Vol. 730 Monday No. 197 3 October 2011

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD) HOUSE OF LORDS OFFICIAL REPORT

ORDER OF BUSINESS

Retirements of Members Questions Health: Breast Cancer Railways: Theft House of Lords: Reform EU: Credit Rating Agencies Sovereign Grant Bill Second Reading (and remaining stages) London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Second Reading Written Answers For column numbers see back page

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Earl Howe: My Lords, the noble Baroness, with her House of Lords expert knowledge in this area, is absolutely right that access to appropriate treatment, delivered to a high Monday, 3 October 2011. standard, is critical to improving outcomes. We have made a commitment to expanding radiotherapy capacity 2.30 pm by investing around £150 million more over the next four years. That is intended specifically to increase the Prayers—read by the Lord Bishop of Oxford. utilisation of existing equipment, establish additional services and make sure that all patients who need the Retirements of Members therapy can get it. We are investigating a tariff for IMRT; that is part of our work towards the aspiration Announcement to ensure that IMRT is available in at least one centre per cancer network by 2012. It is a matter for local 2.35 pm decision-making, but an IMRT development programme The Lord Speaker (Baroness D’Souza): My Lords, I is now in place. have to notify the House that the noble and right reverend Lord, Lord Habgood, and the noble Lord, Lord Alderdice: My Lords, would my noble friend Lord Hutchinson of Lullington, have both indicated agree that progress in this important area of breast their wish to retire permanently from the service of the cancer is likely to be found in the identification of House, and their retirements take effect today. I am molecular markers and the design of appropriate sure that the House will wish to join me in recognising targeted medications, as has been the case in breast the service of both noble Lords to the House and cancer with HER2 and Herceptin, for example? Would wishing them well in their retirement. he acknowledge that it is a very expensive treatment? Although it really improves quality of life as well as mortality and outcome, the expense of not only the Health: Breast Cancer medication but the tests themselves is considerable. Question How will the NHS cope with this important but very expensive progress? 2.36 pm Earl Howe: My noble friend makes an extremely Asked By Baroness Morgan of Drefelin important point. That is why we need a body such as NICE, the National Institute for Health and Clinical To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment Excellence, to advise the health service on what treatments they have made of the impact Improving Outcomes: represent cost-effective value for money. The tendency A Strategy for Cancer, issued by the Department of of drugs to impose considerable cost on the NHS is Health, has had on women with breast cancer. very great, as he points out. It is important that clinicians focus on those drugs that really do the best The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, for patients. I am aware that a number of drugs are Department of Health (Earl Howe): My Lords, our currently being assessed by NICE with regard to breast cancer outcome strategy sets out our ambition to cancer. improve outcomes for all cancer patients and save an additional 5,000 lives every year by 2014-15. Specifically Baroness Thornton: My Lords, I apologise for my on breast cancer, the strategy outlined commitments conference throat—it is all the cheering I did last on local awareness campaigns, expanding breast cancer week. The Government published a strategy for cancer screening, measuring the prevalence of metastatic breast in January 2011 and set a target of improving cancer cancer, and one-day stays for breast surgery. Good survival rates, so that by 2014-15 an extra 5,000 lives progress is being made in all these areas and the will be saved each year. What progress has been made strategy’s first annual report will be published in the towards meeting the target that was expressed in Improving winter. Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer and saving those extra 5,000 lives a year? Baroness Morgan of Drefelin: My Lords, may I Earl Howe: My Lords, there are broadly three ways remind the House of my interest as chief executive of in which we can attain that target. The main way is the research charity Breast Cancer Campaign? I thank through early diagnosis—in particular, by making sure the Minister for his response. I have two brief that women are aware of the signs and symptoms that questions. We know that radiotherapy is a very cost- could indicate breast cancer—but also by improving effective treatment, improving outcomes for people access to screening and to radiotherapy, which has with cancer at 5 per cent of the NHS cancer spend. already been covered in the question from the noble Can the Minister explain to the House what progress Baroness, Lady Morgan. To support the NHS to is being made to ensure that the additional investment achieve earlier diagnosis of cancer, the strategy has set out in the outcomes strategy is actually being been backed by over £450 million over the next four converted into improved outcomes rather than lost in years. That is part of over £750 million additional the bottom line? Can the Minister say what steps are funding for cancer over the spending review period. being taken to improve access for women to IMRT radiotherapy, which is, of course, the modern version Lord Patel: My Lords, we know that one of the of this treatment and which can be so beneficial for reasons for the poor outcomes on cancers is the late appropriate referrals? referrals of patients who suffer from cancers. We are 953 Health: Breast Cancer[LORDS] Railways: Theft 954

[LORD PATEL] I am pleased that the Government appear to be now likely to have performance management of primary taking the problem of metal theft seriously. Is the noble care doctors being based on their referral patterns. Lord aware—I am sure he is—that ACPO reckons Can the Minister confirm that there will be no financial that the cost to the United Kingdom economy last incentive for reducing referrals of suspected cancer year of this crime was something in the order of patients for treatment? £770 million and that the problem is getting worse with the rise in the price of scrap metal? I doubt Earl Howe: Yes, I can, my Lords. It is very important whether there are many Members of your Lordships’ that doctors should feel absolutely free to refer patients. House whose trains have not been delayed as the result I remind the noble Lord that it is a right for patients, of the theft of signalling cable, which is adding thousands under the NHS constitution, to expect to be referred of hours of delay to train schedules. Does the Minister within the laid-down waiting time maximum periods, agree that the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 is now so we are very clear that there should be nothing to out of date and that it needs to be replaced by new interfere with doctors’ clinical judgment in this area. legislation that increases maximum penalties, eliminates the payment of cash as a means of settling transactions Baroness Fookes: My Lords, am I right in thinking and moves to a system of licensing in place of the that screening comes to an end after a certain age for registration that exists at present? women? If that is correct, does it make any sense when the incidence of breast cancer increases with age? Lord Henley: My Lords, I join the noble Lord in expressing regret at the departure of my noble friend. Earl Howe: My Lords, my noble friend is right that We will all miss her very much on these Benches and I we have historically targeted women in a certain age only hope that I can perform even half as well as she group for breast cancer screening. We are looking to did, although I hope that I can get majorities larger see whether that age group should be widened but it is than the equality that she got on the last Division that generally true to say that screening is more cost-effective she took through this House. We will certainly miss in older women. It has certainly been the case that the her on this Front Bench. breast screening programme over the past number of years has increased the detection of cancer and saved The noble Lord is right to point to the problems of an estimated 1,400 lives a year. metal theft. There is not just the direct cost but the cost to the transport industry, to the power transmission Lord Hughes of Woodside: My Lords, can the Minister industry and to others. We will look at all possible confirm that there is something in the NHS called the changes that we can make. The noble Lord is right to two-week procedure whereby GPs can refer patients to draw attention to the 1964 Act and possible changes a hospital and they are therefore seen by that hospital to bring in a cashless model. Whether that would within those two weeks? If I am right in that, will that necessarily improve matters needs looking at, but it be more widely used and advertised so that patients would certainly improve the traceability of metals and know what they can ask of their GP? might make it harder for criminals to dispose of them for cash. That is why we want to look at it. Earl Howe: The noble Lord is right. We are not changing that target, which we believe is clinically well Lord Jenkin of Roding: My Lords, does my noble founded. It is largely up to GPs to make sure that, if friend recognise that we are still legally in the age of cancer is suspected, that referral pathway should be Steptoe and Son and that it really is now time to bring followed. the legislation up to date, in particular to give the police stronger powers to intervene to close down illicit scrap merchants who trade in stolen property Railways: Theft and make absolutely no effort to discover where it has Question come from? 2.44 pm Lord Henley: My noble friend is quite right to draw Asked By Lord Faulkner of Worcester attention to the problems, but it is not just the police To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they who have a role in this; I am thinking of the previous have plans to amend the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 department which I had the honour to serve in. The to prohibit cash transactions, as a means of reducing Environment Agency also has a role, although, admittedly, metal theft. that role is reserved purely for environmental matters. There is no reason why that role should not be extended The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): to deal with those who are trading in an irresponsible My Lords, the Government recognise the significance or criminal manner. Having said that, one should of metal theft to the United Kingdom. The Home always be aware of the danger that one just shifts the Office is in discussion with other government departments problems on to illegal sites and it is therefore very to identify whether any legislative changes are needed important that we look very carefully at anything we to tackle metal theft, including the possibility of moving do and what the consequences of any action are likely to a cashless model. to be.

Lord Faulkner of Worcester: My Lords, I congratulate The Lord Bishop of London: My Lords, in comparison the noble Lord on his promotion. I express my regret with the very large figure quoted, £26 million, which is at the departure from the Government of the noble the bill for the lead theft from church roofs, might Baroness, Lady Browning, and wish her a full recovery. strike noble Lords as rather small, but it is a very 955 Railways: Theft[3 OCTOBER 2011] House of Lords: Reform 956 great pressure on local communities. Is the Minister House of Lords: Reform aware that one step that we believe would have an impact on the problem and to which he has already Question referred—making cashless transactions the rule for scrap metal merchants—is, in fact, the rule in almost 2.51 pm every other European country, including Bulgaria? Asked By Lord Grocott

Lord Henley: My Lords, I am very grateful to the To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they right reverend Prelate for drawing that to our attention intend that a reformed House of Lords would, like and for emphasising the problems that we and the the House of Commons, vote on any future deployment church are facing. I know that he has been in touch of troops in conflicts overseas. with the Home Office and that Ministers have responded to the church’s concerns about these matters. He is The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord quite right to draw attention to the advantage of the McNally): My Lords, since the 2003 Iraq conflict cashless model, but there are other matters that we there has been a convention to debate military intervention could look at, such as design, material and even, I in the House of Commons. This Government have understand, reviewing the properties of the copper been clear that we will abide by that convention. The and lead themselves to see whether they can be made Government are currently exploring options for more traceable in due course. formalising the convention, including the future role of the House of Lords in such matters. Lord Berkeley: My Lords, is the Minister aware that it is not only the railways and power transmission Lord Grocott: With respect, my Lords, this question that are affected but telecoms cables? Is he also aware goes to the heart of the issues of the powers of a that a lot of these people just stuff the cables into revised House of Lords and the relationship between containers and export them? Am I right in detecting a the two Houses. I put these simple questions to the lack of urgency in the Government coming up with a Minister: if Members of the Commons were allowed solution, which could be very serious? to vote on matters of war and peace and senators in the newly elected senate were not, how on earth would that be explained and justified? If, on the other hand, Lord Henley: I completely refute the idea that there the Commons and the Lords could both vote on is a lack of urgency. Only the day before my noble matters of war and peace, what on earth would happen friend left the job that I am now in, she hosted a if one voted for war and the other for peace? I put it to meeting of Ministers from a whole range of departments the Minister that if the resources of the Deputy Prime to look at the problems facing us and what we ought Minister cannot even come up with an attempt to to do. However, I am grateful to the noble Lord for answer these fundamental questions about a reformed pointing out that an awful lot of this metal is not second Chamber, they should tear up the draft Bill going to scrap metal dealers but going straight into and go back to the drawing board. containers and being exported. I have mentioned the role that the Environment Agency has to play in that, which we will look at. Lord McNally: The noble Lord, Lord Grocott, continues his search for the silver bullet that is going to shoot down Lords reform. The fact is that we are Lord Tope: My Lords, I encourage the Minister in approaching the matter of war powers rather more his urgency in dealing with this problem by letting him seriously. Of course there is the matter of the power know that only last week in my borough 14 brass of the House of Commons, and we are considering memorial plaques were stolen from Carshalton war carefully how such legislation would be couched. memorial and a local church discovered that its bell When the reformed House of Lords comes into being, had been stolen. This almost everyday occurrence is as has been made clear by the Cunningham committee, being experienced all over the country. In addition to the conventions between the two Houses will be up the methods suggested by the noble Lord, Lord Faulkner, for re-examination but the conventions of the two will the Minister also look at making it a legal requirement Houses will still be in place. The Government have for scrap metal dealers to register and to check the made it quite clear that it will be the House of Lords— details of all those selling scrap metal to them? sorry, the House of Commons, that will have the— [Laughter.] War powers are a rather serious matter. If Lord Henley: My Lords, my noble friend is right to the noble Lord would address it as such, instead of as draw attention to the fact that not just the more one of his regular “catch them” questions, we could valuable metals like copper and lead are affected but well debate it. a whole range of others. He mentioned that brass plaques have been stolen; I assure him that there have Lord Elton: My Lords, my noble friend is mistaken even been cases of things such as cast-iron manhole in thinking that this is a flippant approach simply covers being stolen, which have relatively little value because it comes from somebody with a known record but can cause major problems if they are stolen. That of trying to sabotage reform. Surely reform is intended is why, as I have tried to make clear, we treat this to be democratic and representative. This House will problem urgently and wish to address it as soon as not be representative unless it can represent those who possible. elect it in all respects. This is the most important 957 House of Lords: Reform[LORDS] EU: Credit Rating Agencies 958

[LORD ELTON] Lord Tyler: My Lords, my noble friend will recall respect that is likely to come before this House. How that two Joint Committees looked at these issues with can it be justified as a democratic reform if the House great care in the previous Parliament. I served on both is to be silenced on this matter? If it is not to be of them. The Government of the day then accepted silenced on the matter, the problem posed by the noble the advice of those committees. Would my noble friend Lord, Lord Grocott, persists. Deadlock between the like to speculate on why the noble Lord, Lord Grocott, Houses would not only lead to uncertainty in the raises this issue now, rather than exerting his influence future but sap the morale of those who were eventually in that Government? engaged in any conflict. Lord McNally: No, I prefer to look forward on this Lord McNally: My noble friend’s last point is exactly matter. We have given the noble Lord, Lord Richard, why the Government are being very careful in thinking a task. If the noble Lord, Lord Grocott, wants to about just how these matters should be put into law write to the noble Lord, Lord Richard, with any and how Parliament should discuss them. However, doubts or concerns he has about war powers, particularly the point raised by the noble Lord, Lord Grocott, is after the Government have made their statement, so dealt with by the CRAG Act. Treaties will be debated be it. Of course, it is legitimate to address one of the in both Houses and can be voted on by both Houses, regular Questions asked by the noble Lord, Lord but the CRAG Act makes it quite clear that the view Grocott, on Lords reform, but I hope that the House of the House of Commons would prevail in such will debate the war powers issue with due seriousness matters. That is one precedent that we could look at when the Government come through with proposals. but, as I say, let us wait. There are a lot of examples around the world of parliaments that have taken war powers which have Lord Kakkar: My Lords, if a future election to the made it virtually impossible for those countries to other place were to result in no party being able to deploy forces. At the other end of the scale, we have form a Government, alone or in coalition, do the the example of Iraq, when Parliament felt that it had coalition Government’s proposals for abolition of your not been fully consulted. The Government are looking Lordships’ House offer a constitutional impediment at this very carefully and seriously and will bring to the leader of the party that enjoys the confidence of forward proposals in due course. the elected second Chamber being invited to form a Government? EU: Credit Rating Agencies Question Lord McNally: Absolutely and clearly—again, the conventions are clear. The statement in the White 3pm Paper is quite clear. It is the person and party who Asked By Lord Foulkes of Cumnock command the confidence of the House of Commons To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions that will form a Government in any future circumstances. they have had with other European Union That will remain. Governments about the role of private credit rating agencies. Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton: My Lords, the Minister has cast aspersions on the seriousness of my The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord noble friend’s Question. I am not alone in your Lordships’ Sassoon): My Lords, the Government have discussed House in believing that the Government should have the role of private credit rating agencies with other looked at this matter first, rather than produce a Bill European Union Governments in numerous meetings. to change things with a plus ça change attitude towards These include the Financial Services Committee, the the future role of this House or an elected second Economic and Financial Committee and ECOFIN, Chamber. Why will the Government not go away and attended by Economics and Finance Ministers. The do their job properly? Before the noble Lord attacks Government have also discussed this issue in depth me, I am one of the Members in favour of reform. with your Lordships’ EU Sub-Committee on Economic However, I do not want it done back to front, with the and Financial Affairs, and International Trade during Government unravelling the system and then discovering its recent inquiry on sovereign ratings. that they have to work out how it will work in the future. That is the wrong way round. Lord Foulkes of Cumnock: My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for a full reply, but does he recall that Lord McNally: That is precisely why the proposals these credit rating agencies actually promoted the put forward by my right honourable friend the Deputy sub-prime mortgages which precipitated the crisis? Prime Minister are the most thorough, the most consulted They have been accused of a conflict of interest as on and the most open proposals for reform of this they vary the ratings of both banks and countries, House that have ever gone before Parliament. Again, I which exacerbates the crisis and can advantage the draw the attention of the House to the fact that war owners of these agencies? I asked in a previous Question powers—and the right of Parliament to debate them—are whether the Minister would consider promoting an a very serious matter, for which the Government have intergovernmental agency to take on this role. If he is promised to bring forward proposals. Again, I put not prepared to do that for ideological reasons, will he, forward the very clear statement in the White Paper: with his EU colleagues, at least ask the competition the conventions and powers of the House of Commons authorities within the European Union to see what will remain supreme. That would be the case for war they can do to curb the excesses of this cartel and powers, as for any others. break up what has become an insidious oligopoly? 959 EU: Credit Rating Agencies[3 OCTOBER 2011] Sovereign Grant Bill 960

Lord Sassoon: My Lords, there are quite a number When the United States was downgraded, the rate of of points wrapped up in that question. The first point interest in the US did not rise, which the noble Lord, to recognise is that the credit rating agencies plainly Lord Sassoon, on several occasions predicted would got it wrong when it came to the structured products be the relationship between credit rating and interest which were at the heart of the financial crisis. On the rates; quite the contrary, interest rates in the United other hand, their record in other respects during the States fell. financial crisis, and particularly the sovereign debt crisis, has been reasonably good, and all the evidence Lord Sassoon: If the noble Lord means by appeasement shows that. Having said that, I completely agree with what the Government want to do in terms of reducing the noble Lord that competition is very much what the the over-reliance of the market on credit rating agencies, Government would like to see, but the way to introduce getting away from being hardwired into arrangements competition is absolutely not to have any publicly that drive the debt markets, and what we want to do funded or publicly sponsored credit rating agency. through increasing transparency and disclosure by the Indeed, Mr Barroso himself recognised this recently credit rating agencies, increasing competition and seeing by opposing any suggestion of a European publicly more new entrants into the market, that is what I funded agency. I agree with the noble Lord that we mean by appeasement, but I do not think it is what he want to see competition, but not through setting up a means by it. We want a much more healthy market. government sponsored agency. We are going about it through a series of practical suggestions in discussion with our European partners Lord Bilimoria: My Lords, to follow on from the in advance of the next proposals from Brussels. noble Lord, Lord Foulkes, surely the Minister agrees that these credit rating agencies were instrumental in Sovereign Grant Bill causing the credit crunch and financial crisis by rating Second Reading (and remaining stages) what ended up being worse than junk bond instruments as triple-A? They were allowed to get away with being 3.06 pm funded by the people they were reporting on. Is there Moved by Lord Sassoon moral hazard with the banks? This is moral hypocrisy. Is enough being done to address it? That the Bill be read a second time.

Lord Sassoon: My Lords, I have already said that Lord Shutt of Greetland: My Lords, I have it in the credit rating agencies got it completely wrong command from His Royal Highness the Prince of when it came to the rating of structured products. As a Wales to acquaint the House that his Royal Highness, result of that, there have already been two regulations, having been informed of the purport of the Sovereign so-called CRA1 and CRA2, out of Europe since the Grant Bill, has consented to place his prerogative and crisis and a third set of proposals is expected in interest, so far as they are affected by the Bill, at the November this year. The first two sets of proposals disposal of Parliament for the purposes of the Bill. address the matters which the noble Lord raises. There is now a system of registration. There are new regulations Lord Sassoon: My Lords, I am pleased to have the around conflicts and how to handle them, as well as opportunity to introduce this important Bill and I around transparency and disclosure. I agree that the look forward to our debate. It was clear from debates issues he raises are serious, but they are very much the in another place that there is wide recognition of Her ones which the European regulations have addressed. Majesty the Queen’s long and conscientious contribution to public life. It is vital that we continue to provide the Lord Hamilton of Epsom: My Lords, does my noble Queen and the Royal Household with the finances to friend accept that there are great shortcomings among perform her official duties with dignity, but it is equally the credit agencies when it comes to derivatives and so important to take this opportunity to modernise the forth, but that that does not extend to their rating of current system for supporting the Royal Household. sovereign debt? Does he further accept that when The sovereign grant will replace the current three-grant Standard and Poor’s downgraded American debt, that system with a single consolidated payment. It will debt then became cheaper and bonds went up? provide the household with flexibility to prioritise its use of resources in the most effective way. The level of Lord Sassoon: I agree with my noble friend. I know the grant will usually be equivalent to 15 per cent of that he was a member of your Lordships’ sub-committee the profits made by the Crown Estate in the financial which produced an excellent report published in July. year two years earlier. That is, profits in the current Among its conclusions is that: financial year, 2011-12, will determine the level of the “The criticism that credit rating agencies precipitated the euro sovereign grant in 2013-14, the first year the new area crisis is largely unjustified; their downgrades merely reflected calculation method will be used. Of course, we cannot the seriousness of the problems that some Member States are say with certainty what that profit will be, but the currently facing”. Crown Estate has indicated that it expects profits to be broadly the same as last year. That would mean a Lord Eatwell: My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord 2013-14 sovereign grant of about £34 million. That is Sassoon, has made it clear on several occasions that in line with Royal Household expenditure in the five appeasement of the private credit rating agencies is a years between 2006 and 2010, which averaged about central plank of government policy.What reconsideration £34 million per year. However, that can be only a of that policy have the Government undertaken, given projection, so there are safeguards to ensure that the the point just raised by the noble Lord, Lord Hamilton? sovereign grant can be kept on a sustainable path. 961 Sovereign Grant Bill[LORDS] Sovereign Grant Bill 962

[LORD SASSOON] annuity paid to the Duke of Edinburgh, which will First, the Bill would establish a sovereign reserve continue to be payable from the Consolidated Fund. I fund. Any unspent sovereign grant will be paid into am sure that the House will welcome this simplification. the sovereign reserve at the end of the year, and could The Sovereign Grant Bill provides for a system of then be called upon in a subsequent year to cover a royal support that is modern, efficient and accountable. shortfall. Importantly, there will be a target limit on I beg to move. that reserve to avoid it rising above about half of the total expenditure in that year. If the sovereign 3.13 pm reserve were to exceed that level, the royal trustees could intervene to reduce the sovereign grant to an Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: My Lords, noble Lords appropriate level. may well wonder why I am speaking on a Treasury Secondly, the Bill provides for regular reviews to Bill. The reasons are two. First, my colleagues in the determine whether the percentage used in the formula, Treasury team all have long-standing engagements at initially 15 per cent, remains appropriate. My right this time during this unexpected week of business. honourable friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer Secondly, I hold Her Majesty in the greatest esteem, has already accepted the principle of some of the and, since I am a former Lord President of the Council Opposition’s amendments on this matter. In response and a former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, to those, the Bill now provides for the first review to both positions of which I was immensely proud, it happen in 2016 rather than 2019, as previously envisaged, seemed appropriate for me to speak on behalf of the and reviews will take place every five years thereafter Opposition. instead of every seven. Any increase in the formula The Bill seeks to modernise and simplify the way in would require agreement from Parliament by affirmative which we finance our Royal Family. It brings up to orders. date the method of grant allocation and greatly increases the transparency of the finances of Her Majesty and Thirdly, there will be a cash underpin that will go the wider Royal Family. It facilitates accountability to some way to protect the monarch from dips in the Parliament via the National Audit Office and the profit of the Crown Estate. It is important to note that Public Accounts Committee. On behalf of Her Majesty’s the royal trustees may override this underpin should loyal Opposition, I begin my contribution to this there be sufficient funds in the reserve. Second Reading debate by putting on the record our Because the sovereign grant is being brought into particular support for this element of the changes that the Treasury estimate, it will be treated like other we are discussing today. central government bodies. The Treasury will apply I am glad that the business managers in this House in-year controls on public expenditure to avoid waste, have made proper time available for consideration of seek value for money and prohibit spending ahead of this short but important Bill. I understand that in the need. At the same time, we are improving accountability Commons there was no Second Reading because the to Parliament for the spending of public money. previous business overran. This is yet another signal to From 2012, the National Audit Office will have full the Government that their legislative programme really access and will become the statutory auditor for all the is far too full to enable the proper scrutiny that is Royal Household’s use of the sovereign grant and the rightly demanded by the citizens of this country. sovereign reserve. This is a significant step that should be welcomed. This debate is happening 250 years after the current system for allocating funds to the Royal Household The Bill is also an opportunity to modernise other was first decided upon. It was in 1760 that King aspects of current legislation. For example, under George III surrendered the entirety of the income current arrangements, only a Duke of Cornwall receives from the Crown Estate to Parliament in exchange for financial support from the Duchy of Cornwall. The an annual grant to fund his and his family’s duties in Bill will enable the Treasury to provide a grant to heirs his role as monarch. With time, this grant has in fact to the throne who are not the Duke of Cornwall, to developed into four separate allowances. The Civil ensure that they can be supported to similar effect. A List is the annual grant to meet the core official significant result of this modernisation is that, in expense to enable the Queen to carry out her role as effect, it enables female heirs to benefit from the Head of State and Head of the Commonwealth, and Duchy of Cornwall. it comes from the Treasury. There is a grant in aid for In addition, the Bill repeals a number of parliamentary royal travel, which is funded by the Department for annuities that are currently payable to other members Transport, and the Department for Culture, Media of the Royal Family to relieve expenditure incurred in and Sport provides both a grant in aid for maintenance connection with their official duties. These annuities of the royal palaces and a grant for expenditure on have for many years been reimbursed on a voluntary communications and information. basis to the Exchequer by Her Majesty from her Privy There is no permitted crossover between those pots Purse. The Bill puts an end to this anachronism. of money. Their hypothecated nature has prevented a Noble Lords will be aware that Her Majesty intends to surplus in the travel grant being put towards the continue to provide for these annuitants from her urgent upkeep of a particular royal palace, for example. Privy Purse. Those arrangements were set out in a The Bill before us today will put an end to this rigidity, letter from Sir Alan Reid, Keeper of Her Majesty’s giving the Royal Family the flexibility that they have Privy Purse, to my right honourable friend the Chancellor always wanted, and it is extremely welcome. The new of the Exchequer, which was placed in the Library on sovereign grant will be able to be used as the Royal 30 June. There is no change to the parliamentary Household sees fit under the guidance of the Keeper 963 Sovereign Grant Bill[3 OCTOBER 2011] Sovereign Grant Bill 964 of Her Majesty’s Privy Purse, and the Opposition have “exponential” and growth over the next 10 years as absolutely no objection to this sensible rationalisation “significant”. We know from recent figures and forecasts, of the way in which the monarchy is funded. including from the OBR, that the UK is flat-lining. We I shall focus my comments around three broad are disappointed that in another place the Government areas: the level of the grant, the mechanisms to review resisted calls from the opposition Front Bench to it, and the audit of public funds apportioned to financing require the grant’s trustees to review the funding the monarchy. The Minister has informed the House arrangements if the Crown Estate’s income rose faster that the value of the sovereign grant in any given year in the previous financial year than the underlying will be equivalent to 15 per cent of the profits of the trend growth rate of the economy. We felt such a Crown Estate in the two years prior. This means that provision to be particularly sensible considering the in the first year of the new system, 2013-14, the Crown Estate’s stake in offshore wind farms, and with sovereign grant will be determined as 15 per cent of Crown Estate income from renewables growing by the profits from the Crown Estate in 2011-12. The 44 per cent in 2009-10. Notwithstanding this, we are Minister has told your Lordships that this is predicted pleased to say that the Government heeded the to equate to £34 million. This figure is broadly in line Opposition’s calls for more frequent reviews of the new with the expenditure of the Royal Family in recent funding mechanism. The Bill requires, as the Minister years. In another place, the Chancellor of the Exchequer said, the calculation of the sovereign grant to be explained that the effect of choosing this particular reviewed every five rather than seven years. percentage of Crown Estate profits, in order to determine I am pleased to inform your Lordships’ House that the level of the sovereign grant, would be to provide Her Majesty’s Opposition fully support the auditing the Queen with a sum throughout this Parliament that arrangements of the new system, as laid out in the was broadly the same as the sum she received throughout Bill. It is welcome that, for the first time, the National the last. The Chancellor is right to say: Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee will “In the end, it is a matter of judgment whether £34 million or have the same powers to audit and scrutinise the Royal so is the right amount for the future”.—[Official Report, Commons, Household in the same way as any Government 14/07/11; col. 540]. department. We welcome this unprecedented increase From the opposition Benches, I wish to stress to in transparency and scrutiny of the Royal Household. your Lordships, and to the Government, that the key It is not only the proper thing to do; it will likely serve issues are the values and priorities that underpin that to build further trust and support for the monarchy in judgment. Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal our country. We hope that the PAC will decide to take Family continue, and must continue, to play a vital frequent looks at the Royal Household’s accounts to role in the affairs of our nation in the new century. monitor the suitability of the new sovereign grant They must be financed in a way that enables them mechanism. to fulfil this role—at home and in the wider In times of real economic hardship, and also at a Commonwealth—and to maintain the support of the time when the pressures on the Royal Family seem to public. Accordingly, the funding arrangements need be increasing in various ways, it is vital that in arriving to strike a fair and workable balance between the at a settlement for funding the monarchy, Parliament legitimate needs of the household and the interests of balances the interests of the taxpayer with the dignity taxpayers. Setting the sovereign grant at 15 per cent of and needs of the Royal Household. The Bill seems to Crown revenues will mean, from next year until the strike that balance, but I look forward to hearing the end of the current Parliament, a 3.2 per cent real-terms Minister’s response to my questions and those which rise in the grant available to the Royal Household. I will undoubtedly follow from other noble Lords. ask the Minister for reassurance that, in these times of austerity, when the impact of the Government’s policies 3.21 pm and priorities, as well as the state of the global economy, Lord Newby: My Lords, the briefing circulated in are causing tough times for hard-working people across respect of the Bill said that debates in your Lordships’ the country, the interests of taxpayers are being carefully House on the funding of the Royal Household tended considered. I also ask whether he is able to make to be brief. When I see the formidable array of experience available to Parliament detailed projections of the on all matters royal on the Benches opposite me, I am value of the sovereign grant over the coming years. tempted to be even briefer than I might otherwise have I turn to the scope for adjusting the level of the been. sovereign grant as outlined in this Bill. In the other The first question to be raised in any debate on place, the Chancellor of the Exchequer explained that royal finances going into the future is whether the level the Government had chosen the mechanism of a of funding proposed is broadly in the right ballpark. I percentage of the Crown Estate profit because it was, suspect that if you told most people in the UK that “broadly in line with the economy”.—[Official Report, Commons, they were paying, in effect, a penny a week to fund the 14/07.11; co1. 536]. Royal Household, they would think that they were The Chancellor described the Crown Estate as a large getting exceptional value for money. It might be virtually commercial property company run in a conservative the only area where people might almost voluntarily way, which was not a bad proxy for how the country as be prepared to pay marginally more. It is a remarkable a whole was doing. We on the opposition Benches are achievement to run an institution such as the monarchy not sure whether the figure of 15 per cent of Crown at a penny a week per head. The fact that the real cost revenues will prove to rise in line with the overall of running the monarchy has fallen by more than performance of the economy going forward. The Crown 50 per cent over the past 20 years is another remarkable Estate’s annual report describes current growth as achievement that many other outposts of government 965 Sovereign Grant Bill[LORDS] Sovereign Grant Bill 966

[LORD NEWBY] 3.27 pm would do exceptionally well to emulate. In terms of the quanta and whether the country will believe that Lord Turnbull: My Lords, I am a member of a the amount of money currently spent on the Royal select band of brothers, most of whom are clustered in Household is in the right area, I doubt whether there this corner of the Chamber, who worked on the last is more than a very small minority of people who major change to the Civil List. That was the would question that. announcement in July 1990 of a 10-year settlement—or, more accurately, the reintroduction of the 10-year My next question is whether this extremely elegant settlement envisaged in the 1972 Act that collapsed way of funding the Royal Household into the future is after three years under the weight of runaway inflation. likely to be sustainable in the longer term. Given the The briefing produced by the parliamentary Library, current incumbent of the monarchy and her heirs and whose briefings are normally impeccable, has an important successors, and the extent to which they have been omission. There is no mention of the Civil List Act 1975, taken to the heart of the nation in various forms, we which shored up this failing system with an annual are looking at an institution which, to the extent that supplement to the Civil List. The effect of this was one can predict anything, looks set fair for the next that the Palace’s finances were run on a hand-to-mouth 60 years. Therefore, any long-term funding mechanism basis. It also introduced an annual opportunity for has to be capable of being sustained over the long mischief-making in Parliament and the media, producing term. The great advantage of the Crown Estate as a misleading and undignified headlines such as “£200,000 method of calculating the income of the Royal Household Pay Rise for Queen”. Therefore, the first lesson in all is that it is a very sustainable long-term operation, and this is that we need an arrangement that provides it is easy to see why the Crown Estate will be around in some distance between the monarchy and the hurly-burly 60 years. That choice of mechanism is very sensible. of politics. The noble Baroness, Lady Royall, raised the question Our aim in 1990 was to get back to a 10-year of what happens if the income from the Crown Estate framework, with a flat-rate annual sum that was the changes beyond what was expected and there seems to average requirement over the period. Any surpluses be some suggestion that in certain circumstances it that accumulated in the first five years were to be run could rise significantly. The Bill seeks to deal with that down in the second five years. Clearly, that required an by having a five-year review and a clawback if the assumption about inflation. I and my Permanent Secretary sovereign reserve increases. One is tempted to think Peter Middleton went to see the then leader of the that the keeper of the Privy Purse will have up his Opposition, the noble Lord, Lord Kinnock. Naturally, sleeve a whole series of refurbishment and other measures he quizzed us on the inflation assumption. I said that that could be reeled out in any particular year if it it was 7.5 per cent, which was the average of the looks as though significant increases occur in Crown preceding 10 years. He said: “You can’t do fairer than Estate profits that had not been anticipated. Perhaps it that”. Inflation at the time was 9.8 per cent. Neither of is not too ungenerous to think that the monarchy us knew that by the spring of the following year, should benefit from an increase in the profitability of inflation would fall below 7.5 per cent and go on to the Crown Estate, because it has given up income from average about 3.5 per cent over the subsequent 20 years. the Crown Estate for 250 years. However, the more The result was that the reserves built up had not even serious point is that there could be circumstances in begun to be drawn upon by the 10-year mark, and the which, over a period of two, three or four years, the system lasted for 20 years. monarchy could receive a significantly greater income than was envisaged. This will not necessarily go into The fall in inflation was not the only reason that the the sovereign reserve: therefore, the clawback powers life of the scheme was twice as long as expected. Here will not necessarily obtain. There is nothing in the Bill we should pay tribute to the two keepers of the Privy to stop that. Are the Government content that, at a Purse, Sir Michael Peat and Sir Alan Reed, for getting time when Crown Estate profits might rise exponentially, the costs of the monarchy and the Palace under control. or at least very significantly, the Royal Household In its own terms that scheme was pretty successful but should have the ability to spend significantly more all schemes are capable of improvement and the new over a two or three-year period before any review proposals before us introduce a number of welcome takes place? changes. In another place, my colleague John Thurso asked First, it is not just a 10-year arrangement; in principle why the Crown Estate was getting income from offshore it could last in perpetuity and can be renewed periodically, renewable energy. It seems slightly odd that the income and it avoids the need to renegotiate new arrangements of the royal family should depend on the number of in the first six months of a new reign when I am sure a wind farms that will be constructed off the coast of new monarch has better things to do. Secondly, the Scotland. Might there be an opportunity at some consolidation of four grants into one will enable this future point to discuss this rather odd aspect of the whole consolidated grant to be better managed, which income of the Crown Estate and whether, given that the Palace has demonstrated its capability to do. Thirdly, the income is likely to increase significantly, it might it resolves a long-running argument about the role of be possible to use it—as my noble friend in another the C&AG in Parliament in the oversight of spending. place suggested—to support those communities nearest There is only one false note in an otherwise excellent to the wind, as it were, or more generally to support scheme, as has been hinted at by two previous speakers: renewable energy? That is a debate for another day. In the link with the Crown Estate. In my view, this link is the mean time, like the noble Baroness, I support the pretty artificial as there is no relationship between the measure. net income of the Crown Estate and the funding of 967 Sovereign Grant Bill[3 OCTOBER 2011] Sovereign Grant Bill 968 the monarchy, and there has not been since 1760, However, at the same time they release both parties when the hereditary revenues of the Crown Estate from a system that over the years has become convoluted were first surrendered. The Treasury’s briefing note and clogged up with unnecessary detail. This simplification makes it clear that the sovereign grant surplus is process, whereby a single grant takes the place of not being taken out of the Crown Estate; that will be different grants from different departments, dealt with paid into the Exchequer as it has been for the last at different times and with differing frequency, must 250 years. In effect, the growth in the Crown Estate be a great step forward. surplus is being used as the index to uprate the grant. Without wishing to repeat what has been said before, The Treasury’s note describes the Crown Estate there are two particular points that I regard as being revenues as, important improvements. First is the ability of the “an appropriate benchmark … in the expectation that it will Royal Household to build a reserve, monitored by the deliver similar sums in real terms to the amount the Crown royal trustees, which can be drawn down in years receives now”. when, for one reason or another, the household is in However, the revenues of a property company, albeit deficit. The other point I particularly commend is the an unlevered one that is run very conservatively, seems tidying up of the anomaly whereby the income from an odd benchmark to determine the appropriate level the Duchy of Cornwall can go only to the eldest son of of funding for the monarchy. It is unlikely that this the sovereign as heir to the throne. index will maintain the value in real terms at its All in all, this legislation is both timely and efficient. current level. In the past two decades, the revenues of It provides for an institution founded on permanence the Crown Estate have increased by 6.5 per cent a year, and the assurance of a long-term, fair and flexible against 3.5 per cent of inflation, so it is a significant method of funding by successive Governments who increase in real terms, which over a decade will produce are, in the nature of democracy, themselves ephemeral. an increase in the sovereign grant of a third, which I am sure the Palace neither needs nor is seeking. There is no necessary reason why this index would produce 3.35 pm the best guide, particularly as we are now at a relatively Lord Janvrin: I, too, declare an interest as an honorary low point in the property cycle. member of the Royal Household, and take this In practice, this grant, as the Minister has told us, is opportunity to add my voice to those welcoming the so hedged about by caps, floors, reviews, in-year Treasury Sovereign Grant Bill. As others have stated, the funding controls and parliamentary scrutiny that not much of the official expenses of the monarchy has in recent damage is going to be done in either direction, of years become a complicated mix of the Civil List and making the grant too small or too large. However, if the grants in aid, which were introduced at different maintaining the grant in approximately real terms is times and in different ways over recent years. The the true objective, which seems reasonable to me, it system was indeed in need of a makeover. would have been better to use some index of inflation, I welcome the introduction of the sovereign grant, pretty much as we have done for decades with the BBC as set out in this Bill, for three reasons. First, it gives licence. We would thereby avoid perpetuating or even the Royal Household greater flexibility to manage as entrenching the confusion between the Crown Estate effectively as possible all public funds made available and the Crown itself. It all looks like someone being a to it. Secondly, it introduces full accountability of the bit too clever by half. So rather than 10 out of 10, I sovereign grant expenditure, which brings its auditing give these proposals in an otherwise excellent Bill nine arrangements into line with the levels of scrutiny out of 10. expected of public expenditure more widely. Thirdly, The final, highly commendable feature of the Bill is and most importantly, it introduces a long-term stability the change in the rules on the Duchy of Cornwall into the arrangements for funding the monarchy that which allow a grant to be made to an heir to the is entirely appropriate to the role of the institution in throne who is not a Duke of Cornwall, so that in our national life. future daughters of the monarch as well as younger Perhaps I may expand briefly on these three points. sons could benefit. One can only hope that this is a I want to confine myself to the principles rather precursor to a change to the male-only succession and than to numbers. I welcome the introduction of one when that has been done we can move on to the next consolidated grant to replace the existing sources of step in the modernisation of the monarchy by redrafting funding because I have every confidence in the capacity the outdated and, to many, unacceptable language of of the Royal Household to make better use of the the various oaths sworn by a new monarch. total public funds at its disposal by having this additional flexibility. I pay tribute to work of the current finance director, 3.34 pm or Keeper of Her Majesty’s Privy Purse, and his Lord Fellowes: My Lords, first, I declare an interest predecessor in the way they have managed the royal as a holder of an honorary appointment in the Royal finances, reduced overall costs and introduced efficiency Household. In my view, these new arrangements for a savings over a number of years. However, they have sovereign grant have much to recommend them. First, been constrained by the complicated funding system: they keep the correct constitutional relationship between for example, not being able to transfer money between, sovereign and Parliament in that Parliament retains say, the travel grant and building maintenance or vice ultimate control, in general terms, of the funding of versa. The introduction of this unitary grant will the sovereign, a relationship underscored by the auditing allow for much better use of resources, more effective of the figures involved by the National Audit Office. financial planning and more value for money. 969 Sovereign Grant Bill[LORDS] Sovereign Grant Bill 970

[LORD JANVRIN] in it. It seems extraordinary that it is exactly 250 years I am sure that the full system of accountability now since King George III made the dramatic gesture of introduced in the Bill will ensure that this search for surrendering the revenue of the Crown Estate to the efficiency and value for money will continue. For Government, although 40 years ago, when I entered years, the opening up of the Civil List to auditing by the other place, there were debates about reforming the National Audit Office has been resisted as being the Civil List and introducing 10-year reviews and inappropriate, although the Royal Household tried to cycles. ensure that the fullest possible set of Civil List accounts was in the public domain. However, public attitudes I agree with my noble friends that much about the towards transparency and accountability have evolved arrangements in recent years has been both confusing and it is entirely right that that is recognised in this and unsatisfactory.The mechanism has been discussed— Bill. Far from it having anything to hide, I have every the Minister has described it to the House, as well as confidence in the Royal Household being able to continue the supporting arrangements and restrictions that are to demonstrate that it is both efficient and innovative introduced with regard to the reserve and the ultimate in the way it uses the public funds allocated to it. decision-making of the three trustees—and we can Scrutiny will continue to focus attention on which discuss what should be the most appropriate benchmark. expenditure is public and which is private, which is However, I certainly agree with my noble friends that always a difficult area. I am absolutely clear that the there are a number of advantages to the legislation. amount of parliamentary scrutiny the Royal Household First, the consolidation of the grant into a unitary will enjoy of its grant in the region of £31 million will grant gives freedom to managers at the Palace to almost certainly be greater than the scrutiny given to manage resources efficiently. Instead of negotiating government departments with budgets a hundred times grants from the Treasury for the Civil List, from the the size. That is the way of the world—or rather a DCMS on property matters and from the Department measure of public interest in the monarchy. for Transport on travel grants, they have one overall grant and it is up to the Household to decide how That brings me to my final point. The long-term those resources can most efficiently be spent. nature of the funding arrangements in the Bill is entirely appropriate for the monarchy, which, among The noble Lord, Lord Newby, made the point that its several roles, has such an important part to play in the upkeep of property in itself will always be a big contributing to the long-term stability and continuity expense. The poor condition of the Victoria and Albert in our national life. Unlike my noble friend Lord Mausoleum in Windsor Great Park, for example, which Turnbull, I think that linking the sovereign grant to is now on the English Heritage risk register, is an the Crown Estate’s revenue is both historically appropriate indication of how the Household will have to face the and practically sensible as a way of reflecting the choice in its budget as to whether it spends money on growth or otherwise in our national wealth. I welcome that, rather than arguing with Governments as to how the mechanisms to ensure that this link delivers much money should go to it. That is healthy. I also effectively—not too little, but certainly not too much— agree that it gives the monarchy a measure of both in the introduction of the sovereign grant reserve independence, greater flexibility in management and and the regular review of the percentage figure, now certainly greater transparency—annual reports in recent every five years. I welcome, too, the tidying up of the years have been much more transparent—and allows anomaly in the revenues to the Duchy of Cornwall, much more long-term planning and certainty. Above the repeal of a number of parliamentary annuities and all, it provides strengthened accountability, which is a the option of extending the sovereign grant arrangements good thing. into the new reign. I congratulate those who have negotiated these My noble friend Lord Turnbull made a point about arrangements. They are a rationalisation and a the right benchmark. He may be right or he may be streamlining of the complicated system of royal finances wrong about using the net revenue of the Crown that has grown up in recent years. They are measured Estate as the benchmark, but a safeguard has been and sensible and should stand the test of time. They injected by Her Majesty’s Opposition in amendments are also timely; it is particularly good to see this issue that have been accepted by the Government, in the resolved well before the Diamond Jubilee next year, form of reviews, the first to be in 2016 and then every when I have no doubt that many thousands of people five years rather than every seven years, thus enabling up and down the country will have a chance to recognise the Government of the day to check whether the the extraordinary personal contribution of the Queen system is working adequately. to our national life over 60 years. I shall make one general point about the monarchy 3.41 pm in the context of this Bill. The monarchy cannot withdraw behind a moat and ignore the reality of the Lord Luce: My Lords, I, too, declare an interest as outside world. The world has changed enormously in an honorary member of the Royal Household. In case the past 60 years, and the monarchy is the pinnacle of noble Lords are beginning to think that there is some our very important institutions. It needs to do its job conspiracy on this Back Bench, they will already have effectively, whether running garden parties, investitures, noticed that there are variations in views about the state visits or royal engagements around the country, Bill. but it also needs to set an example to the country and In broad terms, I, too, welcome the Bill and to carry the confidence of the country. First, it must to congratulate the Chancellor and the Keeper of the ensure that the staff are highly professional in management Privy Purse, Sir Alan Reid, on the imaginative proposals and, in general, in the services that they provide. In 971 Sovereign Grant Bill[3 OCTOBER 2011] Sovereign Grant Bill 972 recent years, they have become even more professional. and the Royal Household with the sufficient support Secondly, they should be transparent in their actions to continue these services to the country and do so in a and, as I have already said, the annual accounts and so way that provides greater transparency, accountability on have become much more open and the Public and value for the taxpayer. As the noble Lord, Lord Account Committee has taken evidence. Thirdly, the Luce, pointed out, the expenditure forming the sovereign monarchy must set an example of restraint and prudence grant is only equivalent to some 50 pence per person in expenditure, especially in tough times. I think the per year, a remarkably low price to pay for the Royal noble Lord, Lord Newby, was very fair to point out Family’s profound contribution to public life. that in the past 20 years there has been a reduction of 50 per cent in real terms. If Governments had followed Let me respond to some of the points that have that example, we might not have the kind of problems been made in the debate. First, on the numbers themselves, we face in the country today. In the past five years, there were questions from the noble Baroness, Lady expenditure has reduced by 19 per cent in real terms Royall, and the noble Lord, Lord Luce, about the and the plan, as I understand it—the Minister will put projections. Let me be clear about the numbers: the me right if I am wrong—is to reduce it overall by 9 per sovereign grant itself in 2011-12 is £30 million. It will cent over the five-year term of this Parliament. The rise to £31 million next year because of the one-off monarchy costs only 51 pence per person in this special bonus of £1 million for the Queen’s Diamond country, which is good value for money. In his book Jubilee. In 2013-14 and 2014-15 it depends on the The Pursuit of Italy, which was published this year, profits of the Crown Estate but the numbers are David Gilmour points out that the Italian presidency forecast or projected to be £34 million and then costs four times as much as the British monarchy. £35 million. As the noble Lord, Lord Luce, pointed out, in real terms this represents, in 2010-11 prices, a There is only one other point that I wish to make, decline in expenditure from £34.9 million in 2011-12 and it is to welcome the decision in, I think, Clause 10, to £31.5 million in 2014-15. These projections do not to do away with the payment, made under the Civil run away in any sense at all. List, of annuities to the monarchy supposedly to support working members of the Royal Family which The noble Baroness quoted from something that I Her Majesty then repays to the Government. That think the Crown Estate said about profits rising seems to be the most ridiculous way of carrying on exponentially. It is important to realise that that just finances. It has led to the misunderstanding that working applies to the renewable profits, which themselves members of the Royal Family, with the exception of make up only a very small percentage of the Crown the Duke of Edinburgh, are supported in all that they Estate. It was not a reference to the profits as a do by the taxpayer, when in fact they are supported by whole. My noble friend Lord Newby also referred the taxpayer in the travel budget only. Of course, it is to offshore wind—and rightly said that that is a question right that the annuity should continue for the Duke of for another day. There are of course lots of questions Edinburgh. about the way that the offshore wind market will In broad terms, I welcome these measures in develop in future years because it is a very new market. modernising the financing of the monarchy. There were a number of questions and comments about the review of the level of income, both within the year and from one year to the next. Without repeating all that I said in opening, it is perhaps worth 3.49 pm stressing that in-year, normal Treasury controls on public expenditure will apply in future. The accounting Lord Sassoon: My Lords, I thank all noble Lords officer of the Royal Household, the Keeper of the who have contributed to an interesting debate this Privy Purse, will be guided by the key publication, afternoon. I am particularly grateful to the noble Managing Public Money, which among other things Baroness, Lady Royall of Blaisdon, for her confirmation prohibits spending ahead of need and counsels against of the Opposition’s support for the Bill. Any time that waste and extravagance. I think a proper balance will she would like to oppose me on further Treasury Bills, be struck between my noble friend Lord Newby’s she is very welcome. She does not need to apologise or encouragement to put in place proper repairs and a explain. normal regard for control of public expenditure. I am also grateful for the support from the experts on what I will now come to think of as the Household In relation to the basic link to the Crown Estate, I Bench. I knew of the concept and of the existence of am sorry that the overall package gets only a nine out the Household box at Ascot; I had not realised that of 10 rating. However, I take it that a nine out of 10 rating there was a Household Bench in the Lords. Every time from a former Permanent Secretary to the Treasury is here I learn something and that is what I have learned about as good as it gets. The noble Lord, Lord Turnbull, this afternoon. is nodding, so I am relieved about that. The noble Lord, Lord Janvrin, really answered the point as well More seriously, this is an important Bill. Her Majesty as I could in referring to the historical appropriateness the Queen has provided exemplary service to this of the link to the Crown Estate as well as the practical country throughout her reign. The Queen and other basis for a long-term settlement, which it gives. members of the Royal Family will continue to play a vital role in representing and promoting the UK and I hope that that deals briefly with the main points the Commonwealth. I am sure that we all particularly that have been raised. The Bill will, in summary, put look forward to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations funding for the Royal Household on a sustainable next year. It is only right that we provide the Queen footing and provide for it to be fully accountable to 973 Sovereign Grant Bill[LORDS] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 974

[LORD SASSOON] by this Bill, changes that ensure that the original Parliament and to the public. These are necessary intentions of the legislation—the smooth and effective reforms, and I ask the House to give the Bill a Second delivery of the Games—are met. Reading. Regulating advertising and trading near Games venues is a requirement of hosting the Games. The Bill read a second time. Committee negatived. Standing 2006 Act set out the tailored powers needed, both to Order 46 having been dispensed with, the Bill was read a act as a stronger deterrent to ambush marketing and third time and passed. illegal trading and because existing powers alone were not adequate for such a major event. It also set out the London Olympic Games and Paralympic broad framework for detailed regulations to be made Games (Amendment) Bill later. These regulations are expected to be laid in draft next week and will be subject to the affirmative Second Reading procedure. 3.56 pm The 2006 Act provides the ODA and the police with Moved by Baroness Garden of Frognal powers to enforce the regulations, including the power to seize articles used in contravention of them. The Baroness Garden of Frognal: I beg to move that the Bill amends the 2006 Act to provide that any articles Bill be now read a second time. seized in England and Wales by either ODA enforcement This Bill is relatively short and straightforward in officers or the police are dealt with by the ODA its aims. In 2006, Parliament passed the London Olympic instead of the police. In Scotland, the ODA and the Games and Paralympic Games Act, which set the police will agree the process between them, reflecting legal framework within which organisations such as the different legal system and processes there. The the London Organising Committee for the Olympic change will mean that during the 2012 Games, police Games and Paralympic Games, LOCOG, the Olympic time is not spent filing and dealing with seized property. Delivery Agency, the ODA, and the mayor’s office are Instead, officers designated by the ODA, who are empowered to deliver the Games. It also provides the likely to be enforcement officers from local authorities legislative means through which government will meet and familiar with dealing with street trading and the commitments given to the IOC on the way in advertising offences under existing law, will deal with which the Games, and the Games environment, will be breaches of advertising and trading regulations as well managed. as handle any articles seized. The Act provided a number of powers, some of Infringing articles held by the ODA will be dealt which are refined by the Bill in front of us today, with as specified in the Bill, which includes rules about including powers to regulate advertising and trading how long articles can be held and conditions that must in the vicinity of Olympic and Paralympic venues, to be met before they are disposed of. The Bill will also make the touting of Olympic or Paralympic tickets an introduce a quicker procedure for making any subsequent offence, to manage traffic on the Olympic route network amending advertising and trading regulations. As I and around Games venues, and to facilitate a number said, the first, and I hope final, set is due to be laid in of the transport provisions that are necessary to ensure Parliament shortly.However, in the event of an exceptional well run, well delivered and well remembered Olympic circumstance—for example, a burst water main and Paralympic Games. necessitating moving an event to an alternative venue—we We may well ask why, if due care was taken in are unable to apply the advertising and trading regulations drafting the legislation following the securing of the to that new venue or to disapply them to the original Games back in 2005, such refinements are necessary venue. To resolve this, we are proposing to change the now. To set the scene, there have been many positive procedure used for any amending regulations under developments since winning the bid for the Games. By the 2006 Act to the faster negative procedure. Importantly, the end of June, almost 90 per cent of the Olympic the statutory requirement of consultation before the Park had been constructed and all the venues are on, regulations are made is preserved. or ahead of, schedule. The testing of venues is now On ticket touting, there is little doubt that the under way as part of a comprehensive London Prepares Games will be the greatest sporting event this country programme. Preparation for the Paralympics is shaping has staged, and unfortunately ticket touts may seek to up not only to change the way in which people think profit at the expense of genuine sports fans. The about disability sport but to help to change attitudes 2006 Act made the touting of Games tickets—meaning to disability itself. the selling or offering for sale of tickets in public or in Changing attitudes and providing opportunities lies the course of business, other than with LOCOG’s at the heart of the broader legacy that we are laying consent—an offence attracting a maximum fine of down. An economic, social and sporting legacy will £5,000. However, intelligence gathered by the police mean that next year, when the Olympics and Paralympics through Operation Podium indicates that those who are over, we will be left not just with memories but look to tout Games tickets may also have links to with clear evidence of how the Games will leave their organised crime, meaning that this fine level may not mark on the country. provide the necessary deterrent. This progress has been made possible because of The Bill thus contains a provision that seeks to the excellent planning and work of LOCOG, the ODA, increase the maximum penalty for touting Olympic government departments and others. It is this state of and Paralympic tickets from £5,000 to £20,000. This preparedness for next year’s Games that has identified does not criminalise any new conduct. Visitors will the need for the changes to legislation brought forward come to the Olympics and Paralympics from all over 975 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[3 OCTOBER 2011] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 976 the world. We would not want their visit tarnished by or no entry—are dealt with separately from non-moving ticket touts, as has happened at some previous Games. violations such as for parking. Likewise, provision is I must emphasise that this measure is aimed squarely made for enforcement inside and outside Greater London. at touts. Nothing in the law at present, or as a result of The clause also clarifies provision for the ODA to this change, prevents those who have Games tickets set the levels of charges, including penalty charges, for selling them at face value to family and friends. LOCOG the enforcement of orders and notices made for Olympics will also run an official ticket exchange where those purposes, both within Greater London and outside, who find they can no longer use the tickets they have subject to the approval of the Secretary of State. The bought can legitimately dispose of them, so genuine Bill also addresses the current limitations on the special spectators have nothing to fear. The people who will, event powers in Section 16A of the Road Traffic we hope, think twice are those who might be tempted Regulation Act 1984, which were relaxed to some to engage in touting. extent by the 2006 Act, in relation to road closures for On traffic management and the 2006 Act, another London Olympic events. The Bill further relaxes them key issue for the Games is the effective movement of in relation to other types of restrictions, such as parking the Games family to and from venues. The 2006 Act controls or one-way streets. allowed the creation and enforcement of traffic The 2006 Act also provided general transport provisions management measures specifically for the Games to whose purpose was to facilitate the effective management enable their smooth running and deliver journey time of traffic issues at Games times. The Bill augments commitments made to the International Olympic those provisions in order to address concerns raised by Committee. These included powers to create an Olympic Transport for London about the impact of Olympic route network to enable the ODA and local traffic transport restrictions on the ability of goods vehicle authorities to make traffic regulation orders for defined operators to operate effectively. As for goods vehicle Olympics purposes and for the ODA to set levels of operator licensing, TfL argued that, in order to ensure penalty charges in accordance with guidelines or, in that businesses in London could continue to receive Greater London, subject to consultation and approval. goods deliveries and that operators could arrange The Act also relaxed, for London Olympic events, delivery times that were compliant with Games times restrictions on making special event traffic orders. restrictions, amendments to goods vehicles legislation were required. As with the Bill’s other provisions, significant progress There is currently a process by which goods vehicle has been made in Games time planning since 2006. operators can apply for a variation to the environmental The ODA has developed the second version of its conditions that are part of their operator’s licence. Olympic transport plan, setting out in detail the transport However, there may be some operators who, due to strategy for the Games. This move from focusing on exceptional circumstances such as the award of a transport infrastructure to concentrating on the services short-term haulage contract or a short-notice change that will operate during the Games has helped identify to an existing contract, may need to seek a relaxation areas in the 2006 Act that require amendments. The of their environmental licence conditions very shortly Bill delivers those amendments, which in essence ensure before the start of the Olympic period. The Bill makes that the intentions of the original Act can be properly provision for an expedited process, in these exceptional implemented. circumstances, for a variation of licence. The 2006 Act allowed for the making of traffic This House has a strong history of interest in and regulation orders for Olympic purposes under Section 14 support for next year’s Olympics and Paralympics. It of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. Unfortunately, can also boast unrivalled experience and expertise in the legislation as drafted required the Olympic purposes the areas the Bill amends. Without the input of your to be met in addition to the conditions that normally Lordships’ House over the years, preparations for the apply to Section 14 orders—for example, that the order Games would not be as effective, as considered or as is needed for litter clearing or road works. The Bill encompassing as they are. remedies this by providing that Section 14 traffic regulation I end by recalling the unique role that this House orders may be made for an Olympic purpose only. has played not just across the Olympic and Paralympic This is required in order to ensure that effective traffic landscape but across the wider sporting environment, management can be carried out on the ORN and bringing unparalleled knowledge, experience and advice around Games venues at short notice. It is anticipated to the Government as we seek to deliver our sports that this may often include measures to ensure that agenda. I trust that the House will recognise that the traffic is able to flow freely, so lessening the impact of Bill simply addresses a small number of technical Games traffic on those living and working around the issues that need to be resolved to ensure that the venues. legislation passed in 2006 works as intended. They are The clause also allows traffic authorities, but not minor and technical in nature but they provide the the ODA, to make temporary notices under Section 14(2) essential building blocks that underpin a truly memorable of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for immediate Games experience. I beg to move. changes to traffic regulation specifically for Olympics purposes, thereby avoiding the same issue that currently 4.10 pm applies to Section 14 orders. Subsequent provisions Lord Stevenson of Balmacara: My Lords, the London allow for the civil enforcement of contraventions of Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Act 2006, traffic regulation orders and notices made for the introduced by the previous Labour Government, provides Games. As in the current law, moving contraventions— the overarching legislative framework that will successfully involving, for example, Games lanes, banned U-turns deliver next year’s Games. As we have heard, the 977 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[LORDS] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 978

[LORD STEVENSON OF BALMACARA] that have been seized for contravention of advertising amendment Bill provides a number of technical and trading regulations. The argument for this, as the refinements to the 2006 Act. We accept that the general Minister has said, is that it frees up police resources so principle behind the Bill remains the same as in the that they can be focused on security issues. However, original 2006 Act, which is to deliver great Games the process is to be different in Scotland, following with a lasting legacy for the local area and for the arrangements set in place already for the Commonwealth country as a whole. I am grateful to the Minister, not Games. Presumably, though, the police in Scotland only for her concise and clear introduction to the Bill will be as concerned as the police in England about today but for her assistance over the past few weeks in security, so why the difference in approach to the briefing us about the amendment Bill and for giving us storage of seized articles? access to the Bill team. Secondly, the Bill makes provision to allow the In ordinary circumstances, my place here today ODA to alter advertising and trading regulations more would have been as duty Whip and my noble friend quickly in certain situations. We will want to probe Lady Billingham would have been taking the Bill this to ensure that the regulations, which we accept are through. Her illness prevented that, but I am sure that there for good reason, are able to be relaxed only in the whole House will join me in saying how delighted very specific situations. we are to see her in her place today. Thirdly, on the advice of the police, the Bill raises In his Third Reading speech last month in another the maximum penalty for the touting of Games tickets place, the Minister for the Olympics said that every from £5,000 to £20,000. That is a huge increase. Popular time the United Kingdom has hosted the Olympics, though the Games will be, it is hard to believe that we have left the Olympic movement stronger than we anyone in their right mind would pay anything like have found it. That is something that not every country that for a ticket—in which case, the question is whether that has hosted the Games can say, and it is an this high fine strikes the right balance. There may well aspiration that we on this side of your Lordships’ be some conspiracy to which we are not privy, so there House strongly support and, we believe, that we can may well be a good reason. However, will this be a and should deliver on. one-off for these Games, or will it become the new Right across the country, people are aware of the norm and be used for other sporting and cultural Games and are looking forward to them. Part of the events? East End of London has been transformed from a On this point, as the noble Baroness mentioned, contaminated wasteland littered with corrugated iron there is some concern about the impact that this huts into what has been described as the largest urban provision may have on ticket-holders who cannot, park to be created in Europe for 150 years. There are with good reason, be present at the event. Obviously, several iconic buildings. Many people were sorry that the intention is to catch those who sell on tickets the wonderful velodrome building did not win the without consent and, as the Act has it, Stirling architectural prize last week—although, to be “in a public place or in the course of a business”. fair, it lost out narrowly to an interesting and successful However, according to the correspondence that has school design, whose designer, Zaha Hadid, has another recently been circulated, the person who paid for the building on the site. tickets is expected not only to be present at the Many of the Olympic legacy issues are in the extremely Games but to have some ID with them to prove their capable hands of the eponymous company chaired by ownership of the tickets. If they cannot attend, they my noble friend—and, if I may be permitted to add, are supposed to return their tickets. This is becoming a fellow honorary graduate of Edinburgh Napier University little difficult to understand. Sadly, I was not successful —Lady Ford, who is in her place. I look forward to in trying to buy tickets but my brother-in-law kindly what she will say later in the debate. bought tickets for my children as a gift so that they All in all, we have every confidence that our shared could attend events in which he has not the slightest ambition—that the Games should be about much interest—shame on him. What is he to do—use one of more than 60 days of brilliant Olympic and Paralympic the tickets and disappoint one of his nieces or, as sport—will be achieved, so that as well as bringing LOCOG has recommended, submit the tickets for sale desperately needed jobs and inward investment to the through LOCOG’s resale platform? Something does local area, communities up and down the country will not quite stack up in this. I am sure that there must be be more optimistic and ambitious about their futures a better way to resolve the problem of ticket-touting and will have a greater belief in the possibilities of and the practical problems of what will happen at the their own achievements. turnstile on entrance if someone is challenged, even It is a sad feature of British public life that the though they have bought a ticket in good faith, within media concentrate on things that do not go as well the rules as set out, but which does not have their they could and should. So it will be with some aspects name on it. of the Olympics. However, there is a huge amount for Fourthly, the traffic management provisions in the this country to be proud of as we begin the final run- original Act cover the Olympic route network and the up to our Games. We should not lose sight of that as area around the Games venues. The powers were we scrutinise—as is our duty in your Lordships’ House— introduced because it was said that there was complete the Bill. traffic chaos at 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Competitors Turning to the Bill’s provisions, I shall highlight five missed their events and officials failed to turn up at the areas where we will want to examine the provisions of right time because the city became gridlocked. However, the Bill in Committee. First, the Bill amends the these provisions in the Bill caused the most discussion 2006 Act by giving the ODA the power to store articles in the other place, and I am sure we will need to 979 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[3 OCTOBER 2011] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 980 scrutinise them carefully in Committee. We need to that may come its way in this crucial period and how it ensure that enough information is provided about the is intended to strike a balance between keeping this ORN plans so that Londoners and others affected city and the Games secure while recognising that there support the serious disruptions that they will face. We will be a fantastic public spectacle and that we want need to learn more about the impact of changes to people to be able to move in and out of and enjoy all traffic signals and assuage the fear that they will aspects of the Games to the maximum extent possible. significantly increase congestion throughout London. As the shadow Minister for the Olympics said in the We need to minimise the number of people who will other place, we strongly support this Bill, which, as she use the Olympic lanes and stress again and again that said, these are public transport Games. If a sense gets “is a staging post on a journey that will see many major hurdles abroad that there are two classes of traveller to the needing to be negotiated before we get to the closing ceremony of Olympic park—those whose journeys are hell and the Paralympic games”.—[Official Report, Commons, 8/9/2011; those who glide down the Olympic lanes—we must col. 634.], anticipate that that will quickly become a source of which is now less than a year away. It is very important tension. London is that type of city. Indeed, I wonder that the Government continue to tackle the tricky why more use is not being made of the river transport problems and take the sometimes unpopular decisions system for the Games. That might well be a solution to that inevitably come with organising such a huge many of the problems that I know are worrying the event. We look forward to playing a constructive part authorities. It might also show off a new aspect of in that process. London to the Games family travellers. There is concern about the extent of pedestrian 4.20 pm crossing closures and the impact that this may have on Lord Addington: My Lords, when I looked at this road safety. Again, we need to probe that. We also Bill my initial thought was that it contained nothing need to examine whether it is feasible for taxis to use that we had not looked at before or discussed a good the Olympic road network in specified areas or at few years ago when we were preparing for the submission specific times—another matter that is causing concern. of the bid. Therefore, I admit to asking myself why we Again, this is a matter that has been raised in have to do this again. As I understand it, the Bill is correspondence. I note from the Minister that further basically a tidying up exercise concerning the removal discussions are taking place; I hope she will update us of infringing articles in Clause 1, the regulation of at some point. parliamentary procedure and public notice and the Fifthly, the final group of provisions deals with the increase in the fine for touting. These matters have relaxation of licence conditions, which will make it been talked about and are part of an ongoing discussion. easier for haulage operators to adjust to the difficulties I understand that touting is the resale of a ticket for that they may experience as a result of the Games. The excessive profit. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable to sustained duration of the Games, compared to big hand on a ticket or exchange money for its face value. one-off events such as a royal wedding, creates a very It would reassure the noble Lord, Lord Stevenson, if different proposition for businesses in London. What the Minister could confirm that that is the case. I happens if a business has not been far-sighted and suspect that the fears he mentioned are groundless but efficient enough to plan with its suppliers for the it is good that he raises them so that everybody knows deliveries that it needs to keep going? That, I am they are groundless. All the tickets for the forthcoming afraid, will inevitably happen but there are also concerns Olympics have been sold due to the huge demand for about companies that have daily delivery schedules. them. We can safely say that no good deed goes We need to be sure that their livelihoods and working unpunished. I am slightly narked that I did not get all conditions are not affected disproportionately. the tickets for which I applied, but I am not alone in I should like to make one further point. The security that. It is important to ensure that tickets can be operation for the Games will be the largest peacetime transferred between friends, family and groups. I encourage security operation ever mounted in the UK. It will my noble friend to make that situation as clear as place tremendous demands not only on the Metropolitan possible on as many occasions as possible so that Police but on all police forces as officers will be drawn people are not frightened about this. If somebody from forces throughout the country. In the wake of the breaks their leg and cannot get to the Games, they disturbances that swept across London and other parts should feel free to hand on their tickets to somebody of England we have learnt how vulnerable parts of the else and obtain a refund of their value. Such a measure country and, indeed, of London, can be when there would enhance the whole procedure of the Games and are simply not enough police on the streets. By the would keep the touts out. If tickets are not made time the Games come round, London and the national available to them, they cannot sell them. police forces will be significantly diminished in numbers. We discussed traffic problems in those heady early The Police Federation has raised concerns that forces days when there was a more relaxed atmosphere, possibly outside London may struggle to find the finance and because we thought that we might not win. I think the manpower and womanpower to send officers to there was an element of that involved, to be perfectly the capital, and that that could heap further pressures honest. Everybody asked whether the traffic problem on an already stretched metropolitan service. It would would not be slightly awkward. I have heard that even be helpful if, at the appropriate point, there is a one or two noble Lords on my own Benches are not discussion in Committee of just how the Met police totally satisfied with this process. If we seek to clarify force will be able to cope not just with the Olympic what is required and why, that will help because at least security operation but with any public order disturbances people will know why they are being inconvenienced. 981 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[LORDS] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 982

[LORD ADDINGTON] All-party support since your Lordships held their Let us not pretend that you can have something like first debate following the BOA’s recommendation in the Olympics without inconveniencing people. Whether 2004 to bid for the Games to come to London, before that inconvenience is proportionate is the question, support from Cabinet was secured in 2005, was as not the fact that it occurs—in my opinion, anyway. strong then as it is today, and has been regularly I will probably not be the only person to raise one marked by noteworthy contributions from my noble or two questions about the Olympic movement as a friend Lord Higgins, who is in his place today, and of whole and what comes after it. We have learnt from course from my noble friend in sport, the noble Lord, our failures. I have described the process of getting the Lord Pendry. One advantage of this debate is that it Olympics as brilliantly dull. There have been no great provides, as it did in another place, the opportunity to disasters. We have got things ready on time and we are review progress on the many measures which were waiting for something to go wrong. Indeed, there must recommended and agreed in the original 2006 Act and be lots of journalists who have written lots of articles to take stock of progress to date. about disasters who are annoyed that congratulations The original Act made provision for the Olympic are due to all those involved. That is a good thing. But Delivery Authority, whose work is nearing conclusion. that is the Olympic movement itself. The whole structure The true stars of the Games to date are the directors, of government must have a long look at everything management, staff, contractors and subcontractors of else that was supposed to come with it. At the moment, the ODA. They have delivered on time, to spec and on it appears that we have been overoptimistic about budget an array of facilities which will allow the encouraging participation in sport as a result of the equivalent of 26 world championships to be held Olympics. If that turns out to be true, I would hope simultaneously for the Olympians and Paralympians that the Government will look at why that occurred. alike. John Armitt and David Higgins have proved to This is an international piece of legislation and those be outstanding leaders of that assignment and they who come after us should take some benefit from it deserve recognition both within Parliament and beyond and learn what can and what cannot be achieved. We for their remarkable gold medal achievements. should also learn about what can and what cannot be achieved. We will have the legacy of what happened, To me, a great Games requires the delivery of four the idea of how to have a second go if we have the will. objectives, the four legs which provide support to the overall success of an Olympic Games. First, there is I hope that the Government and all those who the work of the ODA, the Government, the Mayor’s backed the bid politically will take on board that we office and the private sector in taking forward the must look at what has happened and what we have vision originally delivered by the National Olympic achieved. There is a huge danger that we will say, Committee, without whose support and approval no “Right, that was done”, in just under one year’s time, bid can be made anywhere in the world. That vision in collapse in a heap and forget about it. That is a London originally offered two possibilities: developing perfectly normal reaction when you have gone through the facilities already standing in the West End of something big and exciting—there is a hangover, almost, London, including Wembley as the hub, or the urban afterwards. If we allow ourselves to just forget about regeneration of the heart of the East End of London it, we will not be able to carry it on. There will, we with some £9.3 billion-worth of new infrastructure, hope, be more big sporting events as a result of a including roads, schools, housing and facilities. The successful Olympics in this country. The Glasgow lion’s share has not been spent on sport, but has Commonwealth Games will be the first, and there breathed new life and oxygen into what was one of the should be more to follow it. Unless we can take on most depressed areas not only of the United Kingdom board the lessons not only of what we got right but of but of Europe. To deliver the ODA work programmes what we got wrong, we will have wasted one of the on time is essential, and is near completion. What biggest legacies. What will succeed and what will not? would have taken at least another 10 years of incremental I am hopeful about the Cultural Olympiad, having spend—and a lot more politics—to complete will be been very sceptical on its inception. We must look at celebrated as the finished article at the opening ceremony what has and what has not happened. If we do not, we next year. It will be one of the great urban regeneration will throw out probably one of the greatest benefits we projects in the world. As I said, we are indebted to may gain: up-to-date knowledge to apply before it John Armitt, David Higgins and their teams for their becomes historical fact. achievement. 4.26 pm Secondly, I come to the work of LOCOG. This Lord Moynihan: My Lords, I declare an interest as started in earnest in the public eye with the test events. chairman of the British Olympic Association, a member LOCOG is the event manager. Its management team of the Olympic board and a director of the London takes the completed theatre from the ODA and puts Organising Committee. From the outset, the specific on the show. Its success to date has provided the measures we are being asked to consider are sensible Games with another success story. The test events gave and will, I hope, command the support of all sides of the world a taste of some iconic settings for what will the House. The main issues on which we will no doubt surely be great sporting memories next year. LOCOG focus in Committee are: increasing the maximum fine will need to continue to put the interests of athletes on the illegal sale of 2012 tickets from £5,000 to first at all times. It will also need to face the challenges £20,000; allowing wider and easier enforcement of of security and transport. The good news in the context traffic regulations which are required as part of Games of the transport challenges—from accreditation of delivery; and clarity on seizing and disposing of infringing incoming athletes to management of the Underground articles and vehicles during the Games period. in stations such as London Bridge at peak points 983 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[3 OCTOBER 2011] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 984 during the Games and the expected crowds in and able-bodied and disabled, the length and breadth of around Hyde Park during the time of Olympic events this country. They must be not just inspirational but to be held in and around that area—is that we have an transformational. There must not only be enthusiasm outstanding Secretary of State for Transport, the right for the Games; they must be visible for local communities honourable Philip Hammond MP. We at the British from Tottenham to Totnes, putting to good use bricks Olympic Association, along with all sides of the House, and mortar to increase the number of sports facilities. have every confidence that with him in control of the There must be improved local authority facilities, not transport brief we will have the greatest chance of cuts in their recreation budgets. There must be more success. investment from the private sector which the BOA, The third leg supporting a successful Olympic Games totally independent from government and public funding, remains the National Olympic Committee and its can drive in 2013 and beyond, not lost playing fields selection, management and leadership of a successful and declining participation. There must be a new, British team. The BOA needed to make consistent invigorated focus on governing bodies, schools and funding for the athletes its priority. We launched a clubs as the catalysts for more involvement in sport campaign that ran up to and beyond the success of the and sustained high-level performance, not a reliance team in Beijing. I remember arriving back with the on quasi-governmental organisations. team from Beijing to headline news on the front page We all have a responsibility here—the Government of the Times referring to our call to ensure that the above all, but also LOCOG, the International Olympic athletes, coaches, governing bodies and support staff Committee, the British Olympic Association, the British for Team GB were not just well funded, but consistently Paralympic Association and politicians from all sides well funded, principally through the Lottery. That of this House. Let us sit at the table and work together campaign has succeeded. Tessa Jowell and Gordon to raise the bar for British sport, able-bodied and Brown are to be congratulated on their response, as is disabled, Olympic and non-Olympic. If the Games are Hugh Robertson, the current Minister for Sport and not transformational in the sense that I have outlined, the Olympics, who delivered ongoing funding for the we will have a legacy of lost sporting opportunities athletes following the successful outcome of the very around the nations and regions which we will regret, difficult 2010 public spending round. Moving forward, from losing out on the delivery of a new school sports it is essential that funding remains in place not only policy to the need to embed sport, recreation and through to Rio 2016 for the Olympians and Paralympians, fitness programmes into the heart of health policy. but beyond. It is also essential that funding is put in Then, of course, it is vital to ensure that local authority place for the winter athletes, for non-Olympic sports spend on sport and recreation becomes mandatory, and the Special Olympians. We must ensure that they not discretionary. That single change alone would be are not financially sacrificed on the altar of the singular transformational for sport and it would be the building success of Team GB in the Olympic and Paralympic block on which the excellent work undertaken by Games next summer. Hugh Robertson in his Places People Play initiative The BOA anticipates that for the London Olympics could flourish. it will be selecting a team of some 550 British athletes. In concluding, I want to comment on one issue They will be supported by the strongest group of which was raised in another place during consideration British Olympic Association managers and staff ever of the Bill—the specific issue of press allocations, to assembled in our history. Our total BOA complement which I am sure we will find a way to return in of over 80 individuals continues to punch above their Committee. The British Olympic Association received weight and deliver outstanding professionalism. In more than 3,000 applications for 410 accreditations their work they are backed by one of the strongest for written and photographic press based in the UK—a advisory boards in the country. I pay tribute to my ratio of almost eight requests for every one accreditation noble friend Lord Patten for his contribution in that available to award. As the national Olympic committee, context. I can inform the House that retaining our we are assigned by the International Olympic Committee position of fourth place in the medal table gained in the responsibility of allocating Olympic Games media Beijing will be a very tough challenge, but with ever- accreditation for media organisations based in the UK improving coaching, support staff and backing from in the same way that all 204 national Olympic committees the BOA’s performance team and the governing bodies, are given that responsibility within their territory by Formula 1 sports like rowing, cycling and many more the International Olympic Committee. This does not will, I am sure, continue to deliver outstanding medal include the allocation of 90 accreditations which have performances. I believe we will lead out a British been awarded by the International Olympic Committee Olympic Team at the opening ceremony that will win to the Press Association, for the Press Association has more medals in more sports and will lead to the 2012 been designated by the International Olympic Committee British Olympic Team returning back to the closing as the national news agency for the UK. It is the ceremony as one of the greatest British teams ever. expectation of the IOC and the BOA that the Press For the fourth and final leg, as my noble friend Association will provide copy to local and regional Lord Addington stated, we need to ensure that we papers—hence its national news agency status. The PA deliver a sports legacy for Great Britain and Northern has committed to cover every single Team GB athlete. Ireland to match the three other key areas of activity. Its ambition is to have at least one reporter at every Where sports legacy is concerned, as the House has venue for every minute of the competition. heard me say consistently, we still have a long way to On top of that, we at the British Olympic Association go. However, our goal remains clear: the Games must have, with the help of the Newspaper Society, organised be transformational for all sport and recreational activity, a regional pool which will complement and add to 985 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[LORDS] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 986

[LORD MOYNIHAN] demand. Personally, I am very much looking forward copy generated by the PA. This will be available to all to seeing Greco-Roman wrestling at the Olympics, bona fide regional and local papers which applied for and I await to see whether I am successful in the accreditation within the timeline. I am very keen that Paralympic ballot. It is vital that the integrity of ticket we should offer additional services to those non Olympic- sales is maintained, and I therefore strongly agree that accredited media, including press conferences in Team there should be a greater penalty for those who do not GB House at Westfield, with flash quotes, phone observe that. There have been many stories over the interviews and access to the medallists from the home years about the public—indeed, family members of teams of the athletes, who will be inspired by their competing athletes—being duped by illegal ticket sales. success. To give an example, 90 per cent of the sailing- I am delighted that the organising committee has specific venue accreditations in Weymouth and Portland taken steps to ensure that friends and family of competing were awarded to local, regional and sports-specific athletes at the London 2012 Games will be able to written press, with 100 per cent of the photographers’ secure two tickets to see them in action from the first passes going to the same group. round right through to the finals. That is a real innovation. To assist with the allocation process, the BOA It is the first time that this is being offered at an established a Media Accreditation Committee to act Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we should be as an impartial and fully transparent body to review proud that London 2012 will be the first to deliver it. and provide input on the BOA’s recommendations. It is perhaps because the Olympics and Paralympics The MAC is composed of representatives from a are such important worldwide events that some people broad spectrum of the written and photographic press. will still seek to profit illegally from them. I support They are widely respected for their knowledge and the penalty in Clause 3 being raised as I believe that it experience of numerous Olympic Games and their will be a significant deterrent. I welcome further discussion understanding of the UK media landscape. Recognising on the figure that will be set. the unprecedented interest and demand among the Transport is another area that will have significant UK press—as well as letters that I have received from impact on the wider perception of the Games. London noble Lords on both sides of the House—we will is a busy city; we all recognise that. It is a strength of continue to lobby the IOC for more accreditations. We the London Games that the organisations involved in have requested a further meeting with it later this week delivery are not pretending that, by some miracle, all specifically to discuss local press access. road users not involved in the Games will somehow I look forward to the Committee stage of the Bill disappear. As much as possible needs to be done to and I thank the many noble Lords who have worked ensure that the city keeps moving during the Games, closely with the British Olympic Association over the when the eyes of billions will be upon us. In my life years for their support and advice. We are on course outside your Lordships’ House I am frequently asked for a memorable and successful Games. why it is necessary to have an Olympic route network. I have competed at Games where, even if there was 4.41 pm provision for a Games-time route network, there certainly Baroness Grey-Thompson: My Lords, I start by was not much enforcement around it. Athletes, officials declaring my interests. I am a board member of Transport and the media need their transport to move efficiently for London, vice-chair of the Athletes’ Committee of through the city, as do spectators and people who have the London Organising Committee of the Olympic no involvement in the Games. From my personal and Paralympic Games, and I am a Paralympian. I experience, when I was in Atlanta in 1996 I had a free support the Bill, which I see as a necessary part of the day and was going to watch a fellow team member progression of what is required to deliver a successful compete. Because there were no appropriate checks Games. and balances in place and no back-up system, when I have competed at five Paralympics, in four Olympic the bus I was travelling in got lost, athletes on that bus demonstration events and a number of world, European did not make it to the venue on time. The result was and Commonwealth games. I have seen what is perhaps that they were scratched from the events and did not best described as varying levels of competency in the compete at those Games. Trying to support athletes events I have competed in. I am pleased to say that whose whole careers have ultimately ended because of London 2012 is in a very good place. a bus journey was not a particularly pleasant place to The promise of the noble Lord, Lord Coe, to put be. Continuing publicity around the route networks is athletes at the very heart of the Games is important, therefore important. There has already been much and some of the contents of the Bill will help to work done to explain Games time, what the atmosphere make that happen. The reputation of the Games, and in the city will be like and suggestions for different therefore London and the UK, is based on many ways of working. However, I am concerned that there things that are not included in this Bill and will be are many misnomers relating to the route network, sorted out elsewhere, such as the quality of the athletes’ such as the hours of operation, who and what vehicles food, their accommodation and the competition itself. will be permitted to travel on it and the supposed The Bill includes two areas of interest to me: tickets chaos that it will cause rather than alleviate. and transport. These are extremely important non- Finally, I ask the Minister to keep encouraging competition factors, but they can have a huge impact publicity and awareness around transport implications on athletes’ performance. so that people can make informed decisions about First, in terms of tickets, it was a delight to see so how and when they travel. As we move closer to the much interest in the ticket sales of both the Olympics Games, I believe that London 2012 will be something and Paralympics. In both cases there was unprecedented that our nation will be proud of and will perhaps, as 987 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[3 OCTOBER 2011] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 988 the noble Lord, Lord Addington, suggested, give us a points out that some family members in the same platform for other events such as the World Athletics house will have applied for the maximum allocation, Championships in 2017. compounding the oversubscription. Perhaps the Minister will also say something about 4.45 pm the random ballot. I am sure that she will have heard Lord Faulkner of Worcester: My Lords, it is a anecdotes about how some people who applied for a privilege to follow the noble Baroness. She is an icon large number of tickets got everything they requested, for disabled sportsmen and sportswomen everywhere while others who applied for far fewer received none at and, more than anyone else, has introduced the all. Was the random ballot based on the number who Paralympics to the British people and made them applied or on the number of tickets? If it was per popular. We are very lucky to have her in the House person, and most of those selected went for the maximum contributing to the debate. of six tickets, it would have precluded many others who went for fewer tickets. Would it not have been I start by expressing my appreciation to the Minister, fairer to allocate upwards from single tickets to two the noble Baroness, Lady Garden of Frognal; to the and then three, until all had been allocated? Would Minister for Sport, Hugh Robertson MP; to the noble that not have ensured that many more people were Lord, Lord Coe; and to their officials for convening successful in the ballot? the meeting on 13 September to discuss the Bill. I thank the noble Baroness for her subsequent letter of Perhaps I may ask also when reallocated tickets will 26 September. I am happy to support the Bill, but I become available. Will those who were unsuccessful in have a couple of concerns and some questions that I the first two rounds be given priority in this ballot? If hope she will address when she replies, or subsequently that is the case, how will someone who has already in writing if she does not have the answers ready. been successful be stopped from attempting to re-register A number of my questions concern ticketing, which under a different name? What safeguards are in place has been referred to already in the debate by a number to stop multiple applications? Can someone access of noble Lords. I have no problem with the provision tickets from two separate computers with the same in Clause 3 to quadruple the penalties for touting registration details? Olympic and Paralympic tickets. However, the issue of Finally, I am sorry if the Minister is getting tired of reselling and passing on tickets exercised a number of these questions on ticketing, but will she comment on us at the meeting convened by the Minister last month. the proliferation of commercial promotions where the As a result of receiving her letter, I now understand prizes are Olympic tickets? For example, there is currently the rules, although I was hazy about them beforehand. an offer at BP garages which makes 1,000 tickets My noble friend Lord Stevenson referred to this, as available in return for petrol purchases. Would it not did the noble Lord, Lord Addington. I am afraid that have been fairer if those companies had waited until the interpretation of the noble Lord, Lord Addington, after the final ticket allocations before running their is rather different from what I read into the letter that own promotions? the Minister sent to me. That is all I want to ask about tickets. I have one The letter states: other subject to raise with the Minister: the question “LOCOG has confirmed that it is one of its requirements that of the integrity of betting on the Olympics. I am the lead ticketholder (being the person who ordered the tickets) assured by Jenny Williams, the chief executive of the must attend and use one of their allocation of tickets. The others Gambling Commission, in a letter she wrote to me last can be given to friends and family, as is the case with any major sporting event. However, if a lead ticketholder can no longer week, that, attend, they can submit their tickets for sale through LOCOG’s “the risks of betting and sports integrity issues to the London resale platform”. 2012 Games are likely to be minimal”. I will ask, first, whether that “can” means “must”. The I very much hope that she is right. I note that the two words are different, and different interpretations DCMS is planning to list the IOC as an accredited may be put on them. The noble Lord, Lord Addington, organisation with which the Gambling Commission raised the question of ID, which is covered in the can share information, under the terms of the Gambling subsequent paragraph. It is possible that there will be Act. I warmly welcome that, and I hope that the random checks on people as they go into Olympic Minister will be able to say when these arrangements venues and that they will need to show that they are will be in place. Those of your Lordships with long the person to whom the tickets were originally allocated. memories may recall that I chaired an inquiry on the I share with the House a clear and coherent e-mail integrity of betting on sport in 2005 and our final on the subject of ticketing that I received last week report proposed exactly this sort of conclusion. from a gentleman in Somerset. He wrote: However, the Gambling Commission is very short “The first round of ticket allocations were compromised … by of powers when it comes to overseas betting operators the fact that people were allowed to apply for a maximum of 6 tickets; whilst we”— targeting British consumers. This issue goes well beyond he and his family— betting on the Olympics, and the Government seem to have been rather slow in coming forward with plans to “only went for 1 or 2 in the sessions we were interested in, the fact that 6 was set as the maximum is puzzling—one would have extend licensing to them. I note what the Gambling thought that a maximum of 4 per person was plenty and I am Minister, John Penrose, said in another place in July, sure that this was instrumental in so many not receiving an that overseas operators will be subject to the same allocation”. “standards and requirements” as those based in Britain, He asks who decided that six was appropriate when as well as being required to inform the Gambling the average family is nowhere near that size, and Commission about, 989 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[LORDS] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 990

[LORD FAULKNER OF WORCESTER] in my 33 years in the other place. It was very helpful “suspicious betting patterns to help fight illegal activity and for the constituency Members surrounding the Olympic corruption in sports betting”.—[Official Report, Commons, 14/7/11; area and its venues to be able to express their views, col. 38WS.] and to question the officials and others concerned However, my understanding is that these arrangements head to head. To what extent that was reflected in the will not be in place in time for the Olympics. Can we amendments which followed was not entirely clear. at least have an assurance that they will be in place None the less, it was very effective, although some of in time for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in the discussions which took place gave reason for concern 2014? on some matters that we have to consider. I stress that I do not wish to appear negative. I I shall talk about three of them—transport, tickets think that the Olympics are going to be a fantastic and legacy. On transport, we must hope that the success and I applaud the efforts of everybody who arrangements for the Olympic route network work has worked so hard to create the venues and put successfully. At the moment, I am not clear exactly together what I am sure is going to be a very successful what the position is on taxis. An enormous statistical set of Games. However, there are concerns about the sample of one this morning suggested that taxi drivers issues that I have raised and I would be very grateful if are not entirely clear what will happen. There is a the Minister could answer them. tendency to react by saying, “We shall all go on holiday for the entire period”, which would not be 4.53 pm helpful for transport. I welcome very much the proposed ban on Lord Higgins: It is always a great pleasure to follow roadworks—for however short a period it may be. But the noble Lord, Lord Faulkner of Worcester, on any I hope that we will distinguish between a ban on matter regarding sport because of his great expertise roadworks where, in fact, no work would be going in these matters. I shall pick up some of the points he on—that would be scarcely any change at all from the has made that I think require further consideration. present situation—and where barriers and so on would The House should be grateful to my noble friend still be there. Perhaps we might pursue this point in the Minister for her opening remarks, which clarify a Committee. number of points. As she rightly points out, it is a There was also some concern expressed in the other technical Bill, really a tidying-up exercise, which reflects place about how long the traffic restrictions would how effectively the original legislation had been introduced continue. There were fears that they would go on for and how little change is really needed—in contrast, I 100 days. As I understand it, the Minister was clear understand, with the situation in Australia with the that it would be for a short period before the Olympic Sydney Olympics where they had to have no fewer Games, followed by a gap before the Paralympic Games. than four amending Bills to the original legislation. I The entire period will not be for all that long and will also think it is rather difficult for my noble friend, on a be kept to a minimum, which is important. ministerial brief, to show the kind of passion which I On tickets, I welcome the increase in the penalty believe she and all of us feel at the considerable proposed. The police seem to be quite clear that we progress that has been made in the construction of the may be dealing with an organised crime arrangement, Olympic site and the way in which matters there are which certainly I understand occurred in Beijing and progressing. It is very impressive indeed. is likely to be a danger here. The increase to £20,000 is This Bill is very much in contrast with 1948, because entirely reasonable. I think that the noble Lord on the in 1948 there was no legislation. Of course, that reflects opposition Front Bench said that tickets were going to both the commercialisation of the Games and indeed be £20,000, which I am sure was a slip of the tongue. the professionalism of sport. But it is very necessary That is the penalty to be imposed. that we should have this legislation. It is even more I am concerned, as was expressed by the noble important that we should get it right, otherwise an air Lord, Lord Faulkner, about the position as regards of gloom would be cast over what I believe will be the the resale of tickets. The Minister, after our meeting overall success of the Games. which she kindly arranged, wrote to us about the I am often critical of the way in which legislation in details. She wrote that, the other place is programmed and comes to us with “a person who gives a ticket to a friend, colleague or family lots of it not having been debated at all. I do not make member or who sells it … at face value does not commit an that criticism now, although programming legislation offence”. is such a knee-jerk reaction now in the other place that She continued: even this legislation was programmed. I cannot imagine “LOCOG has confirmed that it is one of its requirements that why that was felt necessary. However, I pay tribute to the lead ticketholder (being the person who ordered the tickets) the debates in the other place, which were extremely must attend and use one of their allocation of tickets. The others can be given to friends and family, as in the case with any major good, as has been the relationship between the Minister sporting event. However, if the lead ticketholder can no longer for Sport and the Olympics, Hugh Robertson, and his attend, they can submit their tickets for sale through LOCOG’s predecessor, Tessa Jowell. It is very welcome that we resale platform”. have adopted such an all-party approach to the whole That does not seem to be a very realistic approach, question of the Olympics, which we are completely because it may well be that the person who purchased united in wishing to see an enormous success. the tickets is not able to attend at the last minute and I was rather surprised—I had not kept completely will not have the time to resell them. The tickets will up to date—that the Committee stage in the other then go to waste and we will end up with empty seats, place took evidence, which certainly never happened which we do not want. 991 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[3 OCTOBER 2011] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 992

There is another point about which I am not clear, looked quite magnificent, and against the wonderful since I have not seen a ticket. Does it say on the face of iridescent blue sky—I am becoming quite lyrical here— a ticket who the main purchaser is? If it does not, I do that is frequently a feature of east London, as my not see how one can possibly carry out this operation noble friend Lord Mawson will assure us, the whole anyway. We need to look at that again in Committee. thing could not have been teed up more perfectly. I The arrangement as it is now put forward does not hope it had the desired effect on my colleagues from seem practical as far as the use of tickets is concerned. the IAAF. The noble Lord, Lord Coe, was very keen There are real problems with identification, particularly that I stress his apology to your Lordships for his because the name of some family members may be absence this afternoon. quite different from that of the person who happened Being out in the park this morning and looking to have bought the ticket in question. back six or seven years, it still takes me aback to think I agree with the point made passionately by my of what has been accomplished. I knew the site very noble friend Lord Moynihan, who stressed the importance well in the old days. It is almost unbelievable to look at of getting a genuine, grass-roots sporting legacy from it now and see the wonderful landscaping and the the Olympics. It is clear that this is to some extent in fantastically cleaned-up waterways. As the noble Lord, conflict with the proposals that the Government are Lord Mawson, will testify, many people did not realise making with regard to planning law. It is quite wrong that there were waterways in that part of London. To that planning law should not take into account the see those seven kilometres of water glittering this importance of sport. If a particular planning application morning with the wildlife and ecosystems back in is likely to have an adverse effect on sporting facilities, place was quite breathtaking. I echo the tribute paid which is not uncommonly the case, it should be granted by the noble Lord, Lord Moynihan, to the vision and only if equal or even better sporting facilities are put diligence of the Olympic Delivery Authority in in place by the person asking for the planning permission. transforming one of the most unpromising sites in I have a further, more specific point on legacy. I was Europe in terms of pollution and big physical challenges. not terribly keen about the equine facilities being in Let us not forget that there were six major pylons Greenwich; I have serious concerns about the transport marching through the site. In a feat of financial heroism, arrangements and the effect on the park. I have recently the then Deputy Prime Minister, now the noble Lord, received a letter from the British Equestrian Federation Lord Prescott, simply said, “If we’re going to do the advocating a plan for an extension of equine facilities job, let’s do it properly and underground the power in Greenwich after the Games. I have not come across lines”. It is unimaginable to think of what the park this before; I should perhaps declare an interest since would be like if the power lines were still there. Those my daughter has just finished her term as president of kinds of really important decisions were taken very the British Equine Veterinary Association, but she has early in the project and quite literally laid the foundations no connection with what I am discussing. On the face for a stunning achievement. of it, this proposal seems to provide a degree of legacy to the equine situation which it is clear would otherwise It is not just the theatre, as the noble Lord, Lord be non-existent once Greenwich Park is returned to its Moynihan, put it, where the show will take place normal state. I do not imagine that my noble friend which is important. Our job in the legacy company—and the Minister is able to reply to the point at this stage, I pay tribute to the work of my noble friend Lord but I hope that she can let me know whether it is a Mawson who serves on the board of the legacy sound proposition which we can enthusiastically support, company with me—is to accomplish three things. In since legacy is very important. the immediate aftermath of the Games, we have to do something that has never been done in any country We can pursue some of these matters further in which has staged an Olympic Games. We have to make Committee. I wish the Bill well. It is important that we sure that every single venue in the purpose-built park get these matters right and I am sure that we are doing has operators, is financially stable, and commercially all that we can to ensure that the Games succeed in and socially successful. That has never been accomplished their objectives. in the immediate aftermath of a Games. It took Sydney many years even to set up a legacy company. 5.04 pm The Mayor of London and the Government showed Baroness Ford: My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, great foresight in setting up the legacy company three Lord Higgins, for, possibly inadvertently, giving me a years before the Games so that we could deal with all cue to talk about the legacy of the 2012 Games. I these issues before the park reopens in legacy. Let us declare my interest as chair of the Olympic Park not forget that the park will close down for a year after Legacy Company. I also need to convey a message to the Games because a lot of construction work will your Lordships’ House from the noble Lord, Lord have to take place before the park can reopen in Coe, who is quite unusually not in his place today legacy. All the Olympic overlay has to come off and during an Olympics debate. He is hosting the IAAF’s the correct size roads, footways, paths and bridges visit to London. We are in the final stages of the have to be re-engineered, so a huge construction job London bid for the 2017 World Games. This morning still has to be done. We want to make sure that when he and I hosted the technical committee out in the the park reopens in legacy for the benefit of the local Olympic Park. What a joy it was to take such distinguished communities, the wider London community, the rest visitors to the Olympic Park. London looks at its best of the UK and international visitors, every venue is today, and I can say that the Olympic Park also looked working well, the park is programmed well, the first at its best. When we went into the main stadium, housing development is well under way and the Olympic where the track has just been laid, the field of play village is thriving so that we can say that we lived up to 993 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[LORDS] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 994

[BARONESS FORD] “EastEnders”, which bears absolutely no relation to what we promised in the bid: that these Games would the East End that I find in my working life. So we have be driven by regeneration as well as by many other a 20-year job here. This will be built out very carefully important aspects. and sensitively. But my goodness, what assets we have I am very happy to report to your Lordships’ been bequeathed by the work of the ODA: a fantastic House today that we are on track to accomplish many financial investment in the infrastructure of the Olympic of those things. Last month, the planning application, Park. Over the next two years and then the subsequent an exceptionally complex application for the master 20 years, we aim to live up to the legacy of the Games plan for these 500 sites, was submitted to the ODA and deliver something that has never been delivered planning team, and we expect to have planning before from a major sporting event. approval for the outline master plan before the Games Ken Livingstone would be the first to say that he is start. That has never been accomplished before. We not noted for his love of sport but this takes me back will go to the market next week for the developer of to him saying, “Of course I am the biggest evangelist the first neighbourhood of 800 family homes to be for the London Olympic Games. When else will I get built immediately after the Games to complement the central government to give me £9 billion for east apartment-style homes already in the Olympic village. London?”. Although he said that partly as a joke, he We have had huge interest and appetite from developers realised that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to and house builders for that site. We expect to name drive the most enormous catalyst into the redevelopment our preferred developer well ahead of the Games. of east London. We have a lot to live up to. The ODA Again, that has never been accomplished before. Anyone has done a magnificent job and I have no doubt that who has visited the park recently will have seen what a LOCOG will stage a fantastic Games, or that the BOA magnificent building Chobham Academy is. It is will deliver us magnificent Olympic and Paralympic sponsored by Lend Lease and will now be run by the success. We then pick up the baton. Rest assured that Harris Foundation. All the preparations, such as interviews we will not drop it. for the head teacher and key staff, are well underway a long time ahead of the Games. That has never been 5.14 pm done before. All the other venues—the magnificent aquatic centre, Baroness Doocey: My Lords, I declare an interest as the broadcast centre, the velodrome, the handball a member of the London Assembly, the Metropolitan arena which will be a mixed-use arena in the Games—are Police Authority and the Home Office Olympic Security on track to have operators identified and confirmed in Board. I understand and support the need for the the early part of next year, well ahead of the Games. provisions in the Bill regarding traffic management. These things have never been accomplished before. Everybody knows that it is essential for athletes and When the park reopens in legacy, I am delighted that officials to get to the various Olympic venues on time Her Majesty has agreed to lend her name to the park so having a series of roads with special traffic arrangements in her Diamond Jubilee year. Alongside the magnificent in place ranging from “no right turn” to dedicated brand that is the Olympics, the park will be known as lanes makes perfect sense. For this to be effective, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park when it reopens. traffic regulations on this network must be enforceable. The Bill seeks to anticipate various contingencies for All of these things are very important and give us which the present powers are inadequate. the momentum for the immediate post-Games legacy that was promised, but this is only part of the story. I believe that Londoners will accept with very Ours is a long job. This is a 20-year project. Next year, good grace the fact that all athletes and Games if the Localism Bill becomes an Act, we will be officials whose presence is essential to running the transformed into an Olympic park development Games will be able to use these dedicated lanes. But I corporation or legacy corporation. The project will urge the Government to do whatever they can to move from being a national and London project to encourage those Olympic family members whose presence one sponsored by the mayor under the scrutiny of the is not essential to the Games to use public transport London Assembly. I am sure that the noble Baroness, instead. Lady Doocey, who follows me today, will continue to I also support the proposal in the Bill to increase be a candid friend to us throughout all of that. She has the penalty for illegal touting from £5,000 to £20,000. been immensely constructive. The take-up of both the Olympic and—this is brilliant Then we will get to the point of a 20-year project. news—Paralympic tickets has outstripped demand, Eventually, this park will be home to over 10,000 people and it has been an absolute success story. But high in the five neighbourhoods that surround the lovely demand creates a market which ticket touts will definitely parkland, wonderful venues and the waterways. That try to exploit. The Olympics are special; they are is not a job that can or ought to be done overnight. We about fairness and moral integrity, and we cannot should take our time and do it properly. We are allow ticket touting to undermine this, because it will absolutely determined that what happens in the park taint the reputation of the London Olympics. It is is intricately knitted-in to the communities that surround therefore essential to do everything possible to prevent it. This cannot be some kind of island of glamour and ticket touting. prosperity without paying attention to all that knitting-in The Metropolitan Police has already set up Operation to those communities which surround the park—excellent Podium, to which the Minister referred in her opening and creative communities such as Fish Island, Hackney remarks, to deal with serious organised crime surrounding Wick and all the wonderful vibe that is the modern the 2012 Games. Part of its remit is to tackle ticket east London. You would never guess it from watching touting, fake tickets and website abuse, which are all 995 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[3 OCTOBER 2011] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 996 very serious problems. Increasing the fine from £5,000 Organised Crime Agency addressing these issues under to £20,000 will definitely help the police, because it the chairmanship of Sir Ian Andrews. However, it is will provide an important deterrent. not going to be easy so I seek reassurances from my Finally, I support noble Lords who have spoken noble friend the Minister about cybersecurity and about the problems with LOCOG’s terms and conditions ticketing without seeking any details that might for the sale of Olympic tickets. I have just now reread compromise operations. the terms and conditions and it is crystal clear that the In addition, a further point is that individuals living person who bought the tickets must attend the event. I in the UK may seek to sell their tickets, again sometimes believe that the public are blissfully unaware of this. at a substantial profit. Are we really sure that Section 31 Which of us can honestly say that every time we buy of the 2006 Act, as otherwise amended, will catch this we ticket or, indeed, anything else, we read the terms nuisance of individuals as opposed to businesses and and conditions? I know that I tend to just tick the box organisations? so I can go on to the next screen. I fear that LOCOG Secondly, I turn to the provisions on traffic, which simply has not thought through the implications of potentially make quite radical extensions of the powers these terms and conditions. How can LOCOG dictate of traffic authorities to implement temporary controls that a whole family or a group of friends, despite every very fast, as various noble Lords have pointed out. member having a ticket, will not be admitted to an While I can see that it may well be expedient in dealing Olympic event because the lead ticket holder has suddenly with unforeseen circumstances—although problems fallen ill or has been called away on business, through caused, for example, by a terrorist disruption of transport no fault of their own? They will have to say to their infrastructure would undoubtedly be covered by pre- family members not just, “I can’t go”, but, “I’m terribly existing powers—I am concerned that these new powers sorry, you can’t go either”. It is frankly ridiculous. The should only be used if strictly necessary. This is because provision is incredibly unfair, and I believe that the I believe that it is traffic and transport difficulties majority of the public had no idea that this was in which are likely, in our crowded capital, to be the place when they signed up and bought tickets in good cause of perhaps the greatest controversy during the faith. Olympic period by far. It would be tragic if what I believe will be the greatest Olympics ever was tainted by controversy I must tell your Lordships that I have already had about the sale of tickets. I urge the Government to do the benefit of the advice of a number of distinguished everything in their power to try to persuade LOCOG London taxi drivers on this matter, as they have sometimes to see sense and change this ill-thought-out policy. conducted quite lengthy seminars on Olympic diversions while I have travelled in the back of their cabs. They have variously opined on roadworks and particularly 5.18 pm on those special lanes for the Olympic elite. This topic Lord Patten: Powerful stuff indeed from my noble has been a particular target of their affections and friend about ticketing. This has clearly got to change, attentions and they seem to attribute most of it to the and we will have many opportunities in Committee to Mayor of London. Only my respect for the delicacy of make sure that it does change. It cannot be in the your Lordships prevents me reporting verbatim their interests of people who have purchased tickets to be views on the Mayor of London in this respect. treated in this way, and I think that LOCOG will have While I have read with admiration the characteristically to look again and address this matter. Certainly, the clear and weighty advice given over these matters by Committee will make its voice heard. my right honourable friend Mr Philip Hammond MP, I have four things to say—first, on another aspect the Transport Secretary, to which the House, LOCOG of ticketing, secondly, on traffic matters, thirdly on and others should listen very carefully, other voices security and, fourthly, on the sporting legacy. In doing which have been raised from other parts of London—and so, I declare an interest as a member of the advisory possibly from other parts of the Olympic movement—have board of the British Olympic Association under the struck an unhappy note, at least to my ear. It is as if chairmanship of my noble friend Lord Moynihan, they are saying. “You’d better lump it and stay away whose driving style certainly puts a capital V into the from London for six weeks, working at home and not word vigour in all our discussions and activities. making traffic problems worse by trying to come to First, on the sale of tickets, the proposals in the Bill work in the first place”. This sort of thing is totally to increase the maximum fine for selling tickets in a wrong and does harm to the Olympic movement. public place or via a business without consent from People have an absolute right to come to work in the £5,000 to £20,000 is sensible and I believe it to be capital, which is the powerhouse of the United Kingdom proportionate, for large profits—much larger than economy, and their employers have an absolute right have been suggested this afternoon—could well be to expect them to do so. made on tickets on the black market. The greatest Such voices should also recognise that for every profits are probably going to be made via internet Olympic enthusiast like me there are, as other noble offerings, not just from domestic websites in this country Lords have said, others who are not Olympic enthusiasts but from sites that are domiciled abroad and very living, working and commuting into London. We should difficult to trace—a further manifestation of cybercrime, not, in the present low-growth economic environment, in other words, and probably organised cybercrime at wish to be seen to be actively encouraging what might that. We need to be sure that the skills and resources be portrayed as an Olympic dip in the gross domestic are there to deal with this within our jurisdiction but product of the country during the six weeks of the also outwith it. I have great faith in the Serious and Olympic period, which may not be wholly offset by the 997 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[LORDS] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 998

[LORD PATTEN] the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games for London. one-off special boost to the earnings of the hotel and Since that time, great strides have been taken to ensure hospitality sector during that Olympic period. London that we will have a successful Games. It has helped, as is, indeed, our economic powerhouse; we depend upon the noble Lord, Lord Higgins, pointed out, that we it for growth and everyone concerned with transport have had cross-party support for these Games. This and traffic regulations must do their very best to get has been enormously beneficial. As a result, a lot of people to work who wish to get to work and whose obstacles have been removed and we can look forward employers wish to see them in work. with confidence to a highly successful Games. This Thirdly and very briefly on security, the Bill possibly does not mean that one cannot make constructive offers—unless in emergency circumstances—a last chance observations and even some mild criticisms, as my to fine tune any security-related legislation. Here, I noble friend Lord Faulkner did so effectively with think less of anti-terrorist, public order or anti-rioting some of his criticisms of the Bill before us. Some of matters than of the constantly mutating and developing the smoothness that is expected will not come about risks of direct cyberattacks on, for example, ticketing unless we tackle some of the problems facing us, or our transport infrastructure. I wish only to be notwithstanding the fact that we are told that the reassured that Ministers have considered that there is build programme is below budget, the Olympic park nothing more that they need to introduce into the Bill velodrome has been completed and the track facilities in this respect. are near to being, or have been, completed. I shall refer to two specific concerns of mine, which have Fourthly, amid all the talk of wonderful opening been raised by other noble Lords: ticket touting and and closing ceremonies that we have heard in earlier the problems of traffic in that part of London at the debates, of medals won, of the regenerative effects of time of the Games. all those billions spent on the buildings and open spaces of east London, to which the noble Baroness, The problem surrounding ticket touting has concerned Lady Ford, has just referred, I have missed hearing many Members of both Houses over the years. The much talk of the sporting legacy of the Games—at problems in the past were related mainly to football, least until this afternoon, when my noble friend Lord and legislation was introduced in an attempt to combat Addington raised this issue first, and then, if I may say them. However, those of us who have attended matches, so, my noble friend Lord Higgins put his finger on the whether at Wembley, Cardiff or wherever, know that apparent lack of care and concern for some aspects of the problems of ticket touting have not gone away. I the sporting legacy. We should listen carefully to what have seen touting at those grounds when the touts he had to say. Then, of course, my noble friend Lord have been within yards of policemen, many of whom Moynihan spoke in his powerful closing passage of seemed to have turned a blind eye to these illegal the need to ensure that the greatest legacy of the activities. I sincerely hope that those who enforce this London Olympics and Paralympics 2012 is a sporting legislation, mainly the police, are to be equipped with legacy and nothing else. the powers to ensure that ticket touts are apprehended. There will, of course, be the legacy of the built Of course the increased penalty that the Minister environment of the Olympic Park, but, otherwise, I referred to will assist, but, as the Government currently hope that the ongoing effects of the London Olympics envisage cutbacks in the police force, I worry whether and Paralympics 2012 will not be like those all too there will be enough enforcement officers to deter often short-lived, week-long effects on people tuning these people from illegal profiteering. in to Wimbledon fortnight, reaching for their tennis My other concern, which many noble Lords have rackets and promptly putting them back in their presses raised—it seems to worry a number of us in this about a week or ten days later. We must have a much House—is the problem of traffic. Will the Minister more long-lasting sporting legacy than that. I am give an assurance that the road works en route to the really concerned that the real sporting legacy, bizarrely Games will be suspended? Has there been a study on enough, has not had and does not get the attention the effect of road works in the surrounding areas that it deserves and, most of all, that the sporting leading up to the Olympic village, as they, too, are legacy will not have a powerful effect in our regions important to the smooth running of the Games? The outside London, which is the principal beneficiary. Jubilee line will be greatly stretched as it is probably Now, suddenly, there is an outbreak of politicians the most popular route for those going to Stratford. apologising. It has been going on quite a lot recently. As a regular user of that line I know that it does not They were at it again this weekend, apologising for have the best of track records, and an assurance this, that and the other; it used not to happen in the should be given by the appropriate Minister that every good old days. I very much hope that I have to effort will be made to ensure the most efficient running apologise very profoundly to your Lordships’ House of this important line; it should be given a top priority. in a few years for being totally wrong about the On the question of traffic, it is right and proper that absence of a sporting legacy and I look forward to the Secretary of State should keep a watchful eye on being proved wrong. the workings of the Olympic Delivery Authority as it sets about drawing up its transport plans for the Games. I have supported not just the 2012 Games but 5.29 pm the Olympic ideal over many years, attending a number Lord Pendry: My Lords, I support the Second of both Olympic and Paralympic Games—in the case Reading of this important Bill. Those of us who have of the Olympic Games, missing only one since Mary taken a great interest over the years in the Olympic Peters won her gold medal at Munich in 1972. However, movement were delighted that in Singapore we secured I doubt whether I will be seeing any of these events in 999 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[3 OCTOBER 2011] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 1000 my home country. I hope that this will not be taken as bothers me. The Olympic lanes are only a small fraction churlish on my part but I do not intend to enter a of the total restrictions that will be imposed on the lottery for tickets for my favourite events. I certainly London road system during the Games. For example, would have no problem with paying for tickets, but in the central area there are 79 banned turns and perhaps there is no better method and I should accept 48 suspended pedestrian crossings along the ORN, that, although, looking across the Chamber, I see that and 25 per cent of parking bays are affected. Are these the chairman of the British Olympic Association is in restrictions really the minimum that need to be imposed? his place. For some time I shadowed him when he was It is clear that there will be a knock-on effect on other Minister for Sport in the other place. On the other roads as well. These will become very congested. hand, I have never really gone along with those who Employees have already been advised to stay away say that pigs can fly. I reassure myself that while I will from central London public transport during the Games. not see the events first-hand, perhaps I will hire or buy Already, Transport for London has warned that stations one of those large television sets so that I can watch such as London Bridge and Bank will be overloaded. the Games in probably not the best but the most That means that there will be congestion whatever comfortable way. form of transport we take. There are some worrying stories about the price of Does everything have to grind to a halt during the hotels rocketing during the Games. I should like the Games? London employers—I am one—are very Minister, when she replies to this debate, to assure the apprehensive about the impact on their businesses. House that representations will be made by the Secretary Taxi drivers and cyclists are entitled to feel disgruntled of State for Culture, Media and Sport—who is, after too. Are we not gold-plating the provision of transport all, responsible not just for sport but for the tourism for Games officials and others? I can well understand and hospitality industry—probably through the British why competitors, referees and umpires need special Hospitality Association, to hoteliers who may be tempted treatment, but is that not partly what the Olympic to rip off many of those attending the Games, not village is for, and why a total of 82,000 people? only in London but in other areas that are holding Just labelling them “the Games family” does not Olympic events. If hoteliers do not act responsibly, provide the justification without further argument. our image as a host nation will be greatly tarnished, This 82,000 apparently comprises 25,000 marketing especially among those from overseas who have travelled partners, 28,000 journalists, only 18,000 athletes and to see the Games. 11,000 others. Do all officials really need to stay in In conclusion, we should be proud of the fact that Park Lane? How many private cars are involved? Could we have a vast amount of sporting talent in this not public transport be used? Surely these were meant House. I am sure that no legislative assembly in the to be the green Games. world can boast, as we can, of having several Olympians I am sure the Minister will say that we are legally in its Parliament. There is the noble Lord, Lord Coe, obliged to provide these facilities under the terms who heads our team. There is also the noble Lord, of our agreement with the IOC. If so, I hope that no Lord Moynihan, who is chairman of the British Olympic city that stages the Games in future will sign up to a Association. I was fortunate enough to be the only similar set of conditions. Despite all the above, the MP to see them win their medals in Moscow. We also Explanatory Notes to the Bill say that the restrictions, have the noble Lords, Lord Glentoran and Lord Higgins, “are not expected to have a significant impact on businesses and who made a very important contribution to this debate. consumers, largely because they relate to measures that are temporary However, the most successful of our Olympians is the in nature”. noble Baroness, Lady Grey-Thompson. She has won This contradicts the view of the Federation of Small 11 gold medals, four silver and one bronze at five Businesses, which believes that the restrictions will Paralympic Games. We are very fortunate to have her cause some of its members to shut down during the and the others I have mentioned in our assembly. You Games. What measures are being discussed to prevent never know: maybe some of those who will take part this? How well are Transport for London and LOCOG in 2012 will also come into this House and enrich our communicating? Will not tourists and tourism in London sporting debates. suffer as well? Will this not be a massive disincentive to visit and travel round London? 5.38 pm Little of this is new. My noble friend Lady Doocey Lord Clement-Jones: My Lords, listening to this raised all these issues in 2009 on behalf of the London debate reminds me why I have consistently, right from Assembly, as she mentioned today. I remind noble the time of the Olympic and Paralympic bid, been an Lords that the LOCOG bid document said: enthusiastic supporter of the London 2012 Games “During August each year traffic is reduced by 20%. The and still am. Like the noble Lord, Lord Moynihan, I Olympics will only add 5% to traffic”. am proud of what has been achieved so far and am Yet we are now receiving dire warnings from confident that we will deliver a great Games with a Transport for London. I very much hope that my great legacy in east London, courtesy of the noble noble friend the Minister can give us some answers to Baroness, Lady Ford, and her colleagues. these questions. However, as a London resident, one aspect of the Games that is covered by the Bill sticks somewhat in 5.42 pm my throat and, I know, that of many Londoners. I probably do not take as many taxis as the noble Lord, Baroness Heyhoe Flint: My Lords, I feel a little bit Lord Patten, but the creation of the Games lanes and like the night watchman, batting at No. 13. I am more the road restrictions on the Olympic route network used to coming in at No. 3, she says immodestly. 1001 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[LORDS] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 1002

[BARONESS HEYHOE FLINT] be prevented to preserve the sanctity of the Games. However, it is a pleasure to follow my noble friend Does that sanctity include airspace? There is a vision Lord Clement-Jones on to the field of play, albeit he of light aircraft trailing banners behind them, for seems to be making a rather gloomy prediction. example—possibly with the noble Lord, Lord Pendry, The gratifying factor about the London Olympic as pilot, because at least that way he would be able to Games and Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill is see the Games—and, on the ground, innocent athletes, that it is short and technical, but not too technical—more officials and spectators displaying illegal branding on of a sprint than a marathon. These are nurturing those freebie T-shirts handed out just as you are amendments which allow for the filling out of the entering the special event zones. legislation in the spirit of the 2006 Act. At Second In world cricket events, unsightly pieces of sticking Reading of the Bill in the other place, the honourable plaster have had to be stuck over offending logos on Member for Croydon South, Richard Ottaway, said: pads and bats to avoid contravening legislation. It is “If we get it right, it enhances perceptions; if we get it wrong, vital to agree the practical amendments in the Bill to it is very dangerous”.—[Official Report, Commons, 28/4/2011; pre-empt and outlaw ambush marketing and, in marketing col. 401.] speak, to ensure clean venues and routes. The exclusivity The Bill and, indeed, the whole creation of our 2012 of the main sponsors and commercial partners, who Games dream have received a full cross-party consensus. have contributed a vast £700 million to the Games, The amendments in the Bill before noble Lords should must be protected at all costs at all the 26 event zones. be accepted to enable the original commitment to Beware even the rogue mascots, defined in the broad legislation in the 2006 Act to have its full effect. It is description of advertising activity. part of our contract pledge to the IOC, and the lead Next, we deal with ticket touting. The global profile runners in this mega-project deserve our fullest support. of the Games and the excessive ticket demand, as The Minister for Sport and the Olympics, the honourable demonstrated when the initial 6.6 million tickets came Hugh Robertson, and his predecessor, the right honourable on sale in March, may lead to organised criminal Member for Dulwich and West Norwood—I wonder groups exploiting the system. The noble Lord, Lord whether there is an ORN going through in that Faulkner, and the noble Baroness, Lady Doocey, direction—deserve our greatest support, as do all the mentioned their qualms about LOCOG operating an myriad agencies involved, all seemingly having initials, official exchange system. Those qualms must be listened such as OPLC, LOCOG, ODA and the BOA. to, but let us remind everyone that the only official The right honourable Member for Dulwich and tickets for sale will come from official outlets. For West Norwood, Tessa Jowell, Minister for the Olympics criminal groups, the intention is there. The amendment in the previous Administration, who is praised on all under consideration states that the deterrent maximum sides for her contribution to the whole 2012 Olympics penalty for the illegal touting of Olympic tickets must and Paralympics dream from bid to almost fruition, be raised from £5,000 to £20,000. One hopes that that when speaking of the three major amendments before is sufficient. us today, referred to the multitude of measures that We are not here dealing with one ticket here and have been put in place to address the complexity of the one ticket there; we are probably talking about huge logistical planning. She also commented: volumes of illegal trafficking of tickets. We hope that “It is not often in government that one is dealing with a we can calm the fears of noble Lords who have expressed project one knows will extend beyond a general election … their disquiet about the system. Ticket touting is a beyond the interests of the governing parties at the time, and held £10 billion worldwide criminal activity. Staging the in trust for the people of this country”.—[Official Report, Commons, Olympics and the Paralympics is like staging 26 world 28/4/2011; col. 379.] championships all at once. In Beijing, tickets were I feel no guilt in fully supporting the amendments being touted at five times their face value. What a before us, although in international sport I have not market this offers to those with criminal intention. been an Olympian, just a humble cricketer, although Once again, the deterrent and the message must be cricket was in the 1900 Games in Paris, and England—also communicated loud and clear, with regular repetition. known as Devon and Somerset Wanderers—won gold by beating France, which of course is a very well Several noble Lords mentioned traffic management. known cricketing nation. I was not there at the time, If you listen to any London taxi driver, you will be contrary to popular belief. told in no uncertain terms how they fear the whole of the July, August and September period of the Olympic The Government must do all that they can and Paralympic Games. Mind you, if you listen to any to achieve Royal Assent by the end of 2011 to London taxi drivers in any day, month and year, you enable appropriate vital communication to all agencies will probably get the same rumbles about traffic flow; involved. Many noble Lords have mentioned the word and it is always the fault of the Government—and the communication. That is to all agencies involved: the Mayor of London, of course, whether that be of the ODA, the police, trading standards, advertising and Livingstone or Johnson dynasty. It is our responsibility, street trading and local authorities. That vital as a requirement of the host nation’s contract, to communication brings to mind that well-known sporting control official traffic flow, thus avoiding, as mentioned cliche: “Fail to prepare? Then prepare to fail”. by the noble Baroness, Lady Grey-Thompson, the I turn to the advertising and trading amendments. horrors of the 1996 Games in Atlanta, when athletes Because of the high profile of the 2012 Games, branding and officials arrived late at various venues. Just imagine protection and preservation of intellectual property it when they say in London E13, “On your marks, get rights is vital to ensure that the Games are not overly set… Oh, sorry, we’re still waiting for some athletes to commercialised. Rogue advertising and trading must appear”. For our 2012 Games, all arrangements must be 1003 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[3 OCTOBER 2011] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 1004 the best to help put the “Great” back into “Britain”. Compare that almost laid-back comment with the The logistics are enormous for athletes, officials and intensity and pressure of staging the 2012 Games and spectators, and everything possible must be done. In-depth we all know why we must give the fullest support to consultations have taken place, are continuing and will the amendments in this Bill and the Bill as a whole. continue with Transport for London, highways agencies Let us echo the words of Dan Hunt, coach to Ed and various transport bodies that administer the Clancy, Britain’s legendary gold medal-winning pursuit livelihoods of HGV drivers and firms and taxi businesses. cyclist in Beijing: Just compare the logistics of the 2012 Games with “Unless we achieve the epitome of excellence we are disappointed”. our last Olympics in 1948. In 1948, 59 nations participated; Paralympian Darren Kenny said, following Lance in 2012, 205 nations will participate. In 1948 there Armstrong’s mantra: were 4,100 athletes; in 2012, there will be 14,700 “Pain is temporary, failure is forever”. athletes in the Olympics and Paralympics. The other Finally, the Olympic motto, “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, week I read the words of 86 year-old Bill Nankeville, is very appropriate to these amendments—“citius”, father of entertainer Bobby Davro, who was a 1500-metre faster: traffic-management; “altius”, higher: fines for finalist at Wembley in 1948. He wrote: ticket-touting; and “fortius”, strong: enforcement of “During the Olympics, I was billeted in a Nissen hut at RAF advertising and trading regulations. Uxbridge”. So he would have had little problem getting to Wembley 5.55 pm Olympic Stadium. However, the 2012 Games athletes Lord Rosser: My Lords, we have had an interesting and officials have to be rocketed across London and and wide-ranging debate on a Bill which itself is not the country to and from the Olympic Park in E12, particularly interesting and is certainly not wide-ranging. where 180,000 spectators alone are expected daily. The Bill amends parts of the 2006 Act but does not Furthermore, they are going to be spread among contain any new provisions. We support the Bill but, venues at Wembley, Horse Guards Parade, Earls Court, as my noble friend Lord Stevenson of Balmacara said, Egham to Eton Dorney, where the rowing takes place, there are a number of issues which we will wish to Wimbledon and even Weymouth. I was delighted to pursue in Committee. read that Weymouth may have a new problem by the The parts of the original Bill which this Bill amends entry into the town, where they are going to have a relate to advertising and trading, ticket touting and hamburger junction. I do not know who might be traffic management regulations. On advertising and sponsoring that. trading, the Government have undertaken a consultation The scale of the whole operation of the Olympics is on the proposed draft regulations, which will start to enormous. Some 700,000 people—staff, athletes and be laid before Parliament and debated very shortly. audience—will attend daily at all the venues. The A further change made by the Bill is that any amendments under consideration will enable the articles seized because they contravene the regulations ODA—on the Olympic route network only—and traffic will be dealt with by ODA enforcement officers and authorities to make temporary traffic regulation orders not the police. This apparently is to reduce the workload purely for traffic management and Games purposes on the police. However, on policing, can the Minister only. This must be done, and flexibility must be allowed say whether police officers from outside London will within the regulations to cover even late changes to be moved into London for the period of the Games venues through special event traffic orders. and, if so, who will be covering their positions in the The London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games light of police cuts? Is the intention perhaps that (Amendment) Bill is well considered, sensible and additional policing and security requirements will be practical to ensure that, wherever and however, we covered by, for example, Territorial Armed Forces host the best Games ever. All the messages within personnel, and, if so, what powers will they have? the Bill need to be communicated with clarity to the The intention under the Bill’s provisions is that general public and to the communities affected by the enforcement officers, mainly from local authorities, legislation, not just by one leaflet drop but by an will be designated by the ODA. Bearing in mind that incessant bombardment of high-powered communication there are a number of Olympic and Paralympic venues, by all forms of modern technology, not forgetting how many enforcement officers is it anticipated will be Twitter, of course. If you want to let the world know needed and for how many weeks, and how big an area something in a matter of seconds, or even faster than around a venue will be covered by the Olympic Games Usain Bolt will be ripping down the track in the regulations? 100 metres final, this is a very convenient method of communication. Where an Olympic venue is covered by these regulations on advertising and trading, will the regulations apply The Corinthian amateur approach to the 1948 only on days when an event is taking place at that Olympics is captured by the recent words of 91 year-old venue or will they apply throughout the period of the Dorothy Tyler, Britain’s high-jump silver medallist. Olympic and Paralympic Games on a continuous basis? Lord Higgins: It was the high-jump. What will happen to the normal enforcement activity in the local authorities in and outside London whose Baroness Heyhoe Flint: It was the high-jump. I officers are on Olympic and Paralympic Games work? know that the noble Lord was there. He was saying, What will be the costs of this additional enforcement “Come on, Dorothy”. Dorothy Tyler said: work for the Games and who will pay for it? Will the “We were staying in a pretty unpleasant hotel in Victoria. We enforcement officers be exercising police powers or only went training once to Motspur Park in the fortnight before local authority enforcement powers in carrying out the event”. their duties during the Olympic and Paralympic Games? 1005 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[LORDS] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 1006

[LORD ROSSER] figures earlier this year showed that 17 sports had I do not intend to dwell, as have a number of your recorded a decline in the number of people playing Lordships, on the ticketing arrangements. I have not once a week since 2007-08 and only four had recorded been allocated any Olympic Games tickets myself, a statistically significant increase. What targets or although that may be related to the fact that I did not measures of assessment do the Government now expect apply. I have, however, applied for tickets to the to achieve in relation to this part of the sports legacy Paralympics and am waiting to see whether I am of the Olympic and Paralympic Games? successful. However, on the issue raised by, among In that regard, and I pursue a point referred to by others, the noble Baroness, Lady Doocey, the Minister the noble Lord, Lord Higgins, what guarantees can for Sport said at Second Reading in the other place: the Minister give that the Government’s changes to “I should emphasise that this measure is aimed squarely at the planning system, with a presumption in favour of touts. Nothing in the law at present, or as a result of this change, “sustainable development”will not jeopardise the Olympic prevents those who have games tickets from selling them at face sporting legacy by leading to a further reduction in value to family and friends. LOCOG will also run an official playing fields, most of which are owned by local ticket exchange … so that people who find that they can no longer use tickets that they have bought legitimately can dispose of authorities which are increasingly short of money? them”. The Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring Can the Minister say whether this is still the policy? many benefits—indeed they have already brought benefits—but we need to do everything we can to As has been said, the Bill provides for an increase in ensure the successful delivery of the legacy on increasing the maximum fine for touting of Games tickets from participation in sport. The Olympic park, the largest £5,000 to £20,000 to provide a greater deterrent. The public sector building project in the whole of Europe, Minister in the other place said: has been a major success story, and is being delivered “A disincentive of £20,000 to someone perpetrating large-scale on time and under budget. It is a tribute to the work of commercial ticketing fraud is likely to be much more effective a great many and not least, as the noble Lord, Lord than a disincentive of £5,000”.—[Official Report, Commons, Moynihan, and my noble friend Lady Ford said, to 28/4/11; cols. 372-73.] John Armitt and David Higgins who have provided While we support raising the maximum penalty, if inspired leadership of the Olympic Delivery Authority. large-scale, organised, criminal, commercial ticketing When the park is complete, 30,000 people will have fraud is likely, I am not entirely sure that even a worked on it, a fifth of whom will be residents of the maximum fine of £20,000 would be a major deterrent. six host boroughs which is considerably higher than My main question is to ask with whom this has been the target of 10 to 15 per cent. Some 50,000 jobs will discussed and whether it is anticipated that maximum be created once the commercial development has been fines, or fines close to the maximum will be imposed. finished. One hopes that a significant percentage of There is usually a significant difference between the both the jobs and the housing will go to local people maximum fine for an offence that can be imposed and since regeneration was an important part of our successful the fines that are actually imposed. Olympic bid. The 2006 Act provided for the creation and enforcement The Olympic and Paralympic Games will provide a of traffic management measures for the Games, and showcase for our country, and for London more than this Bill makes some amendments, including the ability anywhere else. We have an opportunity to show the to make temporary traffic regulation orders in connection world—those who come to this country, both for the with the Games at short notice, and civil enforcement Games and following the Games, and the billions who in relation to the contravention of some orders. Not turn on to watch the Games—what a wonderful country everyone has been happy with the Olympic route this is and how much our capital city has to offer. If we network but it was in effect a requirement of our continue to progress as we have so far, we will also becoming the host city. It will need to be implemented show our expertise in organising and running this and operated with a high degree of common sense if major world event, our expertise in the sporting field, transport is not to become a major adverse talking and our expertise in making sure that we do not miss point of the Games. out on this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity. Much has been said, including today, about the Olympic legacy. We hope, among other things, that 6.06 pm hosting the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Baroness Garden of Frognal: My Lords, I thank all will lead to more people—not least young people—taking noble Lords for a characteristically well informed, part in sport. However, it has recently been reported well considered, enthusiastic and thorough debate. I that fewer than a third of schools have signed up to say also how welcome it was to see the noble Baroness, the plans to revive competitive sport in schools in the Lady Billingham, back in her place for a while. We light of the Olympics. Many schools lack the facilities hope to see her again during our debates. to stage such competitions or provide the means to As I said at the outset, the House has a commendable transport pupils to take part. There are reports that history with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. As sports teachers do not see the Government’s plans as a noble Lords mentioned, this is typified by the former substitute for the schools sport partnerships, funding Olympians and Paralympian in the Chamber today—my for which has been withdrawn. Can the Minister tell noble friends Lord Higgins and Lord Moynihan, and us the current position on this issue, and also where we the noble Baroness, Lady Grey-Thompson, who brought are with increasing sports participation among young to the debate rare personal experience of the Games people and adults and delivering the sports legacy, and made valuable contributions to the discussion. Of which was a key part of our bid? Sport England course, my noble friend Lord Moynihan continues his 1007 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[3 OCTOBER 2011] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 1008 support for Olympic sport through his key involvement My noble friend Lord Addington and other noble in the 2012 Games. I thank also the noble Lord, Lord Lords raised concerns about ticket touting. Touting Stevenson of Balmacara, for his well observed and only applies to selling tickets for profit, so on that constructive comments—and perhaps congratulate point I can give my noble friend the assurance he seeks Edinburgh Napier University for fielding two very that touting is selling Olympic and Paralympic tickets distinguished contributors to the Olympic debate. in a public place or in the course of business for the I turn to the questions raised today. The noble purpose of making a profit, but it does not cover Lord, Lord Stevenson, asked why different arrangements people giving tickets to friends, family or colleagues or were in place in Scotland for the storage of seized selling them tickets at face value. I will say a little bit articles. This arises from the different legal systems in more about that in due course. England, Wales and Scotland. Prosecutions under My noble friend also talked about encouraging regulations in Scotland are different. The pressures on participation in sport and the sporting legacy, which the police in England will be different at key times the noble Lord, Lord Rosser, also picked up on, as did from those on police in Scotland. Obviously, the vast others, and of course it is a key part of these Olympics majority of Games events will be in England, so that we have a good sporting legacy to continue the different approaches will be applicable for different encouragement and enthusiasm which the Olympics jurisdictions. and Paralympics will have generated. My noble friend The noble Lord asked whether advertising and also mentioned the Cultural Olympiad and of course trading regulations would be amended only in certain that will be a key part of the legacy and the ongoing circumstances. Certainly, it is our intention that the interest around the Olympics. regulations to be laid shortly will be the first and only My noble friend Lord Moynihan gave credit to the set. However, we must acknowledge the possibility directors of the ODA and LOCOG, to which we that an amendment may be made necessary in unforeseen would add the British Olympic Association. He mentioned circumstances such as when there has to be a change in particular John Armitt and David Higgins. I have of venue. The Bill provides for this. I assure the House no hesitation in adding congratulations from the that the regulations will be amended only in exceptional Government on the work that they have done to bring circumstances. about the tremendous success of the building of the There was much debate on the £20,000 fine. The venue on time and under budget. We should also pay noble Lords, Lord Stevenson, Lord Pendry and Lord tribute to my noble friends Lord Moynihan and Lord Rosser, asked whether we had struck the right balance. Coe for all the work that they have done for the The clear advice from the Metropolitan Police Service organisations they have been chairing in the run-up to is that increasing the maximum penalty from £5000 to these Games. £20,000 is necessary and proportionate. Organised My noble friend Lord Moynihan commented on crime gangs deal in very large sums of money, so the the sports legacy and media accreditation. He also level of fine needs to be a sufficient deterrent. Of raised the point of the facilities fund for local authorities course, the £20,000 fine could apply to each member and whether they would be able to pick up the legacies of a gang in certain circumstances. The provisions of from the Games. There is a £50 million facilities fund the Bill and of the 2006 Act apply only to the 2012 open to local authorities to apply for community Olympics and Paralympics, not to other sporting events. sports facilities and other such activities linked to the One or two noble Lords asked whether the police Olympics. On media accreditation, I know that the would be able to cope next year. Obviously, there is a Minister for Sport has written to my noble friend on concern here. We will need more discussion in Committee this matter and that may well also be something we about the Olympic security operation. Police planning come back to in Committee. is well advanced and the police are confident that they The noble Baroness, Lady Grey-Thompson, welcomed will have the necessary resources and infrastructure in the interest in the Games and particularly the friends place. I say in reply to the noble Lord, Lord Rosser, and families’ tickets, and we are all very grateful that that provincial forces that supply officers to London the UK has pioneered this use of tickets to ensure that to assist the Metropolitan Police Service will be fully families and friends are able to watch those close to reimbursed so that their ability to cope with events in them competing. Of course, we also pay tribute to all their own area will not suffer as a result. that she has achieved to raise the profile of the Paralympics A number of noble Lords have raised concerns and to encourage others. She talked about the Olympic about the Olympic route network. We will need to route network and its possible difficulties, as indeed cover these matters in greater depth in Committee. have others. There will be as much information as we The noble Lord, Lord Stevenson, commented on the can find going out as we get closer to the time to make use of river transport and we acknowledge that the sure that all the details of the ORN are fully understood best use of the river is an important part of the by those who need to know about them. transport plans for the Games. We assure noble Lords My noble friend Lord Higgins talked about passion. that the ODA and Transport for London have been I apologise if, in introducing a slightly technical Bill, and are considering all the issues around traffic my opening words were not as passionate as they management. We had some very good market research ought to have been. At this stage we are all enormously on taxis and taxi drivers in this debate and we certainly enthusiastic about the Olympics and Paralympics. The hope that, as we get closer to the Games, all taxi finer detail of ticket touting and traffic regulations drivers will be fully informed of the details of travelling perhaps does not encourage the heart as much as it around the networks. ought to. 1009 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[LORDS] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 1010

[BARONESS GARDEN OF FROGNAL] The noble Lord, Lord Faulkner, also asked about He and the noble Lords, Lord Faulkner, Lord offshore gambling. The Government agree that there Patten, the noble Baroness, Lady Doocey, and other is a real need to address remote gambling regulations. noble Lords all talked with great and passionate interest It is a matter perhaps for a wider discussion than about the ticketing procedures. They are a matter for purely the Olympics. We may come back to this, but LOCOG, which has said that the lead ticket holder the consultation is ongoing until 9 November as regards must attend. This is a matter for LOCOG; it is not a the Gambling Act. We hope that we may make some responsibility of the Government. I am quite sure that headway and be able to introduce legislation on some the noble Lord, Lord Coe, will wish to respond to the aspects of the gambling regulations later in the year. strong feelings which have made themselves felt in the The noble Lord, Lord Higgins, and others asked Chamber today about the problems and difficulties of about taxis, which I mentioned earlier. TfL and the implementing that policy. ODA are aware of the concerns of the black cab and The noble Lord, Lord Faulkner, mentioned the private hire trade, and are having discussions with the ballot for the tickets. relevant trade organisations to ensure that as much information as possible is transmitted. The noble Lord, Lord Patten: Does my noble friend agree that it Lord Higgins, also mentioned the equine legacy at would be fitting and seemly if this ticketing issue Greenwich, about which I will have to write to him. could be sorted out by LOCOG quickly before it is My noble friend Lord Higgins and the noble Lord, necessary to air the issue further on the Floor of your Lord Pendry, asked whether there will be a ban on Lordships’ House? roadworks during the Games. I can assure them that there will be a ban on all non-essential roadworks on Baroness Garden of Frognal: I thank my noble the ORN during the Games and that all associated friend for that. We will be talking to LOCOG and barriers will be removed. As much as possible will be would hope that we might have further news or details put in place for traffic to ensure that priority is given before we come to the Committee stage. I know that a to Olympic people in the ORN and that the general lot of thought went into the balance of access to the public have as much roadway to get around as possible Games and the security implications. As a number of in order to keep London running. noble Lords have said, there are intense security implications over these Games. Getting the balance The noble Baroness, Lady Ford, spoke with passion right is a delicate matter for consideration. Undoubtedly, about the Olympic site. I congratulate her on the fact it will be a subject for further discussion. that it will be known subsequently as the Queen Elizabeth The ballot for tickets was also raised. Once again, it Olympic Park. I had the enormous pleasure of being is a matter for LOCOG. I am not trying to pass the shown around by the noble Baroness earlier when buck here, but these are not matters for the Government. the site was perhaps not quite as advanced as it is It was always the difficulty of trying to ensure that the now, but I came away completely overwhelmed by the tickets were sold and that we had a really good attendance immense work that had gone into developing it. I felt at events, which has not been the case at some Olympic excited not only by the iconic buildings but also by the Games held in other places. It was an astonishing and canals, waterways and other buildings, which will be a delightful surprise that the British public was so manifestly tremendous legacy once the Games are over. We are enthusiastic when the tickets went on sale. Anyone extremely grateful to her for all the work that has gone who had read the media in the run-up to the sale into ensuring that the Olympic site is of enduring would not necessarily have assumed that people would advantage and benefit to London after the Games be so enthusiastic about tickets. Inevitably, with that have finished. comes the disappointment of those who were not My noble friends Lady Doocey and Lord Clement- successful in the ballot. But, once again, I would not Jones talked with passion about traffic lanes. There wish us to focus entirely on the disappointment and will be great encouragement for all non-essential members that which has denied people the opportunity of the of the Olympic family to use public transport. We Games. There will be a number of other opportunities know that there will be a high demand for public when people will be able to buy tickets for particular transport. The noble Lord, Lord Pendry, talked about events. However, I would stress again that this is not the Jubilee line. Once again, I am quite sure that within the remit of the Bill and is a matter for LOCOG. Transport for London is paying close attention to those public transport routes which get the maximum Lord Higgins: I realise that my noble friend may not number of people in and out of the Olympic venues as be able to give me an answer immediately, but will the speedily and efficiently as possible. name of the purchaser appear on the ticket? My noble friend Lord Patten brought us into the realm of cyberspace and websites. We will almost Baroness Garden of Frognal: I have not seen a draft certainly need to go into this in more detail in Committee, ticket and I am not sure how it will be done, but I although the finer points of the security side of the imagine that the only way would be for the name to Games have been under consideration right from the appear on the ticket or there is a complicated data beginning of the planning. The Cabinet Office leads system which immediately identifies a ticket with the on co-ordinating cyber capabilities in every aspect— ticket holder. We will have to ask LOCOG for more defence, law enforcement, intelligence agencies and so details of how it anticipates this will work. This is a on—and it will take the lead also on countering potential major issue which has arisen in the course of the Olympic cyber threats and liaising with the Games debate which will need to be taken further. authorities in connection with them. 1011 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill[3 OCTOBER 2011] Olympic and Paralympic Games Bill 1012

The noble Lord, Lord Pendry, asked about the I fear that I may have left a number of points police enforcing ticket-touting laws. As I said earlier, unanswered. I will read Hansard carefully and try to there will be sufficient police around to do that, and sweep up the questions to which I have not responded. they have confirmed in evidence to another place that At the beginning of this debate, I said that the they intend to take ticket-touting very seriously and provisions in the Bill are technical and amending in devote appropriate resources to it. The noble Lord nature, and serve to ensure that the original intentions also mentioned that hotel prices might become exorbitant behind the London Olympic Games and Paralympic during the Games. It is a free market, but we are Games Act 2006 can be delivered. The commitments encouraging the tourism and hospitality industry to given to the IOC on the regulation of advertising and make sensible decisions on pricing. VisitBritain and trading, ticket touting and traffic management all play London & Partners, which is the mayor’s promotional a part in the delivery of a safe, successful and memorable agency for the capital, have created a fair pricing and Games. They may not be as exciting as the Games practices charter for UK tourism businesses. We very themselves, but they are important as part of the much hope that tourists in London will not be ripped infrastructure. This Bill goes some way to ensure that off by exorbitant prices during the Games. We will those assurances can be effectively delivered. It enjoyed keep an eye on this to see that it remains the case cross-party support as it passed through the other throughout. place, and I pay tribute to honourable Members in My noble friend Lord Clement-Jones mentioned another place whose hard work and vision has contributed the 82,000 people using the ORN. We will certainly to the position we are now in in relation to planning come back to issues around traffic lanes and their use for the Games. I am most grateful to all noble Lords in Committee. for continuing in the constructive vein of the other My noble friend Lady Heyhoe-Flint, apart from place throughout today’s debate, and I look forward enlightening us about different cricketing activities very much to further discussions in the Bill’s remaining and other sporting events, which was quite delightful stages. to hear, asked whether advertising regulations would Bill read a second time and committed to a Grand apply to air space. I can confirm that they will apply to Committee. air, water and land within the regulated events zone, so I am hopeful that we will not see small planes buzzing House adjourned at 6.29 pm. around completely unimpeded. The noble Lord, Lord Rosser, mentioned the sporting legacy, particularly in relation to school sports. I can assure him that the Government are monitoring the situation. If there are further details to be had on that, CORRECTION I shall provide them to him in writing. It is the Government’s firm intention that schools sports should be a beneficiary of the Games when they end. There In col. 863 of the Official Report of Thursday, certainly will be schools activities going on in and 15 September, the answer given by Lord Wallace of around the venues to encourage young people into Saltaire to Lord Touhig’s question was mistakenly sporting activities. attributed to Lord Wallace of Tankerness.

WA 95 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 96

veterans; what conclusions they have drawn from it; Written Answers and what the next steps will be. [HL11752] Answers received between Thursday 15 September and Monday 26 September 2011 Lord De Mauley: Officials have received a draft of the health needs audit report, which has been produced by Miles & Green Associates. It is intended that a Alcohol: Labelling meeting will be held shortly with Miles & Green and Question the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association to present the final report. We hope to be able to publish the Asked by Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe health needs audit report later this year. To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they last had discussions with the food and drink manufacturing Armed Forces: Medals industries about adding information on calorie contents Questions to the labels of alcoholic drinks; and what was the outcome of those discussions. [HL11787] Asked by Lord Ashcroft To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the Written Answer by Lord Taylor of Holbeach on Department of Health (Earl Howe): The Government 19 July (WA 265), whether they have any plans to have not met the food manufacturing industry about follow the Government of Australia in setting up adding information on calorie contents to the labels of an independent tribunal to review past military alcoholic drinks. awards. [HL11764] The department last discussed the inclusion of calorie information on alcohol labels with the Portman Group Lord De Mauley: No. There are no plans to replicate early in March 2011. The Portman Group’s guidelines Australia’s Defence Honours and Awards Appeal on alcohol labelling refer (in paragraph 3.11) to the Tribunal. possibility that individual companies may wish to trial presentations of such information on labels. Asked by Lord Ashcroft To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement has been any progress on the issuance of the Arctic Question Star for those merchant seamen who saw service in the Arctic in the Second World War. [HL11766] Asked by The Earl of Sandwich To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment Lord De Mauley: As part of the ongoing review of they have made of the advantages of European the rules governing the award of medals, consideration Union accession to the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade is being given to the campaign seeking further recognition Agreement (ACTA) over the existing World Trade for those who served as part of the Arctic convoys. It Organisation agreement at Doha. [HL11966] would be wrong for me to prejudge the final outcome of the review, and I await its final conclusions. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Armed Forces: Nuclear Tests Wilcox): Counterfeiting and the piracy of intellectual Question property rights (IPRs) are recognised as a problem that requires effective action on a global scale. Anti- Asked by Baroness Brinton counterfeiting and piracy measures are not part of the Doha negotiating mandate at the World Trade To ask Her Majesty’s Government what scientific Organisation (WTO), but minimum standards of IPR research the Ministry of Defence has funded on the enforcement are set out in the WTO Agreement on effects of ionising radiation. [HL11751] Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS). The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) Lord De Mauley: The Ministry of Defence places a will assist the European Union in its efforts to combat large number of research contracts on a variety of IPR infringement by building on the minimum standards issues, including the effects of ionising radiation. This set out by TRIPS, establishing common enforcement information is not held centrally and could only be standards and practices and greater international provided at disproportionate cost. co-operation between the signatories. Armed Forces: RAF Reserves Armed Forces: Atomic Test Veterans Question Question Asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury Asked by Baroness Brinton To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether qualified To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they former members of the Royal Air Force, who are fit will publish the audit commissioned by the Ministry and healthy but have HIV, are able to join the RAF of Defence into the health needs of atomic test Reserves. [HL11663] WA 97 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 98

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry The following table lists the number of suicides of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): Applicants for both recorded in the Armed Forces in the last 10 years and the RAF and Royal Auxiliary Air Force with HIV are the corresponding SMR. declined, as it is a known condition that might develop and render them unable to perform their duties and Standard Mortality places limitations on their deployability, regardless of Year Number Ratio previous service. However, personnel with HIV who 2001 16 37.2 have left the RAF and have a reserve liability may be 2002 15 34.8 called up to serve in particular roles, as required, 2003 25 60.8 provided that their health permits, but could not be 2004 20 51.5 deployed to forward operations. 2005 22 63.3 2006 11 29.8 2007 10 30.8 Armed Forces: Rowland Study 2008 9 26.7 Question 2009 10 30.0 2010 5 14.9 Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment These figures indicate that, in all years, the Armed they have made of the Rowland study of nuclear Forces were at a significantly decreased risk of suicide test veterans from the Royal New Zealand Navy. compared to the civilian population. [HL11648] Bank of England: Financial Policy The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry Committee of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): Dr Rowland’s study Questions of nuclear test veterans from the Royal New Zealand Asked by Lord Myners Navy made a number of interesting observations. However, the study was small and the findings have To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to not been replicated. Many causes of the type of genetic the Written Answer by Lord Sassoon on 13 July change Dr Rowland suggested have been identified, (WA 174–5), whether the independent members of notably ageing and lifestyle issues such as smoking. the Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee The observed generic change does not indicate or (FPC) are not permitted to commission advice predict disease, and the study itself confirms that it from sources outside the Bank or whether requests was not designed to make any comment on clinical to acquire such advice require the prior agreement outcomes. of the Governor; and whether a budget has been set for the cost of providing advice to independent members of the FPC from the Bank’s staff. Armed Forces: Suicide [HL11703] Question The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Asked by Lord Moonie Sassoon): The Financial Policy Committee (FPC) does To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the not have a dedicated budget for external research. suicide rate in the Armed Forces compared to the However, the committee is supported by Bank of England staff who are available to undertake research civilian population. [HL11599] and provide advice, as required by independent members of the committee. A secretariat has been set up specifically The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry to support the committee, including its independent of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): In order to make members, with a budget of 6.5 full-time equivalent staff. this comparison, a Standardised Mortality Ratio (SMR) Independent members of the Financial Policy has been calculated. An SMR compares the number Committee may carry out their own research and of suicides in the Armed Forces to the number of consider research from any external source. Financial civilian suicides by standardising the Armed Forces Services Authority staff also play a key role in briefing population. The SMR is then used to assess the “risk” FPC members and implementing policy actions on of death for a sub-population, in this case the Armed behalf of the FPC. Forces. Asked by Lord Myners As part of the calculation, the civilian population is set to a value of 100. A ratio greater than 100 would To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the indicate higher suicide rate in the UK Armed Forces Bank of England’s current Financial Policy Committee than the comparable UK civilian population. Likewise, (FPC) can require the Financial Services Authority an SMR value less than 100 would indicate that the to disclose information about regulatory entities to suicide rate in the UK Armed Forces is lower than the support the work of the Committee; and whether corresponding group in the UK civilian population. such requirements can be issued by the FPC and its An SMR value of 55 would mean that the UK Armed independent members or must be issued by the Forces were at a 45 per cent decreased risk of suicide. Bank of England. [HL11810] WA 99 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 100

Lord Sassoon: The interim Financial Policy Committee Belfast Agreement operates on a non-statutory basis, and so currently has Question no statutory powers. The Government have published draft legislation that will establish a permanent Financial Asked by Lord Laird Policy Committee (FPC). The legislation will also replace the Financial Services Authority (FSA) with To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial the Written Answer by Lord Shutt of Greetland on Conduct Authority (FCA). The Bank of England will 4 July (WA 3) concerning the human rights of have powers to require the PRA and FCA to gather British citizens living in the Republic of Ireland, specified information to support the FPC. why they indicated that the human rights of British citizens have improved since the Belfast Agreement of 1998. [HL11995] Banking Question Lord Wallace of Saltaire: I refer the noble Lord to Asked by Lord Myners the Answer given by the noble Lord, Lord Shutt of Greetland, on 4 July, Official Report, col. WA3. To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are monitoring the financial strength of United Kingdom regulated banks offering Sharia-compliant accounts with high annualised rates of return. [HL11616] Benefits Questions The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Asked by Lord Laird Sassoon): Monitoring banks’ financial strength is the responsibility of the Financial Services Authority (FSA). To ask Her Majesty’s Government, for an old The FSA supervises and regulates banks incorporated age pensioner, what are the (a) living allowances per in the UK which offer Sharia-compliant accounts in week, (b) living allowance per week for a spouse, the same way as any other UK institution with a and (c) weekly hardship allowance. [HL11669] regulatory permission to accept deposits. These banks are required to comply with FSA rules covering capital, liquidity, complaints and other conduct of business The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, matters and are subject to requirements to participate Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): The in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). full basic state pension is currently £102.15 per week. For deposit claims, the FSCS can pay up to f85,000 A pension of up to £61.20 per week can be paid for a per person per firm in default where a deposit taker spouse or civil partner depending on, for example, the fails on or after 31 December 2010. age of the spouse or civil partner and any entitlement to pensions they may have in their own right. The hardship allowance is not a weekly payment. If Banking: Bonuses a person is in hardship because of non-payment of an Question income, that person may qualify for help from the Asked by Lord Myners social fund. Amounts paid by the social fund will vary according to circumstance. Many pensioners also receive To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they additional state pension and/or a workplace pension. or the Financial Services Authority (FSA) are collecting Occupational and private pension contributions are data on the extent of bonus claw-backs carried out given generous tax privileges by the Government. by United Kingdom banks; and, in particular, whether Some pensioners may also qualify for pension credit, they or the FSA are aware of any claw-backs made which can top up income to £137.35 a week (£7,142.20 in connection with the mis-selling of Payment a year) for single pensioners and £209.70 a week Protection Insurance. [HL11662] (£10,904.40 a year) for couples. These amounts may be higher if pensioners are disabled, have caring responsibilities or certain housing costs such as mortgage The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord interest payments. Many pensioners also receive help Sassoon): Although the Financial Services Authority with housing benefit and council tax benefit. (FSA) does not collect data on clawed-back bonuses, banks are now required to disclose the aggregate amount The amounts above are exclusive of the annual of clawed-back bonuses in their annual pillar 3 risk worth of other pensioner benefits such as, free off-peak disclosure, which is made available to the public. This bus travel, free eye tests and prescriptions and from is one of a number of remuneration disclosures that the age of 75, the free television licence scheme. were incorporated into the pillar 3 framework under Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett FSA rules from 1 January 2011, implementing the requirements of the capital requirements directive. In To ask Her Majesty’s Government what would line with this disclosure regime, banks’ annual reports be the impact on the numbers affected by the proposed and pillar 3 disclosures for the 2010-11 financial year overall benefits cap if (a) carer’s allowance, and (b) do not make reference to claw-backs in relation to financial help with childcare costs, were not included payment protection insurance mis-selling. in the calculation of the cap. [HL11682] WA 101 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 102

Lord Freud: The information requested is not available We are determined that the social security system as sample sizes are too small to yield reliable results should support people who are diagnosed with cancer for those who are receiving carer’s allowance, and/or in the most sensitive, fair and appropriate way and financial help with childcare costs and are subject to have been working with Macmillan Cancer Support the overall benefit cap. and others to achieve this. Asked by Lord Morris of Manchester To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their Churchill Medical Centre response to Macmillan Cancer Support’s estimate Question that their proposals to limit contributory employment Asked by Baroness Thornton and support allowance (ESA) to 12 months will result in 7,000 cancer patients losing up to £94 per To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether week in benefits, and that those whose partners Churchill Medical Centre has deregistered 48 patients earn £7,500 or more a year could lose their ESA from a local care home, some with dementia and altogether. [HL11727] others severely mentally disabled. [HL11569]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Lord Freud: The department has carefully considered Department of Health (Earl Howe): I am informed the position of people with a range of serious and life that the Churchill Medical Centre gave notice on threatening illnesses—including cancer—in relation to 22 June of its intention to deregister 48 residents of the benefit system. We do not aim to reduce the levels Kingston Care Home due to the resources required to of support for the most severely ill or disabled people support those patients. The National Health Service but it is clearly important that we ensure it is well has a responsibility to ensure that all patients get the targeted, is fair to those on low pay and that the right support they need and I understand that NHS Kingston money goes to the right people. has worked to ensure that all the patients affected by Following an internal review we have recently made the centre’s decision have been registered with other changes to the work capability assessment (WCA) so general practitioners’ practices in the local area. that more individuals undergoing certain chemotherapy treatments will automatically be placed in the support group without the need for an assessment. Those in Companies House: Fraud the support group, including many cancer patients, Question will not be affected by the time-limiting measure. Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath People will still be able to claim income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) subject to To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proposals meeting the conditions of entitlement. Access to income- they have to ensure that Companies House is provided related ESA is not affected by this measure. This with legal powers to verify the accuracy of information measure will not leave people destitute—only those submitted by companies, with a view to preventing who have alternative resources will not qualify for fraud. [HL11924] income-related ESA. Typically they would have a partner in full-time work or have savings in excess of £16,000 in order not to qualify for income-related ESA. Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The Government currently have no plans to change Companies House’s legal Dependent on individual circumstances, a person powers to verify the accuracy of information submitted may be able to claim a number of benefits, for example by companies. housing benefit, council tax benefit, pension credit and tax credits. Additionally, those who do not qualify for income-related ESA will still be able to claim ESA on a “credits only” basis so that they can maintain Consular Death Certificates their national insurance contribution record. Question A claimant will also retain any entitlement to disability Asked by Lord Boswell of Aynho living allowance, provided they continue to meet the qualifying conditions. Not all those affected with cancer To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many will be financially worse off as a result of this measure consular death certificates in respect of United as some will be fully or partially compensated by Kingdom citizens dying abroad were (a) applied income-related ESA. for, and (b) granted over the past three years. Additionally, Professor Harrington, as part of his [HL11642] second independent review, asked Macmillan Cancer Support to look in detail at how the WCA assesses The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth people with cancer and to provide him with Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Consular death recommendations for further improvements. We have registration is not a mandatory requirement, and an recently received these recommendations from Professor application for registration as well as certified copies Harrington. We are considering them carefully to of the entry in the form of certificates can be made at understand whether they will improve the assessment any time after the event either from the Post who further for individuals with cancer. We will come registered the death or from the respective General forward with any proposals shortly. Register Office in the UK. WA 103 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 104

The number of consular death registrations undertaken either a human embryo or an admixed embryo in the years requested are as follows: subject to regulation according to Sections 1(1)(a) and 4A(6)(a) of the Human Fertilisation and 2010: 510 Embryology Act 1990 (as amended); whether the 2009: 537 viability of embryos created by nuclear transfer is a 2008: 511 prerequisite to their definition as embryos under the Act, and if so, how this is established; and what We do not hold records of how many certificates criteria the Human Fertilisation and Embryology were issued. Authority applies when assessing whether an entity Consular death registration can only be undertaken is an embryo subject to regulation. [HL11769] if requested and the deceased held British nationality at the time of death. Therefore we do not grant applications. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The meaning of an embryo is set out in Section 1(1) and a human Copyright admixed embryo in Section 4A(6) of the Human Question Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, as amended. Asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has advised that it has nothing further to add, by way To ask Her Majesty’s Government what evidence of interpretation, to the definitions contained in the was considered in the preparation of Supporting Act or to the Written Answer provided by Lord Darzi Document EE attached to the Government’s response of Denham on 9 March 2009, Official Report, column to the Hargreaves report on copyright, Economic WA 204-05. Impact of Recommendations; and whether they will Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool publish their evidence. [HL11863] To ask Her Majesty’s Government what provision The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, is made by UK DonorLink to assist people born Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness before August 1991 in tracing their biological parents Wilcox): The evidence used to prepare Supporting and half siblings; and whether public expenditure Document EE, Economic Impact of Recommendations, cuts will affect this service. [HL11770] was published alongside the Hargreaves review of IP and growth. The methodology used to assess the economic impact of the recommendations is contained within Earl Howe: The department has provided grants to Supporting Document EE in the 64-point reference After Adoption Yorkshire to run the UK DonorLink lists and the data was published alongside the Hargreaves voluntary contact register for pre-1991 donor-conceived review in Supporting Document FF. people and their donors since 2004. In the current economic climate, the department has to weigh carefully Coroners’ Inquests the pressures on and priorities for its funding against the value of the service that UK DonorLink provides. Question The department agreed to provide a grant of £60,000 Asked by Lord Boswell of Aynho in 2011-12 to support the running of UK DonorLink on the basis that After Adoption Yorkshire would To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many develop, in-year, a transition to operating the service coroners’ inquests have been held over the past on a self-sustaining basis. The department is disappointed three years under the provisions of Section 15 of that After Adoption Yorkshire declared in August the Coroners Act 1988. [HL11855] that it has been unable to move the UK DonorLink service to that self-sustaining status. The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): The Ministry of Justice does not hold The department will be considering other options information on the completion of inquests directed by over the next few months for running a voluntary the Secretary of State for Justice in the absence of a contact register. In the mean time, the department has body under Section 15 of the Coroners Act 1988. offered a further grant to After Adoption Yorkshire, However, between 1 January 2008 and 14 September until the end of March 2012, to support the UK 2011 the Secretary of State made 47 such directions, DonorLink service while this consideration takes place. and we believe that the majority of the directed inquests Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool will have been held. To ask Her Majesty’s Government why the number of mistakes in IVF treatment has more than trebled Embryology in the United Kingdom over the past three years; Questions and how many human embryos have been lost as a Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool result of those mistakes. [HL11771] To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Darzi of Denham on Earl Howe: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology 9 March 2009 (WA 204–05), from what point is an Authority (HFEA) has advised that it holds data only entity created by nuclear transfer considered to be on the number of incidents and near misses reported WA 105 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 106 to the authority by licensed centres. This does not The HFEA’s statutory responsibility with regard to represent the number of perceived mistakes in in vitro research is also set out in the Act. The HFEA has fertilisation treatment. advised that as this covers only the use of human The HFEA has also advised that the number of embryos in research, in no circumstance would a reported incidents and near misses is included in its centre be expected to report to the authority research annual reports. The total number of reported incidents that did not involve human embryos. and near misses has increased over the years. However, Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool the number of more serious grade A and B incidents has fallen during the last two financial years. To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 5 July 2010 The HFEA encourages licensed centres to recognise (WA 12), regarding concerns raised by one of the and report when incidents occur and believes that an Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s increase in the number of reported incidents reflects peer reviewers, why the total number of embryos an increased willingness by centres to recognise and destroyed under research licence R0152 appears to share learning from these. exceed that at other licensed centres, according to The HFEA incident reporting system, which focuses Appendix 2 of papers published by the Authority on causal analysis and lessons to be learnt, is not pursuant to its meeting on 14 September 2011. designed to account for the number of embryos that [HL11979] might have been affected by reported incidents. To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool the Written Answers by Earl Howe on 19 July 2010 (WA 163–4), why Appendix 2 of papers published To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 23 June 2010 for its meeting on 14 September 2011 does not (WA 182–3) regarding the use of human oocytes in contain any data for research licence R0153. research projects, whether the Human Fertilisation [HL11980] and Embryology Authority permitted the use under research licence R0122 of a primary oocyte from a patient treated between 23 and 27 September 2004 Earl Howe: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology who had seemingly refused consent to participate in Authority (HFEA) has advised that the answer to the this project; and how the patient information and noble Lord’s Questions are in the minutes of the consent forms for research licence R0122 described Authority’s Research Licence Committee of 18 November to patients how their oocytes would be used in this 2009 and 18 May 2011, which can be found on the project. [HL11846] authority’s website. Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool Employment: Agency Workers To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to Question the Written Answers by Baroness Thornton on 19 January 2010 (WA 225) and by Earl Howe on Asked by Lord Laird 23 June 2010 (WA 182–83), when the Human To ask Her Majesty’s Government what qualifying Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) period they propose under Article 5(4) of the EU authorised the creation of embryos under research agency workers directive before which agency workers licence R0122; what was the intended use of any would not be entitled to equal treatment; how this embryos under this licence; how the use of embryos period compares with those proposed in other might have been deemed to be necessary or desirable European Union countries; and whether they are if eggs could have been used for the same purposes; consulting those countries. [HL11790] and under what circumstances a centre would be expected to report details to the HFEA of research involving hundreds of eggs but no embryos. Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The UK is implementing [HL11847] the directive through legislation, on the basis of an agreement between the CBI and the TUC that was reached in May 2008, that there should be a 12-week qualifying period. Formal consultation with other member Earl Howe: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology states happens during negotiation rather than Authority (HFEA) has advised that it has nothing implementation, but I understand that many other further to add to the Written Answer I gave on 23 June EU countries will implement equal treatment from 2010 (Official Report, col. WA 182-83). The HFEA day one of an assignment has also advised that if a patient were to report to the authority such a case as described by the noble Lord, the matter would be investigated in accordance with Energy: Biofuels its complaints procedure. Question The HFEA has advised that research approved by Asked by Lord Bradshaw its Licence Committee is, on each occasion, considered against the criteria prescribed in Paragraph 3A of To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they Schedule 2 to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology plan to support the use of sustainable biodiesel Act 1990, as amended. The HFEA is not in a position produced from waste products, such as used cooking to add to that consideration. oil, beyond April 2012. [HL11874] WA 107 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 108

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, The latest ERIC data available relates to 2009-10, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Lord when the NHS reported that the total annual amount Marland): We recognise that there are valuable uses of of electrical energy that it consumed that was supplied biodiesel in the bioenergy sectors, including those from an eligible renewable energy supply source was developed from wastes such as used cooking oil. 665,017 gigajoules. Over the same period, the amount We stated in the renewable heat incentive document of non-fossil energy supplied from an eligible renewable published in March this year that we would consider energy supply source was 226,616 gigajoules. All ERIC bioliquids for introduction in 2012. In the renewables data are publicly available and are published at: obligation (RO), FAME biodiesel that passes the www.hefs.ic.nhs.uk. Data relating to the 2010-11 period mandatory sustainability criteria is currently eligible will be available after 25 October 2011. The information for 1 ROC for every megawatt of electricity generated. provided has been supplied by the NHS and has not We expect to publish a consultation shortly that sets been amended centrally. The accuracy and completeness the support for all renewable technologies in the RO of the information is the responsibility of the provider from 2013, including support for biodiesel. organisation. Subject to the outcome of a recent consultation on proposals to implement the renewable energy directive (RED), we expect to introduce twice the financial Female Genital Mutilation support to waste-derived biofuels as will be provided Question to conventional biofuels, through the award of two renewable transport certificates (RTFCs) per litre of Asked by Baroness Tonge waste derived biofuel. Crop-derived biofuels will continue To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they to receive one certificate per litre, and no support will will support projects enabling schoolgirls to make be awarded to biofuels that do not meet required films about female genital mutilation, in order to sustainability standards. raise awareness of the subject in schools. [HL11551]

Energy: Renewables The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): Schools have a key Questions role in helping girls and future generations of young Asked by Baroness Smith of Basildon women avoid becoming victims of the appalling crime of female genital mutilation. I am aware of the good To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many work done by Kids Taskforce, with government support, and what percentage of schools have renewable in developing a short film and accompanying teachers’ energy generated on site, broken down by type of resource pack on the subject for use in secondary energy generated and by county. [HL11935] schools. Schools and local authorities are free to decide on their own policies relating to the production by pupils of films to raise awareness of subjects in schools. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): The Government do not hold information on the number and percentage of schools that have renewable energy generated on Finance: Clearing Houses site, by type and by county. Display energy certificates Question show the amount of energy used by buildings and the Asked by Lord Myners percentage of energy from renewables. However, only school buildings over 1,000 square metres are required To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment to maintain and display an energy certificate, and they have made of the consequences for financial information from these is not analysed centrally. system stability of any change of control or ownership Asked by Baroness Smith of Basildon of LCH Clearnet. [HL11658] To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many and what percentage of hospital sites have renewable The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord energy generated on site, broken down by type of Sassoon): The Government welcome market developments energy generated and by county. [HL11936] that will increase efficiency, improve innovation and lower the cost of economic activity. The Government believe that it is important to look at the potential The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, benefits to the market of any deal. Department of Health (Earl Howe): The information is As with any such corporate transaction, the Financial not available in the format requested because the Services Authority will ensure that the owners of the department does not hold data on the number of clearing house are fit and proper persons; and that the hospital sites that have renewable energy generated on clearing house continues to meet its recognition site. However, the department does collect data, through requirements as set out in the Recognised Investment estates returns information collection (ERIC), on the Exchanges and Recognised Clearing Houses handbook. amounts of renewable fossil and non-fossil energy These requirements include the corporate governance consumed annually by each National Health Service arrangements and the financial resources, the management organisation. and controls of the clearing house. WA 109 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 110

Gaza Asked by Baroness Tonge Questions To ask Her Majesty’s Government what Asked by Baroness Tonge representations they have made to the Government of Israel concerning fishing limits off the coast of To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps Gaza. [HL11723] they are taking to help the Hamas Government in Gaza prevent action by militants. [HL11721] Lord Howell of Guildford: The UK frequently raises with the Israeli authorities the issue of easing restrictions The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth on Gaza, but we have not made specific representations Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Our policy on concerning fishing limits off the coast of Gaza. There Hamas is clear; the quartet has set out clearly that has been no fundamental change in the crossings Hamas must renounce violence, recognise Israel and regime, and economic stagnation and de-development accept previously signed agreements. Hamas must make in Gaza remain the norm, although Israel’s decision credible movement towards these conditions, which to move from a list of 120 permitted goods to a list of remain the benchmark against which its intentions specific prohibited items was a positive step. We are should be judged. The clear focus for now must be a clear that more needs to be done, including on easing return to direct negotiations between the Israelis and restrictions on exports, construction material imports Palestinians as soon as possible. and the movement of people. Hamas continues to pursue an ideology of violence and directly to undermine prospects for peace in the region. It is part of the problem. It has yet to provide evidence that it can also be part of the solution, and Gulf War Illnesses this must clearly be the case if we are to review our Questions position. Asked by Lord Morris of Manchester We have no plans to talk to Hamas at present. We are therefore not in a position to assess the extent of To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many Hamas’s control in Gaza or to work with it to tackle veterans of the 1991 Gulf conflict have been awarded militancy. We do however raise these issues in our a war pension on the grounds of suffering from regular dialogue and co-operation on security issues Gulf War illness. [HL11575] with the Palestinian Authority. We will continue to call on all sides to act with restraint and avoid civilian casualties. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry Asked by Baroness Tonge of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The War Pensions Scheme (WPS) provides no-fault compensation for all To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment ex-Service personnel where illness, injury or death is they have made of the ability of the Hamas caused by service before 6 April 2005. Government in Gaza to maintain security in the As at 31 March 2011, some 4,930 Gulf veterans region. [HL11722] were in receipt of disablement pensions, but these are not necessarily for anything that relates to Gulf service, as our statistics do not enable us to distinguish the Lord Howell of Guildford: Our policy on Hamas is origin of the disablement. Research conducted in the clear; the quartet has set out clearly that Hamas must UK and the US has indicated that there is no illness renounce violence, recognise Israel and accept previously that is specific to Gulf veterans. signed agreements. Hamas must make credible movement Asked by Lord Morris of Manchester towards these conditions, which remain the benchmark against which its intentions should be judged. The To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many clear focus for now must be a return to direct negotiations veterans of the 1991 Gulf conflict self-administered between the Israelis and Palestinians as soon as possible. Pyridostigmine Bromide; and how many suffered Hamas continues to pursue an ideology of violence adverse side-effects as a result. [HL11576] and directly to undermine prospects for peace in the region. It is part of the problem. It has yet to provide evidence that it can also be part of the solution, and Lord Astor of Hever: It is not possible to verify how this must clearly be the case if we are to review our many of the 53,409 Gulf veterans self-administered position. Pyridostigmine Bromide, nor in what dose or duration We have no plans to talk to Hamas at present. We individuals took the pre-treatment regime of nerve are therefore not in a position to assess the extent of agent pre-treatment sets (NAPs). The uptake of NAPs Hamas’s control in Gaza or to work with it to tackle was addressed in the Ministry of Defence paper militancy. We do however raise these issues in our Implementation of the Immunisation Programme against regular dialogue and co-operation on security issues Biological Warfare Agents for UK Forces during the with the Palestinian Authority. We will continue to call Gulf Conflict 1990-1991, published in January 2000, on all sides to act with restraint and avoid civilian copies of which are available in the Library of the casualties. House. WA 111 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 112

Health Professions Council of State. Subject to the normal government approval Questions processes for establishing new bodies, we expect those functions to be discharged through Public Health Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath England, an executive agency of the department.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government why the Health Professions Council is recruiting social workers to its employment before the Health and Social Care Health: Alcoholism Bill has been enacted. [HL11919] Question To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Asked by Lord Laird Ministers have approved the decisions of the Health To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether an Professions Council in recruiting social workers to assessment has been made of the likelihood of its employment before the Health and Social Care rehabilitation of chronic alcoholics; whether research Bill has been enacted. [HL11920] is planned to establish whether benefits above the To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the basic level paid to them in respect of concomitant amount of public funds being spent by the Health disabilities are currently spent on alcohol; and whether Professions Council in anticipation of the enactment a review of general policy in this area will be of the Health and Social Care Bill. [HL11921] undertaken. [HL11715]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The Health Department of Health (Earl Howe): The term “chronic Professions Council (HPC) is independent of the alcoholics” is not one that is used by the department, department. Ministers have therefore not been asked although we recognise that there are varying levels of to approve its decisions in recruiting social workers to alcohol dependence. its employment before the enactment of the Health The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007 indicated and Social Care Bill 2011. However, the department that in 2006-07 there were around 1.6 million adults would expect the Health Professions Council to take showing symptoms of moderate or severe alcohol steps to ensure that it is prepared to take on the dependence. Of those, 111,381 people are estimated to function of regulating social workers. have received treatment as indicated in the National The Department’s understanding is that the HPC is Alcohol Treatment Monitoring System Annual Report in the process of recruiting up to 100 partners in 2009-10. This shows that 7 per cent of adults showing advance of the enactment of the Health and Social signs of dependence accessed treatment in that year. Care Bill 2011. This is intended to ensure that it has This compares to international models of good practice access to the necessary expertise to support the transfer. that suggest between 10 per cent and 20 per cent of the dependent population should be able to access treatment The HPC’s advertisements make it clear that any in any one year. appointments made are subject to parliamentary approval of the proposals in the Health and Social Care Bill 2011. The Review of the Effectiveness of Treatment for Alcohol Problems, published by the National Treatment The department provided £0.24 million in the year Agency for Substance Misuse on November 2006, 2010-11 to the HPC to help it to prepare its systems indicated that over 25 per cent of clients who participated and processes ahead of the proposed transfer of functions in the United Kingdom Alcohol Treatment Trials, one from the General Social Care Council. A similar sum of the largest treatment trials conducted in the UK, is expected to be allocated to the HPC in the year showed a successful outcome with no alcohol-related 2011-12, and a sum of £0.6 million in the first quarter problems at follow-up. All the treatments studied produced of the year 2012-13. The department is monitoring significant improvements in alcohol consumption, alcohol this expenditure on a regular basis. dependence, alcohol-related problems and aspects of general functioning. It is highly unlikely that in most cases such changes would have occurred as a result of Health Protection Agency natural recovery processes. Question While a person’s dependence may have led to unemployment or may have caused or exacerbated a Asked by Lord Hunt of Chesterton medical condition, benefit payments are never made, or paid at an increased rate, solely because a person is To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans dependent on drugs or alcohol. they have regarding the future status of the Health Where additional disability benefits are paid, this is Protection Agency. [HL12004] in recognition of the fact that there are often additional costs associated with disability such as transport or The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, care costs. The Government do not monitor what Department of Health (Earl Howe): The Health Protection individuals spend their benefits on. Agency will continue in its current role and retain its The Government are reviewing the general policy functions until April 2013 when, subject to Parliament, towards the prevention and treatment of alcohol misuse it will be abolished. The Health and Social Care Bill in this country, and we will publish the Government’s 2011 confers equivalent functions upon the Secretary alcohol strategy towards the end of this year. WA 113 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 114

Health: Contaminated Blood Products exercises with key stakeholders. In the light of these Questions criteria, Ministers will decide which indicators are included in the final outcomes framework to be published Asked by Lord Morris of Manchester in the autumn. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what provision The department will publish its response to the is being made for widows and dependants of NHS report of the Select Committee on HIV and AIDS in patients infected by contaminated blood to apply to the United Kingdom, No Vaccine, No Cure: HIV and the Skipton Fund when they are unable to access AIDS in the United Kingdom, in due course. A copy of the required evidence, it having been destroyed or the Select Committee’s report has already been placed not found. [HL11916] in the Library.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): I refer the noble Health: Medical Research Lord to my Written Answer on 26 April 2011, Official Question Report, col. WA62. Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool Asked by Lord Morris of Manchester To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they Written Answers by Lord Drayson on 4 November will review the criteria for qualification for the 2009 (WA 60) and by Baroness Wilcox on 31 January Skipton stage 2 (additional) payment for NHS patients 2011 (WA 219–20), what were the specific outcomes infected by contaminated blood and their families. of the two independent studies funded by the Medical [HL11917] Research Council; and what plans they currently have to fund further projects involving similar work. [HL11738] Earl Howe: There are no plans to conduct another review. However, we will consider potential changes to the Skipton Fund stage 2 eligibility criteria, in the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, light of new and emerging scientific evidence. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Asked by Lord Morris of Manchester: Wilcox): In 2007, the Medical Research Council (MRC) awarded funding to Professor Mary Herbert at the To ask Her Majesty’s Government what arrangements University of Newcastle for the research project are in place for the individuals infected with hepatitis “Improving the efficiency of human somatic cell nuclear C by contaminated blood products and their families transfer” (SCNT). The project involved the MRC living in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to reimbursing part of the treatment costs of women receive payments through the Skipton Fund and the undergoing IVF at the Newcastle Fertility Centre at Caxton Foundation. [HL11918] Life who chose to donate some of the surplus eggs produced to be used in the research. Earl Howe: The Skipton Fund is currently making Due to the exceptional nature of this research project payments in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern the MRC also funded an independent social science Ireland. The Caxton Foundation has been set up on study to be undertaken alongside the research project an England-only basis, but we are currently working to learn from women’s experiences and to inform with the devolved Administrations to expand its scope future research involving egg donation and payment to cover the whole of the United Kingdom, when it of IVF treatment costs. The social science study, “An becomes operational in October 2011. investigation of the experiences of potential in vitro fertilisation (IVF) donors in egg sharing for SCNT”, was undertaken by Professor Erica Haimes, also at the Health: HIV University of Newcastle. Question Both studies have now ended and a report from Asked by Baroness Masham of Ilton Professor Haimes’ social science study will be considered by the MRC’s Ethics, Regulation and Public Involvement To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light Committee at its next meeting. The findings from both of the report of the Select Committee on HIV and studies will be reported in published research papers Aids in the United Kingdom (HL Paper 118), whether and presented at scientific conferences and meetings. they will commit to retaining the later HIV diagnoses Research papers relating to Professor Herbert’s study indicator in the final Public Health Outcomes are currently in preparation, and two papers relating Framework. [HL11905] to Professor Haimes’ study have been published: Haimes, E. and Taylor, K., 2011: Researching the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Relationships between Tissue Providers, Clinicians, Department of Health (Earl Howe): We have employed and Stem Cell Scientists, Cell Stem Cell, 8(6) a set of criteria for selection of indicators for the pp. 613-615. public health outcomes framework. These criteria were Haimes, E. and Taylor, K., 2011: The Contributions published in the consultation on the public health of Empirical Evidence to Socio-ethical Debates on outcomes framework. They have been further refined Fresh Embryo Donation for Human Embryonic by feedback from the consultation and engagement Stem Cell Research. Bioethics, 25 (6) pp 334-341. WA 115 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 116

The MRC will continue to support research into all area of residence and occupation in England and approaches to harness the potential of stem cells to Wales. [HL11821] treat human disease as it is not evident at present which area of stem cell research may deliver the most effective treatments for particular conditions. More Earl Howe: The NHS Information Centre (NHS research is needed on all types of stem cells to determine IC) currently collects data on obesity in England. The which routes should be pursued in the development of NHS IC surveys on obesity do not cover Wales. This is cell-based therapies. the responsibility of the Welsh Government. The Health Survey for England—2009: Health and Lifestyles report—includes tables showing body mass Health: Obesity index (BMI) by age, sex, spearhead primary care trust Questions status and equivalised household income for adults Asked by Lord Marlesford and children. This information is available on the NHS IC website at: www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data- To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they collections/health-and-lifestyles-related-surveys/ will take steps to give appropriate guidance to the health-survey-for-england/health-survey-for-england- public on how personal lifestyle can reduce obesity. 2009-health-and-lifestyles. This document has already [HL11818] been placed in the Library. Data are also available in the UK Data Archive on obesity; this includes information on sex, age, socio- The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, economic grouping, Strategic Health Authority (SHA), Department of Health (Earl Howe): We want people to Government Office Region (GOR) and occupation know that they can change their own and their families’ classification. The data in the archive can be accessed lifestyle and in doing so they can make a difference to at: www.data-archive.ac.uk/. their health. What the Government can do is give the public clear, consistent messages on why they should In addition, the NHS IC collects information from change their lifestyle, how to do so, and put in place the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP). ways to make this easier. Information is available for children in Reception (4-5 years) and year six (10-11 years). The National Later this year we will be publishing a document on Child Measurement Programme: England, 2009/10 obesity that will set out how obesity will be tackled in school year report provides high-level analysis of the the new public health and National Health Service prevalence of obese children, by school year, sex, systems, and the role of key partners. This will also set SHA, ethnic category and by GOR, Local Authority out the action that the Government will take to help County/Unitary Authority and Local Authority District/ people make healthier choices and improve their lifestyles. Former District. This information is available on the Asked by Lord Marlesford NHS IC website at: www.ic.nhs.uk/ncmp. This document has already been placed in the Library. To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they The National Obesity Observatory (NOO) has expect general practitioners to take the initiative in undertaken a further analysis of the data from the advising obese patients on how and why they should NCMP.NCMP analysis using the ONS area classification, lose weight, even if the patient has not consulted this is available on the NOO website and can be the doctor on their obesity. [HL11819] accessed at: www.noo.org.uk/. This document has been placed in the Library. Earl Howe: We encourage general practitioners to implement guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on the prevention, identification, assessment and management of overweight Higher Education and obesity in adults and children and, where appropriate, Question implement their local obesity care pathway to ensure Asked by Baroness Brinton that patients receive the support they need to manage their weight. GPs are currently encouraged through To ask Her Majesty’s Government, for the latest the Quality and Outcomes Framework to identify year available, how many adults aged 24 and over in patients who are obese. England funded by the Skills Funding Agency were The NICE guidance, available at www.nice.org.uk/ enrolled on (a) Level 3 courses, and (b) Level 4 CG43, recommends that “Healthcare professionals courses; and in each case how many were studying should use their clinical judgement to decide when to on (1) a full-time basis, and (2) a part-time basis. measure a person’s height and weight. Opportunities [HL11875] include registration with a general practice, consultation for related conditions (such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease) and other routine health checks”. Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The following table shows Asked by Lord Marlesford the number of learners in further education (learner responsive) aged 24 years and over participating on a To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they government-funded Level 3 or Level 4 and above will commission surveys to establish any correlation qualification by mode of attendance in 2009-10, the between obesity and age, socio-economic grouping, latest year for which final data is available. WA 117 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 118

Further education (learner responsive) participation for learners aged Students can also apply for a maintenance loan for 24 years and over by level and mode of attendance, 2009-10 each year of their course. Students with the lowest Full-time Part-time Total household incomes (up to £25,000) will be entitled to Level 3 30,640 158,810 189,400 the maximum non-repayable maintenance grant of Level 4 and 980 29,540 30,500 £3,250. Their maintenance loan entitlement will be above reduced as a result, by comparison with the entitlement Total learners 77,500 1,004,400 1,081,900 of students from higher-income households. Assuming that a student is entitled to the maximum maintenance grant, the maximum amount that the student can Source: borrow is set out below: individualised learner record. 1. Further education provision in this table covers the learner Living away Living away responsive funding stream only. Learner responsive provision from parental from parental includes general further education colleges including tertiary, home and home and sixth form colleges—agricultural and horticultural colleges and Living at the studying in studying art and design colleges, specialist colleges and external institutions. parental home London elsewhere This data does not include participation in apprenticeships, train Total tuition fee £27,000 £27,000 £27,000 to gain, adult safeguarded learning or university for industry loan provision. Maintenance £2,750 £6,050 £3,875 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 except total figures which loan year 1 are rounded to the nearest hundred. Maintenance £2,750 £6,050 £3,875 3. The total learners figure includes learners studying on all other loan year 2 levels (Level 2, below Level 2, skills for life, no level assigned). Maintenance £2,395 £5,365 £3,490 4. Age is based on age at the start of the academic year. loan final year 5. Full-time learners are defined as those learners studying a Maximum loan £34,895 £44,465 £38,240 programme of a minimum of 450 guided learning hours in an available for a academic year. 3-year course Information on further education and skills participation and achievement and by level and mode The above figures assume that the institution is of attendance is published in a supplementary table of charging the maximum tuition level of £9,000 a year a quarterly statistical first release (SFR). The latest and the student has applied for the maximum amount SFR was published on 23 June 2011: http://www. of maintenance loan available to them. They do not thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/statisticalfirstrelease/ take into account any support available from HEIs for sfr_supplementary_tables/. students at the lowest incomes, eg tuition charge waivers or bursaries. Based on these figures, the balance five years after the statutory repayment due date (SRDD), assuming that inflation remains at 5 per cent and no Higher Education: Student Loans repayments are made, would be: Question Students living at the parental home: £52,000. Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough Students living away from the parental home and To ask Her Majesty’s Government what will be studying in London: £66,500. the maximum amount a student from the least Students living away from the parental home and affluent background studying for a three-year course studying elsewhere: £57,000. at a university charging the maximum permitted level can borrow under the 2012 student loans Homes and Communities Agency arrangements; and what will be the estimated level Questions of debt to be repaid if, five years after graduating, their salary is less than £21,000 per year and the Asked by Lord Hoyle retail price index remains at five per cent. [HL11728] To ask Her Majesty’s Government what land has been transferred or sold by the Homes and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Communities Agency in Lancashire in 2010–11. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs [HL11698] (Lord Henley): Full-time new entrants for courses beginning in 2012-13 will be able to apply for a non- The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, means-tested tuition loan of up to £9,000 for each Department for Communities and Local Government year of their course, making a total of £27,000 for a (Baroness Hanham): The following sites were sold or three-year course at a university charging the maximum disposed by the Homes and Communities Agency in level of tuition fees. Lancashire in the financial year 2010-11:

Area disposed Address Town (hectares) Net price (£) Exchanged date Completion date

Preston East Sector A3 Preston 2.48 1,220,500 01/02/2011 01/02/2011 Preston East Sector C Preston 2.96 53,850 12/08/2010 12/08/2010 Walton Park 10D South Ribble 0.281 0 23/04/2010 23/04/2010 WA 119 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 120

Area disposed Address Town (hectares) Net price (£) Exchanged date Completion date

Broughton Business Preston 0.403 4,000 05/07/2010 05/07/2010 Park Ajd East of 78 South Ribble 0.0642 1 11/08/2010 11/08/2010 Longmeanygate 6.1882 1,278,351

Furthermore, a land package of amenity land in of Lords reform in the House of Commons, and Preston totalling nearly 133 hectares was transferred overall responsibility. Lord Strathclyde has responsibility by the agency on 31 March 2010, just prior to the start in the House of Lords of 2010-11. Asked by Lord Hoyle To ask Her Majesty’s Government when was the Identity Security: Iris Recognition report by the Homes and Communities Agency Question regarding the future of Cuerden Valley Park Trust Asked by Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts received by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. [HL11699] To ask Her Majesty’s Government by what date it is expected that the UK Border Agency will have The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, fully implemented the Iris Recognition System; and Department for Communities and Local Government what is the total expenditure to date on the Iris (Baroness Hanham): While the Homes and Community Recognition System. [HL11830] Agency’s analysis of the trust’s position has largely been completed, further work continues on finalising the drafting, and departmental officials have seen and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, commented on this. The aim is to have the report Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs finalised in preparation for an intended meeting between (Lord Henley): IRIS has proven to be valuable test bed the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Andrew for the next generation of automation. We are currently Stunell MP), Lindsay Hoyle MP and the trust in considering the future of IRIS in the context of our October. operating model of the future and our wider automation at the border strategy. As of April 2011 the department had allocated £4.9 million in capital costs and £4.2 million House of Lords Reform Bill [HL] in running costs in respect of the Iris Recognition Question Immigration System. Asked by Lord Grocott To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the estimated cost of an election to the House of Lords Immigration under the single transferable vote as provided for in Questions the draft House of Lords Reform Bill. [HL11832] Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to McNally): The Government will carefully consider the the Written Answer by Lord Freud on 5 September costs of elections to the reformed House of Lords. (HL11493), what was (a) the overall cost to public The Government consider that these elections should funds in 2010–11 of supporting illegal immigrants take place at the same time as elections to the House in the United Kingdom, (b) the number of illegal of Commons. This will result in savings compared immigrants involved, and (c) the per capita cost per with two separate elections. week; and how this compares with the years 2007–10. [HL11600] House of Lords: Reform Question The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Asked by Lord Grocott Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Henley): It is not possible to state the overall To ask Her Majesty’s Government which Ministers cost to public funds of supporting illegal immigrants in the House of Commons and the House of Lords in the United Kingdom. This is because the Government are responsible for House of Lords reform; and which are unable to quantify accurately the number of illegal Minister has overall responsibility. [HL11831] immigrants in the UK as some deliberately evade immigration control in order to remain in the country The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord illegally. It follows that the Government are unable to McNally): The Deputy Prime Minister, the right provide any information on per capita costs of such honourable Nick Clegg, has responsibility for House support. WA 121 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 122

Asked by Lord Laird released a statement on the sentencing of those convicted in attacks on Ahmadis recalling the need to ensure To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether illegal that religious and other minorities are adequately immigrants receive any living allowances in the protected by the justice and law enforcement systems. United Kingdom; and, if so, how much. [HL11668] We will continue to monitor the Indonesian authorities’ policies towards freedom of religion and to stress to Lord Henley: It is not possible to state the overall the Indonesian Government that hate crimes must be cost to public funds of supporting illegal immigrants robustly investigated and that those found guilty of in the United Kingdom. This is because the Government involvement should receive sentences commensurate are unable to quantify accurately the number of illegal with the severity of the crimes. We will also continue immigrants in the UK as some deliberately evade to work through the European Union to raise our immigration control in order to remain in the country concerns with Indonesia. illegally. It follows that the Government are unable to provide any information on per capita costs of such support. Iraq Question Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath Asked by Lord Clement-Jones To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to ensure that the security staff To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their employed by G4S to escort immigration detainees position regarding current military activity by Iran out of the United Kingdom are monitored by the and Turkey in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. UK Border Agency for the use of racist language [HL11670] or making offensive jokes. [HL11922] The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Lord Henley: The UK Border Agency has a team of Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government eight contract monitors who monitor and report on take all attacks across borders seriously and pay close the performance of the escorting service provider. In attention to the circumstances in which they occur. We addition, all service provider vehicles have CCTV fitted call on all parties to co-operate with the Government with audio capability. Members of the Independent of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government over Monitoring Board regularly report to the contract the threat in the border areas, and have expressed our monitors and the Chief Inspector of Prisons also concern about indiscriminate Iranian shelling. carries out announced and unannounced inspections. We expect the highest standards from our staff and contractors and will take appropriate robust action Israel against those who fail to adhere to them. Questions Asked by Baroness Tonge Indonesia To ask Her Majesty’s Government what Question representations they have made to the Government Asked by Lord Hylton of Israel concerning the fair and equal treatment of Israeli Arabs. [HL11724] To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they last made representations to the Ggovernment of The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Indonesia concerning religious freedom; and in Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK attaches particular whether they have received responses the highest importance to the values set out in Israel’s about the re-opening of GKI Yasmin Church in declaration of independence and basic laws guaranteeing Bogor, West Java, and about violent attacks on equal treatment to all its citizens, regardless of religion members of the Ahmadiyya community. [HL11619] or background. Our ambassador to Tel Aviv, Matthew Gould, is The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth committed to being an ambassador to all Israelis, Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We are aware of the including the country’s Arab citizens. He regularly case of the GKI Yasmin Church in Bogor and of raises our concerns about unequal treatment and attacks on members of the Ahmadiyya community in potentially discriminatory legislation. He recently lobbied Indonesia. On 4 August 2011 our embassy in Jakarta the Israeli Minister of Trade and Labour over the raised our concerns at the current freedom of religion affirmative action Bill/military service and its impact situation in Indonesia with the Ministry of Foreign on Israeli Arabs, the ultra-orthodox and the disabled. Affairs. On the same day Foreign and Commonwealth One of our embassy’s strategic goals is to help Office officials raised the same concerns with the Israel become more inclusive, in particular through Indonesian embassy in London. ensuring equal treatment for Israeli Arabs. Visiting The European Union has a regular dialogue with UK Ministers routinely meet the Israeli Arab community, Indonesia on human rights and at the last meeting on most recently the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of 29 June in Jakarta, the EU raised freedom of religion State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my and concerns over attacks on Ahmadis in Banten and honourable friend the Member for North East Christian churches in central Java. On 28 July the EU Bedfordshire (Mr Burt), in June 2011 and the Minister WA 123 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 124 of State for International Development, my right June and raised this issue. He saw for himself a United honourable friend the Member for Rutland & Melton Nations Relief and Works Agency school. Our (Mr Duncan), in July 2011, as well as frequent contact ambassador in Tel Aviv and other officials regularly with visiting officials and Embassy staff. This year the discuss the situation in Gaza with Israeli interlocutors, UK has allocated £225,000 of conflict pool funding to most recently with the Finance Ministry. Israeli Arab projects. A “high tech hub” will shortly be While there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza, there launched to help the Israeli Arab community become is an enduring need for humanitarian aid. We have part of the Israeli economic mainstream through improved also been clear that actions by both Israel and Hamas opportunities in the high-tech industry. have contributed to this status quo. Working closely Asked by Baroness Tonge with the EU and the quartet, we will continue to call on Israel to ease restrictions on access and enable a To ask Her Majesty’s Government what return to economic normality. representations they have made to the Government of Israel regarding the release of the three members of parliament sheltering in the Red Cross Headquarters Israel and Palestine of East Jerusalem. [HL11725] Questions Asked by Lord Hylton Lord Howell of Guildford: We are aware that three Palestinian MPs continue to shelter at the International To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans Committee of the Red Cross office in Jerusalem. The they have to support the drafting of a consensus three Members are still present and say they will United Nations resolution to provide a framework remain there until Israel changes the decision to revoke for a final settlement between Israel and Palestine. their Jerusalem residency status. [HL11733] The UK remains of the view that forcible transfer of people out of the city for political reasons is illegal The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth under international humanitarian law. We regularly Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The best way to raise such practices with the Israeli authorities. However, resolve this long-standing conflict is through direct we have not made representations on these specific cases. negotiations. The UK is working with our European partners to find a way forward that increases the Asked by Lord Hylton prospects of the Israelis and Palestinians returning to To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their negotiations with the aim of achieving a final settlement. assessment of the United Nations Report of the We wish to avoid confrontation at the UN but also to Secretary-General’s Panel of Inquiry on the 31 May find a way to recognise the progress the Palestinians 2010 Flotilla incident, published in September, and have made at their state-building efforts. in particular on its conclusion regarding the legality The UK set out in February, in its explanation of of the blockade by Israel; and when they last made vote on the UN Security Council resolution on settlements, representations to the government of Israel about the parameters within which negotiations should be access for essential supplies for the population, in conducted: particular about building materials for United Nations An agreement on the borders of the two states, Relief and Works Agency schools; and with what based on 4 June 1967 lines with equivalent land effect. [HL11737] swaps as may be agreed between the parties; Security arrangements that, for Palestinians, respect Lord Howell of Guildford: The UN Palmer report their sovereignty and show that the occupation is into the Gaza flotilla in 2010 was published on over; and, for Israelis, that protect their security, 2 September. The UK supported the UN Secretary- prevent the resurgence of terrorism and deal effectively General’s establishment of an independent panel of with new and emerging threats; inquiry. The Secretary of State for Foreign and A just, fair and agreed solution to the refugee Commonwealth Affairs, my right honourable friend question; and the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) stated Fulfilment of the aspirations of both parties for at the time that the UK deeply deplored the loss of life Jerusalem. A way must be found through negotiations and urged strenuous efforts to prevent the recurrence to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future of such incidents in future. capital of both states. The report makes clear that the events of 31 May The UK will continue to encourage the parties to should never have taken place. Turkey and Israel have reach an agreement along these lines. Whatever action made public statements on the report. We regret the is taken in New York, it is important that this increases breakdown in relationships between them and we the prospects for a return to negotiations. continue to urge both sides to renew their efforts to find a way forward that will promote reconciliation Asked by Lord Hylton and enhance regional stability. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what measures The situation in Gaza is of serious concern to the they are taking to support negotiations between Government. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Israel and Palestine; and whether they are giving State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my special attention to the possible effects of provocations honourable friend the Member for North East or spoiling actions arising from any quarter. Bedfordshire (Mr Burt) visited Gaza during his visit in [HL11734] WA 125 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 126

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Proceedings and on the Right to Communicate upon Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK believes Arrest at the initial stage of the negotiations. that the best way to resolve this long-standing conflict [HL11785] is through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, with the aim of giving the Palestinian The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord people the state that they need and deserve and the McNally): The Government do not intend to opt into Israeli people long-term security and peace. the European Union Directive on Access to a Lawyer So our focus remains on continuing to push hard in Criminal Proceedings and on the Right to for a return to negotiations on the basis agreed by my Communicate upon Arrest at the initial stage of the right honourable friend the Prime Minister and President negotiations because they are of the view that the Obama. That is, borders based on 1967 lines with directive as published by the Commission would have mutually agreed swaps; security for Israel; and the an adverse effect on our ability to investigate and right for Palestinians to govern themselves in a sovereign prosecute offences effectively. However, the Government and contiguous state. We are working hard with our intend to work together with other member states to international partners for a return to negotiations on improve the directive and if our concerns are taken this basis. Failure to return to negotiations now puts at into account during the process of negotiation, the risk the long-term prospects for a solution. Neither Government will consider opting in once the instrument Israel nor the Palestinians can afford to let the opportunity has been adopted. for peace slip further from their grasp. Along with our European Union partners, we are Kenya working to build consensus on a way forward that Question recognises the progress the Palestinians have made on their state-building efforts, that meets Israel’s legitimate Asked by Lord Laird security concerns and that avoids confrontation in the To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to UN. We continue to stress that whatever action is the Written Answer by Lord Howell of Guildford taken, including in New York, it is important that this on 11 August (WA 432), whether records have been increases the prospects for a return to negotiations. retained regarding the number of people hanged in Asked by Lord Hylton Kenya during the Mau Mau uprising. [HL11718] To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth will support the creation of a seat at the United Nations Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): I can confirm that for Palestine; and what assessment they have made records relating to the number of people hung in of the impact of such a development on Palestine’s Kenya during the Mau Mau uprising are available in negotiating position with regard to Israel. [HL11735] the National Archives. Some further records are contained within the Kenya files that are being transferred to the Lord Howell of Guildford: My right honourable National Archives, from the Foreign and Commonwealth friend the Prime Minister made the UK’s position on Office. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has recognition of a Palestinian state clear during the visit undertaken to release every part of every document of President Obama. He agreed with the President relevant to the Mau Mau uprising, subject only to that a Palestinian state was a legitimate goal, and the legal exemptions. best way of achieving this was through a comprehensive agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. Libya Palestinian action at the UN this month is now looking increasingly likely but it is not yet clear exactly Question what they are proposing. We are working with partners Asked by Lord Hylton to build consensus on a way forward that recognises the progress the Palestinians have made on their state- To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they building efforts, that meets Israel’s legitimate security will take steps to unfreeze Libyan assets for use by concerns, and that avoids confrontation in the UN. the Transitional National Council; and in particular, Whatever action is taken in New York, it is important how they expect that necessary imports of food will that this increases the prospects for a return to negotiations. be paid for. [HL11622] We have reserved our position on the question of The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth recognition of a Palestinian state while we continue to Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK continues urge all parties back to talks. Recognition is a matter to work with partners at the UN to unfreeze Libyan for each Government to decide bilaterally, and if needed, assets for the benefit of the Libyan people. On 29 August we will take a decision nearer to the time, in consultation 2011, the UN approved the release of 1.86 billion with EU and other partners. Libya dinars’ worth of bank notes that had been frozen in the UK under the UN asset freeze. Within Justice: Legal Services the existing UN sanctions regimes, there are several Question exemptions which enable member states, either by notifying or seeking the approval of the UN Sanctions Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill Committee, to release frozen assets for the purchase of To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are their food and other necessities. Over the past six months, reasons for deciding not to opt into the European many requests of this nature have been agreed. There Union Directive on Access to a Lawyer in Criminal is no food security crisis in Libya but we continue to WA 127 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 128 liaise closely with the World Food Programme, which The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, is leading the UN food security response in Libya, to Department of Health (Earl Howe): Independent sector monitor the situation on the ground and respond providers of public services are not public authorities appropriately. for the purposes of paragraphs 43A and 44 of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). However, where National Health Service Middle East Peace Process commissioners, as public authorities, contract with Question independent sector providers for the provision of Asked by Lord Hylton healthcare services, the NHS standard contract requires that the provider shall assist and co-operate with each To ask Her Majesty’s Government what commissioner, in complying with its FOIA obligations, representations they are making within the European by providing the type of information as regards the Union to work with other member states to utilise provision of those services, which would be disclosable the collective financial strength of the European under the FOIA. Union to support the Middle East peace process. [HL11762]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth NHS: Peterborough Primary Care Trust Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The EU and EU Questions member states as a collective are the biggest financial Asked by Lord Mawhinney supporters of the Palestinian Authority. In 2010 the EU gave a total of ¤377.9 million to the Occupied To ask Her Majesty’s Government what were the Palestinian Territories (OPTs) and to Palestinian refugees dates of the public consultation on the East of in the region. The Department for International England Strategic Health Authority’s proposal to Development imputed share was ¤1.79 million. This is amalgamate the Peterborough and Cambridge Primary in addition to DfID’s bilateral support, which totalled Care Trusts (PCTs) into a single PCT; and what are £73.1 million. the healthcare benefits to patients envisaged by the The EU development programme for the OPTs is strategic health authority which will become available supporting a successful Middle East peace process by to patients served by the Peterborough Primary helping build Palestinian institutions, improving security Care Trust as a result of the proposed amalgamation. and promoting economic growth, so that any future [HL11947] state will be stable, prosperous, well run and an effective partner for peace with Israel. Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The table below shows the number of learners in further education (learner NHS: Clinical Indemnity responsive) aged 24 years and over participating on a Question government-funded Level 3 or Level 4 and above qualification by mode of attendance in 2009-10, the Asked by Baroness Cumberlege latest year for which final data are available. To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to Table 1: Further Education (Learner Responsive) participation for the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 11 August learners aged 24 years and over by level and mode of attendance, (WA369), on what date they will publish the proposals 2009-10 to enable non-NHS bodies to take up NHS clinical Full-time Part-time Total indemnity arrangements. [HL11746] Level 3 30,640 158,810 189,400 Level 4 and 980 29,540 30,500 The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, above Department of Health (Earl Howe): We intend to Total 77,500 1,004,400 1,081,900 publish the outcome of the National Health Service Learners litigation authority industry review, alongside a “next Source: steps” document, in the coming months. This will set Individualised Learner Record Notes out broadly how we intend to explore reform of the Further Education provision in this table covers the Learner NHS clinical indemnity arrangements, the detail of Responsive funding stream only. Learner Responsive provision which will be subject to further engagement with includes General Further Education Colleges including Tertiary, stakeholders. Sixth Form Colleges, Agricultural and Horticultural Colleges and Art and Design Colleges, Specialist Colleges and External Institutions. The data do not include participation in Apprenticeships, Train to Gain, Adult Safeguarded Learning or NHS: Independent Providers University for Industry provision. Question 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 except total figures Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill which are rounded to the nearest 100. 3. The total learners figure includes learners studying on all other To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether levels (Level 2, Below Level 2, Skills for Life, No Level Assigned). independent providers of NHS services will be public 4. Age is based on age at the start of the academic year. authorities within the meaning of paragraphs 43A 5. Full-time learners are defined as those learners studying a and 44 of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information programme of a minimum of 450 Guided Learning Hours in an Act 2000. [HL11783] academic year. WA 129 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 130

Information on further education and skills Asked by Lord Mawhinney: participation and achievement by level and mode of attendance is published in a supplementary table of a To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the quarterly statistical first release (SFR). The latest SFR East of England Strategic Health Authority will was published on 23rd June 2011: http://www.thedata formally consult the Peterborough Hospital NHS service.org.uk/statistics/statisticalfirstrelease/ Trust about its intention to amalgamate the sfr_supplementary_tables/. Peterborough and Cambridge Primary Care Trusts. [HL11952] Asked by Lord Mawhinney

To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, money the Peterborough Primary Care Trust Department of Health (Earl Howe): This information contracted to pay to the Peterborough NHS Hospital is not held centrally. This is a matter for the local Trust in each of the past five financial years; and National Health Service. The noble Lord may wish to how much had actually been paid at the end of each raise any further concerns with, Sir Neil McKay, Chief financial year. [HL11948] Executive, NHS East of England Strategic Health To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many Authority. (a) permanent, and (b) acting, (1) chairmen, (2) chief executive officers, and (3) chief financial officers, were appointed by the East of England Strategic Health Authority (SHA) in the past five years; and NHS: Reorganisation how many of the appointees had previously worked Question in the National Health Service in the area for which Asked by Lord Judd this SHA was responsible. [HL11949] To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in each of To ask Her Majesty’s Government from which the past five years, and in 2011–12 to date, what consultancy firms they have commissioned work on healthcare services which were previously made re-organising the National Health Service since May available by the Peterborough Primary Care Trust 2010; what was the agreed fee for each consultancy were withdrawn from availability to patients; and firm; what were the formal terms of reference for how many of those withdrawals were notified in each consultancy firm; and what discussions they advance to the East of England Strategic Health have held with each consultancy firm on the purposes and ethos of the National Health Service. [HL11822] Authority. [HL11950] To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much extra resources the Peterborough Primary Care Trust The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, (PCT) has had authorised by the East of England Department of Health (Earl Howe): The department Strategic Health Authority in each of the last five does hold cost information on the amount spent with years in order to prevent the PCT from breaching external consultants. However, the information captured its statutory financial responsibilities. [HL11951] by this central record does not enable us to readily identify the expenditure that relates specifically to the Health and Social Care Bill and the current reforms to Earl Howe: Peterborough Primary Care Trust (PCT) the National Health Service. In order to gather all has not had any transfer of funds authorised by the possible relevant information, we would need to contact East of England Strategic Health Authority in each of each business area and directorate in the department, the past five years in order to prevent the PCT from requiring them to check their records. This undertaking breaching its statutory financial responsibilities. would amount to a substantial effort across the department In relation to how much money the PCT contracted and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. to pay Peterborough NHS Hospital Trust, this is a matter for the local National Health Service and information is not collected centrally. In relation to how much had been paid at the end of Northern Ireland Office: Consultants each financial year, information is not available in the Question format requested. The following table shows Peterborough Asked by Lord Laird PCT’s reported view of its expenditure in each of the past five financial years. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consultants Peterborough Primary Care Trust - Expenditure with Peterborough & the Northern Ireland Office has employed in each Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (£,000) of the last five years; for what purpose; at what cost; and when. [HL11825] 2009-10 91,152 2008-09 77,817 2007-08 76,177 Lord De Mauley: Comparable figures for the 2006-07 81,771 department as it is now configured are not available 2005-06 90,125 before 12 April 2010, following the completion of Source: devolution of policing and justice functions. Since Peterborough PCT audited summarisation schedules, 2006-07 to that time the department has not employed any 2010-11 consultants. WA 131 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 132

Northern Ireland Office: Staff Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The appointment of Professor Questions O’Flaherty was announced by way of a press release that included the key points of his terms and conditions Asked by Lord Laird of appointment including length of appointment, remuneration and a list of all other ministerial public To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to appointments held. His appointment is also subject to the Written Answer by Lord Wallace of Saltaire on the provisions of Schedule 7 to the Northern Ireland 5 September (WA 11), why Hilary Jackson, the Act 1998. director-general of the Northern Ireland Office (NIO), left her position under the Cabinet Office-agreed Asked by Lord Laird early departure scheme for civil servants; what were the terms agreed and the costs of her departure; To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many and at what age her pension will become payable. people were interviewed for the position of Chairman [HL11788] of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; how the interviewers were selected; who selected them; and when. [HL11878] Lord De Mauley: Following the devolution of policing and justice and the successful establishment of the Lord Wallace of Saltaire: Appointment to the Northern Northern Ireland Office in its current form, the director- Ireland Human Rights Commission is regulated by general indicated her intention to move on after six years the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in the department. She will leave once her successor (OCPA) which requires all stages of a public appointments has been identified. Her departure terms will then be process to be undertaken by a selection panel that finalised. Her pension arrangements are determined includes a senior official from the sponsor department, by the principal civil service pension scheme. a representative from the public body or other interested Asked by Lord Laird group, an Independent Public Appointments Assessor and, where appropriate, a technical expert. To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to A selection panel for the position of Chief the Written Answer by Lord Shutt of Greetland on Commissioner of the NIHRC was approved by the 2 September (WA 45) concerning staff in the Northern Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in advance of Ireland Office, at what age Hilary Jackson’s pension the launch of the appointments process. The panel will become payable. [HL11879] was chaired by Hilary Jackson, Director General of the Northern Ireland Office, and included a senior official from OFMdFM, an independent expert in the Lord De Mauley: I refer the noble Lord to the Answer field of human rights and equality and an Independent given by Lord Shutt of Greetland on 12 September, Public Appointments Assessor. The selection panel Official Report, col. WA 45. interviewed six individuals for the position. Asked by Lord Laird Northern Ireland Office: Taxis To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much Question time per year it is expected that Michael O’Flaherty, Asked by Lord Laird the new chairman of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, will spend at the United Nations To ask Her Majesty’s Government what taxis in Geneva; and whether this arrangement is set out were used by staff of the Northern Ireland Office in his terms and conditions. [HL11882] on 15 July 2011; by whom; for what; and at what cost. [HL11991] Lord De Mauley: As previously stated in the Answer given by the Lord Shutt of Greetland, on 7 September, Lord De Mauley: Taxis were used on four occasions col. WA 32, Professor Michael O’Flaherty’s terms and on 15 July 2011 by staff of the Northern Ireland conditions of appointment require him to work such Office. The taxis were used for the purposes of official hours as are reasonably necessary to fulfill his role as business. The total cost of these taxis amounted to chief commissioner. How the new chief commissioner £85.60. chooses to allocate his time in fulfilling his responsibilities is a matter for him. Asked by Lord Laird Northern Ireland: Human Rights To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether it is Commission the role of the chairman of the Northern Ireland Questions Human Rights Commission to ensure that the legal team of the commission actively seeks complaints Asked by Lord Laird from remand prisoners affected by the solicitors’ To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they strike. [HL11883] will publish the terms and conditions of appointment of Professor Michael O’Flaherty as chairman of Lord De Mauley: The Northern Ireland Human the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. Rights Commission operates independently of [HL11827] government. Decisions about how it carries out its WA 133 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 134 functions as defined in legislation are a matter for the power in the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 commission. The noble Lord may wish to contact the to make delegated legislation, but does not confer a commission directly should he wish to pursue this new power. It provides that the Secretary of State matter further. must lay before Parliament the draft of an Order in Council giving effect to the final recommendations Asked by Lord Laird of the boundary commissions on redrawing the To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they parliamentary constituency boundaries of the UK. approved the reorganisation of senior posts in the This order can take effect only if approved by resolution Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. of each House of Parliament. [HL11911] The Act contained three more powers under which any orders made would need to be approved by resolution of each House. One of those powers was repealed in Lord De Mauley: The organisational structure of July 2011 and the remaining two cannot be exercised the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is after 5 May 2011. an operational matter for the commission, which operates independently of government. However, the NIHRC A table summarising orders subject to the affirmative is required to seek departmental approval when it procedure in the 2011 Act has been placed in the wishes to increase staff numbers above the agreed library of both Houses. headcount. On this occasion, approval was not required as the headcount was reduced. Passports Question Parliamentary Constituencies Asked by Lord Laird Question To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many Asked by Lord Kilclooney passports the Belfast Office issued in the first six months of this year. [HL11824] To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken in consultation with the Boundary Commission to ensure that the proposed new The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, constituency boundaries are made known to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs local media in Counties Fermanagh, Tyrone and (Lord Henley): For the period January 2011 until Londonderry. [HL11850] June 2011, the Identity and Passport Service issued 239,958 passports in the Belfast office. The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): The Boundary Commission for Northern Pensions Ireland published initial proposals for new parliamentary Question constituency boundaries in Northern Ireland on 13 September. In making their proposals, each of the Asked by Lord Boswell of Aynho four independent boundary commissions must comply To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many with the legal duties imposed on them, including the annual Christmas bonuses were paid to those in requirement in Section 5 of the amended Parliamentary receipt of the state pension, and at what administration Constituencies Act 1986 to take such steps as they cost, for the most recent period for which figures think fit to inform people in each proposed constituency are available. [HL11709] of the proposed boundary changes. Additionally, Section 5 requires the boundary commissions to make a copy of these proposals available for inspection at a specified The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, place within each newly proposed constituency. It is a Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): Around matter for the boundary commissions to judge how to 11 million people in receipt of State Pension received fulfil their statutory obligations most appropriately. the annual Christmas bonus of £10 in 2010-11. The majority of Christmas bonus payments are made with a qualifying benefit and, as such, it is not Parliamentary Voting System and possible to disaggregate the administration cost. However, Constituencies Act 2011 these costs are minimal as the significant majority of Question payments are automated. (Source: DWP Benefit Expenditure Business Information Data) Asked by Lord Lipsey To ask Her Majesty’s Government which provisions Police: Funding of the Parliamentary VotingSystem and Constituencies Question Act 2011 can take effect only after orders have been passed by both Houses of Parliament. [HL11808] Asked by Lord Avebury To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord police staff hours are represented by the estimated McNally): Section 10(6) of the Parliamentary Voting £10 million policing costs of the Dale Farm evictions, System and Constituencies Act 2011 modifies an existing and whether they will reconsider the £5.85 million WA 135 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 136

funding grant for this purpose in the light of other Public Procurement demands on police resources. [HL11590] Questions

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Asked by Lord Chidgey Browning): £10 million represents an estimated maximum To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether policing cost that may be necessary to deal with the differential credit ratings and credit worthiness gave Dale Farm evictions. It is a matter for Essex Police, any advantage to Siemens, as the preferred bidder, with its police authority, to plan for the resource over Bombardier in the award of the Thameslink requirements of policing operations. contract. [HL11800] The Home Office has agreed to support Essex Police in the policing operation linked to the evictions, offering funding that is limited to a maximum of Lord De Mauley: The project was structured as a £4.65 million. This amount is final and will not be package, to build, finance and maintain the trains reconsidered. over, potentially, a 30-year contract period. Accordingly, the capability of bidding consortia to finance a deal was analysed as part of the evaluation process. The Presumed Deaths credit rating of bidding consortia was not a determining Question factor in the award of the contract. Asked by Lord Boswell of Aynho Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps applications for Benjamin orders have been made they took to manage any potential conflict of interest to the Chancery Division of the High Court over for consultants working on the Thameslink rolling the past three years; and how many were granted. stock project who were also working for one or [HL11854] more potential bidders; and what due diligence was performed in these cases. [HL11805] The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): The Ministry of Justice does not hold Lord De Mauley: Consultants and lawyers are required centrally information on the number of applications to declare any conflicts of interest as part of the for Benjamin orders and the number of these that selection process and throughout the life of the contract. were granted. While such applications and orders will be logged on to the administrative computer systems Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark used in the Chancery Division of the High Court, they To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many cannot be distinguished from other types of applications people are currently employed in train procurement and orders made. As such, the information requested at the Department for Transport; and how many of can be obtained only through the manual inspection those employees have (a) engineering, (b) finance, of individual case files, held by the courts, at (c) legal, and (d) operational qualifications. disproportionate cost. [HL11806]

Prisons: Population Lord De Mauley: The Department for Transport Question currently has a core team of nine officials directly employed on rolling stock procurement. The table Asked by Lord Fellowes below sets out the number of employees with (a) To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many engineering, (b) finance, (c) legal, and (d) operational prisoners in England and Wales are currently doubling qualifications working on rolling stock procurement. up in cells designed for one occupant, or held three to a cell in cells designed for two. [HL11745] Engineering Finance Legal Operations 2 321 The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): The average number of prisoners held in Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark overcrowded accommodation during 2010-11 was 20,211 (23.8 per cent of population). To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Within this total the average number of prisoners public procurement rules contained in the Utilities doubling up in cells designed for one occupant was Contracts Regulations 2006 or the Public Contracts 19,268 (22.7 per cent of the total prison population) Regulations 2006 were used for letting the Thameslink and there were on average 829 prisoners held three to a rolling stock contract; and on what basis the decision cell in cells designed for two (1.0 per cent of population). was taken to apply the regulations in question. (Overcrowding in other units of accommodation, such [HL11807] as dormitories, will also contribute to the total). These figures have been drawn from administrative Lord De Mauley: The letting of the Thameslink IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording rolling stock contract was in accordance with the system, are subject to possible errors with data entry Utilities Contracts Regulations 2006. It is in the public and processing. interest that the decisions taken by the Secretary of WA 137 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 138

State for Transport are taken in a fully informed legal Asked by Lord Bradshaw context. Communications between the Secretary of State and his legal advisers are subject to the legal To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether a advice privilege. cost-benefit analysis of the European Railway Transport Management System (ERTMS) pilot on the Cambrian Line has been undertaken; and what Railways: European Train Management were the results. [HL11873] System Questions Lord De Mauley: A separate cost-benefit analysis Asked by Lord Bradshaw has not been undertaken for the Cambrian line as this is a pilot for the planned national ERTMS implementation To ask Her Majesty’s Government from where plan for which there is a positive business case recognised the proposal to pilot the European Railway Transport by its inclusion in the industry’s investment plans for Management System (ERTMS) originated; who took Control Period 4 (2009-14). The Office of Rail Regulation the final decision to pilot the ERTMS; and who (ORR) is responsible for the economic regulation of took the decision to pilot the ERTMS on the Cambrian the national rail network and will consider the Cambrian Line. [HL11869] deployment as part of its regular reviews.

Lord De Mauley: The Cambrian Coast was identified as an early deployment site for ERTMS by the Strategic Railways: Thameslink Rail Authority in 2003, after consultation with the rail Questions industry and key stakeholders. Consequently the Rail Regulator, in his Access Charges Review 2003: Final Asked by Lord Chidgey Conclusions, allowed for Network Rail to be funded to commence development during Control Period 3 (2004-05 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the to 2008-09). outcome of their technical risk assessment associated with the paper design on which the preferred bidder’s Asked by Lord Bradshaw tender for the Thameslink contract was based. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what have [HL11692] been the total costs to date of (a) installing, and (b) operating and maintaining, the European Railway Lord De Mauley: The outcome of the assessment Transport Management System on the Cambrian was that the Department for Transport is satisfied that Line. [HL11870] the risks associated with the train design submitted can be managed and mitigated by the preferred bidder. Lord De Mauley: The Department for Transport does not hold this information. Network Rail is funded Asked by Lord Chidgey to deliver, operate and maintain the Cambrian ERTMS To ask Her Majesty’s Government what would deployment. The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR), be the costs associated with the cancellation of the which is responsible for the economic regulation of Thameslink contract. [HL11693] the national rail network, will consider the costs of the Cambrian deployment as part of its regular reviews. Asked by Lord Bradshaw Lord De Mauley: We would expect Network Rail and the Department for Transport to incur significant To ask Her Majesty’s Government by how much cancellation costs, but these have not been quantified. the European Railway Transport Management System Cancelling the Thameslink programme would delay has reduced signal failures on the Cambrian Line. or defer the additional capacity that Thameslink will [HL11871] provide for London commuters and prevent the cascade of around 400 rail vehicles that will be released for Lord De Mauley: This is an operational matter for redeployment elsewhere and which are urgently needed Network Rail as it is responsible for monitoring to address overcrowding. infrastructure performance. Network Rail can be As there has already been significant expenditure contacted as follows: David Higgins, Network Rail, on the Thameslink programme of £1.5 billion to date, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG. with a further £0.7 billion committed, largely on the Asked by Lord Bradshaw infrastructure works, any delay would adversely impact on the value for money of this expenditure by adding To ask Her Majesty’s Government by how much significant prolongation costs and delaying the realisation the European Railway Transport Management System of the benefits. has improved punctuality on the Cambrian Line. Asked by Lord Chidgey [HL11872] To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light Lord De Mauley: This is an operational matter for of the recent press reports that cancelling the Network Rail as it is responsible for monitoring Thameslink contract entirely would delay the award performance and punctuality. Network Rail can be of the contract for new trains by up to three years, contacted as follows: David Higgins, Network Rail, what is their assessment of the shortest delay that Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG. might be incurred by such a cancellation.[HL11694] WA 139 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 140

Lord De Mauley: The consequences of abandoning 600 permanent jobs. Only the first few prototype the current procurement process would be significant. vehicles will be fully assembled in Japan, with the The Department for Transport could not simply stop remainder built in the UK. As is consistent with the the current procurement and immediately start a new global nature of the rolling stock supply chain, Agility one but would need to demonstrate that the current expect to procure a significant proportion of components procurement is inappropriate then formulate a revised for the trains from the UK, Europe and internationally. scope for any future procurement. Based on experience to date, thereafter a procurement exercise for a train project of this complexity, involving an innovative design with requirements for maintenance, Retail: Mary Portas Review finance and depots would take between two and three Question years to conclude. Asked by Lord Myners Asked by Lord Chidgey To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether a To ask Her Majesty’s Government over what consultation document has been issued, or any time period the calculation was based that the public evidence sessions held, as part of the review Siemens bid for the Thameslink contract offered of the United Kingdom’s high street being carried best value for money to taxpayers; and what factors out by Ms Mary Portas; and when the outcome of were included in the calculations. [HL11696] the review will be published. [HL11661]

Lord De Mauley: The whole life and whole industry cost assessment of the Thameslink bids was based The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, over a 30-year period. The factors that were included Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness in the calculations were: Wilcox): No consultation document has been issued train leasing costs; as part of the high streets review led by Mary Portas. depot leasing costs; However, as part of the evidence-gathering exercise train maintenance costs; members of the public were invited to submit their views either through the BIS or Mary Portas websites train energy consumption; on what the Government, local authorities, businesses VTISM (this is the Vehicle Track Interaction Strategic and the third sector could do to create diverse and Model, which calculates the links between inputs, such sustainable high streets. The deadline for contributions as track and vehicle characteristics, and outputs, such was 31 August and over 2,100 responses were uploaded as rail-life, wheel-life and maintenance regimes); on to the Mary Portas and BIS websites along with a performance (the assessment of the likely delays number of submissions received by mail. In addition, caused by each unit type, based upon the bidders train the review incorporates an extensive and ongoing reliability calculations); and programme of stakeholder engagement, including high- risk adjustments (to the extent that the bidder has street visits, meetings with key stakeholders, workshops indicated, in commercial propositions or its response and a meeting with MPs. Mary Portas’ review is to the Thameslink rolling stock project agreements, expected to be published later in the year. any changes to the levels of liability, performance regime or allocation of risks. The evaluation criteria and evaluation process are contained in the Thameslink rolling stock project invitation Roads: Advertising Hoardings to tender dated 27 November 2008, a copy of which is Question available on the Department for Transport website at www.dit.gov.uk/pqr/rail/pi/thameslinkrollingstock. Asked by Lord Marlesford To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they intend to take to end the practice of private Railways: Train Design advertising hoardings being displayed on static vehicles Question parked on land adjacent to motorways and trunk Asked by Lord Bradshaw roads. [HL11761] To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Shutt of Greetland on The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, 5 September (WA 22–23), how the design and Department for Communities and Local Government manufacture in Japan of the Hitachi trains for the (Baroness Hanham): Private advertising hoardings can Intercity express programme contract will act as a be displayed on static vehicles on land adjacent to a stimulus to the United Kingdom rolling stock design motorway, provided that it is done with the prior and building capacity. [HL11755] permission of the landowner and with express consent from the relevant local planning authority.Local planning Lord De Mauley: Agility Trains (the Hitachi consortium authorities have a range of enforcement powers under for IEP) propose to assemble the IEP train in a new which they can require the removal of such advertising factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, creating on either amenity or public safety grounds. WA 141 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 142

Schools: Religion ensure that maximum use is made of existing bus Question service networks for school and social transport before separate vehicles are hired; and what Asked by Lord Avebury consideration they have given to advocating approaches such as those being used in Dorset. [HL11754] To ask Her Majesty’s Government why the Chief Inspector of Schools has not published a separate report on collective worship in schools since the report of 1992–93, and whether they will request the Chief Inspector to conduct a new inquiry with a Lord De Mauley: We welcome Dorset’s innovative view to ascertaining the rates of compliance with approach to procuring bus services, which we understand sections 70 and 71 of the School Standards and has both saved money and served as a launch pad for Framework Act 1998, for comparison with the new commercial services. Officials from the Department equivalents in the report of 1992–93. [HL11593] for Transport will be working with local transport professionals to ensure that such best practice can, where appropriate, be replicated across the country. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): Ofsted school inspections are primarily concerned with outcomes for pupils. There is therefore no specific requirement on Ofsted to report on the extent to which schools comply with their responsibilities to provide a daily act of collective Taxation worship, and no plans to commission Ofsted to report Question specifically on this matter. As part of school inspections, Ofsted is required to report on the spiritual, moral, Asked by Lord Marlesford social and cultural development of pupils. Where a school’s non-compliance with a statutory duty is To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to considered to be having a negative impact on pupils’ the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, 20 May 2008 (WA 186), whether they will publish in inspectors will reflect this in their assessment of the the same form the top rate of direct tax on personal school. incomes in the United Kingdom for each year from 1975–76 to 2010–11. [HL11757] Schools: Transport Question Asked by Lord Bradshaw The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): An updated version of the table given in the To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to reply of the noble Lord, Lord Davies of Oldham, to the Written Answer by Lord Hill of Oareford on the noble Lord of 20 May 2008 (WA 186)isgiven 11 August (WA 476), what steps they are taking to below:

Taxable income Single/basic, non-aged Taxable income Single/basic, non-aged above which the personal allowance for above which the Highest rate of Financial year personal allowance for highest rate is a man with no highest rate is income tax average Retail a man with no children charged at children charged charged Price Index at 2010-11 prices 2010-11 prices

1975-76 675 20,000 98% 35.91 4,257 126,135 1976-77 735 20,000 98% 41.40 4,021 109,408 1977-78 945 21,000 98% 47.19 4,535 100,784 1978-79 965 24,000 98% 51.11 4,276 106,347 1979-80 1165 25,000 75% 59.19 4,458 95,656 1980-81 1375 27,750 75% 68.85 4,523 91,281 1981-82 1375 27,750 75% 76.77 4,056 81,864 1982-83 1565 31,500 75% 82.20 4,312 86,788 1983-84 1785 36,000 75% 86.03 4,699 94,770 1984-85 2005 38,100 60% 90.37 5,025 95,482 1985-86 2205 40,200 60% 95.71 5,218 95,124 1986-87 2335 41,200 60% 98.78 5,354 94,460 1987-88 2425 41,200 60% 102.72 5,347 90,837 1988-89 2605 19,300 40% 108.88 5,419 40,145 1989-90 2785 20,700 40% 117.38 5,373 39,939 1990-91 3005 20,700 40% 128.74 5,286 36,415 1991-92 3295 23,700 40% 134.85 5,534 39,803 1992-93 3445 23,700 40% 139.11 5,609 38,584 1993-94 3445 23,700 40% 141.48 5,515 37,938 WA 143 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 144

Taxable income Single/basic, non-aged Taxable income Single/basic, non-aged above which the personal allowance for above which the Highest rate of Financial year personal allowance for highest rate is a man with no highest rate is income tax average Retail a man with no children charged at children charged charged Price Index at 2010-11 prices 2010-11 prices

1994-95 3445 23,700 40% 145.35 5,368 36,928 1995-96 3525 24,300 40% 150.08 5,319 36,669 1996-97 3765 25,500 40% 153.73 5,547 37,567 1997-98 4045 26,100 40% 158.81 5,768 37,221 1998-99 4195 27,100 40% 163.76 5,802 37,478 1999- 4335 28,000 40% 166.35 5,902 38,120 2000 2000-01 4385 28,400 40% 171.33 5,796 37,541 2001-02 4535 29,400 40% 173.88 5,907 38,293 2002-03 4615 29,900 40% 177.52 5,888 38,146 2003-04 4615 30,500 40% 182.48 5,728 37,853 2004-05 4745 31,400 40% 188.15 5,712 37,796 2005-06 4895 32,400 40% 193.11 5,741 37,998 2006-07 5035 33,300 40% 200.32 5,692 37,648 2007-08 5225 34,600 40% 208.58 5,673 37,569 2008-09 6035 34,800 40% 214.78 6,364 36,696 2009-10 6475 37,400 40% 215.80 6,795 39,250 2010-11 6475 150,000 50% 226.48 6,475 150,000

A single personal allowance was replaced with a basic personal These figures are based on estimates for the number allowance in 1990-91. of taxpayers in 2006-07, 2007-08 and projections for For 1975-76 to 1983-84, the highest rate charged includes later years prepared by HM Revenue and Customs investment income surcharge at 15 per cent, but this total rate from the Survey of Personal Incomes. The figures also would only apply if the taxpayer’s income included investment draw on population estimates from mid-2006 to mid-2010 income greater than the threshold for the highest rate of surcharge, which varied between £2,000 in 1973-74 and £7,100 in and projections for later years, prepared by the Office 1983-84. for National Statistics. From 2010-11 the highest rate of tax is at the additional rate of 50 per cent. The higher rate of tax at 40 per cent is due on taxable incomes exceeding £37,400.

Taxation: Income Tax Transport: Heavy Goods Vehicles Question Question Asked by Lord Selkirk of Douglas Asked by Lord Bradshaw To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they the Written Answer by Lord Myners on 5 October 2009 have any plans to extend the maximum allowed (WA 407), what percentage of the respective length or cubic capacity of heavy goods vehicles in populations of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern the United Kingdom. [HL11753] Ireland either paid or are projected to pay income tax in 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, and 2011–12. [HL11633]

Earl Attlee: The Government have recently consulted The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord on a proposal to extend the maximum permitted loading Sassoon): The estimated proportions of the total length of semi-trailers from the existing limit of 13.6 metres population in each country with an income tax liability to a maximum of 15.65 metres. This would permit a are shown in the table. loading length for articulated vehicles equal to that already permitted for rigid truck/drawbar trailer Northern combination vehicles. Year England Wales Scotland Ireland The Government have no plans to extend the maximum 2006-07 52% 50% 53% 45% allowed overall length of heavy goods vehicles beyond 2007-08 53% 51% 54% 46% the limit of 18.75 metres already permitted for rigid 2008-09 51% 48% 52% 44% truck/drawbar trailer combination vehicles. The 2009-10 49% 46% 50% 42% Government have made it clear that megatrucks (i.e. 2010-11 49% 47% 50% 42% those typically 25.25 metres long or greater) will not 2011-12 48% 46% 49% 41% be allowed on the UK’s roads for the foreseeable future. WA 145 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 146

Transport: MoT Scheme otherwise arise, this type of intervention in a claimant’s financial affairs arguably undermines individual responsibility and self-reliance. Question In addition, the SSAC has drawn attention to the dangers of the Asked by Lord Marlesford proliferation of such deductions, which ‘is likely to lead to a large number of items competing for a finite amount or the possibility To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they that creditors’ bills are met at the expense of food and other essential items of day to day living’”. expect to announce their consultation on the frequency of MoT studies of vehicles; and when it is expected to conclude. [HL11759] Universities: Funding Lord Wallace of Saltaire: We expect to be in a Question position to clarify the scope and timing of the review Asked by Lord Morris of Aberavon in the autumn. There will be an opportunity for anyone with an interest to contribute to the debate. To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Henley on 11 August (WA 450–1), whether there are any legal reasons Turks and Caicos Islands why university students from England and Wales Question who study in Scottish Universities are not financially Asked by Lord Ashcroft disadvantaged compared with other students from the European Union studying in Scotland.[HL11726] To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Howell of Guildford on 5 September (WA 13), who were the other Lord De Mauley: The tuition fees charged by Scottish businessmen the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of universities are a matter for the Scottish Government. State, Mr Henry Bellingham, met during his visit to Eligible English students studying at Scottish universities the Turks and Caicos Islands in July. [HL11763] will continue to have access to loans of up to £9,000 per year from Student Finance England to cover their tuition costs. The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Parliamentary Under EU law, member states cannot discriminate Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth on grounds of nationality against people from other Affairs, my honourable friend the Member for North member states in the conditions of access to vocational West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), also met local politicians training, which includes higher education. Where certain and members of the Advisory Council and Consultative residency and nationality conditions are met, EU nationals Forum, many of who are business men and women. and their family members qualify for home fee status He had specific meetings with Mr Kelly Sullivan, and will therefore be treated the same for tuition fees Developer; Mr Courtney Missick, Farmer; and Messrs as UK nationals who also satisfy the residency conditions. Giora Israel and John Youngof Carnival Cruise Lines. As Scottish universities do not charge Scottish students for tuition, they therefore cannot charge EU nationals from outside the UK for tuition. EU law does not, Universal Credit however, prevent different treatment within different Question parts of a member state, so Scottish universities are Asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett able to charge for tuition to students from elsewhere in the UK. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the It is for the Welsh Assembly Government to decide exact quotation from Wikeley, Ogus and Barendt’s how they wish to fund Welsh-domiciled students. The Law of Social Security, to which footnote 1 of Universal Credit Policy Briefing Note 2 refers in support of the argument that “it has been suggested Monday 3 October 2011 that Government interference in household budgeting arguably undermines individual responsibility”. [HL11683] Airports: Security Question The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): The paragraph in The Law of Social Security concerns To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the deductions from benefit at source. The relevant section average times for European Union (EU, European on page 334 reads as follows, with the pertinent sentence Economic Area (EEA) and non EU/EEA passengers highlighted: to pass through UK Border Agency and HM Revenue “The underlying policy is to help claimants who have shown and Customs checks at (a) Heathrow, (b) Gatwick, themselves, perhaps only temporarily, incapable of budgeting for (c) Stansted, (d) Birmingham International, their own needs. The number of cases involved is considerable. In (e) Glasgow, (f) Edinburgh, (g) Nottingham East 1999 there were 606,000 deductions for social fund repayments Midlands, (h) Humberside, (i) London Luton, and 131,000 for overpayment recoveries in a typical week. In all some 29 per cent of income support recipients have deductions (j) Newcastle, and (k) Belfast International airports from benefit made at source. While a prudent use of these powers in each year from 2005 until records are available. can prevent a crisis of eviction or fuel disconnection which might [HL11927] WA 147 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 148

The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): Average waiting times at the ports in question, which are only available from August 2007 onwards, are set out below:

Average queue length Aug-Dec 2007 Jan-Dec 2008 Jan-Dec 2009 Jan-Dec 2010 Jan-Aug 2011 EEA NonEEA EEA NonEEA EEA NonEEA EEA NonEEA EEA NonEEA

Belfast 00:08 00:06 00:07 00:04 00:09 00:06 00:08 00:06 00:09 00:07 International Birmingham 00:07 00:13 00:06 00:08 0005 00:08 00:07 00:12 00:07 00:12 International East Midlands - - - - 00:14 00:29 0013 - 00:12 - (1) Edinburgh 00:15 00:16 00:09 00:07 00:08 00:07 00:07 00:08 00:09 00:09 Gatwick 00:10 00:20 00:08 00:15 00:06 00:09 00:05 00:08 00:05 00:07 Glasgow 00:20 00:18 00:06 00:06 00:06 00:08 00:06 00:08 00:07 00:10 Heathrow 00:05 00:14 00:02 00:07 0002 00:00 00:04 00:12 00:05 00:18 Humberside 00:12 00:14 00:14 00:13 00:13 00:08 00:11 00:09 00:13 00:11 Luton 00:08 00:10 00:07 00:08 00:06 00:07 00:10 00:11 00:09 00:09 Newcastle (2) 00:12 00:11 - 00:09 00:21 00:10 00:25 00:11 00:23 Stansted 00:07 00:09 00:08 00:08 00:06 00:07 00:05 00:08 00:15 00:21

Notes: Asked by Lord Tebbit (1) Collection of MI for East Midlands commenced in 2009, a single queue system has been in operation since 2010. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what studies (2) Collection of MI for Newcastle commenced in 2009. they have made of the possible effects of cat and trap operations from aircraft carriers upon the fatigue The UK Border Agency strives to provide a high life of F35C aircraft. [HL11959] standard of customer service at the border and is committed to expediting the entry of legitimate passengers Lord Astor of Hever: The F35C has been designed whilst at the same time maintaining security at the as a carrier aircraft, with its structure optimised for border. catapult take-offs and arrested landings. The Joint As part of the agenda we will publish performance Strike Fighter programme has conducted extensive against our measure which is “clearance of passengers ground and airborne structural testing to demonstrate at the border within published service standards”. Our that the aircraft’s fatigue life is sufficient to allow it to current target is to clear 95 per cent of EEA passengers operate for its intended lifespan. This testing has within 25 minutes of joining the queue and non EEA culminated in the successful catapult launch of an passengers within 45 minutes. Current year to date F35C at Lakehurst Air Force Base in July. The UK performance sits at 97 per cent. maintains a close oversight of this testing regime, using expertise from within Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), Defence Science and Technology Armed Forces: Aircraft Laboratory (DSTL) and QinetiQ. Questions Asked by Lord Tebbit Asked by Lord Tebbit To ask Her Majesty’s Government what To ask Her Majesty’s Government what contingency arrangements they have made for penalty clauses in plans they have made to enable conventional F35C the contracts to supply an electromagnetic catapult aircraft to remain airborne in the event of blocked system for their proposed aircraft carriers in the flight deck emergencies on their parent aircraft event of delays in delivery or performance shortfalls. [HL11960] carrier. [HL11958]

Lord Astor of Hever: We have not yet placed any The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry contracts for the provision of aircraft launch and of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): All Joint Strike recovery equipment for the operational Queen Elizabeth Fighter variants, including the F35C, have inherent class aircraft carrier. air-to-air refuelling capabilities in order to both extend their range for operations and to provide contingency As part of our ongoing investigations into conversion in the event of a runway or flight deck emergency. we are working with suppliers to ensure they are fully Work is under way to assess the most cost-effective aware and capable of meeting our schedule requirement. means of delivering an embarked refuelling capability. The nature of any penalty clauses will be dependent We anticipate completing this work by March 2012 on the contracting arrangement we adopt. and will use its output to inform future decisions on We expect final decisions on conversion to be taken the Carrier Strike programme. in late 2012. WA 149 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 150

Armed Forces: Atomic Test Veterans As part of the spending review, the MoD agreed Questions asset disposal targets with HM Treasury and net budgets were set accordingly over each of the past five years. Asked by Baroness Brinton Disposal targets included those arising from the disposal of assets owned by the Defence Infrastructure To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many Organisation but individual projects are not directly Freedom of Information requests the Ministry of linked to funding generated from asset sales. Defence has received from atomic test veterans and their families; and how many have been responded The MoD benefited from those disposals which, to. [HL11876] together with other sources of income, contributed towards the overall funding allocated for defence expenditure. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry The MoD keeps its estate under constant review to of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The Ministry of meet present and planned future requirements, with a Defence does not record this information. view to disposing of surplus land and property assets Asked by Baroness Brinton as quickly as possible in accordance with Treasury guidelines as set out in Managing Public Money. The To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much outcome of the department’s basing review, announced money has been spent by the Ministry of Defence by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State on litigation in relation to atomic test veterans. for Defence (Dr Liam Fox) in the other place on [HL11877] 18 July 2011 (Official Report, Commons, cols. 643-645) confirmed our intent to continue to drive efficiencies in the use of the defence estate. Lord Astor of Hever: The latest estimate of the costs incurred up to 15 April 2011 by the Ministry of Asked by Lord Touhig Defence in defending the atomic tests veterans’ litigation To ask Her Majesty’s Government how often was £4,937,615.98. they have used consultants to advise on the disposal This costs estimate included all the work required of assets owned by Defence Estates in the past five for the High Court hearing in 2009, the subsequent years; and what has been the cost. [HL11976] Court of Appeal hearing in 2010 and some preparatory work for the Supreme Court hearing of the Veterans’ application for permission to appeal held on 28 July 2011. Lord Astor of Hever: In order to maximise departmental return, and because appropriate skills are not held in-house, the Ministry of Defence has used a variety of consultants, as necessary, to advise Armed Forces: Defence Estates on the disposal of land and property assets in the past Questions five years, at a total cost of some 17.9 million including actual legal costs and marketing fees. This represents Asked by Lord Touhig some one per cent of the department’s total receipt. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the Asked by Lord Touhig total value of the assets owned by Defence Estates that have been disposed of in each of the past five To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Defence years. [HL11973] Estates has entered any partnership arrangements to handle (a) the sale, and (b) the ongoing management, To ask Her Majesty’s Government what Ministry of assets in the past five years. [HL11977] of Defence projects have been part or fully funded by the sale of assets owned by Defence Estates in each of the past five years. [HL11974] Lord Astor of Hever: The Defence Infrastructure To ask Her Majesty’s Government how often Organisation (the successor to Defence Estates) has Defence Estates reviews its assets as part of a entered into a number of development partnerships or joint venture arrangements for the sale and ongoing programme of disposal. [HL11975] management of surplus assets over the past five years. Asked by Lord Touhig The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The total accrued To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Defence receipts from the sale of Ministry of Defence (MoD) Estates has been asked to provide funding for the land and property assets in each of the last five years is maintenance and improvement of service family shown in the following table: accommodation and single living accommodation in each of the past five years. [HL11978] Financial Year Amount in £ million 2006-07 394 Lord Astor of Hever: The Defence Infrastructure 2007-08 1,160 Organisation (the successor to Defence Estates) and 2008-09 110 its predecessor organisation provided funding for the 2009-10 77 maintenance and improvement of both service family 2010-11 50 accommodation and single living accommodation in each of the past five years. WA 151 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 152

Armed Forces: Drumadd Barracks Lord Sassoon: The role of the Bank of England’s Question interim Financial Policy Committee (FPC) is to identify and monitor systemic risks to stability of the financial Asked by Lord Kilclooney system. It focuses particularly on risks to the resilience of the financial system and on unsustainable levels of To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress financial sector leverage, credit growth and debt. has been made with the proposed sale of Drumadd Barracks, Armagh City. [HL11809] The FPC’s latest assessment of risks to financial stability can be found in the Financial Stability Report, June 2011. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): Following a marketing Asked by Lord Myners campaign, expressions of interest in Drumadd Barracks To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to were received from a number of parties in November the Written Answer by Lord Sassoon on 12 September 2010. Revised bids were sought in January 2011, as a (WA 39), whether a decision to publish the minutes result of which a preferred purchaser has been identified. of the Court of the Bank of England is a matter for The Ministry of Defence is now in the final stage of the court, the House of Commons Treasury Select negotiations to complete the sale. Committee, or HM Treasury; and, further to the evidence given to the Treasury Select Committee on 15 March by Sir David Lees, whether Ministers and Aviation: Passenger Duty officials have expressed a view on the matter to Question Sir David, the governor or other officials at the Asked by Lord Laird Bank of England. [HL11971]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they Lord Sassoon: The decision on whether to publish propose to publish the response to the consultation the minutes of the Court of the Bank of England is a process concerning air passenger duty. [HL11908] matter for the court. Neither Ministers nor officials have expressed a The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord view on the matter to Sir David, the governor or other Sassoon): The Government will publish its response officials at the Bank of England. later this autumn. Banking Bank of England Questions Questions Asked by Lord Myners Asked by Lord Myners To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many To ask Her Majesty’s Government who has directors and senior employees of United Kingdom responsibility for determining that an independent banks have been subject to enforcement action by member of the Court of the Bank of England the Financial Services Authority in each of the past should be asked to stand down. [HL11812] five years and in the current year to date. [HL11860]

The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): This is a matter for the Financial Services Sassoon): Schedule 1 Paragraph 8 of the Bank of Authority (FSA), whose day-to-day operations are England Act 1998 provides that the Bank may, with independent from government control and influence. the consent of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, remove This question has been passed on to the FSA, which a person from office as a director of the Bank in the will reply to you directly by letter. A copy of the circumstances set out in that paragraph. That is, being response will be placed in the Library of the House. absent from court meetings for three months without the consent of court, becoming bankrupt or being Asked by Lord Myners “unable or unfit” to discharge his or her responsibilities as a member. To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether John Additionally, Schedule 1, Paragraph 7 of the Act Varley signed the Project Merlin agreement on behalf provides that a director shall vacate his or her office on of HSBC Bank Plc or HSBC Holdings Plc. becoming a Minister of the Crown or a person serving [HL11901] in a government department in employment in respect of which remuneration is payable out of money provided Lord Sassoon: I refer the noble Lord to the answer I by Parliament. gave him on 11 August (Official Report, col. WA 386). Asked by Lord Myners Asked by Lord Myners To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Bank of England is reviewing whether asset bubbles Financial Services Authority has considered the which might threaten financial stability are developing impact on United Kingdom banks of a possible in the United Kingdom. [HL11859] withdrawal from the European Union by the Republic WA 153 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 154

of Ireland and the impact on the capital of United Banking: Equity Underwriting Kingdom banks from the unhedged central funding Question of their Irish subsidiaries. [HL11968] Asked by Lord Myners

Lord Sassoon: The Treasury, the Bank of England To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to and the Financial Services Authority monitor the the remarks by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on financial system on an ongoing basis. Contingency 12 September ((Official Report, Commons, col. 776), plans are prepared and maintained for a range for whether they will address the “uncompetitive”market possible scenarios, as part of the normal policy for equity underwriting. [HL11972] development process. Asked by Lord Myners The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) published To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether its market study into equity underwriting in January Ministers or officials have met representatives of 2011. The OFT identified features of the market which the credit rating agencies Fitch, Moody’s or Standard could potentially restrict, distort or prevent competition. and Poor’s individually or collectively to discuss the These features typically stemmed from the demand work of the Independent Commission on Banking side of the market, information asymmetry and buyer in the last three months. [HL11811] conduct. Following the market study, the OFT decided not to refer the market to the Competition Commission. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions Instead, the OFT concluded that the issues identified they have had with United Kingdom banks about in the market could best be tackled by companies and their approach to the voluntary private sector tender shareholders doing more to achieve more cost effective element of the international support programme outcomes. for Greece. [HL11815] The Government are committed to improving competition in the banking sector for the benefit of Lord Sassoon: As part of the process of policy consumers and businesses. The Independent Commission development and delivery, Treasury Ministers and officials on Banking made recommendations on competition have discussions with a wide variety of organisations, in its report of 12 September 2011. The Government including banks, investment banks and banking trade will provide their initial response to the Commission’s associations. proposals by the end of the year. As was the case with previous administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of all such discussions. Banking: Money Supply Question Asked by Lord Myners Banking: Bonuses To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they Question have assessed the stagnation of the velocity of Asked by Lord Laird circulation of money supply; and what steps they plan to take. [HL11861] To ask Her Majesty’s Government what instructions they have issued to UK Financial Investments Ltd The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord concerning the payments of bonuses to bank staff. Sassoon): The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of [HL11993] the Bank of England has operational responsibility for monetary policy. The MPC’s objective is to maintain price stability. Recent movements in the velocity of The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord circulation of money are analysed in an article which Sassoon): As the majority shareholder in the Royal appeared in the Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin Bank of Scotland (RBS) and the largest shareholder 2011 Q1 under the title ″Understanding the recent in Lloyds Banking Group (LBG), the Government weakness in broad money growth″. The article can be have made clear that they expect these banks to be accessed via the Bank of England’s website at: http:// back-markers and not market leaders on bonuses. www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/ UK Financial Investments (UKFI) manages the quarterlybulletin/2011.ht. Government’s shareholdings in banks on an arm’s-length and commercial basis. The UKFI-Treasury Investment Mandate provides that UKFI will seek to ensure compliance with specified remuneration principles as Banks: First Trust Bank part of .its active engagement with the banks. In Question particular, UKFI seeks to ensure that remuneration Asked by Lord Laird incentives are designed to promote long-term sustainable performance and to ensure that RBS and LBG are at To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the leading edge of implementing the updated Financial the Written Answer by Lord Sassoon on 11 August Services Authority remuneration code. (WA 387) concerning control of the First Trust WA 155 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 156

Bank, whether the Financial Services Authority The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, approved the appointment of those running the Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): This bank; and who are those people. [HL11909] Government are fully committed to enabling disabled people to have the same opportunities and choices as The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord non-disabled people. Ministers and departmental officials Sassoon): First Trust Bank is a trademark of AIB have made it a priority to regularly meet with Group (UK) plc. AIB Group (UK) plc board disabled people, their families and disabled people’s appointments are a matter for the company and must organisations. meet the Financial Services Authority (FSA) Approved Many of the organisations that supported the march Person requirements, including those of its enhanced are already working closely with the Government to significant influence function regime. A full list of help shape our welfare reforms, including improvements FSA Approved Persons associated with AIB Group to the work capability assessment and the introduction (UK) can be found on the FSA’s register: http://www. of personal independence payment to replace disability fsa.gov.uk/register/home.do living allowance. We have met around 60 organisations of and for disabled people. The insight of organisations such as Scope, Mencap, Leonard Cheshire Disability, Benefits RNIB, and Mind is immensely valuable. We are also Question working with user-led organisations such as Radar, Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno UKDPC and People First and value their important contribution. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they will take to ensure that individuals not guilty The department has adopted the principles of user- of any offence will not suffer eviction from social centred design for universal credit and personal housing or lose benefits. [HL11566] independence payment. This places customers at the heart of the design process to ensure their needs are reflected in the way policies are delivered. For example, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, in personal independence payment users are being Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): Generally involved in the design of operational processes; how prisoners convicted of a criminal offence and detained individuals make a claim, how the claimant feeds in in prison are not entitled to social security benefits. to the assessment process, and how a decision is That means that anyone who is eligible for social communicated to the individual. This will result in security benefits and who is caught, convicted and administrative processes which are transparent and imprisoned for any offence committed during the recent easy to use, and will build confidence in benefit award disorder that has disrupted London and other UK decisions. cities will be disqualified from receiving most social security payments. However, housing benefit and council We will continue to engage with disabled people tax benefit can continue to be paid in some circumstances and their organisations about matters that affect them. if the period of absence from the home is 13 weeks or less. Furthermore, it is already a ground for eviction in existing legislation if a social tenant or a member of their family is involved in anti-social behaviour or criminal activity that affects their neighbours or local British Indian Ocean Territory community. Question The Department for Work and Pensions is looking Asked by Lord Luce at whether further sanctions can be imposed on the benefit entitlements of individuals who receive non To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they custodial sentences. In addition the DWP is considering propose to discuss with the United States State increasing the level of fines which can be deducted Department the terms on which they would be from benefit entitlement. The Department for prepared to renew the Exchange of Letters (due in Communities and Local Government is proposing to 2016) between the United Kingdom and the United extend landlords’ powers to evict social tenants for States Government on the British Indian Ocean riot related offences, but this would only apply where Territory; and, if so, when they propose to commence the tenant or a member of their household has been those negotiations. [HL11849] convicted for such offences. Any changes put in place by either Department would not apply to individuals who have not been convicted of any offence. The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The 1966 Exchange Benefits: Disability of Notes between the UK and US Governments Question concerning the availability for defence purposes of the Asked by Lord Morris of Manchester British Indian Ocean Territory is valid for 50 years and shall continue in force for a further 20 years To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action unless, not more than two years before the end of the they have taken in response to The Hardest Hit initial period, either government shall have given notice march past both Houses of Parliament on 11 May of termination to the other, in which case the agreement of campaigners against cuts in disability benefits. shall terminate two years from the date of such notice. [HL11579] No formal negotiations have commenced. WA 157 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 158

Coroners and Justice Act 2009 Lord De Mauley: By its very nature criminal justice Question legislation can be complicated and often this complexity cannot be avoided. However, the Government are Asked by Baroness Cox committed to enhancing the clarity of legislation across all fields; and to increasing their engagement with To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many experts and with the public. To that end, we are convictions there have been to date under Section 71 making use of pre-legislative scrutiny; and that is why of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 specifically we are experimenting with plain English drafting. for holding someone in domestic servitude. [HL11892] Debt Lord De Mauley: Section 71 of the Coroners and Question Justice Act 2009 came into force in April 2010. There Asked by Lord Myners have been no reports of any convictions under this Act in 2010 (latest available information). To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are their Information held centrally by the Ministry of Justice forecasts for the improvement in the external surplus (MoJ) on the Court Proceedings database does not if both they and the private sector are to reduce contain information about the circumstances behind debt. [HL11814] each case beyond the description provided in the statute under which proceedings are brought. Information is not held on whether the victim was held in domestic The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord servitude. Sassoon): The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts that the rest of the world’s financial surplus with the Please note that annual court proceedings data for United Kingdom will narrow from 2.4 per cent of gross the calendar year 2011 will be available in the spring domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2010 to of 2012. 0.4 per cent of GDP in the first quarter of 2016. The corporate sector is forecast to run a financial surplus, which narrows from 6.2 per cent of GDP to 1.5 per Crime: Rioting cent over this period. Over the same period, the public Question sector financial balance is forecast to narrow from a deficit of 11.3 per cent of GDP to 1.2 per cent. Asked by Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether those using the internet to encourage rioting and similar Economy activities may be prosecuted for incitement to violence Questions and crime; and whether they consider it is possible Asked by Lord Barnett to obtain sufficient evidence to secure convictions in such cases. [HL11736] To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the findings of the report of the Institute of Fiscal Studies, The Effect of the Great Baroness Rawlings: The common law offence of Recession in the Household Income Distribution,on incitement was abolished and replaced with three new the likely period over which living standards will offences in relation to the encouragement or assistance continue to decline; and, if they disagree with the of crime under Sections 44 to 46 of the Serious Crime findings, whether they will publish alternative figures. Act 2007, with effect from October 2008. These offences [HL11889] make no distinction between online and offline activity, and could be used to prosecute encouragement by means of the internet. The sufficiency of evidence to The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord mount a prosecution in any individual case is an Sassoon): As the Chancellor has stated, the recovery is operational matter for the police and the Crown likely to be choppy and faces significant global headwinds. Prosecution Service. Despite this, decisive action taken by the Government at the Spending Review and June 2010 Budget will put the public finances and spending on a sustainable footing. This action will serve to support living standards Criminal Justice Legislation over the long term. The Office for Budget Responsibility Question has forecast that real household disposable income will grow from 2011. Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill Asked by Lord Barnett To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will give effect to the recommendation by the Court To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment of Appeal Criminal Division in Regina v Cooper they have made of the findings of the report of the [2011] EWCA Crim 1872 on improving the process Institute of Fiscal Studies, The Effect of the Great by which legislative and transitional provisions in Recession in the Household Income Distribution, criminal justice legislation are drafted and that poorest families lose more as a result of the implemented. [HL11907] squeeze of public spending. [HL11890] WA 159 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 160

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light to low-carbon power generation and to introduce a of the recent Institute of Fiscal Studies report, The capacity payment mechanism to ensure security of Effect of the Great Recession in the Household Income supply. The currently estimated £6 billion subsidy for Distribution, whether they consider that the effect renewable electricity generation will be superseded by of their deficit reduction policies will be shared the proposals in the EMR White Paper. Modelling for amongst socioeconomic groups. [HL11891] the White Paper estimated that under the feed-in tariff contract for difference package the number of households Lord Sassoon: The unprecedented scale of the deficit in fuel poverty could be between 175,000 to 300,000 lower has meant that the Government have had to make in 2030 compared to what it would otherwise be tough choices but it has always been clear that those without EMR. with the broadest shoulders should carry the greatest We are committed to helping households in fuel burden. Chart A.6 in Annex A of Budget 2011 provides poverty and have a number of policies which assist the Government’s best estimate of the impact of tax, low income and vulnerable households heat their homes tax credit and benefit and public service spending more affordably. changes on households. It is the combined impact of 1 DECC 0010 Estimated impacts of energy and climate change these that provides the best overall view of the impacts policies on energy prices and hills. Costs quoted in 2009 prices. on households. This shows that in 2014-15, the top 20 per cent of households are estimated to make the greatest overall contribution towards reducing the deficit Energy: Nuclear Safety as a percentage of their income and benefits in kind Question from public services. Asked by Lord Jenkin of Roding To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they Economy: Quantitative Easing support the new Nuclear Safety Action Plan put Question forward by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Asked by Lord Myners agreed by its board of governors on 13 September; and what estimate they and the United Kingdom’s To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) have made of will instruct the Bank of England to publish a the impact of the plan on the ONR’s current work report on the effect of quantitative easing before on the safety and security of the United Kingdom’s they agree to indemnify the Bank for a further existing and planned nuclear installations.[HL11915] programme. [HL11858] Baroness Rawlings: The UK welcomes the Action The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Plan as a positive step towards enhancing the international Sassoon): The Bank of England has published assessments nuclear safety framework and achieving the aim of of the effectiveness of quantitative easing (QE) in a continuous improvement in nuclear safety standards. number of publications, including the Inflation Report The Action Plan closely reflects the regulatory approach of May 2010 and the Quarterly Bulletin 2011 Q1. In already being undertaken in the UK which, due to our addition, several members of the Monetary Policy goal setting approach, takes into account events such Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England have as those at Fukushima to ensure all proportionate provided their assessments of QE in various published steps are taken in relation to nuclear safety, security speeches since March 2009. The MPC has operational and emergency preparedness. As a result the additional responsibility for monetary policy, including decisions impact of the delivery of the Action Plan on the Office on quantitative easing, in order to meet the inflation for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is expected to be minimal target in the medium term. and will be managed from within ONR’s existing budgets Energy: Fuel Poverty Question Energy: Oil and Gas Question Asked by Lord Vinson Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the impact on fuel poverty of the To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether forecast £6 billion per annum subsidy to renewable production and revenue arising from proposed oil electricity production required to meet targets in and gas exploration in the Mediterranean south of the European Union Renewables Directive. Cyprus will be the property of all the people of [HL11931] Cyprus or exclusively of the Greek Cypriots; and whether, as a guarantor power, the United Kingdom Lord De Mauley: Support for renewable electricity has sought to ensure equality between the two currently adds around £21 to the average domestic peoples of the island. [HL11843] electricity bill. The Government are determined to meet our renewable energy and climate change targets The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth and ensure security of supply at least cost to the Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government consumer. That is why we are introducing electricity have welcomed the indications from President Christofias market reform (EMR) to provide more efficient support that he sees the reserves, if they are confirmed, as WA 161 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 162 being an asset to benefit all the communities of Cyprus. principle that parties should be able to rely on the We hope that the process of exploration can be managed outcome of those proceedings once all appeals have been to support the efforts to achieve a lasting settlement. exhausted, there has always in practice been available a combination of compensatory and administrative measures to ensure that individual measures may be EU: Legislation taken to the satisfaction of the Committee of Ministers Question of the Council of Europe following a judgment of the Strasbourg Court. Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they support an appeal by the Council of Ministers of the European Union to the European Court of European Institute for Gender Equality Justice to overturn the General Court’s ruling of Question 22 March 2011 that blanking out the names of the Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill countries making legislative proposals is unlawful; and, if so, what are their reasons. [HL11632] To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Verma on 7 September The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord (WA 31), what is their assessment of the benefits to McNally): The Government support the appeal by the the United Kingdom and its people of the work of Council to the European Court of Justice against the the European Institute for Gender Equality. General Court’s judgment of 22 March 2011 in Access [HL11782] Info Europe v Council. The General Court determined that the Council had infringed Regulation 1049/2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council Baroness Rawlings: The European Institute for Gender and Commission documents (the Regulation) by Equality has been operating as an independent agency withholding the identities of member states making of the EU since June 2010. The UK Government have proposals in relation to a particular ongoing legislative not at this time conducted an assessment of the benefits procedure. In doing so the General Court rejected the of the institution. argument that disclosure of this information would We hope that the institute will provide research-based harm the decision making process of the European evidence which will assist the European Commission institutions and ruled that it could not therefore be to bring forward proposals that are supported by a withheld on the basis of the exception in Article 4(3) strong evidence base. of the regulation. The Government strongly support the right of access provided by the regulation. However it is also important that truly sensitive information is adequately protected. Finance: Clearing Houses It is the Government’s view that, as a general rule, the Question negotiating positions of member states on European legislation should be protected from disclosure while Asked by Lord Myners those negotiations are ongoing. Our concern is that To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they this decision could well undermine that important will review the ability of LCH Clearnet unilaterally principle, and could have very significant negative to set margin requirements and specify “value hair implications for the future use, where necessary, of cuts” and the risks so posed to financial stability. Article 4(3) of the regulation. [HL11970]

European Court of Human Rights Question The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): The Government will establish in the Bank Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill of England a Financial Policy Committee (FPC) to identify and monitor systemic risks to the stability of To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they the financial system. An interim FPC is currently have complied with Recommendation No. (2000)2 considering what tools the permanent FPC might of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of need. Europe on the re-examination or reopening of certain The draft legislation to establish the permanent cases at domestic level following judgments of the FPC was published in a White Paper in June 2011 European Court of Human Rights. [HL11906] (Cm 8083). The draft legislation also includes detailed proposed changes to the regulatory regime in the Lord De Mauley: Bearing in mind the specificities Financial Services and Markets (2000) Act applying of the legal systems of the United Kingdom, there are to recognised clearing houses (RCHs). RCHs that are adequate possibilities to achieve restitution in integrum central counterparties will also be subject to requirements for a successful applicant to the European Court of in or under the proposed EU directive on over the Human Rights. While the reopening of concluded counter derivative transactions, central counterparties proceedings before our domestic courts is not always and trade repositories currently under negotiation in possible, particularly in civil proceedings given the Brussels. WA 163 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 164

Finance: Equity Markets Freedom of Information Question Question Asked by Lord Myners Asked by Lord Laird To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they To ask Her Majesty’s Government who monitors have made an assessment of the “cliff edge” volume the activities of the Freedom of Information discounts offered by equity market trading platforms Commissioner; and how many complaints that person that may promote the creation of false markets. or body has dealt with in the past five years. [HL11904] [HL11823]

The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Sassoon): Regulation of equity markets is the responsibility McNally): The Information Commissioner’s Office of the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The FSA (ICO) is the independent regulator with responsibility have assessed that “cliff edge” volume discounts create for monitoring compliance of the Freedom of Information a risk that participants will be encouraged to trade for (FOI) Act. As an independent body, the ICO is improper purposes and, for that reason, that a fee accountable to Parliament for the exercise of its regulatory structure that embeds a cliff edge is not compatible functions and the way that it spends public funds. with the regulatory responsibilities of trading platforms Requestors and public bodies can appeal FOI decisions supervised by the FSA. of the ICO to the General Regulatory Tribunal and from there to the Higher Courts. If members of the public are unhappy with the way that the ICO has Finance: Investors dealt with a particular case, or the service they have Question received from the ICO, they may complain to the Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman (PHSO). Asked by Lord Laird Complaints received by the PHSO in relation to the To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to ICO for the years 2006—2010 are detailed in the table the Written Answer by Lord Sassoon on 11 August below. The figures for 2011 will be published by the (WA 402) and following the case of United States v PHSO in October 2011. Michael Geraud, what steps have been taken by the Accepted Financial Services Authority to ensure that all United forafull Kingdom investors have been contacted. [HL11910] Complaints statutory Reported Fully Partly Not Received investigation on upheld upheld upheld

The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord 06/07* 533 6 015 Sassoon): On 3 June 2011, the Financial Services 07/8 39 0 1 0 1 0 Authority (FSA) wrote to relevant investors based in 08/9 80 1 0 0 0 0 the UK who had been identified by the US Securities 09/10 80 0 1 0 1 0 Exchange Committee. The FSA contacted 42 people *As the PHSO brought in a new business approach in 2007/08 as and has so far received 18 responses. to how they recorded ‘investigations’ the figures are not directly comparable with subsequent years.

Finance: Lending Gaza Question Questions Asked by Lord Roberts of Conwy Asked by Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they have plans to set up a state bank or lending authority last discussed with the Government of Israel, and to meet the needs of small and medium-sized with what result, (a) the ability of the crossing-points businesses, as recently suggested by Adam Posen of into Gaza to deal with the imports and exports of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee. that territory, and (b) the shortage of shekels in [HL11939] Gaza for use as local currency; and whether they will continue to make representations on those The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord matters. [HL11981] Sassoon): The Government are committed to increasing lending to small businesses. As part of the Merlin The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth commitment, the banks have committed to make available Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Truckloads entering £76 billion for small businesses this year, a 15 per cent Gaza are still only 45 per cent (based on June 2011 increase from last year. figures) of what went in prior to June 2007. Most of The Government have also announced continued the increase in imports has been consumer goods. In support for the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme, the last month the average number of trucks entering which will make available over £2 billion of lending to Gaza a day has been less than 300. There have been small businesses with insufficient collateral or track only around 200 truckloads of exports in the whole of record over the next four years. 2011 so far. The UN reports that Gaza needs to WA 165 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 166 import and export 1,000 truckloads per day under Lord Howell of Guildford: Weareawarethatfroma normal economic conditions. Exports remain limited list of 460 essential drugs, Gaza’s health ministry to specific authorized agricultural crops. Following medical store is currently missing 170 items, including the end of the strawberry and flowers season, no drugs used to strengthen the bones of cancer patients exports left Gaza. and other types of cancer-related drugs. We were encouraged by the Israeli Government’s According to an UN Office for the Co-ordination decision to facilitate exports out of Gaza made in of Humanitarian Affairs report that was published in February 2011. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office August 2011, as of the end of August, approximately and the Department for International Development one third of the items in the essential drug list and have had talks with Israel about the type and level of 27 percent of the medical disposable items were at exports they hope to achieve in 2011 as well as asking zero level at the Central Drug Store in the Gaza Strip. them to ease import restrictions. There has been limited These shortages directly affect the delivery of health progress and it is important that this now translates services at facilities run by the Ministry of Health, into real changes on the ground. We are concerned which provide 40 per cent of primary health care and about the fiscal situation, including the availability of 80 per cent of hospital care services. local currency. We continue to work closely with the quartet and We continue to work closely with the quartet and EU partners, and to call on Israel to ease restrictions EU partners and to call on Israel to ease restrictions on access including access to humanitarian and medical on access and enable a return to economic normality. supplies. This was most recently raised by the UK at These issues were most recently raised by the UK at the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting in New York the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting in New York on 18 September both in the plenary session and in on 18 September, both in the plenary session and in bilateral meetings with the Israeli delegation in the bilateral meetings with the Israeli delegation in the margins of the main event. Our ambassador to Tel margins of the main event. Our ambassador to Tel Aviv also raises these concerns regularly with Israeli Aviv also raises these concerns regularly with Israeli authorities. interlocutors. Asked by Lord Hylton We are clear that more needs to be done, including on easing restrictions on exports, construction material To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they imports and the movement of people. last discussed with the Government of Israel, and with what result, the number of children of school Asked by Lord Hylton age in Gaza without school places; and whether To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they they will continue to make representations on this last discussed with the Government of Israel, and matter. [HL11984] with what result, the provision of clean water supplies in Gaza and the alleged diversion of some supplies Lord Howell of Guildford: We have regularly raised to adjacent parts of Israel; and whether they will the issue of schooling in Gaza and the need to allow continue to make representations on this matter. materials in for donor-funded education projects including [HL11982] the building of 100 new UN Relief and Works Agency schools. We are clear that the situation in Gaza is both a Baroness Northover: As I have made clear, the tragedy and unsustainable. Whilst there is no humanitarian humanitarian situation in Gaza is unacceptable and crisis in Gaza, there is an enduring need for humanitarian unsustainable. DfID and FCO ministers, ambassadors aid. We have also been clear that actions by both Israel and officials regularly make representations on this and Hamas have contributed to this status quo. Working issue to the Government of Israel, including at the closely with the quartet and EU partners, we will meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee in New continue to call on Israel to ease restrictions on access York on Sunday 18 September. The meeting welcomed and enable a return to economic normality. the increase in building material for infrastructure We are clear that more needs to be done, including development allowed into Gaza, but called for increased on easing restrictions on exports, construction material efforts to improve the humanitarian situation and imports and the movement of people. implement long-term solutions to issues over water. We will therefore continue to make representations to Asked by Lord Hylton the Israeli Government. We are also supporting the Access Co-ordination Unit to work with Israel and To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they other partners to facilitate the transfer of goods and last discussed with the Government of Israel, and people in and out of Gaza. with what result, the progress on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s building programme, Asked by Lord Hylton and supply of materials for approved works in Gaza; and whether they will continue to make To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they representations on this matter. [HL11985] last discussed with the Government of Israel, and with what result, the ban on imports of radiotherapy drugs for cancer patients in Gaza; and whether they Baroness Northover: As I have made clear, the will continue to make representations on this matter. humanitarian situation in Gaza is unacceptable and [HL11983] unsustainable. DfID and FCO ministers, ambassadors WA 167 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 168 and officials regularly make representations on this Global Competitiveness issue to the Government of Israel, including at the Question meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee in New York on Sunday 18 September. Asked by Lord Ashcroft Changes to the access regime announced in June 2010, To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps and the package of measures agreed with the quartet they will take in response to the Global Competitiveness representative in February 2011 were positive steps. Report for 2011–12 issued by the World Economic However, we are clear that more needs to done, particularly Forum, which indicates that the United Kingdom to ease restrictions on construction material imports, has fallen in ranking from 5th in 1997 to 94th out of to ensure this translates into real change on the ground. 142 countries in 2011. [HL11914] We will therefore continue to make representations to the Israeli Government. We are also supporting the Access Co-ordination Unit to work with Israel and The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord other partners to facilitate the transfer of goods and Sassoon): The Global Competitiveness Report for 2011-12 people in and out of Gaza. issued by the World Economic Forum lists the UK as the 10th most competitive country, its highest ranking Asked by Lord Hylton since 2007. The report lists the UK as 94th least To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they competitive in terms of the extent and effect of taxation. last discussed with the Government of Israel, and The Government are taking action to repair the with what result, restrictions on off-shore fishing damage done by the previous Government and improve in Gaza; and whether they will continue to make the competitiveness of the UK tax system. At the June representations on this matter. [HL11986] Budget 2010, the Government set out their aim to create the most competitive corporate tax system in the G20 and has since set out more detailed proposals Lord Howell of Guildford: The UK frequently raises in its Corporate Tax Road Map (which is accessible with the Israeli authorities the issue of easing restrictions online at: http://www.hmtreasury.gov.uk/corporate on Gaza. But we have not made specific representations taxreform.htm). This includes four annual one per concerning fishing limits off the coast of Gaza. There cent reductions in the main rate of corporate tax has been no fundamental change in the crossings which, together with the further one per cent reduction regime and economic stagnation and de-development announced in Budget 2011, will see the rate reach in Gaza remain the norm (although Israel’s decision 23 per cent by 2014. Critical changes to the scope of to move from a list of 120 permitted goods to a list of corporation tax in order to enhance competitiveness specific prohibited items was a positive step). We are will include the introduction of a patent box, to incentivise clear that more needs to be done, including on easing the creation of intellectual property in the UK and a restrictions on exports, construction material imports new controlled foreign company regime, to make the and the movement of people. UK a more attractive base for multinational groups. The Government recognise that tax competitiveness is not just about rates and incidence of tax and have also committed to restoring the UK tax system’s Gilts reputation for stability, simplicity and predictability. Question The Government have made a number of improvements Asked by Lord Myners to the way in which they make tax policy, with consultation on policy design and scrutiny of draft legislative proposals To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light as the cornerstones. Further details may be found of historically low real and nominal rates of interest, online at: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/tax_policy_ whether they will instruct the Debt Management making_new_approach.htm. Office (DMO) to increase the rate of issuance of long dated gilts; and when Ministers last met the Board and Chief Executive of the DMO. [HL11857] Government Departments: Surveys Question The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark Sassoon): The Debt Management Office’s financing remit for the current financial year was set out in the To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Debt and Reserves Management Report 2011-12.The Written Answer by Baroness Wilcox on 14 September planned issuance of long-dated conventional gilts is (WA 67), whether they have the names of the people £37.4 billion (22.3 per cent of total issuance). In with whom Mori conducted interviews; and, if they addition, planned issuance for index-linked gilts is do, whether they will place in the Library of the £38.0 billion (22.7 per cent of total issuance), the House their names and the names of the FTSE 500 greater part of which will be bonds with in excess of boards on which they serve. [HL11955] 15 years to maturity. A statement on the financing remit will be made alongside the autumn statement on Baroness Garden of Frognal: The department does 29 November 2011. not hold this information. The research was carried Treasury Ministers maintain a regular dialogue with out by Ipsos MORI on the basis that participants were senior officials from the Debt Management Office. to remain anonymous. WA 169 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 170

Government: Ministerial Meetings Lord Howell of Guildford: My right honourable Questions friend the Prime Minister discussed issues relating to the rule of law and counter-terrorism with both President Asked by Lord Ashcroft Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin. Various human To ask Her Majesty’s Government who were the rights issues were also covered with President Medvedev. businessmen who accompanied the Prime Minister The Prime Minister met Russian human rights activists on his recent visit to Moscow; and which companies at the Sakharov Centre, with whom he discussed the human rights situation in the North Caucasus, including they represented. [HL11837] conflict in the region. The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth We will continue to engage with Russia on these Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): My right honourable issues—at ministerial level, through our embassy in friend the Prime Minister led a delegation of 24 business Moscow, and through international institutions. leaders to Moscow on 12 September. The names of the delegates and the companies and Government: Ministerial Posts organisations they represented were published on UKTI’s website as part of a press release to coincide with the Question visit. The delegates, in alphabetical order of company, Asked by Lord Norton of Louth were: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they Company Delegate have plans to bring forward proposals to reduce the number of Ministers; and, if so, when. [HL11774] Aecom Steve Morriss Allen & Overy David Morley Arup Philip Dilley Baroness Garden of Frognal: The Government will Aviva Igal Mayer continue to keep the number of Ministers under review. BP Bob Dudley British Airways Sir Martin Broughton CBI John Cridland Gross Domestic Product Celtic Pharma Holdings John Mayo Question Ernst & Young Steve Varley Asked by Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield Eversheds Lee Ranson GT Group Geoff Turnbull To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the Intercontinental Hotels Group Angela Bray percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) spent Investis Helen James on defence in each year between 2001 and 2011; Kingfisher Group Ian Cheshire and, excluding predicted calls on the contingency London Stock Exchange Xavier Rolet reserve for operational purposes, what are their LOCOG Lord Coe indicative forecasts of the percentage of GDP to be Pentland Brands Plc Andy Rubin allocated to defence spending in each year between Plastic Logic Indro Mukerjee 2012 and 2015. [HL11794] Populous John Barrow Rolls Royce Sir Simon Robertson The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Royal Dutch Shell Peter Voser Sassoon): We calculate the percentage of GDP that we Russo British Chamber of Tim Eggar spend on defence every year using detailed rules drawn Commerce up by NATO. These ensure that the figures quoted are Tensar John Kiely comparable between NATO nations, and that there is Tyrrells Crisps David Milner a common basis for assessing which nations are meeting Asked by Lord Myners the NATO 2 per cent of GDP target. Calculation on any other basis would not allow for meaningful or To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether rational comparison. Ministers have met representatives of Vitol or Trafigura in connection with oil trading with Libya this This table shows defence spend as a percentage of GDP calculated on this basis for the past 10 years: year. [HL11856] UK Defence spend proportion of GDP Lord Howell of Guildford: Full lists of ministerial Year percentage meetings with external organisations are published 2001 2.5 quarterly on government departmental websites. 2002 2.4 Asked by Lord Judd 2003 2.4 2004 2.2 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions 2005 2.5 took place between the Prime Minister and Russian 2006 2.4 leaders during his visit to Moscow about the disorder 2007 2.5 and reported human rights abuses in Chechnya and 2008 2.6 the North Caucasus and their implications for global 2009 2.7 security; and what was the outcome of those 2010 2.7 discussions. [HL11925] WA 171 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 172

The NATO definition includes several additional learning about health and well being; the need for a categories of spend, such as military pensions and balanced diet; and how sensible food choices help lead costs of operations, that are not part of the UK core to a healthier life-style. defence budget set in the government-wide spending Schools can also ensure that the food they provide reviews. for pupils during the school day meets the statutory It is therefore impossible to give any meaningful nutritional standards for school food. Many schools and comparable forecast of GDP to be spent on go much further than this to support healthy food defence in future years, as it depends on a range of choices in schools. factors beyond the MoD departmental budget, such Schools also have a role to play in supporting the as changes to pension costs, the costs of any operations National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP). we may be involved in the future, and changes to GDP. The programme aims to take height and weight measurements of every pupil in reception and year 6 in all primary schools in England. Schools take part Gulf War Illnesses on a voluntary basis and almost all schools do so, Question helping to ensure that around 90 per cent of pupils in Asked by Lord Morris of Manchester the target population participate. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what current Health: Reciprocal Agreements research they are funding into Gulf War illness; Question and when they expect that research to be concluded. Asked by Lord Laird [HL11578] To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry the Written Answer by Lord Freud on 11 August of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The Ministry of (WA 414), whether they will seek data from other Defence has funded the Cardiff University rehabilitation European Union member states on the number of study on 1990-91 Gulf veterans and I refer the noble their state pensioners who have payments made to Lord to the answer I gave on 20 June 2011 (Official an address in the United Kingdom; and whether Report, cols. WA 243-244). these data could be used in assessing the level of The timing of publication is a matter for Cardiff United Kingdom claims to other European Union University, but we expect this to be later this year. countries for healthcare and social security costs. [HL11791] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Gurkhas Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): We Question have no plans to seek such information from other Asked by Lord Selkirk of Douglas member states as such data would not in themselves form an effective and accurate basis on which to claim To ask Her Majesty’s Government what year or healthcare costs. This is because under the provisions years was or were selected for the comparison of of the European Union (EU) Regulation 883/2004: Gurkha Pension Scheme pensions with Armed Forces If someone resident in the UK is in receipt of a Pension Scheme pensions in the calculation of service UK state pension and also a pension from one or credit for Gurkha service before 1997. [HL11845] more other member states, the UK is liable for the cost of that pensioner’s state healthcare. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry Where a UK resident is in receipt of a state of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): The year selected pension from two or more member states but not for the comparison of benefits through the Gurkha from the UK, the member state where that person Pension Scheme and the Armed Forces Pension Schemes has the longest record of contributions is liable for was financial year 2007-08. their state healthcare costs. The Government are considering plans to seek Health: Obesity information from other member states about citizens Question for whose healthcare costs those states are responsible. In practical terms those citizens should have been Asked by Lord Marlesford issued with a form S1 by the responsible member To ask Her Majesty’s Government what role states and we are seeking to establish a robust mechanism they believe that schools can play in helping obese for registering the forms in the UK, so that we will then be able to ask the relevant member states to children lose weight. [HL11820] reimburse healthcare costs. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Higher Education: Tuition Fees Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): Through physical Question education (PE) schools can teach young people to be physically active and to understand the contribution Asked by Baroness Scott of Needham Market that physical activity can have to their weight management. To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Through personal, social health and economic funding of tuition fees for, and repayment of loans education (PSHE) programmes, schools can teach pupils by, students taking second degrees varies from that about personal health and well being. This includes: which applies to other students. [HL11840] WA 173 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 174

Baroness Garden of Frognal: The Higher Education To ask the Chairman of Committees what estimates Funding Council for England (HEFCE) does not have been made of the costs of the disruption of usually provide a funding contribution towards university project work by contractors following upon the tuition fees for students that are studying a second sittings of the House of Lords in September. degree, although some exemptions apply to students [HL11896] studying subjects rated as exceptional, which currently To ask the Chairman of Committees what covers subjects such as: medicine, social work, nursing, discussions have taken place with contractors engaged and veterinary science. A comprehensive list of such in building work on the Parliamentary Estate as to exemptions can be obtained from HEFCE. HEFCE the effect of the sittings of the House in September. also makes a funding contribution to tuition fees for students that are studying a foundation degree, or are [HL11898] in receipt of disabled students allowance. Students that already hold an honours degree do The Chairman of Committees (Lord Brabazon of not usually qualify for a tuition fee loan. An exception Tara): The following additional direct costs have been is made for those students that start to study one of identified, compared with costs which would have the graduate entry accelerated medical and dental arisen if the House had not sat during that period, and programmes in the 2012-13 academic year. Tuition fee ignoring the possibility that the same number of sitting loans are also exceptionally made available to students days would have taken place at some other time. studying a full time course of initial teacher training Remuneration of staff (ITT) of not more than two years (or a part time course the duration of which does not exceed four Catering & Retail Services £53,000, offset by gross profit from outlets open for House years) who have not already gained qualified teacher business of £44,000 status (QTS). Hansard £10,000 Tuition fee loan repayment arrangements for these students will be the same as those that apply to all There may also be an impact on night duty allowance other students. paid to some staff; but this is calculated on an annual basis, so cannot be identified yet nor attributed to House of Lords: Allowances particular sitting days. Questions Other

Asked by Lord Marlesford Printing & publishing £100,000 Police £15,000 To ask the Chairman of Committees whether Late night transport £8,000 measures are in place to ensure that where any Electronic publishing £4,000 payments of financial support, expenses or travel Paper and toner cartridges £4,000 costs which have been made to any Member of the Catering & Retail Services £2,000 House of Lords have been ruled as improper, no Library materials £2,000 further expenses are paid to any such member until the full amount owed by that member has been repaid and that any future daily attendance allowances Estates and Works or travel costs which would normally become due There was sufficient notice of the September sitting are used as a source of repayment of such debt. to be able to take this into account when planning the [HL11816] works programme. Early discussions were held between the Parliamentary Estates Directorate (PED) and The Chairman of Committees (Lord Brabazon of contractors, which enabled work to be planned around Tara): Such situations are managed by the House the recess dates, thus minimising the additional costs Committee and the Clerk of the Parliaments on a case incurred. However, by breaking up the Summer Recess, by case basis. Routine minor adjustments relating to September sittings do have an adverse impact on the expenditure on the House of Lords travel credit card scheduling of projects and PED is now considering are deducted from a Member’s next claim. the impact of an accumulating backlog of works. Financial support for members The cost of financial support for members for House of Lords: September Sittings September 2011 will be published in due course. Questions Asked by Lord Campbell-Savours Asked by Lord Hoyle To ask the Chairman of Committees what To ask the Chairman of Committees what has representations have been received from Members been the total additional cost to the House of sitting of the House of Lords on the sittings of the House from Monday 5 September to Thursday 15 September. in September. [HL11897] [HL11894] To ask the Chairman of Committees what The Chairman of Committees: Neither I nor the additional costs, in terms of remuneration of staff Administration have received any formal representations and Members, arise out of the sittings of the House from Members of the House. However, the Administration of Lords in September. [HL11895] and Works Committee, which I chair, is considering WA 175 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 176 this matter and will be discussing the impact of September Asked by Lord Myners sittings on construction and maintenance works at its next meeting. To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the final report of the Independent Commission on Banking, whether they will sell their shares in Northern Rock to private equity or other purchasers Human Rights Trust Fund on a valuation basis that represents a significant Question discount to tangible book value. [HL11967] Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill Lord Sassoon: In order to achieve the best value for To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they the taxpayer, the Government are not providing a have contributed to the Human Rights Trust Fund. running commentary on the sales process and cannot [HL11848] comment on specific bids. Asked by Lord Myners The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK has not To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the contributed to the Human Rights Trust Fund. We are final report of the Independent Commission on considering carefully whether we might do so during Banking was leaked to the BBC; and, if so, whether our chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers. they intend to investigate the leak. [HL11969]

Lord Sassoon: The Government are not aware of Independent Commission on Banking any leak of the final report of the Independent Questions Commission on Banking to the BBC or any other news organisation. Asked by Lord Myners To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the International Day of Democracy Independent Commission on Banking has now been Question wound up. [HL11902] Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark

The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord To ask the Chairman of Committees what activities Sassoon): Under its terms of reference, the Independent were undertaken in the House of Lords to celebrate Commission on Banking (ICB) was asked to produce the International Day of Democracy 2011. a final report by the end of September 2011. [HL11954] As set out in their letters of appointment, individual commissioners’ appointments formally came to an The Chairman of Committees (Lord Brabazon of end following publication of the commission’s final Tara): The British Group of the Inter-Parliamentary report on 12 September. Some commissioners are Union (IPU) produced a briefing document to mark likely, however, to undertake a number of ICB-related the day, which was sent to all IPU Members and engagements over the next few months. was also advertised on the parliamentary intranet. On A number of the commission’s secretariat are 14 September Viscount Montgomery of Alamein also continuing to undertake related work for a further asked an oral question to Her Majesty’s Government period before the office is shut down on 30 September. on the matter. Asked by Lord Myners Iran To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to Question the final report of the Independent Commission on Banking, whether they intend to introduce ring-fencing Asked by Lord Judd between United Kingdom insurance companies and related reinsurers within the same ownership group. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps [HL11903] they are taking to promote through internal and multilevel channels continued negotiations with the Government of Iran on the future nature of their Lord Sassoon: The Independent Commission on nuclear programme; and what are the latest Banking published its final report on 12 September developments in such negotiations. [HL11862] 2011. Its remit was to consider structural and non- structural reforms to the UK banking sector to promote The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth stability and competition. Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK wants a The Government accept, in principle, the commission’s diplomatic solution to address the serious concerns we suggestions for: a ring-fence around better capitalised have about Iran’s nuclear programme. We prioritise high street banks; bail-in instead of bail-out; and this issue in all our bilateral discussions with Iran. My measures to increase competition in retail banking. right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary raised it The Government are considering the commission’s with Iranian Foreign Minister Salehi in the margins of report and will issue a response by the end of the year. the UN General Assembly on 21 September. We also WA 177 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 178 actively seek resolution of the issue through the E3+3 Command Council led by Colonel Qadhafi in Libya negotiating group, chaired by EU High Representative on 6 September 1969 in response to its request for Baroness Ashton. E3+3 officials met on 21 September recognition of 3 September 1969. In making this decision, in New York and reaffirmed their commitment to the the Government of the time took note of the dual-track strategy of pressure and engagement. They Revolutionary Command Council’s stated wish for offered to meet Iran at an early opportunity, if Iran friendly relations with the UK and their declared is prepared to discuss international concerns about intention to respect their international obligations. its nuclear programme without the unacceptable For their part, the Government also wished to continue preconditions it brought to the last talks in Istanbul in friendly relations with Libya. This was in accordance January. with the practice of the time of recognising governments as well as states. Israel and Palestine: West Bank Asked by Lord Laird Question To ask Her Majesty’s Government on what date Asked by Lord Hylton they recognised the Rebel Government of Libya; and against what criteria this decision was taken. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what measures [HL11666] they propose to take, in the absence of direct negotiations, to help bring to an end the occupation Lord Howell of Guildford: On 27 July, the Government by Israel of the West Bank and its blockade of announced that they recognised and would deal with Gaza. [HL11865] the National Transitional Council as the sole legitimate governing authority in Libya. That decision reflected The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth the council increasing legitimacy, competence, success Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK retains a in reaching out to Libyans country-wide, and the level clear position—that the best way to resolve this long- of their popular support. standing conflict is through direct negotiations between Asked by Lord Laird Israel and the Palestinians, with the aim of giving the Palestinian people the state that they need and deserve To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they and the Israeli people long-term security and peace. will continue to pursue the Government of Libya Our focus remains on continuing to push hard for a for compensation for the IRA murders in Northern return to negotiations on the basis agreed by my right Ireland carried out with the use of arms and supplies honourable friend the Prime Minister and President from Libya. [HL11667] Obama. That is borders based on 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps; security for Israel; and the Lord Howell of Guildford: As my right honourable right for Palestinians to govern themselves in a sovereign friend the Prime Minister said on 5 September, we are and contiguous state. We are working hard with our clear that this will be an important bilateral issue international partners for a return to negotiations on between the United Kingdom and the new Libyan this basis. authorities. Failure to return to negotiations now puts at risk the long-term prospects for a two-state solution. Neither Asked by Lord Hoyle Israel nor the Palestinians can afford to let the opportunity To ask Her Majesty’s Government what role for peace slip further from their grasp. they have played in any renegotiation of the share Along with our European Union partners, we are of Libyan oil provided to the United Kingdom and working to build consensus on a way forward that other countries; and whether they will publish data recognises the progress the Palestinians have made on on the proportion provided to each country at their state-building efforts, that meets Israel’s legitimate present and under the previous regime. [HL11893] security concerns, and that avoids confrontation in the UN. We continue to stress that whatever action is Lord Howell of Guildford: The National Transitional taken, including in New York, it is important that this Council (NTC) has not sought to renegotiate any oil increases the prospects for a return to negotiations. contracts. Indeed, we have called for the new Government of Libya to honour existing contracts and we support Libya the NTC’s public statements to this effect. The split of Libyan crude exports, both currently and when the Questions Qadhafi Regime was in power, is a matter for the Asked by Lord Laird Libyan Government. To ask Her Majesty’s Government on what date they recognised the Libyan Government of Colonel Mahmoud Abu Rideh Gaddafi; and against what criteria this decision was Question taken. [HL11665] Asked by Lord Laird The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government the Written Answer by Lord Freud on 16 March recognised the Government of the Revolutionary (WA 61), what was the duty of confidentiality involved WA 179 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 180

in the decision not to release details of the social given to a range of options that will determine the security benefits paid to the late Mahmoud Abu future Ministry of Defence (MoD) requirement for Rideh, and to whom; and what constitutes lawful civil policing services and to focus these valuable resources authority for release of social security information on those areas where civil policing powers can best on deceased terrorists under section 123 of the mitigate our crime and security risks. This includes the Social Security Administration Act 1992. [HL11789] community policing service that is provided by the MoD police at some military establishments. These The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, options are currently the subject of formal consultation Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): My with the relevant staff associations and trades unions, department assures all of its customers that it will and as such it would be inappropriate to comment protect their information and ensure that it is not further at this stage. disclosed inappropriately.This duty of confidence survives a customer’s death if there may be a personal representative who could enforce it. Muttahida Qaumi Movement For the purposes of Section 123 of the Social Question Security Administration Act 1992, a disclosure is made Asked by Lord Ahmed with lawful authority if: it is made by a civil servant in the course of official To ask Her Majesty’s Government what response duty; they have given to the letter of support by the Leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Mr Altaf it is made by a contractor who is providing services Hussain, of 23 September 2001. [HL11887] to the DWP in accordance with instructions given by the DWP; it is required by law or a court order; or Baroness Garden of Frognal: It is not for this it is made with the consent of the customer. Government to account for the actions of the previous Administration. Middle East Peace Process Question National Savings and Investments Question Asked by Lord Hylton Asked by Lord Myners To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they will take within the quartet on the Middle East To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they to produce a framework for Middle Eastern peace, plan to ensure retail investors are able to purchase with a timetable for implementation. [HL11867] inflation-protected savings products from National Savings and Investments. [HL11899] The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK maintains The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord a clear position—a return to credible negotiations is Sassoon): National Savings & Investments removed the best way to achieve a comprehensive resolution of Savings Certificates, both fixed and index-linked, from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a Palestinian state. sale at close of business on 6 September 2011 We are discussing all options that best support this Existing Savings Certificate customers are able to objective with our international partners, including in continue their investment into a new term and this the EU and quartet. Quartet representative Tony Blair option will continue to be available. and EU High Representative Baroness Ashton have recently been in the region to explore a way forward and will continue discussions in New York in the coming days. NATO Question Ministry of Defence: Police Asked by Lord Ahmed Question To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether NATO Asked by Baroness Harris of Richmond has offered support, directly or indirectly, to the Pakistan Taliban or others engaged in conflict against To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps the Pakistani armed forces; and whether NATO has they will take to ensure that the proposed cuts to at any time escorted the Pakistani Taliban or those the Ministry of Defence police budget will not associated with them (whether by air or otherwise) impact on the level of community policing in defence into areas of conflict against Pakistani troops. establishments and in large military housing estates. [HL11932] [HL11841] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): NATO has not of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): Following the engaged in any of these activities and has no mandate comprehensive spending review, consideration has been to do so. WA 181 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 182

Northern Cyprus Asked by Lord Laird Questions To ask Her Majesty’s Government what diplomatic Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass arrangements they have with Northern Cyprus. [HL11992] To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many London-based meetings have (a) been requested Lord Howell of Guildford: The Government do not and (b) taken place during each of the past three recognise the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern years between United Kingdom Government Ministers Cyprus and consequently do not have any diplomatic and the London Representative of the Turkish Republic relations with it. of Northern Cyprus and its people. [HL11828] Northern Ireland: Human Rights The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Commission Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Foreign and Question Commonwealth Office does not keep a record of such Asked by Lord Laird meeting requests. Although the UK does not recognise the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the officials have met the London-based representatives of Cabinet Office was satisfied that none of the staff the Turkish Cypriot community on an ad hoc basis in the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to discuss issues surrounding the Cyprus settlement expressed an interest in voluntary redundancy; and negotiations in order to maintain a balanced approach on what date the full terms of an offer were made to to the UK’s support for a comprehensive settlement in relevant staff. [HL11880] Cyprus. Lord De Mauley: Employers are required to obtain Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass Cabinet Office approval before launching exit schemes under the terms of the Civil Service Compensation To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many Scheme. The responsibility for the implementation meetings have (a) been requested and (b) taken and delivery of any such scheme rests entirely with the place during each of the past three years between employer. The Cabinet Office has no role in determining the Prime Minister or other United Kingdom whether or not staff at any employer expressed interest Government ministers and visiting ministers in a voluntary redundancy scheme. Nor does the Cabinet representing the people of the Turkish Republic of Office have a role in monitoring the date at which any Northern Cyprus. [HL11829] offer is made. Lord Howell of Guildford: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not keep a record of such Pakistan meeting requests. Although the UK does not recognise Question the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Asked by Lord Ahmed ad hoc meetings with representatives from the Turkish To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they Cypriot community have taken place in order to provide are monitoring any dissident Pakistani political a balanced approach to the UK’s support of the leaders based in London; whether they are aware of Cyprus settlement negotiations. The last meeting with any such dissidents inciting and encouraging violence a UK Minister took place in June when the Minister in Karachi or threatening journalists; and what of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my action they will take to prevent such actions. right honourable friend the Member for Aylesbury [HL11888] (Mr Lidington) visited the island and met Dr Eroglu. Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass Baroness Rawlings: It is long-standing government policy to neither confirm nor deny the specific activities To ask Her Majesty’s Government what promises conducted by or on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government were made by the United Kingdom and European to protect the UK’s national security. Union to Turkish Cypriots on condition that they More broadly the Government are concerned about voted in favour of the 2004 Annan Plan; and which, the situation in Karachi—it is in no-one’s interest that if any, of those promises have not been fulfilled. the violence continues. We strongly sympathise with [HL11842] the loss of life and the Government will continue to engage with the authorities in Pakistan on these issues. Lord Howell of Guildford: There were no promises made by the United Kingdom or the European Union Palestine to the Turkish Cypriots on the condition that they Question voted in favour of the 2004 Annan Plan. However, since 2004, the EU has worked to bring the Turkish Asked by Lord Hylton Cypriots closer to Europe through a package of financial To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions aid and trade liberalisation, increasing the potential they have had with the European Union and other for future Cypriot reunification. The UK continues to partners in relation to the continuation of the provision support the efforts of both communities towards a of aid to Palestine, alongside trade and investment settlement, which would offer significant benefits to opportunities as incentives to unity among the various all Cypriots. Palestinian groups. [HL11866] WA 183 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 184

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth We believe that pension provision is important, and Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Resolution of the that is why we are introducing workplace pension Middle East peace process is a high priority for the reform. Automatic enrolment will be introduced from UK Government. The EU and EU member states as a 2012 requiring all employers to enrol eligible workers collective are the biggest financial supporters of the into workplace pension saving and to make an employer Palestinian Authority. In 2010 the EU gave a total of contribution. ¤377.9 million to the Occupied Palestinian Territories The aim of automatic enrolment is to encourage (OPTs) and to Palestinian refugees in the region. people to start saving, continue saving and save for The UK works closely with the EU and a range of longer to meet their retirement needs. As a result of other partners, such as the United Nations and the automatic enrolment we expect there to be around 5 to Office of the quartet representative, in the OPTs. We 8 million people newly saving or saving more in all hold regular discussions with all partners through a forms of workplace pension scheme. variety of aid co-ordination fora. We also continue to Automatic enrolment is widely recognised as the encourage collective consideration of trade and investment best way to overcome people’s savings inertia—rather opportunities. than having to make an active decision to save in a The EU development programme for the OPTs workplace pension, an employee has to make an active aims to support the Middle East peace process by decision not to save. Even where an individual opts helping build Palestinian institutions, improving security out, the employer is required to re-enrol them every and promoting economic growth, so that any future three years, encouraging individuals to rethink about state will be stable, prosperous, well-run, and an effective the need to save for their retirement. partner for peace with Israel. We urge other partners A programme of communications and information to continue their support. is being designed to help people understand the need to save to meet their aspirations for retirement, build awareness of the changes and support a behavioural Passports shift amongst working age people so that saving in a Question pension becomes the norm. Asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark In addition, the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) has been established to provide access to To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many suitable, low cost pension provision for all employers, United Kingdom citizens hold a valid British and will be particularly suited to the needs of those passport. [HL11929] workers on low to moderate incomes. And for future pensioners the Government are The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley): looking at reforming the state pension system which The number of British Citizens currently holding a would be simple, easy to understand, efficient to deliver, valid passport issued in the United Kingdom is estimated affordable—providing a firm foundation for workplace at 48.5 million. An exact figure cannot be given because saving. lost and stolen passports may not be replaced immediately. Presumed Deaths Questions Pensions Question Asked by Lord Boswell of Aynho Asked by Lord Myners To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many applications were made under Section 8 of the To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they Social Security Act 1998, in relation to a person’s intend to take any action to respond to the number missing spouse who is presumed to have died, in of pension saving plans being cancelled by those in each of the past three years; and of those how the private sector on low and moderate earnings. many were successful. [HL11707] [HL11900] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): The Information is not collected on the number of applications Government want to help individuals by having a made under section 8 of the Social Security Act 1998 stable economy with sustained and balanced growth, in relation to a person’s missing spouse who is presumed which is why we are taking action to tackle the deficit, to have died. support business in creating jobs with most competitive Asked by Lord Boswell of Aynho tax system in the G20, to make the UK the best place in Europe to start finance and grow a business, to To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many encourage investment and exports as a route to a more applications were made under Section 3 of the balanced economy and to create a more educated Social Security Administration Act 1992 to receive workforce that is the most flexible in Europe. The bereavement benefit in respect of a person whose Government’s Growth Review will continue for the death is difficult to establish, in each of the past rest of this Parliament, providing ongoing focus on three years; and, of those, how many were successful. what the Government can do to support growth. [HL11708] WA 185 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 186

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Republic of Ireland: Financial Support Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): Question Information is not collected on the number of applications made under Section 3 of the Social Security Asked by Lord Laird Administration Act 1992 in relation to a person whose death is difficulty to establish. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what conditions were attached to the funding that they provided to the Republic of Ireland as support in the recent financial crisis. [HL11826] Prisoners: Sentences Question The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Asked by Lord Laird Sassoon): The terms of the UK bilateral loan to Ireland are as set out in the loan agreement that was deposited To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many in the Libraries of both Houses by the Financial people are currently held in prisons in England and Secretary to the Treasury on 10 January 2011. Wales whose sentences are for rest of life. [HL11913] The agreed conditionality includes fiscal consolidation to reduce the general government deficit to below 3 per cent of GDP before 2015, reforms to the banking Lord De Mauley: As of 20 September 2011, there sector and other structural reforms. The bilateral loan are 42 prisoners held in prisons in England and Wales agreement also includes a condition for the Irish to and a further five detained in hospital under the consult with the Treasury before finalising its bank provisions of the Mental Health Act 1983 who have restructuring plan. This consultation has taken place. been sentenced to life imprisonment and given a whole life tariff by the Courts. Rome: British Embassies Question Public Expenditure Asked by Lord Laird Question To ask Her Majesty’s Government what Asked by Lord Barnett representations they have made to the Vatican To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much concerning the creation of one embassy in Rome. public expenditure above agreed departmental budgets [HL11994] has been agreed by HM Treasury and taken from the Treasury reserve in the current financial year. The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth [HL11934] Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK Government have made no representations to the Vatican concerning the creation of one embassy in Rome. The UK maintains The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord separate embassies to the Republic of Italy and to the Sassoon): £3,950 million was added to total departmental Holy See, as it is the diplomatic practice of the Holy expenditure limits for 2011-12 from the Treasury reserve See not to accept cross-accreditation of ambassadors in the 2011 main estimate. to these two appointments.

Public Infrastructure: Investment Schools: A-Levels Question Questions Asked by Lord Myners Asked by Lord Moonie To ask Her Majesty’s Government what public To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion infrastructure investment yielded an economic return of candidates achieved an A grade or A* grade at A in excess of the Government’s current long-term level examinations in 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 cost of capital. [HL11813] and 2010. [HL11594] To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of candidates were unclassified at A level examinations The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord in 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2010. [HL11595] Sassoon): The Government do not hold this information. Decisions on public investment projects are based on the methodology for economic appraisal set out in the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Treasury’s Green Book. This involves assessing the net Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): The table below shows present value to the UK of a proposal’s costs and the percentage of A-level examination entries given benefits. grade A* or A or unclassified in 1966, 1970, 1980, The 2010 spending review set out the Government’s 1996, 2000 and 2010. There are no equivalent figures capital spending plans. available for 1960 and 1990. WA 187 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 188

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Percentage of entries given the grades A*, A and unclassified at GCE A level Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): School nurses are Grade A*1 Grade A Unclassified4 generally employed by primary care trusts, although some school nurses will be directly employed by state 19663,5,7 N/A 8.7% 12.6% or independent schools. 3,5,8 1970 N/A 8.7% 14.2% The latest monthly workforce statistics published 3,6,9 1980 N/A 8.8% 15.5% by the NHS Information Centre in August show that 19966,10 N/A 16.2% 14.4% in May 2011 there were 1,135 FTE school nurses 20002,6,11 N/A 18.0% 10.5% working for the NHS in England and 1,478 head 20102,6,11 8.0% 18.9% 1.7% count school nurses. 1. Grade A* was introduced in 2010 2. Figures from 2000 onwards are for students aged 16-18 at the beginning of the academic year in schools and FE sector colleges Second World War: Pardons in England. Question 3. Figures for 1966 to 1980 are for all students who took GCE A level examinations in that year and are based on a sample of Asked by Lord Laird pupils from the School Leavers Survey. To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they 4. Includes ungraded, no award (absent/declined) and pending. will make representations to the Government of the 5. Coverage: England and Wales Republic of Ireland concerning the pardoning of 6. Coverage: England former members of the Irish army who were court- 7. Source: Statistics of Education: GCE, CSE & School leavers, martialed by that army because of their role in Summer examinations, 1966 Vol 2, DES. England and Wales, fighting on the Allied side in World War II.[HL11990] Table 5. 8. Source: Statistics of Education: School leavers CSE and GCE, Summer examinations, 1970 Vol 2, DES. England and Wales The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Table 28. Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): No representations 9. Source: Statistics of Education: Statistics of School leavers have been made to the Government of the Republic of CSE and GCE, 1980, DES. England, Table C29. Ireland concerning the pardoning of former Irish 10. Source: Statistical Bulletin: GCSE & GCE A/AS Examination soldiers who left the Irish Defence Forces to fight on Results 1995-96, DfEE. England, Table 15. the allied side in World War II. This is a matter for the 11. Source: GCE/Applied GCE A/AS and Equivalent Examination Irish Government and one which the Irish Minister Results in England. 2009-10 (Revised), DfE. Table 12. for Defence recently stated in the Dail that he was “giving active consideration to ...”. The British Government are grateful for the contribution made by Irish soldiers during the Second World War. During Schools: Music the State Visit in May, Her Majesty the Queen and Question President McAleese laid wreaths together at the Irish Asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury War Memorial Gardens in memory of the Irish soldiers who died in the World Wars. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the budgetary provision for this year and the next two years for the Music and Dance Scheme enabling Somalia and Kenya gifted children to attend specialist music boarding Question schools; and what impact they expect the funding to have on the availability of scholarships.[HL11864] Asked by Lord Hunt of Chesterton

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they, Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): The Music and Dance or any international aid agencies, received a warning Scheme currently provides training for gifted children about the likelihood of drought and famine in at eight specialist music and dance schools and through Somalia and Kenya in 2010; and, if so, what steps a network of 15 centres for advanced training. The were taken to prepare in advance for any humanitarian Music and Dance Scheme paid bursaries to over 2000 disaster. [HL12005] students in 2010-11. The total budget for the MDS in 2011-12 is Baroness Rawlings: From late 2010 the UK-supported £29.5 million. The Government are committed to the United Nations Food Security Nutrition Analysis Unit long-term future of the scheme and will announce forecast a likely deterioration in the humanitarian Music and Dance scheme funding for future years in situation in Somalia due to poor rains, high food due course. prices, insecurity and reducing access for humanitarian agencies. Following poor rains again in early 2011 and Schools: Nurses a failed harvest in much of South Somalia, the severity of the forecasts intensified to include localised famine Question conditions. The Famine Early Warning System also Asked by Baroness Gould of Potternewton warned of the impact of the drought in Kenya. To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many The UK Government allocated £35 million between school nurses are employed in (a) primary schools, October 2010 and February 2011 to support humanitarian and (b) secondary schools. [HL11868] efforts reach 1.2 million people in Somalia and WA 189 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 190

300,000 people in Kenya to mitigate some of the worst Asked by The Earl of Sandwich effects of the drought. This included an additional £19 million, in light of the warnings we were receiving. To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will support the expansion of the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs in South Sudan; and what improvements have been made to the operation of the Common Humanitarian South Sudan Fund. [HL11965] Questions Asked by The Earl of Sandwich Baroness Rawlings: Following secession and the establishment of a new country office in Juba, DfID To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they South Sudan is in the process of reviewing and developing intend to support the training and strengthening of its humanitarian portfolio. We are considering supporting civil society in South Sudan as outlined in the the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of South Sudan Development Plan 2011–13; and through Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in South Sudan, which organisations. [HL11962] but it is too early to confirm such support. The development of a South Sudan Common Humanitarian Fund is at an infant stage. DfID is maintaining a close watch on the process as it goes forward and will offer Baroness Rawlings: DfID is currently considering guidance and support to UNOCHA if this is deemed provision of support through NGOs that will focus on necessary. civil society capacity development to strengthen their ability to advocate for better education and health service provision (both at national and state levels); to State Recognition act as an advocate for marginalised groups (particularly Question women); and to act as a monitor of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan’s policy of Asked by Lord Laird decentralisation. As the programme is currently under preparation it is too early to say which NGOs or civil To ask Her Majesty’s Government what criteria society fora may implement this project. are applied in their recognition of a country concerning the land area claimed by that country. [HL11912] The ongoing South Sudan Peace Building Programme, which is funded by DfID and managed by the NGO PACT (Private Agencies Co-operating Together) South The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Sudan, includes a component for increasing the capacity Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The normal criteria of communities, including local administration and applied to the recognition of a state were described in civil society, to respond to threats to community stability the Written Answer by the then Parliamentary Under- in a timely and effective manner. Direct training Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, has been provided to local non-governmental peace Mr Sainsbury (Official Report, House of Commons, building organisations in grant management, financial 16 November 1989, col. 494). These include the criterion management, and monitoring and evaluation. that a state should have, and seem likely to continue to have, a clearly defined territory with a population. Asked by The Earl of Sandwich To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans Student Loans Company they have to provide direct budget support to the Questions government health sector in South Sudan; and how they will ensure that current standards set up largely Asked by Lord Empey by non-governmental health organisations will be maintained. [HL11964] To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the annual cost to public funds of the Student Loans Company. [HL11833] Baroness Rawlings: The UK Government are not planning to provide direct budget support to the health Baroness Garden of Frognal: The total amount of sector in South Sudan. We support health service grant in aid funding provided to the Student Loans delivery in South Sudan mostly through the Basic Company (SLC) from public funds, namely from the Services Fund (BSF), a pooled multidonor fund for Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) which DfID is the trustee. and the devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, can be found in the SLC’s The BSF ends shortly and DfID is currently working annual reports and accounts. In the past three financial with the South Sudanese Government and other donors years this was as follows: to both design a one year extension to this project and the subsequent funding mechanism for future donor Grant in aid funding provided to support to the health sector. This mechanism would SLC from the BIS and the continue to support the service delivery, much of Financial Year devolved Administrations which is currently implemented by non-governmental 2008-09 £85,168k organisations, whilst also building the capacity of the 2009-10 £93,076k Republic of South Sudan to manage health services. WA 191 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 192

Welsh Assembly Government and Northern Ireland Grant in aid funding provided to SLC from the BIS and the Executive respectively, and any financial implications Financial Year devolved Administrations arising from their decisions on student fees will be a matter for each Administration to confirm. 2010-11 £90,207k There may be financial implications for the Student Asked by Lord Empey Loans Company’s administration costs, in terms of the feasibility and implementation of policy changes To ask Her Majesty’s Government what financial related to decisions on student fees. However, higher contributions were made to the Student Loans education (HE) and HE student funding is a devolved Company by the Scottish Government, the Welsh matter and each of the devolved Administrations is Assembly Government and the Northern Ireland separately responsible for agreeing an appropriate budget Executive in the last three financial years. [HL11834] with the Student Loans Company (SLC) in the light of their department’s overall public expenditure priorities Baroness Garden of Frognal: Each of the devolved and policies. Administrations is separately responsible for agreeing a budget with the Student Loans Company (SLC) in light of their department’s overall public expenditure priorities and policies. Sudan The following table confirms the financial contributions Questions made to the Student Loans Company (SLC) by the Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Northern Ireland Executive in the past three To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action financial years: they are taking to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to South Kordofan and Blue Nile in Sudan. Funding [HL11941] Contribution Financial Year Government Body provided to SLC*

2008-09 Scottish £4,575k Baroness Northover: We continue to urge both the Government Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Welsh Assembly £5,536k Movement (North) to allow full and unfettered access Government for humanitarian relief to Southern Kordofan State Northern Ireland £3,535k and Blue Nile State. Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham Executive made this clear in his statement of 24 August, where 2009-10 Scottish £4,119k he called for immediate humanitarian access to Southern Government Kordofan. During his visit to Sudan 18-20 July he also Welsh Assembly £5,957k reminded the Government of Sudan of their obligation Government to protect civilians and to allow humanitarian access Northern Ireland £3,868k Executive to those in need. 2010-11 Scottish £3,600k Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead Government Welsh Assembly £6,158k To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action Government they are taking to help facilitate credible mediation Northern Ireland £3,254k efforts between the National Congress Party and Executive the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement northern *Source: sector. [HL11943] Grant in aid funding for financial years 2008-09 and 2009-10 paid from the devolved Administrations directly to SLC (SLC annual reports and accounts 2008 09 and 2009-10). For 2010-11, BIS funded SLC directly as lead sponsor department The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth in order to comply with Treasury Consolidated Budgeting Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): As the Parliamentary Guidance, and the figures in the table above represent funding Under-Secretary of State, my honourable friend the from the devolved Administrations to reimburse BIS for SLC Member for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham) set expenditure incurred on their behalf. out in his statements of 2 September and 24 August, Asked by Lord Empey and during his visit to Sudan in July, we continue to make clear to the Government of Sudan and to the To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (North) that financial implications for the Student Loans Company long-term peace in Sudan can be found only through of the decisions of the Scottish Government, Welsh negotiation and dialogue. We fully support the efforts Assembly Government and Northern Ireland Executive of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in his with regard to student fees. [HL11835] work to bring the two parties together and to establish a process of negotiation. Baroness Garden of Frognal: There are no financial Haile Menkerios, the Special Representative of the implications for the Student Loans Company in terms UN Secretary-General and the African Union High of funding for the student fees themselves. Ownership Level Implementation Panel can also play a positive of the budgets for student fees in Scotland, Wales and role in encouraging negotiation between the parties: Northern Ireland remains with the Scottish Government, we stand ready to support them. WA 193 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 194

Taxation: Income Tax 4. Potential second order effects of a change in the additional rate on the wider economy and tax revenues are not included in Questions these figures. Asked by Lord Marlesford At Budget 2011, the Chancellor stated that Her To ask Her Majesty’s Government what were, Majesty’s Revenue and Customs will assess the revenue for the most recent years for which figures are raised by the 50p rate, once self-assessment data for available, the number of United Kingdom taxpayers 2010-11 are available. whose personal taxable incomes exceeded (a) £30,000, The table above shows revenues with different top (b) £50,000, (c) £75,000, (d) £100,000, (e) £150,000, rates starting in 2012-13. Because of the timing of (f) £250,000, (g) £500,000, (h) £750,000, (i) £1 million, self-assessment returns, revenues from income tax rate (j) £2 million, (k) £3 million, (l) £4 million, (m) changes are not fully realised in the first year. £5 million, and (n) £10 million. [HL11758] The figures provided cannot be used to infer anticipated yield from the additional (50 per cent) rate introduced The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord in 2010-11. Sassoon): Estimated numbers of income tax payers Expected revenues from the additional rate were set with total income exceeding these thresholds in 2011-12 out in the March 2010 Budget document (table Al1, are shown in the table below. page 140) available at: http://webarchive. The estimates provided are based on the 2007-08 nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100407010852/http://www. Survey of Personal Incomes and projected to 2011-12, hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/budget2010_complete.pdf using economic assumptions consistent with the Office of Budget Responsibility’s March 2011 economic and Asked by Lord Trefgarne fiscal outlook. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their Taxpayers by range of total income, 2011-12: estimate of the cost to public revenue of raising the Total income exceeding: Taxpayers (Thousands) income tax threshold to £10,000. [HL11953]

£30,000 8,950 £50,000 3,020 Lord Sassoon: Increasing the personal allowance £75,000 1,270 for those aged under 65 from £8,105 to £10,000 in £100,000 712 2012-13 is estimated to cost £10.5 billion. £150,000 351 Estimated exchequer costs are on an accruals basis £250,000 133 and assume that the basic rate limit remains at £34,370. £500,000 42 The higher rate threshold is assumed to increase by the £750,000 22 same amount as the personal allowance. £1 million 14 The estimates assume no accompanying changes in £2 million 4 the upper thresholds of national insurance contributions. £3 million 2 This estimate is based on the 2007-08 Survey of £4 million 1 Personal Incomes data projected using economic £5 million 1 assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget £10 million Negligible Responsibility’s March 2011 economic and fiscal outlook. Asked by Lord Ashcroft The estimate excludes possible behavioural responses which are likely to be small relative to the estimate To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the provided. estimated tax receipts by year of a top rate of income tax of (a) 40p, (b) 45p, and (c) 50p, for the next five years. [HL11796] Treatment of Detainees Question Lord Sassoon: At Budget 2011, the following estimates Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill were made: Total income tax receipts 14(£ billion) To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether it Additional was their intention in setting up the detainee inquiry rate of that it would be conducted in accordance with the Income United Kingdom’s international obligations under Tax2 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 the European Convention on Human Rights. 40 per cent3 164.5 177.0 189.2 201.5 [HL11784] 45 per cent 165.2 178.8 190.9 203.4 50 per cent 165.7 180.0 192.1 204.6 The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord 1. Gross of tax credits. Income tax includes Pay As You Earn McNally): The Government have made clear that they (PAYE) and self assessment receipts, and also includes tax on stand firmly against torture and cruel, inhuman and savings income and other minor income tax components. degrading treatment or punishment. Torture is not 2. Table shows additional rate of tax on total income excluding condoned and other Governments are not asked to dividends income; additional rates of tax on dividends income carry it out on the UK’s behalf. The detainee inquiry are 42.5, 37.5 and 32.5 per cent respectively. has been established to consider allegations of UK 3. See Budget 2011 Table C.3. involvement in the mistreatment or rendition of detainees WA 195 Written Answers[3 OCTOBER 2011] Written Answers WA 196 held overseas by other countries. The Government are attended births by over 100,000, immunise almost confident that the inquiry will conduct a thorough 125,000 children and ensure over 700,000 children to and independent examination into these issues, as it get rapid access to malaria treatment. We will link a has been asked to do by the Prime Minister. The proportion of both general and health sector payments inquiry will not establish legal liability, nor will it to performance in these areas. order financial settlement. It was not set up to comply We see the next four years as a critical window of with, or respond to, any perceived international legal opportunity in which the UK can continue to play an obligations. important part in helping the Government of Uganda strengthen public institutions and financial management Tunisia systems so that Uganda’s oil revenues can be managed effectively, efficiently and equitably. Question During his recent visit to Uganda, the Secretary of Asked by Lord Hylton State for International Development received assurances from the President, Prime Minister and Minister of To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they, Finance that the Government of Uganda shares the or international institutions of which they are a UK’s interest in optimising the benefits of oil for all member, are holding frozen Tunisian funds; if so, Ugandans. whether they are taking action to release them in order to aid the Tunisian economy. [HL11926] To safeguard British taxpayers’ money, general budget support to Uganda will be paid in quarterly instalments. The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): An EU-wide asset freeze was imposed against 48 Tunisian individuals on UK Trade and Investment 4 February. The Treasury subsequently introduced Question criminal penalties for breaches of the asset freeze and Asked by Lord Kilclooney notified the financial sector of the measures. The Treasury also added the list of Tunisia targets to its To ask Her Majesty’s Government what percentage consolidated list of financial sanctions which is checked of United Kingdom trade is with (a) countries in by the sector against client and customer databases. the eurozone, and (b) other countries in the European A small amount of assets have been frozen within Union. [HL11940] the UK. We cannot disclose further details at this stage but are working with the Tunisian Government The Minister of State, Department for Business, to ensure they understand the legal processes involved Innovation and Skills & Foreign and Commonwealth in releasing and repatriating these assets. Assets have Office (Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint): Forty-four per been frozen in other jurisdictions across Europe. cent of UK trade in goods and services is with countries in the eurozone (EMU members), and a further 6 per Uganda cent is with the rest of the EU (2009). Question This is taken from the UK Balance of Payments (Pink Book) published by the Office for National Asked by Lord Ashcroft Statistics. Data for 2010 will be published on 1 November 2011. To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Verma on 19 July More recent data (Quarter 2 2011), for trade in (WA 290), when the decision on United Kingdom goods only, show that 45 per cent of trade in goods is budget support to Uganda for financial year 2011–12 with eurozone (EMU members), and a further 7 per will be taken. [HL11765] cent with the rest of the EU. This is from the UK Monthly Review of External Baroness Northover: We have last week confirmed Trade Statistics July 2011 edition, published by the to the Government of Uganda that the UK will provide Office for National Statistics on 14 September 2011. a maximum of £77.5 million budget support to Uganda over the period 2011-2014/15. Our budget support will decline over the four-year period and will represent Zimbabwe 14 per cent of our aid to Uganda by 2014/15 down Questions from a peak of over 50 per cent under the last Government. It will comprise both general support to Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead the budget worth a maximum of £50 million and To ask Her Majesty’s Government what pressure sector support to health worth up to £27.5 million. they are putting on the Government of Zimbabwe Through UK budget support, we will strengthen to end human rights abuses in the diamond sector budgetary processes and public investments, improve and to hold perpetrators to account. [HL11944] value for money in public service delivery; increase tax collection; and ensure better transparency and accountability for the management of oil revenues. The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth These steps will ultimately pave the way for Uganda’s Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We are deeply independence from development assistance. In addition, concerned by the continuation of human rights violations our health sector support will increase the number of in Zimbabwe, including in the Marange region, which WA 197 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 198 includes the use of intimidation, violence and arbitrary resources available to them conferred a significant arrests, as well as repressive legislation and limited financial benefit on a designated entity such as ZMDC, media freedom. as would often be the case with joint ventures, this We have made our views known to the Government would be a breach of the measures. of Zimbabwe and urge all parties, including the security There are also restrictions under the Kimberley forces and the prosecuting authorities, to act in an Process (KP) on diamonds exports from the Marange impartial manner and respect the rule of law. We region in which the mining operations of Marange continue to call, both bilaterally and within the EU Resources (formerly Canadile Mines) and Mbada member states, for an end to all such abuses and the Diamonds are located. Given the continuing absence restoration of internationally accepted human rights of a KP agreement allowing Zimbabwe to export standards in Zimbabwe. Marange diamonds, the EU Chair of the Working Following the allegations made in the BBC Group on Monitoring (WGM) has issued a statement “Panorama” programme, we have urged the Kimberley to all KP participants which makes clear that until Process, through the EU, to investigate the allegations. consensus is reached, KP participants should not trade The Kimberley Process chair has written to the BBC in Marange diamonds. We have informed the UK asking it to pass its evidence for consideration, and to diamond industry of this statement by the WGM chair. the Government of Zimbabwe requesting clarification Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead of the allegations. We also call on the Zimbabwean authorities to To ask Her Majesty’s Government what efforts transparently investigate this footage. Until all Marange they are making to introduce reforms of the Kimberley mines meet Kimberley Process standards, the UK will Process to improve the scheme’s decision-making continue to argue for a robust international response process, increase transparency and enhance to Zimbabwe’s failure to comply. monitoring. [HL11946] There are limitations to the Kimberley Process’s ability to deliver on issues such as human rights and Lord Howell of Guildford: The Kimberley Process there is a need to reform the Kimberley Process to was originally designed to combat the trade in conflict make it a more effective mechanism. We are working diamonds, defined as rough diamonds being sold by with European Union partners to explore ways to rebel groups to fund conflict. In this respect, the strengthen and enhance the Kimberley Process to Kimberley Process has had considerable success; conflict ensure it remains effective, accountable and relevant. diamonds now represent less than 1 per cent of the In particular, we support reform of the Kimberley global trade in rough diamonds, compared to 15 per Process that would enable it to take human rights cent in the 1990s. However, given the narrow definition abuses by states more explicitly into consideration. of conflict diamonds, which does not include the actions of states, and the fact that the Kimberley Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead Process operates by consensus, there are limitations to To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, as a the Kimberley Process’s ability to deliver on issues member of the European Union backing sanctions such as human rights and transparency. against Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation We accept therefore that there is a need to reform (ZMDC), they are issuing warnings to importers the Kimberley Process to make it a more effective not to buy diamonds from Canadile Miners or mechanism. We are working with European Union Mbada Diamonds, which are 50 per cent owned by partners to explore ways to strengthen and enhance ZMDC. [HL11945] the Kimberley Process to ensure it remains effective, accountable and relevant. In particular, we support Lord Howell of Guildford: It is for all businesses to reform of the Kimberley Process that would enable it assess whether their proposed business activities are to take human rights abuses by states more explicitly compliant with existing restrictive measures and seek into consideration. appropriate independent legal advice. The restrictive In addition to Kimberley Process reform, we are measures imposed on Zimbabwe prohibit the making also exploring alternative and complementary schemes available of funds or economic resources to directly or to work alongside and strengthen the Kimberley Process, indirectly listed entities. Marange Resources (formerly including industry-led regulatory initiatives to provide Canadile Miners) and Mbada Diamonds are not a higher level of assurance across the diamond supply themselves designated entities. However, if making chain, taking into account issues such as human rights. Answers received between Thursday 15 September and Monday 26 September 2011

ALPHABETICAL INDEX TO WRITTEN ANSWERS

Col. No. Col. No. Airports: Security...... 146 House of Lords: Reform...... 119 Alcohol: Labelling ...... 95 House of Lords Reform Bill [HL]...... 119 Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement...... 95 Identity Security: Iris Recognition ...... 120 Armed Forces: Atomic Test Veterans...... 95 Immigration...... 120 Armed Forces: Medals...... 96 Indonesia ...... 121 Armed Forces: Nuclear Tests...... 96 Iraq...... 122 Armed Forces: RAF Reserves...... 96 Israel...... 122 Armed Forces: Rowland Study ...... 97 Israel and Palestine ...... 124 Armed Forces: Suicide...... 97 Justice: Legal Services...... 125 Bank of England: Financial Policy Committee...... 98 Kenya ...... 126 Banking ...... 99 Libya ...... 126 Banking: Bonuses ...... 99 Middle East Peace Process...... 127 Belfast Agreement...... 100 NHS: Clinical Indemnity ...... 127 Benefits...... 100 NHS: Independent Providers ...... 127 Churchill Medical Centre...... 102 NHS: Peterborough Primary Care Trust...... 128 Companies House: Fraud ...... 102 NHS: Reorganisation...... 130 Consular Death Certificates...... 102 Northern Ireland: Human Rights Commission...... 131 Copyright ...... 103 Northern Ireland Office: Consultants ...... 130 Coroners’ Inquests...... 103 Northern Ireland Office: Staff...... 131 Embryology ...... 103 Northern Ireland Office: Taxis...... 131 Employment: Agency Workers...... 106 Parliamentary Constituencies ...... 133 Energy: Biofuels...... 106 Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 ...... 133 Energy: Renewables ...... 107 Passports ...... 134 Female Genital Mutilation ...... 108 Pensions...... 134 Finance: Clearing Houses ...... 108 Police: Funding...... 134 Gaza ...... 109 Presumed Deaths ...... 135 Gulf War Illnesses ...... 110 Prisons: Population...... 135 Health: Alcoholism...... 112 Public Procurement...... 136 Health: Contaminated Blood Products...... 113 Railways: European Train Management System ...... 137 Health: HIV...... 113 Railways: Thameslink ...... 138 Health: Medical Research...... 114 Railways: Train Design ...... 139 Health: Obesity...... 115 Retail: Mary Portas Review ...... 140 Health Professions Council...... 111 Roads: Advertising Hoardings ...... 140 Health Protection Agency...... 111 Schools: Religion ...... 141 Higher Education ...... 116 Schools: Transport...... 141 Higher Education: Student Loans...... 117 Taxation...... 142 Homes and Communities Agency...... 118 Taxation: Income Tax ...... 143 Col. No. Col. No. Transport: Heavy Goods Vehicles...... 144 Universal Credit...... 145 Transport: MoT Scheme...... 145 Turks and Caicos Islands ...... 145 Universities: Funding...... 146

Answers received between Thursday 15 September and Monday 26 September 2011

NUMERICAL INDEX TO WRITTEN ANSWERS

Col. No. Col. No. [HL11551]...... 108 [HL11723]...... 110 [HL11569]...... 102 [HL11724]...... 122 [HL11575]...... 110 [HL11725]...... 123 [HL11576]...... 110 [HL11726]...... 146 [HL11590]...... 135 [HL11727]...... 101 [HL11593]...... 141 [HL11728]...... 117 [HL11599] ...... 97 [HL11733]...... 124 [HL11600]...... 120 [HL11734]...... 124 [HL11616] ...... 99 [HL11735]...... 125 [HL11619]...... 121 [HL11737]...... 123 [HL11622]...... 126 [HL11738]...... 114 [HL11633]...... 143 [HL11745]...... 135 [HL11642]...... 102 [HL11746]...... 127 [HL11648] ...... 97 [HL11751] ...... 96 [HL11658]...... 108 [HL11752] ...... 96 [HL11661]...... 140 [HL11753]...... 144 [HL11662] ...... 99 [HL11754]...... 142 [HL11663] ...... 96 [HL11755]...... 139 [HL11668]...... 121 [HL11757]...... 142 [HL11669]...... 100 [HL11759]...... 145 [HL11670]...... 122 [HL11761]...... 140 [HL11682]...... 100 [HL11762]...... 127 [HL11683]...... 145 [HL11763]...... 145 [HL11692]...... 138 [HL11764] ...... 96 [HL11693]...... 138 [HL11766] ...... 96 [HL11694]...... 138 [HL11769]...... 104 [HL11696]...... 139 [HL11770]...... 104 [HL11698]...... 118 [HL11771]...... 104 [HL11699]...... 119 [HL11783]...... 127 [HL11703] ...... 98 [HL11785]...... 126 [HL11709]...... 134 [HL11787] ...... 95 [HL11715]...... 112 [HL11788]...... 131 [HL11718]...... 126 [HL11790]...... 106 [HL11721]...... 109 [HL11800]...... 136 [HL11722]...... 109 [HL11805]...... 136 Col. No. Col. No. [HL11806]...... 136 [HL11878]...... 132 [HL11807]...... 136 [HL11879]...... 131 [HL11808]...... 133 [HL11882]...... 132 [HL11810] ...... 98 [HL11883]...... 132 [HL11818]...... 115 [HL11905]...... 113 [HL11819]...... 115 [HL11911]...... 133 [HL11821]...... 116 [HL11916]...... 113 [HL11822]...... 130 [HL11917]...... 113 [HL11824]...... 134 [HL11918]...... 113 [HL11825]...... 130 [HL11919]...... 111 [HL11827]...... 131 [HL11920]...... 111 [HL11830]...... 120 [HL11921]...... 111 [HL11831]...... 119 [HL11922]...... 121 [HL11832]...... 119 [HL11924]...... 102 [HL11846]...... 105 [HL11935]...... 107 [HL11936]...... 107 [HL11847]...... 105 [HL11947]...... 128 [HL11850]...... 133 [HL11948]...... 129 [HL11854]...... 135 [HL11949]...... 129 [HL11855]...... 103 [HL11950]...... 129 [HL11863]...... 103 [HL11951]...... 129 [HL11869]...... 137 [HL11952]...... 130 [HL11870]...... 137 [HL11966] ...... 95 [HL11871]...... 137 [HL11979]...... 106 [HL11872]...... 137 [HL11980]...... 106 [HL11873]...... 138 [HL11991]...... 131 [HL11874]...... 106 [HL11995]...... 100 [HL11875]...... 116 [HL12004]...... 111

Monday 3 October 2011

ALPHABETICAL INDEX TO WRITTEN ANSWERS

Col. No. Col. No. Armed Forces: Aircraft...... 147 Banks: First Trust Bank...... 154 Armed Forces: Atomic Test Veterans...... 149 Benefits...... 155 Armed Forces: Defence Estates...... 149 Benefits: Disability...... 155 Armed Forces: Drumadd Barracks ...... 151 British Indian Ocean Territory...... 156 Aviation: Passenger Duty...... 151 Coroners and Justice Act 2009...... 157 Bank of England ...... 151 Crime: Rioting...... 157 Banking ...... 152 Criminal Justice Legislation...... 157

Banking: Bonuses ...... 153 Debt...... 158

Banking: Equity Underwriting ...... 154 Economy...... 158

Banking: Money Supply ...... 154 Economy: Quantitative Easing...... 159 Col. No. Col. No. Energy: Fuel Poverty...... 159 Middle East Peace Process...... 179 Energy: Nuclear Safety ...... 160 Ministry of Defence: Police ...... 179 Energy: Oil and Gas...... 160 Muttahida Qaumi Movement ...... 180 EU: Legislation...... 161 National Savings and Investments ...... 180 European Court of Human Rights ...... 161 NATO...... 180 European Institute for Gender Equality ...... 162 Northern Cyprus ...... 181 Finance: Clearing Houses ...... 162 Northern Ireland: Human Rights Commission...... 182 Finance: Equity Markets ...... 163 Pakistan...... 182 Finance: Investors...... 163 Palestine...... 182 Finance: Lending...... 163 Passports ...... 183 Freedom of Information...... 164 Pensions...... 183 Gaza ...... 164 Presumed Deaths ...... 184 Gilts...... 167 Prisoners: Sentences...... 185 Global Competitiveness...... 168 Public Expenditure ...... 185 Government Departments: Surveys ...... 168 Public Infrastructure: Investment...... 185 Government: Ministerial Meetings ...... 169 Republic of Ireland: Financial Support ...... 186 Government: Ministerial Posts...... 170 Rome: British Embassies...... 186 Gross Domestic Product...... 170 Schools: A-Levels ...... 186 Gulf War Illnesses ...... 171 Schools: Music...... 187 Gurkhas...... 171 Schools: Nurses ...... 187 Health: Obesity...... 171 Second World War: Pardons ...... 188 Health: Reciprocal Agreements...... 172 Somalia and Kenya...... 188 Higher Education: Tuition Fees ...... 172 South Sudan ...... 189 House of Lords: Allowances...... 173 State Recognition...... 190 House of Lords: September Sittings ...... 173 Student Loans Company ...... 190 Human Rights Trust Fund...... 175 Sudan...... 192 Independent Commission on Banking...... 175 Taxation: Income Tax ...... 193 International Day of Democracy...... 176 Treatment of Detainees...... 194 Iran...... 176 Tunisia...... 195 Israel and Palestine: West Bank ...... 177 Uganda...... 195 Libya ...... 177 UK Trade and Investment ...... 196 Mahmoud Abu Rideh...... 178 Zimbabwe ...... 196

Monday 3 October 2011

NUMERICAL INDEX TO WRITTEN ANSWERS

Col. No. Col. No. [HL11566]...... 155 [HL11665]...... 177 [HL11578]...... 171 [HL11666]...... 178 [HL11579]...... 156 [HL11667]...... 178 [HL11594]...... 186 [HL11707]...... 184 [HL11595]...... 186 [HL11708]...... 184 [HL11632]...... 161 [HL11736]...... 157 Col. No. Col. No. [HL11758]...... 193 [HL11867]...... 179 [HL11765]...... 195 [HL11868]...... 187 [HL11774]...... 170 [HL11876]...... 149 [HL11782]...... 162 [HL11877]...... 149 [HL11784]...... 194 [HL11880]...... 182 [HL11789]...... 179 [HL11887]...... 180 [HL11791]...... 172 [HL11888]...... 182 [HL11794]...... 170 [HL11889]...... 158 [HL11796]...... 193 [HL11890]...... 158 [HL11809]...... 151 [HL11891]...... 159 [HL11811]...... 153 [HL11892]...... 157 [HL11812]...... 151 [HL11893]...... 178 [HL11813]...... 185 [HL11894]...... 173 [HL11814]...... 158 [HL11895]...... 173 [HL11815]...... 153 [HL11896]...... 174 [HL11816]...... 173 [HL11897]...... 174 [HL11820]...... 171 [HL11898]...... 174 [HL11823]...... 164 [HL11899]...... 180 [HL11826]...... 186 [HL11900]...... 183 [HL11828]...... 181 [HL11901]...... 152 [HL11829]...... 181 [HL11902]...... 175 [HL11833]...... 190 [HL11903]...... 175 [HL11834]...... 191 [HL11904]...... 163 [HL11835]...... 191 [HL11906]...... 161 [HL11837]...... 169 [HL11907]...... 157 [HL11840]...... 172 [HL11908]...... 151 [HL11841]...... 179 [HL11909]...... 155 [HL11842]...... 181 [HL11910]...... 163 [HL11843]...... 160 [HL11912]...... 190 [HL11845]...... 171 [HL11913]...... 185 [HL11848]...... 175 [HL11914]...... 168 [HL11849]...... 156 [HL11915]...... 160 [HL11856]...... 169 [HL11925]...... 169 [HL11857]...... 167 [HL11926]...... 195 [HL11858]...... 159 [HL11927]...... 146 [HL11859]...... 151 [HL11929]...... 183 [HL11860]...... 152 [HL11931]...... 159 [HL11861]...... 154 [HL11932]...... 180 [HL11862]...... 176 [HL11934]...... 185 [HL11864]...... 187 [HL11939]...... 163 [HL11865]...... 177 [HL11940]...... 196 [HL11866]...... 182 [HL11941]...... 192 Col. No. Col. No. [HL11943]...... 192 [HL11972]...... 154 [HL11944]...... 196 [HL11973]...... 149 [HL11945]...... 197 [HL11974]...... 149 [HL11946]...... 198 [HL11975]...... 149 [HL11953]...... 194 [HL11976]...... 150 [HL11954]...... 176 [HL11977]...... 150 [HL11955]...... 168 [HL11978]...... 150 [HL11958]...... 147 [HL11981]...... 164 [HL11959]...... 148 [HL11982]...... 165 [HL11960]...... 148 [HL11983]...... 165 [HL11962]...... 189 [HL11984]...... 166 [HL11964]...... 189 [HL11985]...... 166 [HL11965]...... 190 [HL11986]...... 167 [HL11967]...... 176 [HL11990]...... 188 [HL11968]...... 153 [HL11992]...... 182 [HL11969]...... 176 [HL11993]...... 153 [HL11970]...... 162 [HL11994]...... 186 [HL11971]...... 152 [HL12005]...... 188 Volume 730 Monday No. 197 3 October 2011

CONTENTS

Monday 3 October 2011 Retirements of Members...... 951 Questions Health: Breast Cancer ...... 951 Railways: Theft ...... 953 House of Lords: Reform...... 956 EU: Credit Rating Agencies...... 958 Sovereign Grant Bill Second Reading (and remaining stages)...... 960 London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Second Reading ...... 973 Written Answers...... WA 9 5