the rail industry to act on the findings of that it will be delivered on time. I believe that, when the that audit. time is right, it should be extended beyond Abbey I have already had many discussions on the cold Wood. We are very keen for that to be done. The hon. weather episode with senior representatives of the rail Member for Erith and Thamesmead has been an advocate industry and will be meeting them again soon for an for that as well. We are looking forward to having update on extending the trial of heated conductor rails, Crossrail at Abbey Wood. There will be more capacity which could make a significant difference to resilience then. on the third rail networks; strengthening de-icing There is the redevelopment of London Bridge station, arrangements; dealing with stranded trains; and, crucially, which should help to relieve some of the congestion improving passenger information generally and during problems caused by the bottlenecks. Again, we have to times of disruption. be patient and wait, but I do not want the improvements My hon. Friend rightly said that that was exposed as to be made in the long term—I would like improvements a severe problem during the recent poor weather. Like to be made now for our constituents and residents of him, David Quarmby emphasised that electronic Bexley and Bromley, so that they can get to work in a information on its own simply is not enough; train more satisfactory fashion. operators need to ensure that staff are properly briefed Information is vital, but that has been the greatest so that they can give passengers as much information as failure of all. However, I am very happy with the possible about which services are running and what approach that the Minister has taken. I hope that she they can expect despite the disruption. will help me even more this afternoon in her response to It is imperative that reliability on the Southeastern the debate, because there is real concern in my area and network improves. It is imperative that the train operator that of my colleagues about the current operator, the becomes more responsive to its customers, as my hon. current franchise agreement and the future bidding Friends the Members for Bexleyheath and Crayford process. She is reasonable, understanding and usually and for Orpington emphasised. I will ensure that their pretty positive in her approach. I hope that she will look comments on step-free access at Crayford, the waiting at the transport in south-east London and say that it is rooms at Barnehurst, toilet cleanliness and the lifts at not acceptable at the moment and it must improve. Orpington are passed on to the train operator. The rail reforms that we are considering are designed to give train operators more opportunities to invest in 1.17 pm improvements to such facilities, to make them more The Minister of State, Department for Transport responsive to passengers and to give them the right (Mrs Theresa Villiers): It is a pleasure to speak under incentives to perform reliably and well. your chairmanship, Mr Benton. I congratulate my hon. I have asked the rail industry’s national taskforce Friend the Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford specifically to consider the performance of Southeastern (Mr Evennett) on securing the debate and on his passionate and Network Rail in Kent. We need improved performance defence of his constituents, particularly his commuting from the operator and Network Rail, as the infrastructure constituents. He is a steadfast campaigner for his provider, if we are to make the progress that the constituents 57WH Rail Services (South-East London)1 MARCH 2011 Rail Services (South-East London) 58WH of my hon. Friend the Member for Bexleyheath and London and our major airports. Furthermore, the Secretary Crayford want. I say that because Network Rail is of State recently announced that negotiations had been responsible for about 60% of delays and cancellations successfully concluded to allow a station box to be on the Southeastern network. constructed at Woolwich. The coalition’s plans for rail My officials monitor Southeastern’s performance on therefore offer real potential benefits for people in south-east a four-weekly basis. I met Charles Horton, managing London. director of Southeastern, on 14 February and I asked I very much recognise the concerns that my hon. him a series of searching questions based on the concerns Friend’s constituents have expressed about rail fares. raised with me by MPs and their constituents, many of The retail prices index plus 3% formula was included in which my hon. Friend has echoed. In the coming weeks, the franchise when Labour let it in 2005. That was to I will follow that up with a further meeting with Mr Horton reflect the more than £600 million spent on 618 new and the Network Rail route director for Kent, and I will rolling stock vehicles and the £93 million of investment expect them to set out how they plan to improve their in power supply, stations, depots and related infrastructure. performance and to respond to the concerns that have Much as I would like to see the RPI plus 3% formula been rightly raised in the debate. I will interrogate them abandoned, that is unfortunately not possible in the on their response to the Quarmby audit and on the current fiscal climate. The deficit we inherited from the lessons to be learned from the cold weather disruption, previous Government means that we face some difficult although I should emphasise that there was already a choices, including asking passengers to pay a little more significant problem before the snow arrived, as my hon. to support the massive investment in rail that I have just Friend said. I will urgently seek assurances from Network outlined, although we expect significant elements of Rail and Southeastern on how they propose to improve that programme to benefit people across south-east overall performance. London. None the less, it is imperative that the cost of running the railways comes down, because it is too Joseph Johnson: In those discussions with the high. Sir Roy McNulty is running an in-depth review management of Southeastern, will my right hon. Friend into why the cost is so high. For the sake of taxpayers please ask when fast trains will stop at Orpington and fare payers in my hon. Friend’s constituency and during peak hours? Orpington is a major commuter across the country, we are determined to find the right town, but we do not have fast trains during peak hours. solutions to deliver a more sustainable financial future My constituents are on their knees begging for such a for the railways. service. My hon. Friend talked about his long-running campaign to extend Crossrail to Ebbsfleet. The route to Ebbsfleet Mrs Villiers: I appreciate the importance of that was safeguarded in 2009, and we expect that to remain issue. Although my discussions will focus on the reliability the case. Safeguarding preserves that option for the of the current service, I am happy to take on board my future. Of course, our current priority is to press ahead hon. Friend’s representations, and we will obviously with construction and to deliver the Crossrail project take them very seriously as and when preparations are within budget and according to the new timetable. under way for timetabling changes. However, we do not rule out the option of extension in It is important to mention some major capacity the future. improvements, which will be delivered in the years to My hon. Friend also raised concerns about the come. Despite the crisis in the public finances, the compensation regime that applies to Southeastern. I Chancellor has prioritised rail, and £18 billion will be have not seen evidence that the figures have been dealt invested in rail capital projects during the spending with inappropriately, but if any were drawn to my review period. Our ambitious programme will deliver attention, I would of course take action. I recognise the real benefits for rail users across the country, including concerns raised by his constituents about the way the in south-east London and Kent. compensation regime operates, and we are certainly Thameslink is going ahead in line with its original happy to consider a more robust regime for future scope, albeit over a slightly longer time frame than franchises that perhaps gives passengers more effective originally envisaged. That will virtually double the number protection. of north-south trains and deliver up to 1,200 new Mr Evennett: I am grateful for that helpful answer, carriages. It is too early to say exactly how the programme’s but Southeastern is so marginally over the figure that benefits will be shared between different areas, because one can understand constituents being sceptical. timetabling decisions are still some way off. However, even those communities that do not benefit directly Mrs Villiers: I am aware that there is a lot of concern from the new upgraded services could receive cascaded and scepticism about the figures, but, as I said, I can rolling stock to relieve overcrowding. reach a judgment only on the basis of the facts that are As my hon. Friend the Member for Bexleyheath and presented to me. My hon. Friend will appreciate that Crayford recognised, the coalition has secured the funding Southeastern is legally required under the franchise to to ensure that Crossrail is delivered in its entirety, have its figures independently audited, so we have that including the Abbey Wood branch, which was the subject safeguard of an independent check on the figures. of so many scare stories from our political opponents. In conclusion, it is vital that Southeastern and Network The project will deliver a 10% uplift in rail capacity Rail significantly improve their performance on the across London and much improved access to jobs for lines serving my hon. Friend’s constituency and the many people across the capital, including south-east whole of south-east London, as well as on its routes in London, and in the south-east. It will open up new Kent. I will continue to press both on the issue, and I journey opportunities to docklands, the City, central very much welcome the opportunity to debate it today. 59WH 1 MARCH 2011 Trident 60WH

Trident to provide annual budget figures for the assessment phase period up to 2016 until after the publication of the initial gate. 1.29 pm There also seems to be no intention to provide Parliament with regular reports of the progress of the programme Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): It is a until after the initial gate. Recent statements by the pleasure to see you in the Chair today, Mr Benton, and Secretary of State for Defence have confirmed that to secure the debate. Its focus is on the cost issues orders for major items required in the construction of associated with Trident, and on issues of parliamentary submarines will be placed prior to main gate, and scrutiny. Many other issues are associated with Britain’s indeed a response to a recent freedom of information possession of nuclear weapons, but I hope that in the request revealed a plan to place more than £1 billion short time we have today we shall focus on the aspects I before the main gate approval in 2016, in relation to the have mentioned. various orders for submarines and matters associated The background to the matter is of course that in with that work. That information was confirmed in March 2007 the House voted to support the decision answers to questions tabled by hon. Members. The taken by the then Government as set out in the White answers to freedom of information requests, and recent Paper “The Future of the United Kingdom’s Nuclear answers to parliamentary questions, seem to show that Deterrent” to take the steps necessary to maintain a large proportion of the first boat will be ordered Britain’s nuclear weapons capacity after the Vanguard ahead of main gate, as well as the reactors for the class submarines leave service in the mid-2020s. The second and third boat. motion that was passed also said that we should The 2010-11 budget for Trident replacement exceeds take steps towards meeting the UK’s disarmament that of the planned budget for the whole of the concept responsibilities under the non-proliferation treaty. I voted phase from years 2006-08 to 2009-10, although we have against replacing Trident, but I believe the concerns I yet to reach initial gate. I therefore think that the House am raising today are shared by many hon. Members, is right to be concerned about the costs incurred to date, and probably by Members on both sides of that debate. which seem to be well in excess of the projections and After the vote in March 2007, the Ministry of Defence information provided to the House in 2007, when the began the first stage of the process known as the decision was taken, but also about the lack of parliamentary concept stage, which was due to end with the initial gate scrutiny of the programme. decision point. That was one of the points of scrutiny of the project. The initial gate report was expected in John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): September 2009, but it has still to be published. The I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate. decision whether to authorise the construction of the Does she agree that in any decisions that are taken we submarines is to be taken at the later main gate scrutiny do not want to add further to the cost of the programme, stage, which was originally scheduled for 2012-14, but and that it would therefore be helpful for the Ministry following the conclusion of the strategic defence and of Defence to set out the change in the cost profile that security review, that has been delayed until 2016, beyond has already been conferred by the delay in the main gate the next general election. decision, and the totality of increased costs that could The White Paper published at the end of 2006, which flow from that? was voted on in 2007, estimated that the cost of the replacement of the system would be between £15 billion Katy Clark: I agree, and my contention is that it and £20 billion at 2006 prices. No updated estimate would be helpful if as much information as possible in current figures has been provided, and today I shall could be put before the House, so that this place takes ask the Minister to ensure that one is provided to the the right decisions, and so that whatever decisions are House, particularly given that we know from the taken in years to come will be based on the fullest information that is in the public domain that spending information, made available not just to Members of the so far is over-budget. Specifically, I understand that the House but to the general public. current submarine programme for the Astute class is running 57 months late and £1.35 billion or 53% over Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): budget. Expenditure on the concept phase has also I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this important significantly exceeded its budget—£309 million was debate. Is it not about time that the Government published originally set aside, but spending up to June 2010 exceeded the value-for-money review that was undertaken in that, with a figure of £570 million. That is an overspend 2010? Throughout the defence budget we have cuts that of 84%. The House is right to be concerned, given that seem to be completely driven by putting the cost down the information provided to this place and to the general as low as possible; yet here we have a massive overspend. public seems to show that spending to date has been far People want to know what value for money we are greater than originally projected. getting from this atrocious weapons of mass destruction The year 2010-11 has £330 million allocated for the programme. Trident replacement programme. An estimated 15% of the submarine cost is due to be spent during the assessment Katy Clark: I agree with my hon. Friend’s points, and phase prior to the main gate, based on the 2006 figures. will ask the Minister to publish the value-for-money That would amount to about £2 billion, using the review that was undertaken in 2010. My hon. Friend MOD’s 2006 figure of a requirement of £11 billion to has made powerful points: when we see other decisions £14 billion for the submarine replacement plans. It is made by the Ministry of Defence, including cancelled apparent from the concept phase that the cost of the contracts and cuts, it seems that a different approach is programme is already increasing. The MOD has refused taken to the project in question. 61WH Trident1 MARCH 2011 Trident 62WH

Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): I congratulate point. We were told during an important parliamentary the hon. Lady on securing this excellent debate, which is debate in 2007—it attracted a substantial dissident vote generating a lot of interest. Does she agree that a key by Labour Members against the early replacement of issue is that the main gate decision in 2016 should be a the Trident nuclear missile system—that the initial gate proper decision? There is real concern that if too much decision would not be taken until this Parliament and money is spent before then, the next Parliament may that we therefore had nothing to worry about. With the not have a proper decision to make. It may be trapped, assistance of the excellent CND national office, I recently as the present Parliament has been over aircraft carriers. tabled a large number of parliamentary questions. I shall not refer to them all, but they were answered on 16 Katy Clark: The hon. Gentleman is correct, and I am February. delighted that he is here today, and, indeed, about the I asked the Secretary of State whether steel for the cross-party support that has been raised. An early-day substantial construction of the hull structure of the motion has been tabled by my hon. Friend the Member first boat would be made as a long-lead purchase prior for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn), which highlights to main gate. The Minister answered: some of the issues and the concern that contracts are “Yes. The specialist high strength steel needed for the hull being made, perhaps, in a way that goes against the structure for the first boat is included as a long-lead item in the spirit of undertakings made in the 2007 debate. That Initial Gate Business Case for the programme.” may mean that the decision that Parliament will take I also asked the Secretary of State how much his later will be tied by the amount of money already spent Department had allocated to the Trident replacement on the project. That is one reason for some requests that programme in each year between 2010-11 and 2015-16. I will make of the Minister today. The first is that we Those are crucial dates, as that is when initial gate is should, as has been mentioned, publish the value-for-money supposed to happen. The Minister answered: review undertaken in 2010. Equally importantly, we need to ensure that the House has a full debate on the “Approximately £330 million was allocated to the programme to replace the Vanguard submarine.”—[Official Report, 16 February initial gate report and that decisions are taken with its 2011; Vol. 523, c. 805-06W.] consent . It seems to me that the Ministry of Defence is running I urge the Minister to explain some of the figures that ahead of itself, and well ahead of authorisation by I have cited today, particularly why the 2010-11 budget Parliament for spending such sums on preparation for for the Trident replacement has exceeded the planned the development of a new submarine and missile system budget for the whole of the concept phase, which ran before Parliament has had the opportunity to vote on from 2006 to 2010. I urge the Government to publish an it. In addition, it was discovered during the previous up-to-date budget for work done during the assessment Parliament that large sums had been spent on upgrading phase before the main gate decision, and to say how the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston in much they plan to spend on orders for construction preparation for the development of the missile systems before the scrutiny of main gate, in view of recent to go into those submarines. statements and information provided by the Ministry of Defence. Given the clear increase in costs, it is only fair Personally, I am completely opposed to nuclear weapons. that the Government should publish the estimated full I believe that they are immoral; they are weapons of project costs in current prices, as it is clear that the mass destruction. The world would be a lot better off information provided to the House in 2007 will no without them—and this country would be extremely longer be accurate. Finally, I ask for a full strategic well off without them. However, that is not the point of review of the UK’s possession of nuclear weapons today’s debate. This debate is about the costs and the before the main gate decision is made and orders for decision-making process, and about Parliament’s construction begin, and to give MPs the opportunity to involvement in those matters. debate and vote on the continuation of the programme, Every three months, the Foreign Secretary and the based on up-to-date information. Secretary of State for Defence commendably report to I have consented to the vice-chair of the Campaign the House on progress or otherwise in Afghanistan, and for Nuclear Disarmament, my hon. Friend the Member we have the opportunity to question them. If the Ministry for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn), making a short of Defence is so determined to spend such large sums, contribution to the debate, and I understand that the there should at the very least be an open debate in Minister, too, has consented. I hope, Mr Benton, that Parliament on the subject before those decisions are you have no objection to my hon. Friend making a made. We signed a nuclear non-proliferation treaty short contribution. many years ago that commits us to making long-term efforts on nuclear disarmament. As well as seeking to prevent other non-nuclear declared states from possessing 1.41 pm nuclear weapons, I believe that we should fulfil our Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): I shall be obligations under that treaty. I hope that the Minister brief, as it is a short debate and we wish to hear the will explain under what authority that money was spent, Minister’s reply. I congratulate my hon. Friend the why it was spent ahead of a parliamentary decision, Member for North Ayrshire and Arran (Katy Clark) on and when and if he will make a statement to the House securing this debate and on her work for peace in on that expenditure and the purposes behind it. general. I declare an interest. I am chair of the all-party CND group, and the national vice-chair of CND. 1.46 pm As my hon. Friend pointed out, I tabled early-day The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence motion 1477, about the Government’s plans to order (Peter Luff): I genuinely congratulate the hon. Member steel for the first new Trident replacement. It is important for North Ayrshire and Arran (Katy Clark) on securing that the Minister has the opportunity to answer this this debate. 63WH Trident1 MARCH 2011 Trident 64WH

[Peter Luff] I take this opportunity on behalf of the House to pay tribute to the professionalism of all those Royal Navy In recent weeks, there has been quite a lot of commentary and civilian personnel who answer this country’s call to on the replacement submarine programme for Britain’s operate and support this vital national capability on independent nuclear deterrent system, often referred to behalf of us all—seven days a week, 365 days a year. as the Trident programme. Much of it was incorrect, so Last year, I visited HMS Vanguard and met some of I welcome the opportunity to discuss the matter. I our dedicated service personnel; I was truly impressed doubt whether I shall reassure the hon. Lady on every by their commitment. It is important that hon. Members question, as there is disagreement between us on the should remember that, as we speak, those men are out principles involved, but I have some good news and there somewhere in the oceans at this very moment some clarification. providing Britain’s and NATO’s ultimate security guarantee. Before dealing with the scrutiny of the successor They and their predecessors have so far provided a systems to our current nuclear deterrent, and for the 42-year unbroken chain of continuous at-sea deterrence, avoidance of any doubt—I answer also the points raised keeping all of us and our allies safe. It is a fact of life by the hon. Member for Islington North (Jeremy that the current class of Vanguard submarines is ageing, Corbyn)—let me be clear about the Government’s policy yet while the nuclear threat remains we will maintain a on the nuclear deterrent. The first duty of any Government nuclear deterrent. That is why we are continuing with is to ensure the security of the people. The nuclear a programme to replace the current deterrent. deterrent provides the ultimate guarantee of our national One theme that has emerged—it emerged in the hon. security, and has done so for more than 50 years. Lady’s speech today—from those who do not see merit The argument is often made that, because there is no in this policy is that the Government are embarking on immediate threat to the UK, there is no need to replace a programme of replacing the Trident system by stealth the current deterrent system; however, if history has and that Parliament has not had the opportunity to taught us anything it is that predicting future events is consider the issue. That is simply not true. In 2006, the difficult. We do not know how the international previous Administration published the White Paper environment will change over the next 50 years. For “The Future of the United Kingdom’s Nuclear Deterrent,” example, how many people predicted the current speed which clearly set out why the UK needed to renew its and the scale of change in North Africa? deterrent system, what options were available and how much they were likely to cost. The conclusions of the Dr Huppert: Will the Minister give way? White Paper remain as valid today as they were when they were first published. That paper was scrutinised by Peter Luff: I shall not give way. I have some important the House of Commons Defence Committee and was points to answer, and I do not have time to take debated in full in July 2007. The House voted by a interventions—except, of course, from the hon. Lady. significant majority to We cannot be certain that no existential threat to the “take the steps necessary to maintain the UK’s minimum strategic UK will ever emerge. As a result, we cannot unilaterally nuclear deterrent beyond the life of the existing system.”—[Official do away with this ultimate insurance policy. That is not Report, 14 March 2007; Vol. 458, c. 298.] to say that, when the time is right, we will not move That is exactly what we are doing. away from nuclear weapons. Our long-term goal is to Given the serious economic conditions that we inherited, have a world without them, and we will do all that we we decided to commit ourselves to reviewing the Trident can to counter proliferation, to make progress on replacement programme to ensure that we were spending multilateral disarmament, and to build trust and confidence only the minimum necessary. That is why, in addition to across the globe. the disarmament measures I have already mentioned, In our strategic defence and security review, we went following the value for money review conducted last further than any previous Government in giving assurances year, we announced a number of changes to the Trident to non-nuclear members of the non-proliferation treaty replacement programme. For the submarine, this included that we would not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons deferring the delivery of the first boat to around 2028 against them. As part of that confidence-building initiative, and consequently deferring the main investment we announced that our overall nuclear warhead stockpile decision—or main gate—until 2016. I note the hon. ceiling will reduce from not more than 225 to fewer than Lady’s call for the publication of the value for money 180 by the mid 2020s. In addition, we announced that study, but I have to disappoint her. It contains a number over the next few years we will cut the maximum of highly classified documents that are not suitable for number of nuclear warheads on board each deployed release. However, all the important conclusions were submarine from 48 to 40, that we will reduce our published in full on page 38, paragraph 3.10 of the requirement for operationally available warheads from Strategic Defence and Security Review. fewer than 160 to no more than 120, and that we will We were also able to announce our intention to work reduce the number of operational missiles carried to no more closely with industry to improve efficiency in the more than eight. None the less, on 9 February, the programme. Since that announcement, we have taken Prime Minister said: huge steps with our three key suppliers—BAE Systems, “I profoundly believe that we should maintain our independent Babcock and Rolls-Royce—to develop what we now nuclear deterrent. I have looked at all the alternatives over the call the submarine enterprise performance programme, years, and I am completely convinced that we need a submarine which has three key aims: to retain and develop our based alternative—a full replacement for Trident—in order to guarantee the ultimate insurance policy for this country. I am in world-class design, build and support skills, which are favour of a full replacement for Trident, a continuous at-sea essential for delivering the nuclear programme; to realise deterrent and making sure that we keep our guard up”—[Official significant savings by improving our approach to designing, Report, 9 February 2011; Vol. 523, c. 296.] building and supporting these submarines and, by way 65WH Trident1 MARCH 2011 Trident 66WH of example, through the rationalisation of facilities and Jeremy Corbyn: The figure I quoted was the one that sharing of resources; and, with industry, to improve our the Minister gave himself, which is £330 million. I asked delivery performance. I saw that for myself a few weeks where the parliamentary authority came from for that ago when I visited Barrow and Furness with the hon. expenditure. Member for Barrow and Furness (John Woodcock), whom I am pleased to see in his place. I was hugely Peter Luff: I am sorry if the hon. Gentleman’s figures impressed with what I saw and with the dedication of have been misunderstood by the Department. I was told the work force. that he said a figure around £1 billion. The authority The Ministry of Defence, industry and the work comes from the vote in the House of Commons in the force have risen to this challenge, and I have seen a step previous Parliament, established custom and practice change in the way in which we are working with industry and all complex programmes. If he wants a historical to ensure that our nuclear programme is delivered precedent, I am told that we bought the oak for HMS successfully. All in all, the decisions we took during the Victory 15 years in advance of building it. This is par SDSR allowed us to save £1.2 billion and defer a further for the course in major procurement programmes; there £2 billion of expenditure over the next 10 years. I can is nothing unusual about it at all. confirm to the hon. Lady that the figures for the total It is quite simply not true to say that large parts of the cost of the programme are as quoted in paragraph 3.10 build programme will have been completed by main in the SDSR. gate, nor is it true to say that we will be locked into “The review has concluded that the overall cost of the submarine contracts and that we will have spent so much that we and warhead replacement programmes and associated will have to build the boats when we get to main gate. infrastructure”— There is nothing in the current programme that will the three separate parts of the programme— prevent us from making choices in 2016 about what deterrent capability we want or how many boats we “ remains within the £20 billion cost estimate foreseen in 2006 at might order. It is self-evident from the decisions that we 2006 prices.” took during the SDSR to refine the replacement deterrent Therefore, the cost estimate remains valid. However, we programme, which allowed us to save and defer £3.2 billion did not say that we would do nothing until 2016. As for over the next 10 years, that our intent is to pursue value the reference to the delay of the Astute programme, I for money rigorously and only commit to expenditure have to say that we have learned our lesson the hard as and when it is required. As agreed in the coalition way—if one stops doing something it costs a lot to start programme for Government, the Liberal Democrats doing it again. That is the root of the problem and a will continue to make the case for alternatives to a mistake that we must not make again with its successor. like-for-like replacement. Yes, it is true that the concept phase was extended in January 2010, which involved Let me stress again that we did not say that we would some extra cost, but some costs will be transferred from do nothing until 2016. We must be clear about the scale the assessment phase to the concept phase as a result. and challenge of this project. A submarine designed to carry the nuclear deterrent ranks with the space shuttle What of the calls for scrutiny of the initial gate as one of the most complex engineering feats in the business case? Parliament does not routinely review world. The submarine has a nuclear reactor; nuclear internal Ministry of Defence business cases and I have weapons; steam systems; hydraulic systems; electrical not yet heard a convincing argument that suggests that and electronic systems; computing systems as well as this programme should be any different. The initial gate tactical weapons and sensors. It needs to sustain its business case is not a grand strategic assessment; that crew while remaining submerged and undetected for happened in 2006 with the White Paper and the vote in months on end. It is a tremendous challenge to bring the House of Commons in 2007. The initial gate business those complex components together, and we have an case is a technical assessment that presents design choices enormous programme of work to complete if we are and programme analysis that is reviewed and agreed by successfully to see the delivery of the first boat in technical, financial and procurement experts in MOD, around 2028. The first significant milestone in this Treasury and Cabinet Office. What we have committed process is the so called “initial gate” investment point. to do once the initial gate business case has been approved is publish a report setting out the key decisions that we At initial gate, we will agree the broad outline design have taken, update Parliament on the latest assessment of the submarine and some of the component designs, of cost, and explain the steps that we will be taking in including the propulsion system, and set out the programme the run-up to the main procurement decision in 2016. I of work we need to complete so that we are ready to hope that that reassures the hon. Lady. start building the first submarine in 2016. We will also agree the amount of material and parts—and for which As this is one of the largest programmes in Government, boats—we will need to buy in advance of the main it will be reviewed closely as we move towards main investment decision, and yes, that will include steel. gate, both in the Ministry of Defence and more widely However, we are not planning to procure any such items across Whitehall. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary for the fourth boat at this point. of State for Defence announced last week, the Government are doing more to tighten up the Ministry of Defence’s The precise value of the steel and the other long-lead internal processes. The Secretary of State for Defence items will depend on the final initial gate approval, but will chair the major projects review board, which by it is likely to amount to around £500 million, some way definition will include the replacement submarine short of the £1 billion that the hon. Member for Islington programme, and will receive a quarterly report on our North (Jeremy Corbyn) has quoted in the past. There is major projects to ensure that they are on time and nothing unusual in that; it is normal practice for most within budget. Where projects are falling behind schedule large procurement programmes. or budget we will take immediate remedial measures. 67WH Trident1 MARCH 2011 Trident 68WH

[Peter Luff] programme and, while it is not for me to task the NAO, I would not be surprised if it were to look again at this Those responsible will be brought to account in front of programme in the run-up to main gate, giving the the project board. In addition, we will publish a list Public Accounts Committee a chance to do the same every quarter of the major project review board’s “projects thing. of concern”. That way, Parliament, the public and the It will be for the next Government to make decisions market can judge how well we and industry are doing in about scrutinising the main gate decision. For now, I am supporting our armed forces while offering value for confident that we are striking the right balance between money to the taxpayers. delivering the programme and ensuring that we are Progress on the decisions we have taken during the open about how we are performing. As this debate SDSR, including those on the nuclear deterrent, will shows, if hon. Members wish to scrutinise the process, be reviewed by the National Security Council. The there are many avenues open to do that in our parliamentary Government have also established a major projects democracy—many have already been explored by the authority within the Cabinet Office with a specific remit Select Committee and many other options exist. Our to oversee our portfolio of major projects and assess the democracy is more secure because of the Trident health of programmes in it through a combination of programme and our commitment to its successor. quarterly reporting and more focused reviews. The major Question put and agreed to. projects authority will produce an annual report through which Parliament and the public will be able to review our performance. On top of that scrutiny, the National 1.59 pm Audit Office has published a report on the deterrent Sitting adjourned. 19WS Written Ministerial Statements1 MARCH 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 20WS

more remote rural areas. A table in annex 2 gives a breakdown Written Ministerial by local authority. This report was commissioned in 2010 by the last Administration at a cost of £78,500. (iv) Economic Rationale for Spatial Policies or Why Place Statements Matters. This paper by Patricia Rice outlines why there are differences Tuesday 1 March 2011 between places, and advocates policy that takes this into account. It considers that variations in outcomes for different areas are a result of regional trade and factor mobility, but seeks to explain the underlying differences between areas. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT This report was commissioned in 2007 at a cost of £2,034. (v) Addressing the problem of worklessness: The role of Unpublished Research Reports: Immigration, the regeneration. Economy and Regeneration This paper by Anne Green, with its focus on worklessness and regeneration considers the complex and challenging real-world roles of mainstream policies and area-based The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant programmes, including the roles of local government, the community and employers. It notes that the neighbourhood Shapps): Today the Government are publishing a further level is an appropriate level for outreach to disadvantaged group of reports presenting the findings from research residents, and the voluntary sector can play an important projects commissioned by the previous Administration. role in facilitating community participation. Partnerships There is a significant backlog of unpublished reports have been costly to develop and support, and have not that were produced by the previous Government and generated the critical mass of support for the neighbourhoods over the next few months we will be publishing further that it was envisaged. This report was commissioned in 2009 reports in groups themed on particular topics. as part of a series of four papers which together cost £11,622. The reports and findings are of general policy interest, but do not relate to forthcoming policy announcements. (vi) Regeneration—What are the problems and what can we achieve in addressing them? Neighbourhood level perspectives We are publishing these documents in the interests of from the new deal for communities programme. transparency and as part of our freedom of information commitment to publish the results of all commissioned This paper by Paul Lawless, with its focus on neighbourhood research. For transparency, all concluded research work renewal, draws on evidence from the evaluation of the new deal for communities programme to review the problems is being published, though some reports may not be as faced in the partnership areas and consider both process and complete or in the format that DCLG would normally change outcomes that regeneration programmes should seek require. to achieve. This report was commissioned in 2009 as part of The 10 reports published below represent the findings a series of four papers which together cost £11,622. from research projects at a total cost to taxpayers of (vii) Regeneration—What are the problems and what can we £219,597. These findings cover the topics of immigration, achieve in addressing them? the economy and regeneration. This paper by Pete Tyler, with its focus on local economic (i) Impact of economic downturn on migration. activity and regeneration, reviews what lies behind the problems faced by deprived places and notes that although rooted in a This discussion paper by A.E. Green reviews the evidence on general failure of supply and demand mechanisms, problems the likely impact of an economic downturn on both international tend to be multi-dimension and persistent and likely to migration and migration in different parts of the UK, with require substantial policy intervention to make an impact. It particular focus on migrants from the A8 countries (of the anticipated that constraints on public expenditure would 2004 accession to the EU). It observes that for 83% of A8 inevitably mean that regeneration initiatives would be operating migrants, the main motivation for coming to Britain was to in a more difficult environment. This report was commissioned work and earn money. This report was commissioned in in 2009 as part of a series of four papers which together cost 2008 at a cost of £3,400. £11,622. (ii) Immigration and rural economies. (viii) Regeneration—How should the problem be addressed? This report by Heather Wells and Paula Lucci considers the impacts and contributions of international migration to This paper by Stephen Syrett, reviews the weaknesses of past rural economies in the UK. The paper finds that there was a approaches to regeneration, pointing out the over-dominance substantial increase in the size of the migrant population in of centralised structures, the neglect of education and training rural areas in the four years before the recession, which was in deprived areas, the need for greater clarity over the role driven by a strong demand for migrant labour from particular and relevance of area-based initiatives. Local capacity will industries. Immigration has had a significant but small negative only develop if greater scope and freedom is given to local impact on the wages of UK workers at the bottom of the actors to make their own priorities. This report was commissioned occupational distribution. Challenges from immigration include in 2009 as part of a series of four papers which together cost pressure on existing local services and integration within £11,622. local communities. This report was commissioned in 2009 at (ix) Modelling and forecasting county court claims and orders a cost of £24,275. for mortgage repossessions. (iii) Measuring international and internal migration from the National Pupil Database. This report by Professor John Muellbauer and Janine Aron was commissioned jointly by the former National Housing This report by Ludi Simpson, et al. considers the dispersion and Planning Advice Unit and the UK Spatial Economic of migrant pupils in the UK. The paper finds the number of Centre. The study explores the determinants of mortgage immigrant pupils in UK schools has increased significantly possession court orders as well as forecasting court orders in the four-year period to 2007-08 and that pupils of African on a regional basis for England and Wales from 2011 to origin tend to be concentrated in inner London and other 2015. It observed that the recent house price and credit major metropolitan areas while eastern European and other boom of 2006-08 had increased the proportion of households European pupils arrived since 2003 tend to be found in the with overstretched budgets and over-extended debt relative 21WS Written Ministerial Statements1 MARCH 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 22WS

to their assets. The most important determinant of court The SDSR set out some changes to our long-term claims and orders was found to be the debt to income ratio. requirements for fast jets, multi-engine aircraft and This report was commissioned in 2009 at a cost of £30,366. helicopters. As a result, our future requirement for (x) Housing supply revisited: Evidence from international, pilots has reduced. Some 514 individuals currently being national, regional, local and company data. trained are potentially affected by these changes. Starting This report by Michael Ball, et al. considers the responsiveness today and over the next 10 days, those trainee pilots will of housing supply to changes in prices and the degree to be informed of their future in the RAF. Some 344 will which planning restrictions and other factors limit this continue with their pilot training. But I very much responsiveness. If found that factors other than planning supply influence the responsiveness of housing supply. It regret to inform the House that up to 170 will not. Some suggests that different planning targets are required for each of those individuals will be offered alternative appointments. local authority, to reflect local decision making processes. But sadly many will have to be made redundant. This report was commissioned in 2009 at a cost of £69,400. Today, the RAF will also publish in some detail the At a time when public budgets must be reduced, the specialist trades in which reductions in numbers need to new Government want to ensure their research delivers be achieved, and in which it will be seeking volunteers best possible value for money for the taxpayer and that for redundancy. Detailed information on the terms on sums expended are reasonable in relation to the public offer, including the compensation package, will be made policy benefits obtained. My Department has rigorous available online. Similar information will be published scrutiny and challenge processes for commissioned research. for the Army and Navy on 4 April 2011. New projects will continue to be scrutinised to ensure Once the deadline for response has passed, selection the methodology is sound and that all options for boards will sit for each of the three services to determine funding are explored at an early stage. This includes whether those who have volunteered should be released using existing work from other organisations, joint funding and which other individuals should also regrettably be projects with other Departments or organisations and made redundant to enable the manning targets to be taking work forward in-house. achieved. We aim to inform all those individuals selected for redundancy of that decision in September 2011—on These reports and findings are of general policy 1 September for the Army and RAF, and 30 September interest, but do not relate to forthcoming policy for the Navy. Those voluntarily leaving the armed forces announcements and are not a reflection of the current will do so within six months, non-volunteers will do so Government’s policies and priorities. DCLG is publishing within a year. these reports in the interests of transparency. The Department will need to balance extremely carefully Copies of these reports are available on the Department the needs of the individual with the needs of our armed for Communities and Local Government website. Copies forces. And I am determined that this very difficult have been placed in the Library of the House. process will be handled with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism. No one who is deployed on operations, recently returned from operations or is preparing to deploy on operations will be made redundant unless DEFENCE they have volunteered. Nor will those undergoing rehabilitation from injury be considered. But inevitably some incredibly difficult decisions will have to be made Armed Forces Redundancy Process to ensure the long-term health and balance of our armed forces. In Afghanistan, and as has been seen in recent days in The Secretary of State for Defence (Dr Liam Fox): Libya, our armed forces constantly perform great acts The strategic defence and security review (SDSR) set of heroism, selflessness and valour to keep us safe. As a out in October 2010 long-term plans for our armed country, we have an absolute responsibility to ensure forces, based on a detailed analysis of the future risk that those who risk their lives in that way are properly and threats to our national security, but also recognising looked after while they serve our country but equally the dire fiscal situation inherited by this Government. importantly when they return to civilian life. For all That new 2020 force structure will be more agile and those leaving the armed forces as a result of these flexible, better able to respond to new threats such as changes, every effort will be made to assist in what can cyber-warfare, terrorism and managing the consequences often be a difficult transition. A comprehensive package of failed or failing states. As the SDSR made clear, of support and advice on housing, finance and finding however, that force structure will require fewer people: a job will be made available. Over the coming months. the combined size of the Royal Navy, the Army and the Ministers will scrutinise those plans in detail, working Royal Air Force will fall by some 17,000 by 2015. These closely with domestic Departments, to ensure they are changes are about delivering the future force we need, as good as can be achieved. Our people deserve nothing not about today’s operational capabilities. less. Some of this reduction will be achieved by slowing down recruitment—but the long-term health of the services requires that we maintain a steady influx of new recruits. And so we estimate that up to around Armed Forces Pay Review Body (Public Appointments) 11,000 personnel will need to be made redundant. In formal terms, redundancy schemes for the armed forces are compulsory. But there will be scope for individuals The Secretary of State for Defence (Dr Liam Fox): I to volunteer to be considered for redundancy and where am pleased to announce that I have appointed Mr Paul possible we will meet our manpower target through Kernaghan CBE QPM, Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Ibbotson volunteers. But some difficult choices are sadly inevitable. KBE CB DSC and Professor Peter Dolton as members 23WS Written Ministerial Statements1 MARCH 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 24WS of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, each for a (War Crimes etc.) Arrangements 2011 to enable the three-year term of office commencing on 1 March 2011. Secretary of State to subject applications from certain The appointments have been made in accordance with nationalities for British citizenship to more rigorous the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments scrutiny than others for the purposes of determining code of practice. whether the applicant has committed, been complicit in the commission of, or otherwise been associated with, the commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide. Written Parliamentary Question (Correction) The Equality (War Crimes etc.) Arrangements 2011 are made under paragraph (l)(l)(d) of schedule 23 to the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence Equality Act 2010, and replace the Race Relations (Mr Andrew Robathan): I regret to inform the House (Nationality) (War Crimes etc.) Arrangements 2007, that there was an inaccuracy in my written answer made under section 41 of the Race Relations Act 1976. (31219) given on 20 December 2010, Official Report, The corresponding Race Relations (Northern Ireland) columns 987-88W. (War Crimes etc.) Arrangements 2011 are made under The response said that that there were 265 civilian article 40 paragraph 2(c) Race Relations (Northern staff employed in London by the MOD currently not Ireland) Order 1997. paid at a rate equivalent to or above the London living wage. I can confirm that excluding trading funds, there The condition for subjecting these applications to were no civilian staff employed in London by the MOD more rigorous scrutiny is that the applicant is a national currently not paid at a rate equivalent to or above the of a state specified on a list approved personally by the London living wage. Minister for the purpose of the arrangements. I have now reviewed and approved this list. I am HOME DEPARTMENT satisfied that the conditions set out in the arrangements are met in respect of the countries on the list. Applications for British Citizenship (War Crimes Screening) The arrangements will remain in force until revoked. I will review the arrangements and the list on an annual basis. The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): Ihave made the Equality (War Crimes etc.) Arrangements I am placing copies of the arrangements in the Libraries 2011 and the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) of both Houses of Parliament.

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to the contractor and then recover the amount by Written Answers to reducing the academy’s general annual grant. The Department’s expectation is that the sponsor should Questions then make contributions to the academies to make good these deductions. There are currently eight academies whose revenue funding is being reduced in lieu of a Monday 28 February 2011 sponsor’s contribution. The following table shows each [Continued from column 246W] academy, along with the amount of funding that has been reduced.

Amount of funding reduced (£ EDUCATION Name of academy million)

Academies Lambeth 1.34 Northampton 1.35 Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Paddington 0.43 Education what his policy is on (a) first and (b) Manchester 1.66 primary schools becoming academies. [37016] Macmillan 0.10 Mr Gibb [holding answer 31 January 2011]: All primary The City Academy (Bristol) 0.17 and first schools which are rated outstanding, or which Westminster 1.5 are good with outstanding features, are eligible to convert Bede 0.30 to academy status. In addition, any school can apply with other schools as part of a formal partnership, providing at least one is rated outstanding or good with Adoption: Peterborough City Council outstanding features, or they join an existing academy trust with a proven track record of school improvement. Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for for Education how many children were (a) available Education how many schools that have opted to for permanent adoption and (b) adopted in the convert to Academy status did so without prior Peterborough city council local authority area in each consultation with (a) pupils, (b) parents and (c) staff year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. since May 2010. [38487] [36583] Mr Gibb [holding answer 4 February 2011]: Schools applying to convert to Academy Status have a statutory Tim Loughton [holding answer 27 January 2011]: requirement to consult interested parties (for example, The number of children who were (a) available for students, parents, and the local community). Schools permanent adoption and (b) adopted in the Peterborough are free to choose how they wish to do this. The consultation city council local authority area, in each year since process must legally be completed before the Funding 1999, is shown in the following table. Information is not Agreement with the Secretary of State is signed. Prior available for 1997 and 1998 as Peterborough city council to the Funding Agreement being signed, the school’s first provided data on looked after children in 1999 governing body needs to confirm that it has consulted following a local authority reorganisation. “Available interested parties, the date on which the consultation for permanent adoption” has been defined as children was carried out, and that the views obtained were who were “placed for adoption at 31 March”. considered in the decision to convert to an academy. Children who were looked after by Peterborough city council who were placed for The current employer of school staff (either the local adoption at 31 March or who were adopted during the year1, 2: Years ending 31 authority or governing body depending on the type of March 1999 to 2010: Coverage: England school) is required to conduct a Transfer of Undertakings Number Children placed for adoption at Children adopted during the (Protection of Employment) consultation with all teaching 31 March year and support staff and their unions as part of the staff England Peterborough England Peterborough transfer process. Academies: Finance 1999 3,000 25 2,200 30 2000 3,600 15 2,700 20 Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for 2001 4,000 30 3,100 20 Education (1) whether any Academy schools have had 2002 4,200 40 3,400 25 their revenue funding reduced in lieu of a sponsor’s 2003 3,700 25 3,500 25 2004 3,600 15 3,800 20 contribution; [35858] 2005 3,400 25 3,800 10 (2) which Academy schools have had their revenue 2006 3,000 10 3,700 20 funding reduced in lieu of a sponsor’s contribution; 2007 2,700 20 3,300 15 and by how much that funding has been reduced in 2008 2,900 30 3,200 25 each case. [36806] 2009 2,700 20 3,300 40 Mr Gibb [holding answers 24 and 31 January 2011]: 2010 2,300 25 3,200 25 1 Numbers at national level have been rounded to the nearest 100. At local The first academy projects required sponsors to make a authority level, numbers have been rounded to the nearest five. capital contribution towards the cost of constructing 2 Historical data may differ from older publications. This is mainly due to the academy buildings. In a small number of cases where a implementation of amendments and corrections sent by some local authorities after the publication date of previous materials. sponsor was unable to meet its capital sponsorship Source: commitment, the Department agreed to make a payment SSDA 903 249W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 250W

Children: Abuse Tim Loughton [holding answer 3 February 2011]: The Business Plan for the Department for Education was Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for published on 8 November 2010. This contained in draft Education what steps his Department is taking to a set of input and impact indicators and a revised set tackle child exploitation (a) domestically and (b) will be included when the finalised Business Plan is published in April. While the Business Plan did not internationally. [37379] include any specific impact indicators on child protection, the plan made clear the importance the Department Tim Loughton: To tackle child sexual exploitation places on improving arrangements for protecting children effectively there must be a collaborative approach involving from harm, and set out a commitment to publish Professor Ministers from a range of Government Departments as Eileen Munro’s child protection review and implement well as local authority children’s services, Local reforms. Ministers asked Professor Munro to undertake Safeguarding Children Boards, and organisations such this review of child protection in England in June 2010, as the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre and specifically to consider whether there are better (CEOP), Barnardo’s and others, including voluntary ways of using performance data to improve social work organisations around the country. practice. Professor Munro published her interim report Within Government, and working with national and on 1 February 2011. She argued that process-based local partners, I am leading our urgent consideration of targets and performance indicators have skewed local what further action needs to be taken to safeguard priorities to focus on specific aspects of process, rather children and young people from sexual exploitation. than the quality of practice. Professor Munro will make This will build on existing guidance and our developing final recommendations to Government in April 2011. understanding of this appalling abuse including through local agencies’ work around the country on effective Class Sizes prevention strategies, identifying those at risk of sexual exploitation, supporting victims, and taking robust action Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for against perpetrators. Education what proportion of (a) primary and (b) secondary schools have class sizes of over 30 pupils in The UK is committed to working with others, including each local authority area. [39888] our European partners, to prevent human trafficking. The UK signed the Council of Europe Convention on Mr Gibb: The requested information is in the table. the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse on 5 May 2008 and aims to ratify it as soon The number of classes by size has been published at as possible. The UK also opted in to the proposed local authority level as part of the Schools, Pupils Directive on Child Sexual Exploitation and abuse on 28 and their Characteristics: January 2010 Statistical First June 2010. Release at: http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000925/ index.shtml Children: Protection in tables 14a and 14c. For England, the percentage of classes in maintained primary schools with 31 or more Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for pupils is 9.4%. For state-funded secondary schools, this Education what impact indicators for child protection figure is 6.5%. For Key Stage 1 classes in maintained his Department is using as part of its 2011-2015 primary schools, 1.8% of those classes have 31 or more Business Plan. [37218] pupils.

Maintained primary1 and state-funded secondary1,2 schools: percentage of schools with one or more classes of 31 or more pupils3, as at January 2010 By local authority area and government office region in England Maintained Primary1 State-funded Secondary1,2 Of which, Of which, number of % of schools number of % of schools schools with with classes of schools with with classes of Total number of classes of 31 or 31 or more Total number of classes of 31 or 31 or more schools more pupils pupils schools more pupils pupils

England 16,971 6,621 39.0 3,333 2,428 72.8

North East 887 354 39.9 198 134 67.7 Darlington 29 16 55.2 7 7 100.0 Durham 228 84 36.8 36 27 75.0 Gateshead 69 20 29.0 11 8 72.7 Hartlepool 30 16 53.3 5 3 60.0 Middlesbrough 42 26 61.9 8 4 50.0 Newcastle upon Tyne 72 32 44.4 14 12 85.7 North Tyneside 56 26 46.4 15 12 80.0 Northumberland 125 33 26.4 52 30 57.7 Redcar and Cleveland 45 20 44.4 11 6 54.5 South Tyneside 49 23 46.9 9 5 55.6 Stockton-on-Tees 60 37 61.7 13 7 53.8 Sunderland 82 21 25.6 17 13 76.5 251W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 252W

Maintained primary1 and state-funded secondary1,2 schools: percentage of schools with one or more classes of 31 or more pupils3, as at January 2010 By local authority area and government office region in England Maintained Primary1 State-funded Secondary1,2 Of which, Of which, number of % of schools number of % of schools schools with with classes of schools with with classes of Total number of classes of 31 or 31 or more Total number of classes of 31 or 31 or more schools more pupils pupils schools more pupils pupils

North West 2,483 1,052 42.4 456 334 73.2 Blackburn with Darwen 55 22 40.0 10 4 40.0 Blackpool 29 15 51.7 8 6 75.0 Bolton 94 48 51.1 17 11 64.7 Bury 63 28 44.4 14 10 71.4 Cheshire East 124 55 44.4 20 17 85.0 Cheshire West and Chester 129 57 44.2 20 15 75.0 Cumbria 274 58 21.2 37 29 78.4 Halton 52 19 36.5 8 4 50.0 Knowsley 53 27 50.9 7 4 57.1 Lancashire 484 198 40.9 82 64 78.0 Liverpool 131 39 29.8 31 21 67.7 Manchester 130 85 65.4 24 19 79.2 Oldham 89 41 46.1 15 10 66.7 Rochdale 69 33 47.8 14 11 78.6 Salford 80 33 41.3 15 7 46.7 Sefton 76 38 50.0 21 14 66.7 St Helens 54 25 46.3 10 8 80.0 Stockport 88 49 55.7 14 14 100.0 Tameside 74 24 32.4 16 14 87.5 Trafford 69 38 55.1 18 11 61.1 Warrington 70 37 52.9 12 11 91.7 Wigan 104 42 40.4 20 17 85.0 Wirral 92 41 44.6 23 13 56.5

Yorkshire and the Humber 1,834 884 48.2 316 257 81.3 Barnsley 81 48 59.3 13 12 92.3 Bradford 155 97 62.6 29 24 82.8 Calderdale 84 41 48.8 14 12 85.7 Doncaster 103 43 41.7 17 15 88.2 East Riding of Yorkshire 126 58 46.0 18 17 94.4 Kingston Upon Hull, City of 71 43 60.6 14 10 71.4 Kirklees 150 59 39.3 31 22 71.0 Leeds 219 123 56.2 38 31 81.6 North East Lincolnshire 48 19 39.6 11 9 81.8 North Lincolnshire 66 37 56.1 13 12 92.3 North Yorkshire 323 92 28.5 47 32 68.1 Rotherham 99 49 49.5 16 13 81.3 Sheffield 133 86 64.7 27 24 88.9 Wakefield 122 63 51.6 18 17 94.4 York 54 26 48.1 10 7 70.0

East Midlands 1,650 695 42.1 296 218 73.6 Derby 76 43 56.6 14 10 71.4 Derbyshire 350 154 44.0 47 35 74.5 Leicester 81 28 34.6 18 12 66.7 Leicestershire 225 98 43.6 54 38 70.4 Lincolnshire 277 110 39.7 60 41 68.3 Northamptonshire 260 78 30.0 41 30 73.2 Nottingham 79 45 57.0 14 9 64.3 Nottinghamshire 285 132 46.3 45 40 88.9 Rutland 17 7 41.2 3 3 100.0

West Midlands 1,793 705 39.3 401 270 67.3 Birmingham 299 103 34.4 75 39 52.0 Coventry 85 28 32.9 19 14 73.7 Dudley 78 35 44.9 21 14 66.7 253W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 254W

Maintained primary1 and state-funded secondary1,2 schools: percentage of schools with one or more classes of 31 or more pupils3, as at January 2010 By local authority area and government office region in England Maintained Primary1 State-funded Secondary1,2 Of which, Of which, number of % of schools number of % of schools schools with with classes of schools with with classes of Total number of classes of 31 or 31 or more Total number of classes of 31 or 31 or more schools more pupils pupils schools more pupils pupils

Herefordshire 81 22 27.2 15 13 86.7 Sandwell 94 39 41.5 18 12 66.7 Shropshire 133 56 42.1 22 18 81.8 Solihull 64 26 40.6 14 11 78.6 Staffordshire 295 122 41.4 68 54 79.4 Stoke-on-Trent 71 51 71.8 17 13 76.5 Telford and Wrekin 55 29 52.7 14 8 57.1 Walsall 86 30 34.9 19 12 63.2 Warwickshire 194 91 46.9 36 27 75.0 Wolverhampton 76 29 38.2 18 10 55.6 Worcestershire 182 44 24.2 45 25 55.6

East of England 2,020 648 32.1 420 307 73.1 Bedford 51 13 25.5 22 14 63.6 Central Bedfordshire 96 17 17.7 33 18 54.5 Cambridgeshire 201 98 48.8 30 28 93.3 Essex 468 171 36.5 78 63 80.8 Hertfordshire 396 127 32.1 82 67 81.7 Luton 51 11 21.6 12 7 58.3 Norfolk 365 107 29.3 52 43 82.7 Peterborough 57 18 31.6 11 8 72.7 Southend-on-Sea 37 13 35.1 12 8 66.7 Suffolk 255 58 22.7 78 42 53.8 Thurrock 43 15 34.9 10 9 90.0

London 1,786 532 29.8 428 256 59.8

Inner London 691 126 18.2 151 58 38.4 Camden 41 6 14.6 9 2 22.2 City of London 1 0 0.0 n/a n/a n/a Hackney 53 9 17.0 12 4 33.3 Hammersmith and Fulham 34 8 23.5 9 4 44.4 Haringey 63 14 22.2 12 6 50.0 Islington 44 6 13.6 10 4 40.0 Kensington and Chelsea 26 3 11.5 5 2 40.0 Lambeth 61 13 21.3 13 7 53.8 Lewisham 67 7 10.4 14 4 28.6 Newham 66 16 24.2 15 8 53.3 Southwark 70 9 12.9 16 3 18.8 Tower Hamlets 69 17 24.6 15 6 40.0 Wandsworth 56 13 23.2 11 5 45.5 Westminster 40 5 12.5 10 3 30.0

Outer London 1,095 406 37.1 277 198 71.5 Barking and Dagenham 47 24 51.1 9 7 77.8 Barnet 86 23 26.7 21 14 66.7 Bexley 57 27 47.4 16 14 87.5 Brent 59 19 32.2 15 9 60.0 Bromley 74 42 56.8 17 15 88.2 Croydon 85 32 37.6 22 16 72.7 Ealing 65 26 40.0 13 10 76.9 Enfield 65 11 16.9 18 13 72.2 Greenwich 64 12 18.8 13 7 53.8 Harrow 50 10 20.0 10 6 60.0 Havering 59 27 45.8 18 10 55.6 Hillingdon 65 28 43.1 18 10 55.6 Hounslow 56 25 44.6 14 14 100.0 Kingston upon Thames 34 4 11.8 10 9 90.0 Merton 43 15 34.9 8 6 75.0 255W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 256W

Maintained primary1 and state-funded secondary1,2 schools: percentage of schools with one or more classes of 31 or more pupils3, as at January 2010 By local authority area and government office region in England Maintained Primary1 State-funded Secondary1,2 Of which, Of which, number of % of schools number of % of schools schools with with classes of schools with with classes of Total number of classes of 31 or 31 or more Total number of classes of 31 or 31 or more schools more pupils pupils schools more pupils pupils

Redbridge 52 34 65.4 17 12 70.6 Richmond upon Thames 41 15 36.6 8 6 75.0 Sutton 41 14 34.1 14 11 78.6 Waltham Forest 52 18 34.6 16 9 56.3

South East 2,629 983 37.4 493 393 79.7 Bracknell Forest 30 13 43.3 6 6 100.0 Brighton and Hove 54 27 50.0 9 8 88.9 Buckinghamshire 181 61 33.7 34 29 85.3 East Sussex 155 75 48.4 27 21 77.8 Hampshire 428 169 39.5 71 60 84.5 Isle of Wight 46 9 19.6 19 9 47.4 Kent 449 175 39.0 100 72 72.0 Medway 85 23 27.1 18 9 50.0 Milton Keynes 89 30 33.7 12 12 100.0 Oxfordshire 232 85 36.6 34 29 85.3 Portsmouth 53 14 26.4 10 7 70.0 Reading 37 16 43.2 7 5 71.4 Slough 27 14 51.9 11 8 72.7 Southampton 61 16 26.2 12 8 66.7 Surrey 308 110 35.7 53 48 90.6 West Berkshire 66 22 33.3 10 9 90.0 West Sussex 234 85 36.3 38 36 94.7 Windsor and Maidenhead 45 18 40.0 13 9 69.2 Wokingham 49 21 42.9 9 8 88.9

South West 1,889 768 40.7 325 259 79.7 Bath and North East Somerset 62 22 35.5 13 11 84.6 Bournemouth 26 9 34.6 10 8 80.0 Bristol, City of 106 41 38.7 21 13 61.9 Cornwall 237 89 37.6 31 29 93.5 Devon 315 120 38.1 37 30 81.1 Dorset 134 44 32.8 34 27 79.4 Gloucestershire 245 104 42.4 41 31 75.6 Isles of Scilly 1 0 0.0 n/a n/a n/a North Somerset 63 26 41.3 10 8 80.0 Plymouth 68 34 50.0 16 13 81.3 Poole 27 13 48.1 9 5 55.6 Somerset 220 102 46.4 39 30 76.9 South Gloucestershire 93 36 38.7 16 12 75.0 Swindon 61 27 44.3 11 10 90.9 Torbay 31 15 48.4 8 5 62.5 Wiltshire 200 86 43.0 29 27 93.1 n/a = Not applicable. No schools of this type. 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes city technology colleges and academies. 3 One teacher classes as taught during a single selected period in each school on the day of the census in January. Source: School Census

Classroom Assistants: Finance the workforce modernisation and developments grants would not be paid beyond November 2010 and Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the support staff training and qualification grant (which included Education when he plans to announce the allocation of funding for the training of higher level teaching assistants) would the (a) workforce modernisation and (b) higher level not be paid during 2010-11. teaching assistant grant for local authorities. [39949] This is consistent with the White Paper we published Mr Gibb [holding answer 11 February 2011]: The in November 2010 “The Importance of Teaching”which Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) stated that head teachers were best placed to decide how wrote to directors of children’s services on 30 June to to develop and deploy school support staff. notify them that: 257W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 258W

College of Social Work: Social Care Institute for Curriculum Excellence Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he expects his Department’s review of Education if he will investigate the use of funds the national curriculum to be completed. [40309] allocated by his Department to the Social Care Institute for Excellence and the Interim Board of the Mr Gibb: The review of the national curriculum for College of Social Work for the establishment of the England is being conducted in two phases. We intend to College of Social Work. [36594] publish new programmes of study for English, mathematics, science and physical education in autumn 2012, with first teaching in maintained schools from September Tim Loughton [holding answer 7 February 2011]: 2013. New programmes of study for all other subjects Following the publication of the Social Work Task that are to form part of the new national curriculum Force Report, the Department for Education committed will be published by September 2013, with teaching in to match £2.5 million of funding made available by the maintained schools from September 2014. Department of Health to support the establishment of Further details are in the remit for the review, a copy an independent, national college of social work. This of which is in the House Libraries. Department’s funds have not yet been allocated and officials are in discussions regarding the appropriate Departmental Allowances time that further funds will need to be made available to meet the emerging business development plan. Both Departments have recently investigated concerns raised Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for with us in relation to the college’s use of public funds Education how long on average he spends managing and are reassured that there is no actual or proposed expenses and allowances claims; and if he will make a misuse. statement. [24520] Tim Loughton: My ministerial colleagues and I follow Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Department’s policy, rules and guidance on expenses Education what role he plans the Social Care Institute and allowances in the course of our official duties. for Excellence to have in the operation of the College However, the information requested could be provided of Social Work. [36596] only at disproportionate cost.

Tim Loughton[holding answer 7 February 2011]: The Departmental Photographs Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has been asked to facilitate the establishment of the College of Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Work, providing administrative support and expertise Education how much his Department has spent on in a developmental phase of two years. Neither Government photography since May 2010. [35828] nor SCIE seek to influence the form or function of the emerging college. SCIE will have no role in the governance Tim Loughton: Since May 2010, the Department has of the college that emerges. spent £7,306.48 on photography.

Departmental Press Releases College of Social Work: UNISON Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education on how many occasions his Department has Education what discussions his Department had with provided embargoed media briefings prior to an oral other organisations before awarding Unison a contract statement to the House since 26 May 2010; in respect of for trade union services to the College of Social Work. how many such briefings his Department was informed that the embargo had been breached; what steps were [36268] taken as a result of each such breach; and on how many occasions his Department has provided media Tim Loughton: The Department does not seek to briefings without an embargo prior to an oral influence any partnership agreements the college might statement to the House since 26 May 2010. [31917] establish once it emerges from the current development stage and has not entered into any agreements or contracts Tim Loughton: The Department has not provided with Unison or any other organisation on membership embargoed briefings during the requested period. or trade union services. The establishment process for the college was guided Departmental Redundancy from January to September 2010 by a development group with representation from across the social work Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for sector, including frontline practitioners, employer Education how many staff in his Department have representatives, regulators, educators, work force been made redundant since May 2010; and how much organisations and the British Association of Social it has spent on redundancy costs. [36151] Workers, Unison and Aspect. Since September interim co-chairs and an interim board have been appointed Tim Loughton [holding answer 25 January 2011]: who are taking forward this work and have maintained The Department has made no compulsory redundancies links with all parties. since May 2010. The Department has, however, reduced 259W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 260W its headcount through voluntary early release and since Tim Loughton: In the period 6 May 2010 to 26 January May 2010 there have been 150 approved staff releases at 2011 the Department for Education has revoked a a cost of £8.4 million. number of regulatory statutory instruments or significant Departmental Regulation parts of statutory instruments. These are detailed in the following table. However, as indicated by the third column of the table, in some cases the content of the Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for revoked statutory instrument has been largely replaced. Education what regulations his Department has removed since 6 May 2010. [37370]

Regulations revoked Revoking instrument Comments

The Children (Leaving Care) (England) The Care Leavers (England) Regulations 2010 Revoked but replaced. Coming into force Regulations 2001 1 April 2011. The Education (Independent School Standards) The Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Revoked but replaced. (England) Regulations 2003 (as amended) Regulations 2010 The Education (Prescribed Public Examinations) The Education (Prescribed Public Examinations) (England) Revoked so far as they applied to Regulations 1989 Regulations 2010 maintained schools in England, but replaced. The National Care Standards Commission The Care Standards Act 2000 (Registration) (England) Revoked but replaced. (Registration) Regulations 2001 Regulations 2010 The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (Appropriate (Appropriate Officer and Schedule 7 Prescribed Officer and Schedule 7 Prescribed Persons) (Revocation) Persons) Regulations 2010 Regulations 2010 The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (Supervisory The devolution alignment aspect of the (Supervisory Authorities and Devolution Authorities and Devolution Alignment) (Amendment) Order Order was revoked. Alignment) Order 2010 2010 The Education (School Teachers’ Pay and The School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Order 2010 Revoked but replaced. Conditions) Order 2009 The Education (Pupil Referral Units) (Application The Education (Pupil Referral Units) (Application of of Enactments) (England) (Amendment) Enactments) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations Regulations 2010 2010 The School Information (England) (Amendment) The School Information (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (Revocation) Regulations 2010 The School Governance(Transition from an The School Governance (Transition from an Interim Revoked but replaced. Interim Executive Board) (England) Regulations Executive Board) (England) Regulations 2010 2004 The Children’s Trust Board (Children and Young The Children’s Trust Board (Children and Young People’s People’s Plan) (England) Regulations 2010 Plan) (England) (Revocation) Regulations 2010 The Education (Local Authority Performance The Education (Local Authority and School Performance Coming into force 30 January 2011. Targets) (England) Regulations 2005 (along with Targets) (Revocation and Amendment) (England) Regulations four sets of Regulations which amended the 2005 2010 Regulations) Regulations 3 and 4 of the Education (School The Education (School Attendance Targets) (England) Attendance Targets) (England) Regulations 2007 (Amendment) Regulations 2010 The Education (Provision of Information by The Education (Independent Educational Provision in Revoked but replaced. Independent Schools) (England) Regulations2003 England) (Provision of Information) Regulations 2010 (along with a set of Regulations which amended the 2003 Regulations)

Departmental Senior Civil Servants Departures (including terminations, transfers to other Government Departments, outward secondments and loans out and others who can return to the Department, e.g. on career break) Name1 (at director level and above only) Gross basic salary Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Deputy director £70,000-£74,999 Education what the (a) names and (b) salaries are of £80,000-£84,999 each senior civil servant who has (i) joined, (ii) moved posts within and (iii) left his Department since May £60,000-£64,999 2010. [36498] £90,000-£94,999 £75,000-£79,999 £65,000-£69,999 Tim Loughton [holding answer 27 January 2011]: The information for the Department is set out in the following tables: Michael Hearty £90,000-£94,999 Ian Taylor £125,00-£129,999 Appointments (includes new appointees and promotions into senior civil service) 1 Senior civil service naming and salary protocols are based on the latest Name1 (at director level and above only) Gross basic salary published Transparency Agenda exercise criteria.

Deputy director £70,000-£74,999 £65,000-£69,999 Departmental Travel £60,000-£64,999 Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much has been spent on travel by Simon Parkes £135,000-£139,999 officials of his Department since May 2010. [35205] 261W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 262W

Tim Loughton: The total amount spent on staff travel maintenance allowance (EMA), including (a) any since May 2010 is £2,171,487 and includes all travel penalty clause for the termination of the EMA element costs incurred between May 2010 and January 2011. of his Department’s Learning Support Services The corresponding staff travel figure for May 2009 to contract with Capita and (b) any staff costs; and if he January 2010 is £4,023,795. will make a statement. [38934]

Departmental Written Questions Mr Gibb: We are working with the Young People’s Learning Agency, which administers the education John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for maintenance allowance scheme on behalf of the Education pursuant to the answer of 11 January 2011, Department for Education, to assess any costs that may Official Report, columns 292-3W, on social services: arise from the reduction in value of Capita’s contract. children, what audit work Ofsted performed after Peter Lauener, the YPLA’s chief executive, has responded 23 November 2010 to provide an answer to the separately to the hon. Member on the question regarding question tabled by the hon. Member for Birmingham, penalty payments and staff costs, and a copy of his Yardley; how many staff at each grade were involved; reply has been placed in the House Libraries. how much staff time the audit took; and what errors Letter from Peter Lauener, dated 11 February 2011: were identified in the data originally prepared for the I am writing in response to your Parliamentary Question [36175] answer. PQ38934. Tim Loughton: This is a matter for Ofsted. HM chief The contract with Capita currently supports a number of inspector, Christine Gilbert, has written to the hon. learner support schemes in addition to Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) so the decision to end EMAs will not trigger Member and a copy of her reply has been placed in the termination of the contract and there will therefore be no consequent House Libraries. liability to pay a penalty. Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 31 January 2011: This is however a significant change to the scale of the contract Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as with Capita and we have begun commercial discussions with Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, for response. Capita as to the costs involved in reducing the scale of their An explanation of the context to the relevant data gathering operation. These costs are likely to involve staff redundancies in may be helpful. Prior to receipt of PQ 025834, Ofsted was already Capita as a result of the end of EMA. These negotiations will carrying out an audit of all our serious childcare incident data also cover the need for on-going delivery of the remaining schemes. dating back to 1 April 2007, The data requested in PQ 025634 As you will appreciate, I cannot anticipate the outcome of covered very similar ground to this audit review, staff worked on these commercial negotiations, which are likely to take several the two processes together, and answering the PQ accurately was months to complete. reliant on the audit being completed. As a result the work on PQ 025634 cannot be separated entirely from the wider ongoing Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for audit. However, we have estimated the amount of time dedicated Education how much funding has been allocated under specifically to the PQ after 23 November 2010. each budget heading under his Department’s Learner After 23 November 2010, Ofsted continued to audit data in Support Services contract with Capita between 2009 respect of PQ 025634 dating back to April 2007, These data are stored in different formats and locations, and officials carefully and 2013; and what proportion of the contract is and systematically cross-examined them to ensure there were no allocated to delivering education maintenance errors or duplication. This took one member of staff at Band A allowance. [38935] (grade 7) half a day, six staff at B1 (Senior Executive Officer) grade a total of eight and a half days and one member of staff at Mr Gibb: This is a matter for the Young People’s B2 (Higher Executive Officer) grade one day. The total staff time Learning Agency (YPLA) who operate the education spent is therefore eight staff for a total of ten days. maintenance allowance for the Department for Education. Four errors were identified and corrected during the audit Peter Lauener, the YPLA’s chief executive, has written process. They all related to inaccurate recording or calculation of to the hon. Member for Blaydon with the information the ages of children. requested and a copy of his reply has been placed in the I hope this is helpful and clarifies the work we have undertaken House Libraries. in this area. A copy of this reply has been sent to Tim Loughton MP, Minister for Children and Families, and will be placed in the Letter from Peter Lauener, dated 11 February 2011: library of both Houses. I am writing in response to your Parliamentary Question PQ38935 that asked: Education Maintenance Allowance “How much funding has been allocated under each budget heading under his Department’s Learner Support Services contract Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for with Capita between 2009 and 2013; and what proportion of the Education what progress his Department is making in contract is allocated to delivering education maintenance allowance.” developing an alternative to the education maintenance The budgets for the administration of each scheme under the allowance. [35617] Learner Support contract with Capita for 2009-10 and 2010-11 are as follows; Mr Gibb: We are currently working with school, college and training organisation representatives and £ others, including the Sutton Trust, to develop the Learner support schemes 2009-10 Budget 2010-11 Budget arrangements for a package of financial support which is more closely targeted on those young people who face EMA 35,000,000 25,000,000 the greatest financial barriers to participation. Adult Learning Grant 4,500,000 3,300,000 Care to Learn 4,275,000 1,500,000 Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Dance and Drama Awards 100,000 200,000 Education whether he has made an assessment of the Sixth Form College 335,000 100,000 Childcare cost to the public purse of terminating the education 263W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 264W

However we recognise, as many schools do, the benefits £ that religious education can bring to pupils. This is why Learner support schemes 2009-10 Budget 2010-11 Budget the teaching of RE remains compulsory throughout a Residential Support 335,000 120,000 pupil’s schooling. Success in all subjects studied at Scheme GCSE will also continue to be recognised by other Free Childcare for 4,000,000 1,120,500 performance table measures, as it has in the past. We are Training and Learning for Work open to arguments about how we can further improve Professional and Career n/a 1,000,000 the measures in the performance tables and will review Development Loans the precise definition of the English Baccalaureate for There are differing levels of administrative complexity across the 2011 Tables. the schemes and this is reflected in the budget required for each scheme. 77.3% of the budget for the contract is attributed to Free Schools EMA in 2010-11. The amounts budgeted for 2011-12 (and 2012-13) are still to be Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for determined and are dependent on the shape and size of the Education which applications to become free schools service for these periods. have been (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful. [37039]

Education: Worcestershire Mr Gibb: As at 29 January 2011, eight proposals to open a Free School have been given approval to pre-opening Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for stage, the final stage in the approval process. These Education what information his Department holds on schools are as follows: the levels of (a) dedicated schools grant, (b) pupil ARK Conway, Hammersmith and Fulham premium funding and (c) funding for nursery Discovery New School, West Sussex provision in Worcestershire in 2010-11. [37491] Etz Chaim, Barnet The Free School, Norwich Mr Gibb: Worcestershire’s Dedicated Schools Grant is worth £297.478 million in 2010-11, based on a per l-Foundation, Leicester City pupil amount of £4,027.71. St Luke’s Church of England Primary School, Camden The pupil premium will be introduced from April Stour Valley Community School in Suffolk 2011 and will be worth: Woodpecker Hall, Enfield £430 for each pupil known to be eligible for free school meals A further 27 proposals have been given approval to (FSM); proceed to the preceding business case and plan stage £430 for each looked after child; and and their full plans will be considered in due course. £200 for each service child. 60 proposals have so far been unsuccessful. No funding is available for the pupil premium in 2010-11. The January 2010 pupil count allows an estimate Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for of the number of pupils known to be eligible for FSM Education how much he plans to allocate to each free to be made. Based on the January pupil count, school to develop projects. [40240] Worcestershire would receive an estimated pupil premium of £3.8 million. However, the pupil premium for 2011-12 Mr Gibb: Support for all free school projects is considered could be higher or lower depending on actual pupil and approved on a case by case basis, based on the numbers in January 2011. needs of each individual project. Worcestershire have budgeted to spend £14 million Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for on children on early years provision in 2010-11, as Education how many proposals for free schools have recorded on their 2010-11 Section 251 Budget Statement. been made in the Black Country. [39679]

English Baccalaureate Mr Gibb: As at 9 February 2011, we have received three proposals from groups and individuals within the Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for four Black Country local authorities (Dudley, Sandwell, Education if he will assess the merits of increasing the Walsall and Wolverhampton). range of subjects that would satisfy the humanities requirement of the English Baccalaureate to include Further Education: Absenteeism religious studies alongside history and geography. [38191] John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of students in further Mr Gibb [holding answer 7 February 2011]: For the education were persistent absentees in each year since purposes of the 2010 performance tables the humanities 2004. [39139] element of the English Baccalaureate measure was either history or geography. We have not included religious Mr Gibb [holding answer 8 February 2011]: Information education (RE) as fulfilling the humanity requirement on pupils who were persistent absentees is not collected of the English Baccalaureate because it is already a for further education establishments. The Department compulsory subject. One of the intentions of the English collects information on pupil absence for pupils aged Baccalaureate is to encourage wider take up of geography 5 to 15 at the start of the school year from maintained and history in addition to, rather than instead of, primary, secondary, all special schools, city technology compulsory RE. colleges and academies. 265W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 266W

Information on absence can be found in Statistical key stage 4 were introduced, which aimed to take better First Release 07/2010 “Pupil Absence in Schools in account of the attainment of pupils learning at different England, Including Pupil Characteristics: 2008/09” at: rates. Since 2009, all figures have been based exclusively http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000918/ on pupils reaching the end of key stage 4. index.shtml Source: School and College Performance Tables. GCSE Mr Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which were the 100 lowest performing Education what the average number of GCSE entries schools on the basis of proportion of students gaining was per student reaching the end of school year 11 in five A* to C GCSEs including English and maintained schools in academic year (a) 1996-97 and mathematics in the latest period for which figures are (b) 2009-10. [27598] available; and in which local authority area each such school is located. [30671] Mr Gibb: In 1997, the average number of GCSE entries among pupils in maintained schools aged 15 at Mr Gibb: The following table shows the lowest the start of the academic year was 8.33. performing schools, based on the percentage of pupils In 2010, the average number of GCSE entries among achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C (or pupils in maintained schools at the end of key stage 4 equivalent) including English and Mathematics GCSEs, was 7.69. by local authority.The table lists only those open maintained mainstream schools (including city technology colleges Short courses have been counted as half a GCSE and academies, but excluding hospital schools and pupil entry and double courses as two entries. referral units) with results published in the 2010 School Prior to 2005, statistics were based on pupils aged 15. and College Performance Tables with more than 10 In 2005, statistics based on pupils reaching the end of pupils on roll at the end of Key Stage 4.

Percentage of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C (or equivalent) including English and Local authority School Mathematics GCSEs

North East Middlesbrough Unity City Academy 28 Newcastle upon Tyne All Saints College 21 Newcastle upon Tyne Excelsior Academy 25 Northumberland Bedlingtonshire Community High School 30 Northumberland Northumberland CofE Academy 28 Redcar and Cleveland Gillbrook College 23 Redcar and Cleveland Redcar Community College A Specialist Visual and Performing Arts Centre 28 Sunderland Academy 360 21 Sunderland Red House Academy 30

North West

Blackburn with Darwen Blakewater College 26 Blackpool Beacon Hill High School Business and Enterprise College 28 Bury Radcliffe Riverside School 29 Cumbria Beacon Hill Community School 28 Knowsley Huyton Arts and Sports Centre for Learning (Community) 30 Lancashire Fulwood Academy 29 Lancashire Shuttleworth College 23 Lancashire Skerton Community High School 29 Liverpool Parklands High School 23 Liverpool Shorefields School 28 Manchester Manchester Creative and Media Academy for Boys 28 Manchester Manchester Enterprise Academy 27 St Helens Newton-le-Willows Community High School 30 Wigan PEMBEC High School 23 Wirral Rock Ferry High School 29

Yorkshire and the Humber

Barnsley Carlton Community College 27 Barnsley Priory School and Sports College 30 Barnsley The Dearne High—A Specialist Humanities College 30 Bradford Aire Valley School 27 267W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 268W

Percentage of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C (or equivalent) including English and Local authority School Mathematics GCSEs

Bradford Belle Vue Boys’ School 29 Bradford Bradford Academy 24 Bradford Dixons Allerton Academy 27 Calderdale Park Lane Learning Trust 23 Calderdale St Catherine’s Catholic High School 30 Doncaster De Warenne Academy 30 Kingston Upon Hull, City of David Lister School 26 Kingston Upon Hull, City of Endeavour High School 30 Kingston Upon Hull, City of Sir Henry Cooper School 21 Leeds Primrose High School 25 Leeds South Leeds Academy 29 Leeds Swallow Hill Community College 24 Sheffield Abbeydale Grange School 23 Sheffield Chaucer Business and Enterprise College 30 Sheffield Parkwood Academy 28

East Midlands Derby Sinfin Community School 26 Leicester New College Leicester 28 Leicester Riverside Business and Enterprise College 30 Lincolnshire Gleed Boys’ School 27 Lincolnshire Haven High Technology College 28 Lincolnshire Saint Bede’s Catholic Science College 20 Lincolnshire The Mablethorpe Tennyson High 28 Northamptonshire Weston Favell School 27 Nottingham Hadden Park High School 27 Nottingham Nottingham University Samworth Academy 21 Nottinghamshire The Queen Elizabeth’s (1561) Endowed School 30

West Midlands Coventry Barr’s Hill School and Community College 29 Sandwell St Michael’s CofE High School 30 Solihull The Archbishop Grimshaw Catholic School 30 Staffordshire Hagley Park Sports College 22 Stoke-on-Trent James Brindley High School 30 Walsall Blue Coat Church of England Comprehensive School A Performing Arts Specialist 30 College Walsall Frank F Harrison Engineering College 24 Walsall Sneyd Community School 27 Worcestershire Tudor Grange Academy Worcester 28

East of England Cambridgeshire Coleridge Community College 29 Cambridgeshire Thomas Clarkson Community College 27 Bedfordshire, Central All Saints Academy Dunstable 29 Essex Furtherwick Park School 29 Essex St Peter’s Church of England and Specialist Arts College 19 Hertfordshire The Bushey Academy 21 Norfolk City Academy Norwich 26 Norfolk The Hewett School 28 Peterborough The Voyager School 24 Suffolk Newmarket College 29 Thurrock The Grays School Media Arts College 30

London Haringey Greig City Academy 30 Lewis ham Prendergast—Ladywell Fields College 29 Newham Eastlea Community School 29 Greenwich The Eltham Foundation School 28 Hounslow Hounslow Manor School 28 Merton St Marks Church of England Academy 23 269W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 270W

Percentage of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C (or equivalent) including English and Local authority School Mathematics GCSEs

South East Buckinghamshire Aylesbury Vale Academy 26 Hampshire Everest Community College 17 Hampshire Oak Farm Community School 27 Kent Angley School—A Sports College 28 Kent Astor College for the Arts 30 Kent Aylesford School—Sports College 27 Kent Folkestone Academy 25 Kent The Charles Dickens School 28 Kent The Isle of Sheppey Academy 30 Kent The Malling School 26 Kent The Marlowe Academy 14 Medway Strood Academy 29 Milton Keynes Leon School and Sports College 25 Milton Keynes The Milton Keynes Academy 19 Portsmouth Charter Academy 24 Reading John Madejski Academy 28 Southampton Chamberlayne College for the Arts 30 Southampton Oasis Academy Mayfield 29 Southampton Woodlands Community College 30 West Sussex The Regis School 30

South West Bristol, City of Merchants’ Academy 25 Bristol, City of Oasis Academy Brightstowe 29 Bristol, City of Oasis Academy Bristol 29 Plymouth Sir John Hunt Community Sports College 28 Poole Carter Community School 23 Source: 2010 School and College Performance Tables.

Mr Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for mathematics, in (a) England and (b) each local Education what proportion of children have achieved authority area in each year from 1997 to 2010. [30672] five A* to C GCSEs, including English and Mr Gibb: The information requested is given in the following table:

Percentage of 15-year-old pupils1 achieving 5+ A*-C grades inc. English and Mathematics at GCSE and equivalent. Years: 1996/97 to 1999/20002 (final) 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/20003

(a) England (maintained sector)4 32.5 34.0 39.4 37.3

(b) Local authority/Government office region North East 28.0 28.4 30.8 32.9 Darlington 28.1 28.1 32.7 37.3 Durham 27.4 27.8 29.7 31.8 Gateshead 31.5 32.1 34.0 35.1 Hartlepool 19.6 24.5 29.3 26.6 Middlesbrough 21.0 19.4 23.8 26.3 Newcastle upon Tyne 24.9 25.0 27.5 27.9 North Tyneside 31.0 30.7 32.7 34.6 Northumberland 34.2 36.5 37.3 40.8 Redcar and Cleveland 30.0 29.4 35.1 35.6 South Tyneside 27.3 30.8 32.4 33.0 Stockton-on-Tees 28.9 30.1 30.9 35.8 Sunderland 26.1 22.7 26.0 28.4

North West 32.2 32.9 35.1 36.7 Blackburn with Darwen 5— 27.6 26.8 31.2 Blackpool 5— 24.9 27.5 28.8 Bolton 30.3 30.6 33.3 32.6 271W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 272W

Percentage of 15-year-old pupils1 achieving 5+ A*-C grades inc. English and Mathematics at GCSE and equivalent. Years: 1996/97 to 1999/20002 (final) 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/20003

Bury 37.3 39.5 44.4 45.0 Former Cheshire 37.5 5— 5— 5— Cheshire 5— 42.4 43.7 46.6 Cumbria 33.4 33.6 37.0 38.9 Halton 5— 24.7 28.9 29.7 Knowsley 14.6 14.4 17.4 16.6 Former Lancashire 34.6 5— 5— 5— Lancashire 5— 38.2 39.8 41.3 Liverpool 23.8 24.5 26.6 28.3 Manchester 19.1 20.9 22.5 23.0 Oldham 27.4 27.5 30.7 31.8 Rochdale 25.3 26.1 29.7 29.4 Salford 22.1 24.1 25.0 25.0 Sefton 35.6 34.7 39.2 39.3 St. Helens 30.0 30.6 34.2 37.6 Stockport 40.8 40.3 41.0 43.0 Tameside 28.5 29.1 30.6 32.0 Trafford 44.3 45.5 47.1 50.0 Warrington 5— 36.2 37.9 40.5 Wigan 34.6 33.3 34.7 36.5 Wirral 35.3 35.0 36.9 39.4

Yorkshire and the Humber 28.8 29.9 31.6 33.2 Barnsley 21.0 22.6 25.0 25.8 Bradford 20.8 22.8 24.6 25.2 Calderdale 29.4 31.7 33.4 34.6 Doncaster 24.8 24.7 27.9 28.2 East Riding of Yorkshire 34.2 36.4 39.4 40.1 Kingston upon Hull, City of 14.8 16.8 15.8 19.0 Kirklees 30.5 29.7 31.7 33.8 Leeds 28.5 29.7 31.3 33.0 North East Lincolnshire 22.8 24.1 27.6 27.0 North Lincolnshire 30.2 32.7 32.9 35.6 North Yorkshire 42.7 44.3 46.3 47.9 Rotherham 27.8 28.0 31.1 31.3 Sheffield 29.3 29.9 29.0 32.5 Wakefield 28.2 30.0 31.6 33.7 York 41.0 38.7 40.2 41.9

East Midlands 31.9 33.1 35.1 36.1 Derby 26.7 26.1 31.2 31.4 Derbyshire 33.6 35.6 39.0 40.6 Leicester 24.8 26.3 29.5 25.9 Leicestershire 34.8 35.1 37.3 38.8 Lincolnshire 39.3 39.4 40.8 42.7 Northamptonshire 31.3 33.8 35.2 36.5 Nottingham 5— 18.5 18.9 19.4 Former Nottinghamshire 28.0 5— 5— 5— Nottinghamshire 5— 32.9 32.9 34.2 Rutland 40.7 35.2 44.6 45.4

West Midlands 30.1 31.2 33.8 35.1 Birmingham 25.0 25.9 28.6 31.3 Coventry 27.1 28.2 30.3 31.7 Dudley 31.4 33.4 35.8 37.0 Hereford and Worcester 34.8 5— 5— 5— Herefordshire 5— 37.8 41.7 43.1 Sandwell 17.7 18.7 21.3 21.4 Former Shropshire 37.0 5— 5— 5— Shropshire 5— 43.3 44.4 45.4 Solihull 38.6 39.6 39.1 43.9 Staffordshire 34.5 34.3 37.8 38.1 Stoke-on-Trent 22.5 24.6 27.3 26.1 Telford and Wrekin 5— 33.4 36.6 38.2 273W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 274W

Percentage of 15-year-old pupils1 achieving 5+ A*-C grades inc. English and Mathematics at GCSE and equivalent. Years: 1996/97 to 1999/20002 (final) 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/20003

Walsall 25.4 25.8 28.9 29.3 Warwickshire 34.9 36.2 38.1 39.9 Wolverhampton 23.3 25.8 30.2 30.5 Worcestershire 5— 35.6 38.1 39.2

East of England 35.4 38.0 39.5 40.4 Bedfordshire4 33.9 35.0 35.9 38.2 Former Cambridgeshire 34.9 5— 5— 5— Cambridgeshire 5— 39.7 41.5 41.4 Former Essex 35.0 5— 5— 5— Essex 5— 38.2 39.5 40.6 Hertfordshire 41.5 44.8 45.9 46.9 Luton 23.3 26.1 26.8 28.8 Norfolk 34.0 36.5 37.3 37.7 Peterborough 5— 32.0 32.2 31.4 Southend-on-Sea 5— 40.7 44.6 44.3 Suffolk 33.6 36.0 39.8 40.5 Thurrock 5— 23.7 26.5 29.1

London 29.9 32.4 33.9 35.1 Inner London 21.4 22.8 24.3 25.5 Camden 35.1 34.6 35.0 38.6 Hackney 17.3 16.9 18.1 22.8 Hammersmith and Fulham 32.5 35.0 38.7 37.7 Haringey 17.9 19.9 22.0 21.8 Islington 16.5 15.6 20.2 17.5 Kensington and Chelsea 28.0 29.5 31.4 37.4 Lambeth 18.6 19.7 22.9 20.5 Lewisham 19.4 22.2 23.6 24.9 Newham 23.2 23.9 24.2 23.1 Southwark 17.1 18.2 19.9 21.6 Tower Hamlets 15.0 17.7 20.3 20.5 Wandsworth 23.2 26.3 25.8 31.2 Westminster 22.5 24.8 25.3 27.5

Outer London 33.8 37.0 38.3 39.6 Barking and Dagenham 22.0 22.5 24.1 26.5 Barnet 42.2 46.7 47.2 47.7 Bexley 35.6 37.7 39.2 40.8 Brent 30.1 34.9 33.4 38.2 Bromley 42.5 45.5 47.5 50.2 Croydon 28.4 30.2 32.0 32.2 Ealing 28.2 32.9 32.9 33.2 Enfield 31.4 33.4 36.5 35.0 Greenwich 19.9 23.3 22.8 22.9 Harrow 40.0 41.9 44.2 45.8 Havering 37.9 39.7 43.6 45.6 Hillingdon 30.1 33.9 35.4 36.6 Hounslow 31.3 36.1 36.3 36.4 Kingston upon Thames 44.7 48.7 46.5 52.3 Mellon 30.1 31.2 33.3 32.9 Redbridge 39.3 44.3 46.5 47.6 Richmond upon Thames 36.5 40.4 42.1 41.5 Sutton 47.3 51.2 52.8 56.2 Waltham Forest 25.0 27.6 28.3 30.0

South East 37.2 38.9 40.9 42.1 Berkshire 40.0 5— 5— 5— Bracknell Forest 5— 37.7 38.1 38.6 Brighton and Hove 27.1 29.6 32.1 33.2 Buckinghamshire 50.4 51.0 53.5 53.5 East Sussex 33.3 35.6 37.0 40.2 Hampshire 37.6 40.1 42.3 44.1 Isle of Wight 32.0 28.5 34.8 33.9 275W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 276W

Percentage of 15-year-old pupils1 achieving 5+ A*-C grades inc. English and Mathematics at GCSE and equivalent. Years: 1996/97 to 1999/20002 (final) 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/20003

Former Kent 37.5 5— 5— 5— Kent 5— 40.5 42.0 42.7 Medway — 36.4 37.8 36.6 Milton Keynes 21.9 22.0 23.3 25.9 Oxfordshire 36.7 36.1 37.9 40.4 Portsmouth 18.5 20.2 21.5 23.0 Reading 5— 35.0 36.6 39.2 Slough 5— 36.7 40.8 42.2 Southampton 29.4 29.9 30.7 30.3 Surrey 40.0 43.0 45.5 47.0 West Berkshire 5— 42.6 44.9 45.7 West Sussex 38.3 38.9 41.5 42.0 Windsor and Maidenhead 5— 46.5 47.2 48.0 Wokingham 5— 48.2 50.4 52.2

South West 36.1 37.9 39.4 40.8 Isles of Scilly 27.8 57.1 45.2 53.8 Bath and North East Somerset 40.2 41.8 42.3 45.2 Bournemouth 40.5 41,7 41.0 40.2 Bristol, City of 22.6 21.0 22.0 23.2 Cornwall 36.0 38.1 40.1 41.2 Former Devon 33.8 5— 5— 5— Devon 5— 37.0 37.3 38.6 Dorset 36.6 38.5 40.0 42.8 Gloucestershire 41.6 43.7 45.2 46.6 North Somerset 38.3 41.2 40.9 42.7 Plymouth 5— 33.1 38.5 38.5 Poole 40.8 44.0 45.9 48.7 Somerset 37.6 39.6 41.2 42.4 South Gloucestershire 33.3 33.8 37.0 37.2 Swindon 34.9 34.2 35.9 35.5 Torbay 5— 41.3 39.7 42.6 Wiltshire 39.0 40.1 41.5 44.4 1 Age at the start of the academic year. 2 Including attempts and achievement in previous academic years. 3 In 1999/2000, local authority, Government office region and total figures do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. 4 Maintained schools only, including maintained special schools and CTCs. Academies were not in existence during this time period. 5 Local authority not in existence at that time.

Mr Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for at grades A* to C including English and mathematics is Education how many schools achieved five A* to C shown in the following table. The figures shown are for GCSEs, including English and mathematics, for (a) only those open maintained mainstream schools (including under 20 per cent., (b) 20 to 30 per cent., (c) 30 to 35 city technology colleges and academies, but excluding per cent., (d) 35 per cent. to 40 per cent., (e) 40 to 45 hospital schools and pupil referral units) with results per cent. and (f) 45 to 50 per cent of pupils in the latest published in the 2010 school and college performance year for which figures are available. [30673] tables with more than 10 pupils on roll at the end of Key Stage 4. Mr Gibb: The breakdown of the number of schools by the percentage of pupils that achieved five GCSEs

Percentage of pupils in the school who achieved 5 or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and mathematics Number of schools

Under 20% 4 Equal to 20% and less than 30% 78 Equal to 30% and less than 35% 143 Equal to 35% and less than 40% 215 Equal to 40% and less than 45% 311 Equal to 45% and less than 50% 353

Mr Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for qualifications, (b) non-GCSE qualifications and Education what proportion of students achieved five religious studies GCSEs and (c) non-GCSE GCSE at grades A* to C or equivalent in each qualifications, religious studies GCSEs and vocational year from 1990 to 2010; and what proportion GCSEs in each year. [32408] achieved these grades, excluding (a) non-GCSE 277W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 278W

Mr Gibb: The figures are presented in the following table:

Percentage of pupils1 achieving Percentage of pupils1 achieving Percentage of pupils1 achieving 5+ GCSEs or vocational GCSEs Percentage of pupils achieving 5+ 5+ GCSEs at A*-C or the 5+ GCSEs or vocational GCSEs at A*-C, when Religious Studies GCSEs at A*-C, when Religious equivalent at A*-C (a) is excluded (b) Studies is excluded (c)

1995 43.5 43.5 43.0 43.0 2000 49.3 48.9 48.5 48.5 2005 56.8 53.2 52.5 51.1 2010 75.4 57.8 56.7 55.1 1 Prior to 2005, statistics were based on pupils aged 15. In 2005, statistics based on pupils reaching the end of Key Stage 4 were introduced, which aimed to take better account of the attainment of pupils learning at different rates. Since 2009, all figures have been based exclusively on pupils reaching the end of Key Stage 4. Source: School and College Performance Tables

Further years can be provided only at disproportionate Mr Gibb: We welcome the Ofsted report “Geography, cost. Learning to make a world of difference” which was Figures for 2010 are revised, all other years are final. published by Ofsted on 4 February 2011, and the recommendations that it makes to schools. GCSE: Religious Education We want pupils to learn a core set of knowledge and skills at school, and a child’s education is diminished Mr Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for without a sound understanding of geography. It is clear Education how many pupils (a) were entered for that some subjects of which all pupils should have a GCSEs in religious education and (b) passed such good grasp, are now less popular choices at GCSE. The examinations at grades A* to C in each year since 1997. English Baccalaureate will therefore recognise the work [31287] of pupils who achieve an A*-C in a humanity GCSE Mr Gibb: The information requested is given in the such as geography. following table. In addition, our review of the National Curriculum Religious education will take a root and branch look at how we can put a Number of pupils Number of pupils achieving clearer focus on content and the essential knowledge entered for full GCSE A*-C in full GCSE that all children should acquire while leaving heads and teachers free to decide how to teach this most effectively. 1996/97 100,909 54,715 1997/98 94,165 51,728 Holocaust Educational Trust 1998/99 96,554 54,934 1999/2000 95,644 55,228 Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for 2000/01 100,445 58,903 Education what steps his Department is taking to 2001/02 103,301 62,660 encourage schools to participate in the work of the 2002/03 113,970 70,867 Holocaust Educational Trust. [37543] 2003/04 123,478 80,559 2004/05 130,367 89,252 Mr Gibb: This Department greatly values the important 2005/06 143,863 100,760 contribution the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET) 2006/07 154,204 109,677 makes to educating young people about the lessons of 2007/08 163,967 118,625 the Holocaust. That is why this Department funds the 2008/09 167,267 122,644 HET’s “Lessons from Auschwitz project” which gives 2009/10 176,301 129,349 the opportunity for two students (aged 16-18) from every school/sixth form college in England to visit In addition to the full GCSE courses shown in the Auschwitz-Birkenau. It is a matter for the devolved table above, religious education is the most popular administrations to decide whether to encourage their subject to be taken as a short course GCSE. In 2010, schools to participate in the work of the Holocaust 228,435 pupils entered the short course religious education Educational Trust. GCSE, 118,133 of whom achieved grade A*-C. These figures include all schools. Data for 1996/97 to Languages: Education 2006/07 are based on pupils aged 15 at the start of the academic year. Data for 2007/08 onwards are based on Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for all pupils at the end of key stage 4. Education what recent estimate he has made of the The latest available figures are published on the average number of hours of foreign language teaching departmental website at: primary school children receive per week. [37941] http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000985/ Mr Gibb: Research published by the Department in index.shtml July 2009 measured the amount of time spent in class Geography: Education per week teaching languages. In 2006, between 24% (in year 6) and 30% (in year 3) of primary schools taught Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for around half an hour of languages per week, while Education when he intends to respond to Ofsted’s 29% (in year 4) and 36% (in year 6) taught around an report on geography in schools; and if he will publish hour per week. In 2007, the median figure was 35-40 minutes his response. [41192] per week and in 2008 40-45 minutes per week. 279W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 280W

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Education what funding his Department provides for for Education pursuant to the answer of 13 December the teaching of modern foreign languages in primary 2010, Official Report, column 572W, on schools: health schools. [37943] education, when he plans to publish the (a) terms of reference and (b) participants in the internal review of Mr Gibb: The Department has provided funding to Personal, Social, Health and Economic education; and local authorities to support the teaching of languages in if he will make a statement. [37988] primary schools until March 2011. This totalled £32.5 million in 2010-11. At least two-thirds of this Mr Gibb [holding answer 4 February 2011]: Decisions money is devolved to schools. relating to the process and time scale for the internal The Department has provided funding to CILT, the PSHE Review have not yet been taken. The Department National Centre for Languages, to support the teaching for Education is currently considering options and further of languages in primary schools. In 2010-11, this totalled information will be available in due course. £1.6 million. The Department has provided funding to the Training Physical Education: GCSE and Development Agency for Schools to run a primary initial teacher training (ITT) course in a languages Mr Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for specialism involving some 900 trainees a year in 40 ITT Education how many GCSEs in physical education providers. This totalled £1.67 million in 2010-11. were (a) undertaken and (b) passed at grades A* to C in each year from 1995 to 2010. [33166] Missing Persons: Children Mr Gibb: The information requested is given in the Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for following table: Education what guidance his Department provides to local authorities on dealing with children who run Number of pupils Number of pupils achieving away from home. [39781] Physical education entered for full GCSE A*-C in full GCSE 1994/95 63,257 26,598 Tim Loughton: Guidance for local authorities on 1995/96 75,352 33,192 dealing with children who run away from home and 1996/97 80,914 36,917 care is provided in the document “Statutory guidance 1997/98 83,665 41,970 on children who run away and go missing from home or 1998/99 93,503 47,368 care” published in 2009. It is available on the DFE 1999/2000 96,769 50,845 website at: 2000/01 105,651 56,284 www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/ 2001/02 111,750 61,681 safeguarding/a0066653/young-runaways 2002/03 110,744 62,677 Outdoor Science 2003/04 121,433 70,734 2004/05 141,945 83,671 2005/06 151,185 91,201 Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for 2006/07 154,629 94,751 Education if he will assess the conclusions and 2007/08 148,257 92,677 recommendations of the report Outdoor Science by the 2008/09 135,454 88,282 Association for Science Education Outdoor Science 2009/10 122,525 84,212 Working Group. [39861] These figures include all schools. Mr Gibb: The Government are committed to improving Data for 1994/95 to 2006/07 are based on pupils aged the standard of science education. We recognise the 15 at the start of the academic year. value of fieldwork in enhancing and enriching the experience of teaching of the sciences and welcome contributions Data for 2007/08 onwards are based on all pupils at to developing good practice which can be shared with the end of Key Stage 4. schools and teachers. The Department is currently The latest available figures are published on the undertaking a review of the National Curriculum including departmental website at: science. This review will provide the ASE the opportunity http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000985/ to feed in their recommendations and conclusions. index.shtml Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education Public Appointments Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many officials of his Department have Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for been appointed to work on the internal review of Education how many (a) women and (b) men have Personal, Social, Health and Economic education. been appointed to public duties by his Department [36623] since May 2010. [35397]

Mr Gibb [holding answer 27 January 2011]: One Tim Loughton: Information on key public appointments full-time official is planning the review of PSHE. This made since May 2010 is published in individual press official is supported by the policy team which has releases. These should include information on remuneration. responsibility for PSHE and pastoral care. This team Press releases are available at: has six officials. http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews 281W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 282W

In addition, information on the gender of those estimates only and are not necessarily indicative of how serving on the boards of public bodies is published the pupil premium will be distributed. The number of annually. Information for the 2010-11 period will be eligible pupils in 2011 could be higher or lower. published in due course. Notes: Pupils: Disadvantaged 1. The numbers, rounded to the nearest 5, are based on FSM full-time equivalent pupils in maintained primary schools, secondary schools, academies and maintained special schools who were in Mr Marcus Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for reception to year 11 at the January 2010 School Census. Please Education how much additional funding for schools in note suppressed figures for schools with FSM counts less 3 have Nuneaton constituency he expects to be provided not been included in these totals. through the introduction of the proposed pupil 2. The above estimates do not include FSM-eligible pupils in premium. [34745] Pupil Referral Units: those recorded on the Alternative Provision census (i.e. funded through the Dedicated Schools Grant via local Mr Gibb: The deprivation pupil premium for 2011-12 authorities but educated in non-maintained special schools, further will be allocated to local authorities and schools with education establishments, etc.) or those that are not following the pupils that are known to be eligible for free school national curriculum although these pupils are eligible for the meals (FSM) as recorded on the January 2011 School pupil premium if they are aged between four and 15 years. Censuses. Each pupil known to be eligible for free school meals will attract £430 of funding which will go Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for to the school or academy via the local authority or Education how many children in receipt of free school YPLA if the pupil is in a mainstream setting or will be meals (a) attend schools and (b) are resident in Mid managed by the responsible local authority if the pupil Sussex constituency. [38837] is in a non-mainstream setting. The January 2010 School Censuses allow an estimate Mr Gibb [holding answer 7 February 2011]: Information of the number of pupils known to be eligible for FSM on free school meal eligibility is shown in the following to be made. In Nuneaton in January 2010 there were table. The answer includes full-time pupils aged 0 to 2,035 pupils known to be eligible, which would give rise 15 and part-time pupils aged five to 15 known to be to a pupil premium of £875,050. However, these are eligible for and claiming free school meals.

Maintained nursery, primary1, state-funded secondary1,2 and special schools3: school meal arrangements4,5, Mid Sussex, January 2010 Number of pupils known to be Percentage known to be eligible for and claiming free eligible for and claiming free Number on roll4,5 school meals4,5 school meals

Pupils attending schools in Mid Sussex constituency Maintained nursery and primary1 7,600 347 4.6 State-funded secondary1,2 7,033 283 4.0 Special3 234 43 18.4

Pupils resident6 in mid-Sussex constituency Maintained nursery and primary1 7,225 323 4.5 State-funded secondary1,2 5,408 218 4.0 Special3 148 27 18.2 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes city technology colleges and academies. 3 Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools, excludes general hospital schools. 4 Includes sole and dual (main) registrations. 5 Includes pupils who have full-time attendance and are aged 15 or under, or pupils who have part-time attendance and are aged between five and 15. 6 Based on pupils’ postcode as reported in School Census. Source: School Census

Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for education of children from deprived backgrounds. The Education if he will assess the levels of attainment of Pupil Premium will provide additional funding specifically pupils eligible for free school meals in (a) Wells linked to pupils eligible for free school meals with the constituency and (b) England; and if he will make a primary aim of boosting attainment. We will also ensure statement. [38987] that schools have to account to parents for how they have used the Premium to achieve this. Mr Gibb: We are determined to close the attainment gap between pupils from poorer and wealthier backgrounds The latest available information for the 2009/10 academic and want to see more resources being spent on the year is provided in the following tables.

Percentage of pupils achieving the expected level at key stage 2 in English and mathematics, and reading, writing and mathematics attending maintained schools1 in Wells parliamentary constituency2 and England by free school meal eligibility, 2009/10 Pupils eligible for free school meals Pupils not eligible for free school meals Percentage achieving the Percentage achieving the Percentage achieving the Percentage achieving the expected level in English and expected level in reading, expected level in English and expected level in reading, mathematics writing and mathematics mathematics writing and mathematics

Wells 59 43 78 69 283W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 284W

Percentage of pupils achieving the expected level at key stage 2 in English and mathematics, and reading, writing and mathematics attending maintained schools1 in Wells parliamentary constituency2 and England by free school meal eligibility, 2009/10 Pupils eligible for free school meals Pupils not eligible for free school meals Percentage achieving the Percentage achieving the Percentage achieving the Percentage achieving the expected level in English and expected level in reading, expected level in English and expected level in reading, mathematics writing and mathematics mathematics writing and mathematics

England 56.0 45.4 77.4 68.6 1 Pupils attending maintained schools only (including city technology colleges and academies). 2 Overseas pupils are excluded from the parliamentary constituency figures. They are however included in the national figures. Source: National Pupil Database (amended data)

Percentage of pupils1,2 achieving five or more A*-C grades at GCSE and equivalent, and five or more A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent including English and mathematics GCSEs attending maintained schools3 in Wells parliamentary constituency4 and England by free school meal eligibility, 2009/10 Pupils eligible for free school meals Pupils not eligible for free school meals Percentage achieving 5+ A*-C Percentage achieving 5+ A*-C grades including English and Percentage achieving 5+ A*-C grades including English and Percentage achieving 5+ A*-C grades Maths GCSEs grades Maths GCSEs

Wells 35.8 28.4 73.7 58.9 England 58.6 31.2 78.8 58.8 1 Pupils at the end of key stage 4 in the academic year. 2 In 2009/10 iGCSEs have been counted as GCSE equivalents and also as English and mathematics GCSEs. 3 Pupils attending maintained schools only (including city technology colleges and academies). 4 Parliamentary constituency figures do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. They are however included in the national figures. Source: National Pupil Database (amended data)

Schools: Discipline requirement to provide a daily act of collective Christian worship (i) in England and (ii) in Suffolk Ms Bagshawe: To ask the Secretary of State for since the establishment of such a requirement; and how Education what steps he is taking to reduce the burden many such applications were awaiting a determination of administration on schools in respect of disciplinary in the latest period for which figures are available; matters. [39692] [35217] (2) which schools in Suffolk have applied to the Mr Gibb: We are clear that schools should be trusted Local Authority Standing Advisory Council on to apply the most appropriate approaches to behaviour Religious Education for permission to opt out of the and discipline. By stripping away unnecessary regulation requirement to provide a daily act of collective and prescription and by reducing the amount of paperwork Christian worship since the establishment of such a and bureaucracy we will free teachers to re-assert their requirement; and which applications were awaiting a authority. As part of this approach, we are slashing the determination in the latest period for which figures are amount of guidance on behaviour and bullying that available. [35218] teachers are expected to read from over 700 pages to under 100 pages. Mr Gibb: There is no national data available about Schools: North Yorkshire schools which have applied to the Local Authority Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education for Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for permission to lift the requirement to provide a daily act Education what recent representations he has received of Christian collective worship. Therefore, we cannot on school transport in North Yorkshire; and if he will provide data on schools making such a request either at make a statement. [39228] a national or a local level. Mr Gibb: The Government have received five representations specifically about North Yorkshire county Schools: Vocational Guidance council’s consultation on its policy to withdraw free school transport to faith schools. One representation Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State was from the hon. Member, three from parents and one for Education what proportion of the services to be from a head teacher of a school. provided by the all-age careers service will be available Home to school transport policy has remained largely (a) online, (b) via a helpline and (c) in the form of unchanged since the 1944 Education Act when the face-to-face meetings with a qualified adviser; and if he social, economic and education landscape was very will make a statement. [33015] different. The Department is carrying out a review of home to school transport. As part of that we are Mr Gibb: The all-age careers service will be accessible considering how best practice can be spread to all local through a range of channels to reflect individual need. authorities, and will make further announcements in The online and helpline provision will be accessible to due course. all young people and adults. Face-to-face careers guidance Schools: Religious Practice will be prioritised for those with the greatest need. We are developing the detail of the new service in discussion Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for with local authorities, schools and the careers sector. Education (1) how many schools have applied to the Alongside this, schools will take responsibility for Local Authority Standing Advisory Council on securing access to independent, impartial careers guidance, Religious Education for permission to opt out of the whether from the all-age service or other high quality 285W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 286W careers guidance services. They will have freedom to Mr Gibb: The Department is conducting a wide-reaching fulfil this responsibility in ways that best suit the needs review of school funding from 2012-13, with the aim of of their students. a consultation by late spring 2011. This review will include the longer term funding of academies and the Social Workers funding of services for vulnerable groups, including those with special needs. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will estimate the incidence of (a) With the help of the YoungPeople’s Learning Agency physical and (b) verbal abuse against child protection (YPLA), DfE has undertaken a small survey of open academies to inform immediate thinking in this area. social workers. [40327] We also intend to work with partners such as the YPLA Tim Loughton: The Department for Education does and the Special Educational Consortium on the issue of not collect this information; it is held by organisations monitoring the impact of academy conversions on the that employ social workers. provision of special educational needs services for the As outlined in the General Social Care Council’s longer term. Code of Practice for Social Care Employers, it is the responsibility of employers of social care workers to have in place clear policies and procedures for minimising St Luke’s School: Finance the risk of violence. Employers of social care workers are also expected to have procedures in place for staff to Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for report any incidences of physical or verbal violence Education what estimate he has made of the (a) against them and to support staff who have experienced capital costs, (b) revenue costs and (c) number of such incidences in the course of their work. additional pupil places arising from the decision to permit St Luke’s School in Hampstead and Kilburn Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for constituency to proceed with its application to create a Education if he will estimate the average number of free school; and if he will make a statement. [39866] children on the case load of a child protection social worker; and if he will estimate the change in the size of Mr Gibb: There will be some capital costs involved in the average caseload in each of the next five years. establishing St Luke’s school and work is currently [40328] under way to finalise these costs. St Luke’s, like all free schools, will receive revenue funding at a rate that Tim Loughton: The Department for Education does is equivalent to maintained schools and academies in not collect information on the caseloads of child protection their local authority. If the St Luke’s school is social workers; this information is held by the organisations established, it is proposing to admit 15 pupils per year, that employ them and whose responsibility it is to providing places for a total of 105 pupils when fully manage caseloads. operational. In its 2009 Workload Survey, the Social Work Task Force reported that the number of cases held by social workers varied considerably. Over 700 social workers Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education and managers working in local authority children’s services departments took part in this survey. 44% of the children’s and families’ social workers and managers Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for who participated in the survey held 15 active cases or Education if he will bring forward proposals to remove fewer, 23% held between 16 and 20 cases and 24% the requirement on head teachers to apply to the local reported holding over 20 active cases. The remaining authority Standing Advisory Council on Religious 9% of participants in the survey provided no information Education in order to enable their school to opt out of on the number of cases they held. the requirement to provide a daily act of collective worship of a wholly or mainly Christian character. The Social Work Task Force’s Workload Survey can [33522] be accessed at: http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/s/ Mr Gibb: Collective worship in schools is one of the social%20workers%20workload%20survey.pdf longest-standing traditions of the school system. It is Between 2008-09 and 2009-10, referrals to Children’s also one that encourages pupils to reflect on the concept Services Departments have risen, as has the volume of of belief and the role it plays in the traditions and assessments carried out by children and families’ social values of this country. workers. The Department for Education does not hold We believe that it is wholly consistent with our culture information on how this increase has impacted on of tolerance and inclusivity to celebrate the traditions caseloads. Further information on the volume of referrals of this country—which are, in the main, Christian—while and assessments can be found in Professor Munro’s recognising and celebrating those of others in our diverse February 2011 interim report, available at: society. http://www.education.gov.uk/munroreview/ The law as it stands allows schools the flexibility to Special Educational Needs: Academies apply to have the requirement for broadly Christian collective worship lifted, where such a course is justified, Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for while meeting the need for accountability to the local Education what steps his Department has taken to community. We therefore have no plans to bring forward ensure adequate provision of special educational needs proposals to remove the requirement on head teachers services in the transfer of schools to academy status. to apply to have the determination for wholly or mainly [14005] Christian collective worship lifted. 287W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 288W

Sure Start: Ashfield and wishes to implement change in a way which minimises increases in opt-out rates. The Government are already Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for committed to implementing contribution increases in a Education how many Sure Start places were provided progressive way so that higher earners pay higher rates in Ashfield constituency in 2009-10; and how many than lower earners. such places he expects to be provided in 2010-11. No assessment has been made of the number of [31283] additional members that might opt-out as a result of the change in indexation. Sarah Teather: Since March 2008 Nottinghamshire has had a total of 58 children’s centres providing access Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for to services for 41,128 children under five and their Education what the pension entitlement will be of a families. Nine of these centres are in the Ashfield member of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme who retires constituency, providing access to services for 5,540 children after 30 years’ full-time service on a salary of (a) under five and their families. £10,000, (b) £15,000, (c) £20,000, (d) £25,000, (e) Figures for the number of children under five and £30,000, (f) £40,000 and (g) £50,000 if the pension is their families actually attending and using children’s updated in line with (i) the retail prices index and (ii) centres are not collected centrally. Local authorities the consumer prices index. [40367] have a duty under section 5D of the Childcare Act 2006 to provide sufficient provision of children’s centres. Mr Gibb: Pension entitlement under the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) is calculated through reference Teachers to pensionable service and average salary. Full details of the calculation of pension entitlement under the TPS Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for are provided on the TPS website, and be accessed using Education what plans he has for the future of the the following link: qualified teacher status standards. [39860] http://www.teacherspensions.co.uk/members/members9.htm Mr Gibb: In the Schools White Paper ‘The Importance Annual pension payments will increase annually in of teaching’ we said that we will review existing measures line with legislation. I cannot give figures for these of teacher performance and conduct, including the increases because I cannot predict the size of future current professional standards for teachers and the changes in any indexation measure. General Teaching Council for England’s (GTCE) code of conduct and practice, to establish clear and unequivocal Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for standards. As part of that review we will look at the Education what estimate he has made of the likely standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England. savings to the Teachers Pension Scheme of the proposed indexation according to the consumer prices Teachers: Pensions index (a) in 2010-11 and (b) in the next (i) 10, (ii) 20, (iii) 25 and (iv) 30 years. [40440] Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many members of the Teachers Mr Gibb: The Government have not made any separate Pension Scheme there are. [40116] estimate of the change in central Government expenditure (a) in 2010-11 or (b) in the next (i) 10, (ii) 20, (iii) 25 Mr Gibb: The latest available information taken from and (iv) 30 years for the Teachers’ Pension Scheme as a data submitted last year by the Department to the result of the change to indexation of public service Independent Commission into Public Sector Pensions pensions and benefits in line with the consumer prices shows that the Teacher’s Pension Scheme has 637,042 index. active members, 419,687 deferred members and 511,364 pensioner members in the scheme. However, the overall estimated savings in annually managed expenditure over the forecast period for public Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for service pension expenditure were made available in answers Education what assumptions he has made in respect of to the right hon. Member for Stirling (Mrs McGuire) the dropout rate from the Teachers Pension Scheme on 27 July 2010, Official Report, column 1193W; and attributable to (a) potential increases in contributions the Office of Budgetary Responsibility, responsible for and (b) its indexation against the consumer prices forecasting expenditure on public service pensions, has index; what assessment he has made of the effects of included the change to indexation in line with the the dropout rate on the future viability of this fund; consumer prices index in their methodology. and if he will make a statement. [40360] Vocational Guidance Mr Gibb: At the spending review the Office for Budget Responsibility estimated that some additional members, Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for amounting to 1% of the value of the paybill, would Education whether his Department has developed a opt-out of all the public service schemes as a result of transition plan for the change from existing careers the proposed increase in pension contributions. advice services to the new all-age careers advice service. Further consideration of the effects of this policy on [39490] the opt-out rate will be made as part of the process of determining the distribution of increases in contributions Mr Gibb: We are aiming to set out more detail shortly across members of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. The on the arrangements for the all-age careers service, Government are engaging with employee representatives including how the service will be delivered, which should on the principles to apply across public service schemes, help local authorities—and schools—develop their own 289W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 290W plans for transition. We are working with the Local (2) what assessment his Department has made of the Government Association and the Association of Directors extent of opportunities for businesses which may be of Children’s Services, and other organisations with an created by the development of a smart electricity grid interest in careers guidance, on the development of the in the UK. [41767] new service and the transitional arrangements that will be needed to provide access for young people to careers Mr Prisk: The Department for Business, Innovation guidance in advance of the establishment of the all-age and Skills’ officials have made no formal assessment careers service. but are aware of the potential opportunities and benefits and are monitoring the situation closely in conjunction Vocational Guidance: Training with officials in the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to increase the Carbon Emissions training, professional development and skills of those who give careers advice in schools; and if he will make Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for a statement. [35476] Business, Innovation and Skills what recent steps his Department has taken to promote low carbon Mr Gibb: The Government have accepted technology exports. [41852] recommendations of the Careers Profession Task Force, set out in their report, “Towards A Strong Careers Mr Prisk: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) promotes Profession” and published in October 2010. The UK low carbon technology exports through its core Government are working with the Careers Profession services for businesses, such as trade missions, trade Alliance and other sector organisations to implement shows and exhibitions both overseas and in the UK. these recommendations, which include a focus on ensuring For example, UKTI organised an Environment and all careers advisers have the initial training and continuing Water trade mission for UK businesses with low carbon professional development to carry out their role effectively, solutions in India for the week commencing 7 February within a strong careers profession. 2011. Wirral Schools Private Finance Initiative UKTI is leading the UK’s low carbon 2010/11 campaign to ensure there is increased awareness of the UK’s low Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for carbon ‘Know How’. In the last six months we have Education how many schools have participated in the undertaken a range of promotional activities in our Wirral schools private finance initiative in the last five priority markets of China, India, Brazil and West Coast years; and what the names are of such schools. [40969] North America. Carbon Emissions: North East Mr Gibb [holding answer 15 February 2011]: Nine schools have participated in the Wirral schools private Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for finance initiative in the last five years. They are: Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking Bebington high sports college to support the development of low-carbon technology South Wirral high school in the North East. [41740] Wallasey school Park high school Mr Prisk: The Department for Business, Innovation Wirral grammar school for girls and Skills (BIS) is taking a number of steps to support Hilbre high school the development of low carbon technology in the North Weatherhead high school media arts college East. Prenton high school for girls BIS has provided up to £20.7 million to support the manufacture of electric vehicles and associated battery production at the Leasowe primary school Nissan plant in Sunderland. BIS (together with the Department for Transport) has made £2.4 million available under the Government’s Plugged-In Places BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS programme to the North East, with a further £1.5 million made available out to 2013. This funding will see around 1,300 vehicle Billing charging points being installed across the North East over the next three years. Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for BIS is funding the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) Business, Innovation and Skills on how many in Blyth. In particular, Narec is receiving £11.5 million for an occasions (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department offshore wind blade test site, £18.5 million for an offshore wind have met representatives of the independent providers turbine test site and £10 million for a marine drive train facility. of bill payment services since 30 September 2010. BIS has funded (thorough the North East Regional Development [41925] Agency) the Tees Valley Industrial programme, which has committed £42 million for industrial transformation, particularly in the areas Mr Davey: My scheduled meeting with PayPoint in of low carbon and advanced manufacturing. April will be the first such meeting since 30 September Departmental Contracts 2010. Business: Electricity Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many providers Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for classified as outstanding who have been exempted from Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what assessment his inspection for eight years will no longer receive direct Department has made of the potential benefits of a contracts under the Skills Funding Agency’s proposals smart electricity grid for business in the UK; [41766] relating to minimum contract value. [39602] 291W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 292W

Mr Hayes [holding answer 16 February 2011]: As a Departmental Offices part of our commitment to free further education (FE) colleges and training organisations from stifling bureaucracy, we announced in “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Growth” in November 2010 that we would suspend Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has inspections for those FE colleges that were judged by made of the cost of (a) setting up and (b) maintaining Ofsted to be ‘outstanding’ and pledged to extend this to his Department’s offices in the English regions in the training organisations. financial year 2011-12. [41545] We will introduce a minimum contract level (MCL) in the 2011/12 academic year as part of our commitment Mr Prisk [holding answer 17 February 2011]: A to create a streamlined and more efficient FE system. In budget of £3.5 million per annum has been estimated. an environment of declining budgets, it becomes increasing This includes salary and associated administrative costs. difficult for small providers to operate without realising the efficiencies of shared services or economies of scale Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for through collaboration or sub-contracting. The Skills Business, Innovation and Skills if he will make it his Funding Agency also needs to become more efficient policy to locate the new regional offices of his and streamlined. Department in premises currently occupied by regional Where there is a risk of specialist provision being lost development agencies or Government Offices of the or a significant impact on choice available in a particular Regions. [42035] area due to the introduction of the MCL, the Skills Funding Agency will consider on a case by case basis Mr Prisk: The Department intends to locate the new whether alternative arrangements need to be made. Due local offices in existing BIS or BIS agency premises. The to the nature of the contract that they have with the exact locations for the teams are still being determined Skills Funding Agency, general FE and specialist colleges and some will have dual locations to provider wider will be exempt from the application of the MCL. geographic coverage. It is not currently possible to We do not hold information centrally on the number confirm when decisions on locations will be made. of further education colleges and training organisations that have been judged to be ‘outstanding’ and that are Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for below the MCL and so I have asked the chief executive Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has of the Skills Funding Agency to write to the hon. made of the cost to the public purse of establishing his Member to provide these details with a copy being Department’s new regional offices. [42037] placed in the House. Mr Prisk: A budget of £3.5 million per annum has been estimated. This includes salary and associated Departmental Manpower administrative costs.

Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many (a) actual Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has and (b) full-time equivalent staff have left his made of the cost to his Department of closing regional Department’s employment since May 2010. [42310] development agencies; and what proportion of such costs arise from (a) redundancy, (b) premises and (c) Mr Davey: Between the 1 May 2010 and 17 February other costs. [42038] a total of 591 staff left the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (including UKTI). These staff Mr Prisk: I refer to the answer given on 19 January had a combined FTE of 500.37. 2011, Official Report, column 833W, covering total costs including redundancies. There are no estimates of Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the cost of closure for premises at present as alternative Business, Innovation and Skills how many (a) actual use may be made of some buildings now occupied by and (b) full-time equivalent staff his Department regional development agencies. employed on the latest date for which figures are available. [42391] Educational Maintenance Grant

Mr Davey: On the 17 February the Department for Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills (including UKTI) employed Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects 3250 staff. These staff had a combined FTE of 3146.43. Student Finance England to reply to the constituent of the right hon. Member for Birkenhead, K D Bennett, Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for on when she will receive her maintenance grant for the Business, Innovation and Skills how many (a) actual 2010-11 academic year. [41529] and (b) full-time equivalent staff were employed by his Department in May 2010. [42407] Mr Willetts: I understand that the Student Loans Company, which administers the Student Finance England Mr Davey: On the 1 May 2010 the Department for service, contacted Ms Bennett on 16 February to inform Business Innovation and Skills (including UKTI) employed her that payment of her maintenance grant for the 3641 staff. These staff had a combined FTE of 3595.49. 2010/11 academic year has now been made. 293W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 294W

Employment: Graduates The Government have implemented a wide range of policies to encourage the development production, and Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State uptake of low carbon, environmental goods and services. for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent steps BIS, the Department of Energy and Climate Change his Department has taken to assist graduates in finding and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural employment. [41649] Affairs have recently established a Green Economy Council, to better understand the challenges and Mr Willetts: The Department’s major contributions opportunities facing business as we transition to a to graduate employment are our policies to stimulate greener economy. These Departments will also publish growth, which will create more jobs in the long term. a Roadmap to a Green Economy this spring, which will We have encouraged universities and colleges to prepare provide greater clarity and certainty for business investment undergraduates for the workplace, and all universities decisions. have now set out in employability statements the support BIS has also recently accepted a proposal for a they give their students. We continue to encourage Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, which is employers to invest in students and graduates by offering looking to drive business growth in Redditch and work experience and internships, which help them to throughout the county. develop valuable skills and boost their employment chances. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State of 3 February 2011, Official Report, column 957W, on for Business, Innovation and Skills how many environment protection, what the dates of his graduates have secured a place through the Graduate discussions with ministerial colleagues were; which Talent Pool since its inception; and how many such Ministers were involved; whether the discussions were places were based in Coventry. [41650] part of a formal meeting; whether minutes or notes were taken; what the outcomes of the discussions were; Mr Willetts: The Graduate Talent Pool is designed as and whether the discussions are ongoing. [41936] a service to put graduates in touch with employers offering internships. Since its launch, over 29,000 vacancies Mr Prisk: BIS Ministers are having ongoing discussions have been advertised on the site, and there are currently with ministerial colleagues about our efforts to build a 2,325 internship vacancies. Early evaluation found that green economy. The content of The Roadmap to a overall, 22% of graduate respondents secured and Green Economy was discussed at the following meetings. undertook an internship, which would suggest up to Notes were taken. around 1440 actual internships were undertaken by 19 January: Minister of State for Business and Enterprise and graduates who registered in the first six months of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment, Food scheme. We do not routinely collect data on how many and Rural Affairs. opportunities are taken up, and cannot say how many 24 January: Deputy Prime Minister; Secretary of State for places were based in Coventry. Business, Innovation and Skills; Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change; Secretary of State for Transport; Secretary of Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Chief Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to the Treasury; Minister for Government Policy; Minister of State for Housing and Local Government. for the future of the Graduate Talent Pool. [41651] 10 February 2011: Deputy Prime Minister; Secretary of State Mr Willetts: As part of our programme to get Britain for Business, Innovation and Skills; Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change; Secretary of State for Transport; Secretary working, we continue to encourage employers to invest of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Economic in students and graduates by offering work experience Secretary to the Treasury; Minister for Government Policy; Minister and internships which help them to develop valuable of State for Housing and Local Government. skills and boost their employment chances. We are 16 February 2011: Secretary of State for Business, Innovation considering the long term future of the Graduate Talent and Skills; Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change; Pool. Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Minister of State for Business and Enterprise; Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Environment Protection Affairs. This discussion was part of a formal meeting of the Green Economy Council. Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) if he will take steps EU Internal Trade to encourage the (a) production and (b) distribution of environmental products in Redditch; [41681] Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what estimate his Department has made of the Business, Innovation and Skills what further steps he contribution to the economy of the manufacture of plans to take to complete the single market in the EU. environmental products; and what steps he is taking to [42796] increase that contribution. [41682] Mr Prisk: The Government will publish their response Mr Prisk: According to research commissioned by to the Commission consultation on the Single Market the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Act on 28 February 2011. In this we argue that reforms (BIS), low carbon and environmental goods and services to the single market should be seen as part of a wider sectors in the UK were worth £112 billion in 2008/09. strategy to encourage growth across the EU. We recommend They are growing at around 4% per annum to 2015. that the Commission focus its efforts on those actions 295W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 296W that will have the greatest positive impact on growth. Government are already providing funding to research, Specifically, we recommend that the Commission takes develop and demonstrate these technologies. In due action to: course, when these technologies are more mature, it is Improve the single market in services; possible that the bank could help to finance their Modernise the single market so as to enable businesses and deployment. citizens to take advantage of advances in digital technology; We will make a detailed announcement on the GIB in support the development of a single market in energy and low May. carbon; facilitate innovation; and help businesses trying to trade with the rest of the world; and Higher Education Support small and medium enterprise growth and ensure that the single market works for citizens. Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Copies of the consultation response will be placed in Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his the Libraries of the House. Department has made of the likely effect of the Government’s funding proposals for tuition fees on the Exports: Israel number of students applying to enter higher education. [41630] Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking Mr Willetts: The Department has commissioned a to increase the number of small and medium-sized number of projects which have examined the impact of enterprises which export to Israel; and if he will make a tuition fees. Reports are available at: statement. [R] [41961] http://www.bis.gov.uk/research Evidence suggests that students are sensitive to price Mr Prisk: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) provides changes but they can be offset by comparable changes expert trade advice and practical support to UK-based in the provision of grants and loans. companies wishing to export their products and services Analysis of the 2006 reforms of tuition fees and worldwide, and not just to Israel. With 2,400 staff and a student support in the UK found that an increase in presence in 96 countries, UKTI can assist small and tuition fees by £1,000 per annum—holding all other medium-sized enterprises on every step of the exporting factors constant—would be expected to lead to a journey—whatever stage of their development. Through 4.4 percentage point decline in participation. However, a range of unique services, including participation at in addition, it was found that a £1,000 per annum selected trade fairs, outward and inward missions and increase in grants increases participation by 2.1 percentage bespoke market intelligence, UKTI can help UK small points while a £1,000 per annum increase in loans is and medium-sized enterprises to penetrate foreign markets associated with a 3.2 percentage point increase in and understand overseas regulations and local business participation. practices, helping them to increase their market penetration into new and existing markets, such as Israel. Higher Education: Admissions

Green Investment Bank Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what deadlines he has set for the Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for submission and approval of access agreements with Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer universities; and what assessment he has made of the of 10 February 2011, Official Report, column 387W, on adequacy of the time provided for universities to meet the Green Investment Bank, what his definition is of these requirements. [42670] significant additional funding; and what indicative range he expects proceeds from asset sales to fall within Mr Willetts: These are matters for the director of at an aggregate level. [42990] Fair Access. He is publishing his guidance to universities on these matters in early March. Mr Prisk: To give information on expected proceeds from asset sales could prejudice the Government’s Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, commercial position in ongoing and future sale processes, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with I will make further announcements on this funding (a) Lord Browne of Madingley and (b) other stream in due course. members of his review team on his Department’s proposals on access to university since the publication Green Investment Bank: Finance of the Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance; and on what dates such John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for discussions took place. [42673] Business, Innovation and Skills what role the Green Mr Willetts: Since the publication of the Independent Investment Bank will have in (a) encouraging and (b) Review of Higher Education Funding and Student administering marine technology funding. [42726] Finance on 12 October 2010 I have had formal discussions with Lord Browne on 2 November 2010, 21 December Mr Prisk: The Green Investment Bank (GIB) will 2010, 17 February 2011 and 25 February 2011. These have a wide remit to tackle financing issues affecting the meetings discussed a wide range of issues relating to deployment of green infrastructure. higher education including access to universities. I have We do not currently envisage the bank providing not met with other members of the review team. The funding for research and development. Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Marine energy technologies are expected to play an has had no discussions with Lord Browne over this time important part in our future energy mix, and the period. 297W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 298W

Higher Education: Fees and Charges Income generated from tuition fees from non-EU students in Welsh higher education institutions 2003/04 to 2008/09 Academic year Income (£000) Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has 2003/04 39,428 made of the average amount a postgraduate student 2004/05 48,717 will pay in university fees in academic year 2012-13; 2005/06 50,194 and what his policy is on the level of fees charged for 2006/07 60,110 postgraduate study. [41724] 2007/08 63,358 2008/09 74,141 Mr Willetts: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) finance record on 18 January 2011, Official Report, column 763W. Insolvency Service Higher Education: Northern Ireland Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how many company Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has directors have been disqualified for (a) attempted had with the Minister for Employment and Learning in concealment of assets or cases where assets have Northern Ireland on the implications for Northern disappeared or a deficiency is unexplained, (b) Ireland (a) students and (b) universities resulting from appropriation of assets to other companies for no his proposed changes to the funding of higher consideration, at an undervalue, or on the basis of education in England. [29247] unreasonable charges for services, (c) preferences and (d) personal benefits obtained by directors in each Mr Willetts: I have had extensive discussions on our year since 2002; [42020] proposed reforms with relevant Ministers in each of the (2) how many company directors have been devolved Administrations, including Northern Ireland. disqualified for (a) overvaluing assets in accounts for As higher education is a fully devolved issue it is of the purpose of obtaining loans or other financial course for each country to bring forward its own proposals. accommodation or to mislead creditors, (b) making The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and loans to directors for share purchases, (c) dishonoured Skills, my right hon. Friend, has not met with the hon. cheques, (d) the use of delaying tactics and (e) Member the Minister for Employment and Learning non-payment of Crown debts to finance trading in (Danny Kennedy). each year since 2002; [42021] (3) how many company directors have been Higher Education: Standards disqualified for (a) phoenix operations, (b) misconduct in the operation of a factoring account, Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, (c) taking deposits for goods or services ultimately not Innovation and Skills what assessment his Department supplied and (d) cases where criminal convictions have has made of the research undertaken by the university resulted in each year since 2002. [42022] of Bristol on performance at university of pupils educated in poorly-performing schools used by the Mr Davey: The Insolvency Service statistics of the Higher Education Funding Council for England. allegation types made in disqualifications have been [42671] maintained since 2007-08 and are included the service’s annual report published on its website. Mr Willetts: I am aware of the conclusions of research by the university of Bristol on the performance of state Allegation types 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 and independently schooled entrants in terms of the Crown debts 554 563 816 class of the degree they obtained at the university of Accounting matters 250 381 448 Bristol. The Higher Education Funding Council for Transactions to the detriment of 161 246 391 England report that they do not use this information as creditors they have no role in the process of admissions to the Criminal matters 101 174 258 university. Misappropriation of assets 53 49 68 Technical matters—statutory 37 46 33 obligations Higher Education: Wales Trading at a time when company 36 44 40 knowingly or unknowingly insolvent Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Phoenix companies or multiple 13 14 12 Business, Innovation and Skills how much income was failures generated from overseas students for universities in Other n/a n/a 98 Total 1,205 1,517 2,164 Wales in each of the last six years. [42939] Comparable figures are not available for earlier years. Mr Willetts: The income of higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UK is collected as part of the Higher Education Statistics Agency’s (HESA) Finance Record. Insolvency Service: Expenditure The annual income of Welsh HEIs from the tuition fees paid by non-EU students is shown in the following Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for table. Figures are in cash terms, not in real terms, and Business, Innovation and Skills how much and what relate to the academic year, not the financial year. proportion of the budget of the Insolvency Service was 299W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 300W spent on (a) reviewing and (b) investigating D1 Mr Davey: Since 30 September 2010, I have met reports and other work on the disqualification of representatives of the National Federation of company directors in each year since 2002. [41952] SubPostmasters on three occasions. One of these meetings was held jointly with my right hon. Friend the Secretary Mr Davey: The Insolvency Service’s budget is not of State. structured in such a way that the detailed figures that you have requested are readily available. The Insolvency National Scholarship Fund Service as a whole receives financing from both fees and direct funding from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. These figures are available in the Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for service’s annual reports and accounts. From 1 April Business, Innovation and Skills how many (a) 2004, the cost of case administration have been met by part-time and (b) full-time students he estimates will fees while investigation and enforcement is paid for by receive assistance from the National Scholarship Fund an allocation of programme funding from the budget of in each of the next three years; and if he will make a the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills as statement. [42800] set out in the following table and notes. These figures relate to the cost of dealing with all aspects of the Mr Willetts: From 2014-15 we expect that the National Insolvency Service’s disqualification effort. Scholarship Programme will be supporting up to 100,000 students annually through Government funding and Investigation and enforcement expenditure match funding from institutions. The balance between £ full-time and part-time students will emerge from choices 2002-03 32,931,000 that institutions and students make for themselves. 2003-04 29,279,000 2004-05 29,314,000 One North East 2005-06 34,449,000 2006-07 29,233,000 Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State 2007-08 28,039,158 for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he 2008-09 28,853,619 has made of the quantity of assets held in land by One 2009-10 28,916,622 North East. [41567] Notes: 1. Figures exclude expenditure in relation to the investigation of live Mr Prisk: Details of One North East’s assets are companies. contained in its annual report and accounts (HC125). 2. Figures up to and including 2006-07 include the investigation and enforcement of official receiver’s cases (bankruptcies and companies). Detail of its land assets were provided in my answer 3. Figures from 2007-08 exclude the expenditure on investigation of given to my hon. Friend the Member for South Thanet OR cases, but include the enforcement cost of those cases. (Laura Sandys) on 28 October 2010, Official Report, 4. The figures for 2010-11 are not yet available. column 458W. Insolvency: Legal Costs Overseas Students: Israel Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for made of the effects of implementation of the proposals Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has of of the Jackson Review of civil litigation costs on the number of Israeli students studying in universities insolvency practitioners’ ability to (a) claim against in (a) England and (b) Wales; what subject each is delinquent directors and (b) pursue recoveries for studying; what steps (i) he is taking and (ii) plans to creditors. [41951] take in each of the next two years to promote UK universities in Israel; and if he will make a statement. Mr Davey: Responses to the Government’s recently [41962] concluded consultation on implementing a package of proposals for reforming conditional fee arrangements Mr Willetts: The latest available information from and other aspects of civil litigation funding and costs the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on the are presently being considered. number of Israeli domiciled enrolments to English and Officials from the Ministry of Justice will liaise with Welsh Higher Education Institutions is shown in the officials from this Department to consider what, if any, table. Figures for the 2010/11 academic year will be impact there may be on the work undertaken by insolvency available in January 2012. practitioners in the event that it is decided to take the The Government are working through the British proposals forward. Council to promote the United Kingdom as a study The Government intend to publish a response to the destination for international students. With its consultation in the spring. network of offices across the world including in Israel, the British Council is well placed to help UK National Federation of SubPostmasters universities to recruit students and develop links with Israeli institutions. The Government have also Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for supported the Britain Israel Research and Academic Business, Innovation and Skills on how many Exchange partnership scheme (BIRAX), managed by occasions (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department the British Council which enables researchers from Britain have met representatives of the National Federation of and Israel to work together on collaborative scientific SubPostmasters since 30 September 2010. [41924] projects. 301W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 302W

Israeli domiciled enrolments1 by subject of study English and Welsh higher Mr Davey: The information requested is an operational education institutions academic year 2009/10 matter for Post Office Ltd. I have therefore asked Paula Location of institution Vennells, the managing director of the Post Office Ltd, Subject of study England Wales to respond directly to my hon. Friend and a copy of her Medicine and dentistry 10 — reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House. Subjects allied to medicine 25 0 Biological sciences 35 — Post Offices: Finance Veterinary science — 0 Agriculture and related subjects — 0 Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Physical sciences 15 0 Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what plans he has to Mathematical sciences — 0 put in place statutory measures to regulate the Computer science 10 0 purposes for which the Post Office Ltd is able to use Engineering and technology 25 0 state funding; [41918] Architecture, building and planning 10 — Social studies 85 — (2) what steps he is taking to ensure that state Law 45 — funding of the Post Office will be open to Business and administrative studies 80 — parliamentary scrutiny. [41920] Mass communications and 10 — documentation Mr Davey: The Secretary of State for Business, Languages 20 — Innovation and Skills (BIS) has no plans to further Historical and philosophical studies 20 0 regulate the purposes for which Post Office Ltd is able Creative arts and design 60 — to use state funding. The Postal Services Act 2000 sets Education 65 0 the parameters for the provision funding by Government Combined — 0 to Post Office Limited. Government funding for the Total 520 15 Post Office must of course also comply with any relevant 1 Covers enrolments to full-time and part-time postgraduate and European Commission state aid approval. undergraduate courses. Note: We expect that ongoing funding to the Post Office Figures are based on a HESA standard registration population and have been will be provided under the Post Office Network Subsidy rounded to the nearest five. Figures less than 5 are shown as ’-’, zero counts are shown as ’0’. Due to rounding, columns may not sum to totals. Scheme introduced in 2007 pursuant to section 103 of Source: the Postal Services Act 2000. The amendment to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). scheme required to make those payments was debated and approved by both Houses of Parliament in December Post Office: Meetings 2010. An annual report on the post office network and the Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for company’s annual accounts will be required to be laid Business, Innovation and Skills on how many before Parliament under the provisions of the Postal occasions (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department Services Bill. have met the Managing Director of the Post Office since 30 September 2010. [41923] Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking Mr Davey: Since 30 September 2010, I have had two to ensure that state funding of the Post Office will be meetings with Paula Vennells, managing director of audited on a regular basis by the National Audit Office. Post Office Ltd. [41919]

Post Offices Mr Davey: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) receives an annual report on the subsidy provided to the Post Office, which is Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for verified by an independent firm of auditors. Under the Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has provisions of the Postal Services Bill, Post Office Ltd’s made of the number of retail outlets at which audited annual report will also be laid before Parliament. consumers can make cash payments for public utility The Secretary of State has no plans to impose additional services in (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland; requirements, such as state funding of the Post Office and what proportion of such outlets is provided by the being audited by the National Audit Office. Post Office in each such case. [41922] Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Davey: The Department has made no such estimate Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how many Post but is aware that large numbers of retail outlets, in Office branches received state funding in the most addition to post offices, offer facilities for cash payments recent year for which figures are available; [41921] for public utility services across the UK. (2) what the average subsidy paid to each Post Office branch was in the last year for which figures are Post Offices: Cumbria available. [41927]

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Davey: The annual Government subsidy (£150 million Business, Innovation and Skills how many post offices in 2009-10) to the post office network is to support the have closed in Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency costs to Post Office Ltd of maintaining access to key in each year since 1981. [42028] services across its whole network of around 11,500 303W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 304W outlets. Post Office Ltd estimates that, without this network modernisation (for example capital costs funding, a commercial network would comprise around to refurbish branches), 7% to technology (for example 4,000 branches. to install new PIN pads across the network), 5% to project costs (for example staff to oversee network Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for modernisation) and 3% to other purposes (for example Business, Innovation and Skills whether his head office cost saving initiatives). The funding allocation Department has notified the European Commission of by year is: £180 million in 2011 -12; £410 million in its intention to make state funding available to the Post 2012-13; £415 million in 2013-14 and £330 million in Office; and what services his Department has 2014-15. designated as Services of General Economic Interest for this purpose. [41926] Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what representations he Mr Davey: The Department has notified the European has received from independent and third sector Commission regarding compensation to Post Office organisations on the funding for the Post Office Ltd for costs incurred to provide services of general announced on 27 October 2010. [41984] economic interest during the financial year 2011-12. Services of general economic interest are designated for Mr Davey: To date, the Department has received one this purpose as: representation from independent or third sector 1. Processing social benefit and tax credit payments to the organisations about the £1.34 billion funding for the public. Post Office announced last October, that being from 2. Processing of national identity and licensing scheme applications. PayPoint plc. 3. Universal payment facilities for public utility services. Postal Boxes 4. Universal postal service. 5. Universal access to basic cash and banking facilities and Government savings instruments, especially for rural customers Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for and those on social benefits. Business, Innovation and Skills whether he is taking A notification for funding beyond 2012 will be submitted steps to ensure that red post boxes with the Royal in due course. insignia are retained within any proposed changes that are planned for Royal Mail. [41753] Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has Mr Davey: Royal Mail has no plans to change the made of the number of Post Office branches which will colour of post boxes which forms part of one of the not make a profit in 2014-15. [41928] most recognised brands in the UK. We believe that it would not make commercial sense for any new owners Mr Davey: In the policy statement ‘Securing the Post of Royal Mail to seek to dismantle this brand and to go Office Network in the Digital Age’ the Government to the expense of re-painting all 115,000 post boxes a made clear that a residual level of subsidy would almost different colour. With regard to the use of the royal certainly be required in the future to maintain a number associations, the Government believe that Royal Mail of post office branches which could never be profitable should continue to use the royal cypher on post boxes, but which provide a valuable social purpose. It is not and discussions on this matter are ongoing. possible to estimate the numbers of such branches at Pupils: Foreign Nationals this stage but we expect them to be substantially lower than at present. Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether the access Business, Innovation and Skills how many Post Office performance indicators referred to in his Department’s branches did not make a profit in the last financial year Guidance to the Director of Fair Access will include for which figures are available; and how many of such (a) non-UK citizens attending UK schools, (b) UK branches were located in rural areas. [41929] citizens attending schools outside the UK and (c) non-UK citizens attending schools outside the UK. Mr Davey: The information requested is an operational [42745] matter for Post Office Ltd. I have therefore asked Paula Vennells, the managing director of the Post Office Ltd, Mr Willetts: The Higher Education Statistics Agency to respond directly to the hon. Member and a copy of (HESA) publishes the performance indicators in higher her reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House. education on behalf of the Higher Education Funding Council for England. All the access performance indicators Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for are restricted to students who are residents of England, Business, Innovation and Skills how the money Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland only, i.e. they do allocated by his Department to the Post Office in not report on non-UK residents. Therefore, neither respect of (a) network modernisation, (b) technology, non-UK residents attending UK schools nor non-UK (c) project costs and (d) other purposes is expected to residents attending schools outside the UK are included be spent between 2011-12 and 2014-15. [41930] in the indicators. Subject to the residency condition (rather than a UK Mr Davey: In the policy statement ‘Securing the Post citizen condition), all UK students are reported on. Office Network in the Digital Age’ the Government However, UK residents who report their school as being gave a breakdown of the £1.34 billion funding for the overseas would normally be categorised as unknown for Post Office showing that 37% would be allocated to the state schools indicator. For the low participation 305W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 306W neighbourhood (LPN) indicator, whether such students Title are categorised as unknown or LPN/not LPN, depends on where their home postcode is reported. If it is an Humphrey Chief Executive Officer Nuclear New Build—EDF overseas postcode, they will be classified as unknown. Cadoux-Hudson Energy For the lower socio-economic groups indicator, UK Graham Chisnall Managing Director Commercial Aerospace and Operations—ADS residents will be included regardless of whether they James Fothergill Head of Education and Skills—CBI studied at a UK or an overseas school. Bernine Hamilton National Officer Aerospace and Shipbuilding—Unite More information on the performance indicators is Frank Hayden Group Manufacturing Director—Rolls Royce available on the HESA website: Colin Lawther Vice President Europe Production Engineering—Nissan http://www.hesa.ac.uk/ Juergen Maier Managing Director UK Industry Sector—Siemens index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1703<emid=141 Dick Martin Chairman—Kembrey Wiring Systems Limited John Whelan Human Resources Director Programmes and Support— Regional Development Agencies BAE Systems Janice Munday Director of Advanced Manufacturing and Services—The Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Department for Business Innovation and Skills Business, Innovation and Skills (1) if he will bring Susan Scholefield Director General, Human Resources and Corporate forward proposals to enable regional development Services—Ministry of Defence agencies to guarantee the payment of grants for regional projects beyond the life-span of the agency; Small Businesses [41736] (2) if he will guarantee outstanding grants agreed by Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for One North East which are not made before the agency Business, Innovation and Skills what definition of a is abolished. [41742] (a) micro, (b) small and (c) medium-sized business his Department uses. [41553] Mr Prisk: The spending review settlement provides resources for One North East and the eight other regional Mr Prisk: The Department’s annual National Statistics development agencies (RDAs) to meet their legal and other research use the following definition for commitments. It is expected that RDAs will honour micro, small and medium-sized businesses: existing contracts and grant agreements but there may be circumstances where they will seek to negotiate Employees variations with the parties concerned. Arrangements will be made to ensure payment of agreed grant amounts Micro 0-9 due after abolition of the agencies. Small 0-49 Medium 0-249 Research: Information Services The European Union uses the following definitions Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for which apply to policies that directly impact on small Business, Innovation and Skills what correspondence and medium-sized business, except in company accounting he has received from the (a) private and (b) voluntary and reporting: sector on future sponsorship of the R&D Scoreboard. Maximum [41761] annual balance Maximum Maximum sheet total Mr Willetts: No correspondence has been received headcount(employees annual turnover turnover (¤ from either the private or voluntary sector on future and self-employed) (¤ million) million) sponsorship of the R and D Scoreboard. Micro 9 2 2 Small 49 10 10 Skills and Jobs Retention Group Medium 249 50 43

Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer Small Businesses: Loans of 7 February 2011, Official Report, column 96W, on the Skills and Jobs Retention Group, what the name is Mr Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, of each member of the Skills and Jobs Retention Innovation and Skills what progress he has made on Group; and to which company or body each belongs. discussions with banks on increasing levels of lending [42768] to small and medium-sized enterprises (a) at less cost and (b) with improved conditions. [42732] Mr Prisk: With apologies for the omission of this information from the original answer, the membership Mr Prisk: As announced in the House on 9 February of the Skills and Jobs Retention Group is as follows: 2011, Official Report, columns 310-13, by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for Title Tatton (Mr Osborne), the UK’s five major banks have Chair: stated a capacity and willingness to lend £190 billion of new credit to business in 2011. This includes £76 billion Allan Cook Chairman of Atkins and SEMTA of new lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which is a 15% increase on the amount lent in Mark Barclay Senior Vice President and Head of Centre of 2010. Should demand from viable businesses exceed this Excellence—Airbus amount, the banks will lend more. 307W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 308W

By making this an integral part of the CEO remuneration Transition Fund, support for the creation of employee package, the Government have also ensured that SME owned mutuals and community based funds. In addition lending is taken more seriously than ever by banks. to this funding, the creation of the Big Society Bank In addition to these commitments from the major will unlock new finance for social enterprises, charities banks, the Government are also working with the British and voluntary organisations. Banking Association (BBA) and the Business Finance Over the last spending review period (CSR2007), Taskforce Banks on a range of commitments set out in £515 million was allocated to the equivalent Cabinet their response to the Green Paper “Supporting UK Office programme to support the sector. Many of these business”, which aims to assist small businesses with programmes come to an end in March 2011. access to finance issues. These commitments include improved data on availability and price of finance, South East of England Development Agency: Land strengthened the Lending Code and lending principles and new internal appeals processes for SMEs who feel Amber Rudd: To ask the Secretary of State for they have been unfairly rejected for a loan. Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the (a) size and (b) monetary value of land Small Businesses: Manpower assets held by the South East of England Development Agency. [42286] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Mr Prisk: Details of the value of the South East of Department is taking to assist small businesses with England Development Agency SEEDA’s assets, including recruiting and maintaining their workforce. [41695] land, are contained in its Annual Report and Accounts (HC206). Detail of the extent of its land assets were Mr Prisk: The Government are reviewing employment provided to my hon. Friend for South Thanet (Laura laws to ensure they provide the flexibility that businesses Sandys) on 28 October 2010, Official Report column need and to support economic growth, without 458W. compromising fairness. Space Technology As an important first step in reviewing employment laws, last month we launched a consultation document Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for on the reform of the Employment Tribunal system— Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects to ‘Resolving Workplace Disputes’—and the Employer’s make an announcement on the Government’s space Charter. policy. [41418] ‘Resolving Workplace Disputes’ sets out a package of proposals aimed at resolving workplace disputes much Mr Willetts: The formal documents to create the UK earlier and avoiding the cost and stress of going to an Space Agency are expected to be laid before parliament employment tribunal. Where cases do need to go to a by April 2011. tribunal, we have proposed a number of solutions to ensure the system operates as smoothly and efficiently Students: Finance as possible. The Employer’s Charter sets out what an employer can already do to address staff issues in the Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for workplace. Both the tribunals consultation and the Business, Innovation and Skills what arrangements are Employer’s Charter are designed to give renewed confidence in place to recover domestic student loan repayments to businesses to recruit new employees. from graduates living and working overseas; and what On regulation more broadly, we are removing or proportion of expatriate graduates with student loan delaying unnecessary measures wherever possible and liabilities made repayments in the latest period for have introduced the revolutionary one-in, one-out system which figures are available. [42273] that will cut the costs that businesses face in dealing with bureaucracy. Mr Willetts: The Student Loans Company (SLC) applies the same mechanisms to all borrowers who Social Security Benefits: Advisory Services move overseas after leaving their course. The SLC has established repayment arrangements Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for for borrowers who move abroad, whether temporarily Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer or because they live in another country. The SLC requests of 3 February 2011, Official Report, column 912W, on information about earnings and provides the borrower social security benefits: advisory services, what with a monthly repayment schedule under the terms of proportion of the funding of at least £470 million over the contract of the loan. The SLC converts the income the spending review period was additional to funding into pounds sterling and tells the borrower the amount for such activity in the equivalent funding settlement they will need to repay each month in pounds sterling. for the period to 2010-11. [39919] Repayments can be made in a number of ways: debit/credit card; cheque; standing order/direct debit; Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply. or by logging into the online account on the student The £470 million represents the settlement provided loan repayment portal. for the Cabinet Office to support civil society organisations There is a system of banded thresholds for countries over the next spending review period (2011-12 to 2014-15). outside the UK, which takes account of the level of This funding provides for a number of new coalition affordability in other countries. This means that repayment Government programmes including supporting 40,000 will remain based on ability to repay, wherever the young people through the National Citizen Service, the borrower lives. 309W Written Answers28 FEBRUARY 2011 Written Answers 310W

At 30 April 2010, 8,800 English domiciled borrowers Students: Loans living overseas were earning above the threshold for the country and making repayments. A further 2,200 were Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for in arrears and 1,200 had not provided details of income Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate the and were therefore considered in arrears. Therefore number of graduates resident in (a) the London 72% of eligible borrowers were in repayment. borough of Bexley and (b) London who have not made any student loan repayments since the present Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for system of student finance came into operation. [41396] Business, Innovation and Skills what progress he has made on proposals to introduce an early repayment Mr Willetts: The estimated number of borrowers levy for those repaying student loans early; and if he residing in Bexley or London who have not made any will make a statement. [42998] loan repayments since the present system of income contingent loan repayments came into operation is shown in the following table: Mr Willetts: The Government are committed to the progressive nature of the repayment system. It is therefore Latest known address1 important that those on the highest incomes post graduation Bexley London are not able unfairly to buy themselves out of this progressive system by paying off their loans early. Any Number of borrowers2 1,200 68,100 early repayment mechanism would need to ensure that 1 This corresponds to the address given by the borrowers when they graduates on modest incomes who strive to pay off opened the last loan account. The borrower may have moved elsewhere their loans early through regular payments are not since. 2 The table covers all cohorts liable to repay with at least one tax year penalised. processed—i.e. those who came into repayment during tax year April The Government will consult on early repayment 2000/01 to April 2008/09 inclusive. Note: mechanisms in due course. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100.

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent steps Business, Innovation and Skills what the policy of the the Government have taken to provide financial Student Loans Company is on arrangements for practising Muslim students to pay interest on student assistance to those entering further education. [43002] loans. [41445]

Mr Hayes: The Department for Business, Innovation Mr Willetts: The interest rate charged is applied and Skills has an established range of financial assistance uniformly across all student loan customers, based on which has enabled adults to participate and remain in the type of loan held and relevant legislation. further education. There are no separate arrangements for members of In the November publication “Investing in Skills for any particular faith. The Government have no plans to Sustainable Growth”, the Department made a commitment change this policy as part of the proposed reforms of to create an enhanced adult learner support fund over student finance. the next two years. This will simplify the support for The Government believe that student loans would learners and providers, while ensuring future funds not be covered by Islamic rules because their overall target those learners most in need of assistance to terms are so much more favourable than those available succeed. commercially. 311W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 312W

Mr Paice [holding answer 28 February 2011]: The Written Answers to New Forest hunts carry out drag hunting under the terms of the permissions granted by the Forestry Questions Commission. They are part of the traditions and heritage of the New Forest and could be considered as being a public benefit in this context. Tuesday 1 March 2011 Trees: Sudden Oak Death

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 10 February 2011, Official Report, House of Bees: Pesticides Lords, column 350, on trees: sudden oak death, whether contingency funding for sudden oak death is Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for held centrally by her Department. [42881] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with representatives of the beekeeping Mr Paice: No contingency funds are held for this or industry on new pesticides that are affecting varno any other plant disease. mites. [41712] Mr Paice: I assume the hon. Member is referring to HOME DEPARTMENT veterinary medicines that are used in the treatment of varroa in bees. There are currently five veterinary medicinal Asylum products authorised for the control of varroa in the UK, two of which have been authorised in the last two Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for the years. Home Department when her Department expects to The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is in have cleared all outstanding legacy asylum claims. regular contact with beekeepers about how to tackle [42992] medicines issues for bees and has produced an Action Damian Green [holding answer 28 February 2011]: Plan on the Availability of Medicines for Bees which is The UK Border agency is on track to conclude the published on its website. This action plan has been backlog of legacy cases by summer 2011. The agency developed and is being implemented in close consultation provides regular updates on performance, including a with interest groups. breakdown into grants, removals and ‘other’ cases such Circuses: Animal Welfare as duplicates or errors, to the Home Affairs Select Committee and is due to report in the spring. Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for On 1 November the agency reported to the Home Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy Affairs Select Committee that it had concluded 334,500 is on the future use of wild animals in circuses. [42715] cases at the end of September 2010. Asylum: Coventry Mr Paice: We are currently considering the 13,000 or so responses to our consultation on the use of wild Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State animals in circuses before we publish a summary. In the for the Home Department (1) how many people were meantime, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State granted asylum in Coventry in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010; for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my noble [42871] Friend (Lord Henley), has been meeting with representatives of welfare groups and the circus industry. (2) how many people in the West Midlands were removed from the UK in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010. Genetically Modified Organisms: Crops [42872]

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Damian Green: In 2009, 109 individuals with a last Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy known address in Coventry were granted asylum. In is on approval for the planting of genetically modified 2010, this number was 68. crops. [41965] In 2009, 1,894 individuals with a last known address in the West Midlands were removed from the United Mr Paice: The Government believe that regulatory Kingdom. In 2010, this number was 1,833. decisions on GM crops should be based on a robust, All figures quoted above are internal management case-by-case assessment of the potential impact on information only and are subject to change. This human health and the environment, taking full account information has not been quality assured under National of the scientific evidence. Statistics protocols. New Forest Asylum: Detainees

Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Home Department pursuant to the answer of answer of 15 February 2011, Official Report, 14 February 2011, Official Report, columns 511-12W, column 708W, on New Forest, whether access to such on asylum: detainees, for what technical reasons Forestry Commission land by the New Forest Hunt information collection on the reasons for asylum meets the criterion of a public benefit provided by the claimants leaving detention was discontinued in public forest estate. [42335] September 2006. [41862] 313W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 314W

Damian Green [holding answer 28 February 2011]: The Home Office publishes statistics on the number Prior to September 2006, published detention statistics of people in detention, solely under Immigration Act were obtained from the Detainee Location and powers on a quarterly and annual basis, which are Management Information System (DELMIS); this was available from the Library of the House and from the the main source of data on detention. DELMIS was Home Office’s Research, Development and Statistics switched off in October 2006 and information was website at: instead recorded on the Case Information Database www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum-stats.html (CID). Q4 2010 figures, including persons detained as at Following this change from a statistical to an 31 December 2010, will be available on 24 February administrative system from which information was collected, 2011. figures on all persons recorded as leaving detention solely under Immigration Act powers by reason (other Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the than those removed from the UK) had not been published Home Department pursuant to the answer of until the statistical data on the classification of reasons 14 February 2011, Official Report, columns 511-2W, on for persons leaving detention, other than for removal, asylum: detainees, how many of the 1,275 individuals was considered of publishable quality. The Head of granted temporary admission or release had Profession for Statistics for the Home Office is now conditions, such as reporting or tagging, applied. satisfied the quality meets publication standards and [41864] publication of this information recommenced in November 2010, relating to the third quarter of 2010. Damian Green [holding answer 28 February 2011]: The requested information is not centrally available and Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the could be obtained only by examination of individual Home Department pursuant to the answer of case records at disproportionate cost. 14 February 2011, Official Report, columns 511-2W, on asylum: detainees, how many detainees were held under The Home Office publishes National Statistics on the Immigration Act powers at each such centre in the number of persons detained solely under Immigration third quarter of 2010. [41863] Act powers on a quarterly and annual basis and management information on the number of children Damian Green [holding answer 28 February 2011]: entering detention, held solely under Immigration Act The following table, a subset of the latest published powers, by month, which are available from the Library figures (Persons in detention as at 30 September 2010), of the House and from the Home Office’s Research, shows the number of people in detention held solely Development and Statistics website at: under Immigration Act powers, who had claimed asylum www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum-stats.html at some stage, by place of detention as at 30 September 2010. Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre Persons in detention in the United Kingdom solely under Immigration Act powers, by place of detention as at 30 September 20101,2 Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Number of persons the Home Department (1) how many detainees at Of whom: asylum Place of detention Total detainees detainees3 Campsfield House Immigration Centre have been held for more than one year; and for what reasons; [42705] UK Border Agency Removal Centres (2) how many detainees at Campsfield House Harmondsworth 610 475 Immigration Detention Centre have been detained for Brook House 415 195 more than (a) three months, (b) six months, (c) nine Dover Immigration 315 180 months, (d) one year and (e) two years; [42865] Removal Centre (3) for how long each detainee at Campsfield House Yarl’s Wood 310 200 Immigration Detention Centre who has been detained Colnbrook Immigration 285 180 for more than one year has been held. [42874] Removal Centre Campsfield House 215 120 Damian Green: A subset of published information in Dungavel 200 105 the table below shows the number of people in Campsfield Haslar 120 65 House Immigration Removal Centre, detained solely Lindholme 115 75 under Immigration Act powers as at 30 September Tinsley House 115 65 2010, broken down by length of detention. Oakington Reception 100 75 Centre Persons in detention at Campsfield House, solely under Immigration Act powers, by length of detention as at 30 September 20101, 2, 5 3, 4 UK Border Agency Short Length of detention Total detainees Term Holding Facilities 7 days or less 50 Colnbrook Short Term 60 40 8to14days 35 Pennine House 30 15 15 to 28 days 25 Harwich 5 — 29 days to less than 2 months 40 Total 2,890 1,795 2 months to less than 3 months 20 1 Figures rounded to the nearest 5 (— = 0. *=1or2),maynotsumtothe totals shown because of independent rounding and exclude persons detained 3 months to less than 6 months 25 in police cells, Prison Service establishments and those detained under both 6 months to less than 9 months 5 criminal and immigration powers and their dependants. 9 months to less than 12 months 5 2 Figures include dependants. 3 Persons detained under Immigration Act powers who are recorded as having 12 months to less than 24 months 10 sought asylum at some stage. 24 months to less than 36 months 5 315W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 316W

Persons in detention at Campsfield House, solely under Immigration Act powers, Departmental Conditions of Employment by length of detention as at 30 September 20101, 2, 5 3, 4 Length of detention Total detainees Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Total 215 Home Department what assessment she has made of 1 Figures rounded to the nearest five, may not sum to the totals shown because her Department’s adherence to each of the principles of independent rounding and exclude persons detained in police cells, Prison of good employment practice set out in the Cabinet Service establishments and those detained under both criminal and immigration powers and their dependants. Office publication Principles of Good Employment 2 Figures include dependants. Practice. [42627] 3 Relates to most recent period of sole detention. The period of detention starts when a person first enters the UK Border Agency estate. If the person is then moved from a removal centre to a police cell or Prison Service establishment, Damian Green: The Home Department is in a strong this period of stay will be included if the detention is solely under Immigration position to encourage good employment practice across Act powers. its supply base and has produced a supplier charter 4 Two months is defined as 61 days; three months is defined as 92 days; six months is defined as 182 days; nine months is defined as 274 days. jointly with HM Revenue and Customs. 5 Management information. In addition to this, the Home Department fully support It is not possible to provide the reason why a person the Government’s initiative on creating opportunities has been detained in Campsfield House from the data for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and extract used to produce published figures. third sector organisations. It builds from the Department’s current ability to identify its small business suppliers, Management information provided by UK Border which comprises 43% of the suppliers used and represents Agency suggests that a significant number of those 12% of its supplier spend as at January 2011. detained for over a year are former foreign national This is complemented by the Department’s good prisoners who we are seeking to deport from the UK. record of prompt payment within five days. Detention plays a key role in maintaining an effective The Department is actively contributing to the cross- immigration control. It is used only where necessary Government agenda which is being led by the Efficiency and is kept to the shortest time possible. Each case is Reform Group. considered on its individual merits, and there remains a general presumption in favour of release. Many factors Departmental Interpreters will be taken into account, including the risk of absconding and the risk of further harm to the public. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for which services provided by (a) Deportation of these individuals can be delayed in a her Department and (b) its associated public bodies number of ways. Judicial challenges can be used to interpreters provide services in a language or languages delay or frustrate removal. This is being tackled through other than English; how many interpreters are improved legal case working within the UK Border employed or subcontracted for each non-English Agency and closer co-operation with the judiciary. language; and what estimate she has made of the cost Difficulties in obtaining travel documents are taken up to the public purse of interpretation costs incurred in directly with the relevant embassy or high commission. the latest period for which figures are available. [42894] There may also be delays in the deportation process if individuals do not comply with the UK Border Agency’s Damian Green: The response to this parliamentary efforts to re-document them. question has been split into two parts (a) information The Home Office publishes statistics on the number relating to the Home Department which is made up of of persons detained solely under Immigration Act powers four constituent parts—Home Office Headquarters, the on a quarterly and annual basis, which are available United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA), the Identity from the Library of the House and from the Home and Passport Service (IPS), and the Criminal Records Office’s Research, Development and Statistics website Bureau (CRB) and (b) its non-departmental public at: bodies which is made up of five constituent parts—Security Industry Authority (SIA), Independent Police Complaints www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum-stats.html Commission (IPCC), Independent Safeguarding Authority Q4 2010 figures including information on persons detained (ISA), Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), and as at 31 December will be available on 24 February the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA), as 2011. shown in the following table:

Home Department Number of employed Number of subcontracted Total cost of service Period interpreters1 interpreters2 (£)

Home Office HQ and 1 April 2010-31 January 2011 0 2,072 4,748,052 UKBA CRB Annually 1 0 2139.50 IPS 2009-10 Not recorded Not recorded 1,105,715

Non-departmental public bodies Number of employed Number of subcontracted Total cost of service Period interpreters1 interpreters2 (£)

NPIA Nil return Nil return Nil return Nil return ISA May 2010 0 1 387.90 SIA Nil return Nil return Nil return Nil return 317W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 318W

Non-departmental public bodies Number of employed Number of subcontracted Total cost of service Period interpreters1 interpreters2 (£)

SOCA 2010-11 0 84 67,923 IPCC January 2010-December 2010 0 2 3,508.04 1 Employed interpreters relate to staff. 2 Subcontracted interpreters relate to those employed through a contract.

Departmental Manpower organisations who have an interest in the UK Border Agency’s detention estate and was not conducted at the Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the request of Ministers. Home Department (1) how many (a) actual and (b) The UK Border Agency expects to release the findings full-time equivalent staff have left her Department’s of the analysis in the very near future. employ since May 2010; [42299] (2) how many (a) actual and (b) full-time equivalent Domestic Violence: Immigrants staff her Department employed at the latest date for which figures are available; [42380] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State (3) how many (a) actual and (b) full-time equivalent for the Home Department what steps the Government staff were employed by her Department in May 2010. is taking to protect women with an insecure [42396] immigration status from domestic violence. [42253]

Damian Green: The following tables give details which Damian Green [holding answer 28 February 2011]: In have been provided using Office for National Statistics recognition of the plight of victims of domestic violence, guidelines for work force management reporting. The the domestic violence concession, previously outside figures given include staff moving internally into the the immigration rules, was brought under the rules in Home Department from other Home Office agencies as 2002. well as returning from unpaid absences such as career Rule 289A was introduced to enable an applicant breaks or maternity leave. This accounts for the apparent who has limited leave to enter or remain in the United discrepancy between the headcount and recorded leavers Kingdom as the spouse, unmarried partner, registered shown in the response. civil partner or same sex partner of a British citizen or Staff who have left the Department since May 2010 person present and settled in the UK and whose marriage (a) Headcount (b) Headcount FTE or relationship breaks down during the two-year probationary period as a result of domestic violence, to Home Office 1,474 1,291 be granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK. This Note: Data shown is for all staff who left during the period 1 June 2010 to 31 January offers the victim the security of achieving settled status 2011. and access to benefits without the need to complete the Source: two-year probationary period. Data View, the Home Office’s single source of monthly Human Resources data.

Staff who are employed at the latest date for which figures are available Entry Clearances: Olympic Games 2012 (a) Headcount (b) Headcount FTE

Home Office 29,721 27,840 Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for the Note: Home Department what provision her Department has Data shown is for all paid civil servants as per Office for National Statistics made to handle applications for visas from non-EU definitions. Source: countries to attend the London 2012 Olympics; and Data View, the Home Office’s single source of monthly Human Resources data. what consideration she has given to allowing extended visas for (a) families of athletes and (b) spectators. Staff who were employed in May 2010 [42723] (a) Headcount (b) Headcount FTE Home Office 31,459 29,440 Damian Green: The UK is obliged to comply with Note: Olympic requirements set out in the Olympic Charter Data shown is for all paid civil servants as per Office for National Statistics definitions. and Host City contract. Under the guarantees, an Source: accreditation card issued to games family members will Data View, the Home Office’s single source of monthly Human Resources data. act in lieu of a visa and work permit for up to six months. Detention Centres The UK Border Agency has introduced an Olympic/ Paralympic games visit visa to facilitate entry to the UK Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for in advance of the games for participants. The visa (valid the Home Department whether she has asked the UK for multiple entries until 8 November 2012) is now Border Agency to carry out an audit of Immigration available for the price of a six month single entry visit Detention Centre Rule 35 reports. [41720] visa. This visa will facilitate easy and cheaper entry to the UK for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Damian Green: The UK Border Agency conducted members, competitors and officials coming for the test an in depth analysis of 216 reports submitted in relation events and training before the accreditation period. At to Detention Centre Rule 35 in 2010. The analysis games time, participants will be issued with an accreditation followed discussions with a number of non-government card which will act as a visa waiver. 319W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 320W

This visa is only available to those individuals identified Damian Green: This information is not collected at as participating in the games in a professional capacity. local authority level. Spectators and families of athletes coming to visit the Illegal Immigrants UK during the games will be subject to the usual requirements of a visit and will be required to apply for a standard visitor’s visa. For foreign nationals not Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for requiring a visa it will be possible to visit the UK for up the Home Department how many overstayers were to six months without a visa. identified (a) on embarkation from the UK and (b) The UK Border Agency has been working with the through enforcement action in each of the last five London Organising Committee of the Olympic and years. [42763] Paralympic games(LOCOG) and the IOC to communicate key messages about visa requirements to the Olympic/ Damian Green: It is not possible to provide the number Paralympic Family. of overstayers identified on embarkation from the UK, as this information is not recorded centrally. To establish Entry Clearances: Overseas Students these figures would require the manual examination of individual case records at disproportionate cost. By Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2015 exit checks will have been reintroduced which are Home Department what bogus colleges have been vital in checking that people have left the country when closed in each year since 2007. [42159] they are supposed to. The following table shows the number of individuals, Damian Green: Prior to April 2009, the Department recorded as overstayers, arrested during enforcement for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and operations for each financial year from 2007-08 (the previously the Department for Education and Skills earliest year for which such data are available) to date. (DfES) was responsible for the register of education establishments able to bring in students from outside Please note, all data are sourced from management the European Economic Area (EEA). At the point it information tools and are not quality assured under was replaced by the Points Based System register of National Statistics protocols. Figures provided do not licensed Tier 4 sponsors, the register listed a total of constitute part of National Statistics and should be 14,838 establishments, of which approximately 4,000 treated as provisional. regularly took non-EEA students. As of 1st February National Statistics on removals and voluntary departures 2011 the Tier 4 register lists 2,313 licensed Tier 4 from the UK are published on a quarterly and annual sponsors. basis, which are available from the Home Office’s Research, Since 31 March 2009 the following total numbers of Development and Statistics website at: educational establishments’ licenses have been revoked: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum-stats.html However, it is not possible to separately identify Number overstayers from the published figures. 2009 16 Overstayers arrested 2010 44 2011 3 2007-08 3,293 2008-09 3,207 Revocation of an educational establishment’s sponsor 2009-10 2,387 licence does not prevent it from operating. The UK 2010-11 (to end of January) 2,399 Border Agency is unable to close education or training providers, but it can remove their ability to recruit Immigrants: Detainees students from outside the European Economic Area. Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Home Department what recent representations she has the Home Department when she expects the UK received from foreign governments on the Border Agency to release its audit of forms completed in accordance with Rule 35 of the Detention Centre Government’s proposals for student visas. [42831] Rules, on victims of torture and others with special Damian Green: A consultation on the student illnesses and conditions. [42706] immigration system closed on 31 January.Four submissions from overseas governments were received. In addition, Damian Green: The UK Border Agency audit in the UK Border Agency officials have held meetings relation to Detention Centre Rule 35 has been concluded. with a number of representatives from missions in the The UK Border Agency expects to release the report in UK. Responses to the student consultation are being the near future. considered. The results of the consultation and an impact assessment, including details of those who have Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for responded, will be published in due course. the Home Department whether the UK Border Agency plans to publish in full an unedited audit of forms Human Trafficking completed in accordance with Rule 35 of the Detention Centre Rules on victims of torture and others with Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for special illnesses and conditions. [42707] the Home Department how many individuals have been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking Damian Green: The UK Border Agency audit report offences in each local authority area in each of the last in relation to Detention Centre Rule 35 will be published five years. [40282] in a full and unedited format in the near future. 321W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 322W

Immigrants: Human Rights It is planned to publish statistics on passengers given leave to enter the United Kingdom by purpose of Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the journey for the first two quarters of 2010 on 24 February Home Department whether she was consulted on the 2011 in the Home Office publication, “Control of Positions on the rights of migrants in an irregular Immigration: Quarterly Statistical summary United situation Position Paper (CommDH/ Kingdom October-December 2010”. PositionPaper(2010)5 from the Council of Europe Subsequently, quarterly arrival data will be released Commissioner for Human Rights; and if she will make every six months, with quarters 1 and 2 published in a statement. [41900] February of each year and 3 and 4 published in August. Damian Green: The Council of Europe Commissioner These data will be available from the Library of the for Human Rights acts in an independent capacity. House and from the Home Office Research, Development Accordingly the Home Secretary was not consulted on and Statistics website at: his findings and recommendations. They will be taken http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum- into account to the extent that they are consistent with stats.html the Government’s immigration policy and are in the Yarl’s Wood Detention Centre national interest. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Home Department whether her Department was the Home Department pursuant to the answer of represented at the 1103rd meeting of the Ministers’ 14 February 2011, Official Report, column 527W, on Deputies of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Yarl’s Wood Detention Centre, whether the police were Ministers held on 19 January 2011; what her response involved in either investigation. [41948] is to the recommendations adopted on interaction between migrants and receiving societies (CM/ Damian Green [holding answer 28 February 2011]: I Rec(2011)1) and on validating migrants’ skills (CM/ can confirm that the police were notified of both cases I Rec(2011)2); what assessment she has made of the referred to in my answer of 14 February 2011, Official potential effect these recommendations would have on Report, column 527W. the UK; and if she will make a statement. [41901] In both instances, the police advised the UK Border Agency and Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre Damian Green: The UK was represented in the meeting when their inquiries had been concluded and that they of the Ministers’ Deputies of the Council of Europe’s would be taking no further action. Committee of Ministers on 19 January by the UK Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe. The recommendations adopted at this meeting are not binding on the member states. The Government will CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT consider the implications of these recommendations in developing the Government’s overall approach to Arts: West Midlands integration and immigration policy and will take into account any recommendations that it considers to be in the UK’s national interest. Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much the Immigration Controls Arts Council spent per head of population in the (a) South Staffordshire district council and (b) Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Birmingham city council area in the latest period for Home Department how many people have been which figures are available. [42824] admitted to the UK at (a) sub-tier Tier 1 (Investor) and (b) sub-tier Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) of the Mr Vaizey: This information is not held in the manner points-based immigration system in each year since the requested. system’s inception. [41582] However, Arts Council England (ACE) has advised Damian Green: The available statistics on the number that council and constituency boundaries are similar. of persons given leave to enter the United Kingdom on As such, ACE has provided the following figures that (a) sub-tier Tier 1 (Investor) and (b) sub-tier Tier 1 relate to constituencies only: (Entrepreneur) of the points-based immigration system, (a) South Staffordshire: £1.18 spend per head (incorporating: 2008-09 are given in the table. South Staffordshire and Stafford) Passengers1 given leave to enter the United Kingdom under PBS2 Tier (b) Birmingham: £24.68 spend per head (incorporating: Edgbaston, 1—Investor3 or Entreprenuer3 categories, excluding EEA and Swiss nationals, Erdington, Hall Green, Hodge Hill, Ladywood, Northfield, Perry 2008-09 Barr, Selly Oak, Yardley, Sparkbrook and Small Heath). Number of journeys Categories 2008 20094 Departmental Policy

Tier 1—Entrepreneur 25 125 Tier 1—Investors 20 110 Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 45 235 Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what account he 1 Figures rounded to three significant figures. has taken of the Compact between the Government 2 Points Based System (PBS). and Civil Society in policy development. [42612] 3 The Tier 1 Investor and Entrepreneur categories were introduced on 30 June 2008. Data for that year are therefore not comparable with 2009 as they are for a partial year. Mr Jeremy Hunt: My Department takes the Compact 4 Provisional figures. into account in developing relevant policies. 323W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 324W

Gambling Information on businesses in Northern Ireland that have directly supplied the ODA is available in the business Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for section of the London 2012 website at the following Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what evidence he link: has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the (i) http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/business-network/ effectiveness of the problem gambling helpline and (ii) oda-suppliers/index.php relative merits of the freephone helpline in improving This information does not include contracts further access to treatment and advice for those seeking down the supply chain, in tiers two, three and so on, assistance. [41759] which are awarded by the tier one contractors and not by the ODA. Examples of companies based in Northern John Penrose: The Gambling Commission, the Ireland further down the supply chains include McGrath Responsible Gaming Strategy Board and the Responsible Brothers from Belfast supplied architectural metalwork Gambling Fund (RGF) have all looked into this issue for the Olympic Village and Macrete Concrete from and have concluded that an easily recognised name and County Antrim have worked on support structures for national free-phone number would remove barriers to bridges and highways. take-up; particularly among the vast majority of the So far 1,561 companies in Northern Ireland have population that uses mobile phones. The RGF is currently registered on Competefor (the website where London tendering for the operation of such a service. 2012 contract opportunities are advertised), and four contracts have been awarded to Competefor suppliers National Lottery: Retail Trade in Northern Ireland. Over 16,000 schools and colleges across the UK have Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for registered for LOCOG’s London 2012 education Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will instruct programme Get Set, 220 schools and colleges are registered the National Lottery Commission to review the in Northern Ireland. 10 schools in Northern Ireland appropriateness of decisions by Camelot National have also developed links with nine schools and one Lotteries relating to the supply of lottery terminals to youth centre in Jordan as part of the London 2012 (a) Tesco, (b) The Co-operative and (c) independent International Inspiration Programme. retailers. [42804] Over 1,000 cultural or sporting projects across the UK have been awarded the Inspire mark, 31 of these John Penrose [holding answer 28 February 2011]: are in Northern Ireland. One example, Active8—a Camelot takes into account clear criteria when selecting SportNI-led participation programme with the Olympic retailers, such as footfall, store size and sales projection. Values at its core—is engaging pupils aged seven to 11 The same selection criteria apply across all retailers and in sport and physical activity. Activ8 Eatwell is a recent each case is judged on its own merits. As long as programme which promotes active and healthy lifestyles Camelot follows these criteria, the decision as to where for children by teaching them about physical activity to place national lottery terminals is a commercial and healthy eating. decision and the National Lottery Commission is not In addition, Northern Ireland has received £1.31 million involved in this process. from the Legacy Trust for a programme which will tackle aspects of personal development, communication Olympic Games 2012: Northern Ireland and physical ‘literacy’ with elements of dance, gymnastics, music and poetry, theatre and visual arts. Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he is Olympic Games 2012: Hertfordshire taking to ensure that Northern Ireland benefits from the London 2012 Olympics. [41800] Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he plan to take Hugh Robertson: The Government and the London to encourage children and young people in St Albans Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and to participate in events that are part of the London Paralympic Games (LOCOG) established the Nations 2012 Olympics. [42739] and Regions Group to ensure UK-wide engagement and to maximise the legacy from London 2012. This Hugh Robertson: It is important that children and group works directly with representatives from each of young people from across the UK are actively encouraged the nations and English regions to realise the sporting, to participate in the wide range of opportunities created economic, and cultural benefits of the 2012 Games. by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Northern Ireland stands to gain from the wide range Over 16,000 schools and colleges across the UK have of opportunities created by the 2012 Games through registered for the London Organising Committee of the businesses winning Games-related work, increased tourism Olympic and Paralympic Games’ (LOCOG) education and cultural celebrations. Some examples of how Northern programme Get Set, with 487 schools and colleges Ireland will benefit from the Games are as follows. registered in Hertfordshire. LOCOG launched the official The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has awarded London 2012 mascots last year, which are now inspiring contracts to five direct suppliers in Northern Ireland. children and young people. LOCOG hosted a ‘Get Set For example, Lagan Construction was awarded the to make your mascot’ school competition. The winning contract to construct ‘central park bridge’ in the Olympic primary and secondary schools win a visit from Wenlock Park that links the Basketball Arena, the Aquatics or Mandeville in the summer term—ideally to their Centre and the Olympic Stadium. school sports day. 325W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 326W

Over 1,000 cultural or sporting projects across the Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, UK have been awarded the Inspire mark, with 84 of Olympics, Media and Sport how many residents of (a) these in the East of England. One example, which St Albans and (b) Hertfordshire are employed (i) by schools in Hertfordshire including St Albans are the London Organisational Committee of the Olympic participating in, is Supporter to Reporter (S2R). S2R Games, (ii) by the Olympic Delivery Authority and (iii) gives young people sports reporting opportunities at at the London 2012 Olympics site; what steps his national and local events. Participants receive training Department is taking to increase employment to produce audio, video, text and image reports with opportunities created by the hosting of the London content then published on the youth-led website. 2012 Olympics; and how many jobs in Hertfordshire he Young Ambassadors is a London 2012 programme expects to be created by the London 2012 Olympics. managed by Youth Sport Trust which has been running [42741] in England, Scotland and Wales. It was the first initiative to receive the London 2012 Inspire mark for education. Hugh Robertson: The London Organising Committee It involves young people being recruited to be ambassadors, of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Limited (LOCOG) working in their schools and communities to champion is a private company and so does not report its staff sport and the values of the Olympic and Paralympic figures to the Department. Its annual report, which Games. includes information about the numbers of staff it The School Games will give every school the opportunity employs, is available at: to get involved. Sport England has commissioned the www.london2012.com Youth Sport Trust to test how to deliver School Games As at 31 December 2010 the Olympic Delivery Authority in nine pilot areas. In June or July 2011, these sites will (ODA) had 288 directly employed members of staff, of host the first ‘School Games’ Days in 500 schools and which one resided in St Albans and five in Hertfordshire. the first nine ‘Festivals of Sport’. All schools will be given the opportunity to participate from September The ODA publishes information on the Olympic 2011 with the first national finals taking place in the Park contractor work force in its quarterly ‘Jobs, Futures, Olympic Stadium in May 2012. Skills’ newsletter. The most recent edition can be found at the following link: In addition, I announced the ‘Places People Play’ programme in November, which will bring sporting http://www.london2012.com/documents/oda-publications/ legacy to life in communities across the country. This jobs-skills-futures/jsf-bulletin-january11.pdf will be achieved by transforming the places where people The ODA forecasts that 30,000 people will work on play sport, inspiring people to make sport happen at a the Olympic Park and Village over the life of the local level and creating sporting opportunities that give construction programme. LOCOG estimates that during everyone the chance to become part of the mass Games-time it will require a work force of approximately participation legacy. Further detail can be found at the 6,000 paid staff, up to 70,000 volunteers and 100,000 following link: staff working for the contractor work force. No specific http://www.culture.gov.uk/news/news_stories/7565.aspx assessment has been made of the numbers that have been or will be employed from Hertfordshire. Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, The ODA and its partners have put a range of measures Olympics, Media and Sport how many contracts in place to help local people in particular access training related to the London 2012 Olympics have been and employment opportunities on the site. These include awarded to businesses and organisations in (a) St investing in training and apprenticeship opportunities. Albans constituency and (b) Hertfordshire; and what LOCOG published its employment and skills strategy the monetary value of such contracts is. [42740] in August 2010 and is available at: http://www.london2012.com/ Hugh Robertson: Information on businesses in the East of England that have directly supplied the Olympic Olympic Games 2012: Tickets Delivery Authority (ODA) is available in the business section of the London 2012 website at the following link: Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/business-network/ Olympics, Media and Sport how many tickets to oda-suppliers/index.php Olympic events have been allocated for sale; and what The estimated value of contracts awarded to businesses estimate has been made of the revenue which will in Hertfordshire is £1,147,811,580, of this the value of accrue from sales of tickets to (a) members of the contracts awarded to businesses in St Albans is £3,179,151. public in the UK and the EU, (b) sports federations, These figures only account for the contracts awarded by (c) national Olympic committees, (d) members of the the ODA to its own top tier of contractors (tier one public in other countries, (e) corporate sponsors, (f) contractors). The figures do not include the value of rights-holding broadcasters and (g) hospitality contracts further down the supply chain, in tiers two, package buyers. [42738] three and so on, which are awarded by the tier one contractors and not by the ODA. The ODA estimates Hugh Robertson: The London 2012 Organising that the total value of supply chain contracts to the Committee (LOCOG) is the private company responsible regions runs into millions of pounds, but these are not for staging the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic public procurements and so the full value of contracts Games, including the ticketing arrangements. LOCOG won across the UK is not captured by the figures needs to raise around £500 million from ticket revenues provided. The ODA estimates that overall up to 50,000 towards its primarily privately financed £2 billion budget contracts will be generated throughout its supply chains. to stage the Games. 327W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 328W

There are no free tickets. 8.8 million tickets will be Third Sector available for purchase for the Olympic Games from 15 March 2011, with a further 2 million tickets available Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for from September for the Paralympic Games. Around Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment three-quarters will be available to the UK public for he has made of the extent of regional variation in purchase. The application process must also be open to funding per head in the distribution of Big Lottery EU residents, but the vast majority of the 2.3 million funding in the last year for which figures are available. people signed-up with LOCOG for ticketing information [42553] in advance of the 15 March are UK residents. Of the remaining 25% of tickets, approximately 12% will be John Penrose: I have not made such an assessment available for purchase to 205 National Olympic Committees and my Department does not hold lottery grant information around the world for international sports fans; 8% will in this format. However, details of lottery grants made be available for purchase to sponsors and stakeholders; by the Big Lottery Fund and other lottery distributors and 5% will be available for purchase to International can be found at the following link: Sports Federations, the International Olympic Committee, http://www.lottery.culture.gov.uk broadcast rights holders, for prestige hospitality packages and for domestic holiday packages via Thomas Cook. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps his Olympic Games 2012: Wales Department has taken to support the Big Society initiative. [42637] Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jeremy Hunt: My Department’s Business Plan Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he includes details of the work it is undertaking to support has made of the proportion of work carried out in the big society which can be found at the following link: preparation for the London 2012 Olympics that has http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/publications/DCMS- been undertaken by companies based in Wales. [42908] Business-Plan_2010-15.pdf Hugh Robertson: Welsh companies have made a Tourism significant contribution to the delivery of the venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 games, either Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for by supplying the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what his policy is directly or through the supply chains of the major tier on support for the development of tourism in the one contractors. These include Rowecord in Newport, South West. [41550] who have provided the steel for the Aquatics Centre, John Penrose: The Government are creating a new Cardiff based Euroclad have won contracts on both the international marketing fund for tourism. We are looking Olympic Stadium and the Media Centre, and Fairfield to create a fund of more than £100 million, with major Mabey from Newport who have supplied structural companies already pledging support to help match the steel for infrastructure on the Olympic Park. £50 million of public money the Government have It is not possible to provide a definitive figure for the committed through VisitBritain over the next four years. work undertaken by Welsh companies on the 2012 We are also investing nearly £33 million in VisitEngland construction programme. However, the ODA estimates over four years which will focus on promoting the that approximately £37 million pounds worth of contracts domestic tourism industry and supporting destination have been awarded to Welsh companies operating at management organisations, local authorities and emerging tiers two and three of the ODA’s major contractors. local enterprise partnerships. Tourism in the South Sports: Finance West will benefit from both funding initiatives. In addition, the £1.4 billion Regional Growth Fund (RGF) presents an important opportunity for tourism. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Ministers have encouraged the tourism sector to apply. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2011, Official Report, column Tourism: Kent 800W, on sport: finance, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of monitoring regional Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, variations in funding for (a) the Big Lottery and (b) Olympics, Media and Sport if he will take steps to Sport England. [42689] provide assistance to tourism businesses in Maidstone and the Weald constituency. [42593] Hugh Robertson: There is no need for any monitoring by, or cost to, the Department. The Big Lottery Fund John Penrose: The Government are creating a new (BLF) asks applicants to identify where its funding will international marketing fund for tourism. We are looking be used. This information is collected and analysed at to create a fund of more than £100 million, with major minimum cost. BLF regularly monitor these data to companies already pledging support to help match the ensure that communities receive a fair share of lottery £50 million of public money the Government have money. It is freely accessible throughout the organisation committed through VisitBritain over the next four years. and therefore the BLF does not monitor its cost. Sport We are also investing nearly £33 million in VisitEngland England does not hold a regional breakdown of funding, over four years which will focus on promoting the and while I have not made an estimate, it would exceed domestic tourism industry and supporting destination the disproportionate cost limit considerably to commission management organisations, local authorities and emerging the work, and that is without considering the cost of local enterprise partnerships. Tourism in Maidstone monitoring. and the Weald will benefit from both funding initiatives. 329W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 330W

In addition, the £1.4 billion Regional Growth Fund Aviation: Safety (RGF) presents an important opportunity for tourism. Ministers have encouraged the tourism sector to apply. Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what recent assessment he has made of the likely effects of the European Aviation Safety TRANSPORT Agency’s proposals to reduce the minimum rest period for airline pilots to seven and a half hours; [39742] A14: Ipswich (2) what steps his Department is taking to ensure that national standards on flight time limitations for Dr Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for commercial pilots are maintained once the European Transport what the cost was of road (a) maintenance Aviation Safety Agency takes responsibility in this and (b) improvements on the A14 between junctions area. [39743] 53 and 55 in 2009-10. [42826] Mrs Villiers: The European Aviation Safety Agency Mike Penning: Maintenance costs of £6.122 million published draft legislation for consultation on 20 December were incurred on the A14 between junctions 53 and 55 2010. The consultation closes on 20 March. The Civil in 2009-10. In addition, technology works over this Aviation Authority is currently reviewing the proposals. section, as part of a complete A14 improvement project, It will respond to the consultation once it has completed were valued at £1.038 million. its review. Our aim is to ensure that the final requirements The maintenance costs are made up as follows: maintain a high level of safety for UK airlines. Two road maintenance schemes between the Claydon Interchange The EU already has competence in this area and it (junction 52) and the Copdock Interchange (A12/A14 junction 55) totalling £4.322 million. A safety improvement scheme will not be possible to apply additional national standards (£3.472 million) involving improvements to drainage and safety once the requirements have come into effect. barriers, and a maintenance scheme (£0.850 million) involving the refurbishment of the carriageways. Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for A structural maintenance scheme valued at £1.8 million. Transport what representations he has received from the airline industry on the European Aviation Safety Aviation Agency’s proposals to change flight time limitations for pilots. [39753] Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many meetings Ministers in his Mrs Villiers: I have not so far received any formal Department have had with representatives of (a) representations from the airline industry on this matter. airlines and (b) pilots since May 2010. [40967] Aviation: Working Hours Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 28 February 2011, Official Report, column 176W given Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd). how many meetings Ministers in his Department have Aviation: Conditions of Employment had with (a) airlines and (b) pilots’ representatives since May 2010 [40848] Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on the maximum amount Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of of time airline pilots should be expected to fly in 28 February 2011, Official Report, column 176W, given to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd). 24 hours. [40963] Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 28 February 2011, Official Report, column 177W, given what recent discussions he has had with the Council of to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd). Ministers on (a) the European Aviation Safety Agency and (b) flight time limitations. [40851] Aviation: Holidays Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for 28 February 2011, Official Report, column 178W, given Transport when he expects the Air Travel Trust Fund to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd). to next report a surplus. [40729] Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Mrs Villiers: The Air Travel Trust Funds meets the what representations he has received from the airline cost of refunds and repatriation arising from the insolvency industry on the European Aviation Safety Agency’s of a travel company under the Air Travel Organisers proposals to change flight time limitations for pilots. License (ATOL) scheme. The deficit of the Air Travel [40853] Trust Fund was reported as £31.8 million in the Funds’ annual accounts for the year ending 31 March 2010. Mrs Villiers: I have not received any formal One of the objectives of the reforms to the ATOL representations from the airline industry on this matter scheme that I announced to the House on 3 February so far. 2011 is to reduce the Air Travel Trust Fund’s deficit and return it to financial sustainability. It is expected that Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport the Fund will be in surplus within three years of the whether the implementation of the European Union reforms being implemented. The precise timing depends Bill will affect the transfer of authority over flight time on a number of factors including the frequency and limitations from the Civil Aviation Authority to the cost of travel company insolvencies. European Aviation Safety Agency. [40854] 331W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 332W

Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer 28 February 2011, Official Report, column 177W, given given to the hon. Member for North Wiltshire (Mr Gray) to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd). of 17 February 2011, Official Report, column 966W.

Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Cycling: Accidents what his policy is on the maximum amount of time airline pilots should be expected to fly in one day. [40855] Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to protect cyclists Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of from injury in accidents involving heavy goods vehicles 28 February 2011, Official Report, column 177W, given (a) in inner city areas and (b) elsewhere; and if he will to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd). make a statement. [42724]

Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Norman Baker: The Department for Transport is whether the Government plans to respond to the pursuing a number of measures to reduce pedal cycle European Aviation Safety Agency’s Notice of fatalities in collisions with HGVs. We continue to raise Proposed Amendment for flight time limitations. the standard of driver training and support local authority [40856] initiatives in raising awareness among both cyclists and HGV drivers of the risk. In particular we support the Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of initiatives by TfL to address this issue in London. 28 February 2011, Official Report, columns 177-178W, Vehicle safety regulation is made at the EU level and given to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Stephen Regulations mandate side guards and improved mirrors Lloyd). on most HGVs. However, there is still an issue of a blind spot on many vehicles and research is currently Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for under way how to address the issue of improving driver Transport whether he plans to respond to the vision from all types of HGVs. I visited a manufacturer European Aviation Safety Agency’s notice of proposed in my constituency last week which is addressing these amendment for flight time limitations. [40964] specific issues. Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 28 February 2011, Official Report, columns 177-78W Cycling: Training given to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd). Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effects Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for on the provision of cycle training funded by Bikeability Transport what discussions he has with the Council of of adopting (a) one, (b) two and (c) three year Ministers on (a) the European Aviation Safety Agency funding cycles. [42946] and (b) proposals for limits on flight times. [40966] Norman Baker: The Government have committed to Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of support Bikeability cycle training for the remainder of 28 February 2011, Official Report, column 176W given this Parliament to signal our strong and continuing to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd). support for this programme. For 2011-12, £11 million of grant funding will be made available to local authorities Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for and School Sports Partnerships, providing the opportunity Transport what assessment he has made of the likely for more than 275,000 children to receive Bikeability effect of implementation of the provisions of the training. Later this year, prior to decisions on 2012-13 European Union Bill on the transfer of authority over funding, the Department for Transport will review the flight time limitations from the Civil Aviation allocation of Bikeability grants, including consideration Authority to the European Aviation Safety Agency. of any benefits of multi-year grant arrangements. [41004]

Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of Departmental NDPBs 28 February 2011, Official Report, column 177W given to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd). John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what targets have been set for the work of Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Driving Standards Agency. [39334] Transport what representations he has received from the airline industry on the European Aviation Safety Mike Penning: The Driving Standards Agency’s targets Agency’s proposals to change flight time limitations for are laid out in its annual business plan. Business plans pilots. [41005] are published on the agency’s corporate website and copies of which have been laid in the Libraries of both Mrs Villiers: I have not so far received any formal Houses. representations from the airline industry on this matter.

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Regulation Transport what factors he will use to determine whether his policy on the changes to pilots’ flight time Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for limitations proposed by the European Aviation Safety Transport what regulations his Department has Agency provide an appropriate level of safety. [41074] removed since 6 May 2010. [37390] 333W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 334W

Norman Baker: Since May 2010, my Department has Norman Baker: No detailed assessment of the air not revoked any regulatory measures other than those quality benefits a greater use of electric buses and taxis revoked by measures that replaced them. However, it is has been undertaken by the Department for Transport. possible that regulations sponsored by the Department However, as electric vehicles have zero tail pipe emissions for Transport have been revoked by instruments for there will be local air quality benefits with the increased which other Departments have policy responsibility. In use of such vehicles. the last few months, the Department has launched a review of employment law and is conducting a fundamental HM Coastguard: Closures review scrutinising the overall stock of Department for Transport regulation, alongside legacy measures inherited Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for from the previous Administration. These have yet to Transport pursuant to the answer of 7 February 2011, conclude. Official Report, column 58W, on sea rescue: closures, who conducted the impact assessment associated with Driving: Training the proposals set out in Protecting our Seas and Shores in the 21st Century; and if he will make a statement. Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for [41432] Transport if he will put driver awareness courses on a national footing so that those who elect to go on such Mike Penning: The consultation document, together courses as an alternative to a driving penalty are able to with the suite of documents published by the Maritime do so at a local centre rather than in the area where the and Coastguard Agency on 11 February, represents the offence was committed. [42165] collective, corporate position of the Maritime and Mike Penning: These driver awareness courses are Coastguard Agency and its chief executive, Sir Alan offered by police forces as alternatives to intended Massey. prosecutions. There are nationally recognised schemes Lorries: Accidents developed by the National Driver Offender Retraining Schemes (NDORS) initiative and operated by many police forces. Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) fatalities and (b) serious For example, the NDORS initiative for speed awareness injuries were caused by accidents involving large goods courses is used by the vast majority of English police vehicles in each year from 2000 to 2010. [41872] forces. Hence it offers drivers resident in a participating police force area the opportunity to take a course at a local centre rather than one near where they were Mike Penning: The number of (a) fatalities and (b) detected speeding, provided the force detecting the speeding serious injuries in reported accidents involving a heavy also participates in the scheme. goods vehicle (HGV) for each year from 2000-09 is given in the following table. It is not possible to determine I am working with the police towards the aim of all from the data whether the HGV caused the accident. English forces participating in NDORS. Number of casualties by severity in reported accidents involving at However, the decisions about whether, and if so least one HGV1 GB: 2000-09 what, alternatives to potential prosecution to offer are Number of casualties for local police forces and police authorities to make. I (a) Killed (b) Seriously injured am therefore reluctant to dictate how police forces must operate in respect of driver awareness courses. Such 2000 560 2,719 decisions are rightly influenced by local priorities, policies, 2001 575 2,564 resources and other circumstances. 2002 532 2,374 2003 528 2,111 Electric Vehicles 2004 449 1,884 John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for 2005 486 1,785 Transport what estimate he has made of the average 2006 419 1,700 rate of use of charging points for electric vehicles in the 2007 435 1,574 last six months. [37672] 2008 368 1,344 2009 268 1,171 Norman Baker: We do not have access to data on 1 Goods vehicles with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes recharging for all EV charging points in the UK, as or over. many of these have been put in by businesses for use by Data for 2010 will be published in summer 2011. employees or the public. Data will be available on the usage of EV charging Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for infrastructure installed as part of the Plugged-In Places Transport in how many road traffic accidents involving programme. This data will start to be available once the large goods vehicles driver tiredness was found to be a back-offices for the schemes are installed. All eight contributory factor in each year from 2000 to 2010. back-offices are expected to be complete by autumn [41873] 2011. Mike Penning: The number of reported personal Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for injury road accidents where the contributory factor Transport what assessment he has made of the effects “Fatigue” was assigned to the driver of a heavy goods on levels of (a) nitrogen dioxide and (b) particulate vehicle (HGV) is given in the following table. It is not matter emissions of greater use of electric power by possible to determine from the data whether the HGV buses and taxis. [41876] caused the accident: 335W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 336W

Reported personal injury road accidents involving a driver of a HGV1 to whom a contributory factor “Fatigue” assigned: Great Britain, Number 2005-09 2004 67 Contributory factor2: Fatigue Number of accidents 2005 68 2005 155 2006 88 2006 172 2007 132 2007 143 2008 127 2008 110 2009 121 2009 95 2010 100 1 Goods vehicles with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes or over. Network Rail: Finance 2 Includes only personal injury road accidents where a police officer attended the scene and in which a contributory factor was reported. Contributory factor data have only been collected Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for since 2005. Data for 2010 will be published in summer Transport what savings Network Rail has identified to 2011. date to contribute to its efficiency savings over the regulatory period; and in what areas of its operations Lorries: Sleep Apnoea such savings are expected to arise. [42312]

Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Villiers: The independent Office of Rail Regulation Transport in how many road traffic accidents involving has set Network Rail a requirement to make efficiency large goods vehicles the driver was found to be savings of 21% over Control Period 4—which covers suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea in each year 2009 to 2014—in the operation, maintenance and renewal from 2000 to 2010. [41874] of the national network. It falls to the Office of Rail Regulation to monitor Network Rail’s progress towards Mike Penning: Some crashes involving heavy goods achieving this target on a continuous basis. vehicles are identified as being wholly or partly caused by fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel, but there are no Pedestrian Crossings figures to indicate the role of obstructive sleep apnoea in most of these cases. Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which bodies are responsible for providing Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for safe crossing routes for (a) school children and (b) Transport how many heavy goods vehicle licence other pedestrians at locations where lights-controlled holders have had their licences suspended pending crossings are not operational; and if he will make a treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea in each year statement. [42190] from 2000 to 2010. [41875] Mike Penning: The provision of pedestrian crossing Mike Penning: Driving licences cannot be suspended, facilities on the public highway, including crossing facilities instead the law allows for them to be revoked. Data on not controlled by traffic signals, is a matter for the the number of licences revoked pending treatment for relevant highway authority. obstructive sleep apnoea is only held since 2004 and combines drivers with both large goods vehicle and/or Rescue Services: Fife Ness passenger carrying vehicle driving entitlement. These volumes are shown in the following table. Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions the Fife Ness Number coastguard service was called out in the last three years; 2004 67 and for what types of incident. [42815] 2005 66 2006 56 Mike Penning [holding answer 28 February 2011]: 2007 61 The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at 2008 44 Forth is located within Fife Ness. The following statistics 2009 44 outline the incidents the MRCC coordinated over the 2010 37 last three years. It should be noted that the MRCC coordinates search and rescue during incidents. It is the volunteer coastguard Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for rescue service and other search and rescue responders, Transport how many applications for heavy goods such as the RNLI who respond to incidents. vehicle licences were refused because the applicant was suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea in each year Incidents for Forth (Including alarm, distress and uncertainty(ADU)) by revised incident Type/Year from 2000 to 2010. [41967] Revised Incident type 2008 2009 2010 Total

Mike Penning: Information on how many applications AAID - Aircraft appears ——22 for a driving licence were refused because the applicant in difficulties was suffering from sleep apnoea is only available since AE - Aircraft Emergency 6 5 2 13 2004 and combines both large goods vehicle and/or ANR- Animal Rescue 1 1 4 6 AOA - Assisting other 25 33 64 122 passenger carrying vehicle driving entitlement. These authorities volumes are shown in the following table. 337W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 338W

Incidents for Forth (Including alarm, distress and uncertainty(ADU)) by revised Incidents for Forth (Including alarm, distress and uncertainty(ADU)) by revised incident Type/Year incident Type/Year Revised Incident type 2008 2009 2010 Total Revised Incident type 2008 2009 2010 Total

APS - Accident 47920VPIR - Vessel - Piracy or 1—— 1 prevention and hijack surveillance VS - Vessel Sinking 2 1 3 6 DD-Diver-In 4228VSMR - Vessel Sail, mast —2—2 difficulties or rigging failure DM - Diver medical 3 5 4 12 VSUNK - Vessel - Sunk 4 — — 4 DO - Diver Overdue or 1—— 1VTW - Vessel - Taking 21912 missing water E- Exercise 8 10 3 21 VUP - Vessel Unsure of —213 FAGI - False Alert - 81 122 129 332 position Good intent WCI - Watercraft 2316 FAMI - False Alert - 16 13 10 39 inflatable Malicious intent WCP - Watercraft 1157 FLT - Flare Report 19212powered Telephone WCUN - Watercraft 67518 FO - Fault - Other 1 — — 1 unpowered G121.5 -121.5 1—— 1Other 6 3 3 12 Transmission Grand Total 378 508 556 1,442 G243 - 243 Transmission 1 — — 1 G406 -406 Transmission 2 3 1 6 GDSCV - DSC VHF — 2 — 2 Roads: Safety ML - Medical evacuation 44614 from land MRA - Medical Radio —1—1 Medical Advice Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for MS - Medical evacuation 66820Transport what estimate he has made of the change in from vessel the level of the (a) Road Safety Capital Grant and (b) OL - Ordnance - On land 4 1 5 10 Road Safety Revenue Grant reduction in each year of OS - Ordnance at sea 6 3 4 13 the Comprehensive Spending Review period. [42822] PB - Persons - Body 13610 recovery PC - Persons - Cut off or 31 45 44 120 Mike Penning: No payments of either the specific stranded road safety capital grant or the dedicated road safety PILL - Persons - Illness — 2 1 3 resource grant (or road safety funding stream within PINJ - Persons - Injured 8 9 9 26 the area based grant) are planned to be made during the PIW - Persons - In water 21 26 36 83 comprehensive spending review period from 2011-12 to PMIS - Persons - Missing 5 9 8 22 2014-15. POC - Persons - on cliff 5 8 13 26 In the case of the specific road safety capital grant PS - Persons - Suicide or 20 19 33 72 attempted suicide this is because the capital funding streams paid by the PSIM - Person stuck in 3115Department for Transport to local authorities have mud been simplified radically. The number of these transport T- Training 5 3 2 10 capital funding streams has been reduced from 26 to VAB - Vessel - 3339four. Abandoned VAD - Vessel - Adverse 38516This is to assist increasing local control, participation conditions and accountability in the use of resources by enabling VAG - Vessel - Aground 11 21 8 40 local communities to decide their own priorities and set VAID - Vessel appears in 617932their budgets according to local, not national, priorities. difficulties More details about local transport capital funding are VCAP - Vessel - Capsized 5 8 8 21 on the Department for Transport’s website. VCOL - Vessel - Collision — 1 — 1 In the case of revenue funding, the local transport VD - Vessel - Drifting or 5 9 13 27 dragging anchor elements of the former area based grant have been VDEF - Vessel - 35 52 54 141 rolled into the general formula grant for the comprehensive DEFREP or Machinery spending review period. These local transport elements Failure were the resource funding streams for road safety, the VF - Vessel - Fire or 1—— 1maintenance of de-trunked roads and rural bus subsidy explosion grant. VFUEL - Vessel - Out of 36716 fuel The general formula grant paid to local authorities VGF - Vessel - Gear 42410has been increased for 2011-12 and subsequent years by fouled an adjustment of £112 million in the 2010-11 baseline. VHI - Vessel Hazardous —156This adjusted figure for 2010-11 is then used in the Incident calculation of the 2011-12 revenue support grant settlement. VMOB - Vessel - Man —2—2 overboard Detailed information is published in the local government VO-Vessel-Overdue — 4 1 5 finance section of the Department of Communities and VPF - Vessel Propeller 42410Local Government’s website at: fouled http://www.local.communities.gov.uk/finance/ssas.htm 339W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 340W

UN Decade of Road Safety The outcomes of Professor Alison Wolf’s Review of Vocational Education, due to report in spring 2011, will Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for inform our decision about the future of the Young Transport who is to be nominated as the national focal Apprenticeship programme. point for the UN Decade of Road Safety; and when that nomination is to be made to the World Health Organisation. [37839] Children: Care Homes and Foster Care Mike Penning: The role of the national focal point is a working level role, dealing with information sent by Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for the World Health Organisation such as research and Education how many children aged (a) five, (b) 10 and providing data on request. (c) 15 were in (i) residential care and (ii) foster care in (A) 1990, (B) 2000 and (C) 2010. [34410] An official from the division dealing with road safety within the Department for Transport will be the national focal point for the UN Decade of Road Safety. We are Tim Loughton: The information is not available for in the process of notifying the World Health Organisation 1990. The earliest year for which this information is of this nomination. available is 1992 and this has been included in the following table with the information for 2000 and 2010. Children looked after at 31 March aged (a) 5, (b) 10 and (c) 15 in (i) residential care and (ii) foster care1, 2, 3 4 Years ending 31 March 1992, 2000 and EDUCATION 2010 Coverage: England Adoption Numbers Residential care Foster care Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Age at31 Education what recent representations he has received March 1992 2000 2010 1992 2000 2010 on adoption procedures; and if he will make a statement. [40917] 5 90 40 10 1,500 1,700 1,700 10 400 360 140 1,800 2,300 2,400 Tim Loughton [holding answer 14 February 2011]: I 15 1,900 1,700 1,600 2,800 3,100 4,300 regularly receive representations about adoption from 1 Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100 if they exceed 1,000 and to the Members of Parliament, adopters, adoption professionals, nearest 10 otherwise. 2 Figures exclude children looked after under an agreed series of short term voluntary organisations, councillors and members of placements. the public. I also receive valuable feedback and advice 3 Children in residential care include children looked after and placed in secure from my Ministerial Advisory Group on Adoption and units, children placed in homes and hostels subject to Children’s Homes Regulations, children placed in residential accommodation (hostels and supportive from the Department’s Adoption Stakeholder Group, residential settings) not subject to Children’s homes regulations, children placed both of which include representatives from local authorities in residential settings and children in all residential schools, except where and the voluntary sector. I also recently held a roundtable dual-registered as a school and children’s home. 4 Figures are taken from the SSDA903 return which for 1992 and 2010 cover all event with a group of adopters to hear their views on children looked after and for 2000 have been derived from the one third sample. what is working well and what needs to improve, and Source: plan shortly to hold a similar event with a group of SSDA903 adopted children. Apprentices Children: Disadvantaged

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many young people aged 14 to 16 years Education what his estimate is of the level of have participated in a young apprenticeship in (a) deprivation for school children resident in (a) England, (b) the North West and (c) West Lancashire Blackpool North and Cleveleys constituency and (b) constituency in each of the last three years. [37690] Lancashire using as a measure (i) eligibility for free Mr Gibb: Starts to the programme in England and school meals and (ii) the Income Deprivation Affecting for the North West are shown in the following table. Children Index 2007. [37317] Data are not collected by constituency. Mr Gibb: The information requested is as follows: National (i) Number and percentage of pupils1, 2 resident in (a) Blackpool North and As at planned National North West Cleveleys constituency and (b) Lancashire known to be eligible for free school September: YA Cohort places starts starts meals in 2010 Number of pupils1 Percentage of pupils1 2008 Cohort 5 9,000 9,232 1,302 eligible for free school eligible for free school 2009 Cohort 6 9,000 7,671 1,124 meals meals 2010 Cohort 7 10,000 9,365 1,065 Blackpool North and 2,402 22.3 Apprentices: Finance Cleveleys Lancashire 23,456 15.3 Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 Includes full-time and part-time pupils who are sole or dual registrations, attending maintained nursery, primary, middle deemed primary, secondary Education how much he plans to allocate to young and middle deemed secondary schools, City Technology Colleges, Academies apprenticeships in each of the next four years. [37688] and all Special Schools. Includes Boarders. 2 Pupils eligible for free school meals who have full-time attendance and are Mr Gibb: We are currently considering the implications aged 15 or under, or pupils who have part-time attendance and are aged between 5 and 15. of the spending review settlement—including budgets Source: for the Young Apprenticeship programme. School Census (Final) 341W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 342W

(ii) Number and percentage of pupils1, 2 resident in (a) Blackpool North and College of Social Work: British Association of Social Cleveleys constituency and (b) Lancashire by IDACI3, 4 deprivation decile in 2010 Workers Blackpool North and Lancashire Cleveleys Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for IDACI Number of Percentage Number of Percentage Education if he will meet the Chair and Chief decile34 pupils of pupils pupils of pupils Executive of the British Association of Social Workers to discuss the College of Social Work. [36595] 0-10% most 1,940 17.4 16,289 10.0 deprived Tim Loughton [holding answer 7 February 2011]: 10-20 706 6.3 18,311 11.2 Ministers have already discussed this matter with the 20-30 626 5.6 14,839 9.1 chief executive of the British Association of Social 30-40 1,973 17.7 16,232 9.9 Workers on numerous occasions. They have recently 40-50 2,084 18.7 12,311 7.5 written to both the College of Social Work and the 50-60 1,783 16.0 12,432 7.6 British Association of Social Workers urging the two 60-70 930 8.3 15,984 9.8 organisations to resume discussions on convergence 70-80 340 3.1 16,934 10.4 and offering their services to help, if necessary, and a 80-90 554 5.0 19,459 11.9 meeting has now happened. 90-100 least 210 1.9 20,682 12.7 deprived College of Social Work: Social Care Institute for 1 Includes full-time and part-time pupils who are sole or dual registrations, Excellence attending maintained nursery, primary, middle deemed primary, secondary and middle deemed secondary schools, City Technology Colleges, Academies and Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for all Special Schools. Includes Boarders. 2 Pupils with known home postcode in full or part time attendance attending Education how much funding his Department has maintained nursery schools, in National Curriculum Year Groups Reception allocated to the Social Care Institute for Excellence -Year 14 and pupils attending special schools who do not follow the National since the announcement of the College of Social Work; Curriculum. 3 Income Deprivation Affecting Children Indices. Each SOA in England is given and how much funding he has allocated to the Social a score which ranks it between 1 and 32,482 — 1 being the most deprived. Care Institute for Excellence in each of the next five 4 IDACI bands are based on 2007 IDACI scores. years. [36593] Source: School Census (Final) Tim Loughton [holding answer 7 February 2011]: The Children: Protection Social Care Institute for Excellence has been asked to facilitate the establishment of the College of Social Work, providing administrative support and expertise Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for in a developmental phase of two years. The Department Education whether he has plans to repeal Section 175 of Health has made £2.5 million available for this work. of the Education Act 2002 on safeguarding and The Department of Education has committed to match promoting the welfare of pupils. [37217] this funding and officials are in discussions as to the appropriate time to make funds available to meet the Tim Loughton [holding answer 3 February 2011]: emerging business development plan. There are no plans to repeal section 175 of the Education Act 2002. This section was introduced following the Departmental Manpower tragic death of Lauren Wright, to ensure that schools John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for do not ignore or overlook guidance on safeguarding in Education how many agency workers his Department schools issued by my Department. The section assists and its non-departmental public bodies employ at each governing bodies of schools in making such arrangements pay grade. [27790] to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. Tim Loughton: Information for the Department is set College of Social Work out in the following table:

Grade Number of staff Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will investigate the use of public funds Executive Assistant 6 provided for the establishment of the College of Social Executive Officer 1— Work by the Social Care Institute for Excellence and Higher Executive Officer 0 the Interim Board of the College of Social Work. Senior Executive Officer 1— [41232] Grade 7 0 Grade 6 0 Tim Loughton: Following the publication of the Social SCS 0 Work Task Force Report, the Department for Education 1 Fewer than five committed to match £2.5 million of funding made Information for the Department’s non-departmental available by the Department of Health to support the public bodies and their agency staff is not held centrally establishment of an independent, national college of and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. social work. This Department’s funds have not yet been Departmental Responsibilities allocated and officials are in discussions regarding the appropriate time that further funds will need to be Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for made available to meet the emerging business development Education how many (a) units and (b) teams have plan. Both Departments have recently investigated concerns been established in his Department since May 2010; raised with us in relation to the college’s use of public and what the (i) name, (ii) purpose, (iii) staffing levels funds and are reassured that there is no actual or and (iv) annual running cost is of each such team or proposed misuse. unit. [36494] 343W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 344W

Tim Loughton [holding answer 27 January 2011]: Mr Gibb: Finance education is currently part of Published information is available on the Department’s non-statutory Personal, Social, Health and Economic website as part of Transparency Agenda. (PSHE) education at Key Stages 1 to 4. All young Information on the departmental structure can be people should benefit from high-quality PSHE, which found at: includes financial capability. We announced, in the recent http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/d/dfe%20 Schools White Paper, “The Importance of Teaching”, organisation%20chart%20as%20of%2030%20september%202010.pdf our intention to conduct an internal review of PSHE Information on team and business unit purpose can education to determine how we can support schools to be found at: improve the quality of PSHE teaching, including giving teachers the flexibility to use their judgment about how http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/xls/d/ dfe%20senior%20posts%20dataset.csv best to deliver PSHE. Annual running costs for each business directorate The Department for Education is currently developing are set out in the following table: the remit for the internal PSHE review and further information will be available in due course. Directorate Annual running costs (£)

Education Standards 30,628,180 Extended Schools Infrastructure and Funding 19,286,694 Children, Young People and Families 32,230,619 Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Finance and Corporate Services 90,506,501 Education (1) what his Department’s future plans are Internal Audit 2,043,000 for extended schools; [32872] Legal Advisers 3,857,000 (2) whether (a) academies and (b) free schools will Private Office 3,920,000 have a duty to provide extended hours schooling; [32873] Education: Finance (3) how much his Department has allocated to fund Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for extended schools in each year for the comprehensive Education what the level of entitlement funding was in spending review period; [32871] (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 for (i) England, (ii) (4) what funding his Department plans to allocate Greater London, (iii) Islington and (iv) City and for extended hours schooling in (a) academies and (b) Islington College. [35776] free schools over the period of the comprehensive Mr Gibb [holding answer 24 January 2011]: The spending review. [32874] entitlement funding in 2010/11 is shown in the following (5) how many school pupils attended (a) breakfast table. clubs, (b) after-school and homework clubs and (c) other forms of extended hours schooling in the latest Entitlement funding (£ million) period for which figures are available; and what England 899 evaluation his Department has made of the effects on Greater London 136 academic attainment of the provision of such services. [32870] Islington 4.7 City and Islington College 4.2 Sarah Teather: In the Schools White Paper “The The figure for Islington is the total of entitlement Importance of Teaching”, published in November 2010, funding allocated to: we said that we will rely on schools to work together Highbury Grove School with voluntary, business and statutory agencies to create Highbury Fields School an environment where every child can learn, and can Central Foundation Boys’ School experience new and challenging opportunities through St Aloysius R.C. College extended services. This includes academies and free schools. St Mary Magdalene Academy City of London Academy Islington The comprehensive spending review 2010 announced City and Islington College that the amounts of extended services funding currently provided through the Department’s Standards Fund Springboard Islington Trust will form part of the overall schools revenue baseline Pre-School Learning Alliance from April 2011. There will be no specific amounts Jobwise Training earmarked for extended services. Schools, including Funding for the entitlement is ending in 2011/12, but academies and free schools, will have freedom and we have protected 30 guided learning hours for tutorials, flexibility to spend their budgets to support their pupils which equates to £195 per student before uplifts for area in the ways they judge best. costs, success rates and disadvantage are applied. Actual The Department does not collect data on how many allocations of funding for providers for 2011/12 are still school pupils attend (a) breakfast clubs, (b) after-school being calculated and will not be finalised until March. and homework clubs and (c) other forms of extended Education: Financial Services hours schooling. However, two recently published surveys give an indication of the proportion of children using Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State various services. for Education if he will make an assessment of the The Department’s Childcare and Early Years Survey adequacy of the provision of financial education for of Parents for 2009, published in 2010, entailed interviews young people; and if he will make a statement. [37408] with a sample of just over 6,700 parents with children 345W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 346W aged under 15. This found that one-third of the sample Languages: Education of families used a breakfast or after-school club on a school site and 7% used a breakfast or after-school club Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for off-site. The most common activity that children took Education what estimate he has made of the number of part in was sport (60% of those using before or after hours of modern foreign languages teaching there were school provision) and just under one-third took part in in primary schools in each of the last three years. play/recreational activities, or other creative activities [37940] (31% and 28% respectively). 30% were undertaking study, homework, computer activities or learning languages. Mr Gibb: Research published by the Department in Some children were engaging in more than one type of July 2009 measured the proportion of primary schools activity. teaching languages to at least some of their year groups Full details can be found at: at key stage 2 across the years 2006-08. Across the three http://publications.education.gov.uk/default.aspx?Page Function years of the survey the proportions were: =productdetails&PageMode=publications&Productld=DFE- 2006: 70%; RR054 2007: 84%; The Department has published a fuller summary of 2008: 92%. evidence of the impact of extended services, which can In addition, the research showed the proportion of be found at: primary schools teaching languages to all four year http://www.education.gov.uk/popularquestions/schools/ groups in the key stage. These proportions were: typesofschools/extendedschools/a005585/what-are-extended- services 2006: 34%; 2007: 54%; 2008: 69%. Free Schools In most cases, this included all pupils within key stage 2. Dr Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for No further research was commissioned by the Education (1) how much his Department has spent to Department in 2010 in this area. date on supporting and promoting applications for free Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for schools; [35053] Education what proportion of maintained schools (2) whether his Department has allocated resources teach (a) French, (b) German, (c) Latin, (d) Spanish to groups who have made applications for free schools. and (e) any other language on a weekly basis. [37942] [35052] Mr Gibb: Research published by the Department in Mr Gibb [holding answer 24 January 2011]: The July 2009 measured the proportions of the 92% of Department does not provide direct support, either primary schools teaching languages in curriculum time financial or in the form of other resources, to free as follows: schools applicants until their proposal has been (a) French: 89%; approved by Ministers to proceed to business case and plan stage. (b) German:10%; (c) Latin: a statistically insignificant number; At application stage, support to groups or individuals (d) Spanish: 25%; is provided by the New Schools Network (NSN), an independent charitable organisation that is funded by (e) Other languages in curriculum time in appreciable numbers as the Department. To date the cost of the grant provided follows: to NSN has been £86,137. Italian: 3%; Chinese: 1%; Free Schools: Finance Japanese: 1%; Urdu: <1%. Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for The Languages Trends survey 2010 published by Education (1) what estimate he has made of the cost to CILT, the National Centre for Languages, in January the public purse of introducing the first free schools by 2011 showed that the proportion of maintained secondary schools teaching these languages in curriculum time September 2011; [39247] was as follows: (2) whether any funding from the public purse has been allocated to support the capital requirements of (a) French: 98% at key stage 3 and 96% at key stage 4; free schools. [39248] (b) German: 58% at key stage 3 and 60% at key stage 4; (c) Latin: 5% across both key stages; Mr Gibb [holding answer 8 February 2011]: All Free (d) Spanish: 63% at key stage 3 and 64% at key stage 4; and Schools opening in 2011 will receive revenue funding at (e) Other languages taught in curriculum time in an appreciable a rate that is equivalent to maintained schools and number of schools were: academies. On capital funding up to £50 million has Arabic: 1% at both key stage 3 and key stage 4; been set aside in 2010-11 to meet the capital needs of Italian: 4% at key stage 3 and 6% at key stage 4; Free Schools. Beyond that, provision forms part of the Japanese: 1% at key stage 3 and 2% at key stage 4; overall spending review settlement for schools. Allocations for free schools have yet to be decided and will be Mandarin: 3% at key stage 3 and 3% at key stage 4; dependent in part on the conclusion of the capital Russian: 0% at key stage 3 and 2% at key stage 4; review which we intend to publish shortly. Urdu: 5% at key stage 3 and 6% at key stage 4. 347W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 348W

Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for and Skills: Inspections Education what remuneration is received by the members of the committee overseeing the review of Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for school capital funding. [39664] Education whether the cessation of Ofsted inspection for outstanding providers will apply to schools and Mr Gibb: No member of the steering group of the colleges only or all settings under its remit. [39039] review of DfE capital receives any remuneration for work on the review. Mr Gibb [holding answer 9 February 2011]: The Government have announced proposals to free outstanding Schools: Performance Standards schools, colleges and private training organisations from routine inspection, as part of plans to introduce more Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for proportionate and targeted inspection arrangements. Education what arrangement his Department makes to Consideration is currently being given to the appropriateness take into account the performance of schools offering of extending the principle of exemption from inspection international qualifications in its published measures of to other areas of Ofsted’s remit. school performance; and if he will include in school league tables for 2010-11 a measure of performance Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education which takes into account international qualifications. [39846]

Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: The school and college (key stage 5) Education whether his internal review of Personal, performance tables have included achievements in the Social, Health and Economic education will include international baccalaureate alongside A-levels since 1994. consideration of issues associated with training for International GCSE (iGCSE) achievements were also teachers to deliver the subject. [36514] included in the 2010 secondary school (key stage 4) performance tables for the first time, and will continue Mr Gibb [holding answer 27 January 2011]: The to be included from now on. As with all other qualifications Department for Education is currently developing the included in the tables, iGCSEs are first accredited by remit for the internal PSHE review and further information Ofqual. This gives schools, parents, pupils, universities will be available in due course. and employers an independent guarantee of quality. As soon as iGCSEs are accredited, the predecessor Pre-school Education: Finance qualifications can be included in the performance tables. Some iGCSEs were not accredited in time, so could not Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for be included in the 2010 tables. However, we fully expect Education whether he has plans to review the hourly that the most popular iGCSEs will be included in the rate for early years funding in respect of the 2011 performance tables. entitlement to 15 hours of free provision. [32072] Schools: Sports Sarah Teather: Local authorities, in consultation with their schools forums, decide how best to distribute three Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for to 16 funding across their locality, and local authorities Education when he plans to announce details of future set their own local rates of funding to early years (a) funding and (b) arrangements for school sport providers. We are reforming the distribution of funding partnerships. [36340] by local authorities to ensure it is more efficient and transparent by requiring all authorities to introduce Tim Loughton: On 1 February the Department for from April 2011 a locally agreed early years single Education wrote to partnerships setting out the grant funding formula (EYSFF). An analysis of the rates awarded to each partnership in the 2010-11 financial paid by the 71 local authorities that have already year (September 2010 to August 2011 school year), and implemented their EYSFF is available on the Department’s confirming the funding that partnerships will receive as website at: their second and final grant payment in February 2011 http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/earlyyears/ to cover the period to August 2011. fundingreform/eysff_pathfinderprogramme/ The School Sport Partnership grant has been calculated We will be consulting on the future of school funding, on the basis of the cost of: including whether to introduce a national funding formula, Partnership Development Managers (PDMs); Assistant PDMs; in spring 2011. As part of that consultation, we will also School Sport Co-ordinators (SSCos); Primary Link Teachers cover funding for early years provision. (PLTs); and Further Education Sport Co-ordinators (FESCos), including pilot FESCos, for the autumn and spring terms (to 30 April 2011); School Capital Funding PDMs; Assistant PDMs; SSCos; and FESCos, including pilot FESCos, for the summer term (to 31 August 2011). PLT training Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for days are not funded in the summer term. Education whether the Chair of the review of school While the grant is calculated on the basis of posts, it capital funding receives a salary. [39662] was announced in October that partnerships should decide for themselves how the grant is spent for the Mr Gibb: Sebastian James receives no salary or purpose of providing physical education and sport for other remuneration for his work on the review of DfE young people. We expect that it will be used to embed capital. good practice from the previous Administration’s PE 349W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 350W and Sport Strategy and to introduce new sport competitions Tim Loughton [holding answer 1 February 2011]: The for more pupils as part of the coalition Government’s Department has not carried out any research studies School Games planned for spring 2012. into the effects of working with sports clubs on the teaching of sport in schools. Ofsted includes some positive observations in its 2009 report “Physical education Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for in schools 2005/08”, and the Department “PE and Education what assessment he has made of the likely Sport Survey 2009/10” includes quantitative data on the effect on competitive sport (a) within and (b) between number of school-club links. We believe, none the less, schools of the end of his Department’s funding for that links between schools and sports clubs are mutually competition managers. [36870] beneficial. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has responsibility for promoting school-sport Tim Loughton [holding answer 31 January 2011]: club links, and its Ministers intend to continue funding The Government believe that their new approach to this through Sport England. encouraging competitive sport, including the changes to the funding of posts that were part of the previous Science: Teachers Administration’s strategy (such as competition managers), will result in more pupils playing more competitive Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for sport. We can do much better than the two out of every Education if he will develop an indicator for schools to five pupils that play competitive sport regularly within report the proportion of their science and mathematics their own school, and the one in five pupils that plays teachers with specialist knowledge relevant to the regularly against other schools, reported last year. The subjects they teach. [36857] national curriculum for physical education already requires schools to provide competitive sports for all pupils in Mr Gibb [holding answer 31 January 2011]: The maintained schools, aged five to 16, and we will make Schools White Paper 2010, “The Importance of Teaching”, this clearer through the review of the national curriculum. sets out the Government’s commitment to attract more We envisage schools and teachers taking greater control of the best graduates of shortage subjects, including over what is taught in schools, innovating in how they mathematics and science, into teaching. We will publish teach it and developing new approaches. At the same a strategy document for discussion early this year setting time, we are encouraging the world of sport to improve out our plans for funding initial teacher training from and expand the competitions that are offered to schools, academic year 2012/13 to meet our policy aims. through the creation of a new School games. Information on the level and subject of all teachers’ post A-level qualifications and for secondary school Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for teachers the curriculum subject they teach forms part of Education when he expects to announce the funding the new annual School Workforce Census. From April for school sport partnerships in Warrington for this year information from the new School Workforce 2011-13. [37179] Census will be published on the qualifications and deployment of secondary school teachers as part of the School Workforce Statistical First Release. Tim Loughton: The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath The data from the Census will enable the Department (Michael Gove), announced in October 2010 that the to provide annual analysis on the subject specialisms of Department will not be funding school sport partnerships the current teaching workforce, including the proportion after this financial year, 2010-11. A final payment will of science and mathematics teachers with specialist be made to partnerships in Warrington at the end of knowledge relevant to the subjects they teach. This will February 2011, which covers the period to the end of enable us to monitor progress and ensure resources and the summer term. After that, it is up to the schools in initiatives are targeted appropriately. Warrington whether they work in partnerships to organise Social Workers physical education and competitive sports and how they fund this from their dedicated school grant. We Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for envisage schools and teachers taking greater control Education if he will bring forward proposals to assist over what is taught in PE, innovating in how they teach child protection social workers who experience stress and developing new approaches. The Secretary of State due to their work. [40330] also announced in December 2010 that the Department will provide £65 million in the new spending review Tim Loughton: Professor Munro is currently undertaking period for secondary schools to release a PE teacher for an independent review of child protection. She published a day a week to help local schools embed good practice her interim report on 1 February 2011. She has highlighted and organise competitive sports. Secondary schools in that if staff were well-supported in handling the emotional Warrington will be eligible for a share of this funding. and cognitive aspects of the work more effectively, the The Department is developing the arrangements for problem of social workers leaving would be reduced. I this and will notify schools in due course. look forward to receiving her final report and recommendations in April to which we will respond. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 25 January 2011, Teachers: Right of Search Official Report, column 164W, on schools: sports, what assessment he has made of the effects of working Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for with sports clubs on the teaching of sport in schools. Education what consultation he has undertaken on his [37600] proposal to increase search powers for teachers. [37960] 351W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 352W

Mr Gibb: In a statement to the House on 7 July I Information on the number of apprenticeship starts announced the Government’s intention to introduce is published in a quarterly statistical first release (SFR). regulations to add to the list of items for which teachers The latest SFR was published on 27 January 2011: can search and to introduce a more general search http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ power in the next Education Bill. statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current Following the July behaviour announcement, we Apprentices: Redundancy undertook an informal consultation on the items to be added by regulations. On 13 September officials wrote to five teacher professional organisations and Ofsted Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State inviting their views on the proposed regulations—we for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how many received three responses. apprentices (a) in each age group and (b) at each apprenticeship level have been made redundant since Our intention to make regulations and to introduce a May 2010; [42254] broader power also featured in the recent schools White Paper. In a letter to head teachers and chairs of governors (2) what arrangements his Department has put in on 24 November, the Secretary of State invited comment place to record the number of apprentices made on the content of the White Paper. redundant. [42255] Vocational Education Mr Hayes [holding answer 28 February 2011]: Since the beginning of the 2009/10 academic year, information Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for on apprentices who leave the programme due to redundancy Education what plans he has to improve vocational is submitted by colleges and training providers to the Skills Funding Agency in my Department, as part of education in schools. [39654] the Individualised Learner Record (ILR). Mr Gibb: The Secretary of State for Education, my The following table shows the number of apprentices right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath who left the programme due to redundancy, during the (Michael Gove), has asked Professor Alison Wolf to six month period May to October 2010 (that is, Quarter 4 carry out an independent review of vocational 2009/10 academic year (based on final data), and Quarter 1 education. Professor Wolf will consider the organisation, 2010/11 (based on provisional data). funding, and target audience for vocational education, and the principles that should underpin the content, Intermediate Advanced/higher All apprenticeships apprenticeships apprenticeships structure and teaching methods. She will report in the spring, and her findings will inform future developments Under 19 130 210 340 to improve the standard of vocational education for 19-24 50 70 120 14 to 19-year-olds. 25+ 20 20 40 All ages 200 290 490

British Postal Museum and Archive BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Apprentices: Greater London Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for transfer responsibility for the British Postal Museum Business, Innovation and Skills how many young and Archive from Royal Mail to Post Office Ltd. people took up an engineering apprenticeship in (a) [42205] England, (b) the London Borough of Enfield and (c) Mr Davey: The British Postal Museum and Archive Enfield North constituency in 2009-10. [41387] (BPMA) is an independent trust. Royal Mail supports the BPMA through charitable contributions to the museum Mr Hayes: Table 1 shows the number of apprenticeship and through a service contract for the maintenance of starts by young people (aged under 19) on an engineering the archive. framework in England, Enfield local authority and Enfield North parliamentary constituency in the 2009/10 We have included provisions in the Postal Services academic year. Bill that would enable the Lord Chancellor to issue a direction that would have the effect of requiring Royal Table 1: Apprenticeship programme starts by young people (aged under 19) on the engineering framework in England, Enfield local authority and Enfield North Mail to keep and maintain the archive that is currently constituency, 2009/10 placed on deposit with the BPMA in line with the Geography Apprenticeship starts Public Records Act, regardless of Royal Mail’s future ownership. Enfield North Parliamentary — Constituency Enfield Local Authority — Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for England 7,800 Business, Innovation and Skills what arrangements are Notes: in place to ensure that Royal Mail has a responsibility 1. Figures for England are rounded to the nearest 100. Figures for in perpetuity to transfer (a) archives, (b) stamps and parliamentary constituency and local authority are rounded to the nearest (c) other artefacts to the British Postal Museum and 100. ‘—’ indicates a base value of less than five. 2. Age is based on age at the start of the programme. Archive. [42206] 3. Geographic information is based upon the home postcode of the learner. The England figure includes those learners studying in England where the Mr Davey: We have included provisions in the Postal postcode is not known or is outside of England. Source: Services Bill that would enable the Lord Chancellor to Individualised Learner Record issue a direction that would have the effect of requiring 353W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 354W

Royal Mail to keep and maintain the public records Mr Davey: The Insolvency Service monitors and (which includes stamp issues) placed on deposit with assesses business information and liaises with business the British Postal Museum and Archive in line with the and regulatory organisations to identify high profile Public Records Act. The museum collection is a significant and complex insolvencies, and developing trends in part of Royal Mail’s heritage. We consider that the misconduct. It also liaises with insolvency practitioner company will continue to ensure, regardless of ownership, office holders to assess, and plan for, the impact of large that this heritage is preserved as it is an important part investigations on the Insolvency Service’s resources. In of the Royal Mail brand. addition, the Insolvency Service maintains an outreach programme with insolvency practitioners that provide Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for education on the work of the Insolvency Service’s Business, Innovation and Skills when Ministers in his disqualification procedures and reporting requirements. Department last met representatives of the British Postal Museum and Archive; what matters were (a) Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for discussed and (b) agreed at that meeting; and if he will Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has make a statement. [42207] made of the merit of hypothecating funds from the levying of fines on directors disqualified under the Mr Davey: I met representatives of the British Postal provisions of the Company Directors’ Disqualification Museum and Archive (BPMA) when I visited the archive Act 1986 to fund the Insolvency Service’s work on on 10 February this year. The Parliamentary Under- disqualification. [42012] Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my noble Friend, accompanied me on the visit. The visit Mr Davey: There are no plans for a fine, or a levy, on was primarily an introductory visit as neither of us had directors disqualified under the Company Directors visited the BPMA before. We discussed the maintenance Disqualification Act 1986 (CDDA 1986). of the museum and archive in general. No agreements As disqualification proceedings are public interest were reached. proceedings, there are objections to a fine or a levy Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for being imposed as part of the public interest criteria Business, Innovation and Skills what the status is of the especially as defendants in disqualification cases are British Postal Museum and Archive’s plans to develop able to take advantage of the undertaking regime. Most a new base in Swindon; and if he will make a directors offer a disqualification undertaking (79% of directors were disqualified by undertaking in 2009-10). statement. [42208] In any event, disqualification proceedings are not Mr Davey: The location of the British Museum and criminal but civil proceedings initiated in the public Archive is a matter for the BPMA and Royal Mail. interest. The primary purpose of disqualification is not I understand that the move to Swindon is no longer punishment of directors but the protection of the public going ahead but that other options are being considered. through incapacitation and deterrence. Legal costs are sought against directors who are Directors: Disqualification disqualified by court order, as in other civil proceedings.

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects the Business, Innovation and Skills what criteria the updating of the Guidance Notes for the Completion of Insolvency Service uses to identify which D1 reports on Statutory Report and Returns (Company Directors the required conduct of directors under the provisions Disqualification Act 1986) to be completed. [42009] of the Company Directors’ Disqualification Act 1986 are most effective in ensuring that cases which may Mr Davey: The Insolvency Service’s website carries a involve the most serious misconduct are investigated. web based version of the guidance which is updated as [42013] and when required. Mr Davey: The Insolvency Service applies public Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for interest and evidential criteria to all D1 reports received Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has from insolvency practitioners, ensuring that all cases made of the merit of producing an online version of which meet the criteria will be taken forward to investigation. the D1 report forms on the required conduct of This would ensure that the most serious, in terms of directors under the provisions of the Company public interest, are investigated. Directors’ Disqualification Act 1986. [42010]

Mr Davey: The Insolvency Service has identified the Export Credit Guarantees submission of D1 reports as a service that could be moved online at an appropriate opportunity. Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for made of the difference in premiums and interest rates Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he has taken offered by (a) the Export Credits Guarantee to work with (a) the insolvency profession and (b) Department and (b) private sector. [41846] others on the reform of procedures for the identification and investigation of potential Mr Davey: The Export Credits Guarantee Department misconduct on the part of company directors to ensure (ECGD) carries out regular assessments of available that the most serious cases can be easily identified. private sector pricing with a view to not undercutting [42011] market rates. 355W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 356W

Loans guaranteed by ECGD are provided and funded letter3 to the Skills Funding Agency 17 June 2010 in the by commercial banks. The interest rates applicable to 2010-11 financial year that planned adult learner these loans are set by the funding banks by reference to responsive budget would be £1.799 billion and the prevailing market rates, except where transactions are planned adult apprenticeships budget would be supported by ECGD’s Fixed Rate Export Finance scheme. £0.548 billion. Under this scheme (which will cease to be available for 1 YPLA funding statement published in December 2010 new business from 1 April 2011) the interest rate is fixed http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/YPLA/16- in accordance with an internationally agreed formula 19_Funding_Statement.pdf determined by the OECD and derived from Government 2 BIS Skills Investment Strategy 2010-11 bond yields. http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/corporate/migratedd/ publications/s/skills-investment-strategy.pdf Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for 3 Business, Innovation and Skills whether there are any Grant letter to the Skills Funding Agency circumstances in which the Export Credits Guarantee http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/corporate/docs/s/10-1013- Department requires exports to be backed with a sfa-funding-letter-2010-11.pdf sovereign counter guarantee from the importing country’s government. [41847] Higher education: Admissions

Mr Davey: Export Credits Guarantee Department Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State (ECGD) usually seeks a sovereign guarantee of payment for Business, Innovation and Skills how many young that commits the full faith and credit of the sovereign people entered (a) further education and (b) higher government to honour its debt obligations on an export education in the last 12 months. [43001] transaction where the buyer is a ministry or department of the central government. Sovereign guarantees of payment may also be sought where the buyer is a Mr Hayes [holding answer 28 February 2011]: Near publicly owned entity in circumstances when ECGD final data shows that in 2009/10 academic year, there judges that such security is necessary and it is available. were 1,094,800 learners aged under 19 participating in ECGD does not normally seek sovereign guarantees of further education (FE). This includes participation in payment for export transactions involving private buyers general FE colleges, sixth forms colleges, special colleges or where it takes project risk involving limited recourse and learners participating on apprenticeship programmes. financing structures. This does not include learners participating in school sixth forms. This participation figure includes learners starting a course in 2009/10 and learners who started a Further Education: Finance course in a previous academic year and are continuing with their learning in 2009/10. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State For higher education, the definition of “young” differs for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding for undergraduate and postgraduate entrants. For was provided for further education in the academic undergraduates, young refers to those aged under 21, year 2009-10. [43003] and for postgraduates, those aged under 25. The latest figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency Mr Hayes [holding answer 28 February 2011]: The (HESA) which cover the 2009/10 academic year, show Government allocate funding for further education on there were 333,225 young (aged under 21) undergraduate a financial year basis. Further Education (FE)and Skills entrants to English Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), provision for learners aged 16-18 years is funded by the and 108,724 young (aged under 25) postgraduate entrants Department for Education and the Department for to English HEIs. Business, Innovation and Skills funds provision for learners aged 19+ years. The 2009/10 academic year straddles both the 2009-10 and 2010-11 financial years. Post Offices The allocations for each of those financial years are given as follows. Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for The actual spend for the 2009-10 financial year on Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to his delivering teaching and learning for those aged 16-18 in Department’s document, Securing the Future of the FE colleges and sixth form colleges was £3.794 billion Post Office in the Digital Age, in how many post offices and £0.688 billion for this apprenticeships for this age he expects the sub-postmaster to lose their basic salary group. For 2010-11 planned spend is £4.001 billion on and be paid on commission for each transaction. provision for those aged 16-18 in FE college and sixth [42819] form colleges and further £0.780 billion on apprenticeships. The figures were published by Young Person’s Learning Mr Davey: The Department’s document ’Securing 1 Agency’s (YPLA) in its funding statement on 20 December the Future of the Post Office in the Digital Age indicated 2010 and exclude funding used to support learners with that over the next four years around 2,000 small sub-post learning difficulties and disabilities. offices will convert to the Post Office local model which For the 2009-10 the Department for Business, has lower operating costs for both the retailer and Post Innovation and Skills stated in its Skills Investment Office Ltd. As sub-postmasters are not employees of Strategy2 published on 16 November 2009 that Post Office Ltd they are not paid a salary but are planned spend on adult learner responsive provision remunerated in line with their contractual terms and for those aged 19+ would be £1.753 billion and conditions as agreed with the National Federation of £0.389 billion on apprenticeships. As outlined in the grant SubPostmasters. 357W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 358W

Postal Boxes: Repairs and Maintenance A working party, comprising of officials from BIS, the Tribunals Service, Her Majesty’s Treasury and the Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Competition Service have been examining the case for Business, Innovation and Skills what the change was in abolition of the Competition Service and will make the cost of maintaining Royal Mail post office boxes recommendations to the Secretary of State for Business, between 2010 and 2011; and what the reason was for Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Secretary of State the change. [42717] for Justice shortly. If the Competition Service is not abolished the CAT Mr Davey: The maintenance of its post boxes is an sponsorship will remain with BIS. operational matter for Royal Mail. Tribunals Service: Copyright Tribunal I have therefore asked the Chief Executive of Royal Mail, Moya Greene, to respond directly to the hon. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Member and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for Libraries of the House. the transfer of the Copyright Tribunal to the Tribunals Service. [42986] Sales Methods Mr Davey: The merger of the Copyright Tribunal Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for with the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) Tribunals Service Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has was announced in October 2010, subject to agreement made of the effectiveness of regulations in reducing the of the details with the MoJ. Discussions continue with incidence of aggressive sales techniques. [41843] the MoJ on precisely where the Copyright Tribunal would be situated within the Tribunals Service. Mr Davey: The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 prohibit traders from engaging in aggressive practices which through the use of harassment, PRIME MINISTER coercion or undue influence distort consumers’ decisions in relation to products. These prohibitions are still Departmental Responsibilities: Urban Areas relatively new and it would therefore be premature to conduct an assessment of how effective they have been Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Prime Minister in reducing the incidence of aggressive sales techniques. pursuant to the answer of 15 November 2010, Official The Government have also asked the Law Commission Report, column 565W, on departmental and the Scottish Law Commission to examine how responsibilities: urban areas, on what date he plans to private law might be reformed to provide clearer, simpler announce the appointment of Ministers with routes to redress for consumers who have suffered responsibility for cities in England. [41417] misleading or aggressive practices. Clearer, simpler private law will complement the public regulation of unfair The Prime Minister: An announcement will be made commercial practices, deterring wrongful conduct. shortly. Skills Funding Agency: Contracts Third Sector Chris Ruane: To ask the Prime Minister if he will Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for assess the level of public appetite to participate in the Business, Innovation and Skills how many contracts big society initiative at times of reductions in public the Skills Funding Agency awarded to (a) small and expenditure. [42122] medium-sized and (b) large enterprises in the most recent six month period for which figures are available. The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the [42158] answer I gave on 14 February 2011 following my speech on the big society. A transcript of this can be found on Mr Prisk: We do not hold this information centrally. the No. 10 website at: I have asked the chief executive of the Skills Funding http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/speeches-and-transcripts/ Agency to write to you providing the details of the 2011/02/pms-speech-on-big-society-60563 number of contracts awarded to small, medium and large enterprises. Tribunals Service: Competition Appeals Tribunal NORTHERN IRELAND Departmental Conditions of Employment Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the transfer of the Competition Appeals Tribunal to Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of his the Tribunals Service. [42987] Department’s adherence to each of the principles of good employment practice set out in the Cabinet Office Mr Davey: The transfer of sponsorship of the publication Principles of Good Employment Practice. Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) from the Department [42618] for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to the Tribunals Service is dependant on the abolition of the Competition Mr Paterson: The Department adheres to each of the Service which currently provides administrative support principles in the Principles of Good Employment Practice to the CAT. where applicable. 359W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 360W

WALES to write to the right hon. Member with the information Departmental Conditions of Employment requested and I have seen the response. Letter from Stephen Geraghty: Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the what assessment she has made of her Department’s Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive adherence to each of the principles of good reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child employment practice set out in the Cabinet Office Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance publication Principles of Good Employment Practice. and Enforcement Commission. [42616] You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, by what date he expects the Child Support Agency Recovery Unit to Mr David Jones: The Principles of Good Employment return the papers relating to the two children of Samantha relate to best practice for how contractors employ staff. Docherty to the office handling the case. [41530] The Wales Office does not procure contractors itself. As details about individual cases are confidential I have written The Office uses the Ministry of Justice’s procurement to you separately about this case. systems and contractual arrangements. Children: Maintenance

Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for WORK AND PENSIONS Work and Pensions how many adoptive parents are Asbestos making child support payments to support children who are (a) no longer in their care and (b) in the care Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for of the child’s birth parents. [42710] Work and Pensions what plans his Department has for prevention of mesothelioma cases caused by exposure Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement to asbestos. [41891] Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner Chris Grayling: The prevention of exposure to asbestos to write to the hon. Member with the information at work is and will continue to be a priority for HSE. requested and I have seen the response. The majority of work with asbestos can only be carried Letter from Stephen Geraghty: out by contractors licensed by HSE. In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the In addition, when visiting employers as part of any Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive relevant intervention, HSE visiting staff actively explore reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance 2006, with non-domestic building owners and occupiers and Enforcement Commission. who have a duty to manage any asbestos in their premises. You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how HSE also works closely with stakeholders and partners many adoptive parents are making Child Support Agency payments to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos and to support children who are (a) no longer in their care and (b) in the care of the child’s birth parents. [42710] encourage trades people to access training. The Child Support Agency is not able to provide the figures Carer’s Allowance requested because it only records that a person is a non-resident parent. It does not record whether they are adoptive parents or Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work not. Child support legislation establishes that, where a child is and Pensions what recent assessment he has made of adopted, responsibility for the child, should they qualify for child the take-up of carer’s allowance by those who are maintenance, rests with the adoptive parent (section 26(2) of the Child Support Act 1991). The liability of a biological parent to [42213] eligible; and if he will make a statement. maintain her/his child ends on adoption and the parent by adoption becomes the only person liable to maintain the child. Maria Miller: The Department does not have an This approach supports the principle expressed in the Adoption estimate of the take-up of carer’s allowance. A feasibility and Children Act 2002, namely that someone who is adopted study to assess if the Department can provide an estimate should be treated in law as the natural born child of the person for the take-up of carer’s allowance has been completed who has adopted them. “(The take-up of carer’s allowance: A feasibility study I am sorry I cannot be more helpful. Working Paper no. 84”: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/WP84.pdf Christmas Bonus The study concluded that while it may be possible to provide an estimate of take-up, no approach is without Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for measurement problems and would not provide an estimate Work and Pensions how many people received the £10 for the entire carer’s allowance population. Christmas bonus in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [41551] Child Support Agency Steve Webb: There were 15.4 million individuals who Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for received the £10 Christmas bonus in 2009-10. This is the Work and Pensions by what date he expects the Child most recent 12 months for which figures are available. Support Agency Recovery Unit to return the papers relating to the two children of Samantha Docherty to Notes: the office handling the case. [41530] 1. This information is from the DWP statistical and accounting data. Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement 2. Caseloads for most benefits and benefit expenditure data can Commission is responsible for the child maintenance be found at the following URL: system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/alltables_budget2010.xls 361W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 362W

Disability Living Allowance Disability living allowance recipients in Clwyd South constituency: May 2010 All entitled cases Number of claimants

Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Total 5290 and Pensions whether people awarded mobility Notes: allowance for life will continue to receive the allowance 1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest ten. 2. All entitled cases figures include people with entitlement where the payment following implementation of his proposed reform of has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. disability living allowance. [41970] 3. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010. Source: Maria Miller: Consultation on the reform of disability DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study. living allowance with the key proposal of a new benefit, Housing Benefit to be known as personal independence payment, concluded on 18 February. The Welfare Reform Bill introducing the legislative changes necessary was introduced to the Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for House on 16 February. Work and Pensions if he will assess the effects on The intention is that all working age recipients of labour mobility of his proposed changes to housing disability living allowance, whether in receipt of an benefit. [36096] indefinite or a fixed award, will be reassessed under the conditions of entitlement to personal independence Steve Webb: The Department is in the process of a payment from 2013 to establish entitlement. procurement exercise with leading research organisations for the evaluation and monitoring of the impact of the Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for housing benefit measures. The precise form of the evaluation Work and Pensions whether those eligible to claim the will depend upon the outcome of negotiations with the lowest rate of disability living allowance will be eligible successful contractor, but we anticipate that it will for support under the personal independence payment include fieldwork examining the effects on different scheme. [42736] types of households in a range of areas across Great Britain. Maria Miller: Disability living allowance will be replaced by personal independence payment, a new, Housing Benefit: Fife more transparent and sustainable benefit with an objective assessment of individual need. From 2013/14 working-age individuals in receipt of DLA will be reassessed against Mr Gordon Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the new eligibility criteria for personal independence Work and Pensions how many (a) elderly people and payment. (b) people of working age were in receipt of housing We are finalising the design of personal independence benefit in the Fife local authority area in each of the payment. The assessment will look at people as last three years. [37455] individuals, rather than labelling them as part of a group, or with a particular health condition or impairment. Steve Webb: The information requested is provided in I am, therefore, unable to predict the outcome of the the following table. assessment and precisely which individuals will see a Housing benefit recipients by age: Great Britain and Fife local authority change in entitlement. All HB All aged under All aged 65 and recipients 65 over

Disability Living Allowance: Clwyd October 2010 All 4,789,490 3,511,880 1,277,440 Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Fife LA 30,730 22,370 8,360 Work and Pensions how many people in Clwyd South constituency claim the lowest rate of disability living October 2009 allowance. [42737] All 4,568,730 3,292,840 1,275,690 Maria Miller: People claim disability living allowance Fife LA 29,690 21,180 8,500 rather than a specific rate. The numbers entitled to each rate, or combination of rates, is contained in the following November 2008 table. All 4,171,940 2,896,700 1,271,490 Fife LA 27,350 18,020 9,330 Disability living allowance recipients in Clwyd South constituency: May 2010 Notes: All entitled cases Number of claimants 1. The data refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple. 2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum due to Higher care and higher mobility 1010 rounding. Higher care and lower mobility 350 3. Housing benefit figures exclude any extended payment cases. An extended Higher care only 60 payment is a payment that may be received for a further four weeks when they start working full time, work more hours or earn more money. Middle care and higher mobility 710 4. Age groups are based on the age on the count date (second Thursday in the Middle care and lower mobility 650 month), of either: Middle care only 170 (a) the recipient if they are single, or (b) the elder of the recipient or partner if claiming as a couple. Lower care and higher mobility 720 5. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct from local Lower care and lower mobility 270 authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly aggregate clerical returns. Lower care only 430 6. The data is available monthly from November 2008 and October 2010 is the most recent available. Higher mobility only 840 Source: Lower mobility only 80 Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE). 363W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 364W

Housing Benefit: Glasgow There are safeguards in place so that housing benefit can be paid to the landlord if the tenant is unable or Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work unlikely to pay their rent. Benefit is also paid direct to and Pensions what the average amount of housing the landlord if the tenant is in arrears by eight weeks’ benefit paid for each type of tenure in (a) the City of rent. Glasgow local authority area and (b) Glasgow South From April 2011 we are widening local authority West constituency was in the latest period for which discretion to pay housing benefit direct to the landlord figures are available. [41477] only if it would help the customer secure a new tenancy or remain in their current home at a reduced rent. We Steve Webb: The information requested is not available will work closely with local authorities to ensure this for Glasgow South West parliamentary constituency. provision is used in very specific circumstances where At present, geographic breakdowns are only available landlords are reducing rents to a level that is affordable for local authorities and regions. However, an exercise is for customers. being undertaken to add other geographical areas to the We will be considering and consulting on arrangements data: this will include parliamentary constituencies. for the payment of benefit in the context of the universal The data we do have for the city of Glasgow local credit. authority are shown in the following table. Housing benefit by tenure in city of Glasgow local authority, October 2010 Incapacity Benefit Average weekly amount Caseload (£) Dame Anne Begg: To ask the Secretary of State for All tenants 90,450 70.41 Work and Pensions what estimate his Department has Local authority tenant 1,840 276.04 made of the proportion of incapacity benefit claimants Registered social 74,540 59.80 who will be found fit for work but will not qualify for landlord tenant any payments when assessed for means-tested Private regulated 290 65.22 jobseeker’s allowance in each year of the tenant Comprehensive Spending Review period. [41121] Private deregulated 10,250 104.77 tenant (LHA) Chris Grayling: We are not able to provide figures for Private deregulated 3,390 92.72 tenant (non-LHA) each year of the spending review period. Notes: However, it is estimated that around 1.5 million existing 1. The data refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple. incapacity benefits customers will go through the 2. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month. 3. Caseloads are rounded to the nearest 10. reassessment process by 2014. Of these, approximately 4. Average amounts are shown as pounds per week and rounded to the nearest 23% are expected to be assessed as fit for work following penny. their work capability assessment and moved off incapacity 5. In March 2003, Glasgow transferred all its council housing stock to Glasgow housing association. The caseload and average weekly amounts benefits. Around half are expected to go on to be shown in the table as ‘local authority tenants’ are actually non-housing eligible for either income-based or contributory jobseeker’s revenue account properties. allowance in each year of the reassessment process. An 6. Non-housing revenue account (HRA) rent rebate cases applies where a local housing authority secures accommodation from a private landlord and uses exact split is not available. the accommodation as temporary accommodation to discharge its functions People currently going through the reassessment process under the homelessness legislation, part 7 of the Housing Act 1996. This includes accommodation secured by the local authority (LA) under licence, by receiving contributory incapacity benefit are likely to a short-term lease, or bed-and-breakfast accommodation. qualify for contributory jobseeker’s allowance if they 7. Local housing allowance tenants (LHA) may include a small number of non-LHA cases making a new claim since 7 April 2008. This will include are assessed as fit for work. Likewise anyone previously recipients in caravan accommodation. receiving income support on the grounds of incapacity 8. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct from local and assessed as fit for work are likely to be eligible for authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly aggregate clerical returns. 9. The total includes cases where the tenure type is recorded as unknown. income-based jobseeker’s allowance. Source: Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE). Independent Living Fund Housing Benefit: Payments Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people received payments and Pensions if he will assess the merits of paying from the Independent Living Fund in the last 12 housing benefit directly to landlords. [41797] months for which figures are available. [41463]

Steve Webb: We continue to support the principle Maria Miller: In the period 1 February 2010 to that tenants in the private rented sector should be 31 January 2011 22,358 people in the UK received at responsible for managing their rental payments rather least one payment from the ILF. than having the choice of having it paid to their landlord. Our two-year review of the operation of the local Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work housing allowance, which was published on 10 February, and Pensions what budget he plans to allocate to the established that in over 80% of cases benefit is being Independent Living Fund for each year of the paid to the tenant and in a high proportion of these Comprehensive Spending Review period. [41464] cases rent payments were made by automated credit transfer. The evidence also suggests that the majority of Maria Miller: The Department’s detailed budgets, tenants take the responsibility for paying their rent very including that of the ILF for 2011-12 and the rest of the seriously. SR10 period, have not yet been finalised. 365W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 366W

Jobseeker’s Allowance: Fraud with the Department for Transport to produce guidance to help companies whose staff drive for work. This Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for guidance ‘Driving at Work - Managing Work Related Work and Pensions how many people normally Road Risk’ (INDG382) makes specific reference to the resident in Motherwell and Wishaw constituency were need for employers to be satisfied that their drivers are prosecuted for offences relating to fraudulent claims sufficiently fit and healthy to drive safely and not put for jobseeker’s allowance in each of the last five years. others at risk. [41839] Mortgages: Government Assistance Chris Grayling: The information requested is not available, as to obtain it would incur disproportionate Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State cost. for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 21 Prosecutions in Scotland are the responsibility of the December 2010, Official Report, column 1190W, on Procurator Fiscal, and data are not collated centrally. housing benefit: mortgages, what assessment he has Jobseeker’s Allowance: Housing Benefit made of the effect of changes in the interest rate used to calculate Support for Mortgage Interest Payments on the number of people entitled to passported Dame Anne Begg: To ask the Secretary of State for benefits. [34006] Work and Pensions what assumptions his Department has made for business planning purposes in respect of Steve Webb: No assessment on the change to the the likely number and proportion of people in receipt number of claimants entitled to passported benefits as of jobseeker’s allowance who will be affected by the a result of the SIR change has been made. 10 per cent. sanction on housing benefit as a result of not finding work after 12 months. [41985] Social Security Benefits: Bexley Chris Grayling: We have decided not to pursue this measure. Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people resident in each ward Lorries: Safety in the London Borough of Bexley claimed (a) jobseeker’s allowance, (b) disability living allowance Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and (c) housing benefit in each of the last 12 months. and Pensions what guidance the Health and Safety [41397] Executive provides to (a) the road haulage industry and (b) the passenger transport industry on the Steve Webb: The information requested in relation to increased risk of road traffic accidents among drivers housing benefit is not available at ward level. suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea. [41969] Notes: Chris Grayling: The HSE does not provide guidance 1. From February 2007, DWP has been collecting more detailed HB/CTB data electronically from local authorities. Over time this to the road haulage industry or the passenger transport will improve the accuracy, timeliness and level of detail available industry on the increased risk of road traffic accidents in the published statistics, as the information supplied is quality to drivers suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea. assured. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), 2. Housing benefit caseload and average weekly amounts are an agency of the Department for Transport, leads on available at local authority area level and these are published on matters relating to fitness to drive. Full details about the Department’s website at health conditions that could affect a person’s ability to http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=hbctb drive are set out on the Directgov website: 3. At present geographic breakdowns are only available for local http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/ authorities and regions. However, an exercise is being undertaken MedicalRulesForDrivers/MedicalA-Z/index.htm to add other geographical areas to the data. HSE works with other organisations and regulators, The information we have for jobseeker’s allowance as appropriate, to help improve the management of and disability living allowance are shown in the following work related health and safety issues. HSE has collaborated tables.

Table 1: Jobseeker’s allowance claimants by each ward in the London borough of Bexley: each month February 2010 to January 2011 2010 2011 February March April May June July August September October November December January

Barnehurst 187 194 183 177 170 165 172 162 173 149 148 169 Belvedere 331 332 333 316 312 291 293 307 318 301 304 315 Blackfen and 173 151 156 132 126 132 148 140 137 131 118 120 Lamorbey Blendon and 160 148 151 133 118 124 129 123 120 112 106 102 Penhill Brampton 142 138 142 121 113 125 130 120 115 91 102 117

Christchurch 213 204 182 188 188 173 163 165 153 144 152 148

Colyers 341 350 337 332 332 328 327 344 304 288 277 304 367W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 368W

Table 1: Jobseeker’s allowance claimants by each ward in the London borough of Bexley: each month February 2010 to January 2011 2010 2011 February March April May June July August September October November December January

Cray 241 253 245 244 229 206 209 220 201 203 204 218 Meadows Crayford 304 295 279 261 262 263 250 250 239 232 243 266 Danson Park 199 195 168 156 153 162 168 161 148 148 134 151 East Wickham 220 223 209 193 183 185 168 180 190 180 177 176 Erith 356 355 343 331 324 329 309 313 296 304 312 341 Falconwood 195 185 176 173 175 149 158 159 154 149 160 156 and Welling Lesnes Abbey 278 275 267 250 236 228 230 244 225 224 237 240 Longlands 139 137 125 118 113 123 140 138 126 119 123 124 North End 419 431 432 429 405 391 408 416 418 412 401 428 Northumberland 199 195 186 173 170 158 153 166 162 163 169 161 Heath Sidcup 153 141 139 126 126 113 119 133 127 127 108 108 St Mary’s 121 113 120 116 114 112 116 125 120 108 113 110 St Michael’s 203 201 211 193 185 189 188 195 176 155 158 161 Thamesmead 428 423 401 393 393 406 423 432 387 397 430 422 East Notes: 1. JSA figures are unrounded as this is the approved convention followed by ONS for this particular data source. 2. Jobseeker’s allowance data are published at https://www.nomisweb.co.uk 3. Ward level figures are allocated by 2009 ward boundaries. 4. Jobseeker’s allowance figures are available monthly, January 2011 are the latest data currently available. Source: Jobseeker’s allowance: Count of unemployment-related benefits, Jobcentre Plus computer systems (including clerically held cases).

Table 2: Disability living allowance claimants by each ward in the London borough of Bexley: each quarter August 2009 to May 2010 August 2009 November 2009 February 2010 May 2010

Barnehurst 375 385 395 395 Belvedere 525 525 540 555 Blackfen and Lamorbey 320 325 325 325 Blendon and Penhill 300 310 315 320 Brampton 370 380 375 375 Christchurch 400 395 405 400 Colyers 575 585 595 600 Cray Meadows 565 570 590 590 Crayford 565 585 595 610 Danson Park 365 365 380 380 East Wickham 475 485 490 495 Erith 520 540 565 565 Falconwood and Welling 310 315 320 325 Lesnes Abbey 510 535 540 545 Longlands 330 340 345 345 North End 705 715 725 755 Northumberland Heath 460 470 470 460 Sidcup 290 300 300 305 St Mary’s 280 285 285 295 St Michael’s 420 430 430 435 Thamesmead East 545 550 555 550 Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest five. 2. All data represent a snapshot in time of claimants on the computer system, and will therefore exclude a very small number of cases that are held clerically. 3. These data are published at https://www.nomisweb.co.uk 4. Disability living allowance is produced quarterly with May 2010 being the latest data. 5. Ward level figures are allocated by 2003 ward boundaries. Source: Disability living allowance: DWP Information Directorate 100% WPLS.

Unemployment: Motherwell The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for to reply. Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2011: of the number of workless households in (a) As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Motherwell and Wishaw constituency and (b) have been asked to reply to your question asking what recent Scotland. [41841] estimate has been made of the number and proportion of workless households in (a) Motherwell and Wishaw and (b) Scotland Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply. (41841). 369W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 370W

The figures requested come from the Annual Population Survey Anne Milton: All independent sector abortion providers (APS) household datasets. The latest data currently available is must register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), for 2009. The attached table shows estimates for Motherwell and who are the health and social care regulators for England, Wishaw constituency, and Scotland. in order to operate. Under the Health and Social Care As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject Act 2008, every health and social care provider is required to a margin of uncertainty as different samples give different to meet the requirements set out in the guidance about results. These estimates are such that there is 95 per cent certainty that from all samples possible they will lie within the lower and compliance, “Essential standards of quality and safety”. upper bounds. A copy of the guidance has been placed in the Library. Service providers, including abortion providers, must Table 1: Number of workless households1 in Motherwell and Wishaw constituency, and Scotland have suitable arrangements in place for obtaining and Thousands acting in accordance with, the consent of service users January-December in relation to their care and treatment. More specifically, 2009 Estimate Lower bound2 Upper bound2 the “Essential standards of quality and safety”, which underpins the Health and Social Care Act 2008, is clear Motherwell and 9611 Wishaw that: Scotland 369 355 384 The risks, benefits and alternative options are provided in a 1 Households containing at least one person aged 16-64, where all individuals way that the person seeking treatment can understand. The aged 16 or over are not in employment. person should also be given time to think about their decisions 2 95% confidence interval. and be given information on how to change any decisions about treatment that have already been agreed; Unemployment: Young People Service providers must take steps to ensure that women are protected against the risks of receiving treatment, to include Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State medical assessment, which is inappropriate or unsafe. Any treatment for Work and Pensions what steps he plans to take to provided should reflect guidance issued by the appropriate expert address trends in youth unemployment in former body such as that published by The Royal College of Obstetricians coalmining areas. [41481] and Gynaecologists on the “Care of Women Requesting Induced Abortion”, a copy of which has already been placed in the Chris Grayling: This Government is determined to Library, which governs good practice on abortion provision; and deal with the legacy of youth unemployment. In all The right of the person to have an advocate to assist them in parts of the country our approach is to ensure that understanding their options, as part of the decision making young unemployed people get the personalised help process, should be respected. This advocate could include the use they need to find sustainable employment. Jobcentre of a counsellor. Plus local offices will have more control to allow them In the national health service, hospitals are accountable to deliver in a way that is more responsive to local through clinical governance arrangements for continuously needs. Work Programme providers will be free to design improving the quality of their services and safeguarding support based on the needs of individuals and target high standards of care. the right support at the right time. Both Jobcentre Plus and Work Programme providers will work with local Alcoholic Drinks: Young People public, private, and third sector organisations where this delivers the best job outcomes for individuals. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will discuss with the Secretary of State for Work Universal Credit and Pensions the effects of trends in youth unemployment on future levels of alcohol dependency. Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what account his proposals for [42120] universal credit will take of the payment of benefits in respect of housing costs in circumstances where a new Anne Milton: For some people unemployment can be a factor in alcohol misuse, which if sustained over a partner begins to live with a recipient. [42820] number of years, can help to develop alcohol dependence. Chris Grayling: Claims for universal credit will be The Department of Health and the Department for made on the basis of households rather than individuals. Work and Pensions collaborate closely at both ministerial Where a new partner begins to live with a recipient, and official level. Both Departments are jointly responsible both members of the couple will be required to claim for delivering the recovery ambition set out in the universal credit. An appropriate amount will be added Government’s Drug Strategy, to help individuals, who to the universal credit award to help meet the cost of need treatment, to overcome their dependence, to find rent or mortgage interest. employment and to integrate in society. Baby Care Units HEALTH Abortion Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for what neonatal units there are in each strategic health Health pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for authority area; how many beds each unit has; and what Heywood and Middleton of 8 February 2011, Official the address of each unit is. [41986] Report, column 159W, on abortion: finance, what authority there is in legislation for clinics and hospitals Anne Milton: Information is not collected by the providing abortions to offer women (a) impartial Department in the format requested. advice, including written information, (b) medical The following table shows the number of open neonatal assessments and (c) decision-making support cots for the period of the last Thursday in the month of including counselling. [42769] January 2011. 371W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 372W

Neonatal critical care cots (beds): Strategic health authority level data Neonatal critical care cots (beds): Strategic health authority level data Name Open Name Open

North East Strategic Health Authority Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation 15 Trust City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation 8 Trust United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust 3 North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation 4 University Hospitals Of Leicester NHS Trust 36 Trust South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 8 West Midlands Strategic Health Authority The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS 16 Foundation Trust Birmingham Women’s NHS Foundation Trust 10 Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1 Heart Of England NHS Foundation Trust 5 North West Strategic Health Authority Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust 1 Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS 3 Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals 10 Foundation Trust NHS Trust Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS 18 Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust 6 Foundation Trust The Dudley Group Of Hospitals NHS 18 Countess Of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation 3 Foundation Trust Trust The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS 20 East Cheshire NHS Trust 1 Trust East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust 6 University Hospital Of North Staffordshire 10 Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS 7 NHS Trust Foundation Trust University Hospitals Coventry and 27 Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust 47 Warwickshire NHS Trust Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation 4 Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust 2 Trust Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 6 Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 7

Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 4 East of England Strategic Health Authority Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust 4 Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals 7 Stockport NHS Foundation Trust 2 NHS Foundation Trust Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 9 Bedford Hospital NHS Trust 3 University Hospital Of South Manchester 4 Cambridge University Hospitals NHS 41 NHS Foundation Trust Foundation Trust University Hospitals Of Morecambe Bay NHS 2 Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS 3 Foundation Trust Trust Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS 3 Colchester Hospital University NHS 5 Foundation Trust Foundation Trust Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS 4 East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust 10 Foundation Trust Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust 7 Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS 2 Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS 19 Foundation Trust Foundation Trust Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust 1 Yorkshire and the Humber Strategic Health Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals 11 Authority NHS Foundation Trust Airedale NHS Foundation Trust 3 Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS 2 Foundation Trust Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 2 Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation 4 Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation 6 Trust Trust The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust 6 Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation 6 Trust The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn 1 NHS Trust Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS 7 West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust 4 Foundation Trust West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust 12 Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 5 Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 38 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 5 London Strategic Health Authority Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals 7 Barking, Havering and Redbridge University 11 NHS Foundation Trust Hospitals NHS Trust Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation 42 Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust 4 Trust Baits and The London NHS Trust 24 The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust 2 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS 34 York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation 2 Foundation Trust Trust Croydon Health Services NHS Trust 4 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals 4 NHS Trust East Midlands Strategic Health Authority Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust 15 Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation 3 Homerton University Hospital NHS 10 Trust Foundation Trust Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 6 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 30 Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation 4 King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation 27 Trust Trust Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust 5 Kingston Hospital NHS Trust 6 Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust 26 Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust 6 373W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 374W

Neonatal critical care cots (beds): Strategic health authority level data Neonatal critical care cots (beds): Strategic health authority level data Name Open Name Open

Newham University Hospital NHS Trust 2 University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation 25 North Middlesex University Hospital NHS 3 Trust Trust Note: North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 5 Published 18 February 2011 Source: Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust 2 Unify2 data collection—Msitreps South London Healthcare NHS Trust 3 St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust 39 Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust 8 how many children of each age group were admitted to The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust 23 neonatal units in each strategic health authority area in University College London Hospitals NHS 32 each of the last two years. [41987] Foundation Trust West Middlesex University Hospital NHS 4 Anne Milton: This information is not collected in the Trust format requested. Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust 4 The following table shows numbers of babies receiving neonatal care by neonatal network provider: South East Coast Strategic Health Authority

Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS 8 Network provider 2008 2009 Foundation Trust Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals 23 Bedfordshire and 2,589 2,598 NHS Trust Hertfordshire East Kent Hospitals University NHS 10 Cheshire and 3,728 2,027 Foundation Trust Merseyside Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 5 Essex 1,959 1,678 Greater Manchester 3,393 2,919 Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust 0 Kent 2,166 2,029 Medway NHS Foundation Trust 10 Lancashire and South 1,467 1,247 Medway PCT 0 Cumbria Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation 0 London—North 3,659 2,965 Trust Central Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation 12 London—North East 3,376 2,456 Trust London—North West 2,054 1,857 Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 4 London—South East 2,990 2,488 Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust 30 London—South West 2,493 2,124 Midlands—Central 1,295 1,464 South Central Strategic Health Authority Midlands—South West 1,097 3,076 Basingstoke and North Hampshire NHS 3 Norfolk, Suffolk and 4,316 3,758 Foundation Trust Cambridge Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust 7 North Trent 1,483 2,420 Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals 4 Northern 1,688 2,269 NHS Foundation Trust Peninsula—South West 2,729 2,371 Isle of Wight NHS PCT 2 South Central (North) 2,835 2,411 Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation 3 South Central (South) 3,330 2,855 Trust Staffs, Shropshire and 1,736 1,311 Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust 11 Black Country Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust 12 Surrey and Sussex 3,361 3,104 Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust 4 Trent 2,427 1,952 Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust 36 Western 2,070 4,324 Yorkshire 485 1,500 Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS 2 Trust Total 58,726 57,203 Source: National Neonatal Audit Programme Reports, Royal College of Paediatrics South West Strategic Health Authority and Child Health. Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation 2 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Disability Living Allowance Trust Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation 4 Trust Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation 8 Health what discussions he has had with the Secretary Trust of State for Work and Pensions on the methods of North Bristol NHS Trust 34 evaluating for eligibility for disability living allowance Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust 6 persons diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis. Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust 7 [42440] Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 4 Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 7 Paul Burstow: I have had several discussions with the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation 12 Minister for Disabled People, Department for Work Trust and Pensions, the hon. Member for Basingstoke (Maria Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust 7 Miller) on the issue of disability living allowance (DLA). Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust 4 Following the Westminster Hall debate of 2 February Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust 4 2011, I passed the specific concerns raised by the hon. 375W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 376W

Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) about DLA for those and translation services by national health service bodies living with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic is a matter for local determination. Such bodies are not encephalomyelitis to the Minister. required to report their planned or actual spending on interpretation and translation services to the Department. CJD When planning such services, NHS bodies should take due account of their legal duties, the composition of Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for the communities they serve, and the needs and Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the circumstances of their patients, service users and local public purse of measures taken by the (a) blood populations. service and (b) NHS, excluding the blood service, to reduce the risk of transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease by blood or blood products since 1998. [41549] Departmental Manpower

Anne Milton: Since 1998 a number of measures have Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for been introduced by the United Kingdom blood services Health how many (a) actual and (b) full-time to reduce the risk of transfusion transmitted variant equivalent staff have left his Department’s employ Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vGJD). These measures include since May 2010. [42300] the introduction of leucodepletion (the removal of white blood cells), the importation of fresh frozen plasma for Mr Simon Burns: Since 31 May 2010, 160 actual staff, children and the deferral from donation of transfusion that is, 154 full-time equivalent staff have left the recipients. In addition, the use of plasma from UK Department. donors for fractionation purposes has ceased. For national health service blood and transplant the Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for highest costs associated with these measures are the Health how many (a) actual and (b) full-time estimated loss of income from the sale of plasma from equivalent staff his Department employed at the latest UK blood donors (£325 million) and the introduction date for which figures are available. [42381] of leucodepletion (£182 million). Further measures bring the estimated total cost to £540 million since 1998, with Mr Simon Burns: As at 31 January 2011, the number an estimated current annual cost of approximately of actual civil servants working for the Department was £40 million. 2,650. The full-time equivalent number of staff was There is no separate assessment of such costs for the 2,563.52. NHS outside the blood service. However, synthetic (recombinant) clotting factor for the treatment of bleeding Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for disorders, such as haemophilia, has been provided to all Health how many (a) actual and (b) full-time patients for whom it is suitable since 2005, and to those equivalent staff were employed by his Department in under the age of 16 since 1998, at a current annual cost May 2010. [42397] of approximately £200 million. Dentistry Mr Simon Burns: As at 31 May 2010, 2,657 actual staff members were employed by the Department. The Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health full-time equivalent number of that staff complement pursuant to the answer of 14 February 2011, Official was 2,576.42. Report, column 607W, on dentistry, on what timetable the Government will explore with the General Dental Diabetes Council the potential encouragement of training institutions to look again at the development of courses for dental care professionals. [42177] Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many diabetes prevention units he has visited since Mr Simon Burns: We understand that the chief dental 12 May 2010. [42175] officer will be meeting the chief executive/registrar of the General Dental Council on 2 March and will ask for Paul Burstow: The Department is committed to the this matter to be included on the agenda for the meeting. prevention of Type 2 diabetes. The NHS Health Check programme was specifically designed to help Departmental Interpreters people between the ages of 40 and 74 reduce their risk of diabetes, as well as heart disease, stroke and Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health kidney disease. The Secretary of State for Health for which services provided by (a) his Department and visited a health fair in Birmingham last year where he (b) its associated public bodies interpreters provide experienced an innovative approach to the delivery of services in a language or languages other than English; this programme. how many interpreters are employed or subcontracted for each non-English language; and what estimate he “Healthy Lives, Healthy People”, sets out the has made of the cost to the public purse of Government’s strategy for improving public health and interpretation costs incurred in the latest period for reducing the risk factors associated with developing which figures are available. [42893] conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, the harmful use of alcohol, drug Paul Burstow: The information requested in respect misuse, poor diet and nutrition, being overweight and of the Department and its arm’s length bodies is not physical inactivity are acknowledged risk factors for a held centrally and could be provided only at number of chronic diseases and conditions including disproportionate cost. The provision of interpretation Type 2 diabetes. 377W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 378W

Doctors: Foreign Workers Mr Simon Burns: The Department’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funds research on many Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for diseases and conditions of which malaise can be a Health pursuant to the answer of 1 November 2010, symptom. Official Report, columns 634-35W, on doctors: foreign Details of studies supported through the NIHR clinical workers, whether the General Medical Council research network can be found on the UK Clinical submitted to his Department a copy of the legal advice Research Network portfolio database at: it had received in respect of the registration of http://public.ukcrn.org.uk/search/ EU-qualified, non-UK doctors. [41910] Records of individual national health service supported research projects collected up to September 2007 are Anne Milton: We can confirm that the General Medical available on the archived national research register at: Council has shared its advice on what scope there may https://portal.nihr.ac.uk/Pages/NRRArchiveSearch.aspx be for undertaking checks on the language knowledge of European economic area migrant doctors at the point of registration under Directive 2005/36/EC with Health Services the Department. Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for General Practitioners: Clacton Health if he will assess the effects of implementation of his proposals to disband specialised commissioning groups on the work undertaken by the South West Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Specialised Commissioning Group and South West (1) what assessment he has made of the effects of Neuromuscular Network. [42073] implementation of his proposals for NHS reform on GP services in Jaywick and West Clacton; [42294] Paul Burstow: Subject to parliamentary approval, the (2) if he will take steps to ensure that standards of National Health Service Commissioning Board will GP services in Jaywick and West Clacton will be take responsibility for the commissioning of specialised monitored. [42864] services for people with rare conditions from April 2012, including those currently commissioned by the 10 Mr Simon Burns: Each primary care trust (PCT) is Specialised Commissioning Groups (SCGs). responsible for ensuring the standards of services The existing work programme for SCGs includes provided to patients under their existing contractual action to improve neuromuscular services. arrangements. From April 2012, it is proposed that all providers of primary medical care services will be required to register with the Care Quality Commission Health Services: Older People (CQC). In order to be registered, providers have to meet registration requirements, which set essential levels of Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for safety and quality in the provision of care to patients. Health (1) what response he plans to make to the The CQC has a range of enforcement powers that it can report of the Parliamentary and Health Service use where providers do not meet the registration Ombudsman on care for elderly people published on requirements. 15 February 2011; [42835] Under the Health and Social Care Bill currently (2) what steps he plans to take to prevent being considered by Parliament, it is proposed that the unacceptable standards of care from being provided to NHS Commissioning Board will replace PCTs and elderly patients in some NHS hospitals as identified in become directly responsible for commissioning general the report of the Parliamentary and Health Services practitioner (GP) services from contractors and that Ombudsman of 15 February 2011. [42836] this will occur in April 2013. The Bill also proposes to make the NHS Commissioning Board responsible for Paul Burstow: We have asked the Care Quality securing continuous improvements to the quality of the Commission (CQC) to implement a series of unannounced services provided to patients by national health service inspections led by experienced senior nurses, including bodies, including GP practices and therefore the board matrons, who know what is and what is not good care. will directly monitor the standard of care and services The findings of the inspections will be published. provided by all primary medical care providers. Alongside On 15 February, the chief executive of the national this it is proposed that commissioning consortia must health service and the National Clinical Director for assist and support the board in securing continuous Older People wrote to all NHS Boards highlighting the improvements in the quality of primary medical services Ombudsman’s report and urging them to assure themselves with a view to ensuring that the board and the that these events are not happening in their own commissioning consortia will work together to monitor organisations. the quality of the services provided by all primary medical service providers. The coalition Government are determined to make the NHS more patient-centred and more responsive to the people it serves. We are focusing on achieving outcomes Health that are among the best in the world and putting patient safety at the heart of everything the NHS does. That’s Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health why the Health Bill will create local HealthWatch whether his Department has conducted research on the organisations to give patients more power to ensure causes of malaise, including sleeplessness, headaches their feedback and complaints are heard and to hold and indigestion. [42124] their local services to account. We will be publishing a 379W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 380W

White Paper on Adult Social Care which will also focus Of these countries, France, Ireland and Australia are on quality outcomes and delivering care with dignity, known to preferentially use the vaccine that offers protection respect and compassion. against both genital warts and cervical cancer. However, this may not be an exhaustive list. Human Papillomavirus: Vaccination Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will estimate the cost to the NHS of Health what process would be required to bring into providing (a) single purpose and (b) dual purpose use dual purpose vaccinations against genital warts and vaccination products for cervical cancer; [42854] cervical cancer in place of single purpose vaccination. [42053] (2) if he will estimate the (a) direct and (b) indirect (i) costs and (ii) savings to the NHS of using (A) single Anne Milton: The purpose of the Human papillomavirus purpose and (B) dual purpose immunisations for (HPV) vaccination programme is to protect against cervical cancer; [42855] cervical cancer. There are two HPV vaccines licensed in (3) what advice the Joint Committee on Vaccination the United Kingdom—Cervarix® and Gardasil®. Both and Immunisation has provided on the relative merits provide protection against HPV strains 16 and 18 that of single purpose and dual purpose vaccination to cause over 70% of cervical cancers in the UK. reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and genital Efficacy trials of Cervarix published in The Lancet warts; [42856] on 7 July 2009 show that as well as protecting against (4) what process was used to assess the relative HPV type 16 and 18 that cause around 70% of cervical economic merits of types of vaccination for genital cancer, Cervarix also provides cross-protection against warts and cervical cancer. [42866] HPV types 31, 33 and 45 which are the three most common cancer-causing virus types beyond 16 and 18. Anne Milton: The Joint Committee on Vaccination The Lancet suggests that this could translate into and Immunisation (JCVI) considered the expected cost- approximately 11-16% extra protection against cervical 1 benefits from a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination cancer . programme against cervical cancer, which included Gardasil also protects against HPV strains 6 and 11 assessment of the impact of vaccination on genital that can cause genital warts. warts. A summary of the evidence considered is set out Following a tendering process in 2008, a three-year in the JCVI statement on HPV vaccines published in contract was awarded to GlaxoSmithKline for Cervarix® the Department’s website at: in 2008. This contract is due to come to an end this year www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/ and the process for retendering the contract has begun. @dh/@ab/documents/digitalasset/dh_094739.pdf In order to select which vaccine to purchase and use, A copy of the JCVI statement has already been the Department follows European Union procurement placed in the Library. legislation and uses a rigorous process for the selection. The economic evaluation used by the JCVI was published The tender documents will be finalised soon and an in the British Medical Journal in July 2008 and is advert will be placed across Europe to invite tenders available at: from vaccine manufacturers. www.bmj.com/content/337/bmj.a769.full 1 Paavonen J, Naud P, Salmeron J et al. (2009) Efficacy of human papillomavirus (HPV)-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine against The cost of the HPV vaccine procured by the Department cervical infection and precancer caused by oncogenic HPV types for the national health service vaccination programme (PATRICIA): final analysis of a double-blind, randomised study is commercially confidential. Financial savings made in in young women. Lancet 374(9686): 301-14. the procurement of Cervarix HPV vaccine meant the catch-up vaccination programme could be extended to Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for offer the vaccine to an extra 300,000 girls. The Department Health what information his Department holds on the provides HPV vaccine to the NHS free of charge for use number of Organisation for Economic Co-operation in the childhood immunisation programme. The cost of and Development countries whose health services use administering the HPV programme was estimated to be dual purpose vaccines against genital warts and the same regardless of which vaccine was used. cervical cancer. [42071] Following a tendering process in 2008, a three Anne Milton: The Department does not hold information year contract was awarded to GlaxoSmithKline for on the number of Organisation for Economic Co-operation Cevarix in 2008. This contract is due to come to an end and Development countries whose health services use this year and the process for re-tendering the contract Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines that offer protection has begun. against both genital warts and cervical cancer. Information from the World Health Organization Hyperactivity: Warwickshire and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control shows that the following countries use HPV vaccines: Lesotho, Uganda, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Saint Lucia, Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Health United States of America, Iraq, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, how many children in Warwickshire have been France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, prescribed Ritalin for attention deficit hyperactivity Norway, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, disorder in each of the last 10 years. [42417] Switzerland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Bhutan, Australia, Fiji, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Palau. Paul Burstow: This information is not collected centrally. 381W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 382W

Kidneys: Transplant Surgery Anne Milton: The information is not collected by the Department. We are aware that in September 2010 the Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for West Midlands Perinatal Network was launched and Health how many kidney transplants took place in that the East of England are in the process of developing each hospital trust in the South West region in each of a clinical maternity and newborn network. the last five years. [42371] Maternity Services: Finance Anne Milton: The following tables show the numbers Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health of kidney transplants in each hospital trust in the South (1) how much the budget for maternity care in the NHS West in each of the last five years by donor type was in (a) 1997 and (b) 2006; and if he will make a (deceased and living) and by year (2006-10). statement; [41795] Bristol Southmead hospital (North Bristol national health service trust) 2006-10 (2) if he will make it his policy to prioritise the Donor 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total funding of maternity services within the NHS; and if Deceased 75 69 60 71 78 353 he will make a statement. [42046] Living 36 42 38 43 41 200 Total 111 111 98 114 119 553 Anne Milton: The Government are committed to the provision of safe and quality maternity services, founded Plymouth Derriford hospital (Plymouth hospitals NHS trust) 2006-10 on evidence based good practice, and focused on improving Donor 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total both outcomes for women and babies and women’s experience of care. We have highlighted maternity services Deceased 35 41 56 56 29 217 as a priority for the national health service in both the Living 18 17 19 19 11 84 NHS Operating Framework and the NHS Outcomes Total5358757540301Framework for 2011-12. It is for the NHS to decide Source: locally how best to deliver on national and local priorities NHS Blood and Transplant UK Transplant Registry in the light of their local circumstances. Maternity Services Figures for expenditure on commissioning of secondary health care in respect of maternity are as follows: Ms Gisela Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will bring forward proposals to require £ million maternity networks to work with local maternity 1996-97 1,020 service liaison committees. [41616] 2005-06 l,672 Notes: Anne Milton: The White Paper “Equity and Excellence: 1. The figures are taken from the Summarised Account of the Health Authorities Liberating the NHS”, set out proposals to evolve Local (1996-97) and the Summarised Account of Primary Care Trusts (2005-06). Involvement Networks into local HealthWatch 2. Secondary Care covers medical treatment or surgery that patients receive in hospital following a referral from a general practitioner (GP). Secondary care is organisations. HealthWatch will ensure that the views made up of national health service, foundation, ambulance, children’s and of patients, service users and the public are represented mental health trusts. to commissioners. In developing and designing maternity www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/HowDHworks/DH_074637 services, it is important that the views and experiences Midwives: Manpower of women remain at the heart of commissioning and their voices are heard locally.It will be for local HealthWatch Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health to decide how to build on the best practice of Maternity how many midwives were employed by the NHS in Service Liaison Committees to ensure a strong voice for each year between 1997 and 2006; how many of those women and their families in the planning and delivery were employed in managerial grades in each year; and of maternity and newborn services. if he will make a statement. [41794]

Ms Gisela Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Anne Milton: The annual NHS Workforce Census Health which maternity networks have been established does not identify manager grades in midwifery. The since the date of publication of the NHS White Paper. following tables give the number of midwives employed [41625] in the years requested.

Table 1: NHS Hospital and Community Health Services: Nursing, Midwifery, Health Visiting staff and support staff by type 1997 to 2006, England as at 30 September each year Headcount 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Total nursing, midwifery, 541,179 549,129 560,641 574,096 602,513 633,818 663,444 679,001 691,698 665,636 health visiting staff and support staff Registered midwife 22,385 22,841 22,799 22,572 23,075 23,249 23,941 24,844 24,808 24,469

Table 2: NHS Hospital and Community Health Services: Nursing, Midwifery, Health Visiting staff and support staff by type 1997 to 2006, England as at 30 September each year Full-time equivalent 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Total nursing, midwifery, 427,077 431,980 440,055 451,005 471,999 495,602 518,880 533,529 545,633 535,530 health visiting staff and support staff 383W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 384W

Table 2: NHS Hospital and Community Health Services: Nursing, Midwifery, Health Visiting staff and support staff by type 1997 to 2006, England as at 30 September each year Full-time equivalent 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Registered midwife 18,053 18,168 17,876 17,662 18,048 18,119 18,444 18,854 18,949 18,862 Note: Enhanced validation processes have led to the removal of duplicate records from the non-medical census (from 2006 onwards). Although percentages were small (less than 1%), comparisons with years prior to this need to be treated with caution. This only effects headcount.

MRSA: Screening NHS: Finance

Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on licensing for use in the what progress his Department has made on tackling NHS of the Defence Science and Technology barriers between health and social care funding in Laboratory’s product BacLite to screen against the order to incentivise preventative action. [42791] MRSA bacterium. [42876] Paul Burstow: As part of the spending review, national Mr Simon Burns: Any diagnostic test of this type health service funding rising to £1 billion per annum by should be CE marked by the manufacturer according to 2014-15 will be spent on measures that support social the safety, quality and performance requirements of the care and also benefit health. The “Operating Framework In Vitro Diagnostic Devices Directive (transposed in to for the NHS in England for 2011-12” sets out that United Kingdom law by the Medical Devices Regulations primary care trusts (PCTs) will need to transfer this 2002) before they are placed on the UK market. Under funding to local authorities to invest in social care the directive, national regulatory authorities, who in the services to benefit health, and to improve overall health UK are the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory gain. The Department has also made available an extra Agency, are not directly involved in the pre-market £162 million from efficiency savings this financial year conformity assessment process for such tests and therefore for local health and care services. The money should be hold no information on the product’s current approval spent on helping people to leave hospital more quickly, status. re-ablement and the prevention of unnecessary admissions to hospital. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health At the local level, the NHS and local authorities what steps he is taking to improve methods of should work together to improve the health and wellbeing screening against the MRSA bacterium; and if he will of their local populations. As outlined in the Operating make a statement. [42984] Framework 2011-12, NHS organisations should be working with partners on implementing the National Dementia Mr Simon Burns: A variety of methods are available Strategy. Moreover, the Carers’ Strategy also identified to national health service trusts to screen against that £400 million will be made available for carers’ Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Individual breaks over the next four years (2011-12 to 2014-15) trusts make their own decisions on which tests or and required that PCTs should agree policies, plans and combinations of tests to use depending on their clinical budgets to support carers with local authorities and case mix and workload. The local clinical need will local carers’ organisations. determine test selection. Rapid and more sensitive methods Supporting people to live independently at home have been available to the NHS for a number of years following hospital discharge sits at the interface between and trusts make their own decisions on matching the health and social care and relies on effective discharge technologies to their service needs. planning, access to re-ablement services and both systems In 2004, as part of the Department’s commitment to working in the interests of the individual. To underpin ensuring the NHS has access to effective infection prevention this, the Department will amend the ‘Payment by Results’ and control technologies, it has asked the Health Protection tariff from April 2012 so that the NHS pays for re-ablement Agency to convene the Rapid Review Panel (RRP). and other post discharge services for 30 days after a This provides a prompt assessment of new and novel patient leaves hospital. From April 2011, trusts will not equipment, materials and other products or protocols be reimbursed for unnecessary re-admissions. that may be of value to the NHS and social care in the To prepare for the changes to the ‘Payment by Results’ prevention and control of hospital associated infections. tariff, we have allocated £70 million in 2010-11 for PCTs to spend on re-ablement. This has been further supported NHS: Buildings by the spending review with £300 million of the £1 billion NHS support for social care being made available for Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health re-ablement services by 2014-15. how many structures he estimates the NHS will build The Health and Social Care Bill (subject to parliamentary using prefabricated or flatpack buildings in 2010-11. approval) outlines how the Government will seek to [42719] encourage joined up working. The Bill stipulates that local authorities would take a key role in joining up Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not collect local NHS services, social care and health improvement centrally the information requested. National health via the Health and Wellbeing Boards. A relevant service organisations locally will utilise the construction commissioning consortium must co-operate with the methods they consider appropriate to build their facilities, Health and Wellbeing Board in the exercise of the which may include prefabricated or flat pack buildings. functions of the Board. 385W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 386W

Additionally, Health and Wellbeing Boards will have Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health a statutory duty to produce Joint Strategic Needs when he last discussed the provision of cross-border Assessments and have regard to these in developing a health services with Ministers in the Welsh Assembly Health and Wellbeing Strategy for their local area. Government. [42941] Alongside this, the NHS Commissioning Board must, for the purpose of advancing the health and wellbeing Mr Simon Burns: The Secretary of State for Health of the people of England, exercise its functions with a met Ministers of the Welsh Assembly Government on 1 view to encouraging commissioning consortia to work December 2010 and wrote to the Minister of Health closely with local authorities in commissioning local and Social Security for the Welsh Assembly Government services. To support the creation of effective quality following the meeting to say that Departmental officials standards the remit of the National Institute for Health remained committed to agreeing an appropriate level of and Clinical Excellence will be extended to social care. financial transfer to the Welsh Assembly Government arising from issues around national tariff rates and how Organs: Donors these are applied to Wales. The cross-border commissioning protocol is due to Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for expire on 31 March 2011 and officials from the Department Health (1) if he will publish an updated strategy on are also in discussion with the Welsh Assembly Government organ donation and transplantation; [41722] with the intention of renewing the protocol, to run (2) for what reasons the Organ Donation Taskforce seamlessly from 1 April 2011. Until the forthcoming Programme Delivery Board has been disbanded; and changes to the manner in which healthcare in England who will be responsible for increasing organ donation is commissioned are finalised in the Health and Social and transplantation following the final meeting of the Care Bill, currently going through Parliament, the intention Board. [41723] is that no substantial changes to the cross-border protocol should be introduced. For this reason, the protocol is Anne Milton: We have no plans to publish an updated expected to be renewed for just one year. strategy on organ donation and transplantation. We are currently in the third year of a five year implementation Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health programme to increase organ donation rates by 50% by how many babies were born in the Royal Shrewsbury 2013. hospital to mothers resident in Wales in each of the last The Organ Donation Taskforce Programme Delivery two years for which figures are available. [42942] Board was established in July 2008 to oversee the implementation of the Organ Donation Taskforce Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply. recommendations published in January 2008. The board noted at their final meeting in January 2011 that organ The information requested falls within the responsibility donor rates had increased by 25% since the implementation of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority process began and agreed that the taskforce to reply. recommendations, largely, had been implemented. The Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2011: board also agreed that the focus in the future should be As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I on ensuring that the new infrastructure and support have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many mechanisms, developed under the board’s leadership, births there were at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital to women become embedded as a usual part of healthcare. resident in Wales for the last two years for which data is available. This will be achieved through a variety of means [42942] including through the clinical leads for organ donation, Figures for live births by hospital have been compiled from donation committees and donation chairs in acute trusts birth registration data. Information on place of birth is provided driving improvement locally; and ongoing work to raise by the informant at registration rather than by the hospitals the profile and benefits of organ donation and themselves. transplantation with the national health service, professional Live births occurring in Royal Shrewsbury Hospital to women usually groups and with the public. resident in Wales, 2008 and 2009 Leadership will continue to be provided through the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital Number Department’s national clinical director for transplantation, 2008 407 the Organ Donor Organisation within NHS Blood and 2009 387 Transplant and the relevant professional bodies.

Out of Area Treatment: Wales Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people aged under 16 years who were Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health resident in Wales were kept overnight in the Royal what recent discussions he has had with Ministers in Shrewsbury hospital in each of the last two years for the Welsh Assembly Government on the effect of which figures are available. [42943] reconfiguration of NHS services in Shropshire on Welsh patients. [42940] Mr Simon Burns: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is Mr Simon Burns: The Secretary of State for Health in the following table, which sets out the finished consultant has had no recent discussions with Ministers in the episodes (FCEs) for Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Welsh Assembly Government on the effect of NHS Trust where the patient is under 16, a resident of reconfiguration of national health services in Shropshire Wales and the duration of stay was one day or longer on Welsh patients. for 2008-9 and 2009-10. 387W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 388W

programmes collect statistics on false positive cervical FCEs smear results, genital warts are not reliably indicated by 2008-09 571 a false positive result. 2009-10 572 Source: Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for health and Health (1) if he will estimate the proportion of the social care work of sexual health practitioners associated with School Milk treatment of genital warts in the latest period for which figures are available; [42052] Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) if he will estimate the average cost of a hospital Health what plans his Department has for the future of consultation to treat a case of genital warts. [42853] the free nursery milk provision for the under fives. [42351] Anne Milton: No such estimate has been made because the cost to the national health service of treating individual Anne Milton: There are no plans to end the nursery diagnoses and the workload associated with them is not milk scheme. collected centrally.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the number of people Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for infected each year by any genital wart virus by five year Health if he will estimate the number and proportion age cohorts. [42054] of initial false positive cervical smears associated with genital warts in the latest period for which figures are Anne Milton: The number of diagnoses of genital available. [42051] warts (first episode) in genitourinary medicine clinics (GUM) clinics in England by age groups and years 1995 Paul Burstow: This information is not held centrally. to 2009, the latest date for which figures are available, Although national health service cancer screening are given in the following table.

Genital warts: first episode Age-group Genital warts: recurrence <15 15-19 20-24 25-34 35-44 45-64 65+ Total Total

1995 195 8,367 17,781 17,270 4,603 2,108 143 50,467 38,890 1996 181 9,414 18,692 18,020 4,909 2,136 153 53,875 41,115 1997 190 10,453 20,012 19,444 5,138 2,317 140 57,852 44,219 1998 171 11,115 19,562 19,824 5,523 2,383 152 58,793 46,816 1999 206 11,273 19,943 19,795 5,791 2,589 200 60,252 47,414 2000 153 11,144 20,029 19,216 6,047 2,500 196 59,758 47,078 2001 143 11,383 20,625 19,756 6,600 2,702 203 61,505 47,055 2002 155 11,518 21,177 19,885 7,097 2,754 183 62,982 45,480 2003 155 12,192 21,893 19,689 7,207 2,986 188 64,319 45,995 2004 146 13,220 23,049 19,977 7,518 3,108 212 67,251 46,227 2005 139 13,490 23,532 20,014 7,305 3,171 189 67,852 48,747 2006 138 14,225 24,129 20,157 7,478 3,358 210 69,700 51,368 2007 153 15,653 25,814 21,593 7,926 3,632 272 75,272 55,517 2008 149 16,364 27,109 22,141 7,959 4,109 313 78,156 57,732 2009 177 15,947 26,934 22,387 8,213 4,307 307 78,274 62,230 Notes: 1. Data by age-group are only available for the groups presented. 2. Data on unknown gender and age-group are included in the Total row for 2009 data. 3. The data available from the KC60 (2008 and earlier) and GUMCAD (2009 onwards) returns are for diagnoses made in GUM) clinics only. A recent study (pending publication) of genital warts cases (first and recurrence) seen in GUM clinics and in General Practice in 2008 has found most cases seen in General Practice were referred on to GUM clinics and estimated that only around 5%, of cases were seen in General Practice only, i.e. figures in table 1 may represent up to 95%, of cases. 4. The data available from the KC60 and GUMCAD returns are the number of diagnoses made, not the number of patients diagnosed. 5. The information provided is based on reported data from GUM clinics in England that has been adjusted for missing clinic data. 6. Data are unavailable for 2010. Source: Health Protection Agency, KC60 and Genitourinary Medicine Clinic Activity Dataset (GUMCAD) returns.

Tuberculosis Rate of tuberculosis cases reported in England, 2000-2009 Rate per 100,000 Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the incidence of TB in England was in 2000 12.4 each of the last 10 years; and in which groups such 2001 12.7 incidence was highest. [42326] 2002 13.3 2003 13.3 Anne Milton: Data on the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in England in each of the last 10 years are provided 2004 13.9 in the following table: 2005 15.2 389W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 390W

Rate of tuberculosis cases reported in England, 2000-2009 Alistair Burt: The UK is committed to securing a Rate per 100,000 robust and effective Arms Trade Treaty and will continue to play a lead role in the UN process. Negotiations are 2006 15.2 ongoing in the run up to the critical UN Negotiating 2007 14.9 Conference in 2012. It would not be appropriate for me 2008 15.4 to speculate about the scope of an Arms Trade Treaty at 2009 16.0 this time. We maintain a dialogue with the Parliamentary Source: Committees on Arms Export Controls on the Arms Health Protection Agency (HPA) Trade Treaty, most recently when I gave Oral evidence In each of the last 10 years, TB incidence was highest to the Committees on 24 January 2011. among the non-United Kingdom born people1. The Health Protection Agency did not collect data Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for on other risk factors for TB until recently, and data on Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether officials these are not yet available. from his Department will attend the July 2011 1 Place of birth should not be confused with citizenship or negotiations at the UN on implementation mechanisms residence status. for the Arms Trade Treaty. [42153] Tuberculosis: Vaccination Alistair Burt: We are committed to securing a robust and effective Arms Trade Treaty and to continuing to Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State play a lead role in the UN process. The Foreign and for Health (1) what funding his Department has Commonwealth Office, as the lead Government provided for the development of a successor to the Department, head and lead the UK delegation, and has played a full and active role in the UN negotiations to BCG vaccine in each of the last five years; [42327] date. This will continue later this month and in July, (2) which product development partnerships are culminating in the UN Negotiating Conference in 2012. undertaking work to develop a successor to the BCG vaccine. [42328] Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Anne Milton: The funding provided by the Department assessment he has made of the likely effects of the to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) for projects Arms Trade Treaty on the UK’s capacity to export relating to tuberculosis (TB) vaccine development is security and defence equipment. [42154] shown in the following table: Alistair Burt: The UK already operates one of the Funding to the HPA for projects relating to TB vaccine development strongest export control systems in the world, and is £000 fully committed to securing a robust and effective Arms 2006-07 657 Trade Treaty that raises international standards and 2007-08 1,645 helps create a level playing field for the legitimate defence 2008-09 1,455 industry.This actively supports the Government’s prosperity 2009-10 1,009 agenda by helping to make British industry more 2010-11 1,210 competitive. Hence the Government and the UK defence industry have a close working relationship on the Arms HPA Porton has the largest TB preclinical vaccine Trade Treaty, with industry representation on the wider development capability in Europe and performs critical UK Arms Trade Treaty team, and they are fully supportive preclinical head-to-head comparisons of the efficacy of of UK efforts to secure the Treaty. new TB vaccines and delivery systems. These studies inform the selection of vaccines for subsequent clinical Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for trials. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what There are numerous TB vaccine development representations he has received from the defence partnerships worldwide. The HPA has TB vaccine industry on negotiations over the Arms Trade Treaty. development partnerships with the following organisations: [42155] Discovery and preclinical development of new generation Alistair Burt: The Government are working closely tuberculosis vaccines (NEWTBVAC), a European Commission with a wide range of partners, including the UK defence 7th Framework programme; industry, to secure a robust and effective Arms Trade The European TB Vaccine Initiative (TBVI), a non-profit Treaty. A UK defence industry representative is part of foundation; and the UK’s wider Arms Trade Treaty team, and defence AERAS Global TB Vaccine Foundation. industry representatives have attended UK technical meetings on the Arms Trade Treaty to help inform the UK’s position ahead of the next UN Preparatory Committee meeting starting in New York on 28 February FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE 2011. Arms Trade Treaty Bangladesh: Military Aid

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what training and he has made of the merits of including dual-use assistance British security services have provided to technologies on the list of equipment to be regulated by Bangladeshi security forces in the last 12 months; and the Arms Trade Treaty. [42152] if he will make a statement. [42151] 391W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 392W

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s and urged them to lift the restrictions immediately, and assistance to Bangladesh’s security forces over the last we raised our concerns about treatment of journalists 12 months has focused on the provision of human and human rights activists. rights and ethical policing skills training to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Egypt: Press Freedom Funded through our Counter Terrorism and Radicalisation Programme and delivered by the National Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Policing Improvements Agency, the project is aimed at Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent improving RAB’s ability to conduct operations in a reports he has received on the independence of the human rights compliant manner. Over the last 12 months media in Egypt. [41942] this training was given to senior RAB investigators Alistair Burt [holding answer 28 February 2011]: We focusing on the strategic, operational and tactical intelligence have previously raised our concerns about freedom of cycle with lessons learned from key court rulings; a expression in Egypt with the Egyptian Government, Train the Trainer programme to ensure that RAB can including on media restrictions in the run up to the deliver a first responders’ course and cascade their parliamentary elections held in November and December training through their battalions, and training in operational 2010. At the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal judgments and procedures that comply with modern Periodic Review in June 2010 we called on Egypt to police standards. amend its penal code to ensure freedom of expression for journalists, publishers and bloggers. BBC World Service: Finance We condemned the measures taken by the Egyptian authorities to prevent the protests and demonstrations John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for in Egypt during January and February this year by Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he shutting down mobile phone networks and the internet. has made of the likely job losses resulting from the We expressed our strong concerns to the Egyptian changes to the Grant-in-Aid funding to the BBC World authorities about the mistreatment of journalists. Freedom Service for (a) Albanian, (b) Macedonian, (c) of expression, including freedom of the media, is Portuguese for Africa, (d) Serbian and (e) English for fundamental to building a democratic society and we the Caribbean services. [41673] will continue to monitor the situation in Egypt closely.

Mr Jeremy Browne: According to the BBC World Holocaust: Anniversaries Service, the current number of people employed on these language services is: Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to Albanian: 23 mark the 70th anniversary of the UN declaration of Macedonian: 10 17 December 1942 on the circumstances of Jewish Portuguese for Africa: 12 people in Europe; and if he will make a statement. [R] Serbian: 21 [42064] English for the Caribbean: 6. Alistair Burt: I refer my hon. Friend to the response Any decisions about possible redeployment of staff the Minister of State, my noble Friend, the right hon. would be made by the BBC World Service. Lord Howell, gave in the other place on 10 January 2011, Official Report, House of Lords, column WA396. Egypt: Freedom of Circulation Judaism: Festivals and Special Occasions Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of representations he has made to the Egyptian 14 December 2010, Official Report, column 639W, on government on its military’s approach to freedom of Judaism: festivals and special occasions, who drafted movement within Egypt. [42344] his Chanukah message to the Jewish community; if he will reconsider his decision not to publish this message Alistair Burt: [holding answer 28 February 2011]: A in the Official Report; on what basis the decision was state of emergency has existed in Egypt since 1981 taken; and if he will make a statement. [R] [41791] which allows for unwarranted derogation of some of Egypt’s international human rights obligations. The Alistair Burt: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of Foreign Secretary, in his statement to the House on 14 December 2010, Official Report, column 639W. Official Report, 14 February, columns 714-6, called for Messages of greeting are published on the Foreign steps to end the state of emergency. On 21 February, the and Commonwealth Office website and on the websites Prime Minister visited Egypt. He met Field Marshall of relevant embassies. Mohammed Tantawi and raised the issue of when the state of emergency would be lifted. Middle East: Armed Conflict Throughout the recent protests in Egypt, we lobbied the Egyptian authorities at the highest level to avoid Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign repression of the protestors, who were exercising their and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to right to freedom of expression. We were deeply concerned prevent the flow of arms and funding from Iran to by measures taken by the Egyptian authorities to prevent organisations opposed to the State of Israel. [R] the protests by shutting down mobile phone networks [42065] 393W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 394W

Alistair Burt: We have longstanding concerns Courts: Closures about Iranian support to groups which espouse violence in the middle east, including those who oppose Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice the state of Israel. We take seriously Israel’s legitimate (1) what estimate his Department has made of the security concerns and regularly raise this issue with potential total receipts from the disposal of the senior political leaders in the region. magistrates courts and county courts announced on Most recently, the Secretary of State for Foreign and 14 December 2010; [42961] Commonwealth Affairs raised arms transfers to Hezbollah (2) what estimate his Department has made of the with President Assad when he visited Syria on 27 January annual savings to accrue from ceasing the requirement 2011. to maintain the magistrates courts and county courts Iran must stop attempting to exploit regional identified for closure in his announcement on challenges for its own means. We will continue to 14 December 2010; [42962] push for full implementation of UN Security Council (3) what estimate his Department has made of the Resolutions which call for the disarmament of these savings to accrue from the closure of the magistrates armed groups and prohibit weapons transfers and give courts and county courts identified for closure in his our full support to the UN sanctions committees pursuing announcement of 14 December 2010. [42963] and investigating sanctions violations. Mr Djanogly: Gross savings from the closure of the Overseas Aid courts announced on 14 December 2010 are estimated to be in the region of £41.5 million over the spending Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State review period. The resource cost of closures are currently for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what being reviewed as part of implementation planning. It proportion of his Department’s programme is hoped that £38.5 million will be received from the sale expenditure was allocated to (a) bilateral and (b) of assets. multilateral programmes in each year from 2005-06 to Ceasing the requirement to maintain the court buildings 2011-12. [40207] does not entail savings, per se, as this is not money that would necessarily be spent were a building to be retained. Mr Hague: The actual Foreign and Commonwealth Rather, there will be substantial cost avoidance from Office (FCO) programme expenditure on bilateral and not needing to maintain the buildings that are disposed multilateral programmes in each year from 2005-06 of. The £41.5 million of estimated gross savings does to 2009-10 is shown in the table. The figures for 2010- not therefore include any savings associated with reductions 11 and 2011-12 are forecasts based on allocated in maintenance costs. budgets: Departmental Buildings £ million Bilateral Multilateral Total Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2005-06 13.3 131.0 144.3 (1) what the running costs in each category were for 2006-07 24.3 103.7 128.0 each of the central London buildings operated by his 2007-08 22.4 102.6 125.0 Department in the latest period for which figures are 2008-09 26.7 111.0 137.7 available; [42955] 2009-10 28.2 108.8 137.0 (2) what progress he has made on the proposed 2010-11 11.6 111.0 122.6 reduction in the number of his Department’s properties 2011-12 19.0 120.5 139.5 in central London; and what estimate he has made of the likely savings to accrue from the reduction. [42958] The figures cover FCO discretionary policy programmes. Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice (MoJ), including executive agencies and arm’s length bodies, currently operates 13 central London headquarters administrative JUSTICE buildings in addition to prison and court properties. The following table shows 2009-10 property costs for Bribery Act 2010 the three headquarters administrative buildings in central London for which costs are managed centrally. Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 10 February 2011, Official Building/Category Total (£ million) Report, column 401W, on the Bribery Act 2010, if he MoJ headquarters, 102 Petty France will publish the further representations he has received during the consultation process since the publication of Property rent and rates 19.7 the impact assessment in 2009 on the Bribery Bill. Maintenance 2.8 [42097] Other property costs 3.0 Fuel and utilities 1.3 Mr Djanogly: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Charges on leased assets 12.4 given by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Total 39.2 Justice, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke) to the hon. Member for 5th Floor, 30 Millbank Northampton South (Mr Binley) on 14 February 2011, Property rent and rates 0.4 Official Report, column 577W. Maintenance 0.2 395W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 396W

Building/Category Total (£ million) £ million Baseline1 Allocation Other property costs 0.1 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Total 0.7 Administration 704 655 606 561 517 budget1 Clive House, 70 Petty France1 1Administration budgets have been expanded to include arm’s length bodies Property rent and rates 5.2 and this is reflected in increased 2010-11 baselines compared to 2010-11 Maintenance 0.9 outturn. Other property costs 0.3 In 2014-15, the Department will make estimated total Fuel and utilities 0.2 efficiency savings of around £1 billion. This figure Total 6.6 includes savings against front line operations, ‘support 1 Vacant during works to refit as National Offender Management Service for delivery’ functions and administrative spend. Savings headquarters—May 2009 to June 2010. plans for individual years in the spending review period In 2007, the Department began a programme to are currently being developed. improve the usage of its administrative estate. Between then and February 2011, the MoJ has reduced the Departmental Interpreters number of central London headquarters administrative properties by nine. The estimated saving during this Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice period is £22.5 million a year (Resource Department for which services provided by (a) his Department and Expenditure Limit), including depreciation. In addition (b) its associated public bodies interpreters provide to the annual resource savings, the Department sold services in a language or languages other than English; two freehold buildings in central London for £67 million how many interpreters are employed or subcontracted in 2010 (Capital receipt). for each non-English language; and what estimate he By 2015, the MoJ is planning to reduce the number of has made of the cost to the public purse of headquarters administrative properties in central London interpretation costs incurred in the latest period for to four; reduce workstations from around 8,000 to which figures are available. [42896] around 4,000 through flexible work space and reduce the operational costs by £47 million a year. Mr Blunt: Interpretation and translation services in relation to the Ministry of Justice are provided by Her Departmental Conditions of Employment Majesty’s Courts Service, the Legal Services Commission, the National Offender Management Service, the Tribunal Service and the Office of the Public Guardian to: Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of his Department’s Defendants in criminal cases adherence to each of the principles of good Defence witnesses in criminal cases (interpretation services for employment practice set out in the Cabinet Office prosecution witnesses are provided by the prosecutor) publication Principles of Good Employment Practice. Offenders serving a custodial or community sentence [42628] Claimants in tribunal cases Parties to civil and family proceedings Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice is fully committed Those who lack the capacity to make financial or health-related to supporting the principles and will work with suppliers decisions for themselves. to apply the principles where appropriate. However The Department uses the services of freelance and since the principles were only recently launched on agency interpreters and translators who are booked for 13 December 2010 it is too early to be able to give a individual assignments. Information is not held centrally more detailed assessment at this stage. on the number of bookings made and the languages The impact of these principles on employment practice required for those bookings. Estimated annual spend will be reviewed by the Public Services Forum in January across the Department is in the region of £30 million 2012. The forum will assess how the principles contribute for foreign language interpretation and translation and to good employment practices in the delivery of contracted for language services for the deaf and deafblind. A out services. project is under way to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the arrangements across the whole of Departmental Cost Effectiveness the justice system, including interpretation and translation services provided by the police. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Departmental Manpower what (a) administrative and (b) front line efficiency savings his Department plans to make in (i) 2011-12, Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for (ii) 2012-13 and (iii) 2013-14. [42947] Justice how many (a) actual and (b) full-time equivalent staff have left his Department’s employ Mr Kenneth Clarke: I will address 2014-15 in addition since May 2010. [42297] to the years quoted in the question, because departmental plans encompass the full spending review period. Mr Djanogly: From 7 May 2010 to 30 September The Ministry of Justice will make savings of 33% in 2010, the date of the latest published data, 2,227 members real terms from its administrative budget by the end of of staff and 2,032.54 full-time equivalent staff left the the spending review period. Departmental administration Ministry of Justice. These figures only include paid staff budgets for the period were published in spending review who leave the Department and do not include staff who 2010, and the Ministry of Justice’s allocations are as are off pay and have left—eg. those who are on career follows: breaks and subsequently resign. 397W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 398W

Ministry of Justice figures include MoJ Headquarters, The proposals for reductions include voluntary early the National Offender Management Service, Her Majesty’s departure schemes, use of any natural attrition, Courts Service, the Tribunals Service, the Office of the redeployment and career transition services to ensure Public Guardian, Wales Office, and Scotland Office there are as few redundancies as possible. (including Scotland Office and Advocate General for My Department’s response to the spending review Scotland staff on Scottish Government systems). marks the beginning of a programme of radical change which will fundamentally reform the way justice is Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for provided by 2015. I am confident that the process will Justice how many (a) actual and (b) full-time lead to a transformed Ministry of Justice which is lean, equivalent staff his Department employed at the latest transparent, and affordable. date for which figures are available. [42378] Departmental Regulation Mr Djanogly: The latest published headcount data for the Ministry of Justice is as at 30 September 2010. Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for At that date 78,013 members of staff and 73,483.75 Justice (1) what regulations his Department introduced full-time equivalent staff were employed by the Ministry between 18 November 2010 and 8 February 2011; of Justice. [42081] Ministry of Justice figures include MoJ headquarters, (2) what regulations his Department removed the National Offender Management Service, Her Majesty’s between 18 November 2010 and 8 February 2011. Courts Service, the Tribunals Service, the Office of the [42091] Public Guardian, Wales Office, and Scotland Office (including Scotland Office and Advocate-General for Mr Djanogly: The only statutory instrument which Scotland staff on Scottish Government systems). the Ministry of Justice has laid in Parliament between 18 November 2010 and 8 February 2011 which has Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for regulatory impact is the Legal Services Act 2007 (Levy) Justice how many (a) actual and (b) full-time (No2) Rules 2010. equivalent staff were employed by his Department in No statutory instrument laid between the period May 2010. [42394] above removed regulations that have regulatory impact. Drugs: Convictions Mr Djanogly: As at 31 May 2010 78,537 members of staff and 74,064.45 full-time equivalent staff were employed Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for by the Ministry of Justice. Justice how many and what proportion of convictions Ministry of Justice figures include MoJ Headquarters, for drug-related offences resulted in a prison sentence the National Offender Management Service, Her Majesty’s in (a) 2007, (b) 2008 and (c) 2009 (i) nationally, (ii) in Courts Service, the Tribunals Service, the Office of the Sussex and (iii) in Brighton and Hove. [42006] Public Guardian, Wales Office, and Scotland Office (including Scotland Office and Advocate General for Mr Blunt: Convictions for drug-related offences and Scotland staff on Scottish Government systems). the proportion that resulted in immediate custodial sentence, by court type, and area for 2007-09 (latest Departmental Redundancy available) is shown in tables 1 and 2. Table 1 provides magistrates courts data for the Sussex Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice police force area, Sussex Central local justice area (in what estimate his Department has made of the which Brighton and Hove magistrates court is located) redundancy costs attributable to his proposals for and England and Wales. reductions in posts in his Department in the next four Table 2 gives data for the Crown courts in the Sussex years. [42959] police force area and England and Wales. There is no specific Crown court that deals with the Brighton and Mr Kenneth Clarke: My Department have made no Hove area. Therefore information for all Crown courts estimate for the cost of redundancy at this stage as the dealing with cases from Sussex police force have been focus has been on completing planning for the spending provided. review, and making reductions through a swift, MoJ-wide Information for Scotland and Northern Ireland are voluntary early departure scheme. The scheme was open matters for the Scottish Executive and Northern Ireland to all staff that are not in front line roles. Office respectively.

Table 1: Defendants found guilty of drug offences at magistrates courts and sentenced, by area, for 2007-091, 2 Found guilty/sentence/area 2007 20083 2009

Sussex police force area Found guilty 815 875 958 Sentenced 680 781 886 Of which given: Immediate custody 19 25 30 Other sentence4 661 756 856 Proportion of those sentenced who were given 333 immediate custody (%) 399W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 400W

Table 1: Defendants found guilty of drug offences at magistrates courts and sentenced, by area, for 2007-091, 2 Found guilty/sentence/area 2007 20083 2009

Sussex (Central) Found guilty 230 279 266 Sentenced 204 245 238 Of which given: Immediate custody 5 14 4 Other sentence4 199 231 234 Proportion of those sentenced who were given 262 immediate custody (%)

England and Wales Found guilty 35,710 42,512 45,577 Sentenced 33,098 39,710 42,967 Of which given: Immediate custody 1,178 1,293 1,042 Other sentence4 31,920 38,417 41,925 Proportion of those sentenced who were given 432 immediate custody (%) 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences, it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. 4 Includes: absolute/conditional discharge, fine, community sentence, suspended sentence and otherwise dealt with. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services: Ministry of Justice.

Table 2: Defendants found guilty of drug offences at Crown court and sentenced, by area, for 2007-091, 2 Found guilty/sentence/area 2007 2008 2009

Sussex police force area Found guilty 326 395 462 Sentenced 448 486 529 Of which given: Immediate custody 308 316 366 Other sentence3 140 170 163 Proportion of those sentenced who were given 69 65 69 immediate custody (%)

England and Wales Found guilty 8,855 10,431 11,216 Sentenced 11,402 13,201 13,653 Of which given: Immediate custody 7,008 8,195 8,383 Other sentence3 4,394 5,006 5,270 Proportion of those sentenced who were given 61 62 61 immediate custody (%) 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences, it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Includes: absolute/conditional discharge, fine, community sentence, suspended sentence and otherwise dealt with. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services: Ministry of Justice.

Duchy of Cornwall: Coroners and Justice Act 2009 Fines Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice on what basis his Department sought to consult Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice the Duchy of Cornwall on the proposals for the what estimate he has made of the amount of unpaid Coroners and Justice Act 2009; and whether any monies relating to the issue of an on-the-spot fine in amendments to the proposed legislation were made in each of the last five years. [42907] consequence. [41613] Mr Blunt: We do not disclose the contents of Mr Blunt: Data on the number of Penalty Notices for correspondence with members of the Royal Family or Disorder (PNDs) issued to persons aged 16 and over, in the Royal Household. England and Wales for 2005–09 (latest available) and 401W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 402W the outcome can be viewed in the table. It is not possible as, once fines are issued in default of payment, they are to make an accurate assessment of monies outstanding indistinguishable from other fines.

Number of Penalty Notices for Disorder issued to all persons aged 16 and over, by age group and year, 2005-0912England and Wales Of those paid Number issued Total paid in full % Paid in full within 21days % Paid in full outside 21 days %

2005 146,481 77,247 53 56,823 39 20,424 14 2006 201,197 104,546 52 76,591 38 27,955 14 2007 207,544 106,925 52 82,133 40 24,792 12 2008 176,164 91,289 52 71,244 40 20,045 11 2009 170,393 90,116 53 69,834 41 20,282 12

Other outcomes Court hearing Potential Outcome Fine registered % requested % PND cancelled % prosecution % unknown %

2005 62,179 42 1,588 1 2,437 2 1,805 1 1,225 1 2006 87,796 44 1,480 1 4,268 2 2,710 1 397 0 2007 90,057 43 1,253 1 5,249 3 3,980 2 80 0 2008 76,155 43 1,062 1 4,089 2 3,514 2 55 0 2009 67,646 40 897 1 4,186 2 7,257 4 291 0 1 Percentages may not add up due to rounding. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.

Harassment: Convictions Mr Blunt: The average sentence lengths for persons convicted under section 2 of the Protection from Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Harassment Act 1997, in England and Wales, from what the average sentence length was for persons 1998 to 2009 (latest available) are shown in the following convicted of harassment under Section 2 of the table. Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in England and Data for 2010 are planned for publication in the Wales in each year from 1998 to 2010. [42370] spring of 2011.

Number of persons found guilty at all courts, sentenced to immediate custody, the average custodial sentence length and other disposal under section 21 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, England and Wales, 1998 to 20092,3 Outcome 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20084 2009

Found guilty 2,221 2,753 2,933 2,806 2,864 3,020 3,348 3,635 3,768 3,745 3,931 4,365 Total sentenced5 2,224 2,745 2,934 2,813 2,868 3,033 3,344 3,678 3,789 3,770 3,939 4,377 of which Other disposals7 1,979 2,435 2,605 2,506 2,557 2,726 2,996 3,343 3,412 3,346 3,420 3,812 Immediate custody 245 310 329 307 311 307 348 335 377 424 519 565

Average custodial 3.2 7.2 5.8 5.8 5.0 7.1 5.6 6.2 5.7 4.9 5.9 6.4 sentence length (months)6 1 The following statutes were used for the corresponding offence: Protection from Harassment Act 1997, s.2: Offence of harassment; Protection from Harassment Act 1997, s.2 as amended by Crime and Disorder Act 1998—came into force 30 September 1998: Racially aggravated offence of harassment Religiously aggravated offence of harassment Racially or religiously aggravated offence of harassment 2 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 4 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. 5 The sentenced column may exceed those found guilty as it may be the case that a defendant found guilty, and committed for sentence at the Crown court, may be sentenced in the following year. 6 Excludes life and indeterminate sentences. 7 Includes: absolute/conditional discharge, fine, community sentence, suspended sentence and otherwise dealt with. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services - Ministry of Justice

HM Courts Service of HM Courts Service and the Tribunals Service. [42949] Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Djanogly: Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals what progress has been made on the proposed merger Service (HMCTS) is the new agency which brings together 403W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 404W the administration of HM Courts Service and the Tribunals Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Service. It is due to be launched on 1 April 2011. We what change in staffing levels he expects as a result of expect to have the new senior structure for the organisation the merger of HM Courts Service and the Tribunals in place by early April and implementation of the Service in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14. structural design for the rest of the organisation will be [42952] completed by April 2012. The new structure brings together corporate functions Mr Djanogly: As a result of the integration of HMCS to remove duplication and increase the efficiency of the and the Tribunals Service, staff levels are estimated to administration. Operating as a single organisation will reduce in total by 703. This reduction is at headquarters, provide the platform to improve accessibility, drive up regional and area management levels, but not at the the quality of services we offer to the public and provide frontline. It includes an estimated reduction of 118 in a more appropriate environment to users. The public the current year (2010-11) and further reductions as consultation—“A Platform for the Future”—which seeks follows: views on these benefits closed on 25 February 2011 and (a) by 426 in 2011-12; we expect to publish a response in early April. Over the (b) by 158 in 2012-13; spending review period it is estimated that the integration (c) we do not expect a further change in headcount as a result of HMCS and the Tribunals Service will deliver savings of integration in 2013-14. of £112 million. The proposed organisation design for the new agency is currently subject to consultation with staff. We aim to Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice manage as many staff exits as possible through what the budget was for (a) HM Courts Service and redeployment, natural wastage and voluntary early (b) the Tribunals Service and its predecessor was in (i) departures. 1997-98 and (ii) 2010-11. [42950] Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Djanogly: The information requested is as follows: what estimate his Department has made of the cost to The budget for Her Majesty’s Courts Service (HMCS): the public purse of reductions in staff in HM Courts (i) HMCS was formed on 1 April 2005 by the merger of the Service in the next four years. [42954] Court Service and 42 Magistrates Areas. Following the creation of HMCS the accounting records of the Court Service were Mr Kenneth Clarke: The estimated cost of reductions archived and accessing them to provide the information back to in staff in HM Courts and Tribunals Service in the next 1997 would be disproportionately expensive for the Department. four years is circa £35 million. Information for magistrates courts is not recorded centrally as it is held by individual local authorities and to obtain this information would incur disproportionate cost; Home Detention Curfews (ii) £874.5 million 2010-11. The budget for Tribunals Service: Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice on how many occasions he has been asked by prison (i) The Tribunals Service was created on 1 April 2006 through the bringing together of 26 previously separate agencies or similar governors to provide advice on specific cases bodies. As such, we cannot provide figures for 1997-98. To do so concerning an application for early release under a would incur disproportionate cost; home detention curfew in each of the last five years. (ii) £247.1 million in 2010-11. [42922]

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Blunt: It is not possible to provide figures for the how much his Department proposes to save from the number of occasions the Secretary of State for Justice merger of HM Courts Service and the Tribunals has been asked by prison governors to provide advice Service in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14. on cases concerning applications for release under the [42951] Home Detention Curfew Scheme. The Ministry of Justice provides a helpline service for general and specific advice relating to the Home Detention Curfew Scheme (HDC) Mr Djanogly: Through the integration of HMCS and but the Department does not collate information on the Tribunals Service we expect to make savings of how often advice is provided. £112 million over the course of the spending review. The estimated savings for each year are as follows: Legal Advice and Assistance: Telephone Services (a) £15 million in 2011-12; (b) £29 million in 2012-13; Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (c) £34 million in 2013-14. whether his Department has assessed the merits of We estimate annual savings of £34 million from 2014-15 providing telephone legal advice on certain family law onwards. A large proportion of these savings come matters in order to divert individuals away from the from a reduction in staffing levels but we also assume a courts to alternative routes such as mediation. [42830] number of savings through a reduced overhead and removal of duplication (for example through reduced Mr Djanogly: The existing Community Legal Advice numbers of agency non-executive directors). We aim to (CLA) helpline provides specialist telephone legal advice manage the reduction in staffing levels through to clients eligible for legal aid regarding family issues. redeployment, natural wastage, and voluntary early The service offers information about non-court based departures. There will be costs associated with this over options for resolving problems, including mediation, the spending review period. where this is appropriate for the client and their case. 405W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 406W

In addition, the initial operator service of the CLA Mr Blunt: The Prison Service Gold Command suite helpline provides general information about non-court was opened on a total number of 31 occasions during options to callers in certain specific circumstances or the 12 month period to 31 December 2010. The following where it is requested. table shows the nature of each serious incident as The Legal Services Commission and the Ministry of defined by restricted Prison Service Order 1400—Incident Justice are currently assessing the merits of providing Management Manual: more specific information about mediation services through Prison Service Gold Command Suite Openings 2010 the CLA helpline for people eligible for legal aid and Date Serious incident categories Number also for those who are ineligible. January 2010 Barricade 2 Hostage Legal Aid

February 2010 Concerted Indiscipline 1 Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the compliance with competition legislation of existing arrangements for March 2010 Concerted Indiscipline 1 awarding publicly-funded legal services. [42915] April 2010 Incident at Height x2 4 Mr Djanogly: The Legal Services Commission (LSC) Concerted Indiscipline x2 is responsible for the processes for the award of new legal aid contracts. The LSC department responsible May 2010 Incident at Height 1 for commissioning legal services includes staff trained in procurement procedure and qualified with the Chartered June 2010 Concerted Indiscipline/ 1 Institute of Purchasing and Supply. The LSC also has a Hostage commercial law team who provide advice on legislation relevant to public procurement, and takes external legal July 2010 Concerted Indiscipline at 3 advice in relation to tender processes. Height Hostage Legal Aid: Wales Concerted Indiscipline

Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice August 2010 Concerted Indiscipline 1 what assessment he has made of the potential effects on recipients of legal aid in Wales of his proposals for September 2010 Hostage 2 legal aid. [42210] Hostage—Collusion Mr Djanogly: The potential impacts of the reform proposals are detailed in the impact assessments that October 2010 Hostage x2 4 accompanied the publication of the consultation paper. Concerted Indiscipline at Impacts on clients in England and Wales are considered Height collectively. Concerted Indiscipline

Offenders: Rehabilitation November 2010 Concerted Indiscipline x5 7 Barricade Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Hostage what progress he has made on the review of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; and if he will December 2010 Concerted Indiscipline x3 4 make a statement. [42832] Barricade/Hostage Total 31 Mr Blunt: We are conducting an assessment of sentencing and rehabilitation policies, and this includes the Prison Service: Manpower Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. We have published our proposals for reform of this Act in a Green Paper, ‘Breaking the Cycle: Effective Punishment, Rehabilitation Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for and Sentencing of Offenders’. The consultation period Justice (1) what the cost to the Prison Service was of for this Green Paper ends on 4 March 2011. Following the deployment of staff on Operation Tornado in each this, the Government intend to take forward any agreed of the last five years; [42782] proposals in due course. (2) how many Tornado (a) units and (b) teams there are at each prison establishment; how many such teams Prison Service Gold Command there were at each prison establishment; and if he will make a statement; [42783] Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for (3) on how many occasions the Prison Service has Justice on how many occasions the Prison Service Gold been required to deploy staff under Operation Tornado Command has been opened in each of the last in each of the last 10 years; [42784] 12 months; what the nature was of each incident that (4) on how many occasions the Prison Service has caused it to be opened; and if he will make a statement. been required to deploy staff under Operation Tornado [42786] in each of the last 12 months. [42785] 407W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 408W

Mr Blunt: Any serious incident in a prison, immigration Mr Blunt: The prison population in each week since removal centre or secure training centre may require the May 2010 is set out in the following table. This information reinforcement of additional staff and resources to assist is published weekly on the HMPS website at: in its resolution. They can draw upon national plans to http://www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/resourcecentre/ ensure the deployment of support and mutual aid, publicationsdocuments/index.asp?cat=85 outlined in restricted Prison Service Order 1400—Incident These figures have been drawn from administrative Management Manual. These arrangements are referred IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording to as ‘Operation Tornado’. Central records are available system, are subject to possible errors with data entry from January 2008 and in the period until 31 December and processing. 2010 the total number of deployments, as follows, was 33. 2008: 12 Date Population 2009: 6 2010 2010: 15 In the 12-month period until 31 December 2010 7 May 84,982 Prison Service resources providing mutual aid under 14 May 85,009 Operation Tornado were deployed as follows: 21 May 85,201 28 May 85,147 2010 Number 4 June 85,096 11 June 85,056 January 0 18 June 85,085 February 1 25 June 84,966 March 0 2 July 85,074 April 2 9 July 85,097 May 0 16 July 85,117 June 1 23 July 85,182 July 1 30 July 85,009 August 1 6 August 85,115 September 0 13 August 85,123 October 2 20 August 85,091 November 5 27 August 85,111 December 2 3 September 84,955 Total 15 10 September 85,027 Note: 17 September 85,192 These data include deployments to immigration removal centres under the management of UKBA. 24 September 85,368 It is not appropriate to provide the information relating 1 October 85,495 to the specific resource of commitments allocated to 8 October 85,325 each prison, or region. The information is operationally 15 October 85,276 sensitive and its publication could undermine the 22 October 85,228 maintenance of security and good order in prisons, or 29 October 85,159 in other institutions where persons are lawfully detained. 5 November 85,269 Each prison governor has the delegated authority for 12 November 85,274 ensuring their prison can deliver the required mutual 19 November 85,393 aid staffing commitments within local budgets. In order 26 November 85,454 to provide the information relating to the national cost 3 December 85,227 of deploying mutual aid, we would need to contact all 10 December 84,896 Prison Service establishments, ask them to check their 17 December 84,548 local records and to submit this information to 24 December 83,701 headquarters. This would incur disproportionate cost. 31 December 83,055 Prison Service: Training 2011 Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 7 January 82,991 how much his Department spent on training prison 14 January 83,305 officers on human rights and diversity-related matters 21 January 83,780 in each of the last three years. [42932] 28 January 84,145 4 February 84,469 Mr Blunt: The specific costs of training prison officers 11 February 84,785 in human rights and diversity-related matters cannot be 18 February 85,072 identified because these subjects are integrated into all training programmes. Prisoners Prisoners: Employment

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the prison population was in each week since May what plans he has to support post-release employment 2010. [42966] for prisoners in order to reduce recidivism. [42834] 409W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 410W

Mr Blunt: We are working with the Department for Prisoners: Repatriation Work and Pensions (DWP) which is launching a new approach to improving employment outcomes based on Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice payment by results. The Green Paper “Breaking the what progress his Department has made on increasing Cycle: Effective Punishment, Rehabilitation and Sentencing the number of prisoner transfer agreements. [37350] of Offenders” published on 7 December has set out the intention to incentivise Work programme providers to Mr Kenneth Clarke: It is the Government’s policy to support post-release employment for unemployed offenders, extend or negotiate new prisoner transfer agreements linked to reducing reoffending, and also to engage more (PTAs) with as many countries as possible. PTAs provide employers to train and recruit offenders. one part of the solution to achieving our objectives of significantly reducing the foreign prisoner population Prisoners: Foreign Nationals in UK detention and so the burden on the UK taxpayer. In line with our normal practice, wherever possible we seek to negotiate PTAs that do not require prisoners to Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice consent to transfer. for what category of crimes each foreign national In consultation with the FCO, we have reviewed our prisoner serving a custodial sentence in England and global policy for the negotiation of new or amended Wales was convicted. [42967] prisoner transfer agreements. This policy reflects both the need to secure agreements with those countries that Mr Blunt: The number of foreign national prisoners have the largest nationality groups serving sentences in serving an immediate custodial sentence (including recalls), UK prisons; and those where British nationals are by offence group, as at 31 December 2010 is shown in imprisoned abroad, in particular where we have concerns the following table. about their welfare. We also seek to take advantage of opportunities where another country is seeking a PTA Offence group Number of foreign nationals with the UK: even if the total number of prisoners from Burglary 262 that country serving sentences here is small and there is Drug offences 1,937 no pressing consular need. Finally, agreement in one Fraud and forgery 520 country can create momentum for approval in a Motoring offences 130 neighbouring state. We therefore may work on a regional Offence not recorded 37 basis if a dynamic allows for progress. Other offences 874 The UK currently has prisoner transfer arrangements Robbery 685 with over 100 countries and territories. A prisoner Sexual offences 1,037 transfer agreement with Rwanda was ratified on Theft and handling 452 23 November 2010 and in addition to Nigeria, negotiations Violence against the person 1,749 have begun with other countries including Jamaica, the Total 7,683 United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in line with the policy above. Preparations are under way for the These figures have been drawn from administrative implementation of the EU prisoner transfer agreement IT systems which, as with any large scale recording which enters into force in December 2011. system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many foreign prisoners of each nationality Prisoners: Mental Illness were repatriated in (a) January and (b) February 2011. [42548] Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Blunt: The information requested is set out as follows: Justice what his most recent estimate is of the number Prisoners repatriated from England and Wales in January and February 2011 of prisoners with a personality disorder. [41524] Country to which February 2011 (up to transfer took place January 2011 25 February) Mr Blunt: Personality disorders are common conditions, with differing levels of severity. It is estimated that Bermuda 1 — approximately two-thirds of prisoners, including sentenced The Netherlands 2 1 and remand prisoners totalling approximately 57,000, Portugal — 1 would meet the criteria for at least one type of personality The repatriation of prisoners to Scotland and Northern disorder. For a relatively small number of offenders, in Ireland is a matter for appropriate Ministers in the its most severe forms, personality disorder is linked to a relevant devolved Administration. serious risk of harm to themselves and to others. These offenders have highly complex psychological needs that Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice create challenges for staff in terms of management, (1) how many prisoners in UK prisons who were treatment and maintaining a safe working environment. transferred to the UK under prisoner transfer The national health service and National Offender agreements following convictions abroad were (a) Management Service plan to reconfigure existing services released early, (b) released early under the home in secure and community settings to manage high risk, detention curfew scheme and (c) released early under sexual or violent offenders whose offending is linked to exceptional circumstances through the home detention severe forms of personality disorder. The implementation curfew scheme in each of the last five years; [42925] plan for these changes is subject to a separate consultation (2) how many prisoners were transferred to UK by the Department of Health and the Ministry of prisons from each country of origin under prisoner Justice launched on 17 February. transfer agreements in each of the last five years. [42926] 411W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 412W

Mr Blunt: Prisoners convicted and sentenced abroad (2) what representations he has received from the who are transferred to prisons in England and Wales to Cypriot authorities on the early release of (a) Michael serve the remainder of their sentences are released in Binnington and (b) Luke Atkinson. [42928] accordance with the applicable law governing release in England and Wales. Prisoners are released on their Mr Blunt: It would not be appropriate to place in the statutory release date unless they are released early, Library of the House information relating to the transfer where applicable, on parole, under the Home Detention of named individuals as the answer contains personal Curfew Scheme, or early on compassionate or other information. I will communicate privately with the hon. grounds. Information on the release dates of transferred Member about this issue. However, I can confirm that prisoners is not recorded separately and could be obtained the Cypriot authorities have not made any representations only at disproportionate cost. about the early release of Michael Binnington and Luke The number of prisoners transferred to England and Atkinson. Wales in each of the last four years and the countries Prisons: Asbestos from which they were transferred is given in the following table. Prior to 2007, the countries from which prisoners John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for were transferred were not separately recorded. Justice pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2011, Official Report, column 796W, on prisons: asbestos, (1) Prisoners transferred to England and Wales 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2010 whether, on 31 December 2010, there remained Country 2007 2008 2009 2010 asbestos in the fabric of the buildings at HM Prison Ford following the comprehensive survey of the estate Austria — 1 — — on 2002-03 and the subsequent programme to remove Australia 3 1 — 1 asbestos that was implemented following the review; Belgium — — 1 1 [42903] Brazil — — 1 2 (2) in which prisons the 2002-03 comprehensive Costa Rica — 2 2 1 survey of the estate identified the presence of low risk Cyprus 2 2 5 5 asbestos which was not removed following this review; Ecuador — 1 — — [42904] France — — 1 4 Germany 1 2 2 1 (3) in which prison establishments the 2002-03 Ghana — — 2 3 comprehensive survey of the estate identified the Grenada 1 — — 3 presence of high risk asbestos; and when the Hong Kong — 2 2 2 subsequent programme to remove the asbestos was [42905] India — 2 1 — completed at each establishment; Japan 7 8 3 3 (4) whether any planned work programme to remove Laos — — 1 1 the asbestos from prison establishments has been (a) Luxembourg — — 1 — postponed, (b) cancelled or (c) delayed; [42906] Mexico — 2 — — (5) what plans were put in place following the Morocco — 1 1 — 2002-03 comprehensive survey of the prison estate for Netherlands 6 — — 1 the removal of low risk asbestos; and if he will make a Norway — — 1 1 statement. [42909] Panama — 1 — 1 Portugal 2 — — 1 Mr Blunt: Asbestos was identified in all prisons following Republic of 92814a comprehensive survey in 2002-03. Asbestos is still Ireland permitted by the Health and Safety Executive in some Romania — — 1 — construction and building activities as there is currently Slovakia — — — 1 no satisfactory alternative. In prisons it is still used in Spain 12 10 17 22 the gaskets to mechanical systems, but poses a low risk. South Korea — 1 — — Following the survey in 2002-03 it was not necessary Sweden 2 — 2 2 to remove all identified occurrences of asbestos. However, Switzerland 1 — — — a programme of removal of high-risk asbestos at the Thailand 4 1 4 4 prisons detailed in the following list was implemented Trinidad and 6228by local works managers under the supervision of the Tobago regional estates manager. This was completed in 2005 at Turkey——— 2a cost of around £1.4 million. We are not aware of any USA 10 8 4 5 significant delay or cancellation in this programme to Venezuela 2 6 2 — remove asbestos from prisons. Total68556489 Aylesbury The transfer of prisoners to Scotland and Northern Bedford Ireland is a devolved subject and is matter for the Belmarsh appropriate Ministers in the relevant devolved Brockhill Administration. Canterbury Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Cardiff (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of the prisoner Dartmoor transfer agreements in respect of the transfer of (a) Deerbolt Michael Binnington and (b) Luke Atkinson from Drake Hall Cyprus to Britain; and what the conditions were of Gartree each such transfer; [42927] Grendon/Spring Hill 413W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 414W

Guys Marsh Discussions about the disposal of Ashwell prison are Hewell Grange still in their early stages and it is too soon to say what Highdown the MoJ expects to receive in respect of the sale. The Hindley land and any property on the site will be placed on the open market for offers with a view to obtaining best Kirkham value from the sale. Leicester Lewes Prisons: Construction Lincoln Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Long Lartin how many (a) prisons and (b) detention centres in Nottingham Britain he estimates will be built using prefabricated or Parkhurst and Camphill (now part of Isle of Wight prison) flatpack buildings in 2010-11. [42716] Pentonville Reading Mr Blunt: One new prison in England and Wales, Isis, Shrewsbury has been built using prefabricated buildings in 2010-11. Stafford Additional accommodation has also been constructed using this method at Littlehey prison and young offender Styal institution during the period specified. Information about Swansea prisons in Northern Ireland and Scotland is respectively Usk/Prescoed the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive Wellingborough and the Scottish Government. No detention centres (i.e. Winchester immigration removal centres or secure training centres) Asbestos identified at Ford was assessed as being low in Britain have been built in this way. risk and was being managed locally but was not removed Prisons: Furniture as part of the above programme. It was present in the prison on the evening of 31 December 2010. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Following the survey in 2002-03, a comprehensive (1) how many new (a) beds and (b) mattresses were management plan was put into place, which ensured purchased for use by prisoners in each of the last three that every prison holds an electronic register of asbestos. years; and what the cost was of such purchases in each A national training initiative was set up through the such year; [42929] Prison Service College to deliver asbestos awareness (2) what the average cost was of providing a (a) bed training for those identified as requiring it and asbestos and (b) mattress for each prisoner held in a (i) public management training for works site managers. prison and (ii) privately-run prison in the last period Prison Service Order 5901, ‘Maintenance of Prison for which figures are available; [42930] Service Buildings’, requires asbestos to be re-inspected (3) how long a (a) bed and (b) mattress is issued for and photographed at a time indicated by a risk assessment use by prisoners before it is due to be replaced. [42931] and at least once every year. Any disturbance or deterioration of the asbestos must be reflected in the Mr Blunt: The following table shows the quantity of reviewed risk assessments. If the asbestos is identified beds and mattresses purchased for use by prisoners in as posing an unacceptably increased risk, a proposal for each of the last three years. The beds are manufactured its removal should be submitted as part of the prison’s by prisoners through the prison industries operation. maintenance strategy. Asbestos judged as being low-risk The table references the cost of such purchases in each will not be routinely removed, as disturbing it may put of the last three years. Using an average of 85,000 staff at greater danger than if it were to be left in situ. prisoner places, the average cost of providing a bed is approximately £8 per annum and the average cost of Prisons: Closures providing a mattress is approximately £24 per annum. The Ministry of Justice is unable to provide figures Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice for the private prisons as they source these items directly what estimate his Department has made of the amount by themselves. The 2008-09 procurement initiative to it will receive from the disposal of Lancaster prison introduce the “Zero Waste Wipe Clean Mattress and and Ashwell prison. [42849] Pillow Solution” has increased the life span of a mattress to an average of 22 months. It has also reduced the cost Mr Blunt: Lancaster Castle prison is leased from the and environmental impact of disposing of the mattress. Duchy of Lancaster. Following the prison’s closure it This contract is for the supply, collection and recycling will be returned to the Duchy and the Ministry of of highly flame retardant, robust wipe clean prison Justice (MoJ) will therefore not receive any payment. mattresses and pillows.

Mattress and bed order quantity and value for 2008-10 (calendar years) 2008 2009 2010 Last three years Total Total value Item Description Quantity Value (£) Quantity Value (£) Quantity Value (£) quantity (£)

0435 Mattress, 41,357 1,794,066.66 39,074 1,695,030.12 38,277 1,660,456.26 118,708 5,149,553.04 F/R Foam, STD 1.9m long 415W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 416W

Mattress and bed order quantity and value for 2008-10 (calendar years) 2008 2009 2010 Last three years Total Total value Item Description Quantity Value (£) Quantity Value (£) Quantity Value (£) quantity (£)

0436 Mattress F/R 799 43,026.15 952 51,265.20 550 29,617.50 2,301 43,026.15 Foam, 7 feet, 2.2m long 0437 Mattress 180 10,054.80 234 13,071.24 153 8,546.58 567 10,054.80 Hospital, F/R Foam 0438 Mattress 3,395 156,815.05 4,190 193,536.10 5,955 275,061.45 13,540 156,815.05 Narrow, F/R Foam 1.9m long Sub-total 45,731.00 2,003,962.66 44,450.00 1,952,902.66 44,935.00 1,973,681.79 135,116.00 5,359,449.04

2078 Bed Head, 1,650 32,026.50 1,739 33,753.99 1,330 25,815.30 4,719 32,026.50 Cream 2081 Bed Foot, 1,860 23,529.00 1,757 22,226.05 1,028 13,004.20 4,645 23,529.00 Cream 2084 Bed Base 6 2,347 102,235.32 2,236 97,400.16 2,153 93,784.68 6,736 102,235.32 Cream 2089 Bed Base 7 163 7,167.11 172 7,562.84 194 8,530.18 529 7,167.11 Cream 34017 Bed Single 1,871 419,272.39 3,031 679,216.79 752 168,515.68 5,654 1,267,004.86 WWF 34025 Bunk Bed 1 100.97 828 83,603.16 527 53,211.13 1,356 136,915.32 Mk2 WWF Sub-total 7,892.00 584,331.29 9,763.00 923,762S9 5,984.00 362,861.23 23,639.00 1,568,878.11

Prisons: Training Sentencing

Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice he will provide guidance to the judiciary and (1) what discussions his Department has had with magistracy to seek to ensure that court sentence ranges private sector organisations on expanding provision of do not vary by region. [41572] meaningful work and training in prisons; [42829] (2) whether his Department has plans to extend Mr Blunt: The independent Sentencing Council for initiatives such as that conducted by the Timpson England and Wales issues sentencing guidelines to judges Academy with offenders in HM Prisons Liverpool and and magistrates. The Council was set up under the Wandsworth. [42833] Coroners and Justice Act 2009 to promote greater transparency and consistency in sentencing across England and Wales. Mr Blunt: The development of prisoners’ employment skills helps them to become productive members of Social Impact Bonds society and improves their chances of gaining employment on release, which we know is a major contributor to John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for turning them away from crime. Justice pursuant to the answer of 10 February 2011, We set out our intention to make prisons places of Official Report, column 404W, on social impact bonds, work and industry in the Green Paper “Breaking the what the evaluation criteria will be for assessing cycle: Effective punishment, rehabilitation and sentencing whether the programme has delivered sufficient of offenders” published on 7 December 2010. As part of reductions in reconviction events to warrant payment; the consultation, we have been discussing with the who will be responsible for carrying out such an private sector ways in which we can increase further evaluation; and if he will make a statement. [42910] their participation in providing work and training in prisons. Mr Blunt: Following a competitive tender process, the Ministry of Justice has appointed QinetiQ and the There are already examples, like the Timpson Academies, university of Leicester to assess whether the first social of successful partnerships between prisons and private impact bond cohort delivers a sufficient reduction in sector organisations; whether employers are recruiting reconvictions to trigger a payment to investors. offenders directly from prison, running a prison workshop, training prisoners for specific jobs, providing the chance QinetiQ and the university of Leicester will of employment on release or helping shape policy and calculate the total frequency of reconviction events for practice. the offenders in the first social impact bond cohort, during the 12 months following their release from We will continue to consult with the private sector on prison. To determine whether a payment should be its role in contributing to the rehabilitation of offenders made, this reconviction rate will be compared with the through skills development and employment in both frequency of conviction events over the same time prisons and the community. period for a comparison group. The comparison group 417W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 418W will consist of 10,000 offenders released from other Theft: Re-offenders prisons, identified by QinetiQ and the university of Leicester as having similar characteristics to the social Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for impact bond offenders. Justice if he will assess the merits of ensuring that Together with the Big Lottery Fund, the Government second and third cases brought against an individual will pay for results if reconvictions fall by 10% across for offences relating to theft of goods valued below the cohort. If this threshold is not achieved, no payment £5,000 are kept at a magistrates court for summary will be made. The appointment of an independent determination. [41958] assessor for the second and third cohorts will follow a Mr Blunt: We are considering various ways of keeping full competitive tender process. out of the Crown court cases that do not need to be tried there. To provide that some offences that are John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for triable either way could in certain circumstances be Justice pursuant to the answer of 10 February 2011, treated as summary only would be one possibility. Any Official Report, column 404W, on social impact bonds, change to the status quo would take into account the what the commissioning process entailed; what Government’s commitment (as stated in the coalition selection criteria were used; which other companies or agreement) to protect historic freedoms through the charities submitted proposals to be considered as defence of trial by jury. potential partners for the pilot project at HM Prison Peterborough; and if he will make a statement. [42911] Third Sector

Mr Blunt: The social impact bond at Peterborough Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice prison was commissioned on 18 March 2010. This what account he has taken of the Compact between the followed a period of commercial negotiations between Government and Civil Society in policy development. Social Finance and the Ministry of Justice which began [42599] in June 2009. Mr Kenneth Clarke: The Ministry of Justice is involving The innovative social impact bond is the first social diverse civil society organisations when developing its investment scheme commissioned by the Government, policies and in delivering services across the Department’s and as such, the approach has not been piloted elsewhere business. in the public sector. The unique nature of the Social We are committed to further opening up our services Finance proposal, and the provision of £5 million to independent providers and we are working with civil innovation funding support by the Big Lottery Fund, society organisations to identify and remove barriers to meant that a formal competitive process was not their engagement. We are helped in this by the refreshed appropriate. Throughout negotiations with Social Finance, Compact and wider Government reforms. the Ministry of Justice took appropriate action to secure value for money. The Ministry of Justice obtained The Ministry’s Reducing Reoffending Third Sector clearance for the pilot from the Domestic Affairs (Public Advisory Group (RRTSAG) is an important forum for Engagement and the Delivery of Services) Committee, providing advice to my colleagues and officials on policy and support from HM Treasury. and strengthening the sector’s role in reducing reoffending. We have worked closely with the RRTSAG and other Future payment by results contracts, including those civil society partners to develop the Green Paper ‘Breaking supported by social models of investment, will be subject the Cycle: effective punishment, rehabilitation and to a competitive process. sentencing of offenders’, and we are consulting widely as well as through targeted approaches—for example we are co-ordinating a cross-sector symposium on payment Supreme Court: Flags by results which I will attend. In developing proposals for how victims’ services Ms Gisela Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for should be commissioned we are working closely with Justice who granted authority for the Supreme Court voluntary sector providers to develop a transparent and to fly its own flag as well as the Union flag from its sustainable funding model using the compact as a basis. building; and if he will make a statement. [42049] We are also engaging with victims’ charities and service providers on the development of a range of policies on Mr Djanogly: The chief executive, on behalf of the victims and witnesses. President, Deputy President and Justices of the Supreme There are a number of areas in the legal aid review Court of the United Kingdom sought advice about flag which we are considering closely with not-for-profit flying from the Flag Institute. The institute’s guidance is advice providers and we have sought their views during set out in its joint publication with the Flags and the consultation process. The Under-Secretary of State Heraldry Committee (an All Party Parliamentary Group) for Justice, my hon. Friend the Member for Huntingdon titled “Flying flags in the United Kingdom—A guide to (Mr Djanogly) has recently met with representatives of Britain’s flag protocol”. The guide permits double flagging advice providers to discuss the potential impact of the on one flagpole provided that the senior flag is flown at proposed reforms. the top of the pole. We have involved the Family Mediation Council Authority for the flying of the Supreme Court flag (comprises both civil society and private sector beneath the Union flag on days when the court is sitting organisations) in developing family mediation policy. or handing down judgments was granted by the President, We have engaged FMC representatives within the MoJ Deputy President and Justices of the Supreme Court. Project Board and we are actively involving the mediation No other authority was required. community in setting the future direction of policy. 419W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 420W

The Ministry and its agencies are funding voluntary Through the Family Justice System review we are exploring the sector umbrella bodies such as Clinks, Action for Prisoner’s potential for family mediation to be delivered by local independent Families, and the Advice Services Alliance to give a mediation services. voice and grow the contribution of diverse civil society We are investing nearly £30 million over the next three years organisations and their users. through the voluntary sector to support victims of crime. We are consulting on introducing a single reducing reoffending We are promoting the refreshed Compact throughout measure. the Department and its agencies. We welcome plans to strengthen accountability arrangements. We are proposing reducing the central burden on local youth offending teams through lighter touch performance management and more risk based inspection. We have already removed the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice ring fence from the YOT grant to allow more flexibility in how (1) what steps his Department has taken to support the they use their funding. Big Society initiative; [42639] We have published sentencing data since October 2010 and we are consulting on proposals to further increase the accessibility (2) whether (a) he and (b) Ministers in his and transparency of justice data and outcomes including by area. Department are participating in volunteering activities as part of his Department’s involvement in the Big Society initiative. [42659] Tribunals Service

Mr Kenneth Clarke: I and my ministerial team support Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice and encourage volunteering in many ways, in their what discussions his Department has had with the ministerial roles and as constituency members. They Department for Work and Pensions on the effects of actively support initiatives by participating in visits, proposed reforms to disability living allowance on the attending community events and raising awareness of work of the Tribunals Service. [42828] volunteering through media activity. The Ministry’s reform programme and business plan Mr Djanogly: The Tribunals Service and Department are underpinned by the Big Society principles. This for Work and Pensions have been working closely together includes increased competition of our services; moving to manage demands on tribunals and the capacity of to payment by outcomes commissioning; publishing tribunals to deal with increased work loads. Regular data so that the public can hold us to account; lifting discussions will continue in planning for the implementation the burden of bureaucracy by reviewing top down of reforms to disability living allowance. performance arrangements; and increasing community access to and involvement in local criminal justice. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for We have already made some commitments and we are Justice whether the Copyright Tribunal and the exploring and consulting on a range of relevant approaches, Competition Appeals Tribunal are to operate under including through our Green Paper ‘Breaking the Cycle: shared administration within the Tribunals Service. effective punishment, rehabilitation and sentencing of [42985] offenders’. These include: Testing out local Neighbourhood Justice Panels to give communities Mr Djanogly: Both the Copyright Tribunal and the greater responsibility for tackling some low-level crime and antisocial Competition Appeal Tribunal are currently being considered behaviour. for future transfer to HM Courts and Tribunals Service Giving communities a choice in the work undertaken by offenders (HMCTS). This is still at a very early stage and no final through Community Payback. decisions have been taken whether either or both tribunals Exploring restorative justice approaches that empower communities should transfer. HMCTS provides administrative support in seeking reparation for crimes. to number of different tribunal jurisdictions and should Improving the links between courts and communities by further it be decided and agreed that either or both the Copyright developing local multi-agency problem solving models. Tribunal and Competition Appeal Tribunal should transfer Promoting and reducing barriers to volunteering and broader then the arrangements made will take account of their participation in the Justice System over time. The Green Paper specialist needs. commits us to building on the extensive volunteering already taking place and bringing forward further plans on community involvement. Woodhill Prison: Education We will no longer provide rehabilitation services directly without testing where the private and voluntary sectors can deliver more efficiently and effectively. We will publish a strategy for competing Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice offender services by June 2011. for how many hours a week on average prisoners in HM Prison Woodhill had access to education in the We launched the Social Impact Bond pilot in Peterborough latest period for which figures are available. [42099] Prison last year—social investors are paying up front for intensives services and mentoring delivered by the voluntary sector. We will pay solely on the results they deliver. Mr Blunt: During 2008-09 prisoners at HMP Woodhill We will run at least six new payment by results projects, which spent on average 4.5 hours per prisoner per week in will be open to a diverse range of providers of rehabilitation education. services. Two of these will test a local financial incentives model The figure has been drawn from administrative IT in Manchester and selected London boroughs. We will share systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, savings with the local area if they are successful in reducing demand and reoffending, which can then be reinvested in further are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. crime prevention activity. Figures for 2009-10 will be available in March. 421W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 422W

ATTORNEY-GENERAL Climate Change Domestic Violence Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy 1. Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Attorney-General what and Climate Change what assessment he has made of recent assessment has been made of the role of the effect on the independence of the Committee on specialist domestic violence services in improving Climate Change of its inclusion in the bodies listed in prosecution rates in cases involving allegations of schedule 7 to the Public Bodies Bill. [43360] domestic violence. [42451] Gregory Barker: The Government have laid an The Solicitor-General: Evaluations of Specialist Domestic amendment to the Public Bodies Bill that, if agreed, Violence Courts (SDVCs) in 2005 and in 2008 clearly would remove clause 11 and schedule 7 from the Bill. demonstrated that SDVCs, involving specialist domestic However even were that not the case, the inclusion of violence support services, have contributed to improving the Committee on Climate Change in schedule 7 of the prosecution rates as well as safety for domestic violence Public Bodies Bill—along with all other statutory public victims. bodies that would require such a legislative framework if needing reform—would not have changed its independent Bribery Act nature or the important role that it plays. 4. Chris Williamson: To ask the Attorney-General what recent assessment he has made of the role of the Departmental Location Serious Fraud Office in implementation of the provisions of the Bribery Act 2010. [42454] Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will bring forward The Attorney-General: The Serious Fraud Office has proposals to relocate (a) staff and (b) offices of his been contributing to the development of the Ministry Department to Brighton; and if he will make a of Justice’s guidance for commercial organisations about statement. [43475] adequate procedures to prevent bribery. The director of the Serious Fraud Office and the Director of Public Gregory Barker: The Department currently has no Prosecutions will also be publishing joint prosecution such plans. guidance for prosecutors in due course. Energy: Business ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Biofuels: Teesside and Climate Change (1) whether he has made an assessment of the combined effects on energy intensive Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for industries of forecast increases in global energy costs Energy and Climate Change what recent and the implementation of proposed domestic energy representations he has reviewed on the biorefinery at legislation, including the carbon price support; [41777] Seal Sands on Teeside proposed by INEOS Bio; and if (2) whether he has made an assessment of the effects he will take steps to enable the project to go ahead. of his proposals for electricity market reform and a [42544] carbon price support on (a) energy intensive industries, (b) the steel industry, (c) the ceramic Gregory Barker: Government are supporting industry, (d) the glass industry, (e) the paper and pulp development of this important demonstration project industry and (f) the cement industry; [41778] through grant funding. The scoping part of the project was successfully completed in 2010. DECC, together (3) what plans he has to assist manufacturers of with One North East and technical experts at the NNFCC energy intensive products to compete internationally have been advising Ineos Bio as they work on issues after the implementation of proposals for electricity concerning the construction stage of the project. market reform and a carbon price support; [41779] (4) what work will be undertaken by the joint project Carbon Trust between his Department and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to consider the Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy cumulative effects of energy and climate change and Climate Change what assessment he has made of policies on energy-intensive industries in the UK; and the effects on achievement of carbon reduction targets when he expects the results of this work to be of reductions in the budgets of the (a) Carbon Trust published. [41780] and (b) Energy Savings Trust. [42039] Gregory Barker: No assessment has been made as Charles Hendry: The Government are committed to both the Carbon Trust and Energy Saving Trust continue tackling the challenges of energy security, and affordability to develop their business plans for 2011-12 and in doing of energy prices, for energy intensive users. so are seeking to drive efficiencies, while maintaining The Government published their initial assessment of existing levels of service and outcomes where possible. the impacts of the carbon price support policy in the From October 2012, we expect an even greater level of impact assessment which accompanied the consultation emissions reductions to be achieved with the implementation document published at: of the Green Deal, a new scheme to drive energy http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/ efficiency in buildings. consult_carbon_price_support_condoc.pdf 423W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 424W

The Government are currently undertaking a review Charles Hendry: I refer the hon. Member to the of the impact of climate change and energy policies on written ministerial statement I gave on 21 January energy intensive users and I aim to publish findings of concerning the Off-Grid Energy market. I am keen that the review in the spring. the reasons for the high price of domestic heating oil I will consider policy options once this ongoing research and supply issues this winter are thoroughly investigated and analysis has been completed. by an independent authority. The Office of Fair Trading market study will provide an independent assessment of Energy: Cost-effectiveness the off-grid market and establish what further action may be necessary to ensure it works properly. I look forward to seeing its conclusions in advance of next Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for winter so the lessons from this winter can be learned Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on the and any necessary changes made. cost-effectiveness of energy savings and efficiencies as a means of meeting the Government’s energy policy objectives. [42683] Power Stations: Fossil Fuels

Gregory Barker: Cost effectiveness is one of a number Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for of important criteria Government must take into account Energy and Climate Change how much of the UK’s when considering policy options—both in the short energy he estimates will be supplied by power stations term and long-term. operating on fossil fuels by (a) 2020 and (b) 2030. An economic appraisal of the costs and benefits is a [42846] mandatory part of assessing the impacts of all policies, and allows consideration of the relative merits of different Charles Hendry: DECC does not produce a projection policy options. This must be carried out in line with of the electricity mix between now and 2030. The HM Treasury’s Green Book and, where policies have a generation mix to 2020 and 2030 will be driven by significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions, with commercial decisions taken within the policy framework the supplementary guidance on the valuation of energy for the electricity market. However in the course of use and greenhouse gas emissions published by DECC. analysis undertaken for various policies we run scenarios Considerations of the long-term pathway to the UK’s that result in different generation mixes depending on target to reduce emissions by at least 80% on 1990 levels the assumptions used. by 2050 is also part of the evidence base to inform For example, the analytical work for the Electricity decision making. Market Reform consultation document, published on Across the package of policies and measures put in the 16 December 2010, included modelling by Redpoint place to deliver the savings required to meet the UK’s Energy of the electricity system out to 2030. The modelling Carbon Budgets there is a wide range of cost-effectiveness: work used an indicative carbon emissions target for the Conservation and energy efficiency measures typically electricity system of 100gCO2/kWh by 2030, which was represent more cost-effective options in the near term, consistent with advice from the Committee on Climate while decarbonising the power generation sector is key Change at the time. This modelling showed that unabated to place the UK on track with its long-term target—and power stations operating on fossil fuels would provide to do so at least-cost, avoiding locking in to costlier approximately 54% of electricity supplied in 2020 and alternatives. approximately 24% of total electricity supplied in 2030. Following this analysis, in December 2010, the Committee Fuel Oil on Climate Change suggested that a carbon emissions intensity of 50gCO2/kWh by 2030 would be required to meet longer term carbon goals. This scenario would Dr Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for result in less electricity being supplied from fossil fuel Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made generation in 2030 than under the 100gCO /kWh scenario. of the number of properties in (a) Totnes constituency, 2 (b) the South West and (c) England which do not have mains gas access and which use domestic heating oil. Smart Electricity Grid [43448] Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Charles Hendry: In 2008, the latest year for which this Energy and Climate Change what assessment his information is available, there were around 773,000 Department has made of the relative merits of (a) households in England which had no access to mains wireless mesh, (b) power line carrier, (c) GPRS, (d) gas and that used heating oil as their main heating fuel. 3G cellular and (e) fixed consumer broadband as Of these households, around 191,000 were located in potential communications platforms for the the South West Government Office Region. development of a smart electricity grid. [41744] Equivalent figures for the Totnes constituency are not available. Charles Hendry: Each of these technologies could have significant potential in the development of a smart Fuel Oil: Prices grid. We have not made an assessment of the potential Dr Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for benefits of various options for communications platforms Energy and Climate Change if he will commission an for smart grid, as we believe the market will establish inquiry into the reason for recent trends in the price of the communications system that will best serve the domestic heating oil. [43447] needs of the electricity system. 425W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 426W

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply. Energy and Climate Change what assessment his The information requested is not available. Department has made of the potential benefits of Working tax credit and child tax credits replaced wireless mesh technology as a platform for smart working families’ tax credit in April 2003. electricity grid development. [41765] Charles Hendry: Wireless mess technology is one of a Departmental Manpower number of telecommunications systems that could be used to support smart grids. Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for We have not made an assessment of the potential Defence (1) how many (a) actual and (b) full-time benefits of wireless mesh technology as a platform for equivalent staff have left his Department’s employment smart electricity grid development, as we believe the since May 2010; [42305] market will establish what communications system will (2) how many (a) actual and (b) full-time equivalent best serve the needs of the networks to meet their future staff his Department employed on the latest date for challenges which figures are available; [42386] Water Power: Finance (3) how many (a) actual and (b) full-time equivalent John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for staff were employed by his Department in May 2010. Energy and Climate Change what funding mechanisms [42402] he plans to put in place to encourage investment in the marine renewable sector following the phasing out of Mr Robathan: The information requested is shown in the Marine Renewables Deployment Fund in March the following tables: 2011. [42728] Ministry of Defence strength by headcount and full-time equivalent at 1 May Gregory Barker: The Department is currently developing 2010 and 1 January 2011 its detailed plans for the allocation of the £200 million, Change in May January Strength to support the development of low carbon technologies, announced in the spending review—the needs of wave Headcount 89,770 88,040 -1,740 and tidal energy technologies are being considered as Equivalent 85,640 84,180 -1,470 part of that process. Source: A scheduled banding review of renewables obligation DASA (Quad Service) support for all technologies, including marine technologies, Ministry of Defence headcount and full-time equivalent exits between 1 May began last October. The review will consider whether 2010 and 1 January 2011 any changes are needed to the current bands. We intend Headcount Full-time equivalent to consult on any changes to the bands this summer and Outflow 3,440 3,250 to confirm the revised bands in the autumn, one year Notes: earlier than previously announced. 1. All totals have been individually rounded to the nearest 10 and totals and sub Any changes in support levels will come into effect on totals may not match precisely. 2. Totals for strengths include Locally Engaged Civilians and Royal Fleet the 1 of April 2013, (2014 for offshore wind) subject to Auxiliary personnel. sate aids and parliamentary approval. 3. Outflow data excludes Locally Engaged Civilians and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel for whom entrance and exit data are not available and can be tracked John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for only by net changes within strength totals. Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to Source: DASA (Quad Service) encourage (a) wave and tidal technology developers and (b) marine energy device manufacturers to locate Departmental Security themselves in the UK. [42729] Gregory Barker: We have moved to establish a new Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for UK Marine Energy programme, that will address the Defence what expenditure his Department has incurred barriers affecting the UK marine energy sector’s ability on contracts with the private sector to provide security to develop and deploy wave and tidal energy devices at a at his Department’s establishments (a) in the UK and commercial scale. (b) overseas in each of the last five years. [41774] Through the programme we will put in place a coherent programme of policies across Government, led by DECC, Mr Robathan [holding answer 28 February 2011]: to enable the UK Marine Energy sector to move from The value of the contracts that the Ministry of Defence prototype testing to commercial deployment. (MOD) had in place with the private sector to provide security guarding at MOD establishments in each of With the right framework of policies in place we can the last five Financial Years(FY) in the United Kingdom both develop our indigenous UK marine energy industry and overseas is represented in the following table: and attract investment and manufacturing into the UK. Private security costs for MOD establishments £ million DEFENCE FY UK Overseas Total

Armed Forces: Social Security Benefits 2006-07 7.6 0.5 8.1 2007-08 12.4 0.6 13.0 Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008-09 13.3 0.6 13.9 Defence what estimate he has made of the number of 2009-10 18.6 0.7 19.3 personnel in each of the three services who are in 2010-111 13.4 0.9 14.3 receipt of (a) working families tax credit, (b) income Total 65.3 3.3 68.6 support and (c) other benefits. [40142] 1 2010-11 figures up until 31 December 2010. 427W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 428W

Estonia and Latvia: Military Alliances and that “...the major source of inaccuracy remains electors moving Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for home and not informing the relevant Electoral Registration Officer Defence what recent assessment he has made of the (ERO).” UK’s bi-lateral military relationship with (a) Estonia It is clear that more can be done to support accuracy. and (b) Latvia. [41817] To this end, the Government have announced the implementation of individual electoral registration from Dr Fox [holding answer 28 February 2011]: The 2014, which will ensure that only those entitled to vote bi-lateral military relationships with Estonia and Latvia will get on the register, so bringing greater protection are continuously assessed by the Ministry of Defence, against electoral fraud. and captured in briefing and policy documents as required Prisoner Voting by Ministers and senior officials. Estonia and Latvia are participants in the Northern Group initiative: as such, Mr Marsden: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he relations with both countries receive particularly frequent will publish the legal advice he has received on scrutiny. Moreover, the UK/Estonia relationship is compliance with rulings of the European Court of strengthened by activities in Afghanistan where Estonian Human Rights on prisoner voting. [42564] and UK forces serve alongside each other. Mr Harper: The Government do not disclose their Northern Europe: Military Alliances legal advice. Disclosure of legal advice could prejudice Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Government’s ability to defend their legal interests. Defence what plans he has to assign assets to the The Government have requested that the court’s Nordic Baltic Alliance. [41783] judgment in the “Greens and MT” case be referred to the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Dr Fox: The United Kingdom has no established Rights (ECtHR)—the highest tier of the ECtHR. If the relations with any entity known as the ‘Nordic Baltic Grand Chamber agrees to the referral, they will look Alliance’. It is assumed that the hon. Member refers to again at the judgment and issue their opinion. the Northern Group, a collaborative grouping of willing The basis of the Government’s referral request is that sovereign nations in Northern Europe that currently we believe that the court should look again at the enjoys the participation of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, principles in “Hirst” which outlaws a blanket ban on Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland prisoners voting, particularly given the recent debate in and Sweden. The Northern Group does not require its the House of Commons. The referral request also points participants to assign assets to it nor has any participating out the need for clarity in the ECtHR’s case law in this nation announced plans to do so. United Kingdom area. Ministry of Defence officials are engaged with their Prisoners counterparts across the Group to identify opportunities for collaboration which offer clear mutual benefits. Gavin Williamson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Sweden and Norway: Military Alliances what plans he has for prisoners with no fixed abode under his proposals to extend the franchise to certain Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for prisoners. [41896] Defence what recent assessment he has made of the Mr Harper: The Government are considering the UK’s bi-lateral military relationship with (a) Sweden next steps in relation to the European Court of Human and (b) Norway. [41818] Rights’ judgments against the UK, and will reflect Dr Fox [holding answer 28 February 2011]: The carefully on the points made in the House of Commons bi-lateral military relationships with both Sweden and backbench debate on 10 February 2011 in deciding how Norway are continuously assessed by the Ministry of to respond. Defence, and captured in briefing and policy documents as required by Ministers and senior officials. Norway and Sweden are participants in the Northern Group CABINET OFFICE initiative: as such, relations with both countries receive Government: Accountability particularly frequent scrutiny. Tony Lloyd: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps he plans to take to increase levels of transparency in Government decision-making in order DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER to improve accountability to the public. [42563] Electoral Register Mr Maude: Over the last 10 months, the Government 8. Mr Spencer: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister have opened up a wealth of data for public scrutiny for what recent assessment he has made of the accuracy of the first time. This includes: all central Government spending over £25,000 online on a monthly basis, providing the electoral register. [42569] details of over £80 billion of Government spending; Mr Harper: The Government have not made such an organograms for all central Government Departments, assessment. However, the Electoral Commission in its with salary details for the most senior civil servants; and March 2010 report “The completeness and accuracy of all new contract opportunities. electoral registers in Great Britain” found: The data.gov.uk website provides links to released “...it is likely that the accuracy of the registers remains broadly data which is in an open reusable form, and their similar to past decades” regular updates. 429W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 430W

This data allows the public to see how much has been Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2011: spent with which suppliers and on what products, thereby As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have providing an opportunity for challenge and questions. been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question, pursuant to As part of building the right to data, we are amending the Answer of 16 February 2011, Official Report, column 829W, the Freedom of Information Act to ensure that public on job creation, in which sectors (a) full-time and (b) part-time jobs were created in 2010. 42688 authorities publish datasets for reuse and do so in a reuseable format whether in response to requests, or Estimates of job creation are not available. through their publication schemes. We are also bringing forward plans for a new public data corporation. The Jobseeker’s Allowance: Oxfordshire corporation will, for the first time, bring together Government bodies and data into one organisation and Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Minister for the provide an unprecedented level of easily accessible public Cabinet Office how many people in Oxford West and information and drive further efficiency in the delivery Abingdon constituency have received jobseeker’s of public services. allowance consecutively for (a) three months, (b) six This will help to deliver better value for money in months, (c) nine months, (d) more than one year and public spending and bring significant social and economic (e) more than two years. [42976] benefits by enabling businesses, non-profit organisations and others to exploit Government datasets for social Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the and commercial purposes. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Gross Value Added: Glasgow Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2011: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Mr Davidson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Office what estimate the Office for National Statistics how many people in Oxford West and Abingdon constituency has made of the gross valued added of the City of have received jobseeker’s allowance consecutively for (a) three Glasgow economy in the last 10 years. [41473] months, (b) six months, (c) nine months, (d) more than one year and (e) more than two years. (042976) Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles the number responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have of claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) from the Jobcentre asked the authority to reply. Plus administrative system. Table 1 shows the number of persons resident in Oxford West Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2011: and Abingdon constituency claiming JSA by duration of claims. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics I Data has been provided for January 2011 which is the latest have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question period available. concerning estimates of the gross valued added of the City of National and local area estimates for many labour market Glasgow economy in the last 10 years (41473). statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant Regional Gross Value Added (GVA) is available at several count are available on the NOMIS website at: geographic levels. City of Glasgow is classified under the NUTS3 http://www.nomisweb.co.uk (Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics) geography. The most recent estimates available for the NUTS3 classification are Table 1: Number of persons claiming jobseeker’s allowance by duration of claim for 2008. Data for the years 1999 - 2008, presented in £ million at residing in Oxford West and Abingdon constituency—January 2011 current basic prices, are included in the table below. Number Claiming for over: TotalGVAGlasgowCity(£million) 3 months1 530 1999 10,381 6 months 290 2000 10,749 9 months 210 2001 11,342 12 months 140 2002 11,995 24 months 30 2003 12,805 1 Those claiming more than three months include all those claiming for over six 2004 13,415 months, nine months, 12 month and 24 months (and similarly for other rows). Note: 2005 14,062 Data rounded to nearest 5. 2006 14,993 Source: 2007 16,105 Jobcentre Plus administrative system 2008 16,888 Source: Personal Income: Surveys Table 3.1, Regional GVA, ONS, available on the National Statistics website at: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_economy/GVA_NUTS3.xls Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Job Creation Office when he expects to conduct the next living costs and food survey. [42555] Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2011, Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Official Report, column 829W, on job creation, in responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have which sectors (a) full-time and (b) part-time jobs were asked the authority to reply. created in 2010. [42688] Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2011: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have when the next Living Costs and Food Survey is expected to be asked the authority to reply. conducted (42555). 431W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 432W

The Living Costs and Food survey is conducted continuously. Unemployment: Coventry Interviews are spread evenly over the year to ensure that seasonal effects are covered. Results from the 2009 survey were reported on Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister for the 30 November 2010, in the publication Family Spending. The 2010 Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the survey report is expected to be published in November 2011. number of people who are economically inactive in Coventry; and if he will make a statement. [43575] Social Conditions Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet asked the authority to reply. Office whether his Department has made an Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2011: assessment of the effects of income inequality on levels As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I of (a) well-being and (b) happiness. [41286] have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what estimate has been made of the number of people who are Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office has no active research economically inactive in Coventry. (43575) on the effects of income inequality on levels of (subjective) The Office for National Statistics compiles estimates of inactivity well-being or happiness. Under the previous Administration, for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (APS) following the Cabinet Office did publish a discussion paper on International Labour Organisation definitions. Life Satisfaction: the state of knowledge and policy The number of people aged 16-64 who were economically implications (2002) which contained a cursory discussion inactive and resident in Coventry was 57,000, based on the APS of this issue. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) for the 12 months ending in June 2010, which is the latest period has been commissioned to develop robust independent for which estimates are available. measures of subjective well-being and is carrying out a As this estimate is for a subset of the population in a small geographical area, it is based on a very small sample size, and is national debate to obtain the views of the public on the therefore subject to a large margin of uncertainty. dimensions of well-being, which will inform the measures.

Unemployment TREASURY Banks: Loans Tim Farron: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what his most recent estimate is of the Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer proportion of people who are unemployed in (a) (1) with reference to paragraph 1.6 of his Department’s England, (b) the North West, (c) Cumbria and (d) paper on Project Merlin-Banks’ Statement on Lending, Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency. [42033] how much weight will be given on the performance metrics of chief executives for each bank; [42279] Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the (2) what the process was for the selection of responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have PricewaterhouseCoopers as the accountancy firm to asked the authority to reply. work with the Bank of England on monitoring the Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2011: lending targets set out in the Project Merlin agreement; As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I [42280] have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question on the (3) what steps he is taking to increase lending to percentage of people who are unemployed in (a) England, (b) the businesses from banking and financial services groups North West, (c) Cumbria and (d) Westmorland and Lonsdale that are operating in the UK but which are not subject constituency. (42033) to the Project Merlin agreement; [42362] The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles unemployment statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (4) what estimate his Department has made of the (APS), following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. level of net lending to businesses by (a) Barclays, (b) Unfortunately the sample size does not support analyses of HSBC, (c) Lloyds Banking Group, (d) RBS and (e) unemployment for all of the geographical areas requested. Santander in each year since 2007; and what estimate As an alternative, in Table 1, we have provided the number and he has made of the likely level of such lending by each proportions of persons aged 16-64 resident in the above geographical bank in each year to 2014; [42360] areas claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for January 2011. (5) which companies are defined as small and National and local area estimates for many labour market medium-sized businesses, small and medium-sized statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant enterprises or SMEs for the purposes of determining count are available on the NOMIS website at: performance against the lending targets outlined in the http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Project Merlin agreement; [42359] Table 1: Number and proportion of people aged 16-64 claiming (6) how performance against the commitments he jobseeker’s allowance resident in England, the North West, Cumbria has received from banks on their customer service to and Westmorland and Lonsdale parliamentary constituency, January 2011 small businesses as part of the Project Merlin Number Proportion agreement will be (a) monitored and (b) evaluated in respect of provision of (i) a free mentoring service, (ii) England 1,224,055 3.6 published lending principles, (iii) transparent appeals North West 183,557 4.1 and (iv) improved access to finance; and whether he Cumbria 8,367 2.7 plans to publish such information. [42363] Westmorland and 1,317 2.6 Lonsdale Mr Hoban: As announced on 9 February 2011, Official Source: Report, columns 310-13, by the Chancellor of the Jobcentre Plus Administrative System Exchequer, the UK’s five major banks have stated a 433W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 434W capacity and willingness to lend £190 billion of new risk takers, showing the total amounts paid the breakdown credit to business in 2011. This includes £76 billion of into components including cash, shares, deferred and new lending to SMEs, which is a 15% increase on the upfront elements. Disclosures will be made at least amount lent in 2010. If demand exceeds this, the banks annually, starting in 2011 and covering the 2010 financial will lend more. For the purposes of the lending targets year. in Project Merlin, SMEs are broadly defined as businesses up to £25 million turnover. Banks: Regulation The Bank of England will report, on a quarterly basis, the banks’ total new lending to all businesses (and Alun Cairns: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer within that, to SMEs) under the definitions used for what measures he plans to take to ensure a competitive, Project Merlin. The Bank of England will not be not sustainable banking sector. [42247] working with PricewaterhouseCoopers to monitor lending targets. Mr Hoban [holding answer 28 February 2011]: The For the first time chief executive remuneration will Government are committed to a stable, predictable and reflect lending. The calibration of performance metrics competitive environment for financial services and one of chief executive remuneration is a matter for each favourable to business more generally. The UK bank individual bank. levy, a permanent tax that came into effect from the The Bank of England, in their January 2011 “Trends beginning of this year, has been introduced as a in Lending”report, estimated the average monthly aggregate complement to wider regulatory reforms. The levy ensures levels of net lending to UK businesses by UK financial that banks make a fair contribution reflecting the risks institutions to be: £7.9 billion in 2007, £3.9 billion in they pose to the financial system and wider economy 2008, minus £3.9 billion in 2009, minus £3.2 billion in and is intended to encourage banks to have less risky Q1 of 2010, minus £2.1 billion in Q2 of 2010 and minus funding profiles. £2.2 billion in Q3 of 2010. The Treasury does not make The June Budget took immediate action to restore estimates of the levels of lending to UK businesses by tax competitiveness with a phased reduction in the individual institutions. main rate of corporation tax from 28% to 24% over the In addition to this commitment to increase lending to next four years. businesses, the Government continue to support SMEs At the same time, the UK is leading the argument in seeking finance in a number of ways. the EU and internationally for robust, internationally The Government have agreed with the British Bankers’ consistent regulatory standards that will benefit the Association that the Business Growth Fund will be economy in the long run. On 17 February, the Government increased by £1 billion to a total of £2.5 billion. published a further consultation “A new approach to The Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme will be financial regulation: building a stronger system” which extended until 2014-15, providing up to £600 million of expands on the proposals set out last summer to establish additional lending to around 6,000 SMEs next year a new system of specialised and focused financial services alone. regulators. It marks a key step in delivering the coalition The Government are continuing the programme of Government’s commitment to reform financial regulation Enterprise Capital Funds. We have increased our by providing the Bank of England with control of commitment by £200 million over the next four years. macro-prudential regulation and oversight of micro- prudential regulation. These reforms will promote greater The Regional Growth Fund will provide £1.4 billion financial stability. of investment over three years; to help those areas and communities that are currently dependent on the public sector make the transition to sustainable private-sector Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer led growth. with reference to paragraph 3.6 of the Project Merlin-Banks’ statement, on disclosure of the Finally, the Business Finance Taskforce, led by the remuneration details of Executive Directors, what British Bankers’ Association, have agreed to 17 new definition his Department uses for executive; and how commitments in order to improve the banks’ relationship many employees at each of the banks that are subject with their business customers and they will be evaluating to the Project Merlin agreement he estimates earn more the effectiveness of these measures. than the five highest paid executives who are not on the Banks: Pay board at each such bank. [42275]

Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Hoban: As part of Project Merlin, the banks have what steps he is taking to increase transparency in the committed to disclosing details of the remuneration remuneration practices of banking and financial awarded to all Executive Directors on a named basis, services groups that are operating in the UK but which and also details of the remuneration awarded to the five are not covered by the Project Merlin agreement. highest paid senior executive officers, on an unnamed [42361] basis. Executive Directors serve on the board of the company while senior executive officers are employees Mr Hoban: The Government have taken robust action with significant managerial responsibility but who do to deliver increased transparency over remuneration. not serve on the board of the company. The Government The new the Financial Services Authority (FSA) disclosure welcome and supports these commitments. regime came into force on 1 January 2011, covering The Government have not made any estimates of the large banks with operations in the UK. Banks will number of employees at a given company that earn disclose details of the remuneration awarded to significant more than the five highest paid Executive Directors. 435W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 436W

Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Gibb: I have been asked to reply. whether he expects the total amount paid in fixed The Government recognise the importance of young based salaries to employees at RBS and Lloyds people developing the capability they need to make Banking Group to increase or decrease as a proportion informed decisions about their personal finances. The of total remuneration in the financial year 2010-11. current economic well-being and financial capability [42276] strand of Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE), at key stages 3 and 4, provides a framework for Mr Hoban: The Government’s shareholdings in banks students to learn about financial decision-making and are managed on a commercial and arm’s length basis by how to use a range of financial tools and services. We UK Financial Investments Ltd (UKFI). UKFI are announced, in the recently published Schools White required to do this in a way that is consistent with the Paper, ‘The Importance of Teaching’, our intention to Treasury’s aim not to be a permanent investor in UK conduct an internal review of PSHE education. We financial institutions—the Government are clear that want to determine how we can support schools to British banks are best owned and managed commercially. improve the quality of PSHE teaching, including giving UKFI engages with the banks to ensure remuneration teachers the flexibility to use their judgment about how policies at Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) and the Royal best to deliver PSHE. Bank of Scotland (RBS) reward long-term sustainable performance and not incentivise short-term excessive There is no compulsory curriculum in further education risk taking. colleges. It is for individual colleges to determine how they respond to local community needs. It is for the RBS and Lloyds will disclose information on their sector to determine its improvement needs and ensure remuneration arrangements in their annual report and that the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) accounts, including a Directors’ Remuneration Report. supports them in meeting these needs. The LSIS see financial capability, numeracy and maths EU Economic Policy as key priorities for the sector. We are currently discussing with LSIS their 2011-12 programme. Mr Cash: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) Universities provide advice for students on managing to which process the statement by the heads of state or personal finances as part of their support services. government of the euro area and the EU institutions There is no specific allocation for this from the Department annexed to the conclusions of the European Council of and it is funded through the block grant from the 4 February 2011 refers; [41621] Higher Education Funding Council for England and (2) with reference to the statement by the heads of the tuition fees paid on behalf of the student. state or government of the euro area and the EU More widely, we are assisting people to take charge of institutions annexed to the conclusions of the their finances at all life stages, through the establishment European Council of 4 February 2011, in respect of of the Consumer Financial Education Body (CFEB) what Treaty will the President of the European Council which works with young people as well as adults. undertake consultations to identify concrete ways forward; [41622] Financial Services: Regulation (3) with reference to the statement by the heads of state or government of the euro area and the EU institutions annexed to the conclusions of the Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer European Council of 4 February 2011, (a) by whom, what steps he has taken at (a) EU and (b) G20 level to (b) by which procedure and (c) under which legal base implement the recommendations of Sir David Walker’s of which Treaty heads of state or government of the report on the governance of banks and other financial interested non-euro area member states will be involved institutions since November 2009; and if he will make a statement. [42274] in the process referred to. [41623]

Mr Hoban: A statement by the Heads of State or Mr Hoban: The Government are committed to Government of the Euro area and the EU institutions improving transparency of the remuneration practices annexed to the conclusions of the February European in the financial services sector and continue to drive the Council announced that further steps would be taken to initiative in the international arena. The Chancellor has achieve a new quality of economic policy co-ordination. written to counterparts in the European Union calling This process will be taken forward through for urgent consideration of Sir David Walker’s intergovernmental co-operation, which will be facilitated recommendations. by the President of the European Council. As the statement makes clear, the President of the Public Sector: Pensions European Council will consult member states and identify concrete ways forward that are in line with the treaties. Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what savings he requires as a result of Financial Services: Education the employee contribution increases announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review from each of the Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Principal Civil Service pension schemes; [42262] what plans his Department has to provide support for (2) what savings he requires as a result of the education on financial services in schools, colleges and employee contribution increases announced in universities in each of the next four financial years. the Comprehensive Spending Review from each of the [35970] local government pension schemes in Scotland; [42263] 437W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 438W

(3) what savings he requires as a result of the contributions will rebalance contributions, and ensure a employee contribution increases announced in fairer distribution of costs between members and other the Comprehensive Spending Review from each of the taxpayers. local government pension schemes in England and The share of the total savings to AME of £2.8 billion Wales; [42264] expected from each scheme has been distributed (4) what savings are required in respect of the proportionately to the size of scheme’s paybill. The Department for International Development’s Overseas range of savings reflects the opportunity to agree some Superannuation Scheme as a result of the employee central parameters for the increase, for example protection contribution increases announced in the of low earners, through a process of engagement with Comprehensive Spending Review; [42755] trade unions. (5) what savings are required in respect of the United Breakdown of savings by pension scheme Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Pension Schemes Savings range (£ million) as a result of the employee contribution increases NHS Pension Scheme 1,262-1,312 announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review; Teachers’ Pension Scheme (England and 768-852 [42756] Wales) (6) what savings are required in respect of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme 441-491 Judicial Pensions Scheme as a result of the employee Police Pension Scheme 155-175 contribution increases announced in the NHS Superannuation Scheme (Scotland) 137-143 Comprehensive Spending Review; [42757] Firefighters’ Pension Scheme 33-37 Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme 85-94 (7) what savings are required from each of the Judicial Pension Scheme 13-32 Research Councils’ pension schemes as a result of the employee contribution increases announced in the The Local Government Pension Scheme (England Comprehensive Spending Review; [42758] and Wales) savings envelope is £900 million as agreed at (8) what savings are required in respect of the the spending review; this is based on 3.2% of the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme as a result of pensionable paybill within the scheme in 2014-15. the employee contribution increases announced in the Other schemes without a specific cash savings envelope Comprehensive Spending Review; [42759] include those that operate on a by-analogy basis and (9) what savings are required from the NHS Pension some other schemes. These scheme envelopes have been Scheme as a result of the employee contribution set based on the average increase in other public service increases announced in the Comprehensive Spending schemes (3.2%): Review; [42760] Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (Northern Ireland) (10) what savings are required from the Teachers’ Health and Personal Social Services Northern Ireland Pension Scheme in England and Wales as a result of Superannuation Scheme the employee contribution increases announced in the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme Comprehensive Spending Review; [42761] Northern Ireland Local Government Pension Scheme (11) what total savings he expects to make in 2014-15 Police Pension Scheme (Northern Ireland) from increasing employee contributions (a) in each (i) Police Pension Scheme (Scotland) funded and (ii) unfunded public sector scheme, Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Scotland) excluding the armed forces scheme, and (b) in total; Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) [42762] Research Councils’ Pension Schemes (12) how the total required saving from employee UK Atomic Energy Authority Pension Schemes. contribution increases announced in the The Department for International Development Overseas Comprehensive Spending Review is to be apportioned Superannuation Scheme is a closed scheme with no between each public sector pension scheme; [42945] contributing members. (13) what savings are required from each of the police pension schemes as a result of the employee Taxation contribution increases announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review; [42953] Mr Hanson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the (a) Danny Alexander: The interim report of the Independent number and (b) potential liability for tax of companies Public Service Pensions Commission, chaired by Lord and organisations that will be unable to file their Hutton, former Work and Pensions Secretary, set out company tax return online from 1 April 2011 for that there is a clear rationale for increasing employee reasons relating to the unavailability of relevant contributions to public service pensions. The report software. [42692] found that the value of public service pensions been increasing following dramatic increase in life expectancy Mr Gauke: All companies should be able to file their at retirement. Current pensioners are expected to spend company tax return online from 1 April. over 40% of their adult lives in retirement, compared to Over 30 commercial suppliers whose filing software 30% for pensioners in the 1950s. has been successfully tested with HMRC are listed on Members of all of the public service pension schemes HMRC’s website. One supplier has announced that its have benefited from the increase in the value of their fully upgraded software will not be available for 1 April, pension and most of these extra costs have fallen to but has said that it will provide a choice of interim employers and taxpayers. Increases in employee solutions for its customers by 1 April. 439W Written Answers1 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 440W

In addition, HMRC offers free online filing software The Government also recognise that invoice financing, suitable for smaller companies and organisations with including supply chain finance, can allow greater flexibility less complex financial affairs. in payment terms and can constitute an important Where a company has a reasonable excuse for missing source of working capital for businesses. This is why in its filing deadline it will not be penalised. the “Financing Business Growth”Green Paper, published in October 2010, the Government committed to support The change to online filing of company tax returns and raise awareness of supply chain finance through does not alter the way corporation tax is calculated or bringing together potential private sector providers of when it is paid. supply chain finance and encouraging its use by local government. Mr Hanson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received since The tax system already has inbuilt cash flow advantages 31 December 2010 requesting that the 1 April 2011 for business because of the way payment dates are set deadline for companies and organisations to file their out in legislation. In addition, HM Revenue and Customs company tax returns online be postponed. [42693] are also able to provide temporary assistance, through time to pay (TTP) agreements, to viable businesses Mr Gauke: No representations have been received for which are experiencing genuine difficulties in paying a delay to the requirement to file company tax returns their debts. online from 1 April. There have been a variety of Taxation: Solar Power representations both for and against deferring, from 1 April, the requirement to send accounts that are part Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the of that company tax return as an iXBRL, file. Exchequer what revenue accrues to the Exchequer from (a) taxation upon and (b) national insurance Taxation: Business contributions paid by those in the photovoltaics sector in 2010-11. [42320] Mr Binley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to reduce cash flow drag for small and Mr Gauke: The information requested is not available. medium-sized businesses. [42357] Welfare Tax Credits: Married People Mr Gauke: The Government are committed to helping small and medium-sized businesses manage their cash Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Chancellor of the flow and to transforming the culture of late payment. Exchequer what steps he plans to take to reduce the Firstly, we think that it is important that the public couple penalty in the tax credit system. [36782] sector sets a strong example here; this is why through the prompt payment initiative, central Government Mr Gauke: The Government are committed to reforming Departments are required to aim to pay 80% of undisputed the welfare system and ensuring policies are delivered in invoices within five days. To ensure the benefits of a fair way. The Government will introduce the universal prompt payment are felt through the supply chain and credit over the next two Parliaments to replace the benefit smaller businesses, all Departments have also current system of means-tested working-age benefits, included a clause in their contracts that requires main including tax credits, with a simple streamlined payment. contractors to pay their suppliers within 30 days. To encourage the private sector to come on board, we COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT have also developed a prompt payment code with the Institute of Credit Management (ICM). Voluntary private Housing Benefit sector take-up of this code has been strong, with Experian calculating that code signatories now represent over Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for 60% of the total UK supply chain value. Communities and Local Government what assessment To educate businesses on cash flow management, the has been made of the likely effect on household rental Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has arrears and repossessions of the Government’s also produced with the ICM a series of 10 checklists on proposal to cut housing benefit by 10% for those in all aspects of cash flow management, which have been receipt of jobseeker’s allowance for over 12 months. endorsed by all the leading representative organisations [41995] and which have had nearly 200,000 downloads. The guides can be found at: Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply. http://www.creditmanagement.org.uk/bisguides.htm We have decided not to pursue this measure.

1MC Ministerial Corrections1 MARCH 2011 Ministerial Corrections 2MC Ministerial Corrections The full answer given was as follows: Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the Tuesday 1 March 2011 Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend direct. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Letter from Eugene Sullivan, dated 16 February 2011: Feed-in Tariff Review Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply. The Commission routinely bars premium rate calls for fixed The following is the answer given by the Minister of and mobile phones where technically possible. Some premium State, the hon. Member for Bexhill and Battle (Gregory rate calls are required for targeted business purposes, the main Barker) relating to a question from the hon. Member for one being for postal franking machines (£162 over the three Tiverton and Honiton (Neil Parish) during Energy and years). The speaking clock is sometimes used to test lines externally Climate Change Question Time on 10 February 2011. where a guaranteed reply is needed. For our main offices, all directory enquiry calls are routed to Neil Parish: I very much welcome the Minister’s our main provider Cable & Wireless service as this provides the comments on anaerobic digestion, because I think we most effective rate. Mobile phone calls to directory enquiries and can get a great deal more of it. Can he assure us that the speaking clock are barred. feed-in tariffs will be set at a fair rate? As we push up The detail of the spending requested is provided in the table energy prices to the consumer, we push more people below. However, information for home workers and small office into fuel poverty. When he tapers the tariffs, will he users is excluded, as the detail is not readily accessible from the ensure that hospitals and schools get a fair crack of the service supplier for the total period. whip? Main office phone system and mobile phone contracts Gregory Barker: My hon. Friend makes some excellent £ points. We will endeavour to ensure that we are very fair 12 months to 31 January in the review, and we certainly want to sustain investment 2009 2010 2011 Total in renewables in schools, hospitals and other community (a) Premium rate 55 69 46 170 projects that fall above the 40 kW review level. We also (b) Directory inquiry 5117 need to ensure that we get value for money for consumers services and that we do not offer what Labour did—an open (c) Speaking clock 75 44 21 140 cheque book approach to the industry. Total 135 114 68 317 [Official Report, 10 February 2011, Vol. 523, c. 464.] Letter of correction from Mr Gregory Barker: The correct answer should have been: An error has been identified in the oral answer given on 10 February 2011. The answer made reference to community projects that fall above the 40 kW review Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the level. It should have said above the 50 kW level. Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend The correct answer should have been: direct. Gregory Barker: My hon. Friend makes some excellent Letter from Eugene Sullivan, dated 16 February 2011: points. We will endeavour to ensure that we are very fair Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply. in the review, and we certainly want to sustain investment in renewables in schools, hospitals and other community The Commission routinely bars premium rate calls for fixed projects that fall above the 50 kW review level. We also and mobile phones where technically possible. Some premium rate calls are required for targeted business purposes, the main need to ensure that we get value for money for consumers one being for postal franking machines (£162 over the three and that we do not offer what Labour did—an open years). The speaking clock is sometimes used to test lines externally cheque book approach to the industry. where a guaranteed reply is needed. For our main offices, all directory enquiry calls are routed to COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT our main provider Cable & Wireless service as this provides the most effective rate. Mobile phone calls to directory enquiries and Audit Commission: Expenditure the speaking clock are barred. Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for The detail of the spending requested is provided in the table Communities and Local Government how much the below. However, information for home workers and small office users is excluded, as the detail is not readily accessible from the Audit Commission spent on calls to (a) premium-rate service supplier for the total period. telephone numbers, (b) directory enquiry services and (c) the speaking clock in the last 36 months for which Main office phone system and mobile phone contracts figures are available. [41008] £ [Official Report, 16 February 2011, Vol. 523, c. 831-32W.] 12 months to 31 January Letter of correction from Mr Robert Neill: 2009 2010 2011 Total An error has been identified in the copy of the Audit (a) Premium rate 55 69 46 170 Commission letter that was provided with the written (b) Directory inquiry 75 44 21 140 answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for West services Suffolk (Matthew Hancock) on 16 February 2011. In (c) Speaking clock 5 1 1 7 the table, the figures given for (b) directory inquiry Total 135 114 68 317 services and (c) the speaking clock were transposed.

ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 1 March 2011

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 155 DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER—continued CPS/Police Co-ordination ...... 157 House of Lords Reform...... 148 Human Trafficking ...... 155 Parliamentary Constituencies ...... 145 Ministerial Speech...... 157 Recall of MPs ...... 146 Serious Fraud Office ...... 155 Topical Questions ...... 150 Witness Care...... 158 ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE ...... 163 CHURCH COMMISSIONERS ...... 164 Electoral Fraud...... 163 Clergy Accommodation ...... 164 Electoral System ...... 160 Former Roman Catholic Priests (Ordination) ...... 162 Electoral System (Referendum)...... 161 Property Disputes ...... 161 Voter Participation (Overseas Residents) ...... 164 DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 145 Voter Registration...... 166 Boundary Reviews ...... 147 Voter Registration (Students)...... 159 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Tuesday 1 March 2011

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 19WS DEFENCE—continued Unpublished Research Reports: Immigration, the Armed Forces Redundancy Process ...... 21WS Economy and Regeneration ...... 19WS Written Parliamentary Question (Correction)...... 23WS DEFENCE...... 21WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 23WS Armed Forces Pay Review Body (Public Applications for British Citizenship Appointments)...... 22WS (War Crimes Screening) ...... 23WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 28 February 2011—[Continued.]

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 289W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Billing ...... 289W Postal Boxes...... 304W Business: Electricity ...... 289W Pupils: Foreign Nationals...... 304W Carbon Emissions...... 290W Regional Development Agencies...... 305W Carbon Emissions: North East ...... 290W Research: Information Services...... 305W Departmental Contracts ...... 290W Skills and Jobs Retention Group...... 305W Departmental Manpower...... 291W Small Businesses ...... 306W Departmental Offices...... 292W Small Businesses: Loans...... 306W Educational Maintenance Grant...... 292W Small Businesses: Manpower ...... 307W Employment: Graduates ...... 293W Social Security Benefits: Advisory Services ...... 307W Environment Protection...... 293W South East of England Development Agency: EU Internal Trade...... 294W Land ...... 308W Exports: Israel...... 295W Space Technology ...... 308W Green Investment Bank ...... 295W Students: Finance ...... 308W Green Investment Bank: Finance...... 295W Students: Loans ...... 310W Higher Education...... 296W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 296W EDUCATION...... 247W Higher Education: Fees and Charges ...... 297W Academies...... 247W Higher Education: Northern Ireland...... 297W Academies: Finance ...... 247W Higher Education: Standards...... 297W Adoption: Peterborough City Council ...... 248W Higher Education: Wales ...... 297W Children: Abuse ...... 249W Insolvency: Legal Costs ...... 299W Children: Protection...... 249W Insolvency Service...... 298W Class Sizes...... 250W Insolvency Service: Expenditure...... 298W Classroom Assistants: Finance...... 255W National Federation of SubPostmasters ...... 299W College of Social Work: Social Care Institute for National Scholarship Fund...... 300W Excellence ...... 257W One North East...... 300W College of Social Work: UNISON...... 257W Overseas Students: Israel ...... 300W Curriculum ...... 258W Post Office: Meetings ...... 301W Departmental Allowances...... 258W Post Offices ...... 301W Departmental Photographs...... 258W Post Offices: Cumbria ...... 301W Departmental Press Releases...... 258W Post Offices: Finance...... 302W Departmental Redundancy ...... 258W Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION—continued EDUCATION—continued Departmental Regulation...... 259W Physical Education: GCSE...... 280W Departmental Senior Civil Servants...... 259W Public Appointments ...... 280W Departmental Travel ...... 260W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 281W Departmental Written Questions ...... 261W Schools: Discipline...... 283W Education Maintenance Allowance...... 261W Schools: North Yorkshire...... 283W Education: Worcestershire...... 263W Schools: Religious Practice ...... 283W English Baccalaureate ...... 263W Schools: Vocational Guidance...... 284W Free Schools...... 264W Social Workers ...... 285W Further Education: Absenteeism...... 264W Special Educational Needs: Academies...... 285W GCSE ...... 265W St Luke’s School: Finance...... 286W GCSE: Religious Education...... 277W Standing Advisory Council on Religious Geography: Education ...... 277W Education ...... 286W Holocaust Educational Trust ...... 278W Sure Start: Ashfield...... 287W Languages: Education...... 278W Teachers...... 287W Missing Persons: Children...... 279W Teachers: Pensions ...... 287W Outdoor Science...... 279W Vocational Guidance...... 288W Personal, Social, Health and Economic Vocational Guidance: Training ...... 289W Education ...... 279W Wirral Schools Private Finance Initiative...... 289W WRITTEN ANSWERS

Tuesday 1 March 2011

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 421W DEFENCE...... 425W Bribery Act ...... 421W Armed Forces: Social Security Benefits...... 425W Domestic Violence ...... 421W Departmental Manpower...... 426W Departmental Security ...... 426W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 351W Estonia and Latvia: Military Alliances...... 427W Apprentices: Greater London ...... 351W Northern Europe: Military Alliances ...... 427W Apprentices: Redundancy ...... 352W Sweden and Norway: Military Alliances ...... 427W British Postal Museum and Archive...... 352W Directors: Disqualification...... 353W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 427W Export Credit Guarantees...... 354W Electoral Register...... 427W Further Education: Finance...... 355W Prisoner Voting ...... 428W Higher education: Admissions ...... 356W Prisoners ...... 428W Post Offices ...... 356W Postal Boxes: Repairs and Maintenance...... 357W EDUCATION...... 339W Sales Methods...... 357W Adoption ...... 339W Skills Funding Agency: Contracts...... 357W Apprentices...... 339W Tribunals Service: Competition Appeals Tribunal.. 357W Apprentices: Finance ...... 339W Tribunals Service: Copyright Tribunal ...... 358W Children: Care Homes and Foster Care ...... 340W Children: Disadvantaged...... 340W CABINET OFFICE...... 428W Children: Protection...... 341W Government: Accountability...... 428W College of Social Work ...... 341W Gross Value Added: Glasgow...... 429W College of Social Work: British Association of Job Creation...... 429W Social Workers ...... 342W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Oxfordshire ...... 430W College of Social Work: Social Care Institute for Personal Income: Surveys ...... 430W Excellence ...... 342W Social Conditions...... 431W Departmental Manpower...... 342W Unemployment ...... 431W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 342W Unemployment: Coventry...... 432W Education: Finance...... 343W Education: Financial Services ...... 343W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 440W Extended Schools...... 344W Housing Benefit ...... 440W Free Schools...... 345W Free Schools: Finance ...... 345W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 322W Languages: Education...... 346W Arts: West Midlands ...... 322W Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Departmental Policy ...... 322W Services and Skills: Inspections...... 347W Gambling...... 323W Personal, Social, Health and Economic National Lottery: Retail Trade...... 323W Education ...... 347W Olympic Games 2012: Hertfordshire...... 324W Pre-school Education: Finance ...... 347W Olympic Games 2012: Northern Ireland ...... 323W School Capital Funding ...... 347W Olympic Games 2012: Tickets...... 326W Schools: Performance Standards...... 348W Olympic Games 2012: Wales...... 327W Schools: Sports ...... 348W Sports: Finance...... 327W Science: Teachers ...... 350W Third Sector...... 328W Social Workers ...... 350W Tourism...... 328W Teachers: Right of Search ...... 350W Tourism: Kent...... 328W Vocational Education...... 351W Col. No. Col. No. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 421W HOME DEPARTMENT—continued Biofuels: Teesside ...... 421W Departmental Manpower...... 317W Carbon Trust ...... 421W Detention Centres...... 317W Climate Change ...... 422W Domestic Violence: Immigrants ...... 318W Departmental Location...... 422W Entry Clearances: Olympic Games 2012 ...... 318W Energy: Business ...... 422W Entry Clearances: Overseas Students ...... 319W Energy: Cost-effectiveness...... 423W Human Trafficking ...... 319W Fuel Oil...... 423W Illegal Immigrants...... 320W Fuel Oil: Prices...... 423W Immigrants: Detainees ...... 320W Power Stations: Fossil Fuels...... 424W Immigrants: Human Rights ...... 321W Smart Electricity Grid...... 424W Immigration Controls ...... 321W Water Power: Finance ...... 425W Yarl’s Wood Detention Centre ...... 322W

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL JUSTICE...... 393W AFFAIRS...... 311W Bribery Act 2010...... 393W Bees: Pesticides ...... 311W Courts: Closures ...... 394W Circuses: Animal Welfare...... 311W Departmental Buildings...... 394W Genetically Modified Organisms: Crops ...... 311W Departmental Conditions of Employment...... 395W New Forest...... 311W Departmental Cost Effectiveness ...... 395W Trees: Sudden Oak Death...... 312W Departmental Interpreters ...... 396W Departmental Manpower...... 396W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 389W Departmental Redundancy ...... 397W Arms Trade Treaty ...... 389W Departmental Regulation...... 398W Bangladesh: Military Aid...... 390W Drugs: Convictions ...... 398W BBC World Service: Finance...... 391W Duchy of Cornwall: Coroners and Justice Act Egypt: Freedom of Circulation ...... 391W 2009 ...... 399W Egypt: Press Freedom ...... 392W Fines ...... 400W Holocaust: Anniversaries ...... 392W Harassment: Convictions ...... 401W Judaism: Festivals and Special Occasions...... 392W HM Courts Service ...... 401W Middle East: Armed Conflict...... 392W Home Detention Curfews ...... 404W Overseas Aid...... 393W Legal Advice and Assistance: Telephone Services .. 404W Legal Aid ...... 405W HEALTH...... 369W Legal Aid: Wales...... 405W Abortion ...... 369W Offenders: Rehabilitation ...... 405W Alcoholic Drinks: Young People ...... 370W Prison Service Gold Command...... 405W Baby Care Units...... 370W Prison Service: Manpower ...... 406W Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Disability Living Prison Service: Training ...... 407W Allowance ...... 374W Prisoners ...... 407W CJD ...... 375W Prisoners: Employment...... 408W Dentistry...... 375W Prisoners: Foreign Nationals...... 409W Departmental Interpreters ...... 375W Prisoners: Mental Illness...... 409W Departmental Manpower...... 376W Prisoners: Repatriation ...... 410W Diabetes ...... 376W Prisons: Asbestos ...... 412W Doctors: Foreign Workers...... 377W Prisons: Closures...... 413W General Practitioners: Clacton...... 377W Prisons: Construction ...... 414W Health...... 377W Prisons: Furniture...... 414W Health Services ...... 378W Prisons: Training...... 415W Health Services: Older People ...... 378W Sentencing...... 416W Human Papillomavirus: Vaccination...... 379W Social Impact Bonds ...... 416W Hyperactivity: Warwickshire...... 380W Supreme Court: Flags ...... 417W Kidneys: Transplant Surgery...... 381W Theft: Re-offenders ...... 418W Maternity Services ...... 381W Third Sector...... 418W Maternity Services: Finance...... 382W Tribunals Service...... 420W Midwives: Manpower...... 382W Woodhill Prison: Education ...... 420W MRSA: Screening ...... 383W NHS: Buildings...... 383W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 358W NHS: Finance ...... 384W Departmental Conditions of Employment...... 358W Organs: Donors ...... 385W Out of Area Treatment: Wales ...... 385W PRIME MINISTER ...... 358W School Milk ...... 387W Departmental Responsibilities: Urban Areas...... 358W Sexually Transmitted Diseases ...... 387W Third Sector...... 358W Tuberculosis...... 387W Tuberculosis: Vaccination ...... 389W TRANSPORT ...... 329W A14: Ipswich ...... 329W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 312W Aviation ...... 329W Asylum ...... 312W Aviation: Conditions of Employment ...... 329W Asylum: Coventry ...... 312W Aviation: Holidays ...... 329W Asylum: Detainees ...... 312W Aviation: Safety...... 330W Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre... 314W Aviation: Working Hours...... 330W Departmental Conditions of Employment...... 316W Cycling: Accidents ...... 332W Departmental Interpreters ...... 316W Cycling: Training ...... 332W Col. No. Col. No. TRANSPORT—continued WALES...... 359W Departmental NDPBs...... 332W Departmental Conditions of Employment...... 359W Departmental Regulation...... 332W Driving: Training ...... 333W Electric Vehicles ...... 333W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 359W HM Coastguard: Closures ...... 334W Asbestos...... 359W Lorries: Accidents...... 334W Carer’s Allowance...... 359W Lorries: Sleep Apnoea...... 335W Child Support Agency ...... 359W Network Rail: Finance...... 336W Children: Maintenance ...... 360W Pedestrian Crossings ...... 336W Christmas Bonus...... 360W Rescue Services: Fife Ness...... 336W Disability Living Allowance...... 361W Roads: Safety ...... 338W Disability Living Allowance: Clwyd...... 361W UN Decade of Road Safety ...... 339W Housing Benefit ...... 362W Housing Benefit: Fife...... 362W TREASURY ...... 432W Housing Benefit: Glasgow ...... 363W Banks: Loans ...... 432W Housing Benefit: Payments ...... 363W Banks: Pay ...... 433W Incapacity Benefit ...... 364W Banks: Regulation...... 434W Independent Living Fund ...... 364W EU Economic Policy...... 435W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Fraud ...... 365W Financial Services: Education ...... 435W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Housing Benefit ...... 365W Financial Services: Regulation ...... 436W Lorries: Safety...... 365W Public Sector: Pensions ...... 436W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 366W Taxation...... 438W Social Security Benefits: Bexley...... 366W Taxation: Business ...... 439W Unemployment: Motherwell ...... 367W Taxation: Solar Power...... 440W Unemployment: Young People...... 369W Welfare Tax Credits: Married People ...... 440W Universal Credit...... 369W MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS

Tuesday 1 March 2011

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not later than Tuesday 8 March 2011

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CONTENTS

Tuesday 1 March 2011

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 145] [see index inside back page] Deputy Prime Minister Attorney-General Speaker’s Electoral Commission Committee Church Commissioners

Aid Reviews [Col. 167] Statement—(Mr Andrew Mitchell)

Intercity Express and Rail Electrification [Col. 185] Statement—(Philip Hammond)

Resource Extraction (Transparency and Reporting) [Col. 202] Motion for leave to bring in Bill—(Anas Sarwar)—agreed to Bill presented, and read the First time

Protection of Freedoms Bill [Col. 205] Motion for Second Reading—(Mrs May)—agreed to Read a Second time

The Tote [Col. 273] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Forestry Commission [Col. 1WH] Search and Rescue Service [Col. 23WH] UK Military Basing Review [Col. 43WH] Rail Services (South-East London) [Col. 51WH] Trident [Col. 59WH] Debates on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 19WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 247W]

Ministerial Corrections [Col. 1MC]