Thursday Volume 555 20 December 2012 No. 90

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 20 December 2012

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2012 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 973 20 DECEMBER 2012 974

a staggering 7,200,000%. Given that Which? has indicated House of Commons that more than 48% of those who take out payday loans believe that they will not be able to repay them, is it not Thursday 20 December 2012 now time for the Minister to commit to firm statutory regulation in 2013 rather than relying on wishy-washy The House met at half-past Nine o’clock voluntary codes?

PRAYERS Jo Swinson: The hon. Lady raises two specific issues in her question. Although there is concern about high [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] interest rates, just as when someone hires a car for three days they do not look at the annual cost of doing so, BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS with short-term credit the APR is not necessarily the most relevant statistic. The hon. Lady’s second point CANTERBURY CITY COUNCIL BILL was on affordability assessments and the detrimental Motion made, That the Lords amendments be now effect of people being lent money they should not be considered. lent when debt advice would be much more appropriate. That is a significant concern. The Government are Hon. Members: Object. considering the OFT’s review and the OFT is already Lords amendments to be considered on Tuesday 8 January. taking action—it has opened formal investigations into several payday lenders. We expect the final report early LEEDS CITY COUNCIL BILL in the new year and the Government are committed to Motion made, That the Lords amendments be now ensuring that we take action on this issue. considered. Hon. Members: Object. Green Manufacturing Jobs Lords amendments to be considered on Tuesday 8 January. 2. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): What NOTTINGHAM CITY COUNCIL BILL recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of Motion made, That the Lords amendments be now State for Energy and Climate Change on investment in considered. green manufacturing jobs. [134534] Hon. Members: Object. Lords amendments to be considered on Tuesday 8 January. The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable): I regularly meet the Secretary of READING BOROUGH COUNCIL BILL State for Energy and Climate Change to discuss energy Motion made, That the Lords amendments be now and climate change policies, including investment in considered. green manufacturing jobs in the north-east and elsewhere. We are committed to supporting green technologies Hon. Members: Object. including offshore wind, for which a sector strategy is to Lords amendments to be considered on Tuesday 8 January. be published in the spring.

Alex Cunningham: On Teesside and elsewhere in north- Oral Answers to Questions east England we have seen tremendous investment in green industries, but we have also seen billions of pounds- worth of contracts for British offshore wind farms BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS placed abroad in Germany and Holland. I had hoped there would be provisions in the Energy Bill, which had The Secretary of State was asked— its Second Reading yesterday, to ensure that British Payday Lenders firms got British jobs. There are no such provisions. Has the Secretary of State suggested any amendments to the 1. Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): What Energy Bill to ensure that we get British jobs? assessment he has made of the effect of payday lenders in areas of social deprivation. [134533] Vince Cable: We are pursuing this not through legislation but through practical action and we are working with The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, the developers’ forum to try to ensure that at least 50% Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson): The Government of supply chain work comes back to the UK. We are not aware of any robust research that quantifies the cannot do that unless we have the capacity, which is why effect of payday loans on areas of social deprivation, we have established the catapult centres in the north-east but I expect that there are links. We are very concerned and Glasgow to develop basic technology as well as the about the findings of the interim report from the Office six renewable engineering centres, which will develop of Fair Trading’s payday compliance review and strongly our engineering capacity. support any enforcement action that the OFT takes. Payday lending can work for some people in some circumstances, but it is not a solution to long-term Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op): financial difficulty. A small business in my constituency conveyed to me that it has considerable doubts about the implementation Ann McKechin: Scotcash, which represents many of the green deal and is therefore reluctant to invest vulnerable families in Glasgow, has brought to my in training for new employees and to make any other attention a payday loan agreement in which the APR is investment that might be appropriate to meet the demands 975 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 976 of the green deal. What reassurance can the Minister Jo Swinson: The hon. Lady makes an important give that the green deal will be implemented and that point. It is also worth noting that strikes and industrial those opportunities will be there for small businesses? action at present are at historically low levels. That is a sign of positive industrial relations and is to be welcomed. Vince Cable: I know that my colleague the Secretary Trade unions play a very important role, and although of State for Energy and Climate Change attaches enormous the headlines generally focus on industrial action and importance to the green deal. It is, as I understand it, strikes, the excellent work that they do on training and completing its state aid clearance in Brussels. When it is resolving workplace disputes often does not hit the launched there will be a major incentive for people to headlines and should be commended. We always keep improve their homes and to develop jobs on the back of issues under review, but it is fair to say that the industrial that. action laws and situations are generally working well.

Mr Iain Wright (Hartlepool) (Lab): The Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (Exports) State tells the Institute of Directors that his Secretary of State sometimes escapes his electronic tag, while the Energy Secretary has to slap down his Minister of State 4. Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): What steps he is over wind energy, so investors no longer know what taking to increase the number of small and medium- Government policy is and Business, Innovation and sized enterprises which export to international markets. Skills Ministers are too busy tracking the Secretary of [134538] State to help create clarity and green manufacturing jobs. Given that this is the season of good will, cannot 8. Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): the hostilities cease? Will the Secretary of State ask for What steps he is taking to increase the number of permission from his Minister of State at least to undo small and medium-sized enterprises which export to his electronic tag a notch or do, and will not BIS and international markets. [134543] DECC Ministers snuggle up together to watch “Strictly”, eggnog in hand, and promise to come back in 2013 determined to focus on British enterprise and industry, The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation not departmental infighting and ministerial surveillance? and Skills (Michael Fallon): Exporting is a key part of the Government’s plans to return the economy to sustained Vince Cable: While we are on our links with the and balanced growth. That is why we have increased criminal underworld, perhaps I should explain to the funding to UK Trade and Investment in the autumn House that I have responsibility for offender learning, statement—an extra £140 million over the next two and one of my plans for the new year is to lay on a years—enabling UKTI to double the number of small basics economics class for the hon. Gentleman and his and medium-sized firms supported from 25,000 to 50,000 colleagues. by 2015.

Strike Action Mark Pawsey: Automotive Insulations is a supplier to the motor industry based in my constituency and has 3. Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): increased turnover from £3 million to £14 million over What plans the Government have to make it a requirement the past few years, expanding its business to supply that more than 50% of the eligible membership must European motor manufacturers as well as those based approve strike action for it to take place. [134536] in the UK. The current advice and support from UKTI is to focus on fast-growing markets outside Europe, but The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, does the Minister agree that starting to export is a very Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson): We have no such big step for a small or medium-sized business and it is plans. often easier to start exporting by supplying to our closest neighbours? Mr Baron: With tube strikes planned for this Christmas, I suggest that it is not right that a minority of employees, particularly in the public services, can hold employers Michael Fallon: I congratulate Automotive Insulations and the public to ransom. May I urge the Government on its extraordinary success over the past few years. Of to revisit this one? course for an automotive company it may make sense to start with helping to penetrate the European supply Jo Swinson: I hear what my hon. Friend says. Obviously, chains, but in due course it may want to look further we are pleased that the CrossCountry and ScotRail afield. In the end, this is a matter for the company to strikes have been called off. Dialogue is always the best decide, but of course it is for the Government to provide way to resolve these issues. Strike action is a sign of help and advice. failure on both sides, so resolving the issues is always the best solution. On the subject of a minimum turnout Mary Macleod: Brentford and Isleworth is one of the and vote, I gently point out to my hon. Friend that his fastest growing areas for new businesses in the country, Conservative colleague, Nick Alston, is the new police with an increase of about 9%. It is important that we and crime commissioner for Essex and was elected with encourage SMEs to export around the world so that the support of 6.6% of the electorate. people can experience what is great about buying British. Will my right hon. Friend support and attend a trade Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): The and investment fair that I would like to organise for right to withhold one’s labour is a mark of a country’s west London in the springtime, which will give local democracy. Does the Minister agree that any move to businesses more information on breaking into emerging restrict that right is a move in an anti-democratic direction? markets and help them grow for the future? 977 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 978

Michael Fallon: I would be delighted to help with that Business Bank event in any way I can, and I will ensure that officials from Shand house, UK Trade and Investment’s regional 5. Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): What London office, help as much as they can, too. I am recent progress he has made on the establishment of a aware of the exporting success of companies in west business bank. [134539] London. We would like to do everything we can to assist my hon. Friend. The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable): The statement I have laid before Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): The the House today details recent progress, including the Minister will know that Yorkshire has a large number of appointment of individuals to chair the bank’s advisory manufacturing firms that export all over the world. group and lead work on the institution’s design. Good They are particularly strong in the green sector, which progress is also being made on designing the bank’s the Secretary of State left out of his description a few interventions. To that end, my officials have been engaging moments ago—I am sure that he did not mean to, closely with challenger banks, non-bank lenders, the because he has been very supportive of manufacturing main high street banks, financial advisory firms and in Yorkshire. The fact of the matter is that the Treasury financial services representative bodies. is the problem. We need more leadership from the Treasury and co-ordination across all Government Mr Amess: Although I welcome the Chancellor’s Departments to ensure that we have the right skills and commitment to funding the business bank quickly, in the appropriate level of investment in the manufacturing contrast to the 13 years of boom and bust under the last industry for this time. rotten Labour Government, will the Secretary of State reassure me that this measure, together with others, Michael Fallon: I am very surprised to hear that kind such as lending funds to businesses, will do much to of criticism after an autumn statement that increased reassure local businesses, given the challenges they currently investment allowances, announced a further round of face? regional growth funding and further lifted the burden of taxation on British business. British business has Vince Cable: Of course I recognise that the borrowing welcomed the autumn statement. I think that the hon. position for many small companies dealing with the Gentleman ought to read it again. banks remains difficult. The evidence suggests that the funding-for-lending scheme that the Chancellor introduced Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Small and medium- is having a significant impact, and the British business sized businesses are clearly the heart of the community bank will significantly improve the level of finance as they create and maintain jobs. What steps is the available to British businesses, especially SMEs. Minister taking to ensure that we have a UK strategy that enables all parts of the United Kingdom, and Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): My constituent Northern Ireland in particular, to benefit from international Sally Hares runs a business, Hare’s Moor, which repackages markets? fresh products for making curries. She cannot access a loan of £5,000 for a repackaging machine. Will the Michael Fallon: UKTI is UK-wide and, of course, Secretary of State meet her to find out which fund she does everything it can to support exports from every can access so that she can grow her business? part of the United Kingdom. As I have said, there is an increased focus on helping small and medium-sized Vince Cable: I will certainly ensure that the hon. Lady firms to export, which is why we are providing a new and her constituent get good advice on the range of facility from April to extend credit totalling £1.5 billion opportunities available to them. This is somewhat removed for small firms that need it for longer term financing—three from the immediate concerns in establishing the bank, to five years—for contracts overseas. but she legitimately raises an important issue; many small companies cannot get credit. 18. [134556] Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con): The improvements the Minister mentions with Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): The small business regard to UKTI are being recognised in Lancashire, bank provides the last chance for this Government to with much more outreach work with local chambers of take meaningful action that could ensure the vital flow commerce and Members of Parliament. How will he of cash to Britain’s small businesses. The reality among build on that, particularly with smaller businesses that, the small businesses that I speak to is that they do not as other Members have mentioned, often lack the have any of the confidence that the Secretary of State personnel to attend conferences during the day? seems to be exuding about the access to finance that is out there. There is a worrying lack of urgency and Michael Fallon: Let me reassure my hon. Friend that clarity about the Government’s plans. Will he publish a UKTI will continue its outreach activity in Lancashire timetable for the establishment of the business bank and the rest of the country to encourage and support as and update us on progress with all the main elements many businesses as possible. Exporting is vital for our that will need to be in place, such as when it will apply economy and exports are now increasing again, which is for a banking licence, when lending will begin, and why UKTI was given such a boost in the autumn when state aid approval will be sought? statement. That means UKTI is increasing its number of international trade advisers, and we are also placing Vince Cable: There is certainly no complacency. We officials from UK Export Finance in the regional offices recognise that there is a very serious problem that so that more businesses, particularly small businesses, ultimately resulted from the collapse of the banks in can benefit from their advice. 2008-09, which has had devastating long-term consequences, 979 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 980 and we are seeking to address that with a variety of Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Can the Minister interventions. There are positive things, including the confirm that as a result of the current plans for further emergence of challenger banks. When the advisory education loans, his Department forecasts 100,000 fewer group meets early in the new year we will set out a learners in the sector? What is he going to do to make detailed plan of action, including dates and objectives. I sure that does not happen? am happy to brief Labour Members when we have concrete detail. Matthew Hancock: We are working very hard to ensure that those over the age of 24 in advanced learning Further Education Colleges have the opportunity to take out a loan if required. We are ensuring as best we possibly can that the process goes through smoothly and, most importantly, that 6. Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) everybody knows of the opportunities that are available (LD): What steps his Department is taking to due to the loans. ensure that further education colleges provide a modern learning environment. [134540] Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): What steps is the Minister taking to work closely with colleagues in 10. Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): What steps the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that his Department is taking to ensure that further education obstacles do not come in the way of people trying to colleges provide a modern learning environment. enter further education while they are in periods of [134545] unemployment? I have a constituent who had to give up a course because the DWP failed to inform the college The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills on time that she was on the relevant benefit to get fee (Matthew Hancock): The autumn statement released exemption. £270 million more in funding to upgrade further education colleges, and I can today announce that details of the Matthew Hancock: For far too long the skills system college capital fund are being published by the Skills and employment system have not interacted well and Funding Agency. These new funds take to over £1 billion have not spoken to each other. I probably spend more investment in college capital in this Parliament, because time with the employment Minister, the Minister of the Government believe in helping everybody to reach State, Department for Work and Pensions, my hon. their potential. Friend the Member for Fareham (Mr Hoban), than with any other Minister outside my Department. I had Simon Hughes: The Government’s commitment to two meetings with him on Tuesday and will have three further education is very clear and very welcome. Ministers’ meetings with him today, so we are working extremely commitment to making sure that the merged Southwark hard to try to bring to an end the inconsistencies that and Lewisham college in my constituency is a success is the hon. Lady rightly highlights and that have been particularly welcome. Given that we have now heard there for far too long. that the college intends to keep a major presence on the Bermondsey and Waterloo sites, may I encourage Ministers Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): Central to continue to support the progress of developing a Bedfordshire college also lost out in all its attempts to major educational campus, ideally including the university get capital funding under the previous Government. technical college and the secondary school, on the Does the Minister have any words of encouragement Bermondsey site? for the college? Its buildings are old and need to be renewed. Matthew Hancock: The right hon. Gentleman and I had an extremely productive meeting with stakeholders Matthew Hancock: My hon. Friend is a passionate on the future of Lewisham college, which is soon, as he advocate for Central Bedfordshire college. I am glad to says, to change its name, and I hope that a resolution say that the increased funding provided in the autumn can be brought that satisfies all parties. statement means that those bids that narrowly missed out, such as that of Central Bedfordshire college, have a Duncan Hames: Wiltshire college’s Chippenham campus very good chance of proceeding at the next stage, not missed out on a £36 million rebuild during the fiasco least because that college’s bid was very good value for that was the Learning and Skills Council’s capital money, though it fell down on some technical aspects. programme under the previous Government. The college We are looking very closely at how we can proceed with now has more focused plans to build an engineering the new funds available. facility at the Chippenham campus. Will the Minister ensure that college campuses that missed out while the Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South) (Lab): As sun shone get more than their roofs fixed this winter? well as needing bricks and mortar, a modern learning environment in further education colleges means expanding Matthew Hancock: Wiltshire college has already qualifications and courses, particularly in science, undertaken building works up to the value of £6 million, engineering and technology. The Gatsby Foundation, including through the third stage of the capital grants backed by Lord Sainsbury, told Doug Richard’s that were released this September. However, I hear apprenticeship review that we would need more than very clearly the hon. Gentleman’s call for work at the 400,000 technicians at levels 3 and 4 over the next eight Chippenham campus, and I look forward to receiving years and that we could guarantee quality apprenticeships his submission. As I say, the details of the investment in that regard by linking them to professional registration. fund have been published today, so work can proceed Does the Minister agree that that offers an excellent apace. opportunity for FE colleges and others to take a lead, 981 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 982 but that they need extra resources for those subjects Vince Cable: The hon. Gentleman raises issues in now, not later, if older learners are not to be put off respect of late payment and the sub-contracting chain. from becoming technicians, as we have argued, and his One of the things that we are doing as part of the predecessor, the hon. Member for South Holland and industrial strategy is, perhaps for the first time, bringing The Deepings (Mr Hayes), agreed when making concessions together the construction industry as a whole to work on FE loans? through supply-side issues, including late payment.

Matthew Hancock: There was rather a lot in that Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): question. I certainly agree with Lord Sainsbury. The Will my right hon. Friend look at the high level of Gatsby Foundation does excellent work in producing regulation, particularly with regard to construction sites? more occupational qualifications that have the standing Does he have any news on how we can deregulate of the industries they support. More occupational further in order to allow construction to proceed more qualifications in this country would be a very good rapidly once planning permission has been given? thing, because we have serious skills shortages, not least, as the hon. Gentleman has said, in the STEM Vince Cable: The red tape challenge is designed precisely subjects—science, technology, engineering and maths— to look at areas where regulation is excessive and particularly engineering. We are doing everything we inappropriate. On health and safety, however, construction can, including working with Lord Sainsbury, to turn sites are notoriously dangerous and we need to maintain that situation around. basic standards. British Antarctic Survey Construction Output Figures 9. Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (Con): What steps he plans to take to protect and support the work of the 7. Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): What British Antarctic Survey following his decision not to assessment he has made of the latest construction merge that body with the National Oceanography output figures; and if he will make a statement. Centre. [134544] [134541] The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Willetts): I saw the important work of our scientists Skills (Vince Cable): The latest Office for National when I visited the Falklands and the Antarctic last Statistics figures show that the seasonally adjusted volume February. The Natural Environment Research Council of construction output fell by 2.5% in the third quarter has committed to maintain funding of the British Antarctic of 2012. The volume of new construction orders, however, Survey at £42 million a year for the rest of this spending rose by 5.4% in the third quarter of 2012. period. The NERC should, in future, have a discrete funding line for the Antarctic from within the ring-fenced Kelvin Hopkins: I thank the Secretary of State for his science budget, subject to future spending reviews, to answer, but the fact is that construction is in deep ensure that there is a visible UK commitment to Antarctic recession, with output falling by 10% between the fourth science and our presence in the region. It is a fitting quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of this year. tribute that the southern part of the British Antarctic Industry is, indeed, in crisis. Is it not time for the Territory has been renamed Queen Elizabeth Land in Government to boost construction, including a programme honour of Her Majesty the Queen at the end of a of local authority house building to house the almost glorious jubilee year. 2 million households on waiting lists? Andrew Rosindell: The whole House and the entire nation will be delighted at the Government’s announcement Vince Cable: Certainly, the construction industry has that part of the British Antarctic Territory will be had a torrid time ever since the collapse of the bubble in named after Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in this residential and commercial property. I know that there diamond jubilee year. The House is also delighted that is a lot of distress in the sector, but there is some the British Antarctic Survey has been rescued from the indication of orders improving. As the hon. Gentleman previous proposals. Is it possible for the British Antarctic knows, the Government have taken action in the past Survey to work more closely with the Falkland Islands? few months. In September, we launched the programme Does the Minister recognise the importance of having of guarantees for social housing bodies to proceed with British sovereign territories in that region of the world construction and raise capital for that purpose, and the to conduct scientific research and endeavour? autumn statement announced £5.5 billion-worth of new commitments, mainly through guarantees, for infrastructure Mr Willetts: I appreciate my hon. Friend’s work on projects. behalf of the Falklands and the British presence in the Antarctic. There is already practical co-operation. I Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): The Government have seen for myself the support that the Falklands themselves procure construction projects. A local business Islands provides to the British Antarctic Survey. While in my Kettering constituency is the sub-contractor on a I was in the Falklands, I met the director of the newly major Ministry of Defence contract, yet its payment created South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute terms from the principal contractor have gone up from in his office at Stanley cottage. Although the NERC 60 days to 90 days to 120 days. Will the Secretary of cannot legally fund the institute, we are offering non- State work with other Government Departments to financial assistance by giving advice, hosting visits and make sure that sub-contractors are paid on time? facilitating partnerships with British universities. 983 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 984

Life Sciences is why, over the last few weeks, we have been in discussions on some of the sensitive issues in relation to copying 11. David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): What support music and photography. When he studies the report in his Department is giving to the life sciences sector. the Library, he will see that we have got the balance [134546] right between rights holders and liberalisation.

The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Regulation Costs Willetts): Last week, the Prime Minister launched the “One Year On” report for our life sciences strategy, 13. Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): What which included a new commitment to sequence 100,000 estimate he has made of the costs incurred by genomes. In the autumn statement, the Chancellor businesses due to regulation since May 2010. [134550] announced an additional £100 million for life sciences research and, in the past year, more than £1 billion of private sector investment has been attracted to the UK The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation on the back of Government initiatives for the life sciences. and Skills (Michael Fallon): The Government are reducing We are therefore succeeding in creating the right the overall burden of regulation affecting business. From environment to attract global life sciences investment. January we will further tighten the screw on regulation by doubling the challenge from one in, one out to one in, two out. The impact of regulation is independently David Rutley: I welcome the Government’s progress verified and reported twice a year in the statement of report, “Strategy for UK Life Sciences—One Year On”, new regulation. We published the fifth statement this and the Minister’s strong support for this vital sector. week for the first half of next year, which forecasts that Given the critical contribution of life sciences and by July we will have reduced the annual cost of regulation pharmaceuticals to Macclesfield’s local economy, what to business by over £900 million. plans does he have to build on this important momentum in the year ahead? Mr Leigh: I was told by a colleague that early in this Mr Willetts: We need to do more and we can do Parliament a Minister responsible for deregulation—not more. We are going to work closely with British businesses, the current Minister—rushed into a meeting with his including AstraZeneca, which I remember visiting with colleagues to say that although his civil servants wanted my hon. Friend in his constituency earlier this year. to increase the number of regulations on business by 67 That company has received a conditional offer through this month, with hard fighting he had beat them down round 3 of the regional growth fund. We are continuing to 57. That is still 57 extra regulations this month. Is my to back this very important, internationally competitive right hon. Friend going to bear down on that and industry. ensure that by the time of the next general election there is a real, dynamic reduction in regulation on business? Copyright Law Michael Fallon: Yes. This Government intend to be 12. Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con): What the first ever to reduce the overall burden of regulation steps he plans to take to reform the law on copyright; during their time in office. If my hon. Friend looks at and if he will make a statement. [134548] the fifth statement of new regulation, he will see that— significantly—more regulations will be removed over The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and the next six months from January than will be added. Skills (Vince Cable): I am taking a number of steps to As I said, the overall cost reduction to business is nearly reform copyright law, in response to the Hargreaves £1 billion. review. Today, I am publishing the Government’s decision on changes to copyright exceptions, which I believe will Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): I welcome that approach, achieve the right balance between creators, rights holders but are the Government also estimating the cost of a and users. The document, “Modernising Copyright: A lack of regulation such as, for example, the practice of modern, robust and flexible framework”, has been placed upward-only rent reviews for high street shops, irrespective in the Library. of falling turnovers? Such rent reviews are heaping further costs on businesses and making them less viable. Mr Whittingdale: Does the Secretary of State agree that intellectual property rights and copyright underpin Michael Fallon: There is downward as well as upward the success of our creative industries, which are so movement in that sector, but I will certainly refer the important to the economy? Is he concerned that many hon. Gentleman’s comments to the Minister for Housing. in those industries feel that the Government, on the back of the Hargreaves report, will dilute their intellectual Regulators (Fees) property rights, not least in the area of exceptions to copyright law? 14. Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): What recent Vince Cable: The hon. Gentleman is right that the assessment he has made of the level of fees charged to creative industries sector, which is crucial to the economy, business by regulators. [134551] depends heavily on intellectual property rights. However, we are dealing with a body of law that is extremely The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation old—I believe that it goes back to Queen Anne. It and Skills (Michael Fallon): Recent reviews by my certainly needs modification in the digital age. He is Department through the focus on enforcement initiative right that we need to move extremely carefully. That have uncovered a range of problems reported by business 985 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 986 about the way that more than 50 regulators enforce the from him again in topical questions. Members cannot, I law, including inconsistency and lack of clarity over the am afraid, have two goes at substantives. One can charging of fees. almost have too much of a good thing.

Steve Baker: As my right hon. Friend will know, Higher Education regulatory sloth and incompetence are currently damaging a business in my constituency and one in South West 16. Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): What Bedfordshire. Will he take steps to ensure that regulators recent assessment he has made of his changes to higher are not incentivised to damage businesses through education and to the level of student tuition fees; and if unjustifiable fees? he will make a statement. [134553]

Michael Fallon: I am aware of the issue in my hon. The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Friend’s constituency concerning the implementation Willetts): The proportion of English school leavers of the biocidal products directive. Systemic, not just accepted by universities for 2012-13 was the second isolated, problems are damaging the relationship between highest on record. Final data show that acceptance regulators and industry. Last month we acted to stop rates from disadvantaged areas increased. More students regulator charging regimes that incentivised regulators are getting into their first choice universities. to increase their costs to industry, and we will place a duty on regulators to bear down on costs and report Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): But UCAS publicly on how costs and fees are calculated. Regulators data show that there was an overall 11% fall in applications will have to demonstrate that they are efficient, and give for higher education in 2012-13, and early indications industry the information it needs to hold regulators to are that the number of applicants for 2013-14 will fall account. further. Is the Minister worried by that emerging trend, and if so, what will he do about it? Manufacturing (Investment) Mr Willetts: Of course, entry to British universities is 15. Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con): competitive, and we have many more applicants than What steps he is taking to encourage greater investment places, but we will continue to get across the message in the manufacturing sector. [134552] that no student has to pay up front to go to university, and that students start paying for university only if they The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation are earning more than £21,000. That is a very fair way and Skills (Michael Fallon): Manufacturing is crucial to of financing our universities. economic recovery. The autumn statement announced measures to encourage greater investment in manufacturing, Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): What measures including a significant increase in the annual investment is the sizzling science and higher education Minister allowance from £25,000 to £250,000; £310 million for putting in place to ensure that applicants to universities the regional growth fund; and an extra £120 million for have the very best information on the outcomes of their the advanced manufacturing supply chain initiative. courses? The House will also welcome the announcement by Nissan yesterday of a £250 million investment in a new Mr Willetts: For the first time, we have required that premium brand car to be built in Sunderland, which the key information sets contain the information that Government expect to support under the regional growth prospective students want about, for example, employment fund. outcomes from particular courses at particular universities. People are entitled to that information—it was not Gavin Williamson: The recent increase in capital available before, but now it is. investment allowances will create a massive boost for small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses in Mr Speaker: I gather that that is an example of the south Staffordshire and the west midlands. What assessment Minister sizzling. has the Minister made of the impact that that will have on manufacturing businesses across the United Kingdom? Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham, Ladywood) (Lab): I am afraid the Minister is trying to gloss over the facts Michael Fallon: I expect the increase in capital allowances of his record. The reality is that two years on from the to have a positive effect. Under this Government, Government’s decision to treble tuition fees to £9,000 a manufacturing share of gross domestic product is rising, year, applications have dropped by 54,000, which is but under the previous one nearly 1.7 million manufacturing 11%; acceptances are down, as are the numbers of jobs were lost, and our manufacturing share of GDP mature learners and part-time learners; his core and declined. The measures we announced in the autumn margin policy has caused nothing but chaos and confusion; statement, together with the measures we have taken to his AAB policy has been a dramatic failure; and to top rebalance our economy and put our public finances in it all off, legitimate international students are choosing order, leave British business very well placed to continue to go to our competitor countries to study as a result of the recovery. Home Office policies. Is not the truth that the past two years under this Government have been a disaster for Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab) rose— students and universities alike?

Mr Speaker: Order. We have already heard from the Mr Willetts: The fact is that the confusion is over the hon. Gentleman in substantive questions and it is not Opposition’s policies. We know they are planning to long before we will have the delight—I hope—of hearing reduce fees to £6,000, but there is no indication of what 987 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 988 they will do to compensate universities for the loss of lead here, and this will increase broadband speeds and those revenues. The only time the hon. Lady came to reduce costs for UK users in rural and remote areas, the House to explain her policies, it became clear she making satellite broadband even more accessible. would abolish bursaries for students under access funds. Under this Government, we have more students going Topical Questions to university, well-funded universities and more students getting their first choice than ever before. We are proud T1. [134558] Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): If of those reforms. he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Business Start-ups The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and 17. Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): Skills (Vince Cable): My Department plays a key role in What support he is providing for new business supporting the rebalancing of the economy through start-ups. [134555] business, to deliver growth while increasing skills and learning. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills (Matthew Hancock): There were 450,000 start-ups last Ann McKechin: Given the acknowledged need to get year—54,000 more than in 2010, and the highest number finance quickly to the SME sector, does the Secretary of on record. State share my concern that the British business bank will not be fully operational until the autumn of 2014? Seema Malhotra: If women started businesses at the Given that private sector models such as Aldermore same rate as men start businesses, 150,000 extra businesses have been up and running to a much quicker timescale, would start up in the UK each year, yet just 28% of can he give an assurance that he will try to speed the those benefiting from the Government’s new enterprise process along at his end? allowance scheme are female. What Christmas present could the Minister give to women wanting to start Vince Cable: The business bank has already been businesses next year? established, and it will be up and running next year. Of course, the full clearance of European state aid, which Matthew Hancock: We are extremely proud of the is a necessary formality for certain kinds of lending, sharp rise in the number of start-ups under this will take longer. I acknowledge the role of Aldermore Government, but we want to do more and to go further. and other banks, such as Metro and Handelsbanken, If, as the hon. Lady says, women started businesses at which is very important. This bank will complement the same rate as men, the number would rise still more. and support them. We are helping through the new enterprise allowance. We have extended start-up loans, and some of the T3. [134561] Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) brilliant schemes—such as the Peter Jones academy—that (Con): Does the Minister agree that it is the wide range help young entrepreneurs to know what it takes to start of educational provision in the higher education sector a business are already having an effect. We are making that really benefits young people, and if so, what is he rapid progress, but I want to do much more. doing to increase the diversity of that provision? The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Internet Access (Rural Areas) Willetts): I agree with my hon. Friend about the importance of diversity, and that is why we have liberalised the rules 19. Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): on the size of institutions that can take the name What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary “university”, as a result of which 10 more higher education of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the use of institutions fulfilled that criterion, seven of which have satellite broadband for delivering internet access in already received approval from the Privy Council to rural areas. [134557] become universities.

The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): This has been Willetts): We see satellite broadband as an essential a sad week for British retail. Comet has closed its doors means to deliver faster internet access for rural communities, after 79 years of trading. I am sure that the whole businesses and individuals. Everywhere in Britain can House will want to convey our deepest sympathies to therefore access broadband via satellite. This is an issue the 6,900 employees who have subsequently lost their we regularly discuss with the Department for Culture, jobs at the worst possible time of year. Given that in less Media and Sport. than a year the owners appear to have lost the £50 million dowry they received to buy the business and left the Harriett Baldwin: How will the latest round of European taxpayer with a £49.4 million bill, will the Secretary of Space Agency negotiations support the UK companies State commit to publishing the findings of the inquiry that want to deliver satellite broadband to my constituents he has set up into this affair? in West Worcestershire? Vince Cable: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right Mr Willetts: We got an excellent outcome from the that the collapse of the Comet chain has caused great European Space Agency ministerial last month. Britain distress, not only through direct job losses but through is now the leader of the ARTES 2 programme for the the effect on the supply companies. There is also a large development of the next generation telecommunications amount of unpaid credit—£230 million, I think—and platform. It is great to see British businesses taking a not least the taxpayer stands to lose £50 million. He 989 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 990 repeats some of the very serious allegations that are T2. [134559] Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) being made about the people involved in the company. I (Lab/Co-op): Since the Davies report, we have seen an take the allegations very seriously and that is why I have increase in the number of women in non-executive asked my Department to conduct a thorough inquiry roles. However, the gender balance for executive roles under the powers it has. has remained at approximately 5%. What plans does The hon. Gentleman asked about publication. As it the Minister have to increase the proportion of women happens, under the law I am not allowed to publish the in non-executive and executive roles in 2013? report, but I will try to ensure that he and his Front Bench colleagues are properly briefed whenever information Jo Swinson: The hon. Lady is right to highlight the becomes available. issue of executive roles, which is more difficult to address than non-executive roles in the boardroom. The Mr Umunna: I am grateful for that reply. In the case Government are taking action. The Women’s Business of Comet, OpCapita has very serious questions to Council is looking at what specific steps can be taken answer. Cases such as these are also raising questions and we expect its report in May. More than 60 companies about our insolvency regime in general, which—in spite have already signed up to the Government’s Think, Act, of being one of the best in the world—needs to be Report initiative, looking in detail at how they recruit, improved. For example, the number of reports of directors promote, retain and pay their women executives so that being unfit to hold office has increased, but the percentage we can ensure that women are reaching the boardroom of directors being disqualified has fallen massively. The not just in non-executive roles but in executive roles. pre-pack procedure has been heavily criticised, and we could adopt elements of the US chapter 11 procedure here. T5. [134563] Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): The UK has among the most generous maternity leave The Department has said that it is reviewing the provisions in the world, which mean that some overall insolvency framework to see whether it is fit for employers have to provide time off for employees for purpose. For the benefit of the House, will the Secretary up to a year. This is particularly onerous for very small of State outline who is to do that review? Will there be a businesses. Will my hon. Friend look at the possibility call for evidence, and when may we expect to be told the of reducing the level of maternity benefits for micro- results? businesses that employ 10 people or fewer? Vince Cable: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that this episode reveals wider possible failures in the Jo Swinson: At this time of year, when we remember system. There may well be better ways to handle the Christmas story, we can be thankful that in the past insolvency—although it is fair to say that in general the 2,000 years not only has maternity care improved somewhat, British insolvency regime is regarded as one of the best but so has the recognition in society of the positive role internationally—and we should be open-minded about that women, and mothers in particular, can play in the other approaches. The American chapter 11 system may workplace. I recognise that it can be difficult for employers well be better and I want to have a proper look at that. when an excellent employee is away for a year. That is We are specifically going to have a look initially at a why I hope that, as a strong champion for small business narrow issue concerning insolvency practitioners and and as a father, my hon. Friend will welcome the their fees. The Insolvency Service is being looked at as Government’s plans to introduce shared parental leave, part of the red tape challenge, which is examining the which will let mums and dads choose how they care for regulatory system and how it can be improved. I also their children. Of course, that will mean that many want to review more broadly whether we can adopt mums will return to work in under a year, which will better practices across the piece. help to deal with the problem he outlines, as well as help dads to spend more time with their child in the early Mr Speaker: I call Richard Graham. Not here. That weeks of their child’s life. is the second time this has happened in a few days. The On the specific issue, approximately 1.5 million people fellow has got to get himself sorted. become parents every year, and we would not want that talent pool to be dissuaded from applying to work for John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): I recently met Phil small businesses. Downer, who runs a recruitment business, and he took me through the 14 pages of the new agency workers regulations that he has to fill in every time he recruits Mr Speaker: I think on the strength of that answer somebody for a few weeks. Will the Minister explain there is plenty of scope for an Adjournment debate in whether the red tape challenge is addressing this unnecessary which, no doubt, we will hear about the Nordic nostrums regulation, which is a massive burden on a small and views about neanderthals from the hon. Member businessman who is trying to get on in my constituency? for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman), who was scarcely able to contain himself a moment ago. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson): The hon. Gentleman T6. [134564] Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Sadly, is a strong supporter of businesses in his constituency. people can be vulnerable to getting a Christmas debt The red tape challenge is looking at a wide range of hangover. The National Audit Office reported this issues and he is right to highlight that. We need to week that debt management companies are making ensure that there is proper paperwork when it is necessary, £0.3 billion a year. Will the Government take robust but we will review whether the current burden is appropriate action in the new year to regulate debt management and proportionate. companies? 991 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 992

Jo Swinson: The Government are certainly looking MPs to discuss the Government’s continued opposition very closely at debt management. The National Audit to the anti-dumping measures against ceramic tableware Office has looked at the Office of Fair Trading. It found from China? It is important that we invest in UK that it has a positive role to play in enforcement action, manufacturing on a level playing field. That is an issue and has been active in this area. We are trying to agree that the Government need to address. with industry a protocol to improve debt management and advice. We will continue to look at this carefully The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation because, as the hon. Gentleman rightly says, this is and Skills (Michael Fallon): On the regional growth important to many people. fund, the hon. Lady will know that the Chancellor announced another £310 million in the autumn statement, T7. [134565] Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con): The Under- and 85% of the projects in rounds 1 and 2 have now Secretary of State for Skills, my hon. Friend the started, but I hope to tell the House how we will apply Member for West Suffolk (Matthew Hancock), is due the additional money early in the new year. I hope that to visit Lowestoft college in the new year. I would be Stoke will be one of the areas to benefit. The allegation grateful if he could confirm that the additional funding about anti-dumping is a very serious one, and I am for capital investment in further education colleges, happy to meet her and her colleagues to discuss it further details of which he announced this morning, is further. available for refurbishment projects such as the one that the college has worked up and which will enable it Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): Do the to build on its excellent work in providing people with Government believe in the right of each individual and the skills needed in the energy sector? business to choose the bank they wish to have operating on their behalf, and if so will the Government guarantee The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills that no existing customer of Lloyds bank, whether a (Matthew Hancock): Yes, I am looking forward to visiting business or an individual, will be forced to transfer their Lowestoft college on 8 March. It narrowly missed out account to the Co-op without their express consent? on a bid in the last round of funding, but, as we have discussed, more funding is available. I want the new Vince Cable: The general principle of account portability funding to be targeted at colleges that have estate in and its being voluntary is absolutely right. I am aware either a poor or inoperable condition. One third of the that some banks are currently discharging their customers college estate is in such a condition, having been left in against their will, which is bad business practice but not that state by the completely shambolic FE policy of the something we can stop. I am not sure what particular Government that left office—thankfully—in 2010. objection the hon. Gentleman has to the Co-op. It is one of the new challenger banks that we welcome. Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): Bolton university is making up to 90 people redundant because of the fall in student numbers, while 60,000 of the young people Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): I send my sympathy awarded places at university last year did not turn up. to the Comet staff who have lost their jobs today, just Will the Minister admit that the tripling of fees has five days before Christmas. When the Secretary of State created chaos and will harm the British economy? carries out his review of what happened at Comet, will he look at how staff have lost bonuses and how staff Mr Willetts: We do not recognise that description of who have served loyally for many years will not get their what is going on. We have very enterprising universities, full redundancy packages, in spite of the fact that the including Bolton, that are thriving as more students get Government are stepping in with £50 million? their first choice of university than ever before. And, of course, there is no cap on the number of overseas Vince Cable: The inquiry that the Department is now students legitimately entitled to enter the country to carrying out will be into the conduct of the directors, study. and various consequences will flow from that. We cannot investigate the wider social consequences, but the hon. Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): In my constituency, Gentleman is quite right that severe loss has been we have a thriving manufacturing sector, but one area suffered, not just by the workers but by the Government, of concern I have is the availability of skills, especially who are having to make up the redundancy pool. in engineering. Does the Minister agree that we need to redouble our efforts on science, technology, engineering Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): and maths—the STEM subjects—at school to ensure Companies in my constituency have contacted me about that we have a good pool of skills in that sector? how interest rate swap product mis-selling is threatening their very futures. May I urge my right hon. Friend to Matthew Hancock: It is critical that we turn around work with colleagues across the Government to try to engineering to ensure that we have the engineering skills resolve this issue as quickly as possible? necessary to compete in the future. In Stroud and across the country, there are shortages of engineering skills, Vince Cable: I have already been working closely with and this Government are addressing it. the Bully-Banks group and the Federation of Small Businesses, which is deeply concerned about the problem. Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab): Will the The scale of the scandal is becoming larger by the day, Minister join me in welcoming the acquisition by Steelite as more cases are uncovered. It is clear that the banks—or International of Royal Crown Derby as a sign that we some of them—behaved extremely badly in the sale of need to show leadership and increase regional growth such products. I am not fully satisfied that they are yet funding? Will he meet me and other Stoke-on-Trent conforming with the spirit of the FSA’s advice on the 993 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 994 matter; indeed, yesterday I met the chairman of the new between the two is not absolutely clear, but I agree with regulatory authority to discuss with him how we can the hon. Lady’s general proposition—a view that other support small business more actively. Members share—that a lot of small businesses have been severely mis-sold products and need to be assisted. Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): Further to that point, the banks and the FSA are dragging their George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): The rising feet, making a decision and then not making a decision world population means that by 2050 we will need to on interest rate swaps. Meanwhile, perfectly viable small double world production, albeit with half as much and medium-sized businesses are going to the wall. water, land and energy. Does the Minister agree that What is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that the British agricultural science, not least at the Norwich banks and the FSA make a decision quickly, so that research park, has a potentially huge role to play in businesses do not go under unnecessarily? helping the world to feed itself? May I welcome the agricultural science strategy and ask that it look to draw Vince Cable: In relation to the speed of the process, I in as much investment from around the world into was assured yesterday that the FSA will complete early Britain’s science base as possible? in the new year a pilot it has undertaken to identify the range of companies that might be assisted. That will Mr Willetts: This is an area where British science has then be rolled out to all companies. There is a genuine a lead. We have already invested more in the Norwich problem of definition. Some companies are sophisticated science park, which I visited with my hon. Friend, and and took on these swaps quite conscious of the risks we will continue to do so as part of our industrial involved; others were mis-sold them. The borderline strategy. 995 20 DECEMBER 2012 Business of the House 996

Business of the House Ms Eagle: I thank the Leader of the House for announcing the business for the next parliamentary week, even though it is not the next chronological week. 10.32 am I join the Leader of the House in wishing you, Mr Speaker, Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): Will the Leader of the staff who work here and have served us so well the House give us the business for next year? throughout the year, and all right hon. and hon. Members a happy and enjoyable Christmas. The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew Unfortunately, food banks had to feed almost 250,000 Lansley): The business for the week commencing 7 January people this year. Independent figures from the Trussell 2013 will be: Trust show that, in my own constituency, 295 children have been fed from food banks. Across the country, MONDAY 7JANUARY—Remaining stages of the Trust thousands of volunteers are helping hard-pressed families Lords (Capital and Income) Bill [ ], followed by all stages who are struggling to put any food on the table, and I Lords of the Statute Law (Repeals) Bill [ ], which is a pay tribute to their efforts. People are really struggling consolidation measure, followed by debate on a motion to make ends meet. Does the Leader of the House agree to take note of a European document relating to the with me that in 21st century Britain people should not Commission work programme 2013, followed by debate be struggling to feed their children because they have no on a reasoned opinion relating to the gender balance on money? At Christmas, that should be a particular source corporate boards, followed by general debate on corporate of shame, but yesterday at Prime Minister’s questions tax avoidance. The subject for this debate has been the Prime Minister boasted that this showed the big nominated by the Backbench Business Committee. society was working. How out of touch is he? When the TUESDAY 8JANUARY—Second Reading of the Welfare coalition was formed, Ministers could barely complete Benefits Up-rating Bill. a sentence without mentioning the big society. This WEDNESDAY 9JANUARY—Opposition Day [13th Allotted year, as the idea has unravelled and been revealed to be Day]. There will be a debate on the statutory code of little more than a PR gimmick, they have gone pretty practice for pub companies, followed by a further debate quiet on the subject. May we have a debate on the big on a subject to be announced. society, to give Government Members the chance to Both debates will arise on an Opposition motion. explain why, when 250,000 people have had to rely on food banks to be able to eat, the Government are giving THURSDAY 10 JANUARY—General debate on dementia. a huge tax cut to a few thousand millionaires? The subject for this debate has been nominated by the Backbench Business Committee. I welcome yesterday’s written statement from the Home Secretary on the Hillsborough investigation and The provisional business for the week commencing the overturning of the unjust inquest verdicts on the 14 January will include: 96 who died. I also warmly welcome the Government’s MONDAY 14 JANUARY—Second Reading of the Crime decision that the Hillsborough single will not be subject and Courts Bill [Lords]. to VAT. I welcome the court’s decision this week, but it does mean that the families of the victims, who have TUESDAY 15 JANUARY—Motion to approve the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Modification of Schedule 5) Order fought so hard for so many years, will now have to meet 2013. expensive legal costs to ensure that they are adequately represented at the new inquests. Given the exceptional WEDNESDAY 16 JANUARY—Opposition Day [14th Allotted circumstances, will the Leader of the House ask the Day]. There will be a debate on an Opposition motion. Justice Secretary to look at whether the Government Subject to be announced. could meet the families’ costs? THURSDAY 17 JANUARY—Business to be nominated by On Tuesday, Her Majesty the Queen made an historic the Backbench Business Committee. visit to No. 10 to attend the Cabinet, to observe, not to FRIDAY 18 JANUARY—Private Members’ Bills. participate in proceedings—much like the Deputy Prime I should also like to inform the House that the Minister, in fact. Does the Leader of the House agree business in Westminster Hall for 10 and 17 January will that it was a sign of Her Majesty’s tireless devotion to be: her duties that she was willing to put herself through such an experience? I have to admit that the photograph THURSDAY 10 JANUARY—Debate on the third report of of the Cabinet meeting from the Evening Standard the Select Committee on Transport on competition in worried me. Where was the Leader of the House? I the local bus market. looked very carefully, but the right hon. Gentleman just THURSDAY 17 JANUARY—Debate on the fourth report was not there. What on earth is going on? I thought of the Select Committee on International Development perhaps he was a closet republican, as he is from on tax in developing countries, followed by debate on Cambridgeshire, but surely that cannot be the case. the sixth report of the Select Committee on International Then it occurred to me that perhaps the Prime Minister Development on Afghanistan. has simply had enough of him. May I tell the right hon. May I take this opportunity to wish you, Mr Speaker, Gentleman that I have now started a campaign to save and all right hon. and hon. Members a very merry him from the chop? Christmas? On behalf of the whole House, I should like To honour Her Majesty’s Cabinet visit, the Government to thank all the staff of the House who have kept the have very generously named a tract of Antarctic wilderness House and ourselves running smoothly: the Doorkeepers, after her and given her 60 place mats—both of which the cleaners, the Clerks, the Officers and all the staff of will no doubt be very useful. As it is Christmas, I have the House and the House service. We wish a merry and been looking for gifts for the Cabinet. Given the miraculous peaceful Christmas to one and all. resurrection of the Government Chief Whip’s ministerial 997 Business of the House20 DECEMBER 2012 Business of the House 998 career, I thought he might like a copy of the Australian not be such great events next year as there were this ex-Prime Minister John Howard’s autobiography, “Lazarus year, but I hope that in 2013 we will have many smaller Rising”. We would all be grateful if the Chancellor positive events that will enable us as a country to live in spent his Christmas reading “Macro-economics for greater peace and progress. Beginners”. Given that every announcement from the Department for Education inevitably finds its way into Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): When the media before the Education Secretary has had a do we expect to consider the amendments made in the chance to make a statement to this House, I think he other place to the Bill on individual electoral registration. would benefit from a copy of “How Parliament Works”, Did my right hon. Friend see the circular from the which is an excellent book. I thought you, Mr Speaker, Electoral Commission yesterday, warning that if the might enjoy a manual written for classroom teachers, Bill does not reach the statute book by the end of “Managing Very Challenging Behaviour”. The Leader January, it will not be possible for the Electoral Commission of the House might benefit from a copy of the railway to guarantee the introduction of individual electoral timetable, and just about all his ministerial colleagues registration in time for the 2015 general election? Will might benefit from a copy of the book by my right hon. he assure me and the House that the Bill will be in a fit Friend the Member for Manchester, Gorton (Sir Gerald state to achieve Royal Assent before the end of January? Kaufman), “How to be a Minister”. Given that this is the last business statement of the Mr Lansley: I did indeed see the Electoral Commission year, and provided that the predictions of the Mayan statement to which my hon. Friend refers. It is not for apocalypse are wrong, I look forward to seeing everyone me to refer to business in the other place, but he will be back in the new year. reassured to know that the Electoral Registration and Administration Bill, which has to complete its Committee Mr Lansley: I am grateful to the shadow Leader of and remaining stages in the other place, will be considered the House, not least for her concern about my whereabouts in mid-January. at the Cabinet meeting. I felt like a reverse Forrest Gump: instead of being always in the picture, I was Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): May suddenly out of it. The hon. Lady’s reference to the I join the Leader and shadow Leader of the House in railway timetable is correct. I must tell my hon. Friend wishing you, Mr Speaker, and all the staff of the House, the Member for North East Hertfordshire (Oliver Heald) especially the Doorkeepers, a very merry Christmas? that I have an insufferable knowledge of Letchworth Garden City railway station, where I spent an hour and Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): And the staff of three quarters. If anyone were to ask me for a debate on Hansard. recent failings in performance on the east coast main line or by First Capital Connect, I would be very Natascha Engel: Yes, and the Hansard writers, of sympathetic to that request. course; we must not forget them. I also wish a merry Christmas to all the Back Benchers who have been so The hon. Lady will recall that there was a debate in supportive of the Backbench Business Committee, by Westminster Hall yesterday on food banks in Scotland making representations to us to hold what have proved and, indeed, that reference was made to the subject at to be some of the most excellent debates held in the yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Questions. I think the House this year. I thank them for their continued support availability of food banks is an illustration of how we for, and use of, the Backbench Business Committee. care for each other in our communities. We do not want people to need them, but as discussed in BIS questions I seek clarification on a minor technical point about earlier, there are many reasons why people access them— e-petitions. The House has now opened Westminster including money problems, debt management, the ability Hall on Monday afternoons for debates about e-petitions to manage their resources and so forth. As the shadow with 100,000 or more signatures. Are the slots exclusively Leader of the House says, the Trussell Trust has rightly for e-petitions generated from the Government website, been working across the country to establish better or do they include any e-petitions that reach 100,000 awareness of, and access to, food banks, and we should signatures? recognise and support that. Mr Lansley: I can confirm that the House opened I am grateful to the hon. Lady for what she said Westminster Hall for debates on e-petitions through the about the Home Secretary’s written ministerial statement Government’s website, on the basis that that gives us a on a further investigation into Hillsborough and about degree of validation in relation to the petitions. what the Prime Minister said yesterday about VAT. She asked about legal aid. I can tell her and the House that Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): the Government will provide funding for the legal Although there was an 8% increase in organ donations representation of the bereaved Hillsborough families at last year, 7,500 people are still waiting for an organ the fresh inquests. transplant. Will the Leader of the House find time for a At Christmas time, we look back at the past year and debate on this important topic? forward to the next one. After a year in which we have had the diamond jubilee, the Olympics and the Paralympic Mr Lansley: Although I cannot promise a prompt games, 2012 will be a year to remember for many debate, it is an important subject, and my hon. Friend positive reasons. At this time, however, we also need to might, I hope, seek a debate through the auspices of the think about the people who might be looking on 2012 Backbench Business Committee. We have made with less happy memories—people who are bereaved, considerable progress in this area, however. Working on people who are lonely, people who are in trouble or in the January 2008 recommendations of the organ donation pain and, indeed, people who are in poverty. There may taskforce, over the last four years there has been a 40% 999 Business of the House20 DECEMBER 2012 Business of the House 1000

[Mr Lansley] “Anyone in work and receiving benefits will gain more from paying less tax, than what they lose from benefits not increasing in increase in organ donor rates across the United Kingdom, real terms.” and through the work of NHS Blood and Transplant—an I thought about asking for a debate on declining standards organisation I know well—including its extension of of grammar. As analysis from the Institute for Fiscal transplant nursing support, I hope we can improve that Studies suggests that lone parents and working couples record still further. with children will be net losers from the changes in the autumn statement, may we have a debate in order to get the right figures on the record? Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): May I add my voice to those of the shadow Leader and Leader of the House in wishing a happy Christmas to Mr Lansley: The hon. Lady will recall that she will everyone, including—to the ire of the Prime Minister, have an opportunity to debate this with my colleagues no doubt—you, Mr Speaker? I also wish all the staff of on Second Reading of the Welfare Benefits Up-rating these Houses of Parliament a happy Christmas, and let Bill, on the House’s second day back. I point out to her us hope that this coming year we look after them better that benefits are intended to be limited—an increase than we did in the past year, which has been a very limited to 1%—but this follows five years during which stressful time for them. benefits rose by 20%, whereas average earnings rose by 10%. We cannot ignore the simple fact that those on I am sure the Leader of the House was as shocked as the lowest incomes are among those who will obtain the I was to hear Lord Patten’s remarks on the “Today” greatest proportionate benefit from the increase in the programme. Following the recent disturbing time for personal tax allowance. In April, that will increase to the BBC and its reputation, he described the Public £9,440, which will more than halve the income tax bill Accounts Committee report as “unfair” and “shabby”. of someone working full-time on the minimum wage. There is something seriously wrong in that. Our constituents have legitimate concerns about the running of the BBC. My own view is that this merits his resignation. Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): In 2011, the leadership of Somerset county council announced that Somerset would be the first county to introduce partial closure and Mr Lansley: On the first point, we in this House have charging for the use of recycling facilities. The public a responsibility to look after the House staff, and I expressed their concern that that would lead to increased think we discharge it properly. Speaking as a recent fly-tipping. The resulting costs, which are £303,615 this addition to the membership of the House of Commons year, have to be picked up by the taxpayer through the Commission, I know that it takes that responsibility district councils. Will the Leader of the House allow a immensely seriously, and ensures the staff who look debate on how Ministers might be empowered to intervene after us are employed, and looked after, on the best and to protect the environment and stop this irresponsible most favourable conditions. use of taxpayers’ money? The PAC report into the BBC is a matter for the BBC Trust and the BBC itself, not for me or Ministers Mr Lansley: I am very interested in what my hon. directly. Such reports are important, however. As I Friend has to say, and I will ask my colleagues at the know as a former head of a Department, when the PAC Department for Communities and Local Government issues reports and recommendations, they must be to respond to her specifically. Where county councils responded to and taken very seriously. and district authorities sit down to discuss these things together—I know they do that as they do it with us as Members of Parliament; we do it all together—we have Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): May I wish a better basis on which to consider matters, rather than the Leader of the House a happy Christmas—and, as it simply shifting costs between tiers of authorities. is Christmas, thank the Whips for looking after us, because that has not been said yet? Will the Leader of the House confirm that the Bill on the redefinition Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): May I of marriage will have its Second Reading on 28 January, inform the Leader of the House that the insulation and that there is no truth in the outrageous suggestion companies in my constituency, large and small alike, that Whips are slipping Members who do not want to wrote to the Department of Energy and Climate Change support that measure and calling people back from four months ago expressing their concern about the overseas trips who want to support it? Government’s green deal. I chased that up two months ago to get a response, but to date that Department has not responded to me or to the companies, which have Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his legitimate concerns. May we have a statement from the remarks. I cannot confirm the timing of business beyond Secretary of State on what he is going to do to sort out what I have announced to the House, and it is not my his dysfunctional Department? place to comment on the characteristics of any whipping operation. However, we have made it clear, as I believe all parties have, that votes on the equal civil marriage Mr Lansley: I will, of course, talk to my colleagues at Bill will be free votes. the Department of Energy and Climate Change about this, but I would hope that the hon. Gentleman welcomed the green deal. It is going to have a positive impact on Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): May we up to 8 million homes over the next eight years and have a debate about accurate reporting of the autumn create up to 60,000 jobs in the insulation sector over the statement? The Conservative party website currently next three years. The further roll-out of the green deal is states: going to take place over the months and years ahead, 1001 Business of the House20 DECEMBER 2012 Business of the House 1002 but I hope that early in the new year we will have an a 20% increase across the whole United Kingdom. Will opportunity for him and others to see how the green the Leader of the House arrange for a statement or a deal will be having a positive impact. debate on this vital issue?

Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): When I Mr Lansley: I know the hon. Gentleman is assiduous visited Kyson primary school in Woodbridge for a in finding opportunities, and there will no doubt be belated Parliament week question and answer session early opportunities for a debate on diabetes care. His with year 5 and year 6 students, I was struck by how point is important, as we need not only to improve the often the issue of the Belfast riots came up among 10 quality of care so that best practice is achieved—the and 11-year-olds. Given that these events are still continuing, Public Accounts Committee identified in its report with some disgraceful things occurring, will my right the quality of life and the number of lives saved that hon. Friend arrange for the Secretary of State to make could be gained by implementing best practice in diabetes another statement early in the new year? care, and although we are doing that we have more to do—but to use measures such as the health check system in the NHS and the preventive health strategies Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who that are now being developed between the NHS and knows how our right hon. Friend the Secretary of State local authorities to reduce the rising prevalence of diabetes. for Northern Ireland has come to the House and, quite rightly, made statements. Of course, I have no doubt Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): I that in the new year, if need be, she will do so again. We extend my best wishes to you, Mr Speaker, and to the all condemn the lawlessness and thuggery we have seen. whole House. I pay particular thanks to colleagues on It is not in defence of the flag; it is a disgrace to the flag, the Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural frankly, and to Britain that this is happening. We want Affairs and especially to the staff, who have enabled us to see it stop. In particular, the threat to our elected to achieve all that we have this year. It looks as though representatives and the threat to and attacks on the there is very little chance of a white Christmas this year, police are attacks on democracy. I know that my right but there will be flooding in many parts of the country. hon. Friend the Secretary of State is working with the Many people have already been displaced. Will my right Executive to ensure that local solutions, led in Northern hon. Friend look favourably on my request for an early Ireland, are leading the approach. We all support that, debate in the new year on flooding and on what more as we respect the devolution settlement, but I know that we, local authorities and other agencies can do between as a House we are very concerned and that the Government floods, as well as on the question of insurance to will take seriously their responsibility to report to us. replace the statement of principles that expires at the end of May? Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): In view of all the good wishes that have been expressed today—I Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. As join others in expressing them—is the Leader of the Chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs House aware that one of the best wishes we could have Committee, she has rightly raised an issue that will for 2013 would be for a statement early in the year that concern many of us in many constituencies across the this wretched Government will resign? country. We feel deeply for those in the west country and elsewhere who are at risk at Christmas of flooding, Mr Lansley: And a happy Christmas to the hon. with all the horrible consequences that flow from that. Gentleman, too. The House will be aware that the Environment Agency, local authorities, fire and rescue services and others have been forewarned by the Flood Forecasting Centre Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (Con): I know that my and stand ready to deal with any emergencies. I know right hon. Friend will agree that we should commend that Ministers at the Department for Environment, Her Majesty’s Government for everything that has been Food and Rural Affairs will actively monitor that and done this year to make the diamond jubilee anniversary will intervene and report to the House whenever necessary. such a magnificent celebration for our whole nation. Will he arrange for the Government to make an early Flood insurance is a priority. Discussions with the statement in 2013 about preparations for a possible blue Association of British Insurers are continuing. I cannot sapphire jubilee to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s comment on the detail of that negotiation, but we are 65th anniversary in 2017? continuing to seek a new approach that is better than the statement of principles—one that genuinely secures affordable flood insurance without placing unsustainable Mr Lansley: At this precise moment, I will simply costs on other policyholders or the taxpayer. join my hon. Friend and the whole House in remarking on what a wonderful diamond jubilee year it has been Mr Tom Harris (Glasgow South) (Lab): Will the and on how the example of Her Majesty over 60 years Leader of the House join me in congratulating IPSA— as our sovereign has taken the monarchy to the highest [HON.MEMBERS: “No.”] Sarcasm alert—not only on levels of respect, admiration and, indeed, affection that concocting a generous tax avoidance scheme for its this country has ever seen. acting chief executive, Paula Higson, but on trying to protect our staff from those unwanted and pesky tax Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): The Government bills? That is the excuse it gives for insisting that staff initiated a 10-year diabetes strategy for the whole of the expenses are paid into our accounts, not their own. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland last time MPs accepted other people’s money into our in 2003, but there has been a 30% increase in the bank accounts, it did not end well. Can the Leader of number of people with diabetes in my constituency and the House sort it out? 1003 Business of the House20 DECEMBER 2012 Business of the House 1004

Mr Lansley: If I may, I will draw what the hon. change of use regulations. Equally, in order to support Gentleman has said to the attention of the chairman of economic growth, we should create as flexible a structure IPSA so that IPSA can respond to him. I know that the as we can for people who own property to allow them to Speaker’s Committee on IPSA takes very seriously the develop that property and exploit it. views of Members on the administration of IPSA’s responsibilities, so I am sure we will have occasion to Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op): Is the Leader of discuss the matter there. the House aware that over the past few weeks people in Corby and east Northamptonshire have been peeping Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): Would the Lord out of their windows in amazement at festive lights Privy Seal be willing to investigate the behaviour of illuminating their roads, because they were plunged into Cosalt plc, which has big problems with minority darkness for a long time as a result of a decision by the shareholding? We need answers to some legitimate Tory-controlled county council? That is just one reason questions, and 28 Members of Parliament are concerned why some of his hon. Friends were stumbling around in about the matter. my constituency having lost their way. This matters so much for the safety and well-being of people across Mr Lansley: I cannot promise to investigate in detail Corby and east Northamptonshire, so may we please myself, but I can undertake to be in touch with my right have a debate on street lights? hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. The issue clearly relates to corporate governance Mr Lansley: I must confess that I was not aware of so I will ask him to look into it and respond to my hon. the street light situation in Corby—[HON.MEMBERS: Friend. “Why not?”] Street lights are a matter for individual local authorities. As I am sure the hon. Gentleman is Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): May I add my discovering, if a Member wishes to raise that sort of thanks and best wishes to all the staff of the House, constituency matter, applying for an Adjournment debate including all the staff of the Speaker’s Office? is a good tactic. Some 3,900 people in my constituency claim in-work benefits but will be worse off next year as a result of the Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): autumn statement. May we have an urgent debate next Youthunemployment in Harrogate and Knaresborough year on the fairness of hitting the people who do the currently stands at 2.6%, having halved in the past year, right thing while millionaires get a massive tax cut? and we have obviously seen some good progress nationally. Please may we have a debate on the growth of Mr Lansley: I remind the hon. Gentleman of the apprenticeships and the role they are playing in cutting exchange that I had with the hon. Member for Stretford youth unemployment? and Urmston (Kate Green). One must take into account the fact that people are in work and are receiving Mr Lansley: I very much agree with my hon. Friend. in-work benefits. Those benefits will not necessarily rise Since the general election more than 1 million people by inflation but by 1%. The pay of many people in work have started an apprenticeship and the budget has been is not rising or is rising by a very small amount indeed, increased to £1.5 billion. In addition, I know that he but one must also take into account that in recognition will share my optimism about the development of the of that and because we want those who are in work to Youth Contract, especially the 250,000 extra work feel that work really pays and that the more hours they experience places or sector-based work academy places, work, the more benefit they get, this Government are the wage incentive to support 18 to 24-year-olds getting reducing the tax on the lowest paid. The personal tax into work and the extra incentives for young apprentices allowance is going up to £9,440. That will make a in particular. That is all contributing, I hope. For example, significant difference to the tax bill of lower paid workers. the most recent data show that the unemployment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds is down 1.3 points this quarter. Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): From his visits to my constituency, my right hon. Friend will Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): Yesterday the be aware what a wonderful tourism destination Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Bournemouth is. Tourism is the biggest industry in said that local councils had record levels of reserves that Bournemouth. May we have a debate or a statement on they should use to plug the hole left by his record levels proposals allowing a change of use of hotels, whereby of cuts. May we have a debate on how the Government they would be converted into flats, without the approval could make better use of their own reserves and get of the town hall? I hope my right hon. Friend would their own house in order before lecturing others on how agree that such a policy would be devastating for tourism to run their affairs? destinations such as Bournemouth. Mr Lansley: I am slightly at a loss to discover what Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend is right about the attractions point the hon. Gentleman is trying to make, especially of Bournemouth. I can remember being in Bournemouth given the circumstances in which the Labour Government, on a number of occasions and having the benefit of the whom he supported, left this country and the sun on our face and a beautiful bay in front of us to unprecedentedly large debts they left this country. That enjoy while we were there. The simple fact of the large is the situation we are dealing with. We are not dealing number of hotel bedrooms in Bournemouth makes an with a Government who came into office and found enormous difference to its attractiveness to conferences, that they had reserves; we are dealing with a Government for example. I will talk to my ministerial colleagues who found that they were borrowing £1 in every £4 they and ask them to respond to my hon. Friend about the were spending. 1005 Business of the House20 DECEMBER 2012 Business of the House 1006

Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): During the rightly says, for a significant period that target was not past few days the Beacon of Hope, a hospice that has being met, but the framework makes that transparent premises in my constituency and the neighbouring because it requires the Governor of the Bank of England constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Ceredigion to write to the Chancellor to explain why it has not (Mr Williams), has gone into voluntary receivership. happened. Inflation has substantially reduced in the Although hospices are a devolved issue, we know that past year or so. Alongside the fiscal credibility of the charities, including hospices, are under huge pressure Government, that gives international markets and businesses right across the UK, and it is especially poignant for confidence in the credibility of our monetary policy hospices. Will my right hon. Friend arrange for an too. opportunity, whether by statement or debate, so that we can discuss the financial arrangements under which Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): Season’s greetings hospices operate? to everyone. In particular, I want to wish British industry a happy new year, but I fear that it might not be so. Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for Britain has a visible trade deficit with the rest of the raising that matter and share his concern, and that of European Union of, typically, £1 billion a week. Britain’s his constituents, about the financial situation the local manufacturing sector is half the size of Germany’s as a hospice is in. As he says, it is a devolved matter, but I proportion of GDP.Britain’s industry has been damaged will of course talk with my hon. Friend about it. We time and again over many decades by an over-valuation might not be able to offer an immediate opportunity for of our currency, and over the past 18 months or so we debate, but I hope that we can discuss the hospice have seen a substantial weakening of the euro, which is movement at an early date. From my point of view, I again forcing up the value of sterling, with the result have listened on the issues relating to regulation and that our trade deficit will be even more difficult to know that we do not have to impose additional regulation overcome. Will the Leader of the House make time for a on the hospice movement. At the same time, in England debate on exchange rate policy and its implications for the Government are supporting the hospice movement British industry? by conducting pilot projects for per-patient funding, which would make an enormous difference for hospices, and indeed those with life-limiting illnesses, because Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman is describing a they would be able to choose the provider and location situation that relates to the decline in British manufacturing of their care and the resources the NHS and social that occurred dramatically over the life of the previous services give to support them would be used directly to Labour Government. I entirely absolve him of responsibility support the provider of their choice, including hospices. for some of that Government’s policies, which he did not necessarily support, although he supported that Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): May we have a Government. We are very clear that we must achieve for debate on the new Governor of the Bank of England’s the future a rebalancing of our economy. That is why financial package? We learn from today’s newspapers British manufacturing has substantially improved its that on top of his salary of three times that of the Prime trade in and exports of goods to some of the new and Minister’s, he will have to manage on a London emerging markets such as China, India, Russia and accommodation allowance of a mere £250,000 a year. Brazil. It is not a matter of losing markets in Europe; In that debate, would it be possible to ascertain whether, we have to win them as well. In 2011, we exported if that is used for a mortgage, any capital gain made on £300 billion in goods, up 12.5% on the year before, and the property would be repayable to the taxpayer? we need to sustain that progress.

Mr Lansley: I do not know whether we have any Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): The Leader immediate opportunity for such a debate. I recall that of the House will know that group B streptococcus is when the Chancellor of the Exchequer came here and the most common cause of life-threatening infection in made a statement announcing that appointment, it was newborn babies, and that each year, very sadly, some welcomed right across the House, including by the hon. 100 newborn babies suffer either death or disability as a Gentleman’s Front Benchers. The truth of the matter, result. In countries that have routine screening, infection as the Chancellor clearly stated, is that if we want to get rates are falling, yet in this country infection rates have the very best person in the world for this job, we have to risen by a quarter in the past 10 years. The UK National be prepared to put in place the contract to make that Screening Committee has just announced, after a review, happen. that it will not be introducing routine screening. May we have an oral statement from a Health Minister on Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) the Floor of the House so that Members can question (Con): There has been a great deal of speculation in the this very distressing decision? press that the Government are going to review the inflation target that they set for the Bank of England. Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend and I, and, indeed, Indeed, the Bank of England has failed for some while other Members, have discussed this subject. He is right now to hit that target. May we kindly have a debate or a that it is the responsibility of the National Screening statement on the criteria that the Treasury will use to Committee, independently, to offer advice about the work out the inflation target that the Bank of England relative effectiveness of national screening programmes. should be trying to hit? I will, of course, ask my colleagues at the Department of Health to respond directly to my hon. Friend, but he Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend knows, I hope, that we might like to note that there may be a further opportunity have no plans to change the inflation targeting framework to raise this important issue at Health questions on that was set out in the Bank of England Act 1998. As he Tuesday 15 January. 1007 Business of the House 20 DECEMBER 2012 1008

John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): Last week, Mr Levesconte, Thalidomide Trust (Grant) the landlord of the Royal Oak pub in Shrewton, left the country with £29,000 that had been saved in the local thrift fund by 60 families. This week, due to the generosity 11.17 am of the people of Shrewton, south Wiltshire and beyond, the full sum has been acquired through donations. Will The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman the Leader of the House comment on the vibrancy of Lamb): With permission, Mr Speaker, I should like to the big society in south Wiltshire and make a statement report to the House on a new 10-year grant to the on the safety of investing and saving in banks, building Thalidomide Trust to help it find more personalised societies and credit unions, as opposed to thrift funds? ways of meeting the health needs of thalidomide survivors. The current three-year grant, which comes to an end Mr Speaker: I think that what the hon. Gentleman in March 2013, was introduced by the previous Government wants is not so much a comment but, in conformity as a pilot scheme. Its aim was to enable the Thalidomide with House procedures, a full statement. Trust and its members to explore more innovative ways of preventing further deterioration in the health of John Glen: I did ask for that in the second part of my thalidomide victims and to help preserve their independence. question. This Government are committed to improving outcomes Mr Speaker: Ah! I neglected to follow the hon. for all disabled people and to supporting them to live Gentleman’s logic right through. We are all deeply independent lives. That is why we are pleased to be able indebted to him. to continue the excellent work begun by the pilot scheme through this 10-year commitment. Over the next 10 years, Mr Lansley: I cannot offer a statement at this time, the grant will be in the region of £80 million. It will be but I can say that I share my hon. Friend’s concern that paid on an annual basis, rising each year in line with people recognise the intrinsic merits of saving in institutions, inflation. not least guaranteed institutions such as banks, building I was privileged to speak on this very subject on my societies and credit unions. On a positive note, those in first day as a Health Minister and then met, along with Wiltshire are, as my hon. Friend has said, clearly a the hon. Member for Elmet and Rothwell (Alec generous community who care for each other. That is Shelbrooke), the Thalidomide Trust and its national a central part of not only the big society, but the kind of advisory council. They impressed on me the complex society that we all want to live in. I was equally touched and highly specialised needs that thalidomiders have, by the way in which so many people have responded, in particularly as they approach older age. At the meeting, like fashion, after the wickedness of thefts from Great members of the trust and a number of thalidomiders Ormond Street hospital by recognising that they want stressed the need for certainty and that any future grant to contribute to look after others. would need to be for longer than just three years. I am delighted that we are able to give them that certainty. Mr Speaker: I thank the Leader of the House and Many thalidomiders have had to use their bodies to colleagues, and wish him and all hon. and right hon. compensate for the damage to their arms or legs in such Members a merry Christmas. a way as to cause severe musculoskeletal problems, including lower back pain, sciatica, damage to the coccyx area and shoulder pain and stiffness. Treatments to relieve those symptoms, such as massage and physiotherapy, not only help to maintain their independence, but often mean that they can stay in work. The Thalidomide Trust has provided evaluation reports for the first two years of the pilot scheme. I have read with interest how its has invested the money. It is clear from the reports that this scheme is the best way to continue to meet the complex needs of thalidomide survivors. One recipient of the grant has improved her independence by installing a table that rises and falls by remote control, enabling her to reduce overstrain on her muscles. Another recipient describes how regular physiotherapy and visits to the gym, paid for by the grant, have led to him losing weight, thereby relieving stress on his joints, reducing the pain and improving his mental well-being. A small number of people said that they had reduced their need for prescription painkillers and the frequency with which they need to see their GP. The reasons for that varied, and included successful surgery, lifestyle changes and improved access to complementary medicines, but all of them were linked to the use of the grant. The continued funding will help individual thalidomiders to maintain control over their own health needs, because they are the experts in what really makes a difference. 1009 Thalidomide Trust (Grant)20 DECEMBER 2012 Thalidomide Trust (Grant) 1010

There will be clear principles for the use of the man with no legs to make a down payment on a van money. It must be used only for health-related needs adapted so that he can drive it from his wheelchair. It and it cannot be used to duplicate support provided will allow a deaf thalidomide survivor to continue to through a different source, such as personal health employ someone to be her signer when she goes out so budgets. The grant must also be used only for the that she can retain her confidence and ability to remain benefit of thalidomide survivors living in England. active and mobile. Separately, the devolved Administrations will each consider I have a number of questions about the scheme that I how they will support thalidomiders after the end of hope the Minister will answer. He will be aware that the current three-year pilot, which is in March next year. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland made proportionate Naturally, the Department of Health will review the contributions to the fund set up by the previous scheme annually to ensure that it remains the most Government. Will the devolved Administrations make appropriate use of funding and the best way of distributing similar contributions to the fund he has announced it to those who need it. The trust will use its extensive today? He says that the grant will be reviewed annually, expertise and knowledge of its members to distribute but there might be concern that that is not as stable as the funds to thalidomide survivors in England. some survivors would like. Will the Minister guarantee I pay tribute to the Thalidomide Trust. The contribution that the views, needs and concerns of survivors will be of both the trust and its national advisory council, at the heart of those reviews, and will he explain why we many members of which are in the Public Gallery to need an annual review, and not a three-year review as hear this statement, cannot be overstated. The trust under the previous Government? uses its expert knowledge to provide invaluable support Will the reviews look specifically at the increasing to survivors of the thalidomide disaster and their families, needs of thalidomide survivors as they get older? Evidence while members of the national advisory council work collected over the past two years confirms that their tirelessly, despite their own impairments, in the cause of health and mobility is deteriorating rapidly now that all thalidomiders. they have reached their 50s. Because of those increasing Finally, I reiterate the regret and deep sympathy first needs, will the Minister commit today to ensuring that expressed three years ago by the then Minister of State, there will be no less funding in the years ahead? Department of Health, the former Member for North I will conclude, as the Minister did, by thanking and Warwickshire, Mike O’Brien. We acknowledge the physical paying tribute to the work of the Thalidomide Trust, its hardship and emotional difficulties faced by the children national advisory council, and all campaigners who affected by this drug and their families, and the challenges have fought to make successive Governments face up to that many continue to endure, often on a daily basis. their responsibilities. Members across the House sincerely I commend the statement to the House and wish regret how badly thalidomide survivors were let down, everyone, including all thalidomiders, a very happy and we will strive to ensure that that never happens Christmas. again.

11.23 am Norman Lamb: I appreciate the shadow Minister’s support for today’s announcement and she is right to Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab): I thank the Minister say that people have waited far too long for an for the advance copy of his statement. acknowledgment of the tragedy and for practical action. Thalidomide survivors waited far too long for I acknowledge—as I did in my statement—the actions Governments over many years to address the appalling of the previous Government in initiating the pilot scheme, physical and emotional difficulties that they faced as a and the expression of regret made by the former Health result of thalidomide prescribed by the NHS from 1958 Minister. One powerful thing about the scheme, as to 1961. The last Government took the first steps towards designed in the original pilot, is that it gives maximum addressing this unacceptable situation. In January 2010, power to the individual to determine and respond to the then Minister of State rightly offered our sincere their priorities and needs. That means that the money regret and deep sympathy for the injury and suffering can be used in a host of different ways, as the hon. Lady endured by all those whose expectant mothers took the described. thalidomide drug. I want to repeat that sincere regret The hon. Lady raised a fair point about the devolved and sympathy today. Administrations, and we must be equally concerned The previous Government also acknowledged the about thalidomiders in Scotland, Wales and Northern urgent need for extra help for thalidomide survivors to Ireland. The devolved Administrations did not feel able meet their care and support needs, by putting in place a to commit to the 10-year period here and now, but they three-year pilot scheme. The pilot, as this Minister said, are fully committed to continuing that help and we will has helped survivors to improve the quality of their work closely with them to ensure that individuals in lives and to cope with their increasing loss of mobility those Administrations are not left behind in any way. and independence as they get older by helping them to The hon. Lady rightly mentioned the annual review, buy and put in place the things that they say make the which is a question of proper accountability. The trust most difference to their lives. has done a brilliant job and I acknowledge its work. It is I welcome the Minister’s announcement that the a completely responsible organisation that knows better Government will continue the scheme for 10 more years than anyone how best to deploy the available resources, with a grant in the region of £80 million. That will mean but as it acknowledges, it is right for it to be held to a huge amount to the 431 thalidomide survivors living account for how public money is spent. There is no in the UK today. As the Thalidomide Trust says, the intention at all to question the purpose of the grant, money will allow one survivor with no arms to buy the and we want to give the certainty provided by the special adaptations she has been unable to afford, and a 10-year period. The fund will be index linked so that the 1011 Thalidomide Trust (Grant)20 DECEMBER 2012 Thalidomide Trust (Grant) 1012

[Norman Lamb] Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): I join other right hon. and hon. Members in praising the dedicated, intelligent value of money from the pilot scheme is maintained and sensitive leadership of the Thalidomide Trust over throughout that period. The review is simply to ensure many years. The news from the Minister will be welcomed that the scheme still makes sense and that we are using by thalidomide survivors throughout the UK, including the available resource in the best possible way. I have in my constituency by a friend of mine and his wonderful every confidence that that will be the case and, as the family. The issue for many thalidomide survivors is the hon. Lady requested, the needs of the thalidomiders pursuit of an independent everyday life. Will the Minister who benefit from the money will be put at the heart of advise me and the House why the decision was made to the reviews. We will not let those people down in the have a 10-year grant rather than a lifetime grant, which commitment that we are making today, and the funding would have eliminated all uncertainty? I am very interested will be maintained. in the Minister’s comments on that. The hon. Lady rightly talked about deteriorating health because the body has been under such extraordinary Norman Lamb: We had a genuine judgment to make. strain. I spoke to thalidomiders earlier today. It is On the one hand, I wanted to provide a good deal of remarkable what their bodies have been able to do, certainty for a lengthy period, but this is a unique group often in the absence of limbs, but that puts an enormous of people. Their health is deteriorating, but we do not strain them, and the wear and tear is now having its yet know what the prognosis is for the rest of their lives. effect. We do not know what the prognosis is going It therefore might have been dangerous to allocate a forward. It is therefore right to take stock and see what sum of money for the rest of their lives. For all we their needs are after a 10-year period, but the commitment know, their needs may grow considerably. It is therefore to those people must remain. right to take stock in 10 years’ time and make a judgment on their needs at that stage. Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): On 23 November, the first ever memorial to thalidomide Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): I have victims was unveiled in Harrogate—a tree was planted met victims of thalidomide over many years, and I had and a plaque was unveiled to mark the 50th anniversary the privilege of being Parliamentary Private Secretary of the withdrawal of the drug. Thalidomide victims to the former Member for North Warwickshire when he were present at the unveiling, which was carried out by introduced the pilot scheme, so I really understand Mr Guy Tweedy, a Harrogate resident and leading some of the difficulties that the Minister has faced. I thalidomide campaigner. therefore congratulate him, as I know that it was a The victims have waited a very long time for recognition, difficult and emotional decision to take. The trust should including financial recognition. I very much welcome also be congratulated on its efforts and tenacity over the Minister’s comments, particularly those on the certainty many years. required and the 10-year period, the challenges the victims face as they grow older and the sheer bravery Norman Lamb: As I indicated in my statement, I had that some have had to show during the course of their to respond to an Adjournment debate on the subject in lives. I simply urge him to do all he can to support this Westminster Hall on my very first full day in the job. special group. The presence of so many thalidomiders at that debate sent a very powerful message to me about the need for us to face up to our responsibility to support those Norman Lamb: I absolutely commit, on behalf of the individuals. Government, to do everything we can to support that group of people. As a society, we owe it to them to support them—they are often in very difficult circumstances. Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): I very much welcome He is right to note the bravery that they have shown—not my hon. Friend’s statement, which will mean a huge just the individuals, but their families too—in facing amount to sufferers up and down the country, including those circumstances. those in my constituency. I wish to pay tribute to Ruth Daniels, one of my constituents, who has campaigned very hard on this issue. Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): I pay tribute to victims of the drug and to the trust that so admirably The Minister mentioned that money would be made serves them, and thank the Minister for his statement, available for physical health needs. Can he confirm that but how did he fix on that sum? Was it the sum that the it will also be made available for those suffering from trust asked for? Does it meet all the trust’s demands, or mental effects as a result of thalidomide? are other forces at work? Norman Lamb: Ruth Daniels and many others have Norman Lamb: The right hon. Gentleman is right to campaigned long and hard for justice, and it has taken pay tribute to the work of the trust over many years. We too long for that to be properly acknowledged. I absolutely have based the sum on the amount of money provided confirm that the money can be used for any health-related as part of the pilot scheme, which appeared to work matter, and mental health can be affected as well as very well. It does not meet all needs, but many individuals physical health, and is just as legitimate as any other get help in other ways—some have personal budgets, health need. and so on. However, it is acknowledged that the amount is a massive help and support and gives them the Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): reassurance for a lengthy period that continuing support The Minister will be aware that the trust has also called will be available. for the manufacturer finally to acknowledge its culpability, 1013 Thalidomide Trust (Grant) 20 DECEMBER 2012 1014 something that it has repeatedly failed to do. Will he Point of Order update the House on his assessment of the likelihood of getting those cowards finally to take responsibility? 11.38 am Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I am sorry that I will be a little Norman Lamb: Talking earlier to people from the unseasonal in my point of order, but it is in response to Thalidomide Trust, they are deeply frustrated—as am the Government. I—by the failure of the manufacturer to face up to its Last night, at around 5 o’clock, an amendment was responsibilities. I cannot provide a positive update that tabled to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill in suggests that it is about to do what it should do, but I the other place with the purpose of abolishing the think we would all agree that it should acknowledge its Agricultural Wages Board in England and Wales. The culpability without delay. results of a consultation, which were only put on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website yesterday evening, show that the majority of people oppose the abolition of the AWB, and it is also Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co- against the express wishes of the Welsh Government, op): I thank the Minister for responding so positively—it who have said that they do not want it abolished. The was my Westminster Hall debate to which he responded abolition would affect thousands of agricultural workers on his first day in the job. I am glad that he has listened and, on the Government’s own figures, would take more to the views of the thalidomiders. I also join in the than £240 million out of the rural economy. Have you tribute to the Thalidomide Trust, especially Mikey Argy had any request from Ministers to make a statement to and Liz Buckle, who first brought the information to Members in this House? me that persuaded me that a debate was needed. Mr Speaker: I have received no such request. I am The Minister mentioned the position in the devolved sorry if the otherwise jovial spirits of the hon. Gentleman Administrations. Will he give the House an update on in the approach to Christmas have been undermined or the discussions that he has had with the Cabinet Secretary disturbed, but from the vantage point of the Chair for Health and Wellbeing in Scotland? Has he had any nothing disorderly has occurred. I have a sense that this indication of when a statement or announcement will is a matter to which the House will return in due course. be made by the Scottish Government so that thalidomide If there are no further points of order, we will move on. victims in Scotland can have the same peace of mind as those in England? BILL PRESENTED

WELFARE BENEFITS UP-RATING BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Norman Lamb: I pay tribute to the hon. Lady for her Mr Secretary Duncan Smith, supported by the Prime campaigning on this issue, along with several other hon. Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Chancellor of Members, which has played a part in ensuring that the the Exchequer, Danny Alexander, Mr Oliver Letwin, needs of thalidomiders are properly acknowledged. I Steve Webb, Michael Fallon and Sajid Javid, presented cannot tell her that there will be a statement at any a Bill to make provision relating to the up-rating of particular time, but I confirm that we are in touch with certain social security benefits and tax credits. the Scottish Government and there is a desire to help. Bill read the First Time; to be read a Second time I will write to her to provide as much of an update as Monday 7 January 2013, and to be printed (Bill 116) I can. with explanatory notes (Bill 116-EN). 1015 20 DECEMBER 2012 Energy and Climate Change 1016 Committee Report energy providers. Our report concludes that the effect of Backbench Business the proposed reforms should be monitored and it proposes several indicators for tracking the effect on competition Energy and Climate Change and on getting a better deal for consumers. Committee Report As I outlined earlier, the rising cost of investing in our energy infrastructure and of paying for DECC’s environmental and social policies will be reflected in 11.41 am consumer bills over coming decades. Currently, there is Mr Tim Yeo (South Suffolk) (Con): I beg to move, some confusion about the impact of this investment on That this House has considered the matter of the publication consumer bills, and it is important that there is more of the Fifth Report from the Energy and Climate Change Committee, clarity, because consumers are being expected to take on Consumer Engagement with Energy Markets, HC 554-I, and action to offset these costs and avoid large rises in their the launch of inquiries into Energy prices, profits and poverty, bills. A very good way of doing that is by increasing and Smart meter roll-out. energy efficiency, but we are concerned that this message I am grateful to you, Mr Speaker, and to the Backbench is not getting across to consumers and that plans for Business Committee for the chance to launch my informing consumers about energy efficiency lack detail. Committee’s report on consumer engagement with energy Our inquiry heard from members of the public at markets, which was published today. My Committee events held in Southampton, East Bergholt, in my has been paperless since the summer recess so my notes constituency, and Banchory. People told us that they are on an iPad, rather than hard copy. I draw attention did not know whom to trust for information about to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial energy issues or where to go for advice. Given the Interests. importance of increasing consumer knowledge of these This inquiry was prompted by our concerns that issues, we conclude that there is a case for streamlining many consumers do not have a clear idea of how energy the sources of information available to consumers to prices will be affected by investment in energy provide a single, independent, reliable and trustworthy infrastructure—investment that is needed to provide a source of information about these issues. Most of all, clean, secure and affordable energy supply for the future. however, we need a full and frank conversation with the Our report concludes that consumer engagement with public about the contribution that consumers are being the energy market is low and that this is linked to low expected to make to ensuring that we have safe, secure levels of competition and consumer trust in the energy and affordable energy supplies in the future. DECC industry. Many consumers seemed unable or unwilling should lead that conversation. Consumers need to be to take action to reduce their energy bills by switching aware that bills may continue to rise unless they increase provider. We are particularly concerned that some customers energy efficiency or otherwise reduce their energy who have not engaged in switching may be among the consumption. more vulnerable, and that they are paying considerably During our inquiry, energy price rises were reported more for their energy. by all major suppliers, and prices look set to continue There is little incentive for larger energy suppliers to rising. We are concerned about the effect on consumers, offer those consumers a better deal. Confusion felt by particularly those in fuel poverty. consumers faced with too many different tariffs has been a barrier to switching. Other barriers include John Robertson (Glasgow North West) (Lab): I thank apathy, which I fear I may be guilty of myself as a the Chair of the Committee, of which I have the honour non-switcher; fear of ending up with a worse deal; of being a member, and my colleagues for being so feeling that switching is too much hassle; disinterest in forward thinking as to visit Anniesland college in my energy issues; distrust of suppliers; and feeling that all constituency in February to talk to real people about suppliers are the same. real problems. Does my hon. Friend—I believe he is my Ofgem plans to increase both switching and competition friend in this case—agree that it is important not only under its retail market review proposals by reducing that we reach out to people and talk to them, but that and simplifying tariffs and making it easier for consumers we talk to people who have real problems? The Minister to switch. The Prime Minister, during Prime Minister’s might think of trying that for a change, rather than questions, recently pledged to ensure that staying within the walls of this palace. “energy companies have to give the lowest tariff to their customers”.—[Official Report, 17 October 2012; Vol. 551, c. 316.] Mr Yeo: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, who is The Minister of State, Department of Energy and a valued colleague on my Committee, for that intervention. Climate Change, my right hon. Friend the Member for I am looking forward to my visit to Glasgow in February. Bexhill and Battle (Gregory Barker), who is in his It is truly said that there is more fun to be had at a place,confirmed to us that the Department of Energy funeral in the west of Scotland than at a wedding in the and Climate Change would be doing that in the Energy east of Scotland. Bill. However, the Government’s proposals are very My Committee is concerned about the effect on similar to those put forward by Ofgem. We question the consumers, particularly those in fuel poverty. Price rises wisdom of legislating to implement measures that are from energy companies this autumn mean that average so similar to those Ofgem proposes to implement more annual energy bills have already risen by about 7%, and quickly without legislation. Whether the Government’s DECC’s own advisory group on fuel poverty has estimated and Ofgem’s measures on tariffs will improve the situation that 300,000 more homes will be in fuel poverty by for consumers remains to be seen. It is crucial that, if Christmas. Millions more may be affected unless radical they do not make improvements soon, stronger action action is taken. If consumers are to protect themselves is taken to ensure that consumers get a fair deal from against the rising cost of energy, they will need to act to 1017 Energy and Climate Change 20 DECEMBER 2012 Energy and Climate Change 1018 Committee Report Committee Report reduce their bills. The success of the green deal and We will be looking at whether the Government are on smart meter roll-out depends on public buy-in. Unfortunately, track to eliminate fuel poverty by 2016; the findings of at present, public confidence is low. the Hills review and its impact on fuel poverty policy; Our report found evidence of a lack of consumer the extent to which fuel poverty policies are reaching trust in energy suppliers, which may in part derive from the right people and how this might change under the a lack of transparency in energy company profits and energy company obligation; measures for vulnerable prices. Some consumers blame energy company profits consumers living in solid-wall and hard-to-treat properties; for the rise in prices. A poll undertaken by my Committee and the extent to which fuel-poor households engage in showed that one in two people believed that energy switching and energy efficiency schemes. company profits contributed most to the 75% increase in the average household dual fuel bill between 2004 Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I thank and 2010. my hon. Friend and his Committee for their excellent Greater transparency is needed in respect of energy report. He will know that the all-party group on off-gas company profits and energy prices, including across the grid is in the middle of its inquiry, so I welcome this whole portfolio of the vertically integrated companies. extra investigation. He has long been an advocate for Our report makes recommendations for increasing households in his constituency and elsewhere. Will he transparency, but the issue warrants further investigation. ensure that the new inquiry includes a reference to Regaining confidence and trust will require both the off-gas grid households? Government and energy companies to demonstrate that consumers are getting a fair deal and, importantly, that Mr Yeo: I am happy to tell my hon. Friend and vulnerable fuel-poor households are being reached and constituency neighbour that we will extend our inquiry protected. to cover that point; we have published the terms of reference, but I am sure we can probably still manage to squeeze it in. Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): I welcome the report. Recommendation 13 refers to transparency in respect of profits and trading. Does the hon. Gentleman The Minister of State, Department of Energy and agree that it is worrying that when a previous report Climate Change (Gregory Barker): May I say on behalf advised Ofgem of the need to look at the wholesale of the coalition Government that we greatly welcome market and trading, and made a number of the report published today? There is a lot in it, and I will recommendations, Ofgem declined to take the opportunity certainly be studying it in more detail over the Christmas to look into this area more closely? It is worrying that period as I munch my cold turkey. The imperative of Ofgem does not see its role as looking at the source of acting in the interests of consumers and being prepared the issue: where wholesale prices are made and when to be radical is something the Government take to those trades are made. heart. That is why we are bringing forward the most radical, sweeping changes since privatisation to how consumer tariffs operate. We will take on board my Mr Yeo: It is true that Ofgem could have been a little hon. Friend’s recommendations, including those published more vigorous and robust in its response to the concerns today. We are absolutely aligned in the interests of raised about how profits are made in different parts of ensuring that consumers get the best deal. some of the vertically integrated businesses. This is a complex area, but more could be done to promote May I also welcome my hon. Friend’s announcement transparency without infringing the commercial rights today of a further inquiry? We all have an interest in that companies obviously want to protect for themselves. ensuring that we do much better and raise the level of ambition in relation not only to communicating these We want the Government and energy companies to messages but to understanding the underlying causes. It demonstrate that consumers are getting a fair deal and sounds as though the report will greatly help policy that vulnerable, fuel-poor households are protected. making. With fuel poverty projected to hit 3.9 million households and pressure on low-income consumers from rising Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. I have, energy prices, along with tariffs that penalise those who exceptionally, allowed that lengthy intervention because are struggling, there is clearly still a long way to go. My I know that the Minister is not allowed to make his own Committee is therefore today launching a further inquiry speech, but please could any further interventions be to investigate energy prices, profits and poverty. The shorter? inquiry will aim to answer one question: are energy companies offering consumers a fair deal? We are interested in what factors determine prices and what contribution Mr Yeo: May I assure my right hon. Friend that the they make to a typical bill; the extent to which the phrase “cold turkey” is not going to be associated with Government or regulator should intervene, if at all, to my Christmas at all? Nevertheless, I welcome the influence prices; whether Ofgem is protecting consumers constructive engagement that my Committee has with and, if not, how it could improve; and whether other him and his Department, on these issues in particular. measures could ensure that consumers are paying fair The members of my Committee are all such gluttons prices. On profits, we wish to examine whether the for punishment and so well supported by our staff that public’s perception that prices are rising because of we are, as I said, launching another inquiry today. Our company profits is fair; why there is so much uncertainty consumer engagement report concluded that there was about how much profit companies are making; how an urgent need to begin engaging consumers with the information about profits is communicated and whether smart meter project, and that the concerns that have this could be improved; and how better transparency been raised about smart meters need to be addressed if and trust could be developed in the energy industry. roll-out is to be a success. Every home and small business 1019 Energy and Climate Change 20 DECEMBER 2012 1020 Committee Report [Mr Yeo] Backbench Business in the country is due to have a smart meter installed by 2020. That roll-out will be paid for partly by consumers Christmas Adjournment in their bills. Energy suppliers are expected to benefit from reduced operating and generation costs, and suppliers 11.58 am should pass on some of those savings to consumers through lower prices. In order to reap the benefits of Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): I beg to smart metering, consumers will need to use the information move, about energy use provided by their in-home display to That this House has considered matters to be raised before the reduce their energy consumption and cut their energy forthcoming Adjournment. bills. Our consumer engagement inquiry suggests that only Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Beautifully about half of people have heard of smart meters and moved. Merry Christmas, Mr Amess. There will be a that not all of them support roll-out. Although the full time limit of eight minutes on Back-Bench speeches in roll-out is not due to begin until 2014, there is a risk that the debate. My guidance to the Under-Secretary of if engagement levels do not increase, consumers may be State for Health, the hon. Member for Central Suffolk reluctant to allow smart meters to be installed in their and North Ipswich (Dr Poulter) is that, although the homes. That could be an obstacle to the success of the clock will not be put on him, his time limit is 10 minutes. programme and the potential for consumers to benefit from it. HEALTH Our consumer engagement report also highlighted a lack of consumer trust in energy companies, but it is 11.59 am those very energy suppliers that will be delivering smart Andrew Bingham (High Peak) (Con): I want to raise meter roll-out directly to consumers. The Government the issue of ambulance stations in my High Peak must not be complacent. They should spread the word constituency. First, for the sake of clarity, I should to consumers as part of the honest conversation that explain that the High Peak is a large constituency and my Committee has recommended. The Committee will as such is covered by two primary care trusts: Derbyshire monitor progress towards delivering the smart meter in the south and Glossop and Tameside in the north. roll-out and we are today putting out a call for evidence. Consequently, the ambulance services are provided by We are particularly concerned to explore: what criteria the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust and the will be used to judge the success of the project and East Midland Ambulance Service NHS Trust. I want to whether the cost and time scale predictions are realistic; concentrate today on the East Midland Ambulance whether smart meters will empower consumers to take Service—EMAS—but if time allows, I will also briefly greater control of their energy consumption; whether mention the North West Ambulance Service. enough is being done to ensure that financial benefits “Being the Best” is an EMAS proposal to rationalise accruing to suppliers will be passed on to consumers; the ambulance services and ambulance stations across how to achieve transparency on what consumers are the whole of the east midlands. I am sure many Members paying towards the roll-out; and how to ensure that across the east midlands will have their own issues in vulnerable customers, including consumers on pre-payment their own constituencies. I want to highlight the meters, reap the benefits. consequences for the residents of a large part of the The consumer engagement report that we are publishing High Peak of what I believe are badly thought out and today has important messages for the energy industry, ill advised proposals. for the regulator, for consumers and for the Government. EMAS is looking to create a hub-based model. A I commend the report to the House. hub will be, as the word suggests, a large centre where Question put and agreed to. ambulances will be based and where crews will go to collect their vehicles and return them at the end of the shift. The hubs will be supported by what EMAS calls “deployment units”. I have seen a photograph of a deployment unit and I venture to say that, if we in this Chamber saw one, many of us would say it looks remarkably like a portakabin. They look unattractive, which does not go down well in an attractive area such as the High Peak where the scenery is so well appreciated, and also seem to be of very little use. I can see the logic of a hub-and-spoke model, but the crucial decision within such a model is where the hubs are located. That is where I believe EMAS has got things so badly wrong for the High Peak. There are presently two ambulance stations in the EMAS area of the High Peak: one in Buxton and one in New Mills. Under the EMAS proposals, both of them will be removed, leaving the area without an ambulance station at all, relying instead on a hub that is placed not in or even around the High Peak, but in Chesterfield—at a distance of over 30 miles from New Mills, which is the 1021 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1022 furthest point. EMAS claims that the ambulances will will be residents from miles away. They will not be able not be parked there, but merely collected from and to find their way around—sat-navs do not work that returned to the hub. That may be the case, but it creates well in the High Peak—and response times will increase further difficulties, as I shall explain. even further. The High Peak gets its name for a very good reason—it The fundamental problem is the way the process has is high and there are peaks. The road from Chesterfield been undertaken and how the proposals have been into the High Peak reaches at some points almost 1,000 arrived at. The North West Ambulance Service is looking feet above sea level. It is exposed to the elements. Many at similar proposals, but it appears to be engaging with areas around different parts of the north and the east others, inviting key stakeholders to help to discuss and midlands might see only a sprinkling of snow, but shape its plans. At a meeting, it referred to the hub-and- Tideswell Moor, as part of the road is called, can easily spoke model but, I am told, acknowledged that that be closed: owing to its exposure, only a small amount of method of delivery will not suit all areas. I do not wish snow is required to drift across the road to make it to prejudge what NWAS may propose, but there appears impassable for many vehicles. I use that road every week to be an acknowledgement that one size does not fit all. to catch the train to London. I well remember one EMAS, however, presented its proposals with little or occasion when I returned from London, got off the no apparent discussion with anyone, key stakeholder or train in Chesterfield and quickly realised that I could go not, preferring to use what appears to be an off-the-shelf no further. I had to stay overnight in a Chesterfield template. hotel. I had that option, but somebody in the High Peak who needs an ambulance to use that road does not. As Members would expect, I am batting for my constituents. We deserve a better ambulance service. We Let us imagine a crew collecting the ambulance to go have several large quarries and other industrial premises on shift. They leave the hub, and within a short time a within the High Peak, and they can be dangerous 999 call is received, requiring them to divert to, for the places. Industrial accidents happen. Safety records in sake of argument, Clay Cross. The ambulance goes to the High Peak are good, but there is still the risk of the call, collects the patient and takes them to Chesterfield injury. hospital—a process that could take some time. I have been out with the ambulance crews and I know how Let me also dwell a moment on what happens in the long these things can take. From Chesterfield hospital, summer months. The High Peak can be flooded with the crew could get further diverted to, say, Alfreton or tourists. The population swells, and with it the potential Matlock. That could mean the ambulance never reaching risk and the need for an ambulance rise. Walkers, hikers the High Peak, leaving my constituency with no ambulance and runners swarm across the High Peak hills like ants. cover at all. Theatre-goers fill Buxton and the surrounding towns and villages during the Buxton festival. Coach-loads of I realise that my case requires a working knowledge people come to my constituency during the summer of the geography of north Derbyshire, but that further months. Who will go to them if they need emergency makes my point, as it is precisely that knowledge that assistance? was lacking or ignored when the plans were drawn up. In meetings with me, EMAS says that the model has The first responders, who perform excellent work in been computer generated. I have to say that it may look the High Peak, have expressed opposition to these good on paper, but it does not and will not work in plans. I am a great supporter of Mountain Rescue. It reality. EMAS also says that “Being the Best” is about does a fantastic job across the High Peak, and in some improving the service and improving staff welfare. I fail cases its specific services are needed to reach people in to see how it can even begin to satisfy either of those inaccessible areas. Even it has taken the unusual step of criteria. How can staff welfare be increased when many expressing grave concerns about these proposals. Derbyshire, of them will face an extra 30-mile journey to work both Leicester and Rutland Air Ambulance is also a vital before and after what could easily be a 12-hour shift? part of the emergency mix in the High Peak, but the main ambulance service is still the one that people call In addition, EMAS will be committed to compensating most often. These other organisations embrace their staff for excess travel for a certain period following the responsibilities, but I am concerned that these proposals move. Extra fuel costs will be incurred by the to-ing and are leading to EMAS abdicating theirs. fro-ing from the Chesterfield hub—not to mention the cost to the environment with all the extra miles that the The consultation has now closed. The whole High staff will have to travel. That means reducing staff Peak community has united as one against these proposals. welfare while increasing costs and reducing efficiency—to Two public meetings were attended by hundreds of my mind, the direct opposite of what EMAS is trying to local residents incensed by the proposals. At one meeting achieve. I attended, the chief executive said he was “listening very carefully” to local people. I hope he is. I hope that, The knock-on effect will be that, through staff turnover, when he presents his final recommendations to his the High Peak will lose ambulance men and women board, they are not the same ones that are on the table with the crucial local road knowledge. High Peak residents today, as they are inadequate, unfeasible and unworkable: wishing to become paramedics or to work on the they reduce, not enhance, the service; they hamper, not ambulances will now apply to the North West Ambulance improve, staff welfare; and they desert, not embrace, Service, whose operational centres are nearer. We will the people of the High Peak in their hour of need. The arrive at a situation whereby whatever ambulances we current proposals may improve some response times get in the High Peak will be staffed not by local people elsewhere, in the more populated areas of the east who know the local towns, villages and hamlets in the midlands, but they will not improve response times in area, but by able and excellent staff—I concede that—who the High Peak. 1023 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1024

12.7 pm (Heidi Alexander) both raised the issue in the Opposition- day debate on health just last week. If I were to raise Jim Dowd (Lewisham West and Penge) (Lab): this matter every day in this House, I could not adequately Traditionally, Members raise constituency concerns in reflect the burning resentment and anger that it has the House’s pre-recess Adjournment debates, and I caused in the community in Lewisham, as the injustice shall raise a subject that has provoked not anger, but is so severe. The Department could not appoint a special fury, and a feeling of unfairness and injustice among administrator to look at Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust, my constituents such as I have not known in the 20 because it is a solvent, well-managed trust meeting all years that I have served as a Member of Parliament and its performance and financial targets. What the Department the 20 years before that when I was a member of has done is appoint an administrator next door and Lewisham borough council. That subject is the appointment then, under the bogus and completely facile assumption in July of a trust special administrator to the South that everything connects with everything else, focused London Healthcare NHS Trust. The TSA was appointed on Lewisham hospital. That is what is completely devious under the unsustainable providers regime, a provision about this. of the National Health Service Act 2006 and amended, I think, in 2009. South London Healthcare NHS Trust At the public meetings the TSA has held on the does not include Lewisham. It covers the adjoining matter, he has shown a little film setting out what he is area, and principally comprises the Queen Elizabeth trying to do. It included him quoting this age-old homily, hospital in Woolwich, the Queen Mary hospital in “If your domestic finances are in mess, clearly you have Sidcup and the Princess Royal university hospital in to do something about it.” I do not dispute that the Farnborough. finances of the South London Healthcare NHS Trust are in a mess. At the meeting in Sydenham one of my This is the first time the Department has used these constituents said to him, “If your domestic finances are provisions, so the step taken is ground-breaking, in a mess, you may well have to do something about it, pioneering— but that does not include breaking into next door’s house and nicking all their stuff.” That is precisely what John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): And is happening under this system. This procedure is being privatising. used for the first time. If it is used in that way, the Department will set a template for the rest of the Jim Dowd: Yes, I think that is part of the TSA’s country. It will then, in theory, be able to appoint a TSA agenda. The way the Department has engineered this anywhere and his or her remit will be such that they can situation is disgraceful, dishonourable, disreputable and look anywhere; they will not just focus on the area or downright dishonest—and if we have not had enough trust they have been established to look into. alliteration, I could add devious, as well as underhand The Prime Minister and the Secretary of State repeatedly and fraudulent. parrot four tests for reorganisations and reconfigurations. Hon. Members will not be surprised to learn that I The first is that they should have general practitioner am no great supporter of what the TSA has done. The and clinical commissioning group support. The second Department is attempting to pervert the process because is that they should have public engagement. That is a the major impact of what the administrator in the strange use of the vague term “public engagement”; adjoining trust is doing is on Lewisham hospital. The they do not specify “public support”. The third is that draft report is a considerable document that has cost an the proposals have to be clinically sound. The fourth is awful lot of money and made an awful lot of money for that they have to increase patient choice. None of those a number of consultants, including McKinsey, KPMG factors exists in the recommendations for Lewisham and PricewaterhouseCoopers—they always seem to do hospital, and the TSA does not even maintain that they well out of these things. The public consultation on the do. He openly admits that the proposals will reduce draft report has closed and the Secretary of State is due patient choice sharply. The clinicians, the hospital board, to reach a decision. The final report from the TSA will the CCG, and various groups of GPs across Lewisham be presented in early January and the Secretary of State and beyond all say that the recommendations are a will be making a decision in February. I appeal today threat to the standard of care that the people of Lewisham for the Secretary of State to suspend the entire process, can expect and all are opposed to the TSA’s proposals. I because it has been perverted in the way that I have say to the Secretary of State, via the Under-Secretary of outlined. State for Health, the hon. Member for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich (Dr Poulter), that he should abandon I do not hold the TSA personally responsible. I have the scheme now, as the way it has been undertaken is met him on a few occasions and find him to be a clearly flawed, and he should protect the services that reasonable and rational person. However, I know that my constituents and people across south-east London the devastating impact of his report is on Lewisham have a right to expect. hospital—the impact there is beyond anything that will happen at Queen Mary’s, the Princess Royal or the Queen Elizabeth. The report will result in the closure of 12.15 pm the accident and emergency department, and all medical Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): It is a and surgical emergency care, all maternity services, all great pleasure to speak in this debate on a particularly children’s services and all critical care will cease on the important topic, in which the Minister shares an interest, Lewisham hospital site. as we are neighbours. First, I wish to thank our front-line I had an Adjournment debate on this subject a couple staff in the ambulance service, our paramedics, who of weeks ago. My right hon. Friend the Member for work very hard. I also thank our volunteers, the community Lewisham, Deptford (Dame Joan Ruddock) and my first responders, who do a great job and genuinely hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham East participate in helping to save lives in our communities. 1025 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1026

That is particularly important in the shires, as reaching for our patients. We should not have to put up with someone in just a few minutes to provide life-saving sub-standard performance simply because the county is treatment is crucial. I thank those people who give up rural. their time. One disappointing thing about the contract, from A reorganisation is taking place in the east of England which we expected so much, was that there seemed to be ambulance service, and I know that that is a concern to a lot of wriggle room. The new interim chief executive staff, who feel that patients will not get the treatment knows that well, as he negotiated the contract on behalf that they deserve. Change is always unsettling, but I of the primary care trusts. He knows the issues our genuinely believe that the management are trying to do ambulance services face and I shall press him to ensure this for the best reasons. One of the things we need to that the contracts this time make it clear what percentage keep ensuring is that patient safety is the key priority. of people in Suffolk should expect to see an ambulance within the regulated time. The east of England ambulance service is hitting its targets—it has a regional target. Given that our region Another thing that went wrong was the complaints is so vast, it is no surprise that by focusing on certain process, although I am delighted that the chair of the cities it is relatively straightforward to hit targets. However, ambulance trust has fixed that. I pay tribute to her and when we break down the performance by county, we her staff for sorting that out. All these problems together start to see a very different story. I know that my have led me to voice my opposition—I will continue to colleagues from Suffolk and, indeed, my hon. Friend do so—to the trust’s being allowed to have foundation the Member for North Norfolk (Norman Lamb) have status before a quality service is delivered consistently long been campaigning on that issue to try to raise it up across the region. Simply placing ambulances close to the agenda, and it is vital that we do so. The presence of Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich, Luton and so on—near a new interim chief executive may start to help us to the big conurbations—is not fair on our rural areas. I tackle that. We need to work hard to keep the chair and point those people who say, “Well, it is a rural area,” to the board of the ambulance service on their toes, so that the example of the north-west. Cumbria has very similar they recognise that saying that they have hit a regional characteristics as a pretty rural area with some big target does not mean that the issue will go away—it towns, yet the service there manages consistently to hit will not. its targets. One of the things I call on the board to do is think Is there light at the end of the tunnel? I hope so. It is carefully about its responses to Members of Parliament clear that MPs from Suffolk and across the east of when we are asking for greater transparency on England will not let up on the issue and I hope that we performance. Belatedly—I am pleased that it has done will have a step change in performance when we meet this—there is an agreement that it will start to publish again in February. county by county performance details on a monthly basis. I believe that the board should and can go further. Health care is very important to the people of Suffolk, We already know that it provides performance data by but I also want to take this opportunity to thank my postcode to the primary care trusts, and I believe those staff for all the hard work they have done in the last data should be published—they should certainly be year. They have been extraordinary in helping my available. Instead of getting into freedom of information constituents tackle all sorts of issues and have also been exchanges, we need to ensure that, in line with what Sir very helpful this week, as we have sent out a mailshot of David Nicholson told the Public Accounts Committee, nearly 4,000 letters on Sizewell C—another issue that I every Member of Parliament should be able to get share with my hon. Friend the Minister—and the impact access to the data they need easily in order to monitor that could have in the future. On that note, Mr Deputy what is happening for their constituents and not be Speaker, I wish you a happy Christmas. caught in a bureaucratic nightmare. As we all know, sunlight often brings a change in performance. Somebody 12.21 pm trying to get to a village such as Shingle Street finds that it takes 10 minutes to get there just from the main road. John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne) (Lab): I wish When I say “main road” I am referring to a single track to take the unusual step of telling the House and the road. I recognise that not everybody will be able to do Minister about the individual case of little Vinny Duggan that, but it is still important that we try to get the to highlight a wider problem that the Government can postcode data published. solve by making legal changes so that other patients and other parents such as Andy and Andrea Duggan do Earlier this year, after a successful meeting with my not have to go through what this family has gone right hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Mr Burns), through in the past two and a half years. As Andrea has a Health Minister at the time, I was under the impression said to me, this is their fight, but it is also a fight for that there would be a contract with the county performance other people in their position. targets built into it. Indeed, that was important for the I have been involved with the parents in the quest paying of bonuses. Disappointingly, the contract that for information for only 10 months, whereas Mr and was agreed with the ambulance service by the person Mrs Duggan have been battling since Vinny was born agreeing it on behalf of the primary care trusts in the nearly two and half years ago. At times, Vinny has east of England contained an added caveat about hospital fought for life. He is now a little lad who is full of life. I handover times. We know that that is an issue, but was with the family on Saturday, and he was smiling, another thing that Members of Parliament are doing is laughing, climbing on the sofa and climbing on me, but putting the spotlight on where there are those problems he has a very serious congenital heart and lung condition. as well. Ultimately, we want the best ambulance service He has brain damage, likely to have been caused by a 1027 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1028

[John Healey] to review its own decisions. The chief executive, Jackie Smith, was good enough to meet me in the summer and lackof oxygen, and he is unlikely ever to be able to to agree to commission independent legal advice on speak. His parents have told me that they are very Vinny’s case and on the NMC’s restrictions. That proud of Vinny and very grateful that they still have independent legal advice came from Mark Shaw QC, him here. who concluded: It has been touch and go at times. He was born on “The Order and Rules makes it plain that the NMC has no 20 August 2010 at Doncaster royal infirmary. He was statutory power to review, re-open or reverse a disciplinary decision full term and was a healthy 7 lb 9 oz. However, within (in particular, a decision of the Investigating Committee that a the first day his mum, in particular, became concerned registrant has no case to answer) beyond the specific circumstances stipulated in rule 7, namely: receipt of a fresh allegation within that he was very blue, that he was not feeding properly three years of the dismissal of a previous allegation against the and that he was very sleepy. The following day, he was same registrant.” diagnosed with a heart murmur and the day after that he was discharged against the parents’ wishes, as they He went on to point out: were concerned and wanted tests done before he was “Typically, other professional regulators have wider review discharged. He was at home for two days and after that powers, granted explicitly by secondary legislation.” time, when he had not properly woken up or properly Those other professional bodies include the General fed and had stopped wetting his nappies, they phoned Medical Council, which is responsible for regulating the hospital and were advised to take him to the children’s Britain’s 250,000 registered doctors. The GMC’s powers observational unit, where they arrived at 7 o’clock that were rightly extended in 2004, so it has the power to evening. review and re-open a complaint, to take a view that its Within the first hour, they were assessed by a triage earlier decisions might be flawed, to take new evidence nurse as non-urgent—green, in other words—and had into account and to act. It is considering a review of the to wait almost another five hours before a doctor saw complaint lodged with it about a doctor involved in this them. During that night, Vinny was put on a heart case and we expect a decision imminently. monitor and given the tests he needed. He had a very The General Optical Council and the General high heart rate and was transferred rapidly to the specialist Pharmaceutical Council have similar powers; the General unit at Leeds general infirmary. He was diagnosed as Dental Council does not. At a time when complaints having a very serious life-threatening heart and lung from patients are rising and pressures on staff are condition. He was given open heart and major lung increasing, if we are to maintain trust and confidence in surgery and spent five months in Leeds hospital, six our health professionals and the NHS, we must have a weeks of that in intensive care and 10 weeks in the better and more open system of complaints and we high-dependency unit. must have regulators with the powers to do the job they The internal investigation at Doncaster hospital are set up to do: safeguard professional standards and afterwards concluded that there were “no real concerns” safeguard patients and the public, too. about the standard of care in Vinny’s case, despite the I know the Law Commission is reviewing the common fact that there were many chances to notice that he was enabling legislative framework for all health regulators. unwell, to do the tests that could have been required That could take three years, so I want the Minister to and to listen to Mr and Mrs Duggan’s concerns. There confirm today that he knows that there is a problem and remain important discrepancies between the evidence that in the meantime, in advance of the Law Commission’s of the parents and that of some of the staff and the report, he will act to change the operating rules and hospital in the investigation. It took two years and a orders so that those professional bodies can do the job. new chief executive before, six weeks ago, Mr and Mrs Otherwise, many other patients and parents will face Duggan received a welcome letter from the new acting the same fight for the truth— chief executive, Mike Pinkerton, who ended by saying: “The care that Vinny received fell below the standard you have a right to expect from us and I do sincerely apologise.” Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. Like so many other parents, Mr and Mrs Duggan had principally wanted an explanation—not retribution or compensation. However, like many parents, they 12.29 pm were driven down the route of trying to get answers Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): In September 2012 through the courts, and that is what they are having to the Royal College of Physicians published a report, do. They also rightly turned to the professional body, “Hospitals on the edge? The time for action”, which the Nursing and Midwifery Council, which is responsible sets out starkly the challenges facing our acute hospitals. for regulating Britain’s 670,000 nurses and midwives. It begins: Mrs Duggan submitted a complaint in September 2011, “All hospital inpatients deserve to receive safe, high-quality, which was turned down in January 2012. She challenged sustainable care centred around their needs and delivered in an it, which caused the council to look again at the argument appropriate setting by respectful, compassionate, expert health that there was no case to answer, and the internal review professionals. Yet it is increasingly clear that our hospitals are concluded that the case should be referred back to the struggling to cope with the challenge of an ageing population and investigating committee for reconsideration. increasing hospital admissions.” The Nursing and Midwifery Council, however, has It highlights the consequences of failing to meet the limited powers to review its decisions and that has been challenges and refers to the history of my own trust. reinforced and restricted further by a High Court judgment When the public inquiry reports next month, we will in May in the case of R(B) v. NMC 2012. In other have the opportunity to consider its implications for the words, the NMC does not have the legal powers it needs NHS. Today I wish to concentrate on the Monitor 1029 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1030 review of my trust in the light of the continuing rise in are already at capacity, so it makes little sense to impose pressure on acute services that the Royal College of a national tariff, which inevitably results in a loss and Physicians highlights. which in turn puts pressure on the hospital to prove that it is sustainable. There are three common themes that I hear in the NHS these days. The first is that we need to do much The third theme is that medicine is becoming increasingly more in the community and at home and much less in specialised, so most work will inevitably migrate to acute hospitals, and that we must therefore close acute large specialist units. There is truth in this belief, but hospital beds and use the money in the community. there is also danger. There are 61 approved medical Although I agree with the premise, I dispute the conclusion. specialties in the UK, compared with 30 in Norway. As Community care is essential, but it must work before it the RCP says, this has results in a reduction in admissions and lengths of stay. “rendered the provision of continuity of care increasingly difficult.” The fact that admissions are rising and, according to For older people, who often have complex and multiple the RCP, the fall in length of stay has flatlined in the needs, this can result in poorly co-ordinated care. This past three years, even rising for patients over 85, indicates has not been helped by the introduction of shift-based to me that the shift to the community either is not systems under the new deal and the European working happening fast enough or indeed will not happen as time directive, to replace the teams that took responsibility expected. for individual patients. Specialisation also means that there is a much smaller pool of staff from which to The conclusion also seems to ignore demography. In select for each post. the area served by the Mid Staffordshire Trust, the population is expected to rise by some 10% in the If we were to design from scratch a hospital where coming 23 years. The number of people over 60 will rise those who will need it most— the elderly, as the statistics by nearly half, and the number of those 75 and older—those show—will receive safe and caring care for their complex most likely to need acute services—will double. I suspect needs as close to home and loved ones as possible, that is the situation in many parts of the country. integrated into primary and community care, we would end up with something pretty much like the district Increasing admissions, rising and ageing population, general hospitals and community hospitals up and down flatlining length of stays—all of these indicate an increased the country, such as Stafford and Cannock. demand for acute services in the coming 20 years, yet This is not an argument for no change. I believe there the talk is, and has been for many years, of further must be much closer working between the larger and reductions in acute beds. It makes little sense to do that smaller trusts, for instance, and much more sharing of until community services and other medical advances common services than at present. But it is a warning mean that those beds are proved to be no longer necessary. that national tariffs are not impartial arbiters. They In Stafford, there is a shortage of step-down beds, so generally work, I believe, against acute care. rather than closing acute beds altogether why not keep them as community beds on the same site, leaving the door open for increasing acute services in the future, if Jim Dowd: I am following what the hon. Gentleman and when the need arises? is saying most carefully, as this is part of the problem that we experience in Lewisham. Does he feel, as I do, The second theme is that we need to integrate primary that instead of reflecting the needs of the population and secondary care more closely. I agree, yet actions across the country and providing services that correspond sometimes have the opposite effect. The previous with that, the Department of Health is trying to implement Government took away the responsibility for providing a template or a framework of its own making and inflict 24/7 primary care cover from GPs. I regret that, as it it on the nation? detracts from integration. It may also be responsible for placing a greater burden on accident and emergency departments at night. If out-of-hours care is not to be Jeremy Lefroy: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his the responsibility of GPs, let it be centred, where intervention. I am not convinced that that is the case at geographically possible, on acute and community hospitals. all. I believe Ministers are listening and are considering This makes better use of NHS premises and, by being matters very carefully, but there is a danger, of course, adjacent to A and E or other emergency units, can help that a template will be inflicted. The hon. Gentleman take the pressure off them while providing the hospital and I both earnestly trust that that will not be the case. with extra income. That would certainly work at Stafford As I said, I believe that national tariffs are not and Cannock. impartial arbiters. They generally work against acute care, and there is a risk that the constant pressure which Tariffs can produce strange results. The University they are placing on acute care, particularly in district Hospital of North Staffordshire has a block contract general hospitals, will make much of the sector for A and E admissions. For any admission in excess of unsustainable, yet without it, we do not have an NHS. that, it receives only 30% of the tariff, so what is it supposed to do—reject emergency admissions on the Finally, I wish to raise a specific point about Monitor’s basis that they will be loss-making? Of course not. I review of Mid Staffordshire. Clearly, the population would propose that emergency departments are funded served by the trust is a very important consideration. at what it costs to provide that service safely. In Stafford, The trust’s 2011-12 report said that it was around the emergency department has a deficit of some £2 million 276,000, yet I have heard reports that the Monitor team per year based on throughput and tariff. The number of considers it to be as low as 220,000 and therefore patients attending—more than 50,000—could not possibly potentially too small to sustain certain services. The be safely accommodated elsewhere. Surrounding hospitals facts that I have clearly support the trust’s figure, not the one that I have heard rumoured. 1031 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1032

[Jeremy Lefroy] lived; the new national Commissioning Board would be responsible for funding; and intensity-modulated radiation I have spoken much today about figures, because they therapy, known as IMRT, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, are an important part of the Monitor review, but more know as SABR, and stereotactic radiosurgery would be important is the quality of services, for which Monitor included. also has a legal responsibility. Early next year, the Since the Prime Minister’s pledge, the Department of Secretary of State will bring to the House the report of Health has contacted all cancer centres to inform them Robert Francis QC from his public inquiry into Mid that the cancer radiotherapy innovation fund is a revenue Staffordshire. Julie Bailey and the Cure the NHS group, fund only and that its use is to be focused on getting as who from their own experiences brought to light the many centres up to the standard of delivering 24% harm that was done, have set out radical and clear ideas access to IMRT by April next year. In a letter to all for turning the NHS the right way up, with the patient cancer centre chief executives on 17 October, the cancer at the top, not the bottom—right first time with zero tsar, Sir Mike Richards, stated that only four of the harm to each and every patient. That is something 50 centres were reaching the 24% requirement set by the which caring, hard-working staff in our NHS in Stafford national radiotherapy implementation group. and Cannock—where waiting times and mortality rates are improving, although there is much to be done—and In a letter to all radiotherapy service managers on right across the country went into the NHS to provide. 25 October, the national cancer action team stated that The NHS, as the right hon. Member for Wentworth the cancer radiotherapy innovation fund was to be used and Dearne (John Healey) said, and the nursing and effectively so that the Prime Minister’s pledge could be medical professions must make it clear that there is no honoured and that if they are not delivering IMRT at place for anyone for whom quality patient care does not the required 24% they were to submit an action plan by come above all else. The regulations must show that. the end of November indicating how they would achieve that. The Monitor review is an opportunity for Stafford and Cannock hospitals to become a model of how to The letter also stated that the radiotherapy service provide sustainable high quality emergency, acute and managers could access initial funding of up to £150,000 community care to a mid-sized population. If Monitor to help them reach the target. However, the Health succeeds in achieving this there and elsewhere, as the Minister, when questioned about funding for the pledge hon. Member for Lewisham West and Penge (Jim Dowd) on 30 October, told the House that there would be no mentioned, it will have done the nation a great service, extra or ongoing funding similar to the cancer drug and I am sure the Minister will be remembered as fund for commissioners to draw on and that any capital someone who played a major part in improving our funding requirements would have to be met from the NHS. I urge Monitor to rise to the challenge. current £300 million bulk purchase fund announced earlier this year. In other words, there was no extra money. It seems to me that the pledge cannot be met, in 12.38 pm terms of both revenue and capital. Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): I thank the Over the past two years adequate revenue funding Backbench Business Committee for making this debate has never been available to local commissioners to fund possible before the Christmas recess. I shall raise an all the radiotherapy patients who have needed it. I know important issue, access to advanced therapeutic that full well from cases in my constituency. There is no radiotherapy. I have raised this previously and I make indication that the new national Commissioning Board no apology for doing so again. I intend to keep raising it is to receive any additional funding. Without extra until my constituents and those all across the country money, how will it fund care for the new 8,000 to have proper access to advanced and innovative therapeutic 10,000 cancer patients the Prime Minister claims his radiotherapy systems. pledge will help? I remind the House that prior to the Conservative I would like to consider capital for a moment. I party conference the Prime Minister pledged that from received an e-mail last night from the charity Breast April next year cancer patients who need innovative Cancer Campaign, which indicated that, given the current radiotherapy will get it. That pledge was confirmed age profile of the linear accelerators in England, an to the House by the Secretary of State for Health on additional 147 new LINACs will be needed by 2016, at 23 October and by the Under-Secretary of State for an average cost of £1.5 million. I want to ask the Health, the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry), Minister how those will be funded. There are simply not who has responsibility for cancer services, in written enough advanced radiotherapy systems in the NHS to replies on 30 October. deliver the pledge. The Department of Health has admitted The Department of Health’s press release on 8 October that only four of the 50 cancer centres are able to deliver expanded on the Prime Minister’s statement, indicating IMRT to the required standard. At full capacity they that a new £15 million cancer radiotherapy innovation could treat between 1,200 and 1,500 patients a year. fund was being created, drawn from the underspend of There are only four systems in the NHS delivering the cancer drugs fund. I bring to the House’s attention SABR up to the required standard, as the Minister has the fact that the £200 million cancer drugs fund has confirmed in written answers, and I have been to see been under-spent by an average of £150 million each one of the machines in St Bartholomew’s. At full capacity year since it was established. That was reported to the they could treat 1,000 patients a year. There is only House on 16 April 2012—column 134W in Hansard. one Gamma Knife in the NHS delivering stereotactic The Health Minister confirmed on 30 October that radiosurgery—in Sheffield—and at full capacity it could the pledge meant three specific things: patients would treat around 300 patients a year. With no extra capital have access to appropriate radiotherapy wherever they available to fund new machines, it will be impossible for 1033 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1034 patients in most of England, including my region, to be This issue will not only not go away but will get treated by the NHS. There are some machines in the worse. At the moment, 3.7 million people have diabetes, private sector, but the treatment is very expensive. and that figure will rise by another 700,000 in a few I am asking not for more money for cancer care, but years. Some 80% of amputations are preventable with for a more equal distribution of resources. The Department proper care and management. I say to Ministers that of Health is telling commissioners that radiotherapy, in this is something we can help the population with now. conjunction with surgery, is very effective, curing 70% If we do so, we can save the 10% of the budget that is of all cancers. I have come here neither to lambast the currently spent on diabetes care and the £1 million an Minister, nor to condemn him with faint praise; I have hour that is spent on medication and care in our hospitals. come bearing gifts, as it is Christmas, in the form of a These issues are very much in our hands. potential solution. If the total underspend from the I welcome the new Minister with responsibility for cancer drugs fund was transferred to radiotherapy in diabetes, the Under-Secretary of State for Health, the each of England’s regions, the systems could be upgraded hon. Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry), who has with the most advanced radiotherapy equipment by made an excellent start. The first thing she did was to 2015, which would enable constituents in my region and hold a summit for those with an interest in diabetes. It across the country to access life-saving therapies and included Diabetes UK, which does some fantastic work allow the Prime Minister to fulfil his pledge. on the subject, Silver Star, a charity of which I am privileged to be the patron, and others, including clinicians. 12.46 pm She said what very few Ministers have said in my career in this House—“I want you to tell me what I should do Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): It is a pleasure to about this subject”—and she was given a lot of good follow my hon. Friend the Member for Easington (Grahame advice and ideas about how to take these matters further. M. Morris). I share the concerns of all right hon. and hon. Members who have spoken so far about the One thing that we could do immediately is to send importance of our national health service and our out the message to GPs, even in the current climate of concerns about its current state. I think that the Minister—I ongoing changes within the NHS, that it takes only a have said this to him privately—is one of the most minute to offer each patient who comes to see them a effective of the junior Ministers who have appeared at diabetes test. I know that we are having screening for the Dispatch Box since the reshuffle. Because he is a those of a certain age and disposition, but people go to doctor, I hope that he will take the concerns that I raise see GPs for all kinds of reasons. Campaigning organisations today on diabetes extremely seriously. such as Silver Star and Diabetes UK are able to go out I suffer from type 2 diabetes—I declare my interest— to communities and conduct these tests. Indeed, anyone having discovered it only five years ago after a routine can conduct them. I have my kit with me, and although test. I thought I had it under control, because I was I am obviously not medically qualified, I can still conduct taking my medication and doing a little exercise every the test on people and am happy to do so. It is very easy day, walking from Norman Shaw North to the Palace of to do. We should say to GPs, “Don’t wait for the Westminster, until I read the national diabetes audit screening process—begin now by testing anyone who report published on 10 December. It states that people comes to your surgery.” with diabetes are 48% more likely to suffer a heart We need to send out through the Department of attack, 65% more likely to have heart failure, 144% Health a message about what we eat. You have changed more likely to need kidney dialysis, 210% more likely to physically, Mr Deputy Speaker, in all the years I have have leg amputations, 331% more likely to have part of known you. I know of your great interest in rugby. You a foot removed and 25% more likely to suffer a stroke. used to be a very beefy character when you were first Overall, those with diabetes are, on average, 40% more elected to this House, but you have slimmed down, likely to die each year than those without it. Members perhaps since you have been an occupant of the Chair. will understand my concern, as we approach Christmas, If people look after their lifestyles better by taking after reading statistics of that kind. exercise and being careful about what they eat, that I know that other hon. Members have subsequently could help them. Every time anyone drinks a glass of discovered that they, too, have diabetes. My hon. Friend Coke, eight teaspoons of sugar go straight into their the Member for Sedgefield (Phil Wilson), who is in the system. When I went over to Atlanta and met the chief Chamber, discovered he had it only after being tested executive of Coca-Cola, I asked him what he was doing here in Parliament by the Silver Star charity. He went to about it, and he said that Coke Zero is the answer, but it see his GP and then knew that he had been diagnosed. is only part of the answer. The kids in our schools are We are facing a diabetes epidemic, and I ask the offered drinks in vending machines which have a huge Government to take more note of what is happening as amount of sugar, and then they get addicted to it for the far as diabetes is concerned. Generally, people with rest of their lives. This is about things that we can do diabetes look fairly normal—I do not know whether ourselves and things that parents can do to bring down you think I look normal, Mr Deputy Speaker—and do the bill for the NHS. not make a virtue of telling people we have diabetes, except in debates of this kind. That normality lulls us When I finish this speech, and after I have listened to into a false sense of security. We need a national campaign the Minister, I will be going to the Tea Room. When on diabetes in the same way as for other illnesses. we get to the very helpful people there, we find that we Because people are getting treatment and are able to go have chocolates and mince pies on offer to us. If we and get their Metformin or other medication on a turn to the left, we see a lot of food that is totally unfit regular basis, they feel that everything is going to be for diabetics. Of course, I continue to eat this food all right. because we do not have a choice, but it would be possible, 1035 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1036

[Keith Vaz] for Stafford (Jeremy Lefroy) and I have met on a number of occasions, along with my hon. Friend the Member through labelling of the drinks and food that we consume, for Stone (Mr Cash), to talk through the challenges as for people with a nut allergy, to add the words facing Mid Staffordshire trust. My hon. Friend the “Suitable for diabetics” or “Unsuitable for diabetics”. Member for Stafford has been a great advocate for, and a great support to, the patients and staff at that trust. I Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): My right would like to put on record my thanks to him for all hon. Friend is making an absolutely excellent speech. that he has done for all his constituents. His advocacy Does he think that we should take the bull by the horns during his time in this House has been tremendous. and legislate to reduce the amount of sugar in all food products? If we look at any kind of food, we often find My hon. Friend the Member for Stafford raised some totally unnecessary sugar in it as well as in all the soft important issues. We know that it is desirable, not only drinks that he mentions. because it makes good health care economics but, more importantly, because it is good patient care, to keep Keith Vaz: Yes, I do. However, I remember that one people well and looked after in their own communities time I met my hon. Friend when he was off to have and in their own homes. My hon. Friend threw up a dinner with his sons and was taking them to McDonald’s. legitimate challenge when he said that if we are to deliver good care in the community and in people’s homes, we need to find a way of moving from the Jeremy Corbyn: No, that is not true. I wish to place current situation. At the moment we have a crisis on the record that my right hon. Friend has been deeply management response by default, where people are misled on this matter. I have not taken my sons to rushed into A and E, and he is right to highlight the fact McDonald’s, I have no intention of taking them to that some parts of the country do not have an adequate McDonald’s, and I have no intention of visiting McDonald’s GP out-of-hours system to look after people around the myself. Is that clear? clock. We need to ask how we go from a system set up around crisis management to one that is better placed Keith Vaz: I will not tease my hon. Friend, but I think to meet the future needs of preventive care and looking that the word “McDonald’s” did enter the conversation after people with long-term conditions such as diabetes, somewhere. However, I accept that his response is now dementia and heart disease in their own homes and on the record. communities. The Government are taking steps to address I would support legislation aimed at ensuring that we this issue by making sure that GPs and local health care are very careful about the amount of sugar, and salt, in commissioners, through clinical commissioning groups our diet. Indeed, I have introduced a ten-minute rule at a local level, will hold a lot of the health care budget. Bill that says exactly that. Denmark started a “fat tax” That will ensure that the focus is on primary preventive but then decided that it was unworkable because the care and on better looking after people with long-term food industry lobbied so heavily against it, and so the conditions. tax was removed. I am not saying that the Government are going to legislate on this; I do not think they will. My hon. Friend is right to say that we need sufficient The food industry is one of the most powerful in this numbers of hospital beds, but as time passes there country. The sugary drinks industry, from Red Bull, a might less need for beds in some hospitals if local can of which contains more than eight teaspoons of CCGs effectively meet the challenge of ensuring that sugar, right down to the people who make Coke and all that they invest in community and preventive care. In these other drinks, will fight very hard on this. In the the interim, we need to support good commissioning of meantime, let us send out a message and work together beds locally. We must have intermediate care beds available to stop this epidemic consuming and subsuming our at community hospitals and in other care settings in the country. community for step-up care, step-down care and respite care. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): For the wind-ups, On the other side of the River Thames, the clinical the guideline on speeches is 10 minutes, but the clock director of St Thomas’ hospital, Ian Abbs, is looking will not be in operation. into year-of-care tariffs, which look after patients with long-term conditions such as diabetes and heart disease 12.56 pm in a holistic way that enables them to be supported The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health when they need a hospital bed and need to be looked (Dr Daniel Poulter): I have very much enjoyed sitting after in the community. That has to be the right way through this debate on health. I remember that when we forward. We in the Department’s ministerial team will had the equivalent debate last year, many speakers did work with clinicians, medical directors, trusts and not have the time they wanted to make their speeches. commissioning boards to make sure that Eurocare tariffs The fact that we have had longer today has enabled are in place, so that we can shift the focus away from the many right hon. and hon. Members to make valuable community, but in a managed way that means that contributions on a number of subjects, focusing not hospital beds will still be available as people require only on health care issues in their constituencies and on them. important individual cases that highlight the need for The hon. Member for Easington (Grahame M. Morris) changes in the system, but on the big challenges that has been a strong advocate—he has raised his concerns face the NHS in tackling long-term medical conditions. many times—for constituents and others throughout In the time available to me, I will do my best to his part of the country who are patients who need answer the questions and points put across by Members access to cancer care, cancer services, the cancer drugs on both sides of the House. My hon. Friend the Member fund and, indeed, high-quality radiotherapy. It is worth 1037 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1038 setting out some of the background—he outlined it Secondly, on the wider point raised by the right hon. himself in his speech—to the Government’s commitment Gentleman about the NMC and the disparity between to improving care for patients with cancer. how different professional regulators approach the complaints process, he is right that the NMC can review In 2011 the Government made a commitment to or reopen a case only when new evidence is available. If expand radiotherapy capacity by investing more than old evidence is reconsidered or if it changes, as in this £150 million more over four years from 2011. As the case, it is very difficult to review it. There are differences hon. Gentleman knows, that was to increase the between the medical and other professional regulators utilisation of existing equipment, support additional with regard to how such cases are handled, and the Law services and ensure that all high-priority patients with a Commission has rightly highlighted those inconsistencies. need for proton beam therapy get access to it. In April There needs to be more consistency throughout all 2012, the then Secretary of State announced that the parts of the medical, nursing and allied health professional Department had set aside up to £250 million of public groups, in order to make sure that patients know that, capital, to be invested by the NHS in building proton when complaints are made and concerns are aired, they beam therapy facilities at the Christie hospital in Manchester will be looked into and, where necessary, complaints and the University college London hospital, to treat up can be reopened and reinvestigated. to 1,500 patients each year. In October we announced a The Law Commission proposals are expected to be £15 million radiotherapy innovation fund for 2012-13, introduced to the House in 2014. The right hon. Gentleman which brings this Government’s additional investment asked whether we could do anything sooner than that, in radiotherapy over the spending review period to but, as he will know, if we brought in a section 60 order, more than £165 million. The fund is designed to ensure it would take about two years for it to get through the that, from April 2013, radiotherapy centres will be full parliamentary process. Given that the Law Commission ready to deliver intensity-modulated radiotherapy to all proposals are holistic and apply to not just the NMC, patients who need it. but all health professions, we believe that the right The hon. Gentleman was right to say that, in spite of approach is to consider those proposals in 2014. We that increased investment, there are ongoing concerns hope that that will bring a lot more consistency, which I about the variability of access to radiotherapy services think we all feel is desirable, to future cases involving in the NHS. I hope that it will reassure him that, in the professional conduct of all medical, nursing and response to the requests of radiotherapy centres to the other health care professionals. fund, we will go beyond the original commitment and I thank my constituency neighbour, my hon. Friend will this week notify the centres of allocations totalling the Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey), for her almost £23 million. We have taken on board the hon. kind comments about the work that I, other Suffolk Gentleman’s concerns and are making sure that we MPs and, indeed, the Minister of State, Department of continue to invest in high-quality radiation in the years Health, my hon. Friend the Member for North Norfolk ahead. I know that he will hold the Government to that (Norman Lamb), have done in relation to problems task in the coming years. with the East of England ambulance service. People in more rural counties, particularly North Norfolk and The right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne parts of Suffolk, appear to be getting a service that is (John Healey) has rightly raised issues of principle not of the standard that we would expect. We need arising from the Vinny Duggan case. I want to put on more transparency with regard to response times, not record my best wishes to the family concerned. I will just on a regional level, but on a county-wide level. My deal with two issues: first, the issue that arose from the hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal asked way in which the trust handled the complaints procedure, whether there could be a breakdown by postcode. That and secondly, the wider point about the Nursing and is a little more challenging, because it is possible that, in Midwifery Council. any given month or response period, not enough people in a particular postcode will need an ambulance. There First, as the right hon. Gentleman has highlighted, is a desire, however, for more transparency with regard the trust clearly failed to acknowledge to any adequate to sub-geographical regions. degree that mistakes happened and that the quality of care was not of the standard that it should have been. My hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Peter That much was clear in this regrettable episode in the Aldous) has also taken a keen interest in the issue and trust’s history. Two years is an unacceptable amount of has recently been out with the ambulance service on a time to wait for an apology or for an adequate explanation number of evenings. for what went wrong. The right hon. Gentleman is Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con): I am grateful to my absolutely right to say that what patients want when hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey)for things go wrong is a sincere apology and an explanation raising the issue and to my hon. Friend the Minister for as to why things happened. We all know, no matter how responding. Having been out with the ambulance service, good the care is in the NHS, that bad things will I have two observations. First, does the Minister agree sometimes happen, but we need to know that that that we have tremendous, dedicated staff and that we mistake has been recognised, that there has been an owe it to them to work with the management and others apology and that lessons have been learned for the to get the service right? Secondly, the problems facing future. We cannot rewrite history or always unpick the service are diverse and multiple, but they can be mistakes, but we can learn lessons for the future and solved with a lot of effort. For example, on the particular make sure that such bad things do not happen again. problem of blocking at hospitals and handing over to That is what good medicine is about. Clearly, in this them, James Paget hospital in Galston has shown that, case there were problems with the way in which the when the hospital and ambulance service work together, complaints were addressed. the problem can be solved. 1039 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1040

Dr Poulter: My hon. Friend is absolutely right and I inequalities. It has a large migrant population, which pay tribute to him for taking the time to go out with the brings particular health care challenges and means that ambulance service and see first hand the problems that people do not always have English as a first language. have been experienced in some parts of Suffolk and Such people need to be looked after properly. It is Norfolk. There have been problems with the handover important that those issues are taken into account time at some hospitals in the east of England and that is during the discussions. clearly unacceptable, because if the ambulance and I take on board the concerns of local staff that they hospital staff are engaged in lengthy handovers, it means are being drawn into the big financial concerns with that other patients are not being treated and seen in a South London Healthcare NHS Trust. However, we timely manner. Those issues need to be addressed by also have to recognise that no one hospital operates in a some trusts in the east of England. vacuum. We must ensure that hospital services and the My hon. Friend the Member for Waveney has written care that is provided reflect the needs of the wider to the ambulance service and his letter was made available geographical area. My right hon. Friend the Secretary to my noble Friend Earl Howe. In it, he highlighted the of State will be looking into these issues. trust’s decision to publish more performance information online from February and stated that it was important Jim Dowd: Will the Minister give way? that that was done by geographical area to ensure that there is greater transparency in the quality of response Dr Poulter: I will take an intervention very quickly, data in areas such as Beccles and Bungay, relative to but I am pressing on Mr Deputy Speaker’s patience. more urban areas such as Ipswich. That is an important point. I urge him and my hon. Friend the Member for Jim Dowd: Nobody disputes the Minister’s last point. Suffolk Coastal to continue pushing for transparency in That is why there is a reconfiguration process especially the ambulance service’s data, and to continue their fight for that purpose. That is what should be used, rather for improved response times for more rural areas of than this back-door method. Suffolk and Norfolk. I know that my noble Friend Earl Howe would be happy to meet hon. Members to discuss Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. Please the matter further. complete your contribution within 60 seconds, Minister, Let me turn to the issues that were raised by the other so that we can move on. three Members. I will be brief, Mr Deputy Speaker, because I take your hint. My hon. Friend the Member Dr Poulter: I will do so, Mr Deputy Speaker. for High Peak (Andrew Bingham) raised concerns about I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of a number of ambulance stations, including one in Buxton. State will take those considerations into account when I know that my hon. Friend the Member for Staffordshire he receives the report and comes to his conclusions in Moorlands (Karen Bradley), who lives in a nearby due course. I know that the hon. Member for Lewisham constituency, shares those concerns. A review is currently West and Penge will continue to make his views clear. taking place. We all welcome reviews if they are going Finally and importantly, I turn to the good remarks to improve the quality of care for patients and improve made by the right hon. Member for Leicester East ambulance response times. However, there are local (Keith Vaz). He is right to point out that one of the big concerns that the review must take into account issues challenges facing this country in health care terms is to such as rurality and the difficulties that patients on high better look after people with long-term conditions. land or in harder-to-access areas have in accessing all Diabetes is a key challenge. Patients with diabetes have types of health care services. a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, amputation, I note the concerns that the review is making proposals vascular disease and a number of other medical problems. that do not necessarily take account of those factors. One key way to deal with that is to focus more on My hon. Friend the Member for High Peak has put prevention, rather than cure. That means investing in those concerns on the record today. If that has happened, more GP-led care and primary prevention, rather than I echo his concerns, because it is important, in the picking up the pieces in hospital. We should focus on review of any service, that issues such as rurality and helping people with type 1 diabetes to have a normal life difficult-to-access areas are taken fully into account. by educating them to understand their condition, through This is, of course, a local health care decision. If he the use of insulin pumps and by helping younger people wants to discuss the matter further with Ministers, we to manage their condition. are happy to discuss it with him. The Government are committed to preventing diabetes The hon. Member for Lewisham West and Penge and bad lifestyle habits from developing in the first (Jim Dowd) put across his strong advocacy for Lewisham place by focusing on better education in childhood. hospital. I trained in south Thames and have colleagues When local authorities have control of public health who work at Lewisham hospital. We all know that budgets, that will be a key priority for them. We must Lewisham faces particular challenges. It has demographic set good lifestyle habits from the early years to ensure challenges, given its difficult population groups with that people do not develop diabetes later on. considerable health care needs, and great health care Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. 1041 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1042

TRANSPORT subsidies might make savings in some areas, they create costs elsewhere? Will he say whose responsibility it is when vulnerable people fall through the transport net 1.15 pm because of the cuts? Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab): I want to take this To give an example, I have an elderly constituent who opportunity to raise an issue that is helping to fill my does not want to be named, but who wants me to relay postbag at the moment: the state of rural bus services in her story because she believes that what is happening to County Durham and Darlington. I know that that is a her is also happening to others. My constituent is a concern for many MPs, especially those in County 75-year-old pensioner who looks after her 50-year-old Durham. Only yesterday, I received a petition from daughter who has Down’s syndrome and serious medical Aycliffe village signed by 300 people, which complains conditions. They often rely on friends and family to get about the state of rural bus services in the area and the to a doctor’s appointment, but one day family and lack of buses, especially in the evening. friends were not available, there were no taxis, and buses Sedgefield covers part of south Durham and all no longer ran a convenient distance from their home. the rural parts of Darlington borough. It covers about The doctor’s surgery was about a mile away so my 150 square miles and, for people without a car, travelling constituent decided to walk there with her daughter. from A to B can be a big problem. Car ownership in Such a journey might take a fit person about 15 minutes, County Durham is below the national average. Almost but it took my constituents considerably longer and on 30% of households are without a car, compared with the way back they had to stop at the community centre about 25% nationally. For those on low wages, the and ask someone for a lift to get back home. Such elderly, young people and disabled people, getting around things are happening day in, day out, not just in County the constituency can be a chore. The Government’s Durham but all over the country. The Government may approach to cutting bus subsidies and their more argue that this level of cuts is necessary. That is fair general cuts to local government are making the situation enough, but surely someone must take responsibility for worse. the consequences of those cuts. I could spend the rest of my speech talking about the Another constituent of mine, 16-year-old Lauren severity of the Government’s cuts, but the Government Peters, attends New College Durham. A few weeks ago would just say that the problem is the way in which the she was stranded at Durham bus station. The bus local authority is introducing the cuts. We could go on service had been cut due to inclement weather, but the in that vein, but it would not resolve anything. When a bus company did not alert local colleges about the constituent comes to my office—as constituents do difficulties. My constituent was stranded without any from time to time—and says that he cannot get to work money and the battery on her phone was about to run because the buses have changed, he wants a solution. out. She had to wait in the cold, damp, bad weather for He does not want to hear what will happen in the future three hours before her father could come to pick her up. or an argument about who is to blame; he wants me to We understand that bad weather can cause disruption, tell him how he can get to work in the morning. I want but where was the customer care from companies such to say a little about what some of my local communities as Arriva, one of the biggest bus companies in Europe? are doing to provide community transport, because There was no phone call to local colleges or major what people are looking for—the elderly and the low- employers. I have written to Arriva and the county paid—is a solution to the problems. council, and although I have received a reply from the People in communities such as Hurworth, Middleton county council I have yet to hear anything from Arriva. St George, Sadberge and Brafferton in the Darlington Mrs Peters contacted me the next day to raise the issue part of my constituency are working with the Community and complain. If bus companies are now running merely Transport Association and Darlington borough council commercial routes—I believe the route in question was to assemble a workable community transport service commercial—surely we need better alert systems when for the area to help people who are suffering because of there is disruption to help people to get home. There the lack of an adequate bus service. I hope that the seems to be no customer care. Minister can offer his support and encouragement to the stakeholders of that scheme to ensure that it is a Lauren was not the only vulnerable person affected success. by the disruption that day. I want solutions to the issues I have raised. I want to work with community groups to Durham county council already runs a community establish community bus services where possible, and transport service called Link2, which provides a community available funding to be used to that effect where subsidies service in areas where commercial bus services do not to existing bus services have been withdrawn. want to go. I congratulate the county council on providing that service. It has seen its budget for bus services I know that Durham county council has gained about reduced by about £1.3 million. The rural bus subsidy £374,000 from the rural sustainable community transport grant for the county has been cut by about 40%. Companies initiative, but that is a one-off grant; it does not happen such as Arriva are therefore not receiving the subsidy every year. These are austere times and we should be all that they received in the past, so they are pulling buses in this together. My question to the Minister is this: if off routes, which is making it difficult for my constituents this level of cuts is necessary, who is taking responsibility to get around. I have constituents who are having for those who fall through the net? Although I will help difficulties in getting to work, whose journeys have local authorities and communities as best I can to been lengthened and who cannot take up jobs that they establish community bus services, does the Minister want because they are unable to get to the place of agree that there is only so much that the local community work. Does the Minister agree that although cuts to bus can do? 1043 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1044

1.22 pm The Business Secretary reportedly said that the end Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab): I will start by result of the evaluation process was inevitable. The ITT telling the Minister that there is great concern in my makes it clear that the Secretary of State will let the Derby constituency about the possibility of a pre-Christmas contract. In my view, that makes the Thameslink contract betrayal of the Bombardier work force in the city. In a Government contract. Regulation 23(b) of the public March 2011, the Prime Minister brought the Cabinet to contract regulations makes it clear that, where a bidder Derby because he felt it was an excellent backdrop that has been found guilty of corruption, it should be excluded would give credibility to his assertion that he wanted to from the process. We know that Siemens falls into that rebalance the economy.Derby provided a perfect illustration category, yet the Government have proceeded regardless. of the sort of economy that the Government—who at When the matter has been raised with Ministers, they the time were relatively new—wanted to create. Within have claimed that Siemens should not be excluded from a few weeks, however, that rhetoric sounded hollow. It the bidding process, and to some extent I agree. Siemens was followed up in the Budget statement when the plc is not part of the special purpose company—Cross Chancellor spoke about the march of the makers: London Trains—which has been created to take forward “We are only going to raise the living standards of families if the Thameslink contract. Siemens Project Ventures GmbH, we have an economy that can compete in the modern age. So this which is a division of Siemens AG, is part of that is our plan for growth. We want the words: ‘Made in Britain’, special purpose company. Siemens AG has been convicted ‘Created in Britain’, ‘Designed in Britain’ and ‘Invented in Britain’ of corruption which, in my view, makes it ineligible for to drive our nation forward—a Britain carried aloft by the march the contract unless there is an overriding requirement of the makers. That is how we will create jobs and support families.”—[Official Report, 23 March 2011; Vol. 525, c. 966.] “in the general interest” to include it—that is what the regulations state. However, just a few months later, when the Government could have done something positive to show that they As I have said, Ministers say there are no grounds to meant those words, they awarded preferred bidder status eliminate Siemens but they are applying the wrong test. for the Thameslink contract to Siemens rather than to They should have been looking at whether it was right Bombardier in Derby. to include the special purpose company that includes Ministers seem to have ignored the provisions within Siemens AG as part of the consortium. I therefore hope the invitation to tender documentation. The ITT states that when he sums up the Minister will give a commitment that the successful bidder must demonstrate that it can to look at the issue again. I believe that the Government exploit advances in technology and have a world-class are in breach of regulations 4 and 23. We will not get proven solution in one package, but Siemens did not value for money, although Ministers claim we will—they have that. It had not developed a lightweight bogie; are adopting a very expensive model to procure the indeed, plans were still on the draughtsman’s board and trains and there are less expensive ways of pursuing had not even been tested or put into any form of that. production. In spite of that, however, Ministers decided The industry is in great shape and the market is to appoint Siemens as the preferred bidder. expanding, and we have huge potential and a massive That decision has already led to 1,400 job losses in opportunity, so I urge the Minister to ensure that he Derby at Bombardier, and considerably more jobs have does not allow the industry in this country to slip been lost in the supply chain. The Department for through his fingers. He has the power to stop the Transport seems not to be acting in the national interest contract—the invitation to tender makes that extremely and to be completely out of control. We saw the fiasco clear—to do the right thing and to look at it again. of the franchise for the west coast main line and, as we Hopefully, he will give Bombardier in Derby the opportunity know, that process was suspended. The same civil servants to continue to deliver a train manufacturing industry— who gave rise to concern over that franchise also worked on the Thameslink contract, yet Ministers seem to draw Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. a veil over that. Ministers have also tried to blame EU regulations for 1.30 pm the decision to award preferred bidder status to Siemens. However, that simply will not wash because, when Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): It is a pleasure convenient, Ministers have ignored EU regulations on to follow my Friend the Member for Derby North the issue. EU regulations are enshrined in English law. (Chris Williamson). I pay tribute to him for the incredible Regulation 4 is apposite and states: campaign he has run in support of the workers in his “A contracting authority shall (in accordance with Article 2 of constituency and the skills that have been brought to the Public Sector Directive)…treat economic operators equally the country by the decades—over a century—of train and in a non-discriminatory way.” manufacturing in Derby. It would be crime if we lost That did not happen. At the fourth stage of the evaluation that. The danger is that, unless the Bombardier contract process, the DFT adopted a complex methodology is issued, there will be further job losses and further loss involving the use of discount rates as shown in the of train-making skills in this country. Treasury Green Book, which is complicated for a layperson We do not understand or value enough the heritage like myself. When the Transport Committee took expert of the rail industry in this country, the skills involved in evidence, Professor Karel Williams from the Manchester train manufacture and railway development, or the business school stated that there was a future of the industry. Following the closures, we have “bias in favour of Siemens because they had a superior credit around 10,000 miles of track. We have a programme of rating and that gave them an advantage of maybe several hundred railway network expansion, and more people travel by million pounds”. train than at any time since the second world war. The It therefore seems clear that the Government are in majority of the public who have access to railways breach of their obligations under regulation 4. prefer to use them—there is no question about that. 1045 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1046

If we involve ourselves in a procurement process that jobs. Will he say he is in favour of a living wage for specifically encourages sustainable, local-ish or UK-based everyone working in the railway industry as an absolute employment, we will develop our industrial base and basic, and in favour of companies employing station provide great opportunities for railway expansion in and cleaning staff far more directly? this country and other places. However, sadly, the model Virgin Trains has apparently been given a contract to of privatisation adopted by the Conservative Government continue running its service because of the collapse of in the 1990s not only broke up our railway system but the train operating company tendering process a few handed all the rolling stock to rather dubious leasing months ago. I have five brief questions for the Minister, companies. Huge profits were made as a result, but and I hope he will help us. What discussions were held 10 years into privatisation the Department for Transport’s in the EU prior to awarding the 23-month west coast procurement policies have moved much more into a main line contract to Virgin Trains? Is a copy of the new totally market-based international comparator system agreement available? Will existing staffing levels and rather than the system used for Transport for London, catering facilities be protected? What taxpayer subsidy which has deliberately sought to develop UK-based will be paid to Virgin for the duration of the contract? employment, and fair wages and employment practices Finally, what non-taxpayer or fare payer-supported and so on. investment will Virgin Trains make during the 23-month contract? We have reached a pretty pass. The incompetence The Minister of State, Department for Transport of the process resulted in a gap, which would have been (Mr Simon Burns): If privatisation has been as bad as the ideal opportunity to return the service to public the hon. Gentleman describes, why, since privatisation, ownership and run it, which is what happens on the east have the number of journeys taken and the number coast main line—a very good service runs on the east passengers doubled, and why, in 13 years in government, coast main line as a result. The east coast main line is a did Labour not seek to reverse it? ready-made example of running an effective, publicly owned railway system. The Minister will not be surprised that my last point Jeremy Corbyn: I had a discussion in 1997 with the is a local one—I have often spoke of the need for a then Transport Secretary, Lord Prescott, in which I wider system of electrification. I welcome the Government’s suggested that we would serve ourselves well if we took announcement that the midland main line and the the railways back into public ownership. In fact, our Great Western service will be electrified, and that there discussion took place very close to where the Minister will be an electrified service in Wales. That is very good sits now. We were standing next to the mace during a indeed. I have raised many times the question of the Division—it was an historic moment. His reply was, north London link. The Barking to Gospel Oak line is “We haven’t got the money for that kind of thing. We not electrified, which means that electrically hauled can’t afford it. It would cost too much”, but the figures freight services from Felixstowe or Harwich must change show that we are putting more money in subsidy into to a diesel-hauled locomotive, or that the freight must the private sector-run railways than we ever did into be diesel-hauled all the way through. Proposals for the British Rail in the days of public ownership—and the electrification of the line have been made and costed, private companies are making considerable profits. The and the Secretary of State assured me that the Department increase in passengers numbers and train services is was considering that again—he also promised to meet welcome, as is public investment in railways, but if, for me and a delegation of north London MPs in that example, we put £8 billion into the west coast main line respect. Electrification would make London Overground upgrading, the public should gain the benefit rather more efficient and effective and be far more environmentally than Virgin Trains or another train operating company sustainable for heavy-hauled freight that currently uses making a considerable profit. the line.

I support the points made by my Friend the Member 1.38 pm for Derby North on fair employment practices. I hope the Minister can give us some good news. I hope he is The Minister of State, Department for Transport not befuddled by Siemens’s claim that it is financially (Mr Simon Burns): I welcome this short debate on sustainable, because a company that owns its own bank transport. Given the shortness of time I have and the is quite likely to claim that—the two things tend to go wide ranging number of questions raised, particularly together—but instead will consider the huge skill base by the hon. Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn), and traditions in Derby. He should also think forward I assure hon. Members that if I do not manage to cover to the electrification programme and the new rolling all their points, I will write to them. stock that will be needed in five, 10, 15 and 20 years’ To begin with, I should like to deal with two specific time. We will have problems if we allow our manufacturing issues, the first of which was raised by the hon. Member capacity to disappear. for Sedgefield (Phil Wilson). As he will accept—he referred to this from time to time during his comments— My Friend the Member for Hayes and Harlington tough decisions have had to be taken across the board (John McDonnell), who is in his place, has supported because of the economic deficit we inherited, and support the railway cleaners around the country because of the for bus services could not be exempt. This has meant problems they face. I hope the Minister spares a thought not only getting the best value for every pound of for them. In the midst of all the money that goes into taxpayers’ money spent, but prioritising the spending the railway system and the profits that are taken out, that can best support growth, jobs and prosperity. That some people working for distant contract cleaning is one of the reasons transport came out of the spending companies and others are appallingly paid and badly review in a much stronger position than most people treated, but nevertheless do important and valuable expected. 1047 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1048

[Mr Simon Burns] We will work with Network Rail, Transport for London and rail freight operators over the coming year to see I recognise that public transport is, as the hon. Gentleman whether electrification costs might be reduced and to eloquently pointed out, important for the sustainability explore ways of funding. The national rail funding for and independence of rural communities. Decisions such the five years to 2019 has been committed on our as where to run services, the frequency of services, the strategic priorities, but if further funding can be found type of vehicle used and the fares charged are mainly a and the business case continues to be robust, I would matter for the commercial judgment of the operator welcome adding another 12 miles of railway to the 850 concerned. However, where there is not enough demand route miles we have already funded and authorised for for a bus route to be commercially profitable in its own electrification this decade. Either my right hon. Friend right, local authorities do have powers to subsidise bus the Secretary of State or I would be happy to meet the services. It is essentially a matter for these individual hon. Gentleman and a delegation of Members from authorities to decide which services are most appropriate north London if that would be useful. for support in their respective areas. These could be traditional bus services or other, more flexible options Jeremy Corbyn: I thank the Minister and I look such as the Link2 service in Durham—a bookable forward to having such a meeting so that we can, I hope, dial-a-ride bus for people making local journeys of up make progress to electrify that last bit of the line. to five miles for which there is no other suitable bus—and the Access Bus scheme, which provides a similar service Mr Burns: In that spirit, I hope that any meetings we for people with limited mobility. have would be positive so that we could make progress. It is for local authorities, working in partnership with I now turn to the contribution from the hon. Member their communities, to identify the right transport solutions for Derby North (Chris Williamson) about rail procurement that meet the economic and environmental challenges and Bombardier. The coalition Government are committed faced in their areas and deliver the greatest benefits for to continuing to invest in rail, building on its success their communities. It is heartening to note the proactive and facilitating future economic growth. As he knows, role that Darlington and Durham councils have taken we are investing £18 billion in this spending review to engaging with local people, for instance through the period alone on a programme of rail improvements as area action partnership boards set up by Durham county large in scale as anything seen since the Victorian era. I council in 2009 as a key way of listening to and working am aware that the hon. Gentleman, as well as my hon. with communities, and the Darlington community Friends the Members for South Derbyshire (Heather partnerships, led by residents, working in partnership Wheeler), for Mid Derbyshire (Pauline Latham), for with the local authority and other bodies, which take a Erewash (Jessica Lee) and for Amber Valley (Nigel lead in regenerating their local neighbourhoods. I would Mills) have been active campaigners on behalf of also encourage smaller communities such as Hurworth, Bombardier, which has a key role in Derby’s economy. Sadberge, Middleton St George and Brafferton to continue Therefore, I am pleased to be responding to this their excellent work with the Community Transport debate shortly after Southern has announced its Association to secure a reliable and affordable local intention to exercise an option for 40 additional rolling transport network service. stock vehicles to be delivered by Bombardier in 2014. In the past year, the Government have provided Furthermore, Southern is working with the Department £20 million of new funding for distribution to rural to develop proposals for a potential competitive local transport authorities in England, of which around procurement for 116 new vehicles, including options for £400,000 in total has been allocated to Durham and further vehicles. Ministers expect to be able to make a Darlington councils to support and kick-start the further announcement on this matter shortly. Bombardier development of community transport services in their is also among the shortlisted bidders for the Crossrail areas. In addition, the local sustainable transport fund rolling stock procurement. has provided both areas with a combined total of more These procurements offer Bombardier and other train than £6 million, specifically for transport related projects. manufacturers new opportunities to bid for work. The Thameslink rolling stock contract is complex, as the For reasons that we are all aware of, times are tough hon. Gentleman understands, and it introduces much and we have to be careful with our money, making sure greater responsibility for the train’s performance in that we get the best value. But I am pleased about the service on the part of the train manufacturer and maintainer work that has been done locally by local communities than is traditionally the case. Therefore it has—quite and local authorities in the hon. Gentleman’s area to rightly— taken some time to get the details right. Siemens seek to develop the best forms of sustainable transport and its partners in Cross London Trains have been with the best value for money available. working very closely with the Department for Transport I turn now to the final point raised by the hon. to reach commercial agreement on the Thameslink Member for Islington North, about the Gospel Oak to rolling stock project. I am pleased to say that there has Barking scheme, which he has rightly raised on many been substantive progress in recent weeks and the occasions in the House. I recognise the case for electrification Department has now reached commercial agreement of that line at the same time as we electrify the strategic on the key elements of the deal with the Cross London electric spine route from Southampton to Yorkshire. Trains consortium. Last night the Cross London Trains Transport for London has said it is prepared to pay a consortium published its information memorandum to share of the Gospel Oak to Barking electrification potential funders. costs, which I welcome, but the cost is very high— This important milestone enables the next stage of approximately £90 million for 12 miles of railway through the process of further engagement with the debt market suburban London. to continue to put the necessary financing in place for 1049 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1050 the deal. Our target, once the necessary credit approvals will significantly boost jobs and growth more widely in have been secured, is to reach financial closure as soon the economy. Their benefits are vital and urgently needed, as possible in the new year. I hope that hon. Members and the Government remain firmly committed to their will appreciate the importance of the statement I have delivery. just made, which is crucial as part of the continuing investment in improving and enhancing the infrastructure The hon. Member for Islington North mentioned a and performance of our railways. number of other issues. I will write to him about them, except to say—this will come as no surprise to him—that In passing, I note that the hon. Gentleman suggested I do not share his enthusiasm for what would in effect that the same civil servants who were responsible for the be a renationalisation of the railways. franchising deal for the west coast main line were working on the procurement deals, but I can assure him that that I should like to ensure that the House is fully aware of is not the case. I hope that that reassures him. what is being done to help Bombardier and Derby. The Regarding the Crossrail rolling stock contract, we are hon. Member for Derby North will be aware that clear that our priority is to secure the right train at the Bombardier recently secured a £188 million bid to build right price, through a strong and fair procurement 130 new railway carriages following a procurement competition. This competition is different from rolling competition run by Southern Railways. Last week, Southern stock procurements such as Thameslink that were launched Railways announced that it was exercising an option to by the previous Administration. It has taken account of invest in 40 new Electrostar carriages from Bombardier. the package of measures to reform public procurement Bombardier is among the suppliers who have bid for the announced in the 2011 autumn statement, and it also new Crossrail rolling stock, which I referred to earlier, includes, for example, the commitment of £350 million but as the procurement process is live it would be of public investment to this £1 billion programme. Four inappropriate to go into details. The Department for bidders—Bombardier, CAF of Spain, Hitachi and Transport is working to develop proposals for a further Siemens—have submitted initial bids. Crossrail Ltd is procurement of 116 rolling stock vehicles, which Southern, responsible for the procurement and is currently assessing if it goes ahead, will be able to bid for. Through its bids received at the end of October. talent and expertise, Bombardier has secured a considerable amount of work. There are a number of significant Chris Williamson: Will the Minister confirm whether opportunities for it to seek to make more procurement credit ratings will be a significant factor in determining bids successfully, which would lead to a bright future the Crossrail contract, and whether there will be an for the company. If it secures all the potential bids, it announcement in this Chamber on the financial close of will help it to strengthen its capabilities and work force, the Thameslink contract? and allow it to develop its potential. In conclusion, the Government do not just talk the Mr Burns: On the hon. Gentleman’s second point talk, they walk the walk. In the past two and a half about the final part of that process, we expect a conclusion years, we have invested record amounts of money—billions early in the new year, though I cannot provide a precise of pounds—to play catch-up from the failure of successive date at this point. On Crossrail, as I said to him earlier, previous Governments to invest in our railway the procurement contract is going ahead and normal infrastructure, so that we have a first-class, fit-for-purpose processes will be abided by and gone through. It is railway network that can compete with our European premature at this stage to start speculating on the detail competitors and ensure that we get a higher standard of of future processes, because there is an element of journey for passengers and more freight on to the commercial confidentially and the deals, checks and railways. In recent years, since privatisation, we have balances that one would expect from a normal major seen freight on our networks increase by 60%, with all procurement of this nature. the benefits that follow on from taking the freight off The Crossrail procurement is the responsibility of our road networks. [Interruption.] On the prompting of Crossrail Ltd. It is currently assessing the bids received one of my hon. Friends, I would like to wish you and at the end of October. I expect that all bidders will have the staff, Mr Deputy Speaker, a very happy Christmas, submitted strong, competitive bids that meet the exacting secure in the knowledge that we are investing significantly requirements of Crossrail, while providing best value to improve our railways. If you are returning to your for money for the UK taxpayer and future fare payers. constituency for Christmas on the west coast main line Crossrail and Thameslink will have a transformational with a Virgin train, I wish you a prompt, enjoyable and impact on travel in London and the south-east. They speedy journey. 1051 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1052

GENERAL MATTERS to GPs and A and E units. These services are very patchy in our area. I ask what plans my right hon. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): As we move Friend the Secretary of State for Health has to make on, maybe this is the time for me to talk the talk and sure that these enhanced services are available across wish all hon. Members and staff working at Parliament the country. a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2013. No doubt the whole House would like to see driving It would not be a Christmas general debate without a become safer—according to my wife, if anyone drove contribution from Mr David Amess, so let us start with with me they would see why. I was contacted by the Mr David Amess. Association of British Insurers, which is seeking to change the law on learning to drive. It wants a minimum 1.56 pm one-year period for learning to drive and a ban on intensive driving courses. At the same time, it would like Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): Before the to allow teenagers to start learning to drive at 16 and a House adjourns for the Christmas recess, there are a half, although as a politician I am not so sure about number of points I wish to raise. Members are familiar that. with the Freedom of Information Act 2000. A number of constituents have raised with me the fact that they On an issue of great concern to senior citizens, think it perverse that they cannot have the name and constituents of mine have been informed that their address of the person who raises the FOI inquiry. I pensions will no longer be paid into the Post Office, but agree with them; I think the law should be changed. instead will be paid into a bank account. The letters In October, I met Paul Atkinson, from Prysmian informing them of the change came from Her Majesty’s Group, who is very troubled by the state of electrical Treasury, not the Post Office. This change is very difficult cables. He fears that safety regulation of imports is not for many senior citizens to manage, and I urge Her currently strong enough, and that this is causing fires, Majesty’s Treasury as well as the Post Office to think as well as the loss of British jobs. Having recently met through this change very carefully. fire officers in my constituency, I think this is a real Another constituent of mine has raised with me his problem. issues with Wonga, the pay-day loans company. He is Earlier this year, I secured a debate on the lack of particularly concerned about its television advertising, burial space. There were excellent contributions from which does not mention the annual percentage rate of the hon. Members for Strangford (Jim Shannon) and 4,214 applied to loans. It is worrying how easily one can for Ealing North (Stephen Pound), and a very good obtain money from such companies. Its website guarantees reply from the Under-Secretary of State for Justice, my quick decisions and money delivered swiftly.Any company hon. Friend the Member for Maidstone and The Weald making such quick decisions on loans can hardly be (Mrs Grant). I hope that further work will be done on spending much time considering how the loans might this issue because, as the hon. Member for Strangford affect the person’s life or how it could be paid back. said, the only things we can be certain of in life are Dredging is damaging the environment in my death and taxes. constituency. It is affecting the cockle and the fishing I have long campaigned in this House on the role of industries, and is fundamentally changing the Southend the Iranian resistance movement. There have been gross coastline and affecting Southend pier, the longest in the violations of human rights in Iran and the sharp rise in world. I have seen the evidence with my own eyes. There public executions continues. Her Majesty’s Government has been a huge reduction in the amount of mud on the need further to support democracy and change in Iran, foreshore in Southend and Leigh. The pace of change is and the National Council of Resistance of Iran must be very dangerous. I have mentioned it in the House before, recognised as a legitimate opposition movement. and I will continue my ongoing campaign to look after A few weeks ago, there was a power cut in my house the Southend coastline. and that of my next-door neighbour. I complained to Yet another constituent met me recently to discuss E.ON, with whom I settle the bill, as did my neighbour. the creation of the supermarket watchdog, which is part It was passed on to UK Power Networks, who passed of the Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill, introduced in me on to the energy ombudsman, which was an absolute September. Supermarkets can treat suppliers badly without waste of time. No one seems to be responsible for these fear of any consequences. Although supermarkets are matters, and my neighbour and I want compensation. clearly beneficial to society, we must be careful to One of my constituents is particularly worried about protect their customers and suppliers. I congratulate postal vote fraud. To prove a point, he put five fictional ActionAid on its long campaign and look forward to names down at his address to register them as voters, seeing the watchdog ensure fairness for producers, and received postal votes for all of them. The census supermarkets and customers. was obviously not checked to verify the residents in the A constituent of mine, James Price, who belongs to property. He was arrested for electoral fraud, but the the Plymouth Brethren, has been in contact with me on police brought no charges. We are both anxious about a number of occasions regarding the Charity Commission’s what appears to be a very lax system. plan to remove charity status from the Brethren’s gospel Last month, I visited Broadway Opticians in my halls. Not only should this group be able to keep its constituency to see at first hand the different enhanced current status, but I am worried about the implications eye care services that optometrists and opticians can if it cannot do so. I was pleased with yesterday’s ten-minute deliver. Community optometrists offer patient-centred, rule motion on this subject. What is to say that other cost-effective quality eye care services in convenient, religious organisations, such as the Church of England accessible locations. A key benefit of implementing or my own Catholic Church, will remain safe if the those enhanced services is a reduction in referral rates gospel halls are not? 1053 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1054

The final subject that I wish to raise is art. Art is are not brought before the court lightly. Judges take wonderful and should be cherished. Southend West is a very seriously the use and abuse of the court process centre of cultural excellence. I enjoyed hearing the and do their best to filter out vexatious claims. inaugural concert of Southend youth orchestra and was My third point is that the Government want to particularly delighted to hear from David Stanley’s change the process for granting permission to bring group, the Music Man Project, which offers a unique judicial review proceedings. Their own evidence shows service for people with learning disabilities. It is absolutely that permission hearings—first on paper, then orally—are wonderful. David and the orchestra deserve a national a good filter of cases, so what are the figures? In 2011, audience, and it was my joy to go to No. 10 Downing 7,600 applications were considered by the court, but street yesterday and present the Prime Minister with the only one in six was granted. That makes 1,200. That, to DVD. Furthermore, I will be organising an event called me, shows a court doing its job. It is one gigantic filter. “Southend’s Got Talent” on 15 February further to Furthermore, only 300 permissions were granted for an promote the arts in my constituency, and I hope that oral hearing. hon. Members will join me on 4 March in the Jubilee Room, where we will be celebrating all that is wonderful The oral permissions are important, because they are in Southend. about getting a fair crack of the whip—to use a judicial review term—and it is right that those cases that have This year, my mother turned 100, and we enjoyed the been filtered out get a second chance, because there diamond jubilee and the Olympic games. I do not know might be new evidence. Even when they get to the stage what can top it next year, but some of us will be of a hearing and an appeal, judges, particularly in celebrating 30 years in Parliament. I wish you, Mr Deputy immigration cases, are now ordering that the appeal can Speaker, and all the staff a very happy Christmas, and be pursued from abroad. I am astounded at the suggestion everyone else good health, peace, prosperity and a on page 11 that a victory in a judicial review is only a wonderful new year. pyrrhic victory. It is a victory in terms of court. It is referred back to the original body for consideration, either because the decision was exercised unlawfully or 2.3 pm unreasonably, or on one of the other grounds of judicial review. That is a proper victory within the grounds of Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): The hon. Member judicial review. for Southend West (Mr Amess) is always a difficult act to follow, but it is always a pleasure to do so, and I look I am also concerned about the timeliness aspect. The forward to hearing the result of his talent contest. Government say that judicial review cases take a long time. These are not cases in the Jarndyce v. Jarndyce I wish to inject a serious note, because I am asking mould. Where is the evidence that there is delay beyond the Government to rethink their consultation paper, the three months? Most cases are dealt with in a timely “Judicial Review: proposals for reform”. I speak as fashion. There is a pre-action protocol that allows someone with experience working for the previous information to be exchanged before a case goes to court Government on judicial reviews. Yes, they come in thick to be settled. The Government want to reduce the time and fast, but in my view they are a necessary safety limit from three months to six weeks in planning cases. valve for society and uphold the rule of law. They are That will not make them go away or get dealt with any the foundations of our democracy. What is a judicial quicker. What has to be looked at is the listing for a review? It is a review of a decision by a public authority—a hearing. That is where the delay is. I have said before in review of legality, unfairness or reasonableness, or of the Chamber that we need more judges and more court whether there was a personal interest in any decision time. The fact that some of the cases have been heard taken by a public authority. outside the Strand—in Cardiff, Manchester and other My first concern is about the consultation period. areas where the administrative court sits—is taking The paper was published last week, and, in my view, the cases away from London, and that is a good thing. consultation period is not long enough. I have been in My next point concerns fees. The Justice Secretary many judicial reviews where judges have expressed concern said that judicial review was being increasingly used by that there has been little or hardly any consultation. organisations for public relations purposes, but increasing This consultation is taking place over the Christmas the fees will not make them use it any less. Those period. It is not even the length of a legal term. It will organisations can afford it; it is the individuals or the last for six weeks, at least two of which will be taken up residents groups who will not be able to afford the fees by Christmas and new year. That might even be grounds and therefore will be denied access to justice. If we for a challenge. What is the case for change? Page nine remove access to justice, we remove one of the important of the document states that judicial review has developed parts of a democracy. In my view, the Justice Secretary far beyond its original intentions. That is not a proper has not made the case for reform. I ask the Deputy reason based on evidence; it is an opinion. Leader of the House to ask the Justice Secretary what We are dealing with old powers that go back centuries. discussions he has had with those who drew up the civil Some of the remedies have Latin words such as certiorari, procedure rules about these changes, and what mandamus and even habeas corpus. They have been representations he has had from the judiciary, lawyers exercised more extensively, because there has been much and others who use the administrative court stating that more legislation, and that is my second point. The there is a need for reform. Government are concerned about the growth of judicial The case for reform is flawed. As Tom Bingham, the review, but, because there is more legislation, there will eminent judge, wrote in his excellent book, “The Rule of be more challenges. When decisions are made and discretion Law”, judges review the lawfulness of administrative goes beyond what Parliament has laid down in legislation, action taken by others; they are the auditors of legality—no of course there should be challenges. These proceeding more no less. If we are to live in a democracy, we have 1055 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1056

[Valerie Vaz] The visas are currently paid for by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from a budget of £250,000, but to expect decisions to be made in cases which are not the actual cost is only £130,000. The money is transferred acceptable to the Executive or Parliament. We would to the UK Border Agency for the service it provides. I not wish to have a judiciary that agrees with everything have received a written reply from the Minister for the Executive or Parliament does. Judicial review is one Europe who has explained the reasons why the visas of the pillars that hold up a just society. Unforeseen will cease. The money will apparently keep one of our consequences of legislation and the exercise of discretion smaller embassies open, it equates to full-time equivalent can be tested in the courts through JR. We not only staff whom the FCO does not have to make redundant, have great expectations but—in JR jargon—legitimate and he feels that he gave the charities enough notice of expectations that the safety valve for society that is the FCO’s intent when they were advised of the change judicial review will remain intact. In judicial review, back in November 2010. judges exercise a constitutional power that the rule of I would ask my right hon. Friend the Deputy Leader law requires them to exercise. That is the way it should be. of the House whether a solution can be found, because May I add my voice to others in wishing everyone a this charge, from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office merry Christmas and a happy new year and in thanking to the Home Office, is just that: a charge. There is no the staff for all their hard work over the year? Let me physical product, apart from just the process. The true also say, on this auspicious day—20/12/2012—that I cost of providing the visas is much less than the budget hope everyone’s dreams come true. spent on them, and given the 0.7% of GDP that we spend on international aid, the amount is so small that it is almost embarrassing that we should be cutting 2.10 pm support for those young, dying children. May I also ask Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley) (Con): I do not my right hon. Friend whether, rather than giving a intend to take up anywhere near my allocated time, Mr blanket no, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will Deputy Speaker; instead, I hope to be punchy and pithy. please seek a solution with the Home Office—and perhaps even the Department for International Development Everyone in this House will remember the catastrophic —to ensure that we continue to do the morally right nuclear accident that occurred on 26 April in 1986 at thing and help this and other charities to prolong these the Chernobyl nuclear power in Ukraine. Because of young lives? that disaster, Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline, like other charities, was set up in 1991. It works hard for the Mr Deputy Speaker, may I, like others, take this children affected by the disaster. I need to declare a opportunity to wish you and the whole House—Members, small interest in the charity. In 2001, when I was chairman staff and their families—a wonderful Christmas and an of Heptonstall parish council, Chernobyl Children’s incredibly peaceful new year? Lifeline was my charity of the year, and many of my constituents in the Calder Valley, along with people from all over the nation, host those young people on 2.15 pm recuperation holidays. Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North) (Lab): It is Belarus and Ukraine, where most of the charity’s good to see you in the Chair, Mr Deputy Speaker, in work is focused, received more than 70% of the radioactive your now traditional role of the Speaker’s version of fallout from the nuclear explosion. As a result, thousands Santa Claus, giving presents to the Back Benchers. I of children are still born every year with, or go on to hope that next year we will see you enter into the spirit a develop, thyroid cancer, bone cancer or leukaemia. The little more, with something less sombre than your morning charity does much work to help these children. It provides suit—perhaps a pair of antlers, a red nose or some such. ongoing supplies of multivitamins and basic health care We look forward to that with great expectation. products to the children, having delivered thousands of It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Calder tonnes over the last two decades. The charity helps Valley (Craig Whittaker), who uses these debates in the children too sick to travel by providing chemotherapy way they should be used by Back Benchers. He had medicines to children’s cancer hospitals in Minsk and great support in all parts of the House as he spoke. We Gomel, as well as other regions. It provides support commend him on the resilience he has shown in looking with medicines and equipment to babies’ homes in after the interests of the children from Chernobyl. In a Minsk and other orphanages around the country. When way, that shows the value of these debates and, indeed, needed, the charity brings children to the UK for long-term the Backbench Business Committee, which some colleagues medical care and education. who are new to the House might rather take for granted. I want to speak about the charity’s work in bringing Those of us who have been here a little longer know child victims of the Chernobyl disaster over to the UK what a hard fought campaign it was—including on our for four-week recuperation breaks. More than 46,000 young side of the House, through those on our own Front children have been brought over to stay with UK host Bench—to get the Backbench Business Committee and families since the breaks started in 1992. Traditionally, give Back Benchers the voice they deserve in their own for the last 16 and a half years our Government have legislature. I hope we will soon add the other half of the provided gratis visas for these recuperation breaks, like brace that was recommended by the Wright Committee, every other country in Europe. The breaks help to which is to have a House business committee—the prolong those young children’s lives and give them good promise is to do that this year—which will allow this clean air and good living for just four weeks of their Chamber some measure of participation in setting the lives. The gratis visas are due to cease in March next business of the whole legislature, rather than leaving it year. The charity will have to find an additional £89 per entirely to the Government. I hope that colleagues will child to bring them to the UK for four weeks’ recuperation. join together in progressing that over the next year. 1057 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1058

I would like to place on record my thanks to the I have a constituent named Susan Goldsmith who Prime Minister for announcing yesterday that medals had her assessment in August 2011. She heard in October will be awarded not only to Bomber Command, but to that she had failed. She felt aggrieved and immediately the Arctic convoys. I have followed this issue for the best appealed. She lodged her appeal with the Tribunals part of two decades. If I can be blunt, I think it was a Service in November and, following interventions by stain on the record of the last Government that so many me, her appeal was finally heard this month. The judge of us had to work so hard—and fruitlessly—and that took only a few minutes to decide to allow her appeal by the time the Prime Minister announced this recognition and to dismiss the opinion of Atos. My constituent, yesterday, so many of the brave men and women who who needs her incapacity benefit, had experienced a fought in the Arctic convoys, Bomber Command or delay of 54 weeks. I have had many similar cases, as elsewhere had sadly passed away. Only their families have colleagues throughout the House. The system is a will now have the honour and admiration from all of us shambles, and I hope that colleagues will continue to for the sacrifices those men and women made. I hope write in about it until we get this right and start to treat that the Ministry of Defence, which is notorious for its our disabled people with the respect they deserve and to bureaucratic ways and failing to recognise the sacrifice deal with their cases in a timely manner. of service people, will have learnt a lesson and will now There are more than 500 young children in act expeditiously where the needs of servicemen are Nottinghamshire who are deaf or have a degree of raised by colleagues in this House, from whichever part deafness, and the National Deaf Children’s Society has of the House they come. asked me to raise a specific issue that is pertinent to them. I am going to write to the Secretary of State for Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): My understanding Work and Pensions and ask him to look again at the is that those in Bomber Command are getting a clasp to personal independence payment that will replace the an existing medal, probably the Europe Star, that says disability living allowance on 26 April next year. I am “Bomber Command”—I hope not, but that is my afraid that the change could result in a step backwards understanding. I would like to see a medal, just like for for many of those deaf young people. Following the those in the Arctic convoys. abolition of the bottom rate of DLA, all those affected will have to apply for the bottom rate of the personal Mr Allen: It is important for those who served in independence payment but, inexplicably, that will not Bomber Command and survived—it had the highest be available to deaf young people unless they use sign attrition rate of any theatre of combat in the second language. In other words, those who use lip-reading or world war—get the full recognition they deserve. Finally some other means of communication will fail to qualify the Arctic convoy veterans have got it. They have been for those payments, despite having previously been entitled honoured effusively in the former Soviet Union—what to DLA. Only 10% of deaf young people use sign is now Russia—and indeed continue to be, in a way that language, which means that 90% of them will not be we had to struggle for in our own country. entitled to apply for the PIP. I hope that that is simply an unintended consequence, and that my writing to the Having said that these are valuable moments for Secretary of State will result in his looking at the Back Benchers, let me raise a number of constituency regulations and putting this right, so that all those deaf and Back-Bench issues that are sadly all too familiar in young people will not be hit disproportionately by this my constituency. The first concerns the treatment of measure. disabled people in my constituency. Many who are Another group that I would like to talk about came applying for incapacity benefit have to go through work to visit us some time ago— capacity assessments with the Department for Work and Pensions through its stand-in, the French firm Atos, which colleagues in all parts of the House will Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. The have had experience of. hon. Gentleman’s time has run out. The waiting time for a disabled person in my constituency to be refused what they regard as their rightful entitlement 2.24 pm because of their incapacity is 57 weeks, in some cases. It Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) is unacceptable in a civilised society that they should (LD): Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker, for have to wait that long for a decision on appeal. That is presiding over our last debate before Christmas. I have not the way we should treat our disabled people. It one specific subject that I want to raise, and a couple of would not be good if it happened to just one person, or very little things that I shall mention at the end. even if it happened to 10% of the people who appeal and who get what they deserve at the end of the day, but A lot of my constituency casework—about 40%—relates in fact, one in three cases are overturned on appeal. to the Home Office and to the UK Border Agency, and Those people need their incapacity benefit to live their many of the cases involve people who are here legitimately lives effectively. The situation is unacceptable, and I and who want to renew their visas. The process is have recently written to the Justice Secretary to express simply not working, and we need to sort that out. All my concern. I was assured, in a letter from him dated sorts of people are affected, including people who are 5 December, that extra resources were being brought in working here and need to renew their visa in order to to press the numbers down and to enable the cases to be carry on doing their job, and people who came here as dealt with more expeditiously. I am very grateful for spouses and need to renew their status to be able to that but, sadly, two days later I received a letter from the continue to live with their wife, husband or partner. Tribunals Service saying that the waiting times had People can choose how to apply to renew their visas. gone up, and that it was now taking an average of They can apply by post, or in person after booking an 57 weeks for these cases to be dealt with. appointment online. The applications are not free. The 1059 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1060

[Simon Hughes] normal way. However, Mr Kusi’s records had not been properly updated on the Home Office system to show minimum cost is about £300 and the maximum is about his existing leave to remain. It therefore appeared to the £2,000, so people are making a significant contribution. officers at the inquiry office that he had no right to Both application systems have problems, and they are apply, even though he did, and the couple were turned causing my constituents, and those of many other away and left with only three days to apply by post colleagues, severe inconvenience. It is possible to use the before his existing visa expired. The couple pleaded premium same-day service, and it costs between £300 and with the officers to ring the visa office that had dealt £400 more to apply in person than to apply by post. with the original application, but were told that that My constituents tell me that the system often releases was not possible and that they would have to leave. This new appointments at midnight, which is inconvenient, is really unacceptable. and because everyone logs on to the website at midnight, In a further case, an Iranian woman in my constituency the system regularly crashes. The website also has basic was applying to extend her stay as the wife of a British technical errors. One constituent, a friend of mine citizen. Her case was referred for further checks because named Selcuk Akinci, found that it was offering it was believed that she did not have high enough appointments only for 2020, which was not particularly English language test scores: level 4.0 on the IELTS— useful. There are rarely any appointments available International English Language Testing System—scale within two months, although that fact is not advertised in reading and writing. In fact, this was a misinterpretation anywhere. Most people, quite reasonably, think about of the rules, as level 4.0 is required only in speaking and applying to extend their stay only one or two months listening. My constituent qualified and her case was before their current visa is due to expire. Many therefore sent on, but it was subject to a long delay; only after we find that they cannot get an appointment before their intervened did the UKBA admit that an error had been leave expires. They then have to apply by post, which made and then refund the additional premium fee. often means a six-month wait without being able to travel. People will not have expected that, and it can Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): This is quite unusual, cause real problems for them, especially if they need to but I find myself in agreement with the right hon. visit family regularly or if their work involves frequent Gentleman for the second time in two weeks. In the travel. This problem can often prevent people from spirit of Christmas, may I offer him another minute? doing their job, if they need to travel for work. Appointments can be made at any of the seven public Simon Hughes: I am grateful, and I hope there will be inquiry offices in the UK. The system tells people where a lot of common ground on these issues. the next available appointment is, and they might find that they have to go from south London to Glasgow or When people apply by post, the system often takes Birmingham. Many people have to travel a long way for far too long. We need a system whereby people have their appointment. When they arrive, even if they have certainty, because they are trying to organise their lives, booked the premium same-day service, there is no guarantee and UKBA gets its act together. that the application will be processed on the same day. I offer some suggestions for a solution. First, if If the UKBA decides that further checks are necessary, someone has paid the premium fee and gone to the the application is taken out of the premium service office but a question arises, they should not automatically queue and put into the postal applications queue, which be told, “It’s going off to the casework centre.” A real means that it could take up to six months to process. person should speak to the individual and seek to There is no refund of the premium fee in those resolve the question there and then—it cannot be beyond circumstances. the wit of people to sort that out—as with any other People have no way of knowing whether their case normal customer service operation. will require further checks, which can be triggered by Secondly, when people have paid a premium fee, they many different factors. There can be genuinely good are entitled to expect a quicker service than if they had reasons for carrying such checks out. For example, the applied by post without paying the premium fee, even if person’s name might generate a hit on the police national their case is referred for further checks. That does not computer, they might have used a different identity in happen, but it should do, and I hope UKBA will change the past, or they might have no leave to remain at the it, as such cases should not just go into the same pool as time of their application. However, further checks are the postal applications. Lastly, if it emerges that somebody’s sometimes triggered for bad reasons. Whatever the reason, case has been referred for further checks in error, as is the person concerned is not allowed to talk to anyone. frequently the case, there should at least be a partial They are taken out of the premium application process refund of the premium fee, if not a total refund. and told that their case has gone into the postal system and that they have to go home and wait, perhaps for I hope that this part of the UKBA operation, which more than three months. The case is placed in a kind of is clearly not fit for purpose, can get its act together. I “cannot process it today” queue and sent away to a will be grateful to the Deputy Leader of the House of casework centre. Commons, my right hon. Friend the Member for Cases are sometimes referred for further checks for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake), for taking illegitimate reasons. My senior caseworker, James Harper, this matter away with him, passing it to the Home deals with such cases every day in our Bermondsey Office and, hopefully, getting it sorted soon. office, and I deal with them often. For example, a To finish quickly, I entirely endorse the comments of person’s records might not have been properly updated the hon. Member for Walsall South (Valerie Vaz): the on the UKBA database. In a recent case, a Ghanaian Government should be very careful about reducing the couple travelled all the way to Birmingham so that the judicial review system. We have developed administrative husband could apply to extend his marriage visa in the law in this country for a purpose. There are many more 1061 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1062

Government decisions so we need to be careful about Germany. This soldier is now a sergeant, and she has taking away people’s rights to challenge administrative been in the Army for going on for 20 years. When she decisions. I shall certainly put in my submission, and I was first deployed to Germany in 2009, she received hope that the Government will pay heed to it. £650 a month from the living overseas allowance. At I join in the congratulations to the Government on at that time, she was mother to one child. While she was a last and belatedly announcing the honour for the Arctic single parent, she received the married/accompanied convoys veterans. I have regularly raised the issue with plus one child element and one “get yourself home” Ministers, and constituents have regularly raised it with claim for her and her child each year, amounting to me. These brave people, who went through the most £180 for a flight or a ferry. As a result of changes difficult circumstances to make sure that the lifeline introduced by the Ministry of Defence in the last year, between us and our Russian allies was kept open, did a she now receives just £350 a month in allowances, phenomenal job. They rightfully deserve to be honoured. although she now has two children and is married. She Thank God some of them are still alive to enjoy that is more than £300 a month worse off. honour. Frankly, there is little difference between the rate of This year has been not only jubilee year and a fantastic support my constituent receives in comparison with Olympic and Paralympic year, but the 200th anniversary what a single soldier receives. Perhaps the Minister will of the birth of Charles Dickens. I end with a quote from explain whether the Government view that as entirely him: equitable. She receives slightly more in travel allowances “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and keep it all year.” with three “get yourself home” payments, but each one has dropped in value. Rather than getting £180 for her Thus said Dickens, who had big Southwark connections. and her children, she gets £150, which anyone travelling To that, I add greetings to you, Mr Deputy Speaker, will know does not really cover the cost of travel from and to all my colleagues, and my thanks to House staff Germany back to Scotland. As she rightly points out, for looking after us so well. I also give my particular this makes it difficult for service personnel to serve our best wishes to two people: the oldest woman in Britain, country overseas. It is particularly difficult for those a constituent of mine who became 113 on 7 December with young families to volunteer for service in places and who still lives in her own council flat in Bermondsey; such as Germany. and my older brother, who has a significant birthday tomorrow. On the issue of housing for ex-service personnel, we greatly welcome the military covenant as a step in the 2.33 pm right direction. Like the hon. Member for Colchester (Sir Bob Russell), I had the privilege of serving on the Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): Armed Forces Bill Committee, which took the legislation It is a pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for through the House of Commons. I welcome the fact Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes), who that many local authorities are now doing more to spoke so eloquently about issues relating to the Border support service personnel who are leaving the military. I Agency. would like to praise Councillor David Ross, convener of I would like, if I may, to raise four issues before the housing in Fife council, as he has taken a particular House rises. The first is about a constituent who was interest in this matter. recently subjected to a serious assault in his own home. We have a problem, however, in that someone from There had been a dispute between neighbours and the Scotland whose last posting was in England, Northern perpetrator came round and head-butted and assaulted Ireland or Germany, will not, on leaving the Army or my constituent, leaving him with a broken nose and the other two services, go to the top of the housing requiring ongoing treatment for post-traumatic stress. register. Such people are effectively at the very bottom. He obviously had to have his broken nose repaired, but Despite giving perhaps 18 or 22 years of service to this he also had to attend a head injury clinic. country, such people are treated iniquitously. I hope the It is regrettable, to say the least, that as a result of the Minister will talk to his Ministry of Defence colleagues changes to the criminal injuries compensation scheme, and write to let me know whether the MOD is going to my constituent is no longer eligible for compensation, work with English local authorities and the three devolved despite all the trauma he has suffered. It is worth Administrations to ensure that, no matter where someone’s pointing out that under Scots law, the serious assault last posting is—in the UK or overseas—they will receive charge brought against his neighbour is the second equal treatment for housing. That is the least we can do most serious of all after attempted murder. I hope the for our servicemen and women. Minister will say whether the Government will reconsider such important cases. Finally, I want to raise the issue of the regulation of postal services. The Royal Mail continues to be regulated Secondly, it is right that we have heard such eloquent by Ofcom, as you will be aware, yet its rival services do words across the House about the Arctic convoy and not have the same level of regulation. Local representatives Bomber Command. Some men and women will not be of the Communication Workers Union have met me, as spending their Christmas with their families and their they have done right hon. and hon. Members on both loved ones because they are serving our nation, often in sides of the House, to flag up this concern. The current very difficult and dangerous places. Not the least of position allows a firm such as TNT to cherry-pick its those places is Afghanistan, but we have personnel services. Whereas Royal Mail has to deliver on six days around the world who are away from home in Germany, a week, come wind, rain or—certainly in Scotland—a Cyprus, the Falklands and elsewhere. bit of snow, other companies are not subject to such Thirdly, I want to raise the issue of the financial regulations. The CWU has therefore rightly asked Ofcom challenges that many of those personnel face. I shall use to consider taking on a regulatory responsibility for the the example of one of my constituents who is posted in rival services. They should not be subject to any additional 1063 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1064

[Thomas Docherty] The situation is very difficult for our soldiers, but they have an incredible generosity of spirit. I have burdens, but they should have the same level of regulation spoken to a number of them and the vast majority say, as Royal Mail. Will the Minister write to me, outlining “We can’t do anything else, because if we don’t mentor what he is doing to correct this anomaly? and keep close to the Afghan national army and police, Finally, may I wish you, Mr Deputy Speaker, your we will not be doing our duty by them and we will not colleagues and the whole House a very safe and prosperous be supporting our friends, because the majority of the Christmas and new year, and may I also thank all those people who come to kill us are not the people we work who support us, including the Hansard writers who turn with. They are usually strangers—strangers in uniform.” our utterances into something a bit more coherent, the Most of our soldiers say, “We’ve got to continue with Doorkeepers, the Clerks and in particular those in the this dangerous activity. The dilemma is that if we stay private office of the Leader and Deputy Leader of the close to the Afghan army and police to mentor them, House, who do so much good work on our behalf, and we stand a much greater risk of being killed, but if we who have helped the Deputy Leader in getting his leave them, they will think we are deserting them, and responses right for today? we will fail in our objective, which is to help the Afghan national security forces get up to speed.”

2.40 pm Thomas Docherty: I have the privilege of serving on Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): It is a pleasure to the Defence Committee with the hon. Gentleman. On follow the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife the issue he is discussing, I recently had some (Thomas Docherty). He talked about the military covenant correspondence with the Minister for the Armed Forces and, as it is Christmas time, I wish to carry on that and I would be happy to share that with the hon. theme and remind Members of what is happening to Gentleman. I agree with him that those responsible for our soldiers in Afghanistan. I shall talk about current these attacks are a tiny minority of the population. operations there. We have lost 438 people so far, while Does he agree that we should recognise the incredible 2,000-plus have been very seriously injured, and a bravery of the men of the Afghan national forces, as considerable proportion of them are triple or double many of them face intimidation for having joined up? amputees. This year alone, we have lost 43 men killed in action. Bob Stewart: Yes, I agree. In the last month, some 700 members of the Afghan national security forces have The enemy in Afghanistan—the Taliban—is deadly been dismissed as they are considered unreliable, and and skilful. When we first went into Helmand in 2006, the Afghan forces are taking a very high casualty rate, the enemy took us on very strongly. The Taliban tried to which is greater than our own. take us on conventionally, face to face. We had our troops in what were called platoon houses, which were It is extremely tricky to withdraw from a military isolated and unsupported. That was a mistake. The operation. There are two years to go now, and I am sure Taliban surrounded them and tried to take them out in our Army will be up to it, because we are good at tricky bitter slugging matches. Some of our troops had to operations. I want our soldiers to leave with their heads spend very long periods in stand-to positions—their held high, feeling that at least some of the sacrifice has sentry positions—and even had to sleep in those positions. been worth it. In the case of several platoon houses, it was touch and When we went into Afghanistan in 2001 and again in go whether they would be taken out, and only massive 2003, the mission was simple: to stop the threat that bombardment—which was not good, as it destroyed so emanated from that country against our country and much around the bases—prevented that. In the end, our allies. Other missions that have been talked about— however, through the long summer of 2006, the Taliban bringing democracy, countering drugs, improving the were defeated. lot of women, education—are extremely laudable, but The Taliban then changed their tactics. They turned they were not the mission our soldiers were sent into to improvised explosive devices and hit-and-run tactics— Afghanistan to achieve. guerrilla tactics. That proved devastating, because our I want us to leave Afghanistan having got it into a vehicles were not equipped to take hits from land mines. condition whereby it will never hurt our country or our More important, we did not have the helicopters to fly allies again. That is the mission I want us to achieve by in and get our men when they were hurt or resupply the time our soldiers leave. If we do that, we will have troops. After a while, however, we again got our response achieved something. If we do that, at least it will be right: we got better vehicles and more helicopters. some compensation to those 438 families who have lost The Taliban’s tactics therefore changed again. Now their loved ones. If we do not succeed in doing that, it they are coming in close to us, using uniformed Afghan will not be the fault of our courageous and gallant national security forces personnel, some of whom are sailors, airmen and soldiers who have fought this bitter Taliban, but others might just be people with grudges. conflict for 11 years. We must not blame them if we do They are coming in close to our soldiers, who are trying not succeed. to mentor the Afghan forces to get them as good as I want to end by sending my personal best wishes to possible, so that when we leave they will be in a great our soldiers, sailors and airmen who are fighting at the position to carry on and secure their country, which is moment. On behalf of everyone in this House, I wish in our interests. Nine of the 43 men killed in action this them the very best at Christmas. When we go on recess, year were victims of what is called insider murders or, their job does not change. They are still mentoring the euphemistically, green on blue attacks. We are paying a Afghan national police and Afghan national army, they very high blood price, therefore, and the people responsible are still patrolling and they are still putting their lives at are hiding among our friends. risk. I spare a thought also for the families at home who 1065 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1066 remain terrified that the people from their family who to Newcastle and potentially beyond? The north-east have been sent, at our behest, to do their duty in also had the third largest increase in employment in the Afghanistan might not come back or might be hurt. whole country in the last quarter. God bless them all, and merry Christmas to them. Helen Goodman: I am afraid I do not accept the hon. 2.50 pm Gentleman’s analysis. I was about to point out that last year, of the £40 billion infrastructure budget put forward Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): May I say by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the north-east what a pleasure it is to follow the hon. Member for received 0.03%. As a consequence, unemployment in Beckenham (Bob Stewart) and say to him how much he the north-east is the highest in the entire country at epitomises the benefits to the House of having people 9.9%. The Institute for Fiscal Studies says that public with so much experience and so much to contribute to sector job losses so far are already at 45,000 and Oxford our understanding of military matters? Economics projects that total job losses will be 68,000, I wish to talk about the economic situation of my whereas 46,000 new jobs will be created. So, in 10 years’ constituency. Some 100 years ago, the north-east was time, we will be left with a jobs deficit of 20,000. the main driver of economic development not just in The Government talked a lot about rebalancing the this country, but in the whole of the British empire. economy but have tipped the scales further against the Today, the north-east is still the most successful exporting north. Given the opportunities for growth in the north-east, region outside London. That is because it has the that is at the whole country’s expense. [Interruption.] If largest car plant in Europe; it has the largest chemical I may say so, it would be more polite for the Deputy plant in the UK; it is leading in electric vehicle Leader of the House to listen to my speech rather than manufacturing; it is at the centre of sustainable energy to the chuntering of the hon. Member for Hexham innovation; and it can lead in the new industry of (Guy Opperman). offshore wind. So I wish to pose the question: in this How did the Chancellor of the Exchequer use the Government’s quest to restart growth, why do they not chance he had in the autumn statement? On 5 December, look to the north-east? he announced new capital spend in the region of In order fully to develop the north-east’s potential, £142 million, with £64 million spent on road improvements we need a region-wide approach that brings together near Gateshead and £78 million on housing. At first the public and private sectors; concentration on those blush, as the hon. Member for Hexham said, it sounded industrial clusters where the region’s university research quite good. In fact, however, once again it was only 3% and development can be translated into innovation; of the total capital spending proposed by the Chancellor. skills and retraining for adults and young people, so that people losing jobs in public administration can Let us look at the other measures taken by the reasonably take up new opportunities in the private Chancellor, which will dwarf that capital spending in sector and so that young people are given a fair chance; the long run. Yesterday, we heard that he had taken a fair share of the Government’s infrastructure spend, another £42 million from councils in the north-east, not particularly to improve transport and connectivity; and just next year but every year. He also introduced the investment in housing and place making. strivers’ tax on people on low incomes, which will take £25 million from people in the north-east next year, Unfortunately, what the Government have delivered £90 million the year after that and £180 million in the to the north-east is massive cuts. According to third year. PricewaterhouseCoopers, the scale of the cuts in 2010 was huge—in 2010 it came to £2.8 billion, which was At the same time, of course, the Government are 7% of the value of the regional economy. The cuts were giving millionaires a tax cut. What does that do? It puts also unfair; the cuts to the north-east’s local authorities £40 million into the economy of the north-east and were three times the scale of those in the south-east. In £640 million into the economies of London and the other words, the Chancellor of the Exchequer took south-east. That is not simply unjust; it is foolish. The £1,000 from every man, woman and child in the region. north-east is contributing all the time to the savings the The cuts in the north-east are even larger than the cuts Chancellor of the Exchequer demands, but it is not being faced by the Spanish people. receiving its proper share of investment. I had some new analysis undertaken by Oxford What is the justification for those disproportionate Economics on the second-round effects—the knock-on cuts when the north-east economy plainly has so much effects on the private sector—to see why we have such a to offer? Could it be that the Chancellor thinks the high level of shop closures on the high streets in our political battleground for 2015 will be the marginal region. Its analysis showed that there had been a further seats in the east and west midlands? The Government £1 billion in lost output; that is a 10% drop in the size of appear to be playing politics with public money. the regional economy. If the International Monetary I am calling for a one nation approach in which the Fund is right, the second-round effects are even greater, assets of the north-east are valued and nurtured, in at £3.5 billion. which there is a fair funding formula for public services based on need, and in which investment in infrastructure Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): I am listening carefully is based on economic potential not political calculation. to the hon. Lady’s speech, and I accept that difficult I hope very much that the Deputy Leader of the House struggles lie ahead. However, on skills, does she not can pass those messages on to his colleagues in the accept that the number of apprenticeships has doubled Treasury and the Department for Business, Innovation in her area? On infrastructure, does she not accept that and Skills. It merely remains for me to wish you, Mr Deputy this Government have done the A1 strongly, all the way Speaker, and the whole House a very happy Christmas. 1067 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1068

2.58 pm I salute Sue Eales, a lady who had fostered many children in and around Ashburton. She provides them Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): I want to thank with the love, happiness, respect and security that we and salute many hundreds—possibly even thousands—of would all like to see our children receive. She is a very people in my constituency who make a huge contribution special lady, one of those great unsung heroes, and I am every year to the communities in which they live, often very proud to be able to mention her in this debate. I on a voluntary basis. I know that it is very fashionable mention also Deborah Sterling, who has fought hard nowadays to suggest that communities are constantly for youth services in Ashburton, especially a new skateboard under pressure, disintegrating, transitory or being park, and her son, for his imagination in designing the disaggregated in one form or another, but I am here to park. reassure the House that in Central Devon community is alive and whole. Peter Mallaband, who lives in New Park near Bovey Tracey, has assisted me a great deal in the work that I It is invidious to single out individual organisations and many others in the House have done in respect of and individuals, of course, because for every one I park home legislation and in trying to improve the mention there are many I will not have time to mention. rights of park home owners. Peter has always been None the less, some have been particularly special to me immensely generous with his time, not just to me, but to as a Member of Parliament over the past couple of other local residents in other local parks in my constituency, years. I want to start with a gentleman called Brian including those who live in Buckingham Orchard in Warren, who has run an organisation called Farm Crisis Chudleigh Knighton, who have had a particularly difficult Network for the past decade or so. It provides pastoral period over the past few years. support to our farming community, which, as you will know, Mr Deputy Speaker, has been under considerable I thank Wendy Brown and Sue Goode, who run the pressure over many years. The foot and mouth outbreak Crediton food bank and whose services will be much in 2001 had its epicentre in Hatherleigh in my constituency, appreciated and in many cases much needed this Christmas. and many of us still remember to this day the pyres I thank Chris Gibbs, who has done a huge amount to burning, the burning cattle and the pall of black smoke support his community of Tedburn St Mary, so much that filled the skies above Devon. It was a very difficult so that he was in the vanguard of that village being time. We are also aware of the difficulties associated voted the best village in England and Wales some years with bovine TB and the challenges of milk prices, which ago on the strength of its community cohesion and the are under pressure from supermarkets. Brian has done vibrancy of the community there. I was privileged to an extraordinary job with his colleagues on an entirely work with him in fending off a proposed permanent voluntary basis, providing compassion to many farmers road closure that would have much inconvenienced the in my constituency who have much needed it. local villagers. I want also to thank all those who are involved in the I would like to mention Sally Hordern, who lives in 125 town and parish councils that I have scattered the village of Exbourne and has fought very hard to get across my 550 square miles of Devon. I can assure hon. a new community store there ever since the village store Members that I do not manage to get round all of them closed just over a decade ago. She fought through all the on a regular basis—there are too many—but many obstacles. I had the privilege earlier this year of opening people give up a great deal of their time, and that is that extraordinary store, which is partly underground. much appreciated. I particularly thank the town clerks It has a beautiful design and is a great monument and of my larger towns—Judith Hart in Buckfastleigh, John tribute to her and all those who worked on the project. Germon in Ashburton, Terry Westwood in Bovey Tracey, I would like to pay tribute to the people of Kennford John Carlton in Chudleigh, Martin Maggs in Crediton, and Buckfastleigh, who endured some of the worst and Don Bent in Okehampton. For all the people they flooding the country has seen recently, and I was grateful serve, a big thank you. that the Prime Minister was able to come down to Buckfastleigh to meet some of the residents. One of the I have had quite a lot of involvement with the Royal things that struck me was that, although it was an British Legion this year. It does an extraordinary job absolute tragedy, particularly for those affected, it was for many well deserving men and women and the families also an opportunity for the community to come together, of those who fight on our behalf. We have heard much and they did so magnificently. about Afghanistan this afternoon. The Royal British Legion is not just the custodian of remembrance. It also I would like to salute Mary Stephenson, a constituent provides practical help to individuals and families, and who has done a great deal regarding prisoner rehabilitation I am particularly grateful to the Royal British Legion in and looking after families whose loved ones have gone Ashburton. I should like to thank Maurice Mann, to prison. I spent some time with her at Channings David Lewis, Kath Pugh and Bob Shemeld for the Wood prison earlier this year and was much moved and support they have given to the legion locally. impressed by her project and by her work and dedication and that of her colleagues. I thank Sandra Coleman, who has looked after the museum, the Valiant Soldier, which was a pub that was I would like to thank Paul Dobbie, who runs the closed in Buckfastleigh in 1965 and has been preserved Room 13 youth facility in Okehampton, a vibrant and exactly as it was the day that it closed, including the positive place, and Chris Marson, who lives in the small coins and the change in the till. In addition to looking village of Northlew in the west of my constituency. He after the museum, Sandra has started a project to preserve has managed to improve the broadband connection and archive the history of the town. I was privileged to significantly by employing ingenious new technologies, have been present when she was awarded the freedom of which has helped the village a great deal, and he has the town of Buckfastleigh in July this year. also furthered the new community store there. 1069 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1070

It remains for me finally to thank the staff in my 2011, when my constituents watched their homes and office, Chris Yeo and, in particular, Dominic King and shops burn in front of their very eyes. She will recognise Mike Knuckey, for supporting me and all my demanding that in the days following those riots, the big thing that ways. I also wish to thank my family— people in London and, unfortunately, other cities were saying was “Where are the police?” It is deeply worrying Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): And me? to tell them that there will be a diminution of police Will my hon. Friend thank me? stations on this scale, as well as fewer police officers. Mel Stride: I will thank my hon. Friend in due course. Boris Johnson was in my constituency last week, and I thank my wife Michelle and my three daughters. I he said that the police station in Tottenham would not also wish you, Mr Deputy Speaker, your family and, close. However, we want to drill into the detail, because indeed, your millions of admirers up and down the on the basis of the figures that have been presented to country a very happy Christmas and hope that I have us, with borough commanders touring their MPs’ offices many more speaking opportunities at your behest in with proposals, it looks as though in fact it will close. 2013. Even if it does not close, it is possible that no police will be in it, because there is a difference between those who Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): I can reassure run the police property services, and therefore the police the hon. Gentleman that will be the case and that Mrs stations, and those in charge of actually marshalling the Hoyle will be very impressed. police. It is outrageous that we could be in a situation in Tottenham where there are no police officers in our 3.6 pm police station. Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab): I think that the You,Mr Deputy Speaker, and others will have seen in hon. Member for Central Devon (Mel Stride) has reduced the newspapers the discussion about access points, points the number of Christmas cards he needs to send this of contact and pop-up shops. Yes, of course we want to year—the rest of us have taken note for next year. I make our police station accessible, but constituents who congratulate him on his remarks. come to me to talk about gang crime, and are worried Many hon. Members have seen fit to talk about our about the young man they know is in a gang and want armed services this Christmas and to help us reflect on to report it quietly, do not want to negotiate with those serving abroad. It is right then, as I begin my someone having a latte in a coffee shop or with someone contribution, to recognise that Christmas is a time in Sainsbury’s. We need to be very careful about access when families come together and people often drink and contact. What people understand, all over the quite a lot. In those circumstances, we should also world, is a police station. People know what it is and reflect on the police service, because sadly there are they know that the police have a freehold on the building accidents on our roads, scenes in our clubs and bars so that when they move into the area it will still be there and, as is sometimes the case in family life, there are in five years, 10 years and 15 years. They have seen these domestic disputes, which increase over the Christmas neighbourhood offices but know that so many of them period. Our police will absolutely be on duty this year, have the shutters down because there is a short-term as they always are. lease and it could be gone next year. That is not what Sadly, in the past two years London Metropolitan they want from the police service. Police Service has lost 16% of its work force. Thanks to The Mayor’s office has palmed off the task of stakeholder the coalition Government’s cuts of 20%, the Met faces a consultation to borough commanders, many of whom £148 million shortfall over the coming year, which is are finding themselves in deeply politicised budgetary equivalent to 2,690 officers. Of great concern to Londoners decisions. The deputy Mayor, Stephen Greenhalgh, has at the moment—indeed, it is in this afternoon’s Evening deigned to visit every borough as part of a public Standard—is the fact that London looks set to lose consultation process in the new year, and we should be many of its police stations, moving from 133 24-hour grateful for that, although I am deeply concerned that police stations across the capital to 71. he might find himself embroiled in an inappropriate Hon. Members will recognise that some London situation. I hope that he will spend more than just an boroughs are very large. The idea that in a London hour in Tottenham discussing this very important borough such as Lambeth, or Hackney, or Haringey, consultation. which stretches from Highgate and Muswell Hill right This is happening at a time when we see not only a across to the corner of Tottenham, Edmonton and up threat to our police station but to our fire station—the to Finsbury Park, there could be only one 24-hour second-busiest fire station in London—which is facing station is hugely alarming. I fear that the Mayor’s closure under proposed budgetary cuts. The fact that understanding of helping to reduce crime might be closing or, at least, halving the capacity of such a vital helping to reduce the ability of the public to report fire station is even being considered shows how uninformed, crime, which is what will happen if this set of closures ill-judged and reckless is the way in which these efficiencies goes ahead. and cuts are being handled. Helen Goodman: Is my right hon. Friend really telling Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): My right hon. us that there will be one police station per 100,000 people Friend will know that the fire brigade in London has in the capital? requested that the Mayor review the strategy to see how quickly fire appliances can get to fires. It believes that, Mr Lammy: In fact, it will be worse than that, because at present, the strategy is inadequate, but the process the London borough of Haringey, which has a population has been put back by a couple of months, so the public of about 250,000, will have one 24-hour police station. are not able to review it. Is my right hon. Friend as My hon. Friend will understand the concern in my concerned as I am about the ability of appliances to constituency, which was the epicentre of riots in August reach fires in time? 1071 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1072

Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. The reserve margins will be dangerously low, or, as other clock does not tick during interventions, so they have to people say, when the lights might go out; and thirdly, be short. When a Member intervenes, somebody will how to tackle fuel poverty. have to have their time cut at the end, and for those who We—the Government and Parliament—have been have already spoken to intervene afterwards is unfair on like industrious phlebotomists transfixed by the diseases other Members. The Member who will speak next will of the blood, but ignoring how the blood supply contributes be very upset if I put him down the list. We can all work to the health of the whole organism, which is the UK together; it is Christmas, so let us have a bit of good economy. Energy is the lifeblood of industry and will. manufacturing in this country. It should be seen as an integral part of a wider industrial and economic policy. Mr Lammy: My hon. Friend raises an important Where this Government have gone wrong is to treat point. People are deeply concerned about the ability of energy policy as ancillary to—or, if one believes the the fire service to get to fires. When serious flames Treasury’s rhetoric, sometimes even running counter stretched on to the high road in my constituency and to—our wider economic goals. The key question that went on for hours, we needed our fire service. Even we should ask about the Government’s Energy Bill, during that incident there were concerns, given what therefore, is not about the strike price or whence the was happening, about the ability of fire services to get single counterparty will get its money, but how it will to those fires. This is serious. We are seeing the decimation promote sustainable growth and jobs in the UK. of the London fire service. No fewer than 17 fire stations are earmarked for closure across the capital. The Committee on Climate Change was established to act as an adviser to Government to present coherent I am conscious that other colleagues want to make proposals about future energy policy that meet our need important contributions, so I will end my remarks. Over for sustainable growth, while respecting the cross-party the Christmas break, which is a serious time, we will see commitment to reduce CO2 emissions. That was intended how important our emergency services are, and that is to depoliticise energy policy as far as is possible. Earlier always the case. This House will need to return to the this year, the Committee on Climate Change recommended subject. I hope that the Mayor will go into the detail of three things in its report to Parliament. It said that what is being proposed in London, because I am deeply concerned that, over the coming months and years, “a carbon objective should be set and a process put in place to ensure that this objective is achieved”. many Londoners and, indeed, many in this House who might need to rely on the police or fire service will find That target is not in the Bill. It said that that they are not there for them in the way that they “it is important that technology policy objectives are set to require. resolve current uncertainties about the future for less mature technologies.” 3.16 pm Those objectives are not articulated in the Bill. It said: “There should also be a clear statement as part of the Government’s Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): Why is it planned Gas Generation Strategy that there will not be a second that, 65 years after 55,000 of them—young men of ‘dash for gas’”. Bomber Command—gave up their lives for our freedom and national survival, they are still waiting for a medal? The Chancellor has given what amounts to a clear If not now, when so few of them are left with us, when? statement to the contrary and the Department of Energy and Climate Change is banking on 27 GW of new gas capacity.The Energy Bill is an unprecedented and wholesale 3.17 pm rejection of the recommendations of the Committee on Climate Change. Politics has been given primacy over Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): May I take this evidence. opportunity, Mr Deputy Speaker, to wish you and, indeed, all the officers and servants of this House the This year, hopes ran high that we would see the season’s greetings and the very best for Christmas and go-ahead for the Don Valley carbon capture and storage the new year? for coal scheme. The European Commission had rated It has been a privilege this year to attend the it one of the top 10 most attractive schemes in Europe. 25th anniversary of the Brent pensioners forum in my Even though £3 billion of the original £4 billion budget constituency. The forum has been led and championed was cut, the Government still had £1 billion earmarked by Vi Steele. for a coal-fired CCS pilot. The other day, when the Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Bexhill and Battle indicated assent. Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con) (Gregory Barker) was asked why his project had been ditched by the Government, he replied that what the Barry Gardiner: The hon. Gentleman knows the forum UK really needs is CCS for gas, because it fits better well from his time in Brent. It has done a fantastic job with our future power mix. Insanity! The International over the past quarter of a century, fighting for elderly Energy Agency projects that at current rates, the world people and ensuring that their voice is heard. will be burning 59% more coal in 2035 than it is today. The impact of fuel poverty on people such as members Even if every country were to fulfil its mitigation pledges, of the Brent pensioners forum has led me to consider the rise in coal burning would still take it to 21% above the UK’s energy policy, which focuses on three things: current levels. Gas CCS might help the UK to reduce its first, how to drive investment of £110 billion into our emissions during the dash for gas that the Chancellor electricity infrastructure and £200 billion into energy as wants to foist upon us, but the future of the UK a whole; secondly, how to avoid the cliff edge of 2016 to economy lies in developing the technology for coal CCS 2018, which Ofgem has characterised as a period when that we can export around the world. 1073 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1074

I am an environmentalist. I believe that the world and its veterans. Sadly, her husband died some 30 years must move to decouple growth from carbon emissions. ago—a premature death that was probably as a result of However, I understand that coal is the major world fuel strain put on him during the war. I was privileged to and will continue to be so for many decades to come. To attend Betty’s funeral on Monday morning, and it is have a sustainable future, therefore, we must sequester fitting to pay tribute to her in the House. Sadly, she did the emissions from coal in the medium term. It must be not live to hear the Prime Minister’s announcement part of our integrated energy, climate and industrial that, at last, her husband and all those who put their strategy to develop CCS for coal. Was the £1 billion lives on the line to allow this country to be free from ever really there? I do not know. Was this a project that fascism are to be honoured. we should have prioritised? The answer is clear: yes it I want to take this opportunity to mention some of was. the problems caused by the use of pre-packed sales The recent report from Cambridge Econometrics has when companies enter administration, and the related tried to link energy policy with wider industrial strategy. pre-packed phoenix companies that can be created. It is Its findings are significant for a Government who appear right to encourage and promote entrepreneurship in to be determined to move us away from renewables and this country. Indeed, in this tough economic climate we into gas. The report shows that although offshore wind desperately need entrepreneurs who will put their spirit currently costs more than gas, it also creates more jobs and creativity into protecting jobs that the UK needs. In in the UK and has a bigger beneficial impact on the UK some cases, however, it appears that the law is being economy. The trouble with the new dash for gas is that abused by unscrupulous company directors for their it will limit the capacity for investment in other technologies own purposes at the expense of hard-working employees. that ultimately may be more important for both our I have heard of a number of examples of that, and it energy policy and our industrial policy. gives me no pleasure to note that one such case comes It is important to recognise two things. Gas is an from my own constituency. essential part of the energy mix in the UK, as it has the On 16 June 1997, Medi-Vial Ltd was founded. By flexibility to cope with intermittent peaks and troughs 2008, because of the financial crisis, the company had in the supply from renewables, and the peaks in demand fallen into difficulties and sought to manipulate its from industry and the public. Gas is being proffered as employees into working for a period of time without a solution to the 2016-18 cliff edge, when electricity pay. The 55 members of staff, who were naturally demand could exceed supply. But it is not a solution. desperate to protect their employment, took the directors Even the gas stations that already have consent will not at their word in the hope of securing the company’s come on stream quickly enough to meet that potential long-term future and ultimately obtaining the money shortfall. A possible solution is to make the capacity they were owed. On 3 August 2008, Medi-Vial was mechanism available to coal-fired power stations in the liquidated and the entire work force was left without short term and use them to provide the load that we work—except for the directors, Mr and Mrs O’Connor. need. That might also help to stop the loss of jobs and I am able to say that with confidence because on the closure of pits, and avoid the building of numerous 2 September 2008, Mr and Mrs O’Connor established new gas-fired power stations that will lock us into much Vial Manufacturing Ltd in what one presumes was a higher levels of fossil fuel emissions in the long term, pre-packed sale. They were able to secure all the assets while making us feel virtuous in the short term as coal for the phoenix company, without the liabilities of the emissions fall. debts such as the money owed to the employees. So well The recommendation by the Committee on Climate did that work and so easy was it to achieve that they Change to include carbon targets in the Bill is important went on to establish Glass Vials and Closures Ltd on because this is about the long-term certainty and stability 27 October 2011. Once again, that was preceded by the that business and investors need. The Government argue liquidation of their previous company. that the legally binding targets for 2050 are still in place, Although I have no details about the second and but few of us in Parliament or business will be in our third companies, I can provide greater insight into the current positions in 2050. Business needs not just a first. Many of its 55 employees spoke English as a 40-year aspiration, but clear staging points and standards second language, and that lack of proficiency in English in 2020, 2030 and beyond, to ensure that our energy made it easier for the directors to make excuses and infrastructure is invested in and properly structured avoid explaining why wages were not being paid. My so that it can deliver our emissions reduction targets constituent, Mr Pacey, was an employee of Medi-Vial by 2050. who went to great efforts both during and after its liquidation to obtain justice for him and his colleagues. 3.25 pm It is worth noting that he went to a list of agencies and individuals as part of his campaign. He won an employment Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): It is a pleasure tribunal relating to the compensation of his earnings. to follow my near neighbour and constituency MP, the He also took the matter to the police, the Insolvency hon. Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner), in this Service, my predecessor as MP, the Serious Fraud Office debate, and I join him in celebrating the 25th anniversary and others. of Brent pensioners forum, and that of St Luke’s hospice, None of those institutions could offer any remedy which is on the border of our two constituencies. whatever—hon. Members can imagine how frustrating May I pay tribute to the late Betty Geller who sadly that was to Mr Pacey and the other employees, who died in the early hours of Sunday morning? Betty was a obviously had a problem seeing their previous employers leading light of the Conservative Friends of Israel, Harrow go on to operate a new business just one month later, in East Conservative association and, most particularly, the same practice, on the same premises, using the same the campaign for a fitting tribute for Bomber Command equipment, employing the same management, using the 1075 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1076

[Bob Blackman] call on the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to send in commissioners to take same suppliers and having the same customers. The control of the council, clean up its affairs and restore only difference was that the employees had all lost their confidence in local government in my area. For some jobs. time, I have raised in the House my constituents’ concerns I have previously brought the matter to Ministers’ about the administrative competence and probity of attention. In January, the then Minister with responsibility Hillingdon council, but recent events have confirmed for employment relations, consumers and postal affairs, the need for more serious and urgent action. now Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, The recent background is as follows. Two years ago, I informed the House: learned of Hillingdon council’s proposal to demolish a “Having taken account of all the issues…the Government will residential home for the elderly in my constituency not be seeking to introduce new…controls on pre-packs at this called Triscott House and to rebuild it as a modern time”. elderly care facility. The elderly residents were decanted He continued by assuring the House that: to other establishments, and the new facility was to “The Insolvency Service, an Executive agency of BIS, already open in September 2011, but the unit was not ready. monitors compliance by insolvency practitioners”.—[Official Report, Many of the elderly people who had been allocated a 26 January 2012; Vol. 539, c. 23WS.] place in the new residential home were promised that The overall benefits of pre-pack sales are doubtless there would be only a short delay. Ten months later, in genuine and substantial. Statistics show that all employees July 2012, the home was still not open, and I was are transferred to the new company in 92% of pre-pack contacted by the families of the elderly people who were cases, compared with 65% of employee transfers in a promised a place. The situation was extremely distressing. business sale. That is to be welcomed, but we must not A lady in her 90s, with all her belongings packed in turn a blind eye to cases in which directors deliberately packing cases, was waiting to move, in tears. She had abuse the process. been promised, month after month, that her move was imminent. Others in their 80s and 90s were equally In those circumstances, insolvency practitioners are upset at the delay. I made representations to the council required to report the directors’ conduct to the Insolvency on behalf of them and their worried families. I, too, was Service and suggest that they should be disqualified promised that the situation was being resolved and each from being involved in the management of the company, month told that the move was to take place. Eventually, but that system does not appear to be working, as is the new facility opened, after a 14-month delay and suggested by declining disqualification rates in the past dreadful distress caused to my constituents. decade. In 2002, 45% of reports from insolvency practitioners resulted in a disqualification, but by 2011, Rumours were flying in the area about the delay, and only 21% did. I called for an independent investigation into the catastrophic failure of the council to deliver the new The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills facility on time. The council refused. There was coverage has said that legislation is not the right option for in the local press, and after that I was sent anonymously solving the problem, but will the Secretary of State for information on the cause of the delay. Information is Business, Innovation and Skills explore other measures? difficult to retrieve from Hillingdon council because the It is largely a matter of ensuring that we prevent those administration places any reports that expose failings who abuse their position from doing so, but in order to or poor administration—or worse—in the secret element protect the benefits to the system, I suggest that extra of its cabinet meetings. It argues that this is done on resources are needed so that the Insolvency Service grounds of commercial confidentiality, but it is certain can concentrate its efforts on disqualification. It could that it is to cover up incompetence and possibly worse. introduce an electronic system so that insolvency In this case, the information I received confirmed that practitioners can submit reports online. In making those the delay to the new elderly care facility was because of recommendations, I am conscious that we should not a dispute with the contractor for the project. attack those who, through no fault of their own, place their companies into administration and wish to carry The contractor was a company undertaking another on their business—on the contrary, I have every sympathy contract for the council that required additional expenditure. for people who seek to create wealth and jobs—but the The contractor was told to load the cost of that additional key point is that we cannot allow people to abuse their work on to the bill for Triscott House, the residential position and their employees. home for the elderly, and then told to charge the amount as “design fees”. Effectively, this was laundering money I conclude, Mr Deputy Speaker, by wishing you, the from one contract to another to the builder. Other staff of the House, all colleagues, the staff of my office, works were undertaken by the contractor on other sites, and Members who have given me support in the past it appears without contracts, and also charged to the few days, and, in particular, my wife, who has been Triscott elderly care home account, again as design fees. long-suffering for many years, a very happy Christmas. I wish everyone a happy, peaceful, prosperous and Major contracts are approved either by the leader of healthy new year, and trust we can look forward to the council or a cabinet member, and the responsibility returning to the House and enjoying many such debates for overseeing the performance of council officers in in future. relation to such projects lies with the leader of the council or cabinet members. The question I have been asked by residents is what those people were doing 3.33 pm when all this was going on. John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I After the exposure of the Triscott House fiasco in the wish to draw attention to the mismanagement and—some local press, the floodgates opened, with information fear—worse of contracts by Hillingdon council and to being sent anonymously or by residents about other 1077 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1078 council contracts. The information revealed that the this stable out, which I have never called for before new swimming pool leisure centre, recently constructed anywhere, is absolutely essential if we are to retain any in my constituency at a cost of £30 million, began confidence in local government and local administration construction without a contract, only by exchange of in my community. letters of intent. Now the centre has sprung leaks, and without a contract the council is exposed to the cost of repairs. 3.40 pm Five years ago, and again in 2010, I raised the Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): It is disgracefully poor performance of the council contractor always a pleasure to speak in these end-of-term with regard to the repair and refurbishment of Avondale Adjournment debates. Their value has just been aptly flats in my area, which resulted in one of my constituents, demonstrated by the hon. Member for Hayes and Mr Bernard Fagan, being injured and then compensated Harlington (John McDonnell), who has sent a chilling by the council. It has now been revealed that, as we note through the Chamber, and a warning call that I suspected, there were irregularities in the award and hope the authorities will listen to. It is always a great administration of these housing maintenance contracts. pleasure to hear my hon. Friend the Member for Southend They do not comply with council standing orders. West (Mr Amess), with his tour de force of constituency Complaints have repeatedly been made about the issues. Sadly, I can take no pleasure in having to raise in delays to adaptations funded by the disability facilities this House access to flood insurance and support for grants. Concerns have now been raised that there were flood-hit local authorities yet again. irregularities in the process for awarding those contracts. Last night, we saw torrential rain across the south-west Another Hillingdon resident has contacted me because cause considerable damage to businesses and homes, he has challenged the council over its expenditure of and disruption on many key travel routes. In my £1.17 million on three consultants since April 2010, constituency, the villages of Par, Bugle, St Blazey, Gorran which the council legal services department has now Haven and Mevagissey have been flooded again. Across confirmed was without tendering, with no specification Cornwall, other communities in Polbathic, Altarnun, St for the works and with no contracts. Keverne and Gunwalloe have all been hit too. This is I have raised these issues with my local councillors in not uncommon for the people of Cornwall—just four the ward I live in, but they are unable to respond to me weeks ago we were hit with flooding. The House may as virtually all these issues have been forced on to the remember that shortly after the general election in 2010 secret part of the cabinet agenda by the ruling councillors. Cornwall was hit with serious flooding too, occasioning My local councillors have been threatened with the the Prime Minister to join me in some of the communities criminal law if they discuss matters with me. However, I have just mentioned. my ward councillor has informed me that he has written I would like to take this opportunity to extend my to the chief executive, the borough solicitor and the thanks and give praise to the work of the emergency leader of the council to urge that the district auditor services overnight—the firefighters, the police, ambulance and the police are now brought in to investigate these workers across Cornwall and the south-west, and the activities. So far he has received a truculent reply from 100 Cornwall council staff—who were out all night the leader of the council, claiming that it is an attack on helping people to move to safety, and trying to minimise staff. It is not an attack on staff: it is an attempt to hold the damage to properties and to life. However, we are councillors and senior well-paid officers to account. not out of the woods yet. The Met Office and the The situation has gone beyond anything that is acceptable. Environment Agency are predicting continued severe Up to £50 million of work and contracts are now weather in the south-west. The EA currently has 19 associated with irregularities in Hillingdon. My constituents flood warnings and 52 flood alerts across the region—stark and local tax payers are suffering now and cannot wait warnings about large swathes of the south-west being at any longer for redress. At meeting after meeting, residents imminent flood risk due to the saturation levels already are alleging backhanders, brown envelopes and various in the ground. fiddles. I have no answer for them. We need action now, It is clear that we cannot always build flood defences and that is why I am urging the Secretary of State to that will protect people against all eventualities. I am send in commissioners to clean up this mess. Before I sure that if the hon. Member for Brent North (Barry came to this place, I was in local government for 20 years. Gardiner) was in his place—he is an assiduous campaigner I have not seen anything on this scale since the 1980s, on environmental issues—he would agree that with when some activities caused so much concern in local climate change we will see increasingly unpredictable government. There may be reasons why contracts were weather across our country for years to come. However, not awarded and why a £30 million swimming pool was we in this House should be able to ensure that everybody done with a letter of intent. If those reasons are valid, has access to insurance when the worst happens. That then fair enough. However, my understanding is that sounds very simple, but the Government, flood groups they have opened up the council to real risk. The scale and insurers have been grappling with the problem for a of mismanagement is appalling. long time and seem no closer to resolving it. The typical People know me in this House for my independence cost of flood damage to a home is approximately £30,000, of mind. I do not care whether this council is controlled and approximately 200,000 homes are at risk of flooding. by Labour, the Conservatives or Liberal Democrats. If The last Government agreed a statement of principles—a this was happening under any political administration, five-year agreement—that meant that flood insurance I would be saying the same thing. We need action now. had to be included in house insurance. It was a worthy We cannot rely on the existing administration to tackle goal and a good step forward, but it was not perfect. these issues. That is why I think the drastic step of the For example, it did not apply to homes built after Secretary of State sending in commissioners to clean October 2009 and, more importantly, made little attempt 1079 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1080

[Stephen Gilbert] who organised the first oil-buying groups, pioneered a bastle trail and created the famous Murray henge, to to help those in the severest flood-risk areas, which was Joan Russell, who runs her fantastic community allotment bewildering, frankly. Despite that, however, that statement in Prudhoe, and Tom Martin, who led the creation of a of principles was a worthy effort to ensure that when community orchard in Wylam, there is a real sense of flooding hit a community, people were able to rebuild engagement, of getting involved and of local people their lives. Unfortunately, it expires next June, and at the creating the community they want. moment the House is yet to see any concrete proposals Of all the places in the country that would engage in for how this important issue will be dealt with after that the concept, spirit and actuality of localism, this is the point. Communities across the country, including those place. Indeed, when the previous Labour Government that I represent, are already struggling to get affordable wanted to get rid of the district councils and move to a flood-risk insurance, even though it might technically single unitary authority, the people robustly said that be available. I urge my right hon. Friend to look into they would like to keep Tynedale and Castle Morpeth. this issue and ensure that the proposals come forward in The Labour Government famously held a consultation, a timely way and can be adequately debated by the complete with referendum, lost it and pressed on regardless. House. As a result, we now have Northumberland county council I have raised before my concerns about the Bellwin in its current form. scheme—the threshold at which central Government The Conservative party manifesto in 2010 promised support comes in to help local authorities hit by flooding. specifically that In Cornwall council’s case, the existing Bellwin scheme has a threshold of 0.2%, which is currently £1.41 million, “people in each neighbourhood will be able to” as the amount it must defray before any assistance is choose forthcoming from central Government. This scheme “what kind of development they want”. is outdated and does not seem to make any allowance In 2010, I found that that commitment to localism for the new unitary authorities. If Cornwall still had a resonated loud and clear with local voters, who wanted two-tier local authority system, that threshold would be a better kind of local politics. Very rarely if ever do just £58,000. That, coupled with tight rules limiting Government know best on local issues. For the first funding to the additional costs incurred in dealing with time since Queen Victoria sat on the throne—not dissimilar the immediate emergency only, basically means that the to you, Mr Deputy Speaker—this Government’s Localism likelihood of an emergency incurring eligible expenditure Act 2011 saw real power going from Government back greater than the threshold is now significantly less than to the people, putting into reverse gear 100 years of if the two-tier were still in place. We need to modernise centralisation. My simple phrase is: “Trust the people”. and update the Bellwin scheme. Cornwall is also a fire The Localism Act 2011 did just that. and rescue authority, but the scheme does not factor in those parts of the country where the principal local Planning is the key aspect of the 2011 Act. It is authority is on a unitary basis and also the fire and most welcome for its transformation of the process that rescue authority. people have to deal with. We ripped up the previous top- down regional spatial strategy, which was a Westminster- I turn to the final reason why I would like my right enforced, target-driven system, which in any event failed hon. Friend to investigate whether the Bellwin scheme to produce any houses, with the lowest house building can be reconsidered. Why is the dedicated schools grant since 1929. To deliver the change, a local development used in the calculation of when a threshold is reached plan is required from each local authority. The plans will by a local authority? It is another instance of where the be crucial to deciding planning applications. The Government Bellwin scheme has not kept pace with the change in guidance is that local plans must be in accordance with how local government across our nation is administered. section 20 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase At the moment, Cornwall council estimates repair costs Act 2004 and the national planning policy framework. of £2.5 million on the highways alone. When flooding The only mandate is that the authority must complete a occurs, it is not only a threat to life, but it destroys plan. Already, 48 local plans have been adopted since homes, wrecks businesses and leaves a significant clear-up May 2011, and more than 65% of councils in the country operation in its wake, and that operation often falls to have published a plan for public consultation. Those are the local authority to fund. accompanied by more than 100 smaller neighbourhood The biggest Christmas present for all those across the plans. The vast city of Manchester, for example, went country facing flooding risk would be to ensure that, as from start to finish in less than 18 months, finishing in we go into next year, flood insurance is available and the summer of 2012. affordable, and that, when floods hit, local authorities have the support they need from the House and the Bob Blackman: The process of local plans is key for Government to ensure that the clean-up can happen in local people participating in democracy. Does my hon. the swiftest possible way. Friend agree that it is quite wrong for any councils to drag their feet on this, postponing the process of getting 3.48 pm democracy into planning at a local level? Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): Northumberland has much that it could teach the rest of Britain. My Guy Opperman: I entirely agree. It does not really constituency is home to a vast number of civic groups, matter which political party is in charge of the local charities and volunteer organisations and people who authority.I am criticising Northumberland county council, give up their time to get involved, help their communities which happens to be Liberal Democrat in its persuasion, and improve people’s lives. They are passionate about but I would still be criticising it if it were Conservative the place in which they live. From the team in Tarset or Labour. It is a question of competence and leadership, 1081 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1082 organisation and logistics; it is not about money. Lots architect of all our problems. By failing to create a local of authorities up and down the country have been able plan, it is failing Northumberland. I do not blame the to sort this out over an 18-month period—we should staff at county hall, who are as bright and capable as bear it in mind that authorities have up to three years to those at any county hall in the land. I do not blame the do so. Otherwise, 65% would not have gone down this squeeze on council budgets, as more than 50 other track. councils have delivered a plan. A comparison with the other authorities shows that that is not the issue. This is Everybody knows that the plans have to be completed an issue of competence, leadership, management and by spring 2013. Indeed, I was present when the then organisation. Communities and Local Government Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert The situation is not satisfactory; it is divisive. Worst Neill), came to Stannington in Northumberland in of all, it creates a sense that democracy is not working, August 2011 and met NCC planning officers and developers. that big business holds all the cards and that the protector He stressed the need for NCC planning officers to press of local people’s rights, the local authority, is failing on with their plan. It is not as if the local authority has them. I am helping local people all I can, but as the not been warned. It appears certain that Northumberland county council is stuck in the slow lane, I must ask the will now not complete its plan by the March 2013 Deputy Leader of the House whether there is anything deadline. I have had that confirmed to me in person by the Government can do to aid that incompetent senior councillors and it is an open secret at county hall. administration. How can we ensure that cumulative Indeed, it appears that the situation is worse: the plan impact is considered so that applications are not treated might not be produced and finalised before 2014. in isolation, creating a patchwork quilt of development with no real thought to its impact on local people? How The county council’s failure to deliver the local plan do people challenge developers when local authorities will be an unmitigated disaster for Northumberland. are not prepared to fight challenges to their local decisions The law is absolutely clear. If a planning authority has which are appealed? an up-to-date local plan, with identified sites to meet I know that, if we had a local plan, we would have the five years of objectively assessed need, it has all the tools to fight, and the local will to create a sustainable powers it needs to resist speculative applications for Northumberland, created by the people, for the people, development. However, if an authority does not have a and with appropriate development for the people. The plan in place or even a draft plan containing an objective sad fact is that there is a fundamental lack of leadership assessment of housing needs and identifying five years to drive things forward and get things done. To say that of developable, deliverable sites, it runs the risk of there was better leadership on the Titanic would be speculative planning applications from developers and unfair—accurate perhaps, but unfair. An expedited its decisions being overturned on appeal. As the Minister plan would provide a way forward. Without one, I fear with responsibility for planning, my hon. Friend the for my county, and I fear the sense of unfairness Member for Grantham and Stamford (Nick Boles), that local people will feel. That cannot be good for told the House on 7 November 2012, an authority with sustained locally driven development, and it is not good a local development plan has nothing to fear from the for democracy. Planning Inspectorate. The Liberal Democrat county council’s failure will, I 3.57 pm sadly suggest, be a green light for developers to run amok—in Ponteland, in Darras Hall, in New Ridley, in Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): These are difficult Ovingham and possibly in the west of Hexham. All times for local councils, and with further financial those applications are mooted and the list is growing constraints confronting them, I pay tribute to the councillors every month. Nor do we have minerals or renewables of all political persuasions and officers who find themselves plans as part of the local development plan. That in ever more difficult situations. This is not an experience makes it hard to resist applications to do open-cast that I faced as a council leader, but one thing I do mining on green belt land, and our landscape is being understand is the importance of ensuring that public affected by the random development of wind farms money is not wasted or used for purposes that are with little consideration of the cumulative impact. inappropriate for a local authority or ultra vires under local government legislation. I am not against development; far from it. I see the need for more houses. I have supported developments at In the hope that the Department for Communities the police headquarters in Ponteland, on the Prudhoe and Local Government will pursue the matter with hospital site, and in villages such as Allendale. I must be vigour, I bring to the House’s attention the extraordinary the chief advocate for house building on the redundant situation involving the former leader of Essex county Stannington hospital site. I even brought the developer council, whose exploits have been much publicised in to Westminster to meet a Minister from the Department recent weeks in local newspapers and on local radio, for Communities and Local Government, to try to and in some national newspapers. It has been revealed make it more likely that that development could happen that, from March 2005 to January 2010, he spent £287,000 in a sustainable way. using the council tax payer-funded credit card that he had been issued. That equates to a rate of more than In the past, I have been harsh in my criticism of £1,000 every week for five years, all tax free. Items of developers and big business seeking to cash in on the expenditure included 62 overseas visits to such places as council’s slow progress in delivering a local plan. Perhaps Uganda, New Zealand, China and the United States—not that is just the old socialist in me, but I do not believe places normally associated with the local government that the market always knows best. However, I am all activity of Essex county council—often accompanied too aware that Northumberland county council is the by council officers and councillors. 1083 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1084

[Sir Bob Russell] the chief executive, did not notice and draw attention to it? Or is it the case, as has been put to me, that some I can now reveal, thanks to a Freedom of Information people did try, but that there was a climate of fear and Act request that I made to the council, that the same bullying at county hall? People were afraid to speak out leader first had a credit card issued in “mid-2002”. On for fear of losing their jobs. This attitude was not the assumption that his spending pattern in the years confined to the leader, as some councillors and some from 2002 onwards was the same as that in the five senior officers were involved. Only an independent inquiry years following the first published item on 9 March can get into that barrel of apples to identify any rotten 2005—£89.21 for a lunch at the Barda restaurant in ones that are still in place. Chelmsford for the leader and an unnamed county councillor—it is likely that the leader’s credit card spending I have been advised by a lawyer that he is prepared, at to fund his lifestyle of expensive tastes in the UK and no personal cost to himself, to look at the paperwork overseas, paid for by Essex council tax payers, was in and help draft a claim against the council and its the region of £450,000. His last entry, funded by the officers for an apparent, and I quote, good people of Essex, was on 27 January 2010 when, “breach in fiduciary duty to Essex ratepayers who are owed the with an unnamed county councillor, he billed £77 for opportunity to see these matters rectified.” lunch at the Loch Fyne restaurant in Chelmsford. Last week, a motion was put forward at a meeting of Essex It is said that the credit card records from 2002 to 2005 county council in respect of the credit card bills of the have been destroyed, but I believe the council’s records former leader, who resigned from the council in 2010, should still show the total credit card sums claimed by but it was not agreed. the former leader, even if the individual items cannot be I can perhaps best describe what happened by quoting listed. Perhaps the credit card company’s records exist, distinguished journalist Mr Simon Heffer, who is a which an independent inquiry could look at. council tax payer in Essex, from his column in the Daily Mail of Saturday 15 December: The roll-call of countries visited by the former leader “Tory-controlled Essex County Council decided this week not between 2005 and 2010 could well make him Britain’s to sue their disgraced former leader…for the £287,000 of ratepayers’ most travelled politician. At 62 visits, that is probably money he spent flying around the world with cronies and dining more than the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, in style. This is a rash move. In four and a half months, the and it is certainly not what one would expect of the council is up for re-election. I am appalled that Essex Tories have leader of a local authority. Usually with at least one such a cavalier view of financial accountability. Anyone who officer, his Cook’s tour reads as follows: United States votes to put them back into office next May is mad. Did they take of America, eight times; Belgium, 15 times; Poland, this view…because some of them, too, have things on their twice; Croatia and Sri Lanka, twice; Cyprus, Bulgaria conscience?” and Austria, three times; France, three times; Slovakia Simon Heffer may say that; I could not possibly comment. and Italy, three times; China, six times; Hungary, Germany, In fairness, the current leader is a breath of fresh air. Holland and India, three times; Australia, New Zealand, He was issued with a credit card on taking over in May Uganda, Hong Kong and Finland, twice; Vietnam, 2010, and it was cancelled in August 2011 having never Albania and the Bahamas, ending with his last overseas been used. That shows how much the previous leader trip to Canada. In December 2005 Essex council tax abused his position and took Essex council tax payers payers funded the leader, a councillor and an officer to to the tune of circa £450,000 to fund his expensive attend the winter Olympics in Italy at a cost of circa tastes and lifestyle. It is also fair to say that a new £1,400. broom at county hall has ensured that new procedures will not allow such a situation to happen again, but it is Perhaps an example of the leader’s extravagance is a not enough to clear up the stables—although pigsty visit he made, accompanied by a council officer, to might be a more appropriate description. Hungary on 17 May 2006 for a one-day meeting described What has happened needs to be investigated. As the as the “First Assembly of European Regions”. Putting council is not prepared to have an independent to one side the fact that the wonderful county of Essex investigation—I believe that is important; otherwise all is not a region, which begs the question why he was county councillors will be tarred with the same brush—it there in the first place, the visit was stretched out over a must be for central Government to do so. Unless there total of five days and involved staying in three separate is an independent inquiry, the stench will remain. That hotels—two in Budapest, which is 230 km distant from is not in the interest of Essex county council, its councillors where the one-day conference was held, one of them and officers—a whitewash is not acceptable. five-star, with the other described as “art-nouveau It is difficult to believe that the former leader was able extravagance”and “the World’s most famous spa”—having for eight years to live the life of Riley paid for by Essex expensive meals at restaurants and hiring a car. This is a council tax payers, without others knowing. After all, grand total, including flights, of £1,530. many of the credit card bills refer to the leader being Other interesting entries, completely contrary to local accompanied more often than not by officers and government rules and expenditure legitimacy, relate to councillors. Why did the internal audit not notice the the council leader using his credit card to pay for monthly credit card payments and ask questions? Why attendance at Conservative party conferences for himself did the external audit not notice and ask questions? and up to three officers of Essex county council, including On 17 October last year, a council spokesman said: their travel and hotel accommodation costs. One of his “Allemployee expenses are subject to audit and public scrutiny”— popular watering holes was an establishment in Chelmsford but not, presumably, those of the former leader. How is called Muddy Waters where in December 2007 he treated it that the entire finance department and line management county officers to a meal, paid for by council tax payers, within it, leading in due course right into the office of which came to £736. In July 2008, he claimed £42.94 for 1085 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1086 a Little Chef breakfast. I know that the Little Chef Most of all, however, I rise to celebrate the fact that Olympian breakfast is good, but I think customers can today we have had news that the port of Dover will not get four for the price he paid, as he pigged himself into be sold off to the French, or whoever, but will instead some sort of record book. Another interesting item is stay as it is and, I hope, become a community port and the £327.50 he paid for a landmark of the Prime Minister’s vision for the big “gifts purchased for Transformation Awayday” society. from the Crooked House gallery in Lavenham, Suffolk. It was a shock to everyone in my community when in That list surely in itself comprises an appalling betrayal 2009 the former Prime Minister put the port of Dover of the people of Essex by the then leader of the council, up for sale as part of his car boot sale. That dismayed but I must now refer to a further abuse. Throughout this my community, and it became a key issue. A key pledge period, the leader was also based at another establishment of mine was that the port of Dover should not be sold for which five full-time employees of Essex county off, but should remain for ever England. council had security passes. A sixth, listed as his secretary In autumn 2010, therefore, we launched the alternative: in the directory of this other establishment, was actually Dover should become a people’s port owned by the based at county hall, and taxpayers paid all the office community. Our concern was that if it were to remain a costs. When not on council business, the leader was trust port, every decade or so there would be a proposal frequently chauffeured here and there at all times of the to sell it off, and we do not want the port to be sold day and into the early hours by a car and driver provided overseas. Rather than have to face that future threat by the council. The five council officers were providing ever again, we decided it would be better for the community services that were not part and parcel of the leader’s to come together and buy the port. position with Essex county council, but the council tax The community bid was launched by none other than payers of Essex were paying all the costs. It is difficult to Dame Vera Lynn, to whom I and the community owe estimate what they amounted to over what was an the deepest thanks and gratitude. Without her support, eight-year period. the port and the white cliffs above it would probably Stephen Gilbert: Does my hon. Friend agree that have been sold overseas, and we would be waving goodbye these outrageous claims must be properly investigated? instead of celebrating a great Christmas present. I thank Kent county council and Dover town council Sir Bob Russell: I am most grateful to my hon. for their staunch support throughout this period. I also Friend. thank everyone at the Emmaus homeless charity, which is based at Archcliffe fort in Dover. Although they have Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. no home themselves, they are concerned about our Mr Gilbert, you knew when you rose to intervene that community and our port and the stake all of us hold in your colleague’s time had almost run out. You have our society, and they agree that Dover should remain already spoken, and I hope you want other colleagues for ever England. They supplied the stewards for our to have a chance to speak as well. I do not want to have rally back in 2010 when we launched the proposal for a to shave a couple of minutes off other Members’ speaking people’s port. I also wish to thank Unite the union—Alan times. I think you would agree that that would be totally Feeney and his colleagues. They are not natural bedfellows unfair. for a Conservative MP, but they came together to support us all in working together, across party, across Sir Bob Russell: I agree with what my hon. Friend area and across disciplines, to get the best for our said. community. As I was saying, it is difficult to estimate what the Together, we set up the People’s Port Trust, which is costs amounted to over what was an eight-year period, chaired by Neil Wiggins. Its president is Sir Patrick but staff salaries and all associated costs would easily Sheehy, who used to run British American Tobacco. take the sum over the £1 million mark, excluding the That is a large company, so he is an experienced approximately £450,000 costs incurred through the leader’s businessman who knows what he is doing. We also have credit card, to which I have already referred. Algy Cluff, who opened up the North sea to oil exploration, What has happened in Essex brings all local government Pat Sherratt, Councillor Nigel Collor and many others. into disrepute, which is unfair on hard-working councillors They all came together to set up the alternative. We got and officers, including those in Essex. Only a full funding from the city—we raised the money that was independent inquiry into the stewardship of the council needed—and we tabled a counter-offer to the Prime from 2002 to 2010 will serve to draw a line under this Minister in November 2010. That was really important most disgraceful period since Essex county council was because there is no point in just saying no to a proposal; established in 1889. we have to put forward an alternative. Our alternative was that we, the people—our community—should come 4.6 pm together to buy the port. Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): I rise to celebrate We then held a referendum, because we thought that Christmas. In particular, I want to celebrate Christmas it could not be a people’s port without the people in Dover, where we will have a new hospital built next endorsing the proposal. In March 2011, a referendum year, after a decade in which our hospital services were was held in the Dover parish asking: decimated and progressively withdrawn. It is therefore “Do you oppose the private sale of the Port of Dover as great that health care will be moving forward. proposed by the Dover Harbour Board and support its transfer I also rise to celebrate the fact that Dover has won the to the community of Dover instead?” lottery. A £1 million grant has been awarded to Dover Some 98% voted in favour, on a greater turnout than for the betterment of the community. the previous district council elections. So I am pleased 1087 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1088

[Charlie Elphicke] Feniton on appeal with no money to contribute towards a flood prevention scheme. It seems to be absolute that Ministers have listened to our community, held a madness to add to the village before we have got the proper consultation and decided that it would not be water under the railway line and away. We need to the right thing to sell off the port of Dover overseas. consider these questions very seriously. The current situation is that the sell-off will not When the rain finally stops and we can look back on happen under the Ports Act 1991. The real issue is what what has happened, we need to consider, despite the happens next. I hope that Ministers will look at the fact that the Environment Agency has worked well in position, at how the community can come to own the providing flood warnings, how we manage our rivers port and at how we can have the big society in Dover. and waterways and ensure that they are properly dredged. That really matters because it is not just the community, It is perhaps not feasible in this day and age to have staff the local authorities, my electors and the unions who from the Environment Agency who can go around, want this; the ferry companies and businesses want it, look at the sluices and reduce the water levels, but I too. So we have complete unity of purpose and unity of do not see why an honorarium cannot be paid to desire across all strands of our community that the port individuals—farmers, perhaps, or local residents—who of Dover should become a community port. This is can reduce the water levels much more quickly because important because a community port could be an engine they are on the spot and can deal with the problem at for the regeneration of Dover and returning Dover to that moment. We must learn the lessons from what has being the jewel in the crown of the nation that it once gone on. was. This could be a template for Newcastle, for Belfast My hon. Friend the Member for Central Devon (Mel and for how we can have renewal and regeneration in Stride) talked about the agricultural problems. Not only our seafronts and coastal towns to ensure that they can did we face foot and mouth disease in 2001, but we have achieve maximum employment, success and attractiveness seen the problems with TB, the weather and the high once again. I thank the Government for their decision price of feed, silage and cereals. We also have a problem today to chart the way ahead, and I hope that in the with Schmallenberg again, which is a disease that affects new year we will get great progress towards delivering new-born lambs and calves. Even with the early lambing the Prime Minister’s vision for a big society and the flocks, some 30% to 40% of lambs are being born dead. people’s vision for a community port. I hope that that is just happening at the start of lambing and that the situation will improve, but we have a 4.13 pm vaccine that is being looked at and validated and I urge Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): It is a the Government to put it in place. It will not help with great pleasure to speak after my hon. Friend the Member this year’s lambs, or with calves, but it will help in the for Dover (Charlie Elphicke) and I am particularly future. We cannot just take it for granted that the interested in the port of Dover becoming a people’s disease will go away. It is spread by midges and last year port. Interestingly, until 1528 we actually had the whole it affected only a few sheep and cattle, but this year it town of Calais, so it would have been a terrible shame has had a big effect, so we need to deal with it. to have sold off Dover. I want to raise a very interesting issue about dogs going into schools. I recently visited a charity called I wish to discuss the situation in my constituency. Dogs Helping Kids. It is run by a lady called Tracey Ever since the then Secretary of State for Environment, Berridge, who trains the dogs for up to 18 months or Food and Rural Affairs talked in the spring about a even two years so that they can go into schools. She has drought we have had nothing but rain. We have had a taught the dogs to read. I have not gone completely series of floods throughout my constituency, and I want mad, Mr Deputy Speaker—the dogs probably do not to pay tribute to all the people who have gone out to try actually read—but I have seen the process demonstrated. to protect their homes. The communities have pulled The dog is shown a sign saying “Sit”, and because it is a together extremely well. We have had flooding in Bampton, short word the dog sits. It is then shown a sign saying which has caused a great deal of problems, and in “Lie down”, and because it is slightly longer the dog lies Tiverton, where the Grand Western canal burst its down. Every time the dog is shown a sign, it does what banks. Of course it will cost a huge amount of money it says. to put the canal right. I ask anyone who wants to support the Grand Western canal to do so, because it a I am not joking—hon. Members can imagine how great asset to not only Tiverton but the country. impressed the children are when they see the dog reading, and then sitting and lying down and so on. The children We have also had huge problems with flooding are then very keen to read more. The dog sits with the throughout the Axe valley, particularly in Axminster. child and there is a person with them—it is not the dog There is another high flood alert today on the River talking to the child, because, as I said, I have not gone Axe and we have had a lot of flooding through there. completely mad—who explains to the children more There have been problems with blocked culverts and about reading. Those who find difficulty in reading blocks under the railway, and they need to be sorted out react very well to the dog. In many schools children who for the future. There has also been flooding in Uplyme were playing truant or had many problems at home and and Seaton. did not want to come to school now want to come to In the village of Feniton, we have had a real problem school because the dogs are there. with a great deal of flooding. The village is like a funnel, There is a serious point here. A charity such as Dogs and the water comes right down to the bottom of the Helping Kids is a good one to support. I have always village and floods several bungalows at the bottom been a great lover of dogs, as are many people in this because it cannot get underneath the railway line. Recently, country. Dogs can be therapeutic and useful in schools. an inspector’s decision has allowed more houses in The charity run by Tracey Berridge trains the dogs 1089 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1090 properly before they go into schools. It is no good just The hon. Gentleman and I have met representatives taking any dog into a school. If it hurt a child, that of a company that is offering to carry out a free survey would cause major problems. We should encourage to determine whether an alternative proposal is viable, dogs going into schools, possibly as part of the curriculum, which might result in more being done with the funding so that children learn that a relationship with a pet can available, but the council has refused the offer. The be good for them. I recommend that to the House. council has been contacted by another company which thinks that an alternative specification or a change of 4.20 pm policy would give better value for taxpayers’ money, but it has again refused the offer. The council has refused to Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): I am not sure I consider these alternatives. It is possible that those can follow that, but I will follow Members who have companies, having studied the proposals, met council been somewhat critical of their local authority. I cannot officers and visited the sites, would conclude that the compete with the hon. Member for Colchester (Sir Bob council’s proposal is the best way forward. It is unlikely, Russell), and I am usually reluctant to criticise the local but it is possible. It is a disgrace that the council is authority publicly as I, like all Members, have to work denying those opportunities to deliver more for taxpayer’s with it for the betterment of the local area. However, money. one issue has been dominating the local media in north-east Lincolnshire in recent weeks—the closure of the Scartho Campaigners have consulted a wide range of experts, road swimming pool, following a sham consultation. and I am sure that the demand for transparency suggests The pool is approaching 50 years of age and it is that the council should at least stop and consider accepted that significant investment is required to give alternatives. It is also possible that additional funding it a new lease of life. I should mention that the pool is in might be available. Having spoken with the sports Minister, the constituency of the hon. Member for Great Grimsby my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department (Austin Mitchell), who is unable to be here today but is for Culture, Media and Sport, I believe that it is now aware of my intention to raise this matter as the pool time for the council to pause and reconsider how best to serves both our constituencies and the wider area reaching move forward with the backing of local people. into the Gainsborough and Louth and Horncastle constituencies. It would be difficult to summarise the situation better The hon. Gentleman and I have been supporting than one of my constituents has done in a letter to the local residents, and in particular members of the Save local paper, that excellent journal the Grimsby Telegraph. Scartho Baths campaign. There is overwhelming local My constituent states that, having heard the council opposition to the proposal. The hon. Gentleman went state that so far as to use his Christmas card to highlight the “this current administration is committed to investing in tourism council’s folly. Members may have seen that, as it reached and leisure, I find it very reassuring. My difficulty is understanding the pages of the national press. When we met the how and why they seem to be getting it so wrong. Any reader of council leader and his deputy a couple of weeks ago, it this paper will have noticed that they are getting little or no support for their proposals. The majority of the public, especially was clear that this was, shall I say, not entirely welcome. those who use our leisure facilities, find no justification in pulling Whether or not it will take hold as a campaigning tool down Scartho Baths. Indeed, it is just the opposite.” for other council members, only time will tell. I hope that that plea will reach the local authority and In fairness to the council I should mention that it further consideration will be given to its decision. proposes to build a new 25 metre pool on the site of the Grimsby leisure centre, but this is smaller than Scartho I want to mention another issue of particular concern. baths and will not include a diving bay. Following the East Coast, which is of course a Government-operated introduction of the Localism Act, I know the Government rail service, has just published its new local timetable. It are keen to ensure that local authorities undertake states: “This new timetable shows you all our train proper consultation before making decisions about services as well as local train services that connect major local facilities, such as the one that I described. I conveniently with ours.” Compared with the previous acknowledge that it is not unknown for councils to go edition, East Coast has removed Grimsby and, by through what could be described as sham consultations, implication, Cleethorpes, as well as Scarborough, but the one undertaken by the North East Lincolnshire Huddersfield, Sunderland and Middlesbrough from the council on this issue reached a new low. timetable. I have written to its managing director but, as The consultation was undertaken following a public the Department for Transport has some influence in the outcry, and residents were expecting to be able to indicate matter, I hope that the Deputy Leader of the House will whether or not the Scartho pool should be refurbished. convey my thoughts to the Secretary of State for Transport The only mention of the pool was in one of the questions and that by the time the new timetable comes into force which said, “The following facilities are coming to the next May, Grimsby and the other towns I have mentioned end of their life, which would you replace? Please choose will have been restored to their rightful place. one of the following: Grimsby swimming pool or Grimsby leisure centre.” Other questions were, “Should the council 4.28 pm continue to provide quality leisure facilities within the borough? Yes or No.” It would be difficult to answer The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Tom anything but yes. Question 2 was, “Given the tough Brake): The range of subjects we have heard about this decisions the council is having to take around substantial afternoon is unparalleled, from dogs that teach children reductions in funding, should it replace ageing leisure to the merits of funding trips for council leaders to spa facilities?” Again, it is hardly possible to answer no. towns. I will try to respond to the individual points That is no way to run a taxpayer-funded, democratically Members have made but, given the time constraints, accountable local authority. will focus on those who are in still in the Chamber. 1091 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1092

[Tom Brake] might be a step backwards for them. Although he is not in his place, I urge him to raise that with the Department The contribution we heard from my hon. Friend the for Work and Pensions to see what its response is. Member for Southend West (Mr Amess) contained an My right hon. Friend the Member for Bermondsey unparalleled range of issues. Were I to address them all, and Old Southwark talked about visa renewals and the there would be no time left to respond to any of the so-called premium service whereby people pay a substantial other contributions. I hope that he has been able to get sum of money to ensure, theoretically, that their visa all his concerns off his chest. It will probably be simplest renewal is dealt with more quickly. Unfortunately, all if I draw his speech to the attention of all Departments, too often their experience is different, and if something because it contained something for them all, from the about their visa needs further work they end up going Foreign and Commonwealth Office to the Department back into the slow lane with everyone else and therefore of Health, the Department for Communities and Local derive no benefit from having paid a premium. He Government, the Department for Business, Innovation identified a solution that I will draw to the attention of and Skills, the Department for Environment, Food and the Minister for Immigration, who, I am sure, would Rural Affairs and the Department for Culture, Media want to draw it to the attention of the UK Border and Sport. I would love to spend more time on that, but Agency.My right hon. Friend welcomed the announcement I hope he will understand that time constraints prevent on the Arctic convoy medals, expressed concerns about me from doing so. judicial reviews, and finished with a quote from Charles I thank the hon. Member for Walsall South (Valerie Dickens. Vaz) for giving me notice of the issue that she wanted to The hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife raise about judicial reviews. She said that they come (Thomas Docherty) raised his concern that the criminal thick and fast. Indeed, the Government have found that injuries compensation scheme would no longer be available since 1974 the number of them has risen from 160 to in the case of a constituent of his. I do not know 11,000 last year, so they are coming thicker and faster whether he has asked the Criminal Injuries Compensation year on year. We want to address that. She expressed Authority to investigate that specific case, but he will be concerns about the consultation, but I hope that she aware that the Government have made changes to the will none the less participate in it, like my right hon. scheme. We want to focus on the victims of the most Friend the Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark serious crimes, which is why we have retained the maximum (Simon Hughes), who said that he would do so. The compensation available for a single injury at £250,000. purpose of the consultation, among other things, is to The hon. Gentleman also mentioned the local overseas hear Members’ views. The hon. Lady might simply allowance, the specific purpose of which is to contribute provide it with a copy of today’s Hansard so that it can towards the necessary additional local cost of living for refer to the important points that she made and the service personnel who are assigned overseas. It is also experience on which she has drawn to highlight her supposed to be flexible in order to address the different concerns. The Government are embarking on this with circumstances of people abroad. If he has not already an open mind in seeking to address the balance between done so, he could refer the details of the case he raised reducing the burdens on public services and promoting to the Ministry of Defence to see whether it assessed the access to justice and the rule of law. allowance entitlement correctly. The hon. Member for Calder Valley (Craig Whittaker) The hon. Gentleman also mentioned housing allowance raised very effectively the issue of visas for Chernobyl for service personnel and called on the MOD to work children. The Deputy Speaker who was in the Chair on it with the devolved Administrations and local earlier was described as Father Christmas in that he was government. It is principally the responsibility of local able to offer speaking opportunities to all Members this governments to decide what systems they use to prioritise afternoon. I am afraid that I cannot bear the gift that housing for ex-service personnel. The Local Government my hon. Friend would like, which is the extension or Association might be able to take up the issue, in order renewal of the scheme to support Chernobyl children. to achieve a collective, more positive local authority He will be aware that in November 2010 the Government approach. set out their intention to stop funding that scheme, The hon. Gentleman raised the issue of Ofcom and although they have agreed to provide a total of £200,000 asked whether the Department for Business, Innovation in the last year that it will run. I will put to the FCO his and Skills could look at providing a level playing field, request that the Home Office and the Department for so that Royal Mail could operate under the same level International Development liaise to see whether there is of regulation as others in the same business, such as a way in which they can move forward collectively on this. TNT. The hon. Member for Nottingham North (Mr Allen) The hon. Member for Beckenham (Bob Stewart) raised several issues, including the House business brought his extensive expertise on defence, which the committee, a matter that is still ongoing and on which House values greatly, to the issue of British personnel progress is being made. He welcomed the medals that deaths in Afghanistan. I would like to take this opportunity will be given to those on the Arctic convoys who supported to commend our service personnel for operating in the and saved our country at a very difficult time. He raised most demanding of environments and demonstrating concerns about Atos Healthcare that I suspect would be immense personal courage. As the hon. Gentleman has echoed by many Members in all parts of the House. In said, 438 members of our armed forces have died while his case, he focused on the length of time that it is serving in Afghanistan and their loss is keenly felt. On taking to process appeals. Delays that run into 57 weeks behalf of the Chamber, I extend my sympathies to are clearly unacceptable, and that must be addressed. those families and friends who have lost loved ones. A He expressed concern about deaf children in relation to much greater number of personnel have also been seriously the personal independence payment and said that it injured or wounded in Afghanistan. 1093 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1094

Our strategy is designed to enable the country effectively will not close. However, he is clearly concerned that the to manage its own security and prevent its territory hours of operation may be different. I say to him that from ever again being a safe haven for international this issue is surely not just about the availability of a terrorism. I echo the hon. Gentleman’s point that no building, but about ensuring that people have a way of one in this House will blame our servicemen and women quickly and effectively reporting crime. Many people if their mission is not successful. They have fought the would want to report crime from home if they could, battle that they needed to fight, but it is clear that many rather than having to go to a police station. of the enormous problems on the ground are beyond There are ways and means of dealing with some of their control. Their remit has also gone beyond the his concerns that do not necessarily require the number military remit set at the outset. of police stations to be maintained exactly as it is I thank the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Helen throughout London. London Members will be aware Goodman) for giving me advance notice of her speech. that some counters in London receive very few visits, if She is concerned about the impact of Government any. There are strong arguments for saying that police policies on the north-east. At the same time, however, resources could be used more effectively by supporting she highlighted that the north-east is still the most people in other ways, such as patrolling the streets, successful region in the country, with the biggest car rather than sitting behind a counter, waiting for a caller plants in Europe and the biggest chemical plant in the who does not come. UK, so in some cases things are working very well in her I certainly echo the concerns of the right hon. Member region and we support that. Whereas in the past there for Tottenham about fire station closures. There is a risk was an awful lot of focus on financial services in London, of closures throughout London. I am sure that the the Government are trying to ensure that we focus Mayor’s press office will have been following this debate much more on the manufacturing industry, which would, closely and will want to respond to him about those of course, benefit her region. We are starting to see concerns. some improvements, with manufacturing exports going The hon. Member for Gainsborough (Mr Leigh) to the world’s emerging economies. There has also been made such a short contribution in relation to medals an increase in exports in the past 12 months, so her that I was not quite sure what he was talking about. I region should benefit from that too. I could reel off think that he was talking about the fact that men who other statistics if she would like, but she may get frustrated served in Bomber Command will receive only a clasp. I by that. She referred to the £64 million for the upgrade am sure that the Ministry of Defence will have noted his of the A1. There is also £61 million to build more than concern that that is not sufficient recompense for the 3,300 new homes for affordable rent and £17 million to sacrifice that they made for us 60 or so years ago. return more than 1,500 empty properties to use in the north-east and Yorkshire. Although the scale of The hon. Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner) Government activity is perhaps not what she would like, commended Brent Pensioners Forumon its 25th anniversary. there are positive developments in her region, which I We certainly join him in that, but there are other areas hope she will welcome. where I am not able to join him. He clearly feels that the Government’s energy policy is ancillary to the wider The hon. Member for Central Devon (Mel Stride) economic goals. I do not accept that; I think that the two referred to a large number of people. Other Members are intrinsically linked. I hope he agrees that clarity on alleged that that was to cut down on the cost of his the investment that will go into the energy industry is as Christmas cards. I am sure that that is not the case. welcome as it has been lacking. I know he has concerns I cannot possibly mention all the people he mentioned. about the extent to which the Government are addressing I say to him, however, that the risk of mentioning a fuel poverty, but a wide range of different measures are large number of people is that everyone in Central in place at a time that is challenging—as he knows and Devon who reads this debate and whose name is not on as the Government know—in terms of energy prices the list will wonder why they were excluded. I congratulate and because we are seeking to address a substantial him on highlighting a number of important community deficit. activities, including the new community school, the youth services and the fostering work of people in his The hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) area. He has put on the record his thanks to a large paid tribute to Betty Geller and the role that she played number of people and groups, and we would all like to in his constituency. He also referred to the important echo that. issue of phoenix companies, and businesses have raised concerns about that with me as a constituency MP. One The right hon. Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy), business in my constituency provides insulation. It tends who is not in his place, mentioned first that people can to go in at the end of a contract and is often not paid drink quite a lot at Christmas. Those who attended the because it arrives at the end of the whole process. It has Leader’s reception last night will know that there was seen phoenix companies re-emerge with the same directors very little drinking at all. On a more serious point, the in place. The hon. Gentleman is concerned that the right hon. Gentleman said that we need to think about system is not working. If he has not already done so, the police at this time of year because, although we may perhaps he will write to the Department for Business, be about to go on recess and will relax over Christmas, Innovation and Skills and set out the precise details of they have the responsibility of dealing with some of the the case of Medi-Vial to which he referred, so that we fallout of Christmas. Regrettably, as many Members can consider whether there are ways of improving the will know, one of the fallouts of Christmas is an increase system to ensure that directors who are not fit to run in domestic violence, which the police have to deal with. companies are precluded from doing so. He made a The right hon. Gentleman referred to the threat of a sensible suggestion about the Secretary of State exploring police station closure in Tottenham. He will know that further measures such as electronic systems to report the Mayor of London has said that the police station problems on line. 1095 Christmas Adjournment20 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Adjournment 1096

[Tom Brake] Subject to the outcome of consultation, it remains our policy to abolish the previous Government’s top-down The hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (John regional strategies, which threatened the green belt in McDonnell)made serious allegations about the activities around 30 towns and cities. We have not built enough of Hillingdon council that have not gone unnoticed. housing for decades. Unless we tackle that, future Those allegations are now on the record and I expect generations will have nowhere to live. That does not the council will want to respond. If he has not already mean that the countryside will be concreted over for done so, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will communicate housing. There is no Government policy on the amount his concerns to the local district auditor, which will of land needed for housing provision, and local councils want to investigate those serious allegations. I am surprised and communities are best placed to determine how if a new swimming pool has been built without a housing need should be met. contract— The hon. Gentleman went on to ask a number of specific questions for the Department for Communities John McDonnell: Would you like to see the report? and Local Government, to which I am sure it will want Tom Brake: The hon. Gentleman asks from a sedentary to respond. position whether I would like to see the report, but I I am afraid I did not make a note of the different trust that he has read that report carefully. If what he countries that were visited by the ex-leader to whom my says is the case, it concerns me greatly. I am sure that hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Sir Bob Russell) Hillingdon council and—if he communicates his concerns referred. Clearly, it was a large number of countries. —the district auditor, will want to pursue the serious Like him, I express some surprise that the ex-leader of issues raised. said council has found it necessary to visit quite so My hon. Friend the Member for St Austell and many continents. He could learn about local government Newquay (Stephen Gilbert) spoke about flooding and in some of the countries my hon. Friend named, but I listed villages and towns in his community that have suspect he took more to them than he took away. My been affected. Flooding is clearly a real and ongoing hon. Friend needs to raise the matter with the local risk to his constituents, and he mentioned the 19 flood district auditor, as I am sure he has, so that he can warnings currently in place and the £30,000 of damage investigate. I thought my hon. Friend would call at the that is typically caused to a home by flooding. The end of his speech for the Independent Parliamentary future of flood insurance is a priority for the Government Standards Authority to be brought in to introduce an and discussions with the Association of British Insurers expenses system to keep control of expenditure at Essex are continuing. However, the Government do not want county council. I waited, but the call did not come. to comment on the detail of those negotiations at this I should tell the hon. Member for Dover (Charlie stage as conducting such negotiations from the Dispatch Elphicke) how much my family enjoy visiting Dover Box is not good practice. castle, which is a fantastic destination for families. He We continue to seek a new approach that is better welcomed the new hospital coming to his constituency. than the statement of principles—which, as my hon. If I could temporarily abandon my hat as Deputy Friend said, is not perfect—and that genuinely secures Leader of the House, I would say, as the right hon. affordable flood insurance without placing unsustainable Member for Carshalton and Wallington, that I would costs on other policy holders and the taxpayer. The welcome a new St Helier hospital in my constituency. Government’s primary role is to reduce flood risk, and The hon. Gentleman referred to the port of Dover in recognition of that an extra £120 million was announced remaining as a community port. I lived in France for in the autumn statement for flood defences in England 10 years, so I hope he objected to the French not over the spending period. That is on top of the £2 billion because they are French, but because they are not that has already been committed. My hon. Friend British. raised interesting issues about the Bellwin scheme, and I hope that the Department for Communities and Local Charlie Elphicke indicated assent. Government will respond to his specific point about what he believes are anomalies in the way it works. Tom Brake: The hon. Gentleman nods in agreement, The hon. Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman) so he does not object to the French because they are named a number of constituents whom he thought French. I understand why he welcomes the news that his worthy of mention, and I certainly agree. He also port will be kept for local people—it is a positive highlighted how the Government are committed to development. localism and reversing the decades or indeed centuries Like my hon. Friend the Member for St Austell and of centralisation in this country. That reversal is probably Newquay, the hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton welcomed by Members on both sides of the House, who (Neil Parish) was concerned about flooding. Many Members recognise that the pendulum had swung too far. We are in flood-risk areas are worried about developments in now swinging it back the other way. areas that are liable to flood. He made an interesting On the hon. Gentleman’s specific concerns about proposal on dredging and whether an honorarium should Northumberland, the Government have set out clearly be introduced. The Department for Environment, Food our commitment to the protection of the green belt, and Rural Affairs might want to investigate that sensible ensuring that more than a third of England is safeguarded idea of an honorarium so that local people can take from inappropriate development. The national planning responsibility for ensuring that sluice gates are open at policy framework states that the Government attach the right time. great importance to the green belt, the fundamental aim The hon. Gentleman referred to— of which is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open. Neil Parish: Schmallenberg. 1097 Christmas Adjournment 20 DECEMBER 2012 1098

Tom Brake: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that Azerbaijan (Human Rights) clarification. It is not something that I encounter often in my suburban constituency. He highlighted the risk of Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House Schmallenberg and said that it is a growing challenge do now adjourn.—(Anne Milton.) for sheep farmers. 4.56 pm The hon. Gentleman also raised the issue of dogs helping kids. He may not have noticed, but at that Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): It is a point, Mr Deputy Speaker raised a sign encouraging great privilege to initiate the final debate of the year this the hon. Gentleman to sit, which I thought was cruel. afternoon. At the beginning of November, I went to Baku to attend the UN internet governance forum, and I was taken there by Nominet—I wish to put on record Neil Parish: I ignored it. my thanks for its generosity. It might seem strange for the United Nations to hold Tom Brake: Indeed—the hon. Gentleman ignored it. an internet governance forum in Azerbaijan. The internet I had an interesting conversation with my hon. Friend is one of the most free means of communication—it the Member for St Ives (Andrew George), who tells me was instrumental in facilitating recent political uprisings that pigs are nifty football players. Perhaps there is a during the Arab spring—but unfortunately the same role for pigs in helping kids. cannot be said in Azerbaijan. Before discussing the Last, but not least, the hon. Member for Cleethorpes human rights situation, I wish to take a moment to (Martin Vickers) demonstrated very well the purpose of describe this country on the Caspian. It is a very beautiful, the pre-recess Adjournment debate, which is to enable wild and mountainous country in the Caucasus. At no Members of Parliament to raise constituency matters. point in its history has Azerbaijan been a liberal democracy, He raised, very effectively, the issue of Scartho baths; as so unfortunately it has no such traditions to recover. a frequent swimmer myself, I like longer pools to swim From 1805 to 1991, it was part of the Russian empire, in, not smaller ones like that proposed in his neighbouring latterly of course in the Soviet Union. In fact, it was in constituency. His plea for his local authority to listen is Baku that the Tsars imprisoned Stalin. In the last 20 now on the record, and I hope that it will do so. He also years, the country has prioritised rapid economic raised concerns about the east coast main line, and I development, based on its substantial oil and gas reserves. will ensure that the Department for Transport is aware It is, I am afraid to say, the spiritual home of the 4x4, that Cleethorpes has disappeared. That is significant, and it has an unresolved conflict with its neighbour, and I know that the Leader of the House is also Armenia. concerned about that as a user of that service. That context may explain the human rights situation I thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, your staff, the in Azerbaijan, but it certainly does not excuse it. This House staff and staff in the office of the Leader of year, Azerbaijan has played host to two major international the House for helping, supporting and advising us, and events. The first, as many people are aware, was the I wish everyone a happy Christmas. Eurovision song contest. The second was the UN internet governance forum that I attended. Those two events Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): I wish to should have been an opportunity for Azerbaijan to step take this opportunity to wish Members all the best for forward and open up. Unfortunately, the opposite seems Christmas and the new year. I am sure that Cleethorpes to have happened, with the authorities clamping down will be returned. If not, those responsible will no doubt even more aggressively on journalists and critics of the find out that they are shark bait. regime. Question put and agreed to. At the moment, Baku is plastered with huge posters of President Aliyev, whose father—incidentally—was Resolved, also president. Most people, when they have photographs That this House has considered matters to be raised before the taken for political purposes, choose ones that are flattering. forthcoming adjournment. Unfortunately, I found President Aliyev’s 6-foot-wide grin more of a crocodile smile. The petty reality of life in an autocracy was brought home to me on the first morning when all the traffic on the motorway was held up for 20 minutes to allow the official motorcade to pass through, but the problems are far more serious than that. One might expect a Government who are trying to impress the rest of the world to be on their best behaviour, but while I was there the authorities continued to jam the BBC television channel.

5pm Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 9(3)). Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—(Anne Milton.) Helen Goodman: While I was there, the authorities continued to jam the BBC television channel and they held the trial of Avaz Zeynalli, who was accused of 1099 Azerbaijan (Human Rights)20 DECEMBER 2012 Azerbaijan (Human Rights) 1100

[Helen Goodman] confidence that these elections are freely and properly run and that people expressing many different opinions criticising the regime. The evidence was claimed to have can stand. been videoed, but neither the defendant nor his lawyer The year 2011 also saw mass protests in Baku and were shown the film. Finally, they hacked into the Guba. They were put down extremely aggressively and computer of Neelie Kroes’s staff while she attended the some of the demonstrators were imprisoned. Furthermore, conference. the state controls the conventional media—television, There is a long history of violence against journalists radio and newspapers—in a top-down way. Economic in Azerbaijan, which is documented by the Institute for development and urban renewal around Baku has been Reporters’Freedom and Safety, an Azeri non-governmental pursued without regard for individuals’ property rights. organisation. According to the institute, in 2005, Elmar The property of hundreds of people has been expropriated Huseynov, the editor of Monitor, was gunned down in to make way for luxury developments, and the Government Baku. In 2011, Rafiq Tagi, a critic of Iran and the have forcefully evicted home owners, sometimes in the impact of Islam on Azerbaijan, was stabbed and middle of the night. They have been left homeless and subsequently died. The level of intolerance is well illustrated destitute. In Baku, many people still live in a Kafkaesque by the case of Agil Khalil, who was assaulted and world where news stands do not sell any newspaper. In stabbed after investigating reports of trees being burned this situation, the internet provides a news space, and in an olive grove. In April this year, Idrak Abbasov was the Government claim that 60% of Azeri people have attacked by employees of the state oil company of broadband access, but the American organisation Freedom Azerbaijan while filming the destruction of residential House’s assessment is that the net is only half free, properties near an oil field outside Baku. He was beaten because the authorities mount cyber-attacks on dissident unconscious and was in hospital for a month. It is websites and arrest bloggers and IT users for their thought that he may have been targeted for exposing political writings on the web. human rights abuses in the run-up to the Eurovision As a member of the Council of Europe and signatory song contest. In fact, three weeks previously, he had of the European convention on human rights, Azerbaijan received The Guardian journalism award at the Index on is not simply breaching human rights, but breaching its Censorship freedom of expression awards here in London. international agreements. In fact, the Parliamentary There is then the case of Khadija Ismayilova, who I met Assembly of the Council of Europe will be discussing a at the IGF. She had previously worked for Radio Free draft resolution and report by rapporteur Strasser on Europe. Her flat was bugged and a sex video of her, political prisoners in Azerbaijan in January. The Azeri which was filmed secretly, was posted on the internet. Government refused to co-operate with rapporteur Strasser, Amnesty International has asked, in particular, that I but Amnesty International says that his report is thorough raise the case of Mehmen Hoseynov, who is facing five and extensive. years in prison. He is accused of hooliganism for filming Last week, on 12 December, the Parliamentary a protest on 21 May. Will the Minister raise his case Assembly’s monitoring committee said: with the Government of Azerbaijan and call for all “The combination of the restrictive implementation of freedoms charges against him to be dropped immediately and with unfair trials and the undue influence of the executive, results unconditionally? Index on Censorship is also concerned in the systemic detention of people who may be considered about the cases of Minas Sargsyan, Hilal Mamedov, prisoners of conscience”. Anar Bayramli, Jamal Ali and Faramaz Novruzoglu. I It continued: have e-mailed the Minister with the details of their “Recently adopted amendments to the Criminal Code…which cases, rather than detaining the House with the long have increased penalties for” stories attached to them, so that his office can look into those involved in them. “‘unauthorised’ gatherings…raise concern, as do alleged cases of Those cases are not isolated incidents; they are part torture and…the impunity of perpetrators.” of a systematic repression of free speech in Azerbaijan. In Azerbaijan, defamation is a criminal offence. Media Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): As chairman workers are persistently defamed and persecuted. Azerbaijan of the all-party group on Azerbaijan, I recognise some is the top jailer of journalists in Europe and Central of the concerns and challenges that the hon. Lady Asia. Index on Censorship estimates that there are raises. She talked earlier about the expropriation of currently 70 political prisoners in Azerbaijani jails. Freedom property and land, but would she not agree that the of expression, assembly and association are limited. expropriation of the land and property of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis by Armenia in 1992 is also a cause for concern and very wrong? Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): I was personally involved in trying to help during an election in Azerbaijan, Helen Goodman: I do not think that an international but the person I was trying to help was not even allowed conflict justifies Government repression of their own to enter the country to stand in the election. Does the people, whether in areas of conflict—some of the cases, hon. Lady agree that, until that sort of thing changes, about which I have written to the Minister, relate to the this will not be a great country? Nagorno-Karabakh problems—or elsewhere. The situation there simply does not justify the abuse of human rights Helen Goodman: The hon. Gentleman’s point is of Azerbaijani people across the country and, in particular, particularly pertinent because there will be a presidential in the capital city. election in Azerbaijan in 2013. It would be excellent if Given the situation and the UK’s strong relationship we could see some improvement in the openness of with Azerbaijan, will the Minister tell us what the Azerbaijani society, because it would give us greater British Government are doing to put pressure on 1101 Azerbaijan (Human Rights)20 DECEMBER 2012 Azerbaijan (Human Rights) 1102 the Azerbaijanis to improve their human rights record? international human rights instruments, but that is a In particular, will the Government support a strong part of life in the world community today. resolution calling on Azerbaijan to honour its commitments I will look carefully at the texts of the two resolutions and condemn the violation of basic freedoms—the that the hon. Lady talked about—from the European resolution will be discussed by the Parliamentary Assembly Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the of the Council of Europe in January? Will the Minister Council of Europe—although obviously I will want to also support rapporteur Strasser’s report on political see the final versions of the resolutions that emerge prisoners in Azerbaijan? from the respective parliamentary debates. However, It is important to remind ourselves that, when the whether we are looking at the Council of Europe, the British Government and Parliament stand up for human United Nations Human Rights Committee—where rights in other places, we do make progress. Last year Azerbaijan is due for its periodic review in 2013—or the many of us signed an early-day motion calling for the reports that the European Commission draws up to release of Emin Milli. He was imprisoned after posting examine progress by the six countries that are members a satirical video on YouTube criticising Government of the EU’s eastern partnership, it is important to note spending on importing donkeys from Germany. He was that Azerbaijan’s human rights record, like other areas released, came to Britain, was awarded a Chevening of its development, is rightly under international scrutiny scholarship and has just been awarded his master’s the whole time. degree. I look forward to hearing what the Minister has The hon. Lady made a good point about the forthcoming to say. presidential election. I very much hope that the Azerbaijani authorities will show, in actions as well as words, their clear commitment to a free and fair democratic election, 5.10 pm and that they will welcome and facilitate the presence of The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): I international observers who will be able to ensure that thank the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Helen international standards are met. When I visited Baku in Goodman) for introducing today’s debate and my hon. 2010, I had a meeting with the redoubtable Dame Friends the Members for Tamworth (Christopher Pincher) Audrey Glover, who was heading one of the international and for Beckenham (Bob Stewart) for the interest they observer teams for the parliamentary elections. It will have shown. be important to have international observers with the strength of character and independence of spirit of This is an important issue. The Foreign Secretary has Dame Audrey who can report openly and boldly to the said repeatedly that the defence and promotion of human world community on what is happening during the rights needs to be a central theme in the United Kingdom’s presidential election. foreign policy. It is important that that priority is reflected in our engagement, both private and public, with all Bob Stewart: I hope that those people who have fled countries in the world where there are human rights Azerbaijan will be allowed to go back for the presidential concerns and that we should be consistent in having election, perhaps to stand in some capacity in the those conversations with leaders of all countries, whether election. I hope that Azerbaijan will encourage that at those with which we have few diplomatic or commercial the forthcoming presidential election, because it certainly dealings or those—Azerbaijan is a case in point—where did not do so at the last one. there is an important United Kingdom commercial and investment relationship. In replying to the hon. Lady, I Mr Lidington: It is always welcome, and right, when am glad of the opportunity to explain the Government’s citizens of a country who have been obliged to flee feel position and place on record some of the actions that that they can return freely. As my hon. Friend knows, the Government have taken, and continue to take, to try however, one of the tragic legacies of the conflict in to support human rights defenders and promote a Nagorno-Karabakh is that people on the Azerbaijani culture of the rule of law and respect for human rights and the Armenian sides of the conflict remain displaced in Azerbaijan. decades later. That is why the United Kingdom strongly As the hon. Lady acknowledged, Azerbaijan is a supports the continuing efforts of the Minsk group to young and fast developing country with an increasing bring about a resolution to that tragic human story. It is presence on the international stage. It was only 20 years in the interests of both countries, and of the Caucasus ago that Azerbaijan gained its independence from the region more generally, that we should achieve a settlement Soviet Union. It is a committed contributor to the of the conflict and create political stability. That would international security assistance force mission in attract greater investment and create more prosperity in Afghanistan. Azerbaijan was elected as a non-permanent the region and allow those people who were displaced member of the UN Security Council in October 2011 by that bloody war to return to their homes. and, as the hon. Lady said, this year it hosted the Eurovision song contest. It is natural that, as Azerbaijan Christopher Pincher: Does my right hon. Friend support starts to secure a higher profile and play a greater role in the activities of the Azerbaijan forum for democracy, world affairs, so the world will take a greater interest in freedom and human rights in encouraging a free press Azerbaijan’s progress, including in meeting its international in that country? Ironically, some people here do not human rights commitments. One of the things I say to support a free press in our own country. Indeed, some many of my ministerial counterparts from other countries Members of this House would like to change the rules when we have conversations about human rights is that on defamation to make it more difficult to defame the we in the United Kingdom sometimes find it uncomfortable dead. or embarrassing when the various international bodies of which we are members hold us to account and Mr Lidington: In my conversations with Ministers, challenge us over our record on some aspects of not only in Azerbaijan but throughout the eastern 1103 Azerbaijan (Human Rights)20 DECEMBER 2012 Azerbaijan (Human Rights) 1104

[Mr Lidington] Helen Goodman: I am grateful to the Minister for his full reply, but because I am not sure how far along he is partnership, I certainly make clear the importance not with his remarks, I want to ask him whether he will only of electoral freedoms but of journalistic and broader commit the British Government to take up the individual media freedoms, so I can give my hon. Friend that cases I mentioned. I do not know whether he is going to assurance. come on that. We share the disappointment of our European partners at the slow progress that is being made in Azerbaijan on Mr Lidington: I was grateful to the hon. Lady for implementing reforms that would improve the human sending my office details earlier this week of the cases rights situation there and bring the country closer to the she intended to raise. So far, we do not have direct international standards to which she has committed contact with all the individuals she mentioned, but we herself. In addition to our bilateral engagement with the know that Human Rights Watch does have those individual Government of Azerbaijan, we work with local civil cases under review—and we support the work that society organisations to identify areas in which we can Human Rights Watch is already carrying out. In previous make a positive difference. Our embassy in Baku and meetings, I have raised individual cases with Azeri officials in London regularly engage with non-governmental Ministers—particularly the case of the blogger Eynulla organisations and human rights defenders, and we will Fatullayev, who was subsequently released and pardoned. continue to support a range of projects inside Azerbaijan I think that was due not only to my intervention but to a through our embassy. So far, these have included projects sustained international campaign. I shall certainly ask to advance property rights, highlight gender issues, for further advice on the individual cases that the hon. promote media freedom and support monitoring of the Lady has raised, so that I can consider opportunities to legal system. For example, officials from our embassy in take up those cases—if, I make this caveat, we judge Baku met independent media organisations to discuss that that is going to help to secure the outcome that media freedom in the city of Ganja last month. both she and I wish to see, which is a just outcome and respect for human rights and media freedom. The United Kingdom also continues to raise human rights with Azerbaijan multilaterally. We welcome the We played an active role in Azerbaijan’s universal human rights action plan, which President Aliyev has periodic review by the UN Human Rights Council approved. The test is going to be translating that action published in 2009. We are not satisfied that Azerbaijan plan into concrete reality and everyday practice. It is has yet made sufficient progress on some of the important that those commitments start to produce recommendations made. Key recommendations in that significant results. review included that Azerbaijan Earlier this month, the Government delegation at the “effectively investigate and prosecute crimes and violations against journalists and human rights defenders and see that those responsible Council of Europe raised a number of human rights are punished.” issues with the Azerbaijani counterparts, including free and fair elections, press freedom and the need to tackle The review conclusions also asked that corruption. We are also reminding Azerbaijan in the “complaints of harassment of journalists and human rights defenders light of its own upcoming presidency of the Council of receive prompt response and that adequate measures for their Europe in 2014 of the need to fulfil its obligations, safety are taken.” including in relation to strengthening institutions and Azerbaijan is scheduled for another review in 2013, and increasing the accountability of public officials. we will not hesitate to press for progress on these points, We support, too, the extensive work inside Azerbaijan dating back to the 2009 review, and other issues of of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in concern, including those raised by the hon. Lady today. Europe, especially its work on media freedom and the Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are rule of law. Last November, the OSCE office in Baku cornerstones of a democratic society. We are therefore organised two workshops bringing together print and concerned about reports from Human Rights Watch e-journalists and other media professionals, officials and Amnesty International highlighting the difficult from regional police departments and the Ministry of environment in which journalists work and the detentions Internal Affairs to promote further understanding and of leading journalists and activists. The UK has raised co-operation. Last month, the OSCE organised a training high-profile cases at official and ministerial level, including event on how to bring human rights cases effectively to in the recent past, and we are certainly willing to do so the European Court of Human Rights. again. In addition to raising the Fatullayev case, we The European Union, too, has an important role to have met, and have remained in contact with, the brother play in Azerbaijan’s future. It has, after all, an excellent of Vidadi Iskenderov, a human rights defender and track record of assisting post-communist countries to political activist currently serving three years in prison achieve European democratic values and norms. Promoting on charges of interfering with the 2010 parliamentary democratic reforms, fundamental freedoms and human elections. Embassy staff have also visited Shahin Hasani, rights are key priorities in EU-Azerbaijan relations. We the leader of the opposition Popular Front party, who is welcome the commitment President Aliyev made to in prison for possession of ammunition, a charge he political reform and democratic process in his recent refutes. meeting with EU Council President, Herman van Rompuy, The Government of Azerbaijan have indicated a and we encourage Azerbaijan to use the EU’s experience willingness to improve the situation for journalists, and in democracy building. Azerbaijan’s membership of the we hope rapid action is taken. On her recent visit to eastern partnership provides her with an opportunity to Baku to attend the UN internet governance forum, the get the kind of support and experience that will help her OSCE representative on freedom of the media, Ms Dunja to carry through that democratic transition. Mijatovic, commented that she had witnessed 1105 Azerbaijan (Human Rights)20 DECEMBER 2012 Azerbaijan (Human Rights) 1106

“the political will of the Azerbaijani authorities to improve the responsibility and play their part in securing a fair current practices to ensure better compliance with OSCE media outcome. Property rights must be respected and where freedom commitments.” they are violated independent courts should uphold OSCE representatives have worked with Azeri journalists those rights. We also call on Azerbaijan to uphold the to educate them on their rights. The UK has funded law and ensure freedom of religious practice. We urge workshops to improve the situation for journalists and the Azerbaijani authorities to adopt a form of non-military activists as well as to provide professional training, in service for conscientious objectors to military service. order to help raise journalistic standards and encourage The UK is the largest single foreign investor in impartial and responsible reporting. Azerbaijan. We are proud of our association with We have called on the authorities to allow freedom of Azerbaijan and the work we are doing there to achieve association in Azerbaijan and are concerned that new mutual prosperity. Our position as a big investor also laws are due to come into effect in January that will confers on us a responsibility to engage seriously on significantly increase the fines for unsanctioned protests. areas of policy where we and the Azerbaijanis may have Azerbaijan should avoid obstructing citizens exercising differences, including human rights and the rule of law. their lawful right to protest. We call on protest organisers We are well aware of that responsibility. I believe the and the authorities to work together constructively to Government have already shown that they are determined find a solution in line with European democratic norms. to have conversations, even difficult ones, on such issues We will continue to monitor that situation closely. with the Azerbaijani authorities, and we will continue to do so. On forced evictions and the compensation issue, our embassy is funding projects to increase public awareness Question put and agreed to. of property rights and to promote international standards in order to prevent forced evictions. However, we must 5.29 pm primarily look to the authorities in Azerbaijan to accept House adjourned.

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Other European countries have appointed a national Westminster Hall rapporteur. The rapporteur for the Netherlands is a former judge, and the Finnish rapporteur is a former Thursday 20 December 2012 Member of the Finnish Parliament. They do an excellent job in scrutinising their respective Governments’ action against human trafficking, as well as acting as a liaison [JOHN ROBERTSON in the Chair] with NGOs. The problem is that our Government have read the small print in the EU directive saying that countries can have an equivalent to the national rapporteur, BACKBENCH BUSINESS which is what the interdepartmental ministerial group is. The group did not start as a great success. In the first Human Trafficking 18 months, it met twice, and two thirds of the Ministers Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting gave their apologies. I know the Minister will say that be now adjourned.—(Mr Harper.) that has been dealt with, the group has published its annual report and it is doing its best, but I still do not 1.30 pm see how a group of Ministers can independently scrutinise what the Government are doing. That is also the view of Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): It is a great the all-party parliamentary group. Of course, we will pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Robertson. wait to see whether the interdepartmental ministerial I thank the Backbench Business Committee for granting group is successful, but we have a big question mark this debate, the first we have ever had in Parliament on over that. the Government report on human trafficking. I welcome the Minister for Immigration, my hon. Friend the Member The Government have rightly given over a whole for Forest of Dean (Mr Harper), to this debate on the chapter, chapter 2, to data and a true picture of human first annual report by the Inter-Departmental Ministerial trafficking. The report says, and the UK Human Trafficking Group on Human Trafficking. I also welcome him as Centre’s baseline assessment of the nature and scale of chairman of the group, and I look forward to his input. human trafficking in 2011 highlights, that the true The first thing he could do is to rename the group to number of trafficked victims is likely to be higher than something catchier and easier to pronounce. It would the 2,077 reported in 2011. The figures recorded by the also save a lot of trees if it were a shorter name to print. UK Human Trafficking Centre and the national referral I welcome the publication of the first annual report mechanism are only for victims who have been rescued on human trafficking, promised by the Government as and have agreed to go into the system. That is a bone of a fulfilment of the group’s role as the equivalent of a contention, especially with the NGOs. I am grateful to national rapporteur, as set out in the EU directive. As all the NGOs that gave input into the research that went my colleagues may know, I am not always wholly supportive into my speech, and I particularly thank my researchers of the European Union, but on this occasion I think it Adam Trundle, Jack Spriggs and Emma Wade for their was absolutely right that we opted in, and I think the efforts in putting it together. pressure from the all-party parliamentary group against Irrespective of how we come up with the number of human trafficking helped the Government come to victims, it is a number of victims. Suppose that the their sensible conclusion. figure of 2,077 is the correct number of rescued victims To pick up on something the Government have put in the UK last year. The NGOs would say that it is into legislation as a result of the directive, the Protection higher, but assuming that it is correct, does that represent of Freedoms Act 2012 now allows UK nationals who 10% of the overall number of people trafficked? If so, commit trafficking offences to be prosecuted even if more than 20,000 people were trafficked into this country those offences are not connected with the UK. That is a last year. If the figure represents 5%, we can double that welcome change in the law, as is the power to prosecute number. Whatever figure we use, trafficking is a huge traffickers for non-sexual trafficking offences for the problem. It is an evil crime, and we are not yet getting to first time. the bottom of the scale of it. My hon. Friend the Before moving on, I thank the Government for what Member for South West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous) they have done and for their commitment to fighting may wish to talk later about the effective slave camp in the evil crime of human trafficking. What I say in this his constituency that existed for almost 30 years without debate will be constructive criticism; I will delve into the anybody noticing. I think the level of trafficking is a report and suggest areas where the Government could great deal higher than has been recorded, and we must improve. My hon. Friend the Minister will not be work towards a solution. surprised if I start with the rapporteur situation. I had a I turn to the section I consider the most important. great deal of difficulty finding the relevant part of the To be fair to the Government, they highlighted it in report, but it is right at the end, in chapter 10, paragraph 19. their initial strategy as one of the most important. In Under the EU directive, a national rapporteur is chapter 6, the Government recognise the vulnerability recommended to report independently on the Government’s of child victims of human trafficking. However, the action against human trafficking and be the overarching report says little about care arrangements for trafficked body for collecting intelligence. In my view, setting up a children. There is just one paragraph about it, 6.1. national rapporteur could reduce the cost within Support and care for child victims of trafficking is Departments. An independent rapporteur might also one of the most important issues that need addressing be more approachable by non-governmental organisations in the UK. Under current legislation, child victims of that might be sceptical of a Government-led organisation, trafficking are treated much like any other at-risk children which would lead to greater data sharing and a better and are under the primary control of local authorities, picture of the real number of trafficking victims. which often means they are placed in care homes with 313WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 314WH

[Mr Peter Bone] excellent example of how Government funding can be used in conjunction with committed, child-focused NGOs non-trafficked children, where security and staff observation that can set up and run safe homes for child victims. are limited. Unfortunately, that has led on many occasions We always think we are ahead of the game and on top to the horrifying situation of a child who escaped of social care. In 2010, I went to see a safe home in the trafficking being trafficked once more. Philippines. Children who had been trafficked in the To put that in perspective, take a 15-year-old child most horrible way came into the home traumatised, and who has been trafficked into this country and forced left within two years. I attended the wedding of one of into prostitution. If we actually think about what the trafficked children. We should be able to run that prostitution is, anyone in prostitution who does not sort of project in this country, and not let these poor want to be there is suffering repeated rape day after day. children be re-trafficked. Lo and behold, the police come and rescue her, and I strongly urge the Minister and the Government to they do a really good job of it; the police are very good expand the Barnardo’s pilot scheme into a national at rescuing victims. If all that happens is that she is put policy and to consider seriously adopting child safe in a care home, and the traffickers know where she is, homes as an alternative to local authority care for they can re-traffic her. That is a scandal. There has been trafficked children. It will have cost implications for the some national publicity relating to internal trafficking, Government—in that it will save them money. For but the problem remains. example, local government pays £30,000 a year to look Many local authorities are not even aware of the after a child in the normal system; but give just a part of dangers of human trafficking of children in care. They that money to the NGOs and they would look after that often report missing children as just missing, without child far better. The child could go into society, could investigating the possibility that they have been re-trafficked. go home, as a proper individual. It is the biggest single Responsibility for children’s care locally falls on local element of the problem. authorities, but nationally it falls on the Department for I am sorry that my speech is running a little longer Education. Instead of a clearly defined Department or than I had hoped. I want to cover a couple more points. authority in charge of trafficked children’s care and Chapter 5.50 of the report refers to the joint investigation welfare, there is confusion over who is ultimately teams. The Government rightly recognise the good job accountable. that JITs do. I recently attended a seminar hosted by the For the first time in this country—I certainly cannot all-party group for global uncertainties. Detective Chief think of another example—the provision of care for Inspector Nick Sumner, from the specialist and economic trafficked adults is better than that for trafficked children. crime command at the Metropolitan Police, gave us a How we treat child victims of trafficking is the key issue good insight into the law enforcement side of human the Government face in our fight against this great evil. trafficking. He mentioned the vital role that JITs play in A Government contract of nearly £2 million to the combating trafficking at home and abroad, the results Salvation Army includes support and accommodation of which can be seen already, for example in Operation for adult victims of trafficking. The big society model Golf in 2008. That joint operation between the Romanian of allowing the Salvation Army to allocate resources to and British police and prosecution services was a resounding local charities around the country leads to a system of success, with 87 people arrested for trafficking offences care and protection that allows adult victims of trafficking and 272 victims rescued. to return home, or recover and live a worthwhile life in Detective Sumner raised the issue that funding for this country. There is no such independent, specialised JITs is not guaranteed in the future. I strongly recommend provision for child victims of trafficking. that this vital resource be well funded and supported, The welfare of children is the responsibility of local because the results of such bilateral operations seem to authorities, which often do not recognise that trafficking show that they are the most successful way to tackle and is an issue in their areas and often provide substandard destroy these gangs. To get on top of human trafficking, care to trafficked children. As co-chairman of the all-party we must destroy the gangs of serious criminals involved. group on human trafficking, I issued a freedom of Trafficking is the second most profitable organised crime, information request to all local authorities on the number behind drugs. The advantage of it is that there is much of trafficked children in their care; very few were able to less chance of being caught. We must protect the funding give me any numbers whatsoever. When I asked the few for JITs. who took the matter seriously how many of those Chapter 6.57 mentions international development aid. children then disappeared, the answer was that a staggering The Government have only just started to realise the 80% to 90% went missing again. That is not good great advantage of such aid, and a little bit is happening. enough. I do not criticise the Government; they have Overseas aid money could be usefully spent in source recognised the problem and initiated a pilot scheme. countries in two ways. First, it could be spent on prevention Barnardo’s currently leads the pilot scheme for children- measures, which we would all welcome, such as paying centred, care-orientated safe homes. They are designed NGOs to promote education, perhaps in schools and for child victims of trafficking only and provide them universities, warning of the dangers of trafficking. I saw with the necessary support, which the local authority such schemes in Moldova. care system does not provide. Recently, nine child-centred Secondly, we need the money to be given to NGOs, in non-governmental organisations, including Love146 and Romania for example. There are trafficking victims in Barnardo’s, formed an alliance on care for trafficked this country whom we are looking after at taxpayers’ and exploited children. The alliance recently made a bid expense—£30,000 or £40,000 a year—and who want to to the Department for Education to deliver specialised go home but cannot, because their families would be residential care for child victims. If successful, it will be persecuted or, worse still, they would be re-trafficked if able quickly to set up five residential care homes. It is an they went back to their village. Sending them home to 315WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 316WH safe houses—in Romania, for example—run by local The all-party group seeks to increase awareness of NGOs with the support of our overseas aid money the evil of human trafficking not only at home, but would be a good use of that money. I have discussed across Europe. Through funding from the EU Commission, this with the Secretary of State for International members of the all-party group have travelled to other Development and she seemed sympathetic. I wrote to countries’ Parliaments to create a European network to her with suggestions. raise awareness of the national and transnational nature I shall pass over the next point I was going to make of human trafficking. Some European countries have and move on to my last couple of points. Chapter 4.28 been very good, but the French and the Germans say covers victim prosecutions. It is a difficult issue and I that there is no trafficking in their countries, which is understand the Government’s problem. The non- completely absurd. We want to create a network of governmental organisations and I say that if someone, European groups or sub-committees that are similar to perhaps a young child, is trafficked to work in a cannabis the all-party group—APGs are not recognised in other factory in this country—a criminal activity—and that Parliaments—and we are working towards that. factory is raided and broken up by the police, the child The Anti-Slavery Day Act 2010 was skilfully taken working in the factory should not be prosecuted, because through Parliament by Anthony Steen in the dying days they were trafficked. They were not given an option; of that Session. While we were all worrying about our they were forced to perform the illegal activity. The seats, Anthony was busy railroading it through. As a Attorney-General has repeatedly given Government result, anti-slavery day is celebrated on 18 October each assurances that it is not Crown Prosecution Service year. I pay tribute to the Prime Minister, who held a policy to prosecute such people, but NGO after NGO reception at No. 10 Downing street, for his key interest has cases of people forced into illegal activity and then and support in this area, which is a key priority of the prosecuted. coalition. I also thank Anthony Steen for his extraordinary I agree with the Government on one issue. The report work. If it had not been for him, that Act would not states: have happened and, more importantly, there would not be this level of awareness about human trafficking. “A small number of trafficked victims may be prosecuted for offences they have committed as a consequence of their trafficking There is one action that I want the Minister seriously situation”. to consider. The Prime Minister has appointed ambassadors in many other fields; if he appointed Anthony Steen as The NGOs that I work with would throw up their hands one on this issue, he could be introduced with the in horror at that and say that it is wrong, but I understand authority of the Prime Minister when we visit overseas that there is a moral dilemma. If someone is trafficked Parliaments. I welcome all that the Government and the for sexual exploitation, they get into prostitution, though Minister are doing, but I think that that would be one they may not want to, and move up the gang chain. easy step to take. They then become a recruiter of young girls, by moving back to their home country and trafficking girls, while knowing full well what the girls will have to go through. Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): I I agree that there is a case for prosecuting those people. very much welcome my hon. Friend’s proposal. There is a recent precedent, in that the Prime Minister has Finally, I turn to an omission that I hope was made in appointed several trade envoys to different countries—from, error. Nowhere in the report is there mention of the I think, all parties—so the proposal would be similar to all-party group on human trafficking. It may be that the steps already taken by the Prime Minister. Prime Minister deliberately wanted my name removed from anything relating to Government; I quite understand Mr Bone: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his that possibility. intervention, and I agree with him. Such a step would be a clear indication to Parliament that the Government Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): But not Mrs Bone’s. are taking human trafficking very seriously.

Mr Bone: No. Mrs Bone is not mentioned either, 1.55 pm which is an even greater sin. Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): I was not expecting I am sure that the Prime Minister recognises the great to be called at this point, Mr Robertson. I have not work done by the all-party group, which I want to speak carefully prepared a speech, because I have just hauled more about. It was originally set up by the most myself off my sick bed to be here. knowledgeable and brilliant person in the fight against human trafficking—Anthony Steen, the former Member I care passionately about this issue, and I am concerned of Parliament for Totnes, who I think is following this that the report has initially been half-buried by the debate closely. It is one of the largest all-party groups in Home Office. It was not scheduled for debate by Parliament, with more than 60 members from the the Government. After I raised in business questions Commons and the Lords, and representatives from the issue of debating the report, I had a very nice letter every political party. This parliamentary group, which I from the Minister—it arrived on 18 December, so very am honoured to co-chair with Baroness Butler-Sloss, recently—saying, “Oh, we are doing all these things”. has put pressure on the Government to sign up to the The problem with the report is that it does not do EU directive, asked parliamentary questions to hold the what it says on the tin. We are told that we have an Government to account on human trafficking and Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group on Human scrutinised the Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group Trafficking. I share the view of the chair of the all-party on Human Trafficking to ensure that it meets regularly group, the hon. Member for Wellingborough (Mr Bone), and delivers an annual report, which we are now happily that the title would be a long one for any organisation. debating. The group was originally conceived by the previous 317WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 318WH

[Fiona Mactaggart] when we had a high public campaign on the matter. I remember looking at the artwork for a poster that Government as a mechanism for driving achievement suggested to young men using men’s lavatories that they on a set of targets in their anti-trafficking strategy by could go in a punter and come out a criminal. There ensuring that different Departments took the actions was a campaign that was designed to raise public awareness required to achieve those targets. Departments had of the offence and to secure a commitment in police taken responsibility for that, but frankly they are not forces to prosecute the offence. doing so now. The figure for subsequent years is not available—I I wrote to the Department for Business, Innovation fear that it might be fewer than 43, and yet we all know and Skills on 19 November about the important issue of that many more than 43 men are paying for sex with slavery in company supply chains. That is absolutely an women who are under duress. issue for BIS, which is currently considering how regulations will apply. It has said that it will regulate human rights Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): Does my reporting, which in my view ought to include reporting hon. Friend share my concern that, in addition to the on the use of slavery in company supply chains, particularly facts that she has so eloquently expressed, the maximum after the shocking revelations about a company of the sentence under section 14 is £1,000, which is a lot of status of Marks and Spencer using slave labour to money to some people and not a lot to others, and yet supply chickens. Some time later, I received an e-mail none of those 43 people who were found guilty of the from something called the BIS transfers team—obviously, offence was fined that? They got away with paying sums there is a whole team to get rid of irritating letters from of £200 to £300 for what is a very serious offence. people such as me—that stated: “Thank you for your letter about use of slavery in the supply chains of UK companies. Yourcorrespondence has been transferred Fiona Mactaggart: Indeed. Unfortunately, that is one to the Home Office in view of that Department’s responsibility of the risks of a strict liability offence; it tends to have a for the matters raised in your letter.” lower penalty. It would have been good had there been It suggested that I should follow that up with the Home something tougher, but what I am hearing from the Office, which has not responded, and it also apologised police is, “Oh whoops, we can’t prosecute because we “for any delay in advising you of the transfer of your letter.” have to prove both that she is under duress and also that he has offered to pay her.” The police keep telling me It seems to me that the job of aninterdepartmental that they cannot do two things at once, which is a bit ministerial group ought to be to do what Ministers do, sad really. What they need is someone to drive them to which is to run things, to ensure that policy is delivered do it. The only person who will do that is the Minister and to develop new policy. I do not think that the who will reply to this debate. I am expecting him to do group’s members are doing that and, as the chair of the that, and I hope that the figures that we see over the all-party group said, neither are they an independent next couple of years will be an improvement on the 43 rapporteur. Britain has a great tradition of independent prosecutions that we know of already. inspectors and rapporteurs helping our public services to do a good job. If we look at the chief inspectors of prisons and of schools or at the ombudsmen, we can see The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): On that we have pioneered independent reporting mechanisms. that specific point about the priority that police forces Yet the group is not one of those, and the report is should attach to prosecuting the offence, it is not me weaker for that, because it does not have a comprehensive who should drive that. The right person to do that and picture of all that could be or is being done. for MPs to raise this with is the police and crime Unfortunately, because the report was made by the commissioner. The police and crime commissioners will Government about the Government, in my view it be setting out the policing plan for their particular areas suffers from spin. As I have said, I have not been able to and they will need to tell the chief constable that this prepare a detailed speech from my sick bed, but I will matter is important and is something that they should give the Chamber two examples of that spin, which are be making a priority. Then they should make it clear to do with legislation and its effectiveness. Paragraph 5.97 that the resources are available. of the report proudly cites a piece of legislation that I helped to push through Parliament. The hon. Member Fiona Mactaggart: The Minister is right from a month for Wellingborough mentioned Anthony Steen’s efforts ago, but up until a month ago—for the whole of 2011 to push through his Anti-Slavery Day Bill in the dying and for most of 2012—it was him and his predecessor days of the last Government. Section 14 of the Policing who were responsible. In 2011 and 2012, I expect to see and Crime Act 2009 was the legislation that I pushed a pathetic number of prosecutions, because the number through. Many Ministers thought that I would not be in 2010 was pathetic. I have already spoken about the able to do so in the dying days of a Government, but I matter to the police and crime commissioner in Thames did. The paragraph states: Valley whose main concern seems to be with wildlife “The UK is committed to tackling the harm and exploitation crime—I will not go down that route right now. That is that can be associated with the sex industry”. what happens when a person does not prepare a speech It refers to good progress and has just got out of their flu bed. “in terms of legislation. In 2010 an offence which criminalises This is a very serious issue for the Government, and it those who pay for the sexual services of a prostitute subjected to is not sufficient to say that the police and crime force was introduced. Section 14 of the Policing and Crime Act commissioners must let the flowers bloom. Human 2009 created a strict liability offence”. trafficking is an international crime that needs national My hon. Friend the Member for Luton South (Gavin effort to solve. There will be parts of the country that Shuker) has uncovered the fact that there were 43 say, “It does not happen here,” and the Minister knows prosecutions for that offence in 2010, which was a year that they are wrong. I remember the hon. Member for 319WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 320WH

South West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous) telling the falls down on those requirements. I do not believe that all-party parliamentary group that that had been his the Government want to fall down on this issue; I do experience after the discovery of the horrible events in not believe that. I am not saying that the intentions of his constituency. He described how shocked people the Government are malign—they are not. were to discover that in a very pleasant part of the Nevertheless, there is an ineffectiveness to this kind country, such exploitation could occur. This matter of report. It attempts to big up things that are good, for needs national Government leadership. It is spin to example joint investigation teams. However, when we claim, as the report does, that action, which I am proud look under the surface of those things, difficulties arise. to have been an author of, is going to do much more When I talked to Steve Gravett, it looked like joint than it has done so far. investigation teams had a short future. The second claim of spin is in paragraph 7.29, which Is it not time for us to be big enough to be completely states: open about the effectiveness of what we are doing on “Whilst traffickers’ attempts to move victims”— international trafficking? What we are doing is not as of domestic servitude— good as we want it to be; it is not good enough, but it is to the UK illegally are likely to continue, the changes to the route better than what we did before. That is fine, but it is not of entry for overseas domestic workers coming to the UK to work fine for the Government to produce something that is in the private household of their employer means that”— too much in the way of spin. That is sad and I expected wait for it— more of this Government, and of any British Government. “fewer will be eligible to come to the UK and as a result the risk of abusive relationships developing in this visa category should 2.11 pm reduce further.” Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): Thank Well, that is nonsense. Every single study of this matter, you very much, Mr Robertson, for calling me to speak. It is of which, I think, there have been three by the Home a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship. I congratulate Affairs Committee, have concluded unanimously—many my hon. Friend the Member for Wellingborough (Mr of the parties involved had believed that kind of nonsense Bone) on lobbying the Backbench Business Committee to start with—that the overseas domestic workers’ visa for this debate, and it is good to see Members from all was one of the best protections against human trafficking. parts of the House debating this really serious and In the report “Service not Servitude”, which I wrote last important issue. year to mark international slavery day, there is compelling evidence to show that the introduction of the overseas I will focus on one aspect of human trafficking that I domestic workers’ visa reduced exploitation. It did not became aware of in my constituency back in September end it—I am not claiming that—but it reduced the 2011, and I will go on to show that, sadly, it was not an levels of abuse and exploitation experienced by migrant isolated case, because something along similar lines was domestic workers. If we compare the level of reported reported in the press the next week. I will end by abuse in 1996 with that in 2010, we will see that the suggesting a number of ways that all of us—MPs, number of migrant workers who were expected to work police officers, local councils and above all the public—can 17 hours a day or more was halved. The visa cut come together to play a combined part in trying to significantly the proportion of such workers who were eradicate human trafficking from our country. denied time off and who had faced psychological abuse. The first thing that I will say in that regard is that It more than halved physical abuse and it reduced human trafficking is not just about people being trafficked sexual abuse by a quarter. Those are just one set of from Asia or eastern Europe into this country. That is, figures showing the impact that the visa has had on of course, a very big part of human trafficking, and it is migrant workers. appalling. Human trafficking is, at one and the same This Government are not alone in thinking that time, both a global scourge and capable of being so abolishing the visa might be one way of controlling intensely local that it can be happening right under our immigration and that it actually might be a sensible noses. thing to do. Previous Labour Governments thought so When more than 200 police raided a Traveller site just too, and started consultations on doing it. I was part of outside Leighton Buzzard in my constituency in September the campaigns that prevented them from doing so because 2011, they rescued 22 victims. Among them, there were we were able to produce compelling evidence that showed Romanians, Poles and people from other eastern European the extent to which trafficking for domestic servitude countries, but the vast majority were British citizens increases. I am shocked and sad that the report, which is who had been trafficked from all around the country to supposed to be the report of a rapporteur, is actually come to work as slave labourers in Bedfordshire, so I promoting spin about Government policy. Every single want to set a marker at this stage of the debate to say independent analysis of the overseas domestic workers’ that when we are talking about trafficking, yes, we are visa makes it quite clear that it was one of the best talking about people from Romania, Ukraine, Thailand protections for overseas domestic workers against domestic and Nigeria, but also about people from Wembley, servitude. Southampton, Leeds and Birmingham, who are taken Consequently, I am depressed about this debate, not against their will and forced to work in other parts of only because it has got me out of my sick bed but our country. I just want to be clear that that is recognised, because we are better than this, we care more than this, that it is part of this debate, and that it is as much we can do more than this and we do not want to be human trafficking as is the international dimension. “spinners”. We believe that we can be transparent, Going back to September 2011, after a considerable frank and honest about our successes and failures in period of surveillance, Bedfordshire police and Hertfordshire dealing with this appalling crime. However, as can be police got together more than 200 police officers to go seen from just the two examples I have given, the report on to the Greenacres Traveller site outside Leighton 321WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 322WH

[Andrew Selous] That was in my constituency. We have had the trial; actually, there will be a retrial, because the police want Buzzard early one Sunday morning. They rescued 22 victims to press further charges. Nevertheless, we have had of slavery or human trafficking. Some of them had some convictions. I pay tribute to those MPs who, in the been on that site for 15 to 20 years—a very, very long last Parliament, ensured that the Coroners and Justice time. Act 2009 was passed. I am thinking particularly of I am pleased to say that there has been a trial, and section 71, headed “Slavery, servitude and forced or that James Connors is now in prison for 11 years, Josie compulsory labour”, because that section enabled Connors is in prison for four years, and Tommy and Bedfordshire police to bring those successful prosecutions. Patrick Connors were convicted of holding and forcing That shows that what we do in this House can have an men to work, so the justice system has worked, but I effect and does work. want to put on the record what life was like for the I had thought that this incident in my constituency victims of human trafficking on that site during that was perhaps an isolated, though particularly horrid, period, and I think Members will be quite shocked one; it is one that, as the hon. Member for Slough when they hear some of the things that went on. (Fiona Mactaggart) said, I have often recounted to members of the all-party group on human trafficking. The people who were forced to work were often given However, only last week I saw on the BBC website that next to no food. They were forced to wash in cold water. in Gloucestershire, the county from which the Minister They often worked 19-hour days, and at the end of comes, there had been another trial, and five other those days they were forced to come back and immaculately people also called Connors—I do not know if they are clean the caravans of the slave-owners for whom they related to the other Connors—had been found guilty of were working. keeping their own private work force and of treating They were also physically abused. When the police their victims in a similar manner. arrived at the site, they found that many of the victims On the site in Gloucestershire, some of the victims had injuries. The victims had often been punched, kicked were from Leeds, and one had been picked up at the or hit with broom handles. The men were told that if YMCA hostel in Birmingham. The victims had been they used the toilets and washing facilities in the caravans forced to work in Gloucestershire, Leicestershire and of the Connors family they would have their legs and Nottinghamshire, and had been trafficked to eastern arms broken. They were forced either to use a bucket or Europe and Russia to work; the same happened in the to go outside into the woods. One of the victims was case in Bedfordshire. This is a case of British citizens forced into the boot of a family car and forced to sing being trafficked to work in eastern Europe and Russia, children’s songs. as well as in different parts of this country. It is not just The people exploiting these men made millions of a trade into this country; British citizens are being pounds by forcing these vulnerable people to work trafficked to work outside this country, and are desperately without pay, in some cases for nearly two decades. exploited. When the police turned up on that morning in September 2011, some of the victims had broken bones, scars and Mr Harper: I want to put on record that the case in fresh wounds from abuse that they had recently suffered. Gloucestershire—I am pleased to say that the family members were found guilty last week and were sentenced It is fair to say that most of the victims on that site to time in prison yesterday—required a year-long police had fallen on hard times of one sort or another. They operation, including a long five-month surveillance period had been found by members of the Connors family in by Gloucestershire constabulary. Picking up the point night shelters, soup kitchens and jobcentres. They included made by the hon. Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart), a wide variety of individuals. One was a Gulf war I am pleased that Gloucestershire constabulary takes veteran who had served this country with distinction; such cases very seriously and is willing to put significant another was a former priest. Many others were just at effort into them. That, and the example given by my difficult stages in their lives. hon. Friend the Member for South West Bedfordshire When the men arrived at the site, their heads were (Andrew Selous), should be a lesson to all police forces shaved, and their possessions and papers were taken about taking such cases seriously across the country. from them, which is very reminiscent of what happened in the concentration camps. They were generally unable Andrew Selous: I am grateful to my hon. Friend the to shower, except on a Friday night, and there was a Minister for making that point. The case required reason for that; it was because on Saturdays they were considerable resources from Bedfordshire police, which forced to go and knock on doors, to try to drum up is a fairly small force. It, too, had to do months and more work for the block paving business that was the months of surveillance, as well as all the work after the main business of the Connors family at the time. raid. Assembling all the information needed for the trial made a considerable demand on its resources. Now that The press reported the trial, which took place in convictions have been made, I hope that at least some of Luton Crown court earlier this year, as the ill-gotten proceeds of the Connors family in “the first quasi-slavery trial in this country for over 200 years.” Bedfordshire will be used to recoup the costs incurred Many of the victims said that, rather than the Connors by Bedfordshire police in manning the operation. I family hiring machinery, the victims had been used to hope that the same can happen in Gloucestershire. carry out very heavy manual work. One man who had Going back to what happened in Gloucestershire, been promised £80 a day told the police that in the some of the victims had been working on Traveller sites 15 years that he had worked for the Connors family he in Gloucestershire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire— received a total of £80. Another victim described life on and also outside the United Kingdom—for nearly two the site as “beatings, starvation and work.” decades. Physical violence was a regular part of what 323WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 324WH they endured. They were beaten, hit with broom handles, We all have a role—Members of Parliament, local belts, a rake, and a shovel, and were punched and councillors, local authorities, the police and members of kicked. They were stripped and hosed down with cold the public. Here is a great initiative from Bedfordshire, water. They were given so little food that in many cases and I commend it to colleagues. I am sure that together they had to scavenge from dustbins. The people they we can take further action. were working for—it was the same in Bedfordshire—had luxury caravans and top-of-the-range kitchens. They Fiona Mactaggart: I commend the initiative of the enjoyed expensive foreign holidays and drove a Mercedes local councillor. Stop the Traffik has produced resources and even a Rolls-Royce. that help people, including a “travel safe” resource. Can the Minister tell us whether posts overseas have produced Similar levels of work were required. Again, the work such resources to give to those who are accompanying was in the block paving business or laying manholes. people, under the new visit system, as a migrant domestic The victims were often required to work six days a assistant? That would be a simple way of helping to week, sometimes seven, from dawn until dusk. One of reduce exploitation in domestic servitude of the kind them said that slaps were a way of life. One of the that I talked about. victims ran away from the Gloucestershire site back to Leeds, where he was from, but Miles Connors went to Andrew Selous: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for Leeds that day to bring him back, which shows the level raising that question. I can see my hon. Friend the of fear and intimidation. I make no apology for putting Minister has made a note of it; I am sure that he will graphically on the record the events in these two cases. pick up that point when he responds to the debate. I want to focus on what all of us can do to try to bring such cases to an end. We all have a role, particularly 2.27pm the customers of the Connors in both Bedfordshire and Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): I am pleased to Gloucestershire who actually bought block paving from take part in this debate, and particularly to follow the them and had their drives block-paved. It is not simply hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire (Andrew up to the police, the local council and Members of Selous), who has outlined horrendous events. For the Parliament to spot these things. Yes, we all absolutely reasons he explained, I joined the all-party group and have a role, but the police can fully do their job only if went with the hon. Member for Wellingborough (Mr Bone) the public are their eyes and ears. If someone is having —he is my hon. Friend for this afternoon—to the their drive re-laid and the people re-laying it look as Backbench Business Committee to ask for this debate. though they have not had a square meal in ages, and It is incredible that we live in a country that has slavery. look fearful, frightened and emaciated, that person has Indeed, the Government could take one small initiative a duty to contact the police to alert them to their and change the name of their working group to the concerns. It is much better to make that call and find “ministerial counter-slavery group”, so that we are very that nothing is wrong than to stay silent and allow clear about what is going on here. It has been going on victims to go on being intimidated for year after year. It for decades. is not just Traveller sites; whether we are in shops or Although I was shocked by the circumstances that have restaurants, or visiting factories, we all have a duty, and been described, I was also pretty shocked by the lightness we all need to see what can be done. of the sentences. When we think that two decades of I pay tribute to Councillor Kristy Adams from the some people’s lives have been taken away—there are Newnham ward of Bedford borough council. She shares several of them in several areas—to merely get a sentence our concern and passion on this issue. She has done of a decade or three or four years is pretty small beer for something that I have been trying to do for a long time, the wickedness committed. There are many wickednesses which is to provide a checklist of signs to look for to try in this world. Of those that are human-made, this clearly to spot victims of human trafficking. She has produced must rank as one of the great ones. I find it puzzling a little bookmark with a list of signs and information that there is not much anger and interest in the country on what to do if someone has suspicions. I will read out to counter this evil that stalks among us. What would what it says, if I may, so that it is on the record, because Wilberforce have made of this if he had come back or it is so helpful. At the top of the bookmark, it says: been contacted in a séance? What would he make of his “Is the person you are with a victim of Human Trafficking?” campaign and our behaviour that follows it? It has a number of pointers: Although I welcome and congratulate the Government on the landmark publication in October of the first “Doesn’t know home/work address? Expression of fear, distrust, anxiety? As an individual or group, movements are restricted by annual report of what I would like to be called “the others? Limited contact with family and/or friends? Money deducted ministerial counter-slavery group,”which is a step forward, from salary for food and/or accommodation? Passport/documents I do not want anyone to be complacent. I do not want held by someone else? Recognise any of the above? Please call 101 to part company with the hon. Member for Wellingborough, or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.” but if we look at it, our record in Europe is pretty Councillor Kristy Adams is going to make sure that the appalling. Most of us, including me, have a superior bookmarks are with the police, local authorities, and as attitude to Europe, but we are many, many years behind many people as possible in Bedfordshire who can take our European partners. Belgium, for example, has published action. She wants to provide the bookmarks to raise 15 reports, and we have published one; this is a priority public and front-line workers’ awareness of human of the coalition Government, and we have one report. trafficking. She wants to provide training on how to That is not the only thing Belgium has done, because it identify a trafficked individual and who to contact, and has been quite active. she wants to set up a human trafficking working group Although I thank the Backbench Business Committee, in Bedfordshire to deal with these issues. That is a it is extraordinary that, for what is a Government fantastic initiative from a local councillor. priority, we had to go to the Committee to ask for a 325WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 326WH

[Mr Frank Field] and made to work. Is there anything more shameful going on? What a move it would make if we had a debate. If I were heading a Government and this was a ministerial group driven by the Minister—I do not priority, I would want to talk about it, report on it and doubt for a moment that such a group would be ably gain as much support for it as I could. We should not driven—and backed up by a national rapporteur. get too complacent. One of the many things we might My concern is that, unless we make that breakthrough, ask the Minister is: when are we next going to debate we will not make the progress that I hope the Minister the topic on the Floor of the House in Government will tell us he hopes to achieve. No other group in this time? country believes that it should act as judge and jury on Secondly, most European countries allocate its own case. It is important that the Government have parliamentary time to discuss and debate their reports an independent jury to consider what is going on, for and the recommendations made by their rapporteurs. the report goes into great detail on the number of Again, I emphasise the point made by my hon. Friend initiatives introduced by the Government. That progress, the Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart): there is all of course, is to be cheered and welcomed by everyone the difference in the world between a group of Ministers with an interest, but little effort has been made to occasionally coming together to debate a topic of the analyse the impact and effectiveness of those initiatives. day, and having a person with a small number of staff Where in the report can we look at outcomes? What and the responsibility to drive the policy. We would outcomes are being set by the interdepartmental ministerial know that that person is responsible and will be group—when its members can find the time to turn up? ridiculed—or perhaps even sacked—if they do not do Why should that be so? The answer is plainly obvious: what Parliament wishes them to do. there is naturally a conflict of interest between the The report is a small beginning, and I hope, as both Government retaining responsibility for both the design my hon. Friend the Member for Slough and the hon. and implementation of anti-trafficking strategies, and Member for Wellingborough said, that we have clear the subsequent evaluation of their effectiveness. timetables from the Government on how they will achieve An independent rapporteur is necessary to analyse certain priorities. As my hon. Friend said, it is true that Government policy robustly, to identify shortcomings we had to use parliamentary questions to find out how and to suggest improvements. That is not an anti- many times the group met. It is extraordinary that for Government move. I slightly disagree with my hon. what is a Government priority—we did not have to use Friend the Member for Slough, because an independent the Freedom of Information Act—we had to use rapporteur would give the Government a lot of powerful parliamentary questions. The Government saw the priority ammunition to spin, if their aim is to put over what they as so important that they made the group secret. Although are achieving. there has been some improvement in attendance, the group’s function, other than sharing information with Fiona Mactaggart: I was not suggesting that an other Government Departments, seems pretty unclear. independent rapporteur would be important as a powerful However good, the group will now be under the anti-Government move. My right hon. Friend is right Minister. I do not underestimate his abilities. In a sense, that, where the Government have had successes, an we have events on our side, because he is at the stage of independent rapporteur would strengthen the account his parliamentary career where he wishes to advance of those successes, but it would also have the power of quickly: self-interest and the public good, when combined, independence, meaning that those bits of the report can promote many changes, which we will support. that I cited, which spin legislation as working when Things are clearly going to change, but, however good there is no such evidence, would not have been part of he is—and, obviously and quite properly, he wishes to the report. The report was damaged by such things promote his own career—conflicts will occur between existing within it. making trouble and advancing further up that greasy pole. The first thing for a Government with that priority Mr Field: I agree. I will develop that point, because is to give us a rapporteur with the smallest staff possible. the interdepartmental ministerial group lacks statutory I totally agree with the hon. Member for Wellingborough powers to request information from all relevant Government on that point. authorities. I am sure the Minister will not have difficulties in getting such information, but he lacks the statutory The report states that the Inter-Departmental Ministerial authority to do so. That statutory power could be given Group on Human Trafficking—I almost want to give to the rapporteur. up the will to live with such titles—fulfils a role equivalent to a national rapporteur. All of us who have spoken so As a result, the interdepartmental ministerial group far know that that is not true, and the Government relies heavily on information from what is called the ought to drop it. The UK is obliged to establish a national referral mechanism, which is a data-gathering rapporteur by the Council of Europe’s trafficking mechanism that can supply only a snapshot of the convention and by the incoming EU directive, although reality. It cannot give us a moving picture, as mentioned there is weasel room to change things. Dishonourably, by the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, the Government have taken that little get-out to present which we would get in these reports if there were a ministerial group without a rapporteur. Just imagine somebody the only point of whose existence, as far as what it would be like if there were a ministerial group paying the mortgage was concerned, was to report on working with and supporting a rapporteur, advancing this great evil. their interests and backing them when they are in Where can we look for best practice? In the Netherlands, difficulties. Might that not begin to match the issue we the Dutch rapporteur is chaired by a former judge and face? There is slavery in this country. People are taken in Finland by a former Member of Parliament and a against their will either inside the country or outside it member of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation 327WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 328WH in Europe. Both have a small team of staff who sit apart from slavery. By “various sectors”, I mean areas into from the Government, the police and public authorities which victims are trafficked. My hon. Friend the Member and actively work full time—unlike the ministerial for Slough cited companies whose products we use that group—at all levels and with all groups in the community. are produced by slaves, including in legal sectors such as In contrast, the ministerial group only managed to agriculture, construction, hospitality and care and domestic gather information from one public agency, the UK work, and illegal sectors such as the sex industry and Human Trafficking Centre. That is entirely at odds with drug production. what happens, as other hon. Members have said, in We are also provided with little detailed analysis of other European countries. In Portugal, for example, the the methods of recruitment. How are people trapped in Portuguese Observatory collects and manages information this way, and stripped and publicly humiliated in the from a wide range of sources and sets benchmarks that way that we have heard? How can that go on for we should follow. If we had greater and more accurate decades? In other countries, breakdowns of incidence data, it would be easier to set those benchmarks. of trafficking by region are available, as well as an A glaring failure of the Government’s report is the overall view of police force activities, which courts have lack of accurate and meaningful data. I accept that the dealt with cases, what the outcomes of those cases were, statistics in this area will always be difficult to collect, and what the sentences were. but the report is undermined by statistical inconsistencies. Why do I raise these questions? The answer is pretty Let me illustrate. In 2010, the police’s Project Acumen obvious. Our lack of data is a key barrier to a more found 2,600 female adult victims of trafficking. How is effective response. Much effort in combating human that consistent with the report’s predicted total figure of trafficking, or slavery, has focused more on anecdote 2,000 for human trafficking victims in the UK, which is and sensationalism than on analysis of the problems. for 2011, just one year on? The figures do not add up, We simply do not know to what extent industry in this which again suggests that if one Minister in the ministerial country, or sections of industry, are dependent on slaves group had had time to read the whole report, they to be viable or what the profit margins of using slaves might have actually spotted that. are for those firms and sectors of our economy. If we The report offers a good overall view of activities had such information, that would alert us to where undertaken by the Government, but it reveals little in slavery is operating in our country. terms of analysis of the problem or the impact of the Human trafficking, which, as the Government work undertaken. The picture is clearly so much more acknowledge, is modern day slavery, today functions for complicated than can be provided in a snapshot. How the same purpose as slavery throughout history: to can people be imprisoned in this way—for example, in maximise profits by minimising or eliminating the cost mid-Bedfordshire or Gloucestershire—for such periods of labour. But there are several key differences with without anybody coming across it, without anybody modern slavery that make it more expansive and more noticing, and with nobody saying anything or raising insidious than ever before. Slaves today can be exploited the matter? Goodness, gracious me! What level of human in dozens of industries that are intrinsically woven into sympathy do we have when that can occur? the global economy, as opposed to just domestic service More of these examples would come to light if we and agriculture, as was the case when Wilberforce dealt had a situational analysis and impact assessment of with the issue. It is much more difficult now to locate how we can more effectively combat trafficking. For where slavery is going on. example, the report lists the training that was delivered, Of course, the costs today of acquiring a slave and but no information is provided about the impact of the time taken to transport him or her from the point of training on improvements in services, the numbers of victims acquisition to the point of exploitation are miniscule, identified, and so on. Similarly, in a number of places compared with those of old world slavery. Victims of the report mentions different Departments or authorities human trafficking—again, I would insist on the word being responsible for implementing elements of the “slaves”—are more accessible, expendable, exploitable policy. Where is all this brought together? However, it and profitable than ever before. That is why this evil is does not go into detail about how and whether these so terrible, huge and growing. responsibilities are carried out, how they are assessed Two centuries ago, the average slave could generate, and what the concrete outcomes of the work undertaken we are told by the experts, a 15% to 20% annual return were. We need to see an evaluation from each of the on the investment for his or her exploiters. It is of Departments and authorities of the implementation course vulgar to use such terms when describing victims, work that falls within their areas of responsibility, and but it is not unhelpful, sometimes, to look at the economic for them to report to the Minister, and for the Minister power and force behind the problem. Today, the return to report to the House of Commons. is several hundred per cent. per year—not over the life We need a much better analysis of what is happening of the slave, but per slave per year—and more than within the various sectors where victims are exploited, 900% per year for those who are trapped as slaves in the including explanations of rises in particular nationalities, sex industry. This is perhaps the primary reason why of geographic distribution and of flows and movement there is such demand among exploiters to acquire more of the problem across the UK over time. Again, it slaves through the practice of slave trading. There are would appear that the problem is static and that, somehow, more people in slavery today than in the entire 350-year we are dealing with a group of people who do not history of the slave trade: more today than ever before, change their approach. People may say, “Why should collectively. A snapshot is set against that collective they change their approach? They are doing so well total. A lack of detailed understanding of how and why with a single approach now.” But they will change if the slave-like exploitation functions in various sectors of Government get serious. Spotting and guessing the the global economy is a primary barrier to a more movements are crucial if we are going to save people effective response. 329WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 330WH

[Mr Frank Field] stem the tide of slavery, let alone help the victims to free themselves. We have yet to see evidence of similar That brings me to the all-party group on human Government recognition in the UK. trafficking, and NGOs. Perhaps we also need to change What should, therefore, be done? Of course, raising the name of the all-party group, so that it is clearer and awareness among our voters and everyone else is crucial, shorter. Since 2006, the activities of the all-party group, but the report omits recent good work. It was silent both inside and outside Parliament, have resulted not about the Anti-Slavery Day Act 2010, introduced by the just in a significant raising of awareness about the then Member for Totnes. In September of this year, the extent of human trafficking in the UK, but also a Council of Europe’s group of experts on action against number of concrete achievements. It influenced the trafficking in human beings—GRETA—published a previous Administration—our Labour Government—to report analysing the UK’s trafficking strategy.The GRETA join the 2005 Council of Europe convention on action report recommended that much more needs to be done against trafficking and persuaded the current to raise awareness about internal trafficking and the Administration to sign the EU directive on preventing risks that British nationals face of being trafficked and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting around the world. its victims. Were I Prime Minister, the thought that I might get the hon. Member for Wellingborough out to Andrew Selous: May I take the right hon. Gentleman support me would have made me sign the directive back to his point about the profitability of and the without even reading what it was about. Were it not for numbers involved in slavery? Bedfordshire police detectives the demands in February of the hon. Gentleman, the believe that during the past 30 years hundreds of vulnerable chairman of our group, no annual report would have men may have been picked up for the site in that county, been written, nor would his efforts have been debated. which absolutely confirms his point. That is, however, only a snapshot of a few of the many important achievements of the group. Mr Field: It certainly does, and I am immensely grateful for that intervention, because it gives us another Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): glimpse of the numbers, which we could have had in the The right hon. Gentleman makes a bold statement. Is report had we had a more effective system in this he suggesting that the Government would not have country, with a rapporteur, who would have wanted to reported or hidden their work had it not been for the work with such groups from the start. all-party group and its chairman with his particular On the international scene, Israel is taking human influence? That is quite an accusation—that the trafficking immensely seriously. Israel has not solved Government would have hidden things had they not slavery as a world problem, but it has largely dealt with been pressured into the report before us. it in its own borders—if we pass over the Palestinian issue—although that means that the trade must go Mr Field: Of course that is true—the hon. Member somewhere else. People who wish to make money are for Wellingborough and Mrs Bone achieved it—but it carefully examining the countries that they can go to, might be a good point for the Minister to take up. which are lackadaisical in their approach to countering Would the Government have conceded the report without the trade and where traffickers are unlikely to be caught the pressure from the hon. Member for Wellingborough? and can tap the large gains. Despite the achievements of the all-party group, there A key interest of the Government should be to protect is no mention of us in the report—an almost childlike more effectively those people who are slaves who come response—and nor is recognition given to the Human forward to claim their freedom. The Government protect Trafficking Foundation, which services our group and them for a period, which is wonderful, and work with of which I am proud to be a co-vice-chairman. The them, but after that they are thrown out on their own, foundation is chaired by the former Member for Totnes, even though we know what awaits them when that Mr Anthony Steen. We have all, properly, mentioned happens. him, and no current or former Member of this House had done more to put human slavery on the agenda than he has. As others have, I pay the warmest possible [MR DAI HAVARD in the Chair] tribute to him and to his continued interest since he I want to ask the Minister for progress in a number of ceased to be a Member. areas. Can he talk to the Prime Minister, who has made The report makes no mention of the extensive work human trafficking a priority for the coalition, about the of the foundation to bring together non-governmental advantages of driving the issue with not only his organisations throughout the country in forums and interdepartmental ministerial group but an independent related working groups, or of the recognition that NGOs rapporteur? We could learn something from those countries deserve, although their work is essential and a prerequisite that have a rapporteur because, if we had one, does the for disseminating good practice and for following up Minister not concede that we might soon begin to get with action. There was no acknowledgement of the much more frequent and accurate data? Might we not practical contribution of NGOs in identifying trends also focus on proactive police investigations? We know and helping victims. Britain is particularly fortunate in what reply he gave my hon. Friend the Member for the number of NGOs working on human trafficking, so Slough—that we should all chase after our police and it is disappointing that even in the spirit of the big crime commissioners—but what guidance do the Minister society such recognition is largely bypassed in the report. and the Government have for such rating of police In some EU countries, Governments recognise that activity? What are the Minister’s plans for improved without NGO involvement as equal partners, with equal training of police and border staff? What target will he status, they would neither make progress nor be able to set for prosecutions? Deterrence has not yet featured in 331WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 332WH

Government plans. What plans does he have to examine During the previous Government, my hon. Friend critically and, therefore, to extend the help and protection the Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) courageously we give to those slaves who come forward to claim their promoted section 14 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009, freedom? and managed to get it on the statute book before the I end with the point made by the hon. Member for election. It introduces a strict liability offence for those Wellingborough. Combating human trafficking is meant purchasing sexual services from someone who is subject to be a priority of the coalition Government but, if so, to “force, threats…or…deception”, and chapter 5 of it is one of their best kept secrets. No topic could be the Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group on Human more important, not only as a priority for the coalition Trafficking report refers to that. Government and the House of Commons but for the My hon. Friend explained that the fines are relatively country. There would be huge support in the country if low because the offence is one of strict liability. My the Government wished to make it a priority. I hope, research, as chair of the all-party group on prostitution therefore, that we witness a Pauline conversion from the and the global sex trade, into how effective the law has Minister and that we leave the debate with much lighter been shows that only 43 people have been found guilty hearts and even greater determination to support him in of the offence; we would have expected the law to be his work. more potent, when it comes to convicting people. That is shocking, because we know that women and some 2.58 pm men in many towns and cities throughout the country Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): I appreciate are being raped repeatedly, day after day, night after the opportunity to speak in this debate, which will be night. They have been trafficked to this country, and the the last we speak in, in 2012. I could not think of a men who have done that to them are walking away with better subject to spend time debating. The subject is fines of £200. That is truly shocking, and the step that serious, and I want to associate myself with the comments was put in place to try to ensure that we send a clear and of all speakers so far, and recognise not only their consistent message has succeeded only in highlighting passion but their depth of knowledge. how far we have to go. Last Sunday, I spoke at a church in my constituency, I have spoken to the Crown Prosecution Service, and afterwards a woman came and talked to me about Home Office staff, the Association of Chief Police an issue that had nothing to do with human trafficking, Officers and other organisations, and they say that to but something she said stuck with me. She said, “Now is make the law work it should be set within a framework the time for a Wilberforce moment, and to make your of clear and consistent political leadership and pressure stand.” Underlying that comment was the belief that from the Government. The Minister intervened to talk what changes things is not a vote or legislation alone. It about the role of police and crime commissioners in was not a detached moment in Wilberforce’s life that led setting their local policing plan. I have met the Labour to change; almost the whole of his life led up to the police and crime commissioner in Bedfordshire, Olly moment when something happened, and that was what Martins, to discuss what more can be done, but I accept changed things. that this is a cross-border issue, crossing both national and county borders, and I encourage the Minister to My short time in the House has confirmed my previous provide clear and consistent leadership. prejudice that what changes big and complex issues is not a vote or legislation, but clear, consistent and brave Andrew Selous: The hon. Gentleman—my parliamentary political leadership. I have enormous respect for the neighbour—mentioned leniency and lightness of fines, Minister. I have seen him up close working on difficult which picks up on a point that the right hon. Member legislation, and I believe that he wants to do the right for Birkenhead (Mr Field) made about the lightness of thing. To echo many hon. Members who have spoken, the prison sentences in the Bedfordshire case. Might not there is a real opportunity for this Government not just that be an issue to raise with the Minister, who should to give a commitment or set up a working group, but perhaps take it to the Sentencing Council, given that give clear and consistent leadership across the wide there is a strong feeling in the Chamber that the sentences gamut of policy concerning human trafficking. being passed do not reflect the appalling nature of the I want to say a few words about human trafficking, crimes committed? the sex industry, prostitution, and how we can live up to our commitments by examining the law in this area. Gavin Shuker: Of course I associate myself with that Human trafficking accompanies many heinous forms comment, but we must look at Government action in of control, abuse and exploitation. Trafficking of human the round, and not just in terms of the sentences available beings in the UK for the purpose of sexual exploitation on the statute book, and ask questions about the direction remains the most prevalent type of exploitation recorded of future legislation. through the national referral mechanism last year. Mr Frank Field: My hon. Friend talked about going According to the most recent UN figures, trafficking to see his police and crime commissioner. We will go to for sexual exploitation accounts for 58% of all trafficking Jane Kennedy, our police commissioner, but she faces cases detected globally, and victims of all forms of huge demands, and a cut budget, and she will have data trafficking are also at high risk of sexual abuse; there on many other objectives. Where are the data that I can are reports that 87% of all trafficked victims are subject present to her in order to make the issue a priority in to sexual violence and exploitation. It is important that Merseyside? we do not directly conflate prostitution and trafficking, but we must take on those who would promote the Gavin Shuker: My right hon. Friend makes a fantastic myth that there is no direct relationship between those and insightful contribution, as ever. The pressures involved trafficked to the UK for the purpose of sexual exploitation in highly evidence-based and research-based operations and our local prostitution markets. mean that there is an easy way out, and I do not mean 333WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 334WH

[Gavin Shuker] It is currently illegal in the UK to have sex with a minor, to live off the earnings of women selling sex, and that in a derogatory way. Police and crime commissioners to solicit in a public place, but police practice still tends can say, “I have lost 20% of my policing budget, and to focus on picking up women and girls who are soliciting, trafficking is not a priority on which I was elected.” rather than on the men who use them. My right hon. What would make the most difference are clear statements Friend the Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field) talked by this and future Governments that tackling abuse of about exploitation in legal and illegal markets, and people who are caught up in modern-day slavery is an about the sex trade being an illegal market; in some overriding concern. cases it is, but in many cases it is not, and that goes to the heart of the question of what we are doing to reduce Mr Bone: The hon. Gentleman is making a powerful the demand for human trafficking. Until we have speech. He may not have noticed something that is enforceable legislation that protects the most vulnerable deeply buried in Government policy. When the National in our society, and transfers the burden of criminality Crime Agency comes into being, the UK Border Force to the perpetrators of sexual abuse and violence, we will will have the right to enforce a trafficking operation on struggle to say that we are doing all we can to tackle this a police area. If it believes that in Bedfordshire, for atrocious affront to civil liberty and the dignity of example, the police are not doing something that they persons. Too often, victims of trafficking and coercion should be doing, it has the power centrally, for the first are the ones facing fines and criminal records, while the time, to direct them. perpetrators walk away scot-free.

Gavin Shuker: I accept that point, and it will be Andrew Selous: The hon. Gentleman tantalised us by interesting to see in how many places that occurs, but saying that other countries deal with this issue a lot equally, surely if we highlighted the places where we better than we do, but he gave us no examples. Which believe trafficking is an issue, we would not be able to countries could we look to for examples of good legislation? stop listing places. There is a real problem in every Gavin Shuker: Let me jump ahead in my speech, police area. I am talking about the relationship between because that is a salient point. I could mention a number on-street and off-street prostitution and trafficking, but of countries, but merely as examples of places where the problem goes far beyond that. I am always happy to there are different legal settlements. They certainly do commend my parliamentary neighbour, the hon. Member not represent my view of how we should tackle this for South West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous), on the issue, and I think we should work together and appreciate loveliness of his constituency. I occasionally journey that there is a problem before we reach a conclusion; there. It is a cliché to refer to leafy parts of Bedfordshire, indeed, my all-party group will look at many of these but trafficking is an issue there. issues next year in an inquiry into the legal settlement It is not difficult to find the start of a trafficking trail. regarding prostitution. We could turn to the back pages of most free local There is significant evidence to suggest that domestic newspapers and, just by ringing a telephone number, policies on prostitution have a direct effect on the flow start an intelligence operation that could result in serious of trafficking. A recent report, which surveyed 160 charges, if taken all the way through. The issue is the countries, showed that countries that legalise prostitution resources available. Local police authorities, police and experience increased trafficking inflows on average. This crime commissioners, the Home Office, ACPO and the is not, therefore, as straightforward as introducing one CPS are saying, “We will do more on this issue if there simple measure. Sweden amended its prostitution law in is more leadership and if we believe it is a priority,” so 1999 by criminalising the purchase of sex, on the basis let us work together to make it a priority. that prostitution is always, by its very nature, exploitative, The Government have already signed up to a number which is an interesting point. The prostitution market in of commitments. In March 2011, they signed up to the Sweden has contracted, and reported instances of trafficking European directive on trafficking, which states: are far lower than in comparable, neighbouring countries. “Member States should establish and/or strengthen policies to Sweden also has a different criminal justice system, in prevent trafficking in human beings including measures to discourage which it is possible to use wiretap intercept evidence in the demand that fosters all forms of exploitation, and measures to court, and there are clear examples of traffickers attempting reduce the risk of people falling victims to trafficking in human to sell women into the country, particularly for the sex beings”. trade, but being told that it is too difficult and that they The then Minister for Immigration, the right hon. Member should choose other countries, because of the draconian for Ashford (Damian Green), said: measures in place to criminalise the purchase of sex by “Opting in would send a powerful message to traffickers that men. I will come to that in more detail in a moment. Britain is not a soft touch and that we remain world leaders in In its strategy on prostitution and the exploitation of fighting this terrible crime”, prostitution, the CPS recognises that there is a link We have, quite rightly, opted in, but if the Government between trafficking and prostitution. It says: are not committed to legislation that tackles and reduces “The increase in human trafficking for sexual exploitation is the demand for sexual exploitation, we will send exactly also fuelling the market for prostitution in the UK, although this the opposite message: that Britain is a soft touch. We do is largely confined to off street and residential premises such as not exist in a vacuum, but alongside nations—particularly brothels, massage parlours, saunas and in residential flats. This is on the continent of Europe—in which legislation has a lucrative business and is often linked with other organised been used effectively to tackle the issues around sexual criminal activity such as immigration crime, violence, drug abuse and money laundering. Women may be vulnerable to exploitation exploitation and trafficking. We have a duty to introduce because of their immigration status, economic situation or, more measures that reduce both the demand that fosters all often, because they are subjected to abuse, coercion and forms of exploitation and the risk of people becoming violence…there is evidence now that trafficked women are also victims of trafficking in the first place. working on the street.” 335WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 336WH

On the basis of anecdotal evidence, I also believe that to they must be examined in the context of increased be the case. vulnerability to coercion and the imbalances of power The IDMG report recognises that trafficking does that, by their very nature, exist in this industry. not merely involve crossing borders. In 2011, the Serious There are the simple rules of supply and demand: the Organised Crime Agency recorded that 99 UK citizens supply of commercial sexual services is met predominantly were trafficked within the UK, although many of us by marginalised women and girls or other vulnerable believe the number is higher. Some 52 UK citizens were persons, and the demand is driven by men who take trafficked for sexual exploitation, and 80% of them advantage of these marginalised persons. In almost were identified as female children. Even more alarmingly, every case, prostitution is the result of the absence of SOCA reported that some potential victims, especially choice—a survival strategy and not an empowered choice. those subjected to criminal exploitation, continue to be The UN rapporteur on trafficking says: incorrectly identified as suspects. “It is rare that one finds a case in which the path to prostitution ACPO’s 2010 study of sexual exploitation in England and/or a person’s experiences within prostitution do not involve, and Wales—Project Acumen—estimated that 96% of at the very least, an abuse of power and/or an abuse of vulnerability. women involved in prostitution in London were migrants. Power and vulnerability in this context must be understood to include power disparities based on gender, race, ethnicity, and Home Office figures tell us that women involved in poverty. Put simply, the road to prostitution...is rarely one marked street prostitution are 12 times more likely to be murdered by empowerment or adequate options.” than other women, and murders of prostitutes constitute the largest single group of unsolved murders. Another There is significant evidence to suggest that domestic Home Office report estimates that more than half the policies on prostitution have a direct effect on the flow women involved in prostitution have been raped and/or of trafficking. I spoke, in response to comments by the seriously sexually assaulted, and that at least three hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, about those quarters of women involved in prostitution have been countries that tackle the matter differently, with a different physically assaulted. Some service providers believe those legal settlement. Sweden, of course, amended its law in figures to be underestimates. 2009, but at the other end of the scale, the Netherlands, which in 2000 lifted the ban on brothels, has experienced One fundamental barrier to protecting those at risk a significant rise in the incidence of trafficking, forced of trafficking for sexual exploitation remains the ambiguous prostitution, serious organised crime and money laundering. definition of exploitation and coercion. Many victims The mayor of Amsterdam, Job Cohen, was forced to of sexual exploitation do not consider themselves to be admit that, five years after the lifting of the brothel ban, exploited, as a consequence of cultural values, work the aims of the law—to reduce and regulate the prostitution ethics and levels of remuneration in their home country. market—had failed, and measures to tackle the spike However, we must be clear as a country about what we that had emerged in trafficking would have to be believe exploitation to be, and we must be consistent in implemented. applying that understanding. Some people may not be identified as potential victims of trafficking by those Mr Bone: That is the really important issue. I do not who encounter them. We therefore need to reassess the know the answer to this. The hon. Gentleman is right working definitions of exploitation and coercion—problems about the Netherlands, where one would think that it that lead to intolerable numbers of vulnerable people would be easy to identify trafficked women, because entering the UK sex industry, often unable to exit. things are open and above board, although with the Current legislation focuses on selling sex or soliciting lover-boy syndrome, they do not even recognise that in a public place, contributing to an “out of sight, out they are victims of trafficking. Yet in Sweden, where of mind” attitude to sex work. In light of increased there is a ban, the evidence is that activity is driven awareness of the significant links between prostitution, underground and the treatment of those who are trafficked child sexual exploitation and human trafficking, it is is even worse. I struggle; I do not think that there is a imperative that we put resources into prevention and particularly easy answer. the protection of those involved in the sex industry, as well as into increased exit pathways and support. To Gavin Shuker: The hon. Gentleman is right about one return to my original point, such measures must be thing, which is that there is no obvious and easy answer— backed by appropriate legislation and clear political that is why we debate these things. However, I disagree leadership, to make it clear that accepting abuse and with his interpretation of the data on Sweden. I would violence towards marginalised persons is unacceptable cite the example of New Zealand, where recent studies under any circumstances, and that such practices will be have considered the effect of legalisation and openness punished through enforceable laws. without measures to criminalise purchase. There was an There are frightening statistics about sex workers increase in the number of people who felt able to come experiencing violence, rape, drug and alcohol misuse, forward as victims of trafficking; but that was easily coercion, exploitation and cycles of abuse. How can we overwhelmed by the massive increase in the scale of the reconcile the Government’s commitment to reducing industry, which drew in many more trafficked women. violence against women, protecting children at risk of Any review of prostitution law has to consider all those sexual exploitation and combating trafficking with the factors. However, it is laughable to claim that the current tolerance and acceptance of men purchasing sexual legal settlement is successful, and helps women to exit—I services, primarily from vulnerable women, children appreciate that it is not only women who are affected, and men? but in this context I will talk about women involved in To be frank, we cannot protect an individual’s so-called prostitution—or that it helps to achieve the aims and right to sell sexual services at the expense of those ambitions of Parliament and the Government, and our trapped in horrendous cycles of abuse. Notions of commitments to international parties in relation to individual choice and consent cannot be dismissed, but trafficking. From the evidence of the document, I do 337WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 338WH

[Gavin Shuker] of lover-boy tactics or promises of jobs, moving slowly but surely into other degrading forms of work—particularly not believe that there is enough focus on the issue, given the sex trade. the scale of its contribution to the inflow of human I have Human Trafficking Foundation correspondence traffic. Any review should examine the subject in detail. dated 1 November 2012, about London, where it is Perhaps that is an issue that we can pick up outside the stated: Chamber; I appreciate that time is moving on. “Officers from the London Regional Intelligence Unit and the Tackling the roots of increased vulnerability through Metropolitan Police’s SCD9 (Human Exploitation and Organised action against poverty and economic coercion is key, Crime) unit collected 43 newspapers from across 32 London but a commitment to reducing the demand for sexual boroughs and over 3000 cards from telephone boxes.” exploitation will go a long way towards tackling the All of those newspapers and cards were advertising supply, through trafficking, for forced prostitution. By sexual services. The letter continues: recognising the links between trafficking and prostitution “Additionally, 380 premises were identified from police databases, through robust legislation to tackle demand for all and 268 premises and 44 escort agencies from internet research”— forms of sexual exploitation, the UK could send out a in London alone. strong statement that we are not open for business, to “All the data was analysed to remove duplicates”, discourage both the supply and demand for that horrendous so those are net figures for London alone. The Human affront to human dignity. This afternoon we have had Trafficking Foundation has asked for those premises to an opportunity to discuss one of the most important be publicly exposed—and all the addresses on the cards issues that Parliament can discuss, and I hope that it and in the adverts—and for follow-up, so that those are will lead to Government action. made public, and people are made aware. 3.24 pm There is something that I find happens when anyone raises the question of human trafficking. For example, Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): a young woman came down here because of a BBC Mr Havard, I have been on the rugby field with you, Scotland blog. They were looking for people who were where I think you have given me one or two suicide critical of MPs—who regarded them as a waste of time passes, in your time; but it is a thrill, indeed, to be here and so on—and they invited a couple to come down under your chairmanship. and meet their Member of Parliament. One of them It is important that this debate has been called and came to meet me. She had been well trained by reading that the Government have produced a report. If the The Sun and all the other newspapers that spread the abilities of the hon. Member for Wellingborough (Mr Bone) malicious rumours that all we do here is hang about the are up to persuading Ministers to do things that others bars and line our pockets. When I asked her about cannot persuade them to do, I commend him for that; human trafficking, and told her about the work we do but I wonder—and he knows this—whether it is a on it, she said, “What’s that to do with me?” I pointed two-way street, and whether things that we should press out that in two towns in my constituency—the town she the Government on are not happening, while they concede lived in, and another one—brothels had been broken up small benefits like producing a report. by the police, and women were found who had been I wish the Minister well. I hope that his career flourishes trafficked from the EU and from as far afield as China. for the few years when the Conservatives and the coalition They were working in those brothels under constraint. are in power, but I hope that he takes on the admonition She still did not seem to think it was anything to do with of my right hon. Friend the Member for Birkenhead her, which perhaps shows a great divide between such (Mr Field) that, with an issue such as the one we are people and a young woman from a middle-class family debating, there should be times when the Minister asks who does not have such pressures. I tried to convince things of his Government that they have not asked him her that these are not people who volunteer or have no to carry out, in his remit. I do not think that his other option; they are entrapped into that life, thinking predecessor did so. It is unfortunate, as he knows, in my they are going to do something else. I think she began to view, that the issue is given entirely to a Minister in the see the point. Home Office, who also has responsibility for immigration, The Minister has to ask himself whether he is really because it is not an immigration issue. It is not about appointed by the Government to protect the immigration: it is about justice, victimhood and a business Government—Ministers often feel that is their first model perpetrated by people around the world and in task, and that it is how to get up the greasy pole—or to this country, in which human beings are the products protect those who are trafficked and trapped into what and the things of commerce, regardless of how they was correctly defined by my right hon. Friend the have to be dehumanised and degraded. It is in those Member for Birkenhead as modern-day slavery. Which terms that I always approach the matter. side is the Minister on, at the end of the day? It might To respond to my hon. Friend the Member for Luton not be the one that gets him up the promotion ladder South (Gavin Shuker), there is a massive problem of quickly, but I hope, when he looks at what is available, exploitation of people. It is a form of slavery and is what has been spoken of, and what has been revealed, sometimes related to trafficking into the country; but I particularly, by the Human Trafficking Foundation and remarked on the fact, at a recent forum, that of the all the non-governmental organisations working in that people and groups named as being trafficked the vast field, he will decide that he is on the side of the victims, majority were people who live in the EU and have the and not necessarily those who wish to see migration right, under the Single European Act, to come here figures go down. freely, without anyone having to bring them in secretly; We know that the Government are under great pressure. there is no requirement for a visa. They still end up, as There is no doubt about that. The economic clouds are the hon. Member for Wellingborough said, by the use very thick above their head and everyone else’s, but 339WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 340WH when I talk about this issue to people who give their Mr Bone: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for lives to fighting human trafficking, they see something giving way. He is an excellent vice-chairman of the much brighter. I wonder whether the Government’s all-party group, and he is making a powerful point obsession with the migration element of the public about the rapporteur. As he rightly says, many of these perception of Government is blinding them to the vision people do not have any immigration problems that they should have of what this is about. It comes anyway, because they are EU citizens. However, the down to the question of who is afraid of an independent great example from the Netherlands to the Government, rapporteur. When we signed up to the convention of the who have not grasped this point, is that a rapporteur Council of Europe and—eventually—to the directive is hugely to a Government’s benefit. The rapporteur against human trafficking, the elements I have described is able to prove what the Government are doing were clearly in it. independently, and the Netherlands has found it to be so good that it now has two more rapporteurs in different The Government basically say that a committee of fields. Ministers—where most do not bother turning up—that met once in nine months is a substitute for a rapporteur. We have met a number of rapporteurs—I have met Michael Connarty: That is very true. The hon. Gentleman rapporteurs from Finland and the Netherlands—but and I met the rapporteur from the Netherlands at a there is also the fabulous example of what has happened meeting; interestingly, he had been given the additional in Portugal with its Observatory, which has had the responsibility of protection of children from abuse; that backing of the Government over 10 years. I met one of relates to another Council of Europe convention—the the Ministers who was involved in it yesterday on a convention on the protection of children against sexual Council of Europe committee. He was there for another exploitation and sexual abuse. That role has been extended, reason, but he remembers the beginning of it, when so that it is much wider. One of the great criticisms of people said, “You cannot do it. It is impossible. How the way in which we deal with human trafficking is that can you track people?” What they are using is technology we do not deal well with children. There is absolutely no for the movement of shipping and other transport, and doubt about that. they are able to map the movement of people for trafficking to different areas for different reasons. People I want to quote some other organisations, because often go into the cities for labour and on to the tourist when it comes to this subject, I am probably a bit too areas, and others go to those same areas for prostitution, subjective at times; that can happen when a person for satisfying the demands of the tourist trade, which decides to immerse themselves in an organisation such often seems to be connected in many areas. as the all-party group, or to work alongside someone like Anthony Steen, who has been doing this work for There is a vast array of non-governmental organisations, such a long time. When he was on the European Scrutiny and the Government report clearly does not reflect that. Committee, we would go off with the Committee and It relies on the UK Human Trafficking Centre, which is stay on extra days, wherever we were, to connect with a worthy organisation. I have visited SOCA—I have just people who were dealing with the countries of origin finished a second attachment to the police—and I have and transit. That is why, with support from ECPAT talked to people in that context as well as through the UK—End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and all-party group on human trafficking. The Human the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes—he Trafficking Centre is the only organisation the Minister has got a project going, called Parliamentarians against relies on, yet there is a large number of NGOs. For Human Trafficking. That is an EU-wide, EU-funded example, at the Human Trafficking Foundation’s forum, organisation that aims to build these networks in every which I and the hon. Member for Wellingborough area. However, it is possible to become somewhat frustrated, attended, there were over 50 NGOs, all dealing with and to see things a little bit too emotionally. victims in all their forms—domestic slavery, and exploitation The Cambridge Centre for Applied Research in for employment and for sexual favours. Only three or Human Trafficking has produced a review on the four of those NGOs have responded to the UKHTC’s rapporteur for trafficking. It talks about the Finnish, request for information, because they do not see such the Dutch and the observatory in Portugal, which we formal organisations, attached to Government, as being have been to, and we had discussions there. It also talks independent enough. They are looking after and protecting about the UK, what it says is not flattering. It argues victims—people who have been traumatised—and they that it should follow Finland and the Netherlands in fear that people will then be criminalised and sent out appointing a designated national rapporteur on trafficking of the country. in human beings. It discusses the independence of the One of the conclusions of the Human Trafficking role from Government, with the ability to call the Foundation’s report is that the fear of being turned Government to account. I know that the Minister has a from a victim of trafficking into an illegal immigrant promising career. He has a style that will probably take makes many people run away from formal institutions. him far, but he is not yet powerful enough to hold his The Government think they can deal with the matter own Government to account, because that is not what through a committee of Ministers, which is responsible happens in junior Ministers’ careers. If they try to hold to Ministers and the Government, who are under pressure their Government to account, they find that they are for other reasons—we accept that. Because immigration soon on the Back Benches. It is a very nice place, the is an emotive subject, political parties, red-tops and Back Benches—I have been here for 20 years—and, in broadsheets can use it to make people prejudiced against fact, it is probably more effective than toadying up to the policies of a Government. How much better would any Minister. It is the death knell of their career if a it be if the people doing this work were independent of junior Minister thinks that he can hold the Government Government, but, as my right hon. Friend the Member to account, but a rapporteur can do that, which is why for Birkenhead said, supported by Ministers? we must have one. 341WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 342WH

[Michael Connarty] In the far reaches of the world, slavery is still associated with capture because of war. Clearly, we can do little The review discusses about that unless we can have a dialogue with people “A place where the widest possible information can be gleaned who believe that they can justify slavery. The question on the numbers considered to be trafficked”. of domestic servants—why are people kept in such That is the point that we found in the Netherlands. We terrible conditions in the homes of people from those are talking about being surrounded by non-governmental countries who come here as diplomats and business organisations that clearly believe in the purposefulness people?—may be too close to that debate for us to talk of the rapporteur and their ability to make a difference about comfortably, because saying anything against to the issues to which people in NGOs give their lives, someone’s beliefs is somehow taken as a form of racism, even though they probably do not have a great incentive but it is not. There are human rights that run through in terms of money or career. That means people from everything—that challenge the ethics of any organisation. faith groups, non-faith groups, civic society, and elsewhere. The domestic servants visa recognised that. It said It comes down to it being a post that people who were being treated like that should be able to leave a bad master and transfer to another “which clearly defends human rights and acts as an independent employer. Kalayaan, the organisation that such people monitoring party regardless of party or governmental vicissitudes of attention.” could go to, was well known to the police in London. To take that away from people, the Government argue, will That is a wonderful idea that we should grasp, and that expose those who come in as domestic servants and are the Minister should take away from the debate. The illegal; it will make them easier to see. It is funny that report is welcome—no one would doubt that—and it is the hon. Member for Wellingborough agrees with that; good that it has been produced, but it shows the I thought that he made a very good point when he said inadequacies, rather than the adequacies, of what the that in Sweden, when people are told that they cannot Government are doing, and it highlights the problems sell their body for sex, the practice goes underground. If that we should be dealing with but are not. we say to people, “You can’t leave a bad master because I must say a little about domestic slavery, because the you don’t have a visa,” that does not mean that people report says that one of the rising figures is that for are not brought in. It does not mean that people are not trafficking for domestic slavery or domestic service. kept in captivity and treated as domestic slaves. It just Every organisation that I have spoken to outside Parliament means that they have no right to leave a bad master. It is has been not just critical but condemnatory of the important that the Government examine that. I am Government for withdrawing the domestic servants visa, surprised that there was not a hue and cry about it which was brought in after a lot of pressure and discussion, among the faith groups—perhaps they did not know and late in the life of the previous Government, because that it existed—and among people of ethics and principle. it was clear that people were being kept as slaves. There What worries me is that the all-party group did not have were reports of people living on the scraps from the a debate and come to a conclusion on that. I therefore table. They were being fed after the dogs. That was in feel that we are complicit, as an organisation, in not some of the big, palatial houses in west London, where calling for Members of this Parliament to debate the people from the diplomatic and business communities issue and make their voices heard. I hope that at some live. time in the future we will. I have been reading a book put together by Baroness The treatment of children is criticised by everyone Caroline Cox and Dr John Marks called “This Immoral who reads this report, because 67% of children who are Trade”. It talks about the 27 million men, women and found to have been trafficked and are put into care run children in the world who are in slavery. Some in Sudan away. They vanish—no one seems to know where they and Burma are enslaved after a war and are sold on, or go—and they end up being re-trafficked, and back traded, to people who willingly hold them and sell them among groups that re-abuse or reuse them. There are back to their communities. It turns out, when we read cases of 14-year-olds who are trafficked, caught thieving, the book, that many of those women and men in put into care and run away. They are found working as Burma and Sudan are held in Arab communities. In “farmers” in houses that are being used for growing fact, disturbingly, arguments are made in present-day cannabis, and are criminalised for being caught taking Islamic law that slavery is all right, is acceptable. That is part in a cannabis-growing organisation. There is no in sura 16:71 and sura 30:28 of the Koran. Sura 4:3, question that at the age of 14, 12 or even earlier—whenever sura 23:6, sura 33:50-52 and sura 70:30 recognise it started—these people decided to have the life of a concubinage, whereby slaves can be held by a master criminal. and used as concubines—for sexual favours. The Koran As has been said, some people get involved in prostitution bans the sale of those people for prostitution, but they at a very early age. One of our colleagues came back can be used as concubines. We would think that all from India recently. He came along to one of our forum these things must be ancient history, because there was meetings—brought by the chair of the all-party group, also support for slavery in the Old Testament in the the hon. Member for Wellingborough—and he said Christian Bible, but in fact Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzam that, in India, children were being kidnapped or taken has written a religious textbook in the 21st century that from their parents on the promise of a better life and is used in Saudi schools that says: brought to cities to have sex with men who thought that “Slavery is…part of Islam…Slavery is part of jihad”. if they had sex with a virgin, they would have a cure for HIV.The vast majority of those children were of primary The book goes on to say that he argued against the idea school age, and some were under school age—under that slavery had ever been abolished, and said that those five years old—when they were kidnapped. There arethings who espoused that view were going on in the world, but that does not mean that they “ignorant, not scholars…Whoever says such things is an infidel.” are not going on in our communities and within the EU. 343WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 344WH

Gavin Shuker: My hon. Friend mentions an example Finally, the other major recommendation that the of what is happening beyond these shores, which is truly Government have ignored is that children should have shocking, but is it not also truly shocking that the guardianship. It is important that children are treated evidence we have—I think there is even Home Office as children. There is a report by Tam Baillie, the Children’s evidence—is that about half the people involved in Commissioner for Scotland, called “Scotland: A safe prostitution started before they could legally consent to place for child traffickers?”The Minister is now considering sex? That is how young they were. Baroness Kennedy’s report for Scotland, which is well ahead of anything brought out by this Government. A Michael Connarty: That is shocking. It is an indictment Justice Minister said recently that he would introduce a of the society that we live in, at every level. I am married law under which crimes can be aggravated by human to a former director of education and social services in trafficking, just as they can be aggravated by racism the city of Glasgow who was also the head of education and, in Scotland, by sectarianism—two major flaws. in Southend-on-Sea in England. That was a Conservative Will the Minister seriously challenge his own Government? authority, I should say, but the principle there seemed He should not be complacent. to be better, in that there was an attempt to create a This is a report on where we are, and the Human wrap-around service, including health and social services. Trafficking Foundation has not written in complimentary That was about looking for the signs early on of chaotic terms. It is nice that the report is there, but the very wide families and children who were not in a responsible flaws are shown. Will the Minister seriously consider social environment. The more we do in that way—the raising this question, or, as I asked in the beginning, is more we do by looking, through all the lenses, at he just here to protect the Government? society, and at where children are in communities, in schools and in the home—the more we are likely to 3.52 pm expose those things that stick out as clearly indicating errors and dangers, and the more we can probably Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): I am rescue people. pleased to serve under your chairmanship in this important debate, Mr Havard, and I congratulate all the hon. Members who have spoken, especially the hon. Member Mr Dai Havard (in the Chair): Order. I would like to for Wellingborough (Mr Bone), both on his opening give the two Front Benchers the opportunity to start speech and on all his work on the issue. It has been a winding up the debate fairly soon, so may I ask the hon. privilege to listen to all colleagues’ speeches. Gentleman to start drawing his remarks to a close? Human trafficking is despicable. It denies our common humanity. It strips its victims of their human dignity, Michael Connarty: I am happy to do so, Mr Havard. threatens their safety and well-being and denies their The Minister should read the Children’s Society briefing human rights. The fact that it continues in civilised for this debate. It is very much concerned about trafficked society shames every one of us. I welcome the focus that children being detained. The issue of victims being the work of the all-party parliamentary group has given turned into the punished exercises the Children’s Society to the issue, and I am pleased that we are debating the greatly. It states: first report of the Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group “Due to a lack of documentation, trafficked children are often on Human Trafficking. refused support because their age is disputed.” The debate can send a powerful signal from Parliament That is always a favourite. Those children tend to live that that we abhor and absolutely condemn the practice. unsupervised in hostel accommodation, and end up I endorse what my right hon. Friend the Member for dropping out or running away. Will the Government Birkenhead (Mr Field) called it: it is modern-day slavery. commit to reviewing the impact of immigration policy We cannot live with such a state of affairs. Listening to on child protection, as recommended in a report by the some of the speeches in this debate, particularly those Select Committee on Education? Many people other made by him and by my hon. Friend the Member for than those in the Ministry of Justice and the Home Luton South (Gavin Shuker), I felt how little we have Office are considering the issue. progressed as a society; those speeches could have been given in the House 150 years ago, and similar speeches The quality of decision making is called into question. probably were. The number of people who end up in the national referral mechanism is a low percentage of the number We have discussed many aspects of the problem and of people found to have been trafficked. I recently met the different purposes for which people are trafficked: people from organisations that work with those who forced labour, domestic servitude or sexual exploitation. become asylum or illegal immigration cases, and they We have talked about who is trafficked: children, women say that a high percentage of the people who do not and men, often desperate to make a better life for themselves. make it into the national referral mechanism are not Sometimes, they arrive in this country with no idea that from the EU or Europe more widely; they are African they face the fate of being forced into servitude. or Asian. The organisations say that there is a tinge of Wehave talked about the global dimension of trafficking, racism in how the national referral mechanism is but I endorse right hon. and hon. Members’ comments being used. The Government must consider that seriously. that whatever the source country, although it is right that Some 29% of non-British nationals were accepted as we consider actions to help prevent trafficking from victims of trafficking, whereas 88% of UK nationals those source countries, the problem also lies significantly were. There is something odd about that. Will the in this country.Wecould hear no more powerful description Government undertake an urgent review of the of the challenge that we face at home than the truly quality of decision making within the national referral shocking experience described by the hon. Member for mechanism? South West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous). 345WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 346WH

[Kate Green] Minister tell us whether the UK Government are considering the criminal law on sex work, particularly I want to repeat some of the points made in the its application to trafficked sex workers? debate that I hope the Minister and the interdepartmental The Minister will also be aware of the Home Office- ministerial group will address as they pursue their work. funded national “ugly mugs”programme, which encourages First, as my hon. Friend the Member for Linlithgow sex workers to share reports of violent perpetrators. I and East Falkirk (Michael Connarty) highlighted, there would welcome his assurance this afternoon that the is a tension between enforcement and protection. There very modest funding to the programme will continue. I is also particular concern about the fate of trafficked endorse the comments of my hon. Friend the Member children. Where the authorities become aware of such a for Slough on the shockingly low number of prosecutions situation, the overriding consideration must be to protect and the low sentences that result when a prosecution the child’s best interests and welfare. No one disputes and conviction ensure. I invite the Minister to comment that, but too often we fail in practice. on whether victims’ concerns, which make them hesitant Children suffer from a wall of general disbelief that even to report their experiences, can be traced back to can face those who seek to report their experience. The that. If they feel that the law will treat them as criminals, pervading culture of scepticism takes a particularly rather than victims, and they hear about the low sentences pernicious form when a young person is not even believed and low number of prosecutions when stories are told, to be a child. Although there are no statutory guidelines, they will be unlikely to report their own experiences. the UK Border Agency’s policy is that where there is doubt about a young person’s age, they are to be given We discussed those trafficked into the labour market— the benefit of that doubt, presumed to be a minor and both the formal and the grey labour markets. There are entitled to the special protections that we afford to examples of good practice, which we have not talked those who are under age. However, that does not always about. Companies signed up, including during the Olympics, happen in practice. to the tourism child protection code of practice and to take action on corporate supply chains as a mechanism I invite the Minister to comment on what steps are for enforcement, which has been touched on. Those being taken to reinforce the message to all decision steps are welcome, but I hope that the Minister will say makers and enforcement agencies, including the UK what more the Government will do to encourage more Border Agency and the police. I point out that those businesses to follow suit. agencies are not necessarily always the best equipped to make decisions about the best interests and welfare of My hon. Friend the Member for Linlithgow and East children. It is of concern that there is no mandatory Falkirk promoted a Bill to legislate along the lines of training for those who deal with trafficked children. the Californian approach. Given the Government’s lack Will he comment on that? As colleagues have highlighted, of enthusiasm for regulation, I fear that the Minister we too often fail trafficked children, particularly when will be reluctant to adopt such legislation. He must they come into our care system, where much more effort surely accept that, if Government intervention is to be is necessary to address their special needs. avoided, business needs to take rigorous and more determined action. There is clearly a role for the The culture of disbelief and responses that are often Government in promoting that. more about enforcement than protection are felt by more people than just children. As my hon. Friend the Member for Luton South said, they are also felt by Michael Connarty: My hon. Friend will be glad to those who have been sexually exploited. know that I received a letter today from McDonald’s—Big Mac—apologising for being part of the trail. It pointed Mr Bone: The hon. Lady is making some important out that it hired Noble Foods, which then hired a points. Does she not agree that it is strange that a child company called McNaught’s—a Gangmasters Licensing from an EU country who comes into this country Authority licence holder. Other people have now been would actually want the Border Agency to recognise arrested and charged for using basically gangsters to them as an adult, because they would be better looked enslave the workers in the chicken factories that Noble after than a child? Foods got its eggs from.

Kate Green: It is clearly a terrible irony that we are Kate Green: It is welcome that McDonald’s and other incapable of looking after children and meeting their high-profile national and international companies are needs properly. It is of particular concern that when aware of the issue and prepared to take action and be children are identified as children and enter the state exemplars. I would be interested to hear what steps the care system their needs are so inadequately met. I hope Government are taking to work with business to promote that the Minister will discuss that, because it is a genuine more such action. concern for right hon. and hon. Members. The institutional framework was also touched on by My hon. Friend the Member for Luton South discussed hon. Members this afternoon. As was pointed out, the those trafficked for sexual exploitation. Some of his UK is required under the EU directive to implement a points were also highlighted by my hon. Friend the national rapporteur function, and the interdepartmental Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart), who has done ministerial group is the mechanism created to do that. powerful work in the field. The debate about how best Many speakers highlighted the deficiencies in the model. to protect those engaged in sex work through criminal It is not clear that a Government body can effectively law is a live one, and there are undoubtedly differences and independently evaluate the Government’s own policies. of view about criminalisation. It is important that we Such a body will not necessarily be sufficiently proactive learn lessons from international experience, including and has no statutory ability to require information from experiences on our own doorstep, in Scotland. Will the Departments. 347WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 348WH

The national reporting mechanism appears to be of that had occurred to me: the Inter-Departmental Ministerial limited effectiveness in identifying the true scale of the Group on Human Trafficking is not the catchiest of problem. The Government’s wish to withdraw from the titles. I will go away and reflect on that. Having been in EU arrest warrant potentially weakens our ability to government, he knows that Governments do not come deal with people trafficked within the EU, those trafficked up with catchy ways to describe things. within the UK and those trafficked through the UK to The right hon. Gentlemanmight have a good point, other EU countries. I invite the Minister to comment on but that should not detract from the fact that the group that. includes not only Ministers from across Government, I hope that the Minister will tell us how the Government but members from all the UK’s Governments—the intend to monitor, guarantee and strengthen the effectiveness Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the of the structures that have been put in place. Trafficking— Northern Ireland Executive. We have not been reflected slavery—is abhorrent and intolerable. We must have the on that, but it is important partly because it addresses most robust and effective processes in place to stamp it the points made about independence. If the UK out. I am glad this important debate has taken place Government wanted to sweep things under the carpet, this afternoon. With all right hon. and hon. Members, I there are members from three other Governments, who look forward to the Minister’s response. are not of the same political party, who would not let us. Mr Dai Havard (in the Chair): Before the Minister When I was given the job and told that I was chairing begins, may I say that I would like to give Mr Bone two the group, I thought about the arguments for an or three minutes to respond at the end? Please keep independent rapporteur and the effectiveness of a group interventions short. of Ministers. A ministerial group is also effective in ensuring that action is taken, which was my prime 4.5 pm reason for being in favour of it. If we want to get things done, whether requiring legislation or otherwise, it is The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): It important to have Ministers from across Government has been a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship working with our colleagues in the other parts of the and the chairmanship of Mr Robertson, who preceded UK, particularly on an issue that several Members you. I thank, as most hon. Members have, my hon. described as one that the Prime Minister takes seriously. Friend the Member for Wellingborough (Mr Bone) for If we cannot make things happen, no one in Government securing the debate. I knew that he planned on doing so can. and it is timely that it arrived today—the last day the House sits before Christmas. This has been a good I did not understand the criticism from several people debate, with contributions from Members who are well about the group not being able to get information from informed about the subject and know their stuff—I within Government. We are all Ministers in the think that is the general view. I have certainly picked up Government, and if we want to get information from on points that were made, but I suspect that I will not be Departments we do not need a statutory basis to do so able to cover them in the 22 minutes I have left. The because we are able to get it. Having thought about it, I debate has provided me with food for thought on the genuinely believe that having a group of Ministers is steps the Government will take. effective in delivering change and making things happen Echoing my hon. Friend the Member for South West in practice. This is the group’s first annual report, and I Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous), I want to put on record accept that it is not perfect. We can do many things to my thanks to Anthony Steen for his work with the improve it, some of which I will set out. foundation he chairs. I found him to be an excellent colleague when he was in the House and very focused Mr Frank Field: None of us argued for one strategy on human trafficking. He and I spoke about it occasionally, or the other; we argued for both—the ministerial group though it was not within my area of responsibility. backed up by the rapporteur. When he left the House, he told me that he would continue to focus on it and promised that he would be Mr Harper: I accept that, but I felt slightly beaten up back here regularly to highlight the issue. He has kept about the question whether the interdepartmental that promise. I add my tributes to those of my hon. ministerial group was effective. I was also worried by Friend the Member for Wellingborough. the almost unanimously positive comments from My hon. Friend reminded us that he welcomed the Opposition Members about me and my future career—it Government opting in to an EU directive. I suspect that is never good when Opposition Members overly praise it is the first and probably the last time he will ever utter Ministers; I always think that does us great harm—but I those words, but I will treasure them. will take them in the spirit in which I am sure they were intended. Andrew Selous: Frame them. My hon. Friend the Member for Wellingborough and the right hon. Member for Birkenhead raised the question Mr Harper: Indeed, I will frame them. of data and of really understanding this issue, which is Rather than going through the remarks in the order I something I have raised internally. The cases referred had planned, I shall do so in the order my hon. Friend through the national referral mechanism are only the the Member for Wellingborough raised them. I will deal tip of the iceberg. Globally, reports suggest that many with his remarks first, because he, with others, picked millions of people are affected in the trade. One task up the debate and got it going. I take his point, which that I have given my officials is to crunch those numbers the right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field) repeated, and to understand the true picture, including how that about the group’s title. By repeating it, he raised a point plays out across the country. 349WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 350WH

[Mr Harper] to put in place to protect those children. I am not saying we are perfect—we can always do better—but I have As some Members have said—my hon. Friend the been pleasantly surprised by that. Before doing this job, Member for South West Bedfordshire made the point I was not really aware of how much training and powerfully—and as the NGOs that I have met have expertise is available at the border for those officers as echoed, the problem is not just in inner cities or parts of people enter the country. As I have said, I am sure we the country where people think this sort of thing goes can do more, but we are very focused on that area. on. On anti-slavery day, I met several people from what My hon. Friend the Member for Wellingborough some might call leafy parts of the country, such as also raised the issue of how we look after adult victims Surrey, who had seen this activity happening. They felt of trafficking. We have the contract with the Salvation that, as my hon. Friend said, it is important to get Army to look after adult victims because there was no people to think about the issue, to understand that it existing process for looking after them. There is an might be going on in their street or round the corner, established mechanism for child protection that, as my and to be alert to what they should look for. hon. Friend said, is delivered through local government. On data and understanding the problem, it is important I absolutely heard what he said about its effectiveness. to get the public to understand that there is an issue— There have recently been several cases in which—if we picking up the point made by the hon. Member for are in any doubt—we can see that trafficked children Linlithgow and East Falkirk (Michael Connarty): telling are not always well looked after by local government. I a constituent why it matters to them, and making them listened carefully to the examples he gave of projects understand that—and to focus on it. That, in turn, that are under way to find a better approach. I do not picks up the point made by the hon. Member for Luton want to prejudge their outcomes, but I assure him that I South (Gavin Shuker) about pressures on police forces and other members of the ministerial group will consider and constabularies. People must understand that this is those results closely to see whether there is a better way. a big problem and that there are interconnections, in He specifically referred to the Barnado’s pilot project that people involved in trafficking are also involved in for safe homes for children, and that and various other wider organised crime. This big economic problem generates pilots will provide us with evidence about what works lots of money that is then used for other criminal best, and we will be guided by what the evidence shows activities. It is not a small problem located in one place; is effective. it is very wide and police forces ought to take it seriously. Another thing worth saying is that the failures there I will not go through this issue at length, but it worth have been will drive change in how we deliver care for saying on police and crime commissioners—I take the children generally. Not only have trafficked children not point made by the hon. Member for Slough (Fiona been as well protected in the care sector as they might Mactaggart) that they have been in existence for not have been; many UK-based children who have not been quite a month—that the Government are making sure trafficked end up not being well looked after. We will they are aware of their national responsibilities as well need to see what various reports suggest the Government as their purely local ones. In other words, they must be should do instead before we respond. The protection of aware of the types of crime with a national or international children is one of the most important things—my hon. dimension that will impact on them, so that, in setting Friend said it was the single most important thing—and priorities, they understand that their police forces must that feeling was generally shared by the Members who think about such matters. have spoken. My hon. Friend the Member for Wellingborough My hon. Friend also flagged up that the report did mentioned the National Crime Agency. It will have not specifically mention the all-party group on human within it the Child Exploitation and Online Protection trafficking or the Human Trafficking Foundation. I Centre, the Human Trafficking Centre and the Border assure him that, if so, that very much falls into the Policing Command. It will be a repository of good cock-up and not the conspiracy camp. There was certainly intelligence gathering and an analysis operation. It will no deliberate intention not to mention them, and he have its own operational police and law enforcement was right to put on the record what he said about the officers but, as my hon. Friend said, it will also have the Human Trafficking Foundation, which I have already ability, if necessary, to task police forces for particular echoed. He was too modest to mention, although others operations. Clearly, it will be much better if it engages did, the excellent work of the all-party parliamentary such police forces by debating and explaining the issue group—that is not a catchy description either. It is and getting them on board voluntarily, but it also has a important and helpful to get together people from tasking power that may ultimately be important, certainly across Parliament not only to take evidence, but to visit in getting people to pay attention, as my hon. Friend other countries and see what goes on. In a previous rightly said. debate, my hon. Friend invited me to attend a meeting My hon. Friend and other Members raised the issue of the all-party group and if he wishes me to do so at an of the protection of children, which the Government appropriate time, I would be delighted to attend, both take very seriously. The hon. Member for Stretford and to listen and to talk. Urmston (Kate Green) spoke about training in the UK The hon. Member for Linlithgow and East Falkirk Border Force and the UK Border Agency. On meeting mentioned child guardians, which we have not introduced front-line Border Force officers who are at the primary because there are existing mechanisms. However, I have checkpoints as people come into the country, and the signed off funding for the Refugee Council and the staff of the UKBA, I have been struck by how aware Children’s Society, which he mentioned, to undertake a they are of the child protection issue and the need to be joint independent scoping review of the practical care alert to it, of all the signs of children travelling with arrangements for trafficked children in care. That will people who are not their parents, and of what we need look at the experience of trafficked children and 351WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 352WH practitioners to find examples of how people have been seem to detract from her performance. If that is how she treated in the care system, and will report by the end of performs when she is suffering from flu, woe betide me spring 2013. When we commissioned the report, we in the next debate when she is not. wanted something that told us about the experience of Let me disabuse the hon. Lady of her main point. We real children who have been through the system rather absolutely did not try to bury this report. We chose to than a piece of desk research. We will look very carefully launch it to coincide with anti-slavery day. We did our at the evidence to see whether it leads us to change very best to make people pay attention to it. We had policy in this area. some success on social media. We worked with NGOs There are trafficked victims who end up undertaking to promote it and we did a very good piece on the BBC, criminal activity. We want to protect them and ensure which took this matter very seriously and covered it that they are not turned into criminals. Let me be clear: extensively on its news bulletins to raise awareness. I am if the circumstances of the arrest, or the evidence pleased to talk about the report at every opportunity, referred to by a prosecutor, suggest that someone may and I do not think that we buried it at all. have been trafficked, the guidance is clear, as was I I thought that the hon. Lady was a little unfair about think acknowledged. In such a case, prosecutors should the report, and, by the way, if she could only find two obtain further information, and work with the police to examples of what she called spin—I do not think that get more evidence. Where there is evidence that a suspect they were spin—she cannot say that this whole exercise has been under duress, the prosecutor should not proceed. is about saying that the Government are doing a great That is clear in theory, but I understand the concerns of job. Genuinely, I looked at her two examples, and did Members about the extent to which that theoretical not think that spin was a fair characterisation of the plan is carried through in practice. report or the way it outlines what the Government are doing. I am sorry she thinks that, because that is not in Mr Bone: If non-governmental organisations provide the spirit of the way in which we have engaged in this me with specific cases of people being prosecuted when report. The report was an attempt to give a fair picture they should not have been, will the Minister undertake of some of the data that show what the Government are to look into them? doing to develop a human trafficking strategy. I rebut what she says and feel just a bit disappointed. Mr Harper: Yes, I will. My hon. Friend the Solicitor- General, who sits on the interdepartmental ministerial Fiona Mactaggart: In what way does the Minister group, is obviously responsible for prosecution policy. believe that the abolition of the domestic worker visa If my hon. Friend gives me some specific examples of makes it less likely that people will be trafficked into that policy perhaps having not been followed, of course domestic servitude? I will look at them and, where appropriate, discuss them with the Solicitor-General to see whether we need to Mr Dai Havard (in the Chair): May I remind you, take further steps. Mr Harper, that we must leave three minutes for Mr Bone?

Fiona Mactaggart: About six months ago, I spoke at Mr Harper: Absolutely. Let me just deal with that a meeting at the Thames Valley criminal justice association issue. We have made changes to reduce the numbers of at which a number of defence barristers were present. overseas domestic workers who are eligible to come They said that their universal experience was that young here and to protect them, so I do not agree with the Vietnamese gardeners in cannabis factories were always hon. Lady’s characterisation. We can have a debate prosecuted. about it, but it is not fair to say that it is spin. The changes include insisting that domestic workers work Mr Harper: The hon. Lady gives me a link into my for an employer for longer. We have ensured that they next point, about children who are being ruthlessly have to provide more evidence of that relationship, that abused to run cannabis farms. Again, the guidance from they have proper written terms and conditions, that the Association of Chief Police Officers is clear. It says they know their rights and that they are given information that we should look at the circumstances and be alert to in their local language, setting out the position when the fact that the children may well have been trafficked. they apply for their visa. We want them to be properly If that is the case, there should be a child welfare alert to the position in the United Kingdom. Her specific response rather than a criminal justice response. I absolutely point was about whether we had given them information hear what the hon. Lady says about whether that is produced by Stop the Traffik. I am not sure whether actually happening in practice. I will speak to my hon. that is the particular document we give them, so I will Friend the Solicitor-General to see what data there are go away and consider that matter. I think it was the about the position on the ground—I know we have “travel safe” resource that she talked about. If that is gathered some from Crown prosecutors—to see whether good information, I will look into supplying it to the we can be better informed. She is quite right: if people workers as well. have been trafficked and are under duress, we should treat them not as criminals but as victims. That is what Michael Connarty rose— we intend to do and what the guidance says, but I accept that what is supposed to happen in theory does not Mr Harper: If the hon. Gentleman will forgive me, I always happen in practice. need to leave at least three minutes for my hon. Friend The hon. Lady made a number of points. I am the Member for Wellingborough to sum up the debate. pleased that she is here, and I wish her a speedy and full recovery from the flu. I would not have known that she Mr Dai Havard (in the Chair): There is only three was ill apart from the odd cough. Her illness did not minutes left. 353WH Human Trafficking20 DECEMBER 2012 Human Trafficking 354WH

Mr Harper: Let me conclude, then. in the new year. That would allow us to debate all the I am sorry I have not managed to cover all the points issues and to highlight the different opinions on domestic raised in this detailed debate. I agree with what everyone visas. said about slavery being one of the great man-made What I recognised from the debate was the fact that, evils, as the right hon. Member for Birkenhead described although there was no collusion, everybody from the it. The Government are determined to do what we can Back Benches acknowledged the need for an independent to combat it. I am grateful to the Members who have rapporteur. We will come back to that issue again, spoken today. This will not be the last debate on this especially if we feel that the Inter-Departmental Ministerial subject, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member Group on Human Trafficking does not do its job. If the for Wellingborough for securing it and look forward to Minister does not change the group’s name, that will be his summation. good enough reason for anyone to think that we need a rapporteur. 4.27 pm I thank all Members for speaking. My hon. Friend the Member for South West Bedfordshire (Andrew Mr Bone: I am very grateful to you, Mr Havard, for Selous) told an extraordinary story, and he put it most allowing me to sum up what I think has been one of the powerfully. Anyone listening to that story realises that most interesting debates that I have attended. It has such events can happen anywhere. benefited greatly from the fact that the speeches have The right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field), been thoughtful, constructive and in no way party who unusually made a prepared written speech for this political. I thank all the Members who have spoken for debate— that; of course, they are all members of the all-party group on human trafficking. Mr Frank Field: Never before. I also thank the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Stretford and Urmston (Kate Green), for her comments, Mr Bone: Indeed; it is unique. The right hon. Gentleman’s which I thought were useful, constructive and expressed speech was really powerful, but everyone who spoke did in the right spirit. so exceptionally well. I am very grateful to everyone Briefly, I want to thank the Members who spoke, who attended today and to the Backbench Business starting with the hon. Member for Slough (Fiona Committee. Mactaggart). I thank her for getting off her sick bed, coming in and powerfully making her point, partly in Mr Dai Havard (in the Chair): Thank you very much, relation to the rapporteur and partly in relation to Mr Bone. It is my duty now to bring this debate to an domestic visas. I will make a quick comment on domestic end. Cyfarchion y tymor i chi—season’s greetings to visas. I say to the hon. Member for Linlithgow and East you all—and if we survive the Mayan new year tomorrow, Falkirk (Michael Connarty), who is one of the deputy we will resume in 2013. chairs of the all-party group, that a debate on that subject would be a very good debate that we should 4.30 pm press for. The Backbench Business Committee method Sitting adjourned without Question put (Standing Order is something that the all-party group should look to use No. 10(13)). 121WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 122WS

to ease the flow of credit to small and medium sized- Written Ministerial businesses including by working with the Bank of England to launch the funding for lending scheme, by putting in Statements place access to finance schemes such as the £1.2 billion business finance partnership and the seed enterprise Thursday 20 December 2012 investment scheme, and providing additional funding for the enterprise finance guarantee. ATTORNEY-GENERAL However, many good small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) still struggle to raise finance from their banks. Guidelines for Prosecutors Furthermore, well before the financial crisis Britain (Doctrine of Joint Enterprise) suffered from structural failings in finance, in long-term credit in particular. Now as the economy recovers, there The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve): The Director is a risk that UK businesses lack the support they need of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has today published guidelines to grow. for prosecutors on the use of the doctrine of joint As set out in the autumn statement 2012, the Government enterprise by prosecutors. On 17 January 2012, the therefore plan to deploy an extra £1 billion to create a House of Commons Justice Committee published its business bank. We will maximise the bank’s impact and report on the use of the doctrine of joint enterprise by reach by exploring joint investment with the private prosecutors (11th report of session 2010-12, HC 1597). sector and the use of Government guarantees. The In its conclusions and recommendations, at paragraph 3, bank will make wholesale interventions in the business the Committee recommended that the DPP issue guidance finance market to facilitate the development of a greater on diversity of non-bank business finance sources and to “the proper threshold at which association becomes evidence of tackle other long-standing market gaps. We will also involvement in crime”. take steps to bring together Government finance schemes As a result of this recommendation, the DPP drafted for small and medium-sized businesses so that they are guidelines to prosecutors on the use of the doctrine of managed as a single portfolio and ensure businesses are joint enterprise. On 11 September, the DPP commenced aware of and can access Government-backed business a limited consultation on the draft guidelines with a advice. number of interested parties. As is generally acknowledged, I wish to outline to the House how we will achieve the law of joint enterprise is complex, and it was felt a this and what are the key milestones along the way. targeted consultation with lawyers, academics and campaigners, rather than a general consultation, would We envisage the business bank operating on a commercial be of most benefit. That consultation exercise concluded basis within a strategic framework set by Ministers. It on 19 October and the DPP has now considered the will be charged with finding ways to fill gaps in the guidelines in the light of the responses received and, business finance market, based on economic analysis. A where appropriate, amended the guidelines accordingly. number of options are being considered including capital Owing to the limited nature of the consultation exercise investments and guarantees for long-term finance products, no interim guidelines were issued. as well as a wider range of wholesale funding activities The guidelines clarify that where association evidence which could become relevant over time. Detailed design is relied on, the circumstances of the association of the of the activities will need to reflect the requirement to suspect with the principal offender, together with the ensure our proposals are fully consistent with state aid other evidence in the case, must give rise to the inference rules. We plan to start a dialogue with the Commission that the suspect was assisting or encouraging the principal’s about our proposals in January. offence. The guidelines note that in some circumstances At the same time, and in order to start acting swiftly, it may be appropriate to consider alternative charges we propose to use £300 million of the new funding to which may be available and which do not require the use co-invest alongside the private sector in sources of of the joint enterprise doctrine. In the event that the finance that help diversify the business finance market. particular circumstances apply and no such alternative These investments will be made under section 8 of the is available, the guidelines caution the prosecutor to Industrial Development Act 1982. Further detail of weigh carefully the merits of proceeding with the more how this funding will be made available will be provided serious charge under the doctrine of joint enterprise. at Budget 2013 after engagement with market participants Each case will need to be considered on its own facts in the new year. and on its own merits before a decision is made on prosecution. I am also creating an advisory group, which will Copies of the guidelines will be placed in the Libraries comprise independent business and finance experts and of both Houses. advise the Government on the setting up and strategic direction of the new institution. Sir Peter Burt has very kindly agreed to chair this advisory group and additional BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS members will be appointed very shortly. I can also announce today that Keith Morgan has joined the Business Bank Government to lead the design work for the future business bank. The group will provide advice on: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and The activities and specific segments of the market on which Skills (Vince Cable): The impact of the financial crisis different activities of the business bank should focus on the cost and availability of credit is seriously affecting The design of existing interventions and how they could best the economy. The Government have already taken action be improved 123WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 124WS

The detailed design of the new interventions, how to make FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE them most effective, and how to attract private sector capital if desirable Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe How to ensure better joining-up of wider Government-funded business advice and support as well as enhanced awareness The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth of and access by businesses to this support Affairs (Mr William Hague): On 6 December I travelled The role of Government in such an organisation, and at to Dublin to attend the 19th Organisation for Security what level and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) ministerial council— The overall implementation plan the organisation’s key decision-making body, which marked the culmination of Ireland’s 2012 OSCE chairmanship- The marketing plan for these activities in-office (CiO). My right hon. Friend the Minister for The key roles in terms of design and execution risk for the Europe also attended. implementation phase. A key outcome was agreement on a new initiative We will use their expertise to develop proposals for designed to inject a fresh dynamic into the OSCE as we the bank’s interventions and discuss and, where relevant, approach the 40th anniversary of the Helsinki Final agree these interventions with Her Majesty’s Treasury, Act in 2015. The “Helsinki +40” process tasks upcoming the Bank of England, UK regulators and the European CiOs (Ukraine 2013, Switzerland 2014, Serbia 2015) Commission. to strengthen co-operation, enhance implementation of existing commitments and develop new approaches I will present more detailed proposals on these matters to realising a comprehensive “security community” well to the House next year. equipped to respond to the evolving threats to our collective security and prosperity. I spoke in support of the initiative urging all OSCE participating states to use Copyright Reform this opportunity to develop a clear, reinvigorated vision of how the OSCE can best support security and stability across the region. The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Through my plenary intervention I called on all Skills (Vince Cable): Today the Government are publishing states to implement sincerely and consistently their the final part of their response to their copyright OSCE commitments, not least on human rights. I urged consultation: “Modernising Copyright: a modern, robust the OSCE to concentrate its efforts where it had most and flexible framework”. relevance and impact, in particular on election observation, media freedom, conflict resolution, violence against The response sets out Government decisions on changes women, cyber-security, and conventional arms control to “copyright exceptions”: freedoms in copyright law and confidence and security-building measures. that allow third parties to use copyright works for a variety of economically and/or socially valuable purposes The Irish CiO’s overriding objective was to agree without permission from copyright owners. a balanced package of decisions across the OSCE’s three dimensions: politico-military, economic and environmental The Government are committed to achieving strong, and human. This was a pragmatic aim which this sustainable and balanced growth that is shared across Government fully supported. Significant agreements the country and between industries. Following the were reached on a statement on the Transnistrian conflict, Hargreaves review of intellectual property and growth, the first of its kind since 2002; development of a framework and an extensive consultation process, the Government on counter-terrorism, as part of the OSCE’s work to believe that the copyright framework can be improved address transnational threats; and a declaration on to make the UK a better place for consumers and for good governance, anti-corruption and transparency. firms to innovate, in markets which are vital for future In the human dimension the UK supported adoption growth, without harming the UK’s valuable creative of decisions on media freedom, and racism and xenophobia; industries. both key strands of the OSCE’s human rights work. It The Government have considered the responses to was disappointing that, in a repeat of the 2011 Vilnius the consultation carefully, alongside the views of the ministerial council, no agreements were possible in this Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee and dimension; a clear indication of the divisions that persist others. They intend to make changes to widen existing within the OSCE on approaches to human rights issues. or introduce new exceptions for private copying; parody; We are deeply concerned that a number of participating education; quotation and news reporting; text and data states appear to be falling short of their human rights mining; research and private study; preservation; disabilities; commitments in the OSCE. The UK will work with the public administration and reporting. These measures incoming Ukraine CiO to ensure that human rights, take account of what the Government have heard from democracy and fundamental freedoms are at the forefront creative industries about the need to minimise potential of the OSCE’s agenda through 2013. adverse impacts of any change. The Government intend to make these changes via HEALTH secondary legislation in autumn 2013. Prior to this, the Government will publish the draft regulations for technical Parliamentary Written Questions (Correction) review. The response document will be published on the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Business, Innovation and Skills, and Intellectual Property (Dr Daniel Poulter): I regret that the written answers Office websites and a copy will be placed in the Libraries given to the hon. Member for Hartlepool (lain Wright) of both Houses. on 6 November 2012, Official Report, column 584W,the 125WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 126WS right hon. Member for Warley (John Spellar) on 22 October departures. The figure for other departures includes 2012, Official Report, column 711W, the right hon. early retirements (excluding those because of ill health). Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) on 20 February It is not possible to separately identify this cost, or the 2012, Official Report, column 713W and the hon. Member cost of voluntary redundancies from the data collected. for Stalybridge and Hyde (Jonathan Reynolds) on 10 January 2012, Official Report, column 120W, contained some incorrect information. TRANSPORT The written answers pertained to the cost of exit Port of Dover packages incurred by primary care trusts (PCTs) and the information provided in the original answers incorrectly included a negative figure for one PCT, due to an error The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Mr Simon in compiling the figures for the annual report and Burns): In January 2010 Dover Harbour Board (DHB) accounts within the Department. submitted a voluntary transfer scheme in accordance In respect of the answer given to the hon. Member with section 9 of the Ports Act 1991, which allows a for Hartlepool (lain Wright), a table showing the corrected relevant port authority to voluntarily submit a transfer figures is given below. scheme, which, if confirmed by the Secretary of State for Transport, would allow the port to be privatised. Category 2010-11 2011-12 This was followed by a statutory consultation period on Dover’s transfer scheme that ended on 25 March 2010. £000s £000s On 16 May 2011 the then Secretary of State for Compulsory redundancies 87,911 83,106 Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Other departures 134,982 91,589 Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), launched Notes: a consultation on the criteria that the Government 1.“Other departures” include early retirements (except those due to ill health), voluntary redundancies, mutually agreed resignation scheme, consider relevant when considering the appropriateness pay in lieu of notice etc. of the sale of a major trust port. The revised criteria— 2. Voluntary redundancies are not separately identifiable from other “Secretary of State for Transport’s Guidance Note departures; therefore, an overall figure for redundancies is not available. concerning procedure for the sale of trust ports”—was In respect of the written answer given to the right published on 3 August 2011. hon. Member for Warley (John Spellar), a table showing In response to the revised criteria, DHB submitted the corrected figures is given below. more information in June 2012, and there was a further six-week period for representations which ended on Category 2009-10 2010-11 27 July 2012. £000s £000s I took over as decision Minister from the right hon. Compulsory redundancies 4,457 60,367 Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers) in September Other departures 1,737 111,749 2012 and wish to announce the decision, on behalf of the Secretary of State to the House, today. Notes: 1.“Other departures” include early retirements (except those due to ill I have decided not to confirm DHB’s transfer scheme. health), voluntary redundancies, mutually agreed resignation scheme, I reached my conclusion taking into account the published pay in lieu of notice etc. policy. I concluded that the transfer scheme proposed 2. Voluntary redundancies are not separately identifiable from other would not ensure a sufficient level of enduring community departures; therefore, an overall figure for redundancies is not available. participation in the port. I also concluded that so far as In respect of the written answer given to the right the board made the application in order to be able to hon. Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham), the corrected obtain the additional finance necessary to undertake information is as follows. the proposed redevelopment of the Western Docks, The total resource cost of exit packages for primary there were other options available to secure that care trust (PCT) staff leaving their organisation in redevelopment. 2010-11 was £172.1 million. A table breaking down this The full decision letter will be available on the cost for each PCT has been placed in the Library. The Department’s website shortly after this statement. total value of £172.1 million includes £60.4 million for The Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. compulsory redundancies and £111.7 million for other Friend the Member for Wimbledon (Stephen Hammond), departures. The figure for other departures includes the as maritime Minister will now discuss with DHB their cost of both early retirements (excluding those relating plans for the future of the port. to ill health) and voluntary redundancies. However, it is not possible to separately identify the value of either of these costs from the data collected. Government Car and Despatch Agency In respect of the written answer given to the hon. Member for Stalybridge and Hyde (Jonathan Reynolds) The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport on 10 January 2012, Official Report, column 120W, the (Stephen Hammond): I am publishing today details of corrected part of the reply is given below. the charges incurred by Departments for the use of Information from the audited NHS (England) official Government cars provided to Ministers by the summarised accounts for the financial year 2010-11 Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA) during shows that the total resource cost of staff exit packages the year 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012. This is in line for strategic health authorities, primary care trusts and with previous annual statements. National Health Service trusts in the 2010-11 financial The charges recorded in the statement show a continuing year was £223 million. This figure includes £88 million reduction in the amount spent on official cars for Ministers. for compulsory redundancies and £135 million for other Costs to Departments have seen a 49% reduction in the 127WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 128WS latest figures when compared to those of the previous The charges recorded in the statement also reflect year and a 72% reduction when compared to the figures the progress made on restructuring the service to for April 2009 to March 2010: maximise value for money while improving standards of service delivery. This programme of reform includes May 2010- the development of a new service model which will offer 2009-10 April 2010 March 2011 2011-12 up further cost savings on the provision of the service. £6.7m £0.8m £2.9m £1.9m The new service model was announced in February 2012 and introduced in April 2012. The associated Official cars are an essential service for Ministers in charges will be reflected in next years’ written ministerial order that they can carry out their work effectively but statement. we are committed to continuing our focus on the cost of this service. The figures for 2011-12 are:

Ministerial Car Department Allocated Cars1 Allocated Cost Pool Total Cost

Attorney-General’s Office 1 £76,645.29 £15,495.00 £92,140.29 Cabinet Office 1 £58,097.77 £24,456.90 £82,554.67 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills 1 £71,075.32 £3,270.71 £74,346.03 Department for Education 1 £71,912.21 £91,270.73 £163,182.94 Department for Communities and Local Government 1 £83,689.50 £119,130.47 £202,819.97 Department for Culture, Media and Sport 0 £0.00 £1,740.81 £1,740.81 Department for Energy and Climate Change 0 £0.00 £36,687.79 £36,687.79 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 1 £74,013.16 £5,691.82 £79,704.98 Department for International Development 0 £31,649.41 £48,434.94 £80,084.35 Department for Transport 1 £84,818.65 £56,221.79 £141,040.44 Department for Work and Pensions 1 £87,388.17 £57,117.69 £144,505.86 Department of Health 1 £7,885.11 £119,966.86 £127,851.97 Foreign and Commonwealth Office 0 £0.00 £23,020.77 £23,020.77 HM Treasury 1 £105,640.88 £47,802.27 £153,443.15 Home Office 1 £75,922.71 £60,919.17 £136,841.88 Ministry of Defence 0 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Ministry of Justice 1 £91,509.03 £103,405.45 £194,914.48 Northern Ireland Office 0 £0.00 £34,289.71 £34,289.71 Scotland Office 0 £0.00 £60.00 £60.00 Wales Office 1 £78,067.12 £6,380.00 £84,447.12 13 £998,314.33 £855,362.88 £1,853,677.21 1Number of allocated cars as of 31 March 2012. One allocated car service terminated mid-year.

Where Ministers were provided with a protected service This situation has caused inconvenience and disruption, because of their need for greater security, the costs particularly to passengers in the west midlands, many of related to this service are not included as this is not aid whom have expressed their dissatisfaction to me. I very for directly by Departments but centrally by the Home much share their disappointment that they have not had Office. the reliable service that they rightly expect. Ministers may use other means of transport or other However, although the recent levels of performance secure providers of car services, so the official figures have been extremely disappointing, I am pleased to say provided by GCDA for the statement may not reflect that the measures that LM have put in place are beginning the total spend by Departments on cars used for ministerial to work. travel. These figures do not cover the full costs of delivering LM has implemented increases to driver efficiency to the car service. These are set out annually in the GCDA enable drivers to operate an increased number of routes annual report and accounts. during existing shifts, improved driver training processes, provided additional incentives for drivers to work overtime and put in place new measures that allow for drivers to Rail Franchising cover shifts on other parts of the network where there are shortages. This is in addition to the ongoing training programme The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick that LM is undertaking to ensure that new drivers enter McLoughlin): I would today like to give an update on productive service as quickly as possible. the situation in relation to franchised train operator London Midland (LM). However, LM’s performance has been of such a level Passengers who use LM trains may be aware that the that they are now in breach of their contractual obligations. operator has been experiencing difficulties recently, with We have made London Midland aware that they must a number of services being cancelled due to a shortage now take action to compensate passengers for the disruption of driving staff caused. We have, therefore, agreed with LM that they 129WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 130WS will provide a substantial package of passenger benefits around £1.9 million to passengers who will be able to by way of compensation for the inconvenience that has take advantage of these cheaper fares over the next two been caused. years of the franchise. LM has agreed to spend an additional £4 million over I hope that LM will be able to remain the operator of the remainder of the franchise to put in place measures this franchise for the remainder of its contract—to to ensure that these problems do not happen again. In September 2015. But London Midland will continue addition, the package of passenger benefits includes the to work to challenging performance benchmarks for the issue of five free rail day passes to London Midland remainder of the franchise, and we will take further season ticket holders, with an expected value of up to action (including ending the franchise early and re-tendering £3.5 million. We have also agreed that London Midland it, if appropriate) in the event of any recurrence of will invest a further £2.25 million in infrastructure performance problems. improvement projects. We have required London Midland In addition to the package of passenger benefits, we to discuss with Centro, the west midlands passenger have agreed to revise the profile of performance benchmarks transport executive, how the majority of this money for the next year, to include additional measures that will be invested for the benefit of those passengers who can penalise LM financially in the event of further poor have experienced the worst disruption. performance. We have also agreed financial measures to ensure that the reduction in revenue as a result of the As a result of this consultation, LM has agreed that free and discounted tickets is borne by LM, and not by most of this money should be directed towards measures the taxpayer. such as improvements to safety and security at stations and improving the reliability and efficiency of LM I am confident that this package, on balance, represents trains. a good deal for passengers and taxpayers, and sends a message to the industry that this level of cancellations is Lastly, we have also agreed with LM that they must unsatisfactory. I hope that LM can now put this period make available an additional 500,000 advance tickets on behind it, and continue to operate a good service for its key routes on the LM network, giving a net benefit of passengers for the remainder of its franchise.

9P Petitions20 DECEMBER 2012 Petitions 10P

are then found to be “Unfit for Work”, not just from the Petitions date of their Tribunals, but from the date of their initial Medical Assessment. If this was the case in a small percentage of circumstances, it may be reasonable to Thursday 20 December 2012 suggest it was simply a statistical blip. However, official statistics to date clearly evidence that the Work Capability Assessment is fundamentally flawed. This is particularly evident when it comes to Assessing Mental Health PRESENTED PETITION issues, or short, medium or long-term Variable Health Conditions, be they Mental or Physical. Petition presented to the House but not read on the Floor Many of the Assessors are also very clearly insufficiently qualified or sufficiently experienced to make accurate Welfare benefit reforms and fair Assessments of many of the individual Benefit Claimants. The Humble Petition of Mr Adrian Paul Miles of Wednesbury, West Midlands, Therefore, with all due Honour and Respect, Your Humble Petitioner Prays, Pleads and Requests, that the Declares that this Petition is a plea for our Government House of Commons urges the Government to, as soon to reconsider the impact and implications of the Welfare as practicably possible, LORD willing: Reform Act, as well as consider revising the Work Capability Assessment, as currently administered by I. ATOS Health Care, on behalf of the Department of Revise the current Welfare Reforms Legislation and Work and Pensions. the Department of Work and Pensions’ management The Petitioner submits that the current Welfare Reform structure and ethos to ensure that both accuracy and Act is fundamentally a very good idea, especially in its fairness are paramount in the Policies and Decision applaudably honourable and well-intentioned attempts Making Processes of both ATOS Healthcare and the at reducing this Country’s Benefit Expenditure, by getting Department of Work and Pensions; people off Disability and Sickness Benefits and back II. into work. Make consideration of, and reference to, Claimants’ However, as someone once said, Doctors’ and Psychiatrists’ Medical Records compulsory “The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions”. prior to and during Medical Assessments; Of course, many good intentions, in many cases, can III. lead to many good results. This is undeniably true in the case of the Welfare Reform Act, which has begun, and That all staff employed, contracted or sub-contracted is very clearly continuing to help people off Disability towards this purpose are sufficiently qualified and and Sickness Benefits and back into the workplace. Of experienced, with Doctors and other experts or specialists course, this is all very commendable and beneficial to used when necessary or appropriate; our Society. However, the Petitioner is also compelled IV. to submit that our Government, through the work of the Department of Work and Pensions and, in turn, The Appeals process is apparently currently taking through the delegated, contracted and sub-contracted between approximately five or six months to one year, work of ATOS Health Care, are also taking a significantly thereby causing serious anxiety, as well as putting large minority of British Citizens on a rollercoaster considerable stress, as well as considerable financial nightmare of financial worry and distress which, in strain on Benefit Claimants and their families and turn, significantly worsens their health. friends. This suffering is, of course, particularly acute given that we are currently entering a cold winter period, What the Petitioner finds most alarming, is that tens where Claimants’ fuel and utility bills are likely to be of thousands, if not potentially hundreds of thousands significantly higher than usual. Please, therefore, kindly of Mentally Ill, Sick and Disabled Benefit Claimants reduce this waiting period as much as possible; are being unfairly declared “Fit for Work”, when in fact they are clearly evidenced by both themselves and their V. own Doctors and/or their Psychiatrists and Medical In addition, the Petitioner also requests that Government Specialists as being “Unfit for Work”. Legislation and Department of Work and Pensions If this was a matter simply of a relatively low percentage Policy is put in place to provide reasonable financial of individuals being incorrectly assessed by sufficiently compensation to all those who are later evidenced as qualified and experienced Medical Professionals and “Unfit for Work”, having been previously unfairly declared being given a Work Capability Assessment score of, for “Fit for Work”. In particular, the Petitioner requests example, say ten, instead of a more accurate and fair that further compensation should be provided by way fifteen points or so, then the Petitioner would not be of apology for those who were given either zero or very submitting this Parliamentary Petition to this House. low points prior to their successful Appeal Tribunal Decision. Sadly, the undeniable reality is that numerous Benefit Claimants are being given zero or significantly low Your Petitioner remains Your Fellow-Citizen and points by their ATOS Appointed Assessors and, upon Fellow-Servant for the Common Good of Our Country. Appeal, many of them are then given significantly more Received 19 December 2012. points. Furthermore, many of these Benefit Claimants [P001152] 11P Petitions20 DECEMBER 2012 Petitions 12P

OBSERVATIONS who misbehaved during the protest marches throughout the world against this film and that the Petitioners believe that those actions were against the teachings of CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT our beloved prophet. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Film “Innocence of Muslims” Commons urge the Government to ban the film “Innocence of Muslims” from being shown, consider new legislation The Petition of residents of Nelson, Lancashire and to make it a criminal offence to create films or cartoons elsewhere, of a blasphemous nature and support moves to recognise Declares that the Petitioners believe that the showing the responsibility attached to freedom of speech and in the UK of the film Innocence of Muslims, which the ensure such derogatory material is not encouraged. Petitioners believe has blasphemous contents, has deeply And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by offended Muslims not only in the United Kingdom but Mr Stewart Jackson, Official Report, 5 December 2012; also throughout the world; further that freedom of Vol. 554, c. 962.] speech and the showing or publishing of material in certain instances has been restricted by the UK and that [P001144] the Government in recent legislation e.g. The Anti-Terror Observations from the Secretary of State for Culture, laws, restricted such where it was thought best for the Media and Sport: public interest and that this evidences that freedom of speech can be restricted in certain cases; further that the On the issue of banning material which some people Petitioners believe that the effects of this film have may find offensive, the Government believe that the caused racial and religious relations in an already troubled right to freedom of opinion and expression is a vital world to deteriorate and has caused people to suffer component of a free democratic society. We have a long upset and injured feeling and is an infringement of their tradition of freedom of speech in the United Kingdom; religious rights and beliefs; further that, the Petitioners however, we have been clear of the need to balance the believe films such as this one merely serve to damage right to freedom of speech with the need to prevent efforts to rebuild community relations at time when all actions which intimidate, threaten violence or incite communities should be working hard to do so; further others to hatred and we continue to stand by this. The that the Petitioners believe such films are therefore not right to freedom of opinion and expression is enshrined in the interests of public or society as a whole and that in our laws, with carefully defined and intensely debated the Petitioners believe it is the social responsibility of limitations on this right under legislation such as the any Government in modern times to prevent such material Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006 and Public Order from being shown or published as it goes against all Act 1986. efforts of promoting world peace. While there are frequently calls to ban websites and The Petitioners therefore request that the House of online material which carry extremist or offensive content, Commons urges the Government to legislate to ban the the content typically tends to falls short of the criminal showing of the film Innocence of Muslims in the UK threshold. It is likely that this film was produced privately and urges the Government to conduct a comprehensive by individuals in the US and has subsequently been enquiry to consider and re-introduce a new law against made available on several websites. The websites that blasphemy, with a view to passing legislation aimed at host the film may be with internet service providers protecting all religions and races from being subjected based outside the UK and removing a website from one to mocking and ridicule. host is highly unlikely to remove it from the internet permanently. And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Andrew Stephenson, Official Report, 16 October 2012; Vol. 551, In the case of films, every film supplied on DVD (or c. 292.] other hard copy) to the public in the UK must first be submitted to the British Board of Film Classification [P001123] (BBFC). The BBFC considers works against a set of The Petition of Muslims of the City of Peterborough, guidelines that take into account the law and also public Declares that the Petitioners feel hurt and shocked by opinion. Videos are then awarded an age-related the film “Innocence of Muslims”; further that the classification. The guidelines and details of how the Petitioners believe that it represents a defamation of BBFC gauges public opinion are available on its website Islamic sacred values and is an insult to the Prophet at: www.bbfc.co.uk. The guidelines are based on the Muhammad and that the Petitioners believe that this type of content but make no assessment of quality or of defamation of the Prophet Muhammad, or indeed any accuracy as, of course, many of the works submitted to other Prophet, is unacceptable; further that the Petitioners the Board are fiction or fictionalised accounts of real do not accept the claim that insults to religious institutions, life events. The general law applies to films as it does to their prophets or their values fall within the scope of all other areas of life so, for example, a film that freedom of speech and that whilst the Petitioners support defames a living person would still be liable under freedom of speech they wish to remind people that it defamation statute. carries with it the role of responsibility and care not to It should be noted, for completeness, that were the hurt and humiliate the feelings of other people; further film or parts thereof to be broadcast on UK-licensed that the Petitioners believe this kind of film, along with broadcasters, it would have to comply with the Ofcom derogatory sketches and cartoons about the Prophet broadcasting Code, which sets out rules in relation to Muhammad is blasphemous and tortuous to Muslims offence, incitement and abusive treatment of religion. If all over the world; further that the Petitioners wish to it were to be shown on video-on-demand on the internet dissociate themselves from the small minority of people in the UK, it would have to comply with ATVOD’s the 13P Petitions20 DECEMBER 2012 Petitions 14P

Authority of Television on Demand statutory obligations And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Alex in relation to the editorial content. This includes a rule Cunningham, Official Report, 11 December 2012; Vol. 555, that states c. 264.] “on-demand programme service must not contain any material [P001149] likely to incite hatred based on race, sex, religion or nationality”. Observations from the Secretary of State for the Home The Home Office is leading work across Government, Department: and with internet industry representatives, to identify The Government are fully committed to tackling all practical solutions for responding adequately to the forms of hate crime, including that fuelled by religious concerns of victims and communities in relation to hatred, and have clearly stated that the film, “The offensive and extremist internet content. Innocence of Muslims”was purposely designed to provoke The Government are fully committed to tackling all outrage and disorder. forms of hate crime, including that fuelled by religious The United Kingdom already has in place one of the hatred. Targeting a person or a group based on personal strongest legislative frameworks in the world to protect characteristics is unacceptable, and there is already in communities from hostility, violence and bigotry. We place, one of the strongest legislative frameworks in the keep that framework under review to ensure that it world to protect communities from hostility, violence remains effective in meeting new challenges, including and bigotry. This framework is kept under review to those thrown up by the development and use of the ensure that it remains effective in meeting new challenges, internet. including those thrown up by the development and use Criminal offences related to religious hatred have of the internet. been introduced and provide enhanced sentencing powers The Government condemn any form of religious to reflect the seriousness of targeting a person or a intolerance and bigotry. Criminal offences related to group for a personal characteristic. For instance, there religious hatred are already in place, are clear, and are criminal offences related to stirring up religious provide enhanced sentencing powers to reflect the hatred under the Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006. seriousness of targeting a person or a group for a The Act makes it an offence to use threatening words or personal characteristic. For instance, there are criminal behaviour, or display any written material which is offences related to stirring up religious hatred under the threatening, if a person thereby intends to stir up religious Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006. The Act makes hatred. The legislation also extends to distributing, it an offence to use threatening words or behaviour, or showing or playing a recording and makes it an offence display any written material which is threatening, if a to distribute, show or play a recording if images or person thereby intends to stir up religious hatred. The sounds are threatening and intend to stir up religious legislation also extends to material that is broadcast, hatred. and makes it an offence if a programme involving We have a long tradition of freedom of speech in threatening visual images or sounds is included in a the United Kingdom. However, we have been clear programme service and the persons providing, producing of the need to balance the right to freedom of speech or directing the programme intend to stir up religious with the need to prevent actions which intimidate, threaten hatred. In addition to these specific offences, there are violence or incite others to hatred and we continue to also separate offences for racially and religiously aggravated stand by this. While there are frequently calls for the crimes under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Government to ban websites and online material which carry offensive content, the content typically tends to fall short of the criminal threshold. Additionally the websites that host the film may be with internet service HOME DEPARTMENT providers based outside of the UK and removing a website from one host is highly unlikely to remove it Film ‘Innocence of Muslims’ from the internet altogether. The Petition of Cllr Mohammed Javed, The Government continue to work with internet industry representatives, to identify practical solutions for responding Declares that the Petitioner believes that the film, adequately to concerns about this kind of material. “The Innocence of Muslims” is disrespectful, offensive Where internet content is unlawful and is hosted overseas, and untruthful, and could incite hatred towards Muslims. the Government work with overseas Governments and The Petitioner therefore requests that the House of law enforcement agencies and the internet industry in Commons urges the Government to take necessary order to remove it. The Government are also engaging measure to ban the film, and introduce new legislation with industry representatives to explore a proposal for a to prevent Islamophobia and the incitement of religious code of conduct to remove material which breaches hatred against Muslims. acceptable behaviour standards.

857W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 858W Written Answers to Money Lending

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Attorney-General how Questions many prosecutions the Crown Prosecution Service has made for offences relating to illegal money lending in each year since 2005. [134630] Thursday 20 December 2012 The Solicitor-General: The primary enforcement of illegal money lending will be conducted by local authority trading standards officers and illegal money lending ATTORNEY-GENERAL teams co-ordinated by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, not the Crown Prosecution Service Corporate Manslaughter (CPS). The data held by the CPS does not therefore represent the total number of prosecutions. Paul Burstow: To ask the Attorney-General how The records held by the CPS identify the number of many cases are being investigated with a view to offences in which a prosecution commenced and reached prosecution for offences under the Corporate a first hearing in magistrates courts, rather than the Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007; how number of defendants. Offences of illegal money lending many cases brought under the provisions of the Act can be charged under section 39(1) of the Consumer have been investigated since the commencement of the Credit Act 1974, engaging in activities that require a Act; and what steps the Crown Prosecution Service is licence when not a licensee. Since 2005 the number of taking to assist future prosecutions under the Act. these offences prosecuted by the CPS was as follows: [133973] Consumer Credit Act 1974 section 39(1) Number The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) does not hold data on the total number of cases 2005 2 under investigation with a view to possible prosecution 2006 0 for offences under the Corporate Manslaughter and 2007 1 Corporate Homicide Act 2007; such information would 2008 1 be held by the relevant investigating authorities. 2009 3 CPS records indicate that the number of cases brought 2010 5 for prosecution by the CPS under the provisions of the 2011 20 Act is four; however, this does not include any cases 2012 (to 18 December 2012) 16 involving unincorporated partnerships which would be handled by CPS Complex Casework Units (CCU). No central records of the prosecution outcomes of CCU records do not distinguish between corporate and offences are held by the CPS. To obtain the volume and other types of manslaughter, and such data could not rate of conviction would involve reviewing individual be reasonably obtained locally or nationally other than case files which would incur a disproportionate cost. by reviewing individual case files which would incur a In addition to the above offences, illegal money lending disproportionate cost. activities may give rise to other charges such as threatening The CPS encourages early referral from the police, behaviour, assault, blackmail or fraud. No central record the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Independent of the circumstances of offences is maintained. Such Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) in order to data could not reasonably be obtained locally or nationally allow closer partnership working with investigators and other than by reviewing individual case files which to advise on this complex area of law. Early referral will would incur a disproportionate cost. enable advice to be given on investigation strategy, and for the appropriate instruction of experts to assist in making progress in these cases. Since 2011, the CPS has been making efforts to strengthen the process of early CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT advice. The CPS is leading a project to strengthen engagement with the Association of Chief Police Officers Betting HSE, IPCC and others. Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Immigration Media and Sport whether she will make a statement on dormant betting accounts and unclaimed winnings. Priti Patel: To ask the Attorney-General if he will [134870] estimate the additional cost of the delivery of those public services for which the Law Officers’ Departments Hugh Robertson: A report has been submitted by the are responsible arising from inward migration since Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local 1997. [134292] Government, the right hon. Member for Bath (Mr Foster) into abandoned betting accounts and other unclaimed The Solicitor-General: The Law Officers’ Departments winnings. The recommendations from this report will do not routinely produce estimates of this nature. To do only be considered once the Government has delivered so would incur a disproportionate cost. its legislative proposals for remote gambling. 859W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 860W

Equality David Mundell: No discussions have been held with the First Minister on membership of the EU. The UK Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Government has set out its view that the most likely Media and Sport what proportion of staff in her scenario would be that an independent Scotland would Department have received training in equality and diversity have to join the EU as a new state, requiring negotiation and the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, within with other member states including the terms of the last three years. [134587] membership.

Hugh Robertson: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) does not hold central data for the number of employees who have gone through equality PRIME MINISTER and diversity training in the last three years. The Department does, however, place the equality and diversity agenda Food Banks at the heart of how we operate, from the implementation of Our People Strategy, which recognises and develops the talent in all our people, to policy development. Luciana Berger: To ask the Prime Minister which food Since 2008, the Department has also implemented an banks he has visited since May 2010; at what locations; Equality and Diversity Strategy to provide a holistic and on what dates. [134614] framework in which the way the Department operates reflects current legislation and best practice. All employees The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the joining the Department have an induction, which includes answer I gave to the hon. Member for East Lothian DCMS’ commitment to the equality agenda and reference (Fiona O’Donnell) on 29 November 2012, Official Report, to the Equality Act 2010. Individuals are also signposted column 455W. to online equality and diversity training available through Civil Service Learning as part of their induction.

Football: Sportsgrounds BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Adult Education: Hampshire Media and Sport which First Division football grounds were in possession of a current safety certificate for Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, designated stadia in the 1988-89 season; and when Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of those certificates were issued. [134521] 20 November 2012, Official Report, columns 438-39W, on Adult Education: Hampshire, what other qualifications Hugh Robertson: We do not hold records relating to or measures of attainment were achieved by students in the issue, amendment or cancellation of safety certificates. (a) Southampton and (b) Hampshire aged (i) between While the designation of a sports ground as requiring a 18 and 24 and (ii) over 25 years old who were not safety certificate would have been undertaken by the studying to level two or level three; and how many such Home Secretary, who was responsible for the Safety of students achieved each such qualification or measure of Sports Grounds legislation at the relevant time, any attainment in each year since 2006-07. [134667] decision to issue or amend a safety certificate would have been a matter for the local authority. Matthew Hancock: As the requested table is large, I am placing in the Libraries of the House data to Immigration show government-funded further education and skills participation and achievement by age and level in Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Hampshire and Southampton local education authorities. Media and Sport if she will estimate the additional cost Final data are shown for the 2006/07 to 2010/11 academic of the delivery of those public services for which her years and provisional data are shown for the 2011/12 Department is responsible arising from inward academic year. migration since 1997. [134291] Provisional data for the 2011/12 academic year provide an early view of performance and will change as further Hugh Robertson: The Department does not routinely data returns are received from further education colleges produce estimates of this nature. To do so would require and providers. They should not be directly compared the Department to incur disproportionate cost. with final year data from previous years. Figures for 2011/12 will be finalised in January 2013. Information on further education and skills participation and achievements by age, level and geography is published SCOTLAND in a supplementary table of a quarterly Statistical First Release (SFR). The latest SFR was published on UK Membership of EU 11 October 2012: http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ First Minister on membership of the EU; and if he will statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_supplementary_tables/ make a statement. [134174] further_education_skills/ 861W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 862W

Apprentices Provisional data for the 2011/12 academic year provide an early view of performance and will change as further Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, data returns are received from further education colleges Innovation and Skills what the average length of an and providers. They should not be directly compared apprenticeship has been in (a) England, (b) the with final year data from previous years. Figures for north-east, (c) County Durham and (d) North West 2011/12 will be finalised in January 2013. Durham constituency in each of the last 10 years. Information on apprenticeship achievements by duration [134792] is published within the ‘Other Statistics’ section of the SFR website: Matthew Hancock: The following table shows the http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ adjusted average length of an apprenticeship framework statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_other_statistics/ in North West Durham constituency, Durham local education authority, the north-east region and England From August 2012 Ministers have decided that an for 2009/10 to 2011/12 (provisional). Final data are apprenticeship must last at least 12 months for under shown for the 2009/10 and 2010/11 academic years and 19s, and for adults unless prior learning is recorded and provisional data are shown for the 2011/12 academic funding reduced accordingly, in order to ensure that year. every apprenticeship involves sufficient new learning and opportunity to embed new skills. Data prior to 2009/10 on the adjusted measure basis are not available, 2011/12 is the latest year for which data are available. Care should be taken when interpreting apprenticeship durations as they are dependent on the mix of Apprentices: Barnsley apprenticeship levels and frameworks, and the prior attainment of learners (some will already have completed parts of the apprenticeship). The adjusted measure is Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, intended to exclude those apprentices with some prior Innovation and Skills how many apprenticeships have attainment. been created in Barnsley Central constituency for people aged (a) 16 to 24, (b) 25 to 49 and (c) over 50 years in Adjusted average length of stay (months) by geography, 2009/10 to each month since May 2010. [134679] 2011/12 (provisional) 2009/10 2010/11 12011/12 Matthew Hancock: Table 1 shows the number of North West Durham 16 13 13 parliamentary Apprenticeship programme starts in Barnsley Central constituency parliamentary constituency and England by age and Durham local education 16 13 12 quarter. Final data are shown for the 2009/10 and authority 2010/11 academic years and provisional data are shown North-east region 16 13 12 for the 2011/12 academic year. England total 15 13 12 We publish Apprenticeship starts at the quarterly 1 Provisional level, therefore data for each month is not presented. Notes: 1. Provisional data for 2011/12 should not be directly compared with Provisional data for the 2011/12 academic year provide data for earlier years. an early view of performance and will change as further 2. Average length of stay (adjusted) is based on the actual end date of data returns are received from further education colleges the apprenticeship as recorded in the ILR; it only includes those achievements within the academic year that were fully funded. and providers. They should not be directly compared Source: with final year data from previous years. Figures for Individualised Learner Record 2011/12 will be finalised in January 2013.

Table 1: Apprenticeship programme starts by geography, age and quarter, 2009/10 to 2011/12 (provisional) 2009/10 2010/11 (final) 2011/12 (provisional) (final) Quarter 4 Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4

Barnsley Central constituency 16-24 150 240 110 120 150 250 110 100 150 25-49 30 70 90 110 120 140 110 90 130 50+ * 10 10 20 20 20 20 10 20 All age 180 320 210 250 280 400 240 200 300

England

16-24 51,750 92,950 53,330 61,290 67,560 105,820 58,250 59,350 59,250 25-49 11,510 23,670 33,260 43,500 52,170 47,920 42,810 46,420 49,500 50+ 1,270 3,970 6,980 8,490 10,040 8,390 7,900 8,130 8,800 863W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 864W

Table 1: Apprenticeship programme starts by geography, age and quarter, 2009/10 to 2011/12 (provisional) 2009/10 2010/11 (final) 2011/12 (provisional) (final) Quarter 4 Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4

All age 64,500 120,600 93,600 113,300 129,800 162,100 109,000 113,900 117,500 “*” Indicates a base value of less than 5. Notes: 1. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10 except for England all age totals which are rounded to the nearest 100. 2. Age is based on age at the start of the programme. A small number of learners aged under 16 are included in the 16-24 age category. 3. Geographic breakdowns are based upon the home postcode of the learner. 4. Figures are based on the geographic boundaries as of May 2010. 5. Provisional data for 2011/12 should not be directly compared with data for earlier years. Source: Individualised Learner Record

Information on the number of Apprenticeship starts legislation for further opportunities to lighten the burden on by Geography is published in a supplementary table to small businesses. For example, agreement was reached in Brussels a quarterly Statistical First Release (SFR). The latest in March to exempt up to 1.4 million UK small businesses from SFR was published on 11 October 2012: certain EU accounting rules, with UK backing. http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ We will build on these successes in 2013. Central to statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current this will be the implementation of the package which we http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ announced in the autumn statement. statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_supplementary_tables/ Apprenticeship_sfr_supplementary_tables/ Debts: Advisory Services

Business: Regulation Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Department provided for debt advice services in the Business, Innovation and Skills what progress he has latest period for which figures are available; what made in reducing red tape for small and medium-sized information his Department holds on funding available enterprises; and what progress he plans to make in from other Departments for similar services; and who 2013. [134668] is responsible for any co-ordination of such activity. [134738] Michael Fallon: Business of any size is at the heart of our country’s economic recovery and future prosperity. Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation One of the central planks in our strategy for growth is and Skills (BIS) provided a £27 million grant in 2011/12 reducing the burden of regulation on business. to support face-to-face debt advice projects following We have already achieved a great deal in this area. the closure of the Financial Inclusion Fund. In April 2012, the Money Advice Service, which is an independent In January 2011 we introduced the One-In, One-Out rule, under which any increase in regulation must be at least matched body established by HM Treasury in 2010 through the by a reduction elsewhere. As set out in the 5th Statement of New Financial Services Act, took over the funding and Regulation, this has saved business around £836 million. From 1 co-ordination of the face-to-face debt advice projects. January 2013 we move to a One-In, Two-Out rule whereby The Money Advice Service is funded by a levy on firms Departments must find double the savings. regulated by the Financial Services Authority. We have introduced a “Micro Business Moratorium” under In 2011/12, BIS made a funding contribution of which no new regulations will be imposed on the smallest businesses £1 million to the National Debtline to support telephone until 2014, unless there is a special justification. debt advice. This level of funding has also been maintained By the end of 2012, our Red Tape Challenge will have scrapped in 2012/13. or reduced over 20% of burdensome regulations identified so far. We estimate that that will save business over £160 million a year. BIS does not collect information on funding for debt We are on track to identify 3,000 regulations for scrapping by the advice provided by other Government Departments. end of 2013. Each Department makes decisions relating to supporting Our programme of Focus on Enforcement reviews now under debt advice in relation to its responsibilities. way will improve the enforcement of regulations and reduce associated burdens on industry. We have just launched a review of Equality regulators’ appeals processes. We have so far engaged 611 businesses across 95 local authorities in Primary Authority partnerships—legally binding agreements Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, that provide assured regulatory advice, ensure consistency between Innovation and Skills what proportion of staff in his local authority areas and reduce duplication of inspections and Department have received training in equality and diversity paperwork. We are seeking views on the implementation of and the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, within Primary Authority for several new areas of business. The Enterprise the last three years. [134591] and Regulatory Reform Bill currently before Parliament would allow more firms to join the scheme. Jo Swinson: The Department does not collect data We are working hard to reduce the impact of European legislation. We are holding the Commission to account on centrally on individuals’ learning activity. BIS is therefore commitments it made in November 2011 to exempt micro-businesses unable to provide details of the proportion of staff who from future EU legislation unless there are compelling reasons to have received equality and diversity and Equality Act include them. We are examining existing and forthcoming EU training. 865W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 866W

BIS offers a wide range of formal and informal Higher Education: Scotland training opportunities to its staff on these issues. These include specific events such as Diversity Week, talks Mr Darling: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, from specific equality and diversity groups, ’e’-learning, Innovation and Skills (a) how many grants and (b) regular intranet articles and guidance which staff are what amount of grant funding were awarded by each encouraged to read. Equality and diversity requirements UK research council to each university in Scotland in are embedded in all training covering management and each year from 2006-07 to 2011-12. [133754] leadership, performance management, interviewing and induction delivered within BIS. The Department has a Mr Willetts [holding answer 17 December 2012]: The Director General Equality and Diversity Champion information requested by the right hon. Member will be and an external advisory group to promote the importance placed in the Libraries of the House. of equality and diversity to the Department’s work. ICT Export Credit Guarantees: North Korea John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking Mr Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for to provide teaching of computer skills to (a) pensioners Business, Innovation and Skills which goods exported and (b) people from low-income backgrounds. [134494] to North Korea were covered by UK Export Finance leading to North Korea’s sovereign debt to UK Export Matthew Hancock: The Department for Business, Finance; when such exports took place; and whether Innovation and Skills (BIS) has provided £30 million the goods were supplied to the Government of North over three years to commission UK Online Centres in Korea or to private companies. [134749] England to help more people develop the skills needed to use a computer and to get online safely and securely. Michael Fallon: The debt has been outstanding since Over this period, UK online centres will have helped 1975 and relates to a contract dated 27 July 1972 for the over 1,000,000 to use a computer and the internet. supply of equipment and services for a petrochemical complex to the Korea Equipment Import Corporation. UK online centres are located in the top 10% most deprived community wards and attract hard to reach adults (aged 19 to 100+) from the poorest socio-economic Financial Services: Education groups. Of the 1 million helped: 180,000 are aged 55-64, while 140,000 are aged 65+ Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for 87% of learners have one or more indicators of deprivation Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he has taken 34% of learners have an income below £9,999 to promote financial education for the purposes of BIS is working alongside other Departments, like the discouraging the use of illegal money lenders. [134629] Department for Work and Pensions, in continuing to support the network of UK Online Centres. Jo Swinson: On 1 April 2012, the Government published its response to the consultation on Empowering and In addition, significant numbers of people access Protecting Consumers, which set out the decision to basic computer skills courses funded by BIS in England establish a National Trading Standards Board (NTSB) through the main adult skills and community learning for England and Wales. During 2012-13, the NTSB has budgets, for which priorities are set locally. Community continued to fund the Illegal Money Lending Teams. Learning particularly enables access for those most As well as arresting and prosecuting loan sharks, the disadvantaged including older learners and those on teams also work with community partners to provide low incomes. In 2010/11 academic year, there were access to advice and support for victims. This involves 120,070 Community Learning enrolments in Information ongoing, targeted campaigns to educate communities and Communication Technology. about illegal money lending. Immigration The England team are currently working to promote safe legal sources of credit to people at risk from loan Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, sharks. One such campaign is aimed at taxi drivers, and Innovation and Skills if he will estimate the additional specific credit union accounts are now being set up in cost of the delivery of those public services for which areas where illegal lending is a threat. his Department is responsible arising from inward migration In Wales, client liaison officers have undertaken a since 1997. [134293] variety of awareness raising activities and work alongside well established partner organisations. Jo Swinson: The Department does not routinely produce In Scotland, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities estimates of this nature. To do so would require the is trialling a pilot schools education scheme in partnership Department to incur disproportionate cost. with a local authority on illegal money lending. They London Metropolitan University are also looking at how they can make better links with the social fund and how individuals can be discouraged from approaching illegal money lenders. Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what repayment Further information on how to report loan sharks, arrangements have been concluded between the Higher check what companies have a licence and options for Education Funding Council for England and London paying off debts is available online at: Metropolitan University in respect of overpayments https://www.gov.uk/report-loan-shark incurred in previous years. [134795] 867W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 868W

Mr Willetts: London Metropolitan University has Identified over 2,500 illegal money lenders and arrested over repaid £19,024,983 to the Higher Education Funding 600 illegal money lenders and secured over 220 prosecutions, Council for England (HEFCE) to date, which represents resulting in prison sentencing totalling over 117 years—some 53% of the total overpayment incurred in previous cases were connected to other, more serious criminal activity which took precedence over illegal money lending prosecutions. years. The university has been discussing a rescheduling of payments to HEFCE to support it to implement a Seized over £2.1 million in cash. new strategic action plan, following the revocation of Identified over £28 million of assets that could be seized under its Tier 4 licence to recruit overseas students in August the Proceeds of Crime Act. 2012. HEFCE is currently working with London Helped over 16,000 victims of loan sharks. Metropolitan University to confirm these details.

Manufacturing Industries: Environment Protection Overseas Trade

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions Business, Innovation and Skills how much his he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy and Department has contributed to raise awareness among Climate Change on investment in green manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises of opportunities jobs. [134542] for exports to emerging economies in the latest period for which figures are available. [133988] Matthew Hancock: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Secretary of State for Business, Michael Fallon: The 2011 UK Trade and Investment Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for (UKTI) corporate strategy, Britain Open for Business, Twickenham (Vince Cable), to question 134534 asked sets out how UKTI is focusing more of its efforts on by the hon. Member for Stockton North (Alex providing support to help small and medium-sized Cunningham), during today’s oral questions. enterprises (SMEs) to access high growth and emerging markets. As a result, UKTI will increase the proportion Medical Research Council: Redundancy of its overseas resources in these markets to help SMEs do so. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many employees 44% of UKTI staff resources overseas are currently of the Medical Research Council are currently on focussed on the 20 key high growth markets identified gardening leave from the start of their consultation in the UKTI strategy. This percentage is considerably stage of redundancy rather than at the point of notice higher when including other high growth and newly emerging economies: for example Chile and Nigeria. stage of redundancy. [134710] UKTI has also established dedicated teams in Burma, Mr Willetts: There are currently no Medical Research Cambodia, Guyana, Libya, Mongolia, Mozambique, Council employees in the consultation stage of redundancy Papua New Guinea and Turkmenistan within the last who are on gardening leave. 18 months. Figures for 2011 show that of the nearly 9,000 firms Money Lenders: Tees Valley that received support from UKTI in regards to high growth and emerging markets, two thirds reported Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for significant business benefit in terms of improved Business, Innovation and Skills what recent steps his productivity and competitiveness. Department has taken to reduce illegal money lending In support of these efforts, the Chancellor’s autumn in Teesside; and what recent discussions his Department statement on 5 December 2012, Official Report, columns has had in this respect. [134632] 871-82, announced that UKTI will increase its annual budget by £70 million to help deliver services to more Jo Swinson: Until April 2012 the Department for SME exporters and help to refocus UKTI activities on Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) directly funded the highest value opportunities and emerging markets. Trading Standards to take on complex cases which This balances the long-term opportunities presented by crossed individual local authority boundaries. This included these markets with the other markets which are easier to setting up an Illegal Money Lending Team for England access, e.g. in Europe. which had a specific local presence in the North East. On 1 April 2012, the Government published its response Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for to the consultation on Empowering and Protecting Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking Consumers, which set out the decision to establish a to increase the number of small and medium-sized National Trading Standards Board (NTSB) for England enterprises which export to international markets. and Wales. During 2012/13, the NTSB has continued to [134535] fund the delivery of the Illegal Money Lending Team in England, which includes the same level of protection in Michael Fallon: Exporting forms a key strand of the the North East. The NTSB reports to BIS on progress Government’s plans to return the economy to sustainable on a quarterly basis, and BIS is represented on the and balanced growth. That is why we have increased NTSB. funding to UKTI in the autumn statement—an extra Between April 2004 and April 2012, Tackling Illegal £140 million over the next two years—enabling them to Money Lending Teams for England, Wales and Scotland double the number of SMEs supported from 25,000 to had: 50,000 by 2015. 869W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 870W

Students: Loans The proportion of part-time workers in core DEFRA in each of the last five years was as follows: Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many full-time As at 30 November each year Percentage members of staff at the Student Loans Company are 2008 10.5 working on the introduction of 24+ Advanced Learner 2009 11.8 Loans. [134734] 2010 11.9 2011 11.8 Matthew Hancock: There are currently approximately 2012 12.8 61 full-time equivalent members of staff in the Student Loans Company working on the introduction of 24+ Similar information for job-share or other flexible Advanced Learning Loans from April 2013. working arrangements could be provided only by incurring disproportionate cost. Vocational Training: Young People Environment Protection Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to his Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions speech on 21 November 2012 at the Association of he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Colleges Annual Conference 2012, what discussions he ensuring that any disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions has had with the Secretary of State for Work and data is adequate to monitor the risk of overexposure of Pensions on providing support and incentives for financial markets to carbon intensive industries listed young people aged over 18 to get the skills required to on the London Stock Exchange. [134399] secure sustainable employment. [134735] Richard Benyon: The Government announced in June Matthew Hancock: Ministers from the Department 2012 that it would be introducing regulations that require for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department quoted companies to disclose their greenhouse gas for Work and Pensions are in regular contact on a range emissions. This is information that the majority of of policy areas. Our Departments are working closely investors, who responded to last year’s consultation, on improving the interaction of the skills and benefits wanted to see. Since the Government announcement, systems so that they provide the right support to help the Secretary of State has not discussed disclosure of young people to enter sustainable employment. greenhouse gas emissions with the Chancellor. Fisheries: Western Sahara

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Ash Dieback Disease answer of 26 November 2012, Official Report, column 48W, on fisheries: Morocco, if he will make it his policy Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for to insist that the Government of Morocco demonstrates Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when his Department that money received for any fishing opportunities offered informed the Horticultural Trade Association that ash to the EU in Western Sahara is used for the benefit dieback had been discovered in a Buckinghamshire specifically of the local Saharawi population. [134454] nursery in February 2012. [134040] Richard Benyon: Negotiations between the EU and Mr Heath: Details of this interception were published Morocco on a new fisheries partnership agreement are on the Fera website on 17 April 2012 and a pest alert on ongoing. During these, the UK will be making it very the situation regarding Chalara fraxinea was posted on clear that the Government of Morocco must demonstrate the Forestry Commission website on 16 May. These that money received for fishing opportunities in Western were not directly communicated to the Horticultural Sahara is used for the benefit of the local Saharawi Trades Association or other trade associations at that population. time since this is not routine practice. Flood Control

Conditions of Employment Jacob Rees-Mogg: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment he has made of the (a) effectiveness and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion (b) value for money of the Chew Magna property level of officials in his Department have requested (a) flood protection scheme; and what assessment he has part-time, (b) job-share or (c) other flexible working made of the (i) deployment and (ii) quality of the arrangements in each of the last five years; and how products supplied for that scheme by UK Flood many such requests were granted. [133654] Defences. [133553]

Richard Benyon: Information on requests received Richard Benyon: In Chew Magna a flood alleviation and granted for part-time, job share or other flexible scheme could not be justified. However, as there was working arrangements in core DEFRA is not held risk of chronic flooding, funding was allocated for centrally and could be provided only by incurring property level protection to provide a viable option to disproportionate cost. delay or reduce the onset of flooding for this community. 871W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 872W

The products installed included demountable flood Food Banks protection boards, automatic airbricks, waste and foul drain non-return valves and toilet bungs. In addition Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for one property had a sump pump installed. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the name Property level protection was successfully deployed and location is of each food bank that he or Ministers by residents. However, some measures did not prevent of his Department have visited since May 2010; and flooding, either because they were overwhelmed or bypassed what the date was of each visit. [134624] or because they were damaged. When used correctly, property level protection can provide cost-effective Mr Heath: Lord Taylor of Holbeach, then Parliamentary protection from flooding but as with all defences, they Under-Secretary for the Department for Environment, may not protect against the biggest events. Food and Rural Affairs, visited Fareshare on 29 March DEFRA commissioned an independent report into 2011 and Foodcycle on 16 March 2011. the cost-effectiveness of property level measures. This The right hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), showed that they can offer benefits of £5 for every £1 as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural invested. Affairs, visited Fareshare with her then ministerial team The Environment Agency will continue to work with on 1 May 2011. the local council to provide information and advice to the community and they are jointly commissioning a Inland Waterways: Conservation more detailed investigation. Mr Marcus Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how much Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion funding has been provided by his Department to the of grants for lead local flood authorities in England Check, Clean, Dry campaign; [134182] will be provided through the business rate retention system in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15. [133995] (2) if he will take steps to inform the public about the dangers of aquatic invasive non-native species and Richard Benyon: Of the £36 million paid to lead local their environmental effects. [134186] flood authorities, £21 million will be provided through the business rate retention system in 2013-14 and 2014-15. Richard Benyon: Public communication and engagement The remaining £15 million will be paid through local is a fundamental aspect of the Non-native Species services support grants. The overall funding for local Framework Strategy for GB. We are working with a authorities to manage local flood risks will be the same broad range of partner organisations to raise the profile as this year (2012-13) although will be paid through of invasive non-native species and their impacts. This different routes. includes, for example, our Be Plant Wise and Check, Clean, Dry campaigns. These campaigns are focused on raising the awareness of aquatic invasive non-native Floods: Yorkshire and the Humber species and measures the public can take to prevent their entry and spread in the wild. Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Since its launch in 2010 DEFRA has invested in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) excess of £100,000 in the Check, Clean, Dry campaign. homes and (b) businesses in Haltemprice and Howden This does not include the significant amount of time constituency were at risk of flooding in each of the last and resources invested by partner organisations. five years. [134722] Mr Marcus Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: The number of properties at risk of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will introduce flooding is shown in the following table. The information measures to control and eradicate the invasive is for properties that are at risk from an extreme event. Dikerogammarus haemobaphes shrimp recently discovered An extreme event is classed as an event with a 0.1% in waters in and around Nuneaton. [134184] chance of occurring in any one year. This dataset does not differentiate between residential homes and businesses. Richard Benyon: As Dikerogammarus haemobaphes is Number of properties widespread it is not feasible to eradicate it in the wider environment. DEFRA and its agencies are attempting 2008 16,409 to slow the spread of this and other invasive species by 2009 16,883 promoting better biosecurity among people who visit 2010 16,409 the water environment through the ″Check, Clean, Dry″ 2011 16,079 campaign. 2012 17,410 To support this work DEFRA is looking to commission a scientific review of biosecurity and potential control The changes between years can be attributed to measures for Dikerogammarus haemobaphes. refinements in the Environment Agency’s understanding of risk and the techniques available to them to map risk. Mr Marcus Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for These factors have had an impact on the number of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in which areas properties deemed to be at risk. of England and Wales the invasive non-native In 2012, approximately 36% of these properties are Dikerogammarus haemobaphes shrimp has been within areas benefiting from flood defences. discovered. [134185] 873W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 874W

Richard Benyon: Dikerogammarus haemobaphes was Mr Heath: The Government appreciates that many first recorded in the River Severn in August 2012. people would like us to ban the importation into and Subsequent investigations in England and Wales have sale of foie gras in the UK. Foie gras is not produced in found that the shrimp is widespread in the rivers and the UK, and the production of foie gras using force canals of the midlands from Nottingham to Gloucester feeding gives rise to serious welfare concerns. and in the River Thames from Lechlade to Staines. It However, the free movement of goods is a well established has also been found in the Grand Union Canal near principle in European Union law and is enshrined in the Northampton and the River Witham. treaty on the functioning of the European Union (TFEU). While animal welfare concerns over the production of Mr Marcus Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for foie gras have been considered by the EU, trade in foie Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make gras is not currently restricted under EU law. an assessment of the effect on the annual economic contribution of the angling community of England Consequently, a unilateral ban by the UK on the and Wales of the spread of invasive aquatic species. import of foie gras, or other sales restrictions, would be likely to contravene the provisions of the TFEU, risking [134188] claims for compensation from importers and the UK Richard Benyon: A 2009 CABI report, Economic being referred to the Court of Justice of the European Cost of Invasive Non-native Species to Great Britain, Union. estimated the annual cost to angling was £2,281,314 in England and £363,537 in Wales. The report was jointly Plants funded by DEFRA, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government. Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he last met Mr Marcus Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Ministers from the devolved Administrations to discuss Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will bring joint working on plant health strategies. [134714] forward measures to control and eradicate the invasive Signal crayfish from waters in England and Wales. Richard Benyon: Although plant health is a devolved [134189] issue it is important to adopt a strategic UK approach as plant pests do not recognise borders. Senior officials Richard Benyon: DEFRA has commissioned research from the devolved Administrations are members of the into the management of the species to reduce the scale UK Plant Health Strategy Board which meets quarterly. of the population and mitigate their impacts at the local scale. Until effective management tools become available, During the Chalara outbreak the Secretary of State efforts are mainly focused on limiting the spread of the for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right species to new habitats and on the conservation of hon. Friend the Member for North Shropshire (Mr native species, such as by the establishment of refuge Paterson), chaired cross-Government COBR meetings sites for white clawed crayfish. DEFRA is also working on 2 and 9 November to which Ministers from the with the Scottish and Welsh Governments to develop devolved Administrations were invited. A Minister from an action plan to better co-ordinate efforts to manage the Scottish Government joined the meetings while the non-native crayfish and their impacts. Additionally, other devolved Administrations were represented by DEFRA has launched a campaign called ″Check, Clean, senior officials. Officials from the devolved Administrations Dry″ to raise awareness of the risks from aquatic invasive also join by telephone the Policy Core Group and the non-native species, such as non-native crayfish, and to operational update meetings. promote simple steps that water-users can take to reduce the accidental spread of invasive species through their activities. Currently, however, there are no known methods available to eradicate signal crayfish populations. HOME DEPARTMENT

Members: Correspondence Alcoholic Drinks: Prices

Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he plans to Home Department (1) what model her Department answer the letter sent to him by the right hon. Member used to estimate the reduction in harm that would be for Manchester, Gorton on 2 November 2012 with achieved by the introduction of a 45 pence minimum regard to Mr Leslie Howell. [134198] unit price for alcohol as part of the Government’s alcohol strategy; from which year the data used in that Richard Benyon: The Secretary of State for Environment, modelling was drawn; and whether she plans to update Food and Rural Affairs replied to the right hon. Member’s the model; [134758] letter on 12 December 2012. (2) what assessment she has made of the likely effect on the Consumer Prices Index of minimum unit Pate de Foie Gras pricing of alcohol at (a) 45 pence, (b) 50 pence and (c) 55 pence; [134759] Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for (3) what assessment her Department has made of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will consequences of setting a minimum unit price for consider making it an offence to import foie gras for alcohol in England which differs from the minimum sale in British shops and through websites. [134469] unit price in effect in Scotland. [134762] 875W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 876W

Mr Jeremy Browne: On 28 November, the Government Domestic Violence: Northern Ireland launched a consultation on key policies within the alcohol strategy, seeking views on a proposed minimum Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for the unit price of 45p. Home Department what discussions she has had with The Government also published a consultation stage the Northern Ireland Executive on the lessons to be impact assessment which sets out the impact of a 45p learned from the pilot domestic violence disclosure minimum unit price on a range of factors—this is scheme. [134335] available on the Home Office website. As set out in this published impact assessment, a Mr Jeremy Browne: No discussions have taken place minimum unit price of 45p will lead to an estimated to date on this specific subject with the Northern Ireland 5,240 fewer alcohol-related crimes per year, 24,600 fewer Executive. alcohol-related hospital admissions per year after 10 years and 714 fewer deaths per year after 10 years. The Entry Clearances impact of 45p minimum unit price on consumer prices index inflation is estimated to be +0.2ppts. No estimate is made for a minimum unit price of 50p or 55p. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the The University of Sheffield’s School of Health and Home Department how many visa applications made Related Research (ScHARR) model has been used to before 22 November 2012 had not been decided by assess the impact of minimum unit pricing on alcohol 13 December 2012. [134658] consumption and alcohol harms. This model was developed in 2009 using the best available data at the time. Where Mr Harper: I refer the hon. Member to the answer possible, the Government has uprated the price data to given on 19 December 2012, Official Report, column account for inflation. 776W. HM Revenue and Customs has also provided an estimate of the Exchequer impact using its existing Forced Marriage alcohol model, designed for assessing the impact of a range of alcohol policies on the demand for duty-paid alcohol and the resulting excise duty receipts. Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will bring forward legislative The Government will consider views raised during proposals to make forced marriage a specific criminal the consultation and intends to publish a post-consultation offence. [134805] impact assessment to reflect the final policy details. The Government also continues to monitor developments and progress in Scotland and will consider any issues Mr Jeremy Browne: We are currently developing the arising alongside the consultation. legislative proposals, which will be introduced when parliamentary time allows. Antisocial Behaviour Immigration Controls Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she has any plans to announce Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the restrictions on the use of the Mosquito teenager deterrent Home Department what assessment she has made on device; and if she will make a statement. [128915] the effects of using the immigration rules, laid on 22 November 2012, to determine applications made Mr Jeremy Browne: We have no such plans. It is for before that date. [134657] the police working with the Police and Crime Commissioners, and with other local agencies to decide on the most appropriate approach to antisocial behaviour Mr Harper: I refer the hon. Member to the answer in a particular area. That approach may or may not given on 19 December 2012, Official Report, column include the use of Mosquito devices, but agencies have a 776W. responsibility to communicate with people in the community, including young people, to involve them Incitement and take account of their views. Domestic Violence Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offences of inciting hatred on the grounds of race or religion under Part 3 Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for the and Part 3a of the Public Order Act 1986 have Home Department what assessment she has made of occurred in each of the last five years. [134341] the pilot domestic violence disclosure scheme. [134346]

Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government is committed to Mr Jeremy Browne: The information requested is not conducting an assessment of the domestic violence available centrally. disclosure scheme pilot, and is working with the four Section 3 of the Public Order Act 1986 relates to pilot areas to help enable an assessment of the running offences of affray. While such offences are recorded by of the pilot and to capture lessons learnt. The pilot ends the police under Home Office classification 66 ‘Other in September 2013 and will be assessed in due course. offences against the State or public order’, they cannot We will share findings with key partners including the be separately identified from other offences recorded devolved Administrations when they become available. under this classification. 877W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 878W

Police: Lancashire Mr Foster: Many construction products manufacturers are already CE marking their products and others have Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the well-advanced plans to do so, under the European Home Department what the police equipment budget construction products directive. in Lancashire was in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. The Department publishes guidance on CE marking [134692] of construction products in relation to the Building Regulations in the Approved Document in support of Damian Green: This information is not collected centrally. Regulation 7 which is available free to download from Police and Crime Commissioners have the responsibility the Planning Portal, for allocating the force budget, and the freedom and www.planningportal.gov.uk flexibility to make spending decisions locally. We consulted in 2008 on the European Construction Powers of Entry: Compensation Products Regulation which will require CE marking of most construction products from 1 July 2013. We also consulted earlier this year on a revision to update Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Approved Document 7 to reflect full implementation of Home Department what recent discussions she has had the Construction Products Regulation from 1 July 2013. on the policy of not compensating householders for We published the updated edition on 19 December damage caused to property resulting from forcible 2012. entry by police officers while executing a warrant to enter and search when no prosecution is pursued as a We are planning a series of events with industry result; and if she will make a statement. [133900] partners in 2013 to publicise this as well as other changes to the Building Regulations and the Approved Documents Damian Green: None. Compensating householders in alongside guidance industry has been produced to promote the circumstances described is a matter for individual understanding of CE marking. police forces. Family Intervention Projects

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Communities and Local Government how much funding Construction: Materials his Department provided to family intervention projects in each of the last five years. [119376] Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment Mr Timpson: I have been asked to reply on behalf of he has made of the effect of introduction of CE the Department for Education. markings on building materials. [134529] The Government allocated some £9.0 million in 2007-08, £11.2 million in 2008-09, £33.6 million in 2009-10, Mr Foster: The Department consulted on the European £49.78 million in 2010-11 and £46 million in 2011-12 for Commission’s proposed Construction Products Regulation family intervention projects/services. The ring fence for in August 2008. An impact assessment and a report on this funding was removed in May 2010. From April the impacts of mandatory CE marking were published 2011 the Early Intervention Grant of £2212 million alongside the Consultation. The consultation, impact (2011-12) and £2297 million (2012-13) was allocated to assessment and report can be found at: local authorities in England. This can fund universal http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/ programmes and activities available to ail children, young http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/ people and families as well as specialist services where planningandbuilding/pdf/constructionproductsconsult.pdf intensive support is needed. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/ http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/ Homelessness: Suffolk planningandbuilding/pdf/iaconstructionproducts.pdf http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20080915101357/ Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/ Communities and Local Government how many people planningandbuilding/pdf/reviewconstructionproducts.pdf who are not UK citizens have presented themselves as The summary of responses report and an impact being statutorily homeless under the terms of the Housing assessment updated to reflect the consultation responses Act 1996 in (a) St Edmundsbury borough council area were published in 2009. These documents are available and (b) Mid Suffolk district council area in each year at: since 2004; and if he will make a statement. [134472] http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/ http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/ Mr Prisk: The available information is given in the planningandbuilding/pdf/constructionproductsresponse.pdf following table. http://www.ialibrary.bis.gov.uk/uploaded/ Decisions on non-UK homelessness applicants Impact%20Assessment%20of%20the%20European%20 Number Commission%E2%80%99s%20proposed%20Construction%20 Products%20Regulation.pdf St Edmundsbury Mid Suffolk district borough council council Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for 2005 (Q2 to Q4)1, 2 —— Communities and Local Government what plans he 20062 —— has to promote awareness of the introduction of CE 2007 2 1 markings on building materials. [134530] 2008 7 0 879W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 880W

Decisions on non-UK homelessness applicants we are investing for homelessness prevention over four Number years (2011-12 to 2014-15) which includes £10.8 million St Edmundsbury Mid Suffolk district to help single people access private rented sector borough council council accommodation. 2009 1 0 2010 0 0 2011 1 1 Housing 2012 (Q1, Q2 and Q3) 3 0 1 Data were not collected before Q2 2005 Mr Raynsford: To ask the Secretary of State for 2 Figures were not reported during this period Communities and Local Government if he will estimate Source: the (a) number of dwellings and (b) proportion of the Quarterly PIE returns total number of dwellings accounted for by (i) student accommodation, (ii) empty properties brought back Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for into use and (iii) converted properties which have qualified Communities and Local Government what estimate he for New Homes Bonus allocations in each year to date. has made of the number of homeless young people in [R] [134466] Suffolk in each year since 2007. [134573] Mr Prisk: The table shows the total number of dwellings Mr Prisk: The information requested is provided in and the number of empty properties brought back into the following table: use, rounded to the nearest thousand. Outside of empty Homeless young people in Suffolk properties returned to use, the New Homes Bonus does (b) Homelessness acceptances for not differentiate in terms of net additions to effective priority need categories relating to housing stock by type of accommodation or whether young people new build or conversion, so it is not possible to separately (a) identify the other requested information. Homelessness Applicant acceptances formerly in care Notwithstanding, I refer the right hon. Member to with applicant Applicant 16 or and 18 to the answer to him of 27 February 2012, Official Report, aged 16 to 24 17-years-old 20-years-old columns 36-37W,which notes how (a) the measurement of the changes to housing stock are overseen by an 20071 219 52 7 independent agency which is not in receipt of the New 2008 221 45 14 Homes Bonus and (b) there must be substantive material 2009 163 37 17 changes and alterations to a property to be deemed to 2010 127 1 11 be a conversion. 2011 167 2 10 Q1, Q2 and 157 5 14 I also refer the right hon. Member to the answer to Q3 2012 him of 23 April 2012, Official Report, columns 633-34W, Total 1,054 142 73 which notes that increases in dedicated student 1 Ipswich aged 16 to 24 figures are not included for 2007 Q2 since it accommodation will have a beneficial effect on the was not reported by the authority. wider housing supply, by taking pressure off private Note: rented accommodation. Figures from category (a) above cannot be added to those from category (b) to give an overall total because they are the results of Of which: breaking down the same total number of homelessness acceptances in two different ways. Total number of Source: properties Number of Empty Homes PIE returns from local authorities. recognised by empty homes as a proportion New Homes brought back of total Please note that Suffolk is covered by the local authorities: Bonus into use (percentage) Babergh, Forest Heath, Ipswich, Mid Suffolk, St Edmundsbury, Suffolk Coastal and Waveney. Year l 150,000 16,000 10.7 Year 2 159,000 22,000 13.8 A robust homelessness safety net remains in place for Year 3 1 155,000 113,000 8.4 young homeless people. Local authorities have a statutory (provisional) duty to house 16 and 17-year-olds, care leavers under Total 464,000 51,000 11.0 the age of 21, and people over 21 who are vulnerable as 1 For year 3, there are 29 authorities where we have asked for a result of being in care. clarification of empty homes data provided, and have not included an The Ministerial Working Group on Homelessness empty homes component in their provisional allocations. We will take published their second report in August 2012, which account of those authorities’ responses when determining final allocations, and at that stage all authorities will receive an allocation that includes stresses the importance of supporting vulnerable young any empty homes element due to them. people to make a successful transition to adulthood. It champions a model of a ’positive youth accommodation pathway’ for those who cannot stay within the family Housing: Finance network or are leaving care. The report can be obtained from the Department’s website at: Mr Raynsford: To ask the Secretary of State for www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/ Communities and Local Government what amount of makingeverycontactcount (a) new homes bonus and (b) affordable homes We secured an additional £70 million last year to help premium (i) has been allocated to date and (ii) will fall local agencies prevent and tackle rough sleeping and due to be paid to each housing authority in England single homelessness. This is on top of the £400 million over the next six years. [R] [134462] 881W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 882W

Mr Prisk: To date a total of £1.293 billion of New Peers Homes Bonus funding has been allocated to authorities in respect of increases in their effective housing stock, this total includes affordable housing premium of some Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) £62.8 million. In respect of allocations to date, I am what the (a) ethnicity, (b) social class at birth, (c) placing the information requested into the Library of gender, (d) religion and (e) region of birth is of the the House. membership of the House of Lords; [134648] While each year’s allocation of New Homes Bonus is (2) if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of paid for six years, it is not possible to forecast precisely (a) an hon. Member and (b) a Member of the House how much will fall to be paid to local authorities in the of Lords in 2011; [134650] next six years, as New Homes Bonus recognises actual (3) how many Members of the House of Lords there delivery, therefore figures for future years are uncertain. were by political party in each of the last 30 years. [134651] Housing: Fire Prevention Miss Chloe Smith: The information requested is not held by the Government. These are matters for the Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for House of Commons and House of Lords authorities. Communities and Local Government if he will renew the guidance issued by his Department on the use of fire-resistant building materials. [134528] ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Mr Foster: My Department publishes technical guidance on meeting the fire safety requirements of the Building Biofuels Regulations in Approved Document B ‘Fire safety’. We consulted earlier this year on changes to Approved Document B in respect of the reaction to fire of wall Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for and ceiling linings and lighting diffusers. We published Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has revisions to Approved Document B on 19 December made of the effect of demand for domestic feedstocks 2012 that come into effect on 6 April 2013, but we have for bioenergy on existing wood users; and if he will no other revisions planned. make a statement. [134666]

Private Rented Housing: Rents Gregory Barker: The Forestry Commission publishes data showing the volume of round wood delivered to various wood processing markets each year. These Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for demonstrate that the demand for domestic feedstocks Communities and Local Government whether he has for bioenergy is not impacting on existing wood users. made an estimate of the average level of private sector The latest information for softwood shows that deliveries rents over the next four years; whether such an estimate to sawmills in 2011 were at their highest for several has been made for each local authority area; and if he years, while deliveries to the panel board industry have will publish any such estimates. [134436] remained constant and those to the bioenergy industry have grown. Deliveries to pulp mills have fallen, in line Mr Prisk: The Department for Communities and with falling demand: Local Government has not estimated future private http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forstats2012.nsf/ sector rents. The Valuation Office Agency publishes LUContents/824A4E0E2DDEDC858025731B00541EFF estimates of average rents by local authority but do not Almost no hardwood is used for the production of estimate future levels of rents. I would observe that wood panel products in the UK and no hardwood is Rightmove have forecast that two-thirds of landlords used for pulp production following the closure of the are planning to freeze rents next year (Rightmove, last such mill in 2006. Supplies for bioenergy have Consumer Rental Forecast, 3 December 2012). helped to maintain forest management for hardwood supplies at modest levels: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forstats2012.nsf/ LUContents/187E23791CE53F068025735200491AFF DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Analysis carried out for the UK Bioenergy Strategy, published in April 2012, estimates that supplies from Food Banks UK forests are expected to increase. The Forestry Commission’s current forecast estimates that the UK Luciana Berger: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister softwood harvest for all uses is due to peak at 12 million what the name and location is of each food bank that green tonnes in the period 2017 to 2021 (equivalent to he has visited since May 2010; and on what date he around 6 million oven dried tonnes (odt)). visited them. [134626] Data and Communications Company The Deputy Prime Minister: I have meetings and discussions with a wide range of organisations and Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy individuals at a variety of locations around the country. and Climate Change pursuant to the contribution of My engagements are announced as and when appropriate. the hon. Member for South Holland and the Deepings 883W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 884W of 12 September 2012, Tenth Delegated Legislation Wind Power: Carmarthenshire Committee, column 6, when he plans to publish details of the key stages of the process of appointments to Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for the Data and Communications Company on his Energy and Climate Change what process he plans to Department’s website. [134731] use to satisfy himself that the requirements of paragraphs 4.9.1 and 4.9.3 of the Overarching National Policy Gregory Barker: The Smart Meters Implementation Statement for Energy are met during the examination of Programme (SMIP) has recently updated its high-level the grid connection element of the Brechfa Forest West plan. Wind Farm; and what arrangements are in place to take This information will be published on the Department’s account of the views of residents, businesses, heritage website before the end of the year, and updated thereafter organisations and the tourist industry as part of that should there be any changes. It includes the planning process. [134892] assumptions for the DCC tender exercise and the DCC Service Provider Procurement. Mr Hayes: The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Kingston Fuel Poverty and Surbiton (Mr Davey), is currently considering the Planning Inspectorate’s report and recommendation Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for for the Brechfa Forest West Wind Farm application Energy and Climate Change how many people were made under the Planning Act 2008. For propriety reasons, living in fuel poverty on 1 December (a) 2010, (b) Ministers are unable to comment on the merits or 2011 and (c) 2012; and if he will make a statement. otherwise of live planning applications. However, the [134866] Planning Act processes require that developers carry out consultation on their proposals with interested parties, Gregory Barker: Fuel poverty is measured at a household and permit interested parties to submit evidence to the level and figures are published on an annual basis. The examining authority. The Secretary of State will look to number of households estimated to be living in fuel ensure these requirements have been fulfilled and all poverty in England in 2010 was 3.5 million. The Department relevant issues considered when assessing the report of Energy and Climate Change also publishes projections and recommendation. of fuel poverty, which are 3.5 million households in 2011, and 3.9 million households in 2012. Wind Power: Noise Actual data for 2011 will be published on 16 May 2013. Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has Renewable Energy made of the work of the Institute of Acoustics on the methodology employed to determine wind turbine Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for noise assessments. [133393] Energy and Climate Change what arrangements are in place to explain the contracts for difference mechanism Gregory Barker: Ministers will consider the guidance for renewable energy investors in order to ensure there on wind turbine noise when it is due to be published in is no adverse effect of the introduction of those spring 2013. contracts on the level of energy investment. [134467] Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hayes: Alongside the Energy Bill, the Department Energy and Climate Change what Minister in his published on 29 November further detail on Contracts Department will have responsibility for considering the for Difference (CfDs), including the operational framework findings commissioned by his Department of the and heads of terms: Institute of Acoustics on the methodology employed to http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/meeting_energy/ determine wind turbine noise assessments. [133394] markets/electricity/electricity.aspx The Department meets regularly with relevant Mr Hayes: The Secretary of State for Energy and stakeholders, including renewable trade associations and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Kingston developers and investors, and has set up an Expert and Surbiton (Mr Davey), is responsible for renewable Groups (comprised of experts in the sector) to allow energy strategy. I am responsible for renewable energy stakeholder participation in policy development for the deployment. Contracts for Difference. Furthermore, the Department’s commercial team has ongoing engagement with a wide cross section of the investor and finance community. On 10 December, my officials hosted a City briefing FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE seminar for over 70 participants which provided investors with the opportunity to gain a more in-depth understanding Argentina of the proposals for electricity market reform set out in the Energy Bill and accompanying publications. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for In addition, to enable a smooth transition from the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent renewables obligation (RO), the RO will remain open in discussions he has had with the government of parallel until 31 March 2017; and we have set up a Argentina on reports of actions in ports in that country project to allow early final investment decisions to take affecting the Falkland Islands cruise ship industry; and place in advance of the rollout of CfDs in 2014. if he will make a statement. [133857] 885W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 886W

Mr Swire: The Government deeply regrets that elements British Indian Ocean Territory in Argentina have recently taken action aimed at disrupting cruise ships that visit the Falklands. We condemn Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for unequivocally any efforts to intimidate companies from Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the pursuing their lawful business. My officials have discussed answer of 12 December 2012, Official Report, column these issues, and the wider issues affecting shipping, 338W, on the British Indian Ocean Territory, what the with Argentine officials on two separate occasions and basis is for his assertion that in the relevant Decision on 3 December 2012 when we summoned the Argentine Notice the Information Commissioner has concluded ambassador to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. that the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act The ambassador is in no doubt about our strength of 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations feeling on this matter. 2004 do not apply to the British Indian Ocean We are also in discussions with international partners Territory. [134752] who share our concerns about these illegitimate efforts to interfere with shipping and tourism in the region, Mark Simmonds: The Freedom of Information Act and we remain in contact with the cruise ship industry. I and the Environmental Information Regulations do not understand that Carnival UK, having failed to receive apply to Overseas Territories. In the Information assurances that its ships will not be disrupted in Argentina, Commissioner’s Decision Notice of 6 November 2012, has been forced to drop Argentine ports. They are the the Information Commissioner accepts in paragraphs third cruise line to cancel calls on Argentina. Carnival 2, 30 and 40 of the notice, that the governments of the UK will however continue to call at the Falklands, and British Indian Ocean Territory and the UK are we hope that others in the industry will similarly refuse constitutionally separate. However, the Foreign and to bow to blackmail, which is designed only to damage Commonwealth Office (FCO) has accepted that British the economic well-being of the Falkland Islands’ people. Indian Ocean Territory Administration information stored It is unfortunate that such actions by groups within on FCO systems in London is subject to the Freedom of Argentina, which have yet to be condemned by their Information Act and the Environmental Information Government, have not only prevented thousands of Regulations. passengers from visiting Argentina, but have also harmed the livelihoods of those working in the Argentine tourism Burma sector. The British Government continues to encourage all those in Argentina to allow cruise ships to travel Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for without threats or hindrance. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of political prisoners in Burma following the state of emergency in Rakhine Bahrain state; and what recent representations he has made to the authorities in that country on arbitrary detentions. [134715] Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations Mr Swire: Since the outbreak of violence in Rakhine to the Bahrain government to secure the release of State December, we have received reports of arbitrary Jalila al-Salman and Mahdi ’Issa Mahdi Abu Dheeb, detentions and mistreatment of Rohingya prisoners in members of the Bahrain Teachers’ Association who Rakhine. It remains challenging to verify these reports were arrested in March and April 2011. [134706] or to estimate the numbers of political prisoners across Burma as access to prisons by international agencies, Alistair Burt: We are aware of the case of the Bahrain such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, Teachers’ Association. The High Appeal court announced has previously been withheld. the verdicts of their retrial on 21 October and both had My recent visit to Burma from 12-15 December their sentences reduced. Ms Jalila Al Salman received allowed me to raise these concerns about political prisoners six months instead of three years and Mr Mahdi Abu in Rakhine State and across Burma with senior members Deeb five years instead of ten years. Both are currently of the Burmese Government. I welcomed both the in detention but still retain the right to appeal those political prisoner review mechanism announced by the verdicts in the Cassation Court. Burmese Government in November and their decision We have been closely monitoring trials in Bahrain, to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross including attendance at many cases by a member of access to detention centres across Burma. I also raised staff from the British embassy. We continue to urge the with Ministers several of the detention cases that have Government of Bahrain to ensure that due process is been highlighted by international non-governmental carefully and transparently followed in all cases, and organisations, including the detention of UN Refugee that civil liberties are protected, particularly where severe Agency (UNHCR) employee, Nandar Aung, her husband, penalties are imposed. It is essential that anyone accused Maung Maung Than, her father, Dr Tun Aung, and, has adequate time to prepare a defence, access legal separately, monk activist U Gambira, now released on counsel, and is tried before independent, impartial tribunals. bail. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth I also pressed for Burma to sign the International Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and requested (Yorks) (Mr Hague) has frequently stressed the need for support for the upcoming UN General Assembly resolution Bahrain to meet all its human rights obligations and we on the death penalty. will continue to pursue a policy of direct and frank We continue to call for the unconditional release of engagement. all political prisoners at every opportunity. 887W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 888W

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hague: Events of recent weeks underline the need Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent for a major push led by the US, and backed by European representations he has made to the authorities in nations, to secure progress towards a two-state solution Burma on the powers of the Press Scrutiny and before it is too late. I have discussed this with Secretary Registration Department and freedom of the press in Clinton and stressed that this will require more intense that country. [134716] efforts than anything seen since the Oslo Peace Accords. In our view, special envoys can play a significant role Mr Swire: The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of but political will and commitment from all involved are State, my hon. Friend the Member for North East vital for progress. Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), released a statement on 20 The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and August, welcoming the announcement by the Burmese Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member Government of the relaxation of the rules around pre- for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt) met with publication censorship by the Press Scrutiny and the current US special envoy, David Hale, on 12 November Registration Department. This was a significant step to encourage the US to show decisive leadership and do forward in the relaxation of press censorship in Burma. all it can in the coming weeks and months to drive the The Burmese Government is due to publish a new peace process forward. media law in early 2013. We understand that this will lead to the complete abolition of the censorship board and its replacement with a new Press Council. It is not Syria clear at this stage what will be the nature of the relationship between the Press Council and the Burmese Government. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State The UK Government is contributing to the capacity- for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports building of the media in Burma through overseas he has received on the likely causes of internet and development assistance funding, focusing on supporting mobile telephone networks being cut off in Syria. civil society and independent media outlets. Through [134042] Department for International Development funding, BBC Media Action, a UK-based non-governmental Mr Hague: We are aware that internet, mobile telephone organisation, provides support to a weekly radio and landline networks were disrupted throughout much programme, Lin Lat Kyair Sin, which is broadcast on of Syria between 29 November and 2 December. As the the BBC Burmese service. This support includes training fighting in Syria continues there are inevitable disruptions for local young journalists to strengthen their journalism to services such as communications networks. The regime skills. The BBC has also conducted a training needs and opposition both blamed each other for the disruption. analysis as part of a planned broader work programme However, gaining a clear insight into the exact reasons with the Burmese State Broadcaster. The UK Government for it has proved difficult. We are also aware that the also notes the move by the BBC to begin broadcasting regime has in the past disrupted communications services in Burma on three new channels. to stop the opposition from communicating with the outside world as well as to obstruct its capacity to Middle East communicate internally. We continue to monitor the situation in consultation with our staff at the Syria Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Office in Beirut. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to promote compliance with obligations under Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State international law in the conflict between Israel and for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy Palestine. [133940] is on the duration of the EU arms embargo against Syria; what discussions he has had with his EU Alistair Burt: We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by counterparts on this matter; and what proposals have its obligations under international law and have a regular been made at EU level to vary the terms of the dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the embargo. [134500] occupation, including settlements and the treatment of prisoners, including Palestinian children in military custody. Mr Hague: The UK continues to work with its We have consistently condemned Israel’s announcements international partners, including EU member states in to expand settlements in the Occupied Palestinian an effort to bring an end to the violence and support the Territories, including East Jerusalem. As well as being opposition to achieve a political transition in Syria. illegal under international law, settlements undermine The UK successfully negotiated a limited three-month the possibility of a two state solution to the Israeli- rollover to the EU sanctions package, including the Palestinian conflict and those working for a sustainable arms embargo in November. Limiting the renewal period peace. We look to the Government of Israel to take all of the arms embargo sends a clear signal to the Assad necessary steps to prevent settlement construction. regime that we are continually reviewing our policy and that all options remain on the table. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State I attended the Foreign Affairs Council on 10 December for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment 2012 along with my EU counterparts, where the EU he has made of the effect of the appointment of a new agreed language noting that ″the current situation is US special envoy to the Middle East on the prospects of unsustainable and does not allow adequate protection restarting negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. of civilians″. We will hold further discussions with EU [134041] member states ahead of the 1 March 2013 renewal 889W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 890W deadline on options to support and help the opposition the CQC for the first time under the new regulatory and to enable greater support for the protection of framework set out in the Health and Social Care Act civilians. 2008. On 1 October 2010 independent health care and adult social care providers came into the new regulatory Tibet framework. Since April 2011, primary dental service providers and independent ambulance service providers Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign have also been required to register with the CQC under and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he the new framework. has had with (a) the Chinese Government and (b) the The CQC has provided the following information: United Nations on self-immolations in Tibet. [134796] Under the 2000 Act, the CQC carried out random Mr Swire: I issued a statement on 17 December, inspections and key inspections. Random inspections urging the Chinese authorities to exercise restraint and were short, targeted inspections, focusing on a specific calling on Tibetans not to resort to extreme forms of issues. Key inspections were a thorough look at how protest such as self-immolation. well the service was doing against national minimum We regularly raise our serious concerns about Tibet standards; most of these were announced. with the Chinese authorities, most recently, at official Under the 2008 Act the vast majority of inspections level, on 14 and then 18 December. The UK also raised are unannounced. The CQC may give notice so smaller Tibet, focusing on the rights of Tibetans to assemble providers, such as dentists, are alerted for practical peacefully, during the 20 June session of the UN Human reasons, in advance of the CQC’s arrival. Rights Council. Through the EU, we expressed concern The following tables show the number of unannounced about reports of human rights violations in China, and random inspections carried out by the CQC under including in Tibet, at the UN Human Rights Council the Care Standards Act 2000 between 1 April 2009 and on 17 September. 30 September 2010. Adult social care providers 1 April 2010 to HEALTH 30 September 2009-10 2010 Cancer Key unannounced 13,198 3,180 inspections Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for Random unannounced 2,462 3,003 Health how much his Department has spent on cancer inspections services in each year since 2001-02. [134634] Random announced 36 22 inspections Anna Soubry: This information is not available in the Total 15,696 6,205 format requested. The vast majority of cancer spend is Note: funded from primary care trust (PCT) baseline allocations. The CQC also carried out 356 announced inspections in 2009-10 PCTs have local discretion as to how they spend their and 51 between 1 April and 30 September 2010. overall baseline allocations, including in the area of Independent health care providers cancer care, to allow commissioning to best reflect the Unannounced inspections needs of local populations. Budgets for specific disease areas are not identified centrally within baseline allocations. 2009-10 332 1 April 2010 to 30 September 172 Carbon Monoxide: Poisoning 2010 Note: The CQC also carried out 718 announced inspections in 2009-10 Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and 312 between 1 April and 30 September 2010. what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of treating carbon monoxide poisoning in the period from The following table shows the number of inspection 2006 to 2011. [134610] that have been carried out by the CQC under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 since 1 April 2010: 42,114 in Dr Poulter: No estimate has been made. The cost to total. the national health service of treating carbon monoxide The CQC is not able to provide a breakdown that poisoning is not reported separately to the Department. shows the number of unannounced inspections as it Care Quality Commission does not hold that information centrally. 2012 to Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State 2010-11 2011-12 date Total for Health how many random and unannounced inspections the Care Quality Commission has carried NHS Healthcare 163 769 863 1,795 Organisation out in each of the last three years. [134343] Adult social care (since 524 11,989 21,895 34,408 1 October 2010) Norman Lamb: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) Independent Healthcare 15 813 1,432 2,260 is the independent regulator of health and adult social (since 1 October 2010) care providers in England. When the CQC took on this Primary Dental Care — 65 3,469 3,534 role in April 2009 it carried out its regulatory duties (since 1 April 2011) under the Care Standards Act 2000. From April 2010 Independent Ambulance — 13 102 115 national health service providers were registered with (since 1 April 2011) 891W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 892W

Diabetes: Children 2012 to 2010-11 2011-12 date Total Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Primary Medical ——22how many (a) accident and emergency attendances Services and (b) emergency admissions for diabetes treatment Total 702 13,649 27,763 42,114 for children under 18 years old there were in each Note: Figures for 2012 are taken from the CQCs database at 17 December hospital trust in each of the last two years for which 2012 figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [134633]

Chronic Illnesses Anna Soubry: The numbers of finished admission episodes with an emergency admission of diabetes, from Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the ages of 0 to 17 years, by hospital provider, have been what proportion of the population suffer persistent or placed in the Library. chronic pain; and what treatments are available for The total count of finished admission episodes for persistent or chronic pain. [134330] 2010-11, was 7,164 and 2011-12 was 6,871, this is not a count of people as the same person may have been Norman Lamb: The best available information on the admitted on more than one occasion. prevalence of chronic pain in England comes from the The standard of diagnosis coding in accident and 2011 Health Survey of England, which estimates that emergency Hospital Episode Statistics data means that 31% of adult men and 37% of adult women suffer from we are unable to provide a count of accident and pain of more than three months duration. This would emergency attendances for diabetes. imply a total of around 14.7 million adults living with chronic pain. Available treatments include medication, spinal manipulation, physiotherapy and (for certain Health Services causes of pain) surgery. In addition, many people with chronic pain are helped to manage their pain through Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for psychological interventions or other pain management Health whether his Department records proposed programmes. Commissioners should therefore ensure reconfigurations of local health services. [134743] that patients with chronic pain have access to multi- disciplinary pain management services including at a Anna Soubry: Decisions concerning the provision minimum a consultant in pain management, a and reconfiguration of NHS services are a matter for physiotherapist and a clinical psychologist. the local national health service. To that end, we have outlined strengthened criteria that decisions on local HSE 2011: Chronic pain prevalence estimates NHS services changes are expected to meet. Those Estimated prevalence strengthened criteria are: Population estimate (mid year 2011) Number (i) support for proposals for change from general practitioner Age band (thousand) Percentage (thousand) commissioners (ii) strengthened public and patient engagement Men (iii) clarity on the clinical evidence base 16-24 3,182 — — (iv) consistency with current and prospective patient choice 25-34 3,576 — — 16-34 6,758 14 946 35-44 3,689 30 1,107 Hospitals: Norovirus 45-54 3,608 33 1,190 55-64 3,039 43 1,307 Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for 65-74 12,186 48 1,049 Health whether his Department is providing any funding 75+ 11,659 53 879 to the NHS to counter the outbreak of norovirus in All men 20,831 31 6,458 hospitals. [133987] Total of above 20,938 6,478 Anna Soubry: Funding for NHS services is currently allocated to primary care trusts (PCTs). Once allocated Women it is for PCTs to commission the services they need to 16-24 3,103 — — meet the health care needs of their local populations, 25-34 3,585 — — taking account of national and local priorities. 16-34 6,688 18 1,204 The national health service is well prepared for the 35-44 3,746 31 1,161 increase in winter related health problems which are 45-54 3,672 42 1,542 typical at this time of year. Preparations are made 55-64 3,130 51 1,597 across the NHS annually and these are now in place in 65-74 12,366 55 1,302 every area of England. 75+ 12,449 59 1,445 All women 21,744 37 8,045 Sick Leave Total of above 22,052 8,251 Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Total 42,990 14,729 pursuant to the answer of 12 December 2012, Official 1 Unadjusted ONS estimates. Remaining figures from HSE 2011. Report, column 361W, on sick leave, if he will place 893W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 894W anonymised results of the most recent assessment by collaborate with the local Stop Smoking Service teams his Department of difference in attendance rates in the and commissioners to deliver integrated smoking cessation Library. [134647] interventions based on best practice. Local authorities will receive a ring-fenced public Dr Poulter: This previous reply confirmed that the health grant. It is the responsibility of each local authority Department has made no formal assessment of the to ensure that they improve their performance against difference in attendance rates. It is therefore not possible the smoking prevalence indictors in the Public Health to place such information in the Library. Outcomes Framework and to deliver the best cessation Smoking opportunities within their area to support progress against the indicators. Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department published an updated version of its Health what consideration he gave to including indicators Stop Smoking Service Monitoring and Guidance in in the (a) Public Health Outcomes Framework and (b) September 2012, “Local Stop Smoking Services; key NHS Outcomes Framework related to reducing the updates to the 2011-12 service delivery and monitoring guidance for 2012-13”, which is designed to support the prevalence of smoking. [134332] commissioning of high quality and effective stop smoking Anna Soubry: Reducing smoking prevalence and greater services. tobacco control is an important part of Government’s The guidance has been placed in the Library. public health policy. The Government consulted on 62 The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence public health indicators for inclusion within the Public (NICE) has published public health guidance to support Health Outcomes Framework, including one on smoking smoking cessation in the following areas: brief interventions prevalence, between December 2010 and March 2011. and referral for smoking cessation (PHI); workplace The consultation responses demonstrated overwhelming interventions to promote smoking cessation (PH5); smoking support for the inclusion of indicators on smoking cessation services (PH10); and quitting smoking in prevalence. Following further engagement with expert pregnancy and following childbirth (PH26). bodies and other stakeholders, the final Outcomes The guidelines are available at: Framework included three indicators relating to smoking www.nice.org.uk prevalence, namely: smoking at time of delivery; smoking at age 15; and adult (over-18s) smoking prevalence. Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for As responsibility for tackling smoking prevalence is a Health how many full-time staff are employed in local public health priority, relevant indicators were included NHS stop smoking services (a) in England and (b) by within the Public Health Outcomes Framework. However, each primary care trust; and if he will estimate how the Public Health and the NHS Outcomes Frameworks many such staff will be employed (i) in England and (ii) both include indicators on premature mortality rates, by each local authority in 2013-14. [134438] which are affected by a number of factors, including smoking prevalence. Anna Soubry: The Department does not hold data on Smoking: Health Education the numbers of persons working in stop smoking services in each primary care trust area or in England as a whole. Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department plans to repeat the Stoptober campaign in 2013 and subsequent years. [134253] EDUCATION

Anna Soubry: It was always envisaged that if Stoptober Children: Protection 2012 was successful, it would be run as an annual event. Early results are encouraging. Subject to results from Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the full campaign evaluation, budgetary allocation and Education (1) what recommendations from the Carlile approvals from the Efficiency and Reform Group, it is Report into the Edlington case he plans to institute and our intention to run Stoptober again in 2013. when; [134802] Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what consultation he proposes as a result of the Health (1) what steps he has taken to ensure that NHS Carlile Report; [134803] Stop Smoking Services continue to be commissioned by (3) when he proposes to publish findings from the local authorities following the transfer of commissioning pilots into alternative forms of serious case reviews and responsibilities from primary care trusts; [134254] how these will be carried forward in the light of the (2) what guidance his Department will issue to Carlile Report into the Edlington case. [134804] clinical commissioning groups on collaboration with local authorities in providing integrated smoking Mr Timpson: The Secretary of State for Education, cessation interventions. [134331] my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), asked Lord Carlile to conduct an Anna Soubry: The Department has no plans to issue independent review into the case of the ’J’ brothers in guidance to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) on Edlington following publication of an unsatisfactory collaboration with local authorities in providing integrated Serious Case Review overview report on the case. smoking cessation interventions. However, the Department On the day of publication of Lord Carlile’s report, would expect that local authorities and CCGs would the Secretary of State said: 895W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 896W

‘I asked Lord Carlile to look at the situation in Doncaster because there were problems specific to the town which required Aged expert external analysis. But in asking him to take on this work I Aged 16 Aged 17 Aged 18 16-18 was keen not just that we should learn lessons specific to Doncaster— End 2007 169,400 205,800 95,700 470,900 but also that he should make recommendations about wider End 2008 152,500 188,700 102,400 443,600 changes we needed to make to improve child protection. End 2009 127,900 179,400 98,900 406,200 Reading his report, I have found his overall argument compelling. There are a series of specific recommendations, many of which I End 2010 111,500 165,900 87,500 364,900 am instinctively drawn to and all of which deserve careful End 2011 115,400 162,600 92,300 370,300 consideration. The Government will respond formally to all the (provisional) recommendations in due course. But I want there to be a time for debate before the time of Percentage decision. Because one of the reasons why I like Lord Carlile’s Aged approach so much is that he issues tough challenges—as I hope to Aged 16 Aged 17 Aged 18 16-18 today—and if we speak plainly then in fairness we need to hear how others respond before acting’. End 2001 30.6 31.5 14.5 25.7 The Government is now considering each of Lord End 2002 31.2 30.2 13.8 25.1 Carlile’s recommendations carefully and will be consulting End 2003 29.1 30.6 13.9 24.5 relevant organisations who have an interest and we will End 2004 27.1 30.2 15.2 24.2 respond in due course. End 2005 25.1 28.3 14.7 22.7 The Government has been dissatisfied for some time End 2006 23.7 29.7 14.0 22.4 with the way in which Serious Case Reviews are conducted. End 2007 25.2 30.6 14.2 23.3 We have consulted on revised statutory guidance which End 2008 23.1 27.8 15.0 21.9 will put the emphasis on conducting reviews which get End 2009 20.0 26.9 14.4 20.4 to the heart of what happened in a serious incident, and End 2010 17.6 25.8 12.9 18.7 why, and highlight the importance of making the findings End 2011 18.6 25.5 14.2 19.4 available to the public. (provisional) Three Local Safeguarding Children Boards have been Note that the tables above exclude young people who piloting a new approach to Serious Case Reviews which were doing work-based learning (largely apprenticeships) follows the systems methodology recommended by and also those in employer-funded training; both of Professor Eileen Munro. The Department has these groups are in employment by definition. Also commissioned an independent evaluation of the pilots excluded are those in ’other education and training’ which will, along with Lord Carlile’s report, inform the which is a combination of part-time education and final revised statutory guidance on Serious Case Reviews. education with a private training provider. Numbers The report of the independent evaluation will also be and proportions for these groups are available via the published in due course. link above. Special Educational Needs Part-time Employment Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to improve the Education what assessment he has made of trends in process of obtaining a statement of special educational the number of young people studying at school or needs for people with (a) muscular dystrophy and college with Saturday jobs or other part-time work. related neuromuscular conditions and (b) other rare [132664] and complex conditions. [119085]

Mr Laws: The Department does not collect information Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for on the number of young people with Saturday jobs, but Education what steps he is taking to improve the some data on participation of young people in education process of obtaining a statement of special educational and employment are available and published in a needs for people with (a) muscular dystrophy and Department for Education (DFE) Statistical First Release related neuromuscular conditions and (b) other rare (SFR) entitled ″Participation in Education, Training and complex conditions. [118577] and Employment by 16-18 Year Olds in England″. The first table shows the numbers of 16 to 18-year-olds Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for (academic age) in both full-time education and employment Education what steps he is taking to improve the in England between 2001 and 2011; the second table process of obtaining a statement of special educational expresses that number as a proportion of all 16 to needs for people with (a) muscular dystrophy and 18-year-olds in England: related neuromuscular conditions and (b) other rare and complex conditions. [119445] Aged Aged 16 Aged 17 Aged 18 16-18 Mr Timpson: We set out our plans for improving End 2001 193,800 193,300 87,500 474,600 services and outcomes for all disabled children and End 2002 197,200 193,300 85,600 476,100 young people, including those with muscular dystrophy, End 2003 188,100 195,300 90,900 474,300 related neuromuscular conditions and other rare and End 2004 180,000 197,800 98,900 476,800 complex conditions, in the 2011 Green Paper “Support End 2005 164,600 189,900 97,600 452,000 and aspiration: A new approach to special educational End 2006 157,900 197,400 95,300 450,600 needs and disability” and the subsequent “Progress and Next Steps” document, published in May 2012. The 897W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 898W draft provisions recently published are intended to be the poorest countries integrate into the global economy. the next step towards achieving the Green Paper vision The UK will continue to urge both developed and of a system where services work together more effectively emerging economies to provide the poorest countries to support families and young people and families full access to their markets, as the EU already does. themselves are part of decision-making rather than having to fight to secure the support that they need. We intend to replace the current statement and Learning DEFENCE Difficulty Assessment with a holistic and outcomes-focused Education, Health and Care Plan which will be built on Annington Homes a stronger and more integrated process of assessment and planning. We are also introducing a requirement Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for for local authorities and clinical commissioning groups Defence (1) whether the discount rate given to his to commission services jointly for children and young Department on rent levels in those former homes of his people with special educational needs (this includes Department purchased by Annington Homes will those who have a disability which restricts them from continue if Annington Homes is sold; [129709] accessing normally available educational provision). This is a significant change and will require services to work (2) whether officials in his Department have had any together to jointly agree what support is needed and for communication with Terra Firma on their interest in whom—cutting across some of the traditional gaps buying Annington Homes. [129710] experienced by families between education, health and social care services. Mr Francois: The purchase of Annington Homes Ltd (AHL) by Terra Firma is a matter for the companies 20 pathfinders, involving 31 local authorities and concerned and does not affect the terms of the agreement their health partners, have been appointed to test the with the Ministry of Defence (MOD). proposals in the Green Paper and will inform the changes we make to legislation through the planned Children To the best of my knowledge there has been no and Families Bill. The pathfinders are focusing on communication between MOD officials and Terra Firma involving parents and young people more fully in decisions regarding their interest in buying AHL. about the education, health and care of their children, Armed Forces: Coeliac Disease including trialling personal budgets for those who want them, and developing a clear offer of the support that is available locally. Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people with coeliac disease have Teenage Pregnancy been discharged from the (a) Royal Air Force, (b) Army and (c) Royal Navy in each year since 2010. Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for [134203] Education how many full-time officials in his Department will be working directly on the teenage pregnancy strategy Mr Francois [holding answer 18 December 2012]: from January 2013. [128314] Between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2012 (the latest date for which data are available) there were less than Mr Timpson [holding answer 13 November 2012]: five UK Regular Army personnel and less than five UK The standalone Teenage Pregnancy Strategy ended in Regular Naval Service personnel medically discharged 2010 but the Department for Education continues to with a principal or contributory cause of coeliac disease. hold responsibility for teenage pregnancy policy. At No UK Regular RAF personnel were medically discharged present, one member of staff works part time on teenage with a principal or contributory cause of coeliac disease. pregnancy policy and support for teenage parents; two other officials also have responsibility for teenage pregnancy Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for policy as part of their wider roles. Defence what (a) internal discussions have taken place The latest year for which final annual conceptions in and (b) representations have been received by his data are available is 2010. Between 2000 and 2010, the Department on rules applying to deployment of teenage pregnancy rate (women aged under 18) in England serving personnel who are diagnosed with coeliac fell by 19% from 43.6 conceptions per thousand women disease while in service. [134205] aged 15-17 in 2000 to 35.4 in 2010. Mr Francois [holding answer 18 December 2012]: MOD policy regarding service personnel presented with coeliac disease has recently been reviewed by the Joint INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Service Publication 950 Medical Employment Standards Developing Countries: Trade Working Group, and has been staffed and accepted, and is now awaiting publication. Internal consultations Mr Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for have taken place between, among others: Headquarters International Development whether the removal of Surgeon General, the Medical Employment Standards trade barriers facing exports from the poorest countries (MES) Working Group (including Consultant Occupational to the markets of developed countries will be included Physicians from each of the single Services, Defence in the agenda for the G8 in 2013. [134713] Consultant Advisors in Medicine and Surgery) and the Surgeon General’s Medical Policy Steering Group. Mr Duncan: The UK will use its G8 presidency to When developing policy, the MES Working Group make the case for further trade liberalisation across the does not seek specific input from special interest groups, world. We will continue to play a leading role in helping as this would be impracticable. However, policy is developed 899W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 900W in light of current medical evidence including guidance Other facilities also treat and rehabilitate injured from the National Institute for Health and Clinical personnel, but it is not possible, without incurring Excellence, and with specialist input from the appropriate disproportionate cost, to break down the costs for Defence Consultant Advisers and/or Civilian Consultant treating injured personnel with other episodes of care Advisers. If specific issues are raised by external bodies that do not relate to injuries. including special interest groups, these are staffed appropriately, and may be discussed at the MES Working Group. Armed Forces: Rape

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department’s rules are for Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for deployment of serving personnel who are diagnosed Defence how many allegations of rape have been with coeliac disease while in service. [134206] reported to the Ministry of Defence Police in each year since 2000. [126671] Mr Francois [holding answer 18 December 2012]: Service personnel who present significant conditions of Mr Francois: Allegations of rape may have been the alimentary system such as coeliac, which either reported to the service police or to civil police. Allegations degrades the functional capacity and performance, and/or reported to the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) are fails to respond satisfactorily to treatment, may require shown in the following table: to be downgraded non-deployable, or recommended for medical discharge. Each case is considered on its individual Rape merit. Service supply chains cannot guarantee access to a 2000 13 gluten free diet for service personnel in all circumstances, 2001 29 especially on operations. It is not possible to guarantee 2002 31 an individual’s ability to self police an exclusion diet 2003 18 through labelling or identification of trigger constituents. 2004 16 This poses an unacceptable risk to the individual, and 2005 20 to their colleagues on operations. 2006 16 2007 24 Armed Forces: Health Services 2008 14 2009 19 1 Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010 6 1 Defence how much his Department has contributed to 2011 1 1 assist injured service personnel with care and 2012 2 rehabilitation in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 1 In accordance with the Home Office National Crime Recording Standard, the MDP (and other forces) are mandated to record crime 2012-13 to date. [133989] reported to them. Since 2009, any allegations of rape in England and Wales received by the MDP have been referred to either the service Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence provides a police or to the local civil police for investigation. Similar arrangements broad range of medical care, treatment and rehabilitation also exist in Scotland and Northern Ireland. services delivered through a combination of military and contracted (with the NHS and private sectors) Clyde Shipyards medical capabilities. The aim is to provide entitled armed forces personnel who have been injured (e.g. on operations, exercises/training etc) with world class treatment John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for and rehabilitation that best meets the medical needs of Defence how much was paid from the public purse to the service person and the occupational needs of their shipyards on the River Clyde in (a) 1997, (b) 2005, (c) service. 2010 and (d) 2012 to date. [133930] The Department spend by financial years for the care and rehabilitation of injured service personnel is shown in the following table: Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) no longer holds records of the amount paid to BAE Systems Financial year £ million Maritime—Naval Ships (BAES MNS) Govan and Scotstoun shipyards on the River Clyde in 1997. In 2010-11 101.277 financial year (FY) 2005-06 the MOD paid £337 million, 2011-12 108.873 in FY 2010-11 the amount was £513 million and for the 2012-13 to end of November 2012 63.491 current financial year (beginning April 2012), the amount to November 2012 is £287 million. These figures cover The figures above cover the following elements of expenditure on the Type 45 Destroyer and Queen Elizabeth care provision and are based on audited costs for FY Class Aircraft Carrier programmes. 2010-11 and FY 2011-12 and estimated costs for FY A contract valued at £127 million was awarded to 2012-13: BAES MNS for the Assessment Phase of the Type 26 Acute medical care at The Royal Centre for Defence Medicine Global Combat Ship programme in 2010. Work under Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court—including this contract is being carried out at a number of sites, complex trauma rehabilitation and neurological rehabilitation including the Govan shipyard, but it is not possible Regional rehabilitation units. separately to identify the payments by location. 901W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 902W

Defence Equipment £ million Equipment type Theatre 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 14 May 2012, Soldier Afghanistan 62 73 52 13 Official Report, columns 261-4, on defence budget and equipment transformation, whether any of the contingency (protection, clothing, funding for defence equipment and support has been combat allocated. [132898] equipment) Iraq9500 Mr Dunne: During the course of Planning Round 12 a small proportion of the overall contingency provision Total 72 78 52 13 was allocated. I am withholding details of the amount Communications Afghanistan 0 26 54 15 and the projects concerned as their release would be (voice and data prejudicial to the Department’s commercial interests. transfer) Iraq0000 During the course of Annual Business Cycle 13, the Department is reviewing the level of contingency in the Total0275415 light of our current understanding of the risk position ISTAR— Afghanistan 25 69 50 81 in our major procurement projects. This will inform a Intelligence, decision on the levels of contingency we will require in Surveillance, Target the future. Acquisition, and Defence: Expenditure Reconnaissance Iraq 13 0 0 0 Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 38 69 50 81 Defence how much has been spent on Urgent Operational Requirements by (a) theatre and (b) Ground Afghanistan 436 252 351 78 manoeuvre equipment type in each of the last 10 years; and which (protected such funding was provided from a Treasury budget. mobility) [132830] Iraq 87 5 -1 0 Mr Dunne: The required information is not held in Total 523 257 350 78 the format requested prior to financial year 2008-09. Fire power Afghanistan 4 11 28 3 The amount spent on Urgent Operational Requirements (guns, missiles (UOR) and claimed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and rockets) against the HM Treasury Reserve, since financial year Iraq5200 2008-09 is presented in the following table. Total 9 12 28 3 Protection Afghanistan 68 90 79 99 £ million (C-IED/ Theatre 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 military working dogs, Afghanistan 838 774 794 415 soldier Iraq 223 45 -3 0 protection Total operations 1,061 819 791 415 (ECM)) and peace-keeping Iraq 20 17 0 0 UOR spend Total 88 107 79 99

£ million Sustainment Afghanistan 0 9 8 11 (medical, Equipment type Theatre 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 battlefield utilities) Helicopter Afghanistan 95 133 95 46 (Ground Iraq0000 Attack, Tactile Total 1 9 8 II Transport— Aircraft and Unmanned Afghanistan 44 25 11 1 aircrew aerial vehicles protection) Iraq 17 0 0 0 Iraq 33 7 2 0 Total 61 26 II 1 Total 128 140 97 46 Aircraft Afghanistan 72 48 12 21 Information Afghanistan 31 36 54 48 (Ground management/ Attack, Information Strategic and exploitation Tactile Iraq 25 5 -3 0 Transport— Aircraft and Total 55 41 50 48 aircrew Maritime (ship Iraq3300 protection) electronic Iraq 10 1 0 0 warfare) Total 83 49 12 21 Total3300 903W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 904W

ICT £ million Equipment type Theatre 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Total 1,061 819 791 415 how many (a) computers, (b) mobile telephones, (c) operations and BlackBerrys and (d) other pieces of IT equipment were peace-keeping UOR spend lost or stolen from his Department in (i) 2010-11 and Notes: 1. All figures rounded to nearest £ million. 2. The negative (ii) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [132195] figures presented against Iraq in financial year 2010-11 relate to the final reconciliation of project accounts. Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence takes any theft of, loss of, attacks on, or misuse of, its information, Defence: Procurement networks and associated media storage devices very seriously and has robust procedures in place to mitigate Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for against and investigate such occurrences. Furthermore, Defence how many defence equipment contracts his new processes, instructions and technological aids are Department has sought to renegotiate since May 2010. continually being implemented to mitigate human errors [134405] and raise the awareness of every individual in the Department. Mr Dunne [holding answer 18 December 2012]: I The following table shows the number of reported refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the lost or stolen computers, mobile telephones, BlackBerrys hon. Member for Plymouth, Moor View (Alison Seabeck) and other pieces of IT equipment centrally reported on 8 October 2012, Official Report, column 665W. within the Department in financial year (FY) 2010-11 and FY 2011-12 as of 6 December 2012. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the total cost is of his Single Integrated Items FY 2010-11 FY 2011-12 Priority List; [134406] Computers 371 206 (2) what platforms are on the Single Integrated Mobile Telephones 3 24 Priority List. [134407] BlackBerrys 4 34 Other IT 537 794 Mr Dunne [holding answer 18 December 2012]: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by my Following thorough investigations, the Joint Security predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Co-ordination Centre has not received any evidence Worcestershire (Peter Luff), on 3 September 2012, Official that demonstrates that the information has been Report, column 46W, to the hon. Member for Moray compromised. A significant number of the incidents (Angus Robertson). involve information that had been encrypted to government standards and, while the data was lost, the chance of compromise of encrypted information is deemed to be Devonport Dockyard minimal.

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Immigration Defence what the projected cost is of the Future Nuclear Facilities programme for refurbishing the Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence submarine refit complex at Devonport Dockyard. if he will estimate the additional cost of the delivery of [133923] those public services for which his Department is responsible arising from inward migration since 1997. Mr Dunne: The total estimated cost of the Future [134306] Nuclear Facilities programme for refurbishing the submarine refit complex at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence provides services Devonport is £243 million, which provides the capability to the nation as a whole, rather than to individuals per to defuel the Swiftsure and Trafalgar class nuclear-powered se. It would therefore be impossible to quantify any attack submarines, and enables the ongoing deep extra costs arising from inward migration since 1997, if maintenance of the Trafalgar class and, in time, the such costs existed. Astute class nuclear-powered attack submarines. Katrice Lee Guided Weapons Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the outcome was of the meeting on Defence what the estimated cost to his Department is 13 November 2012 on Royal Military Police premises of the (a) light and (b) heavy future air-to-surface between the Minister for the Armed Forces, representatives guided weapons. [134607] of the Royal Military Police, the hon. Member for Gosport and the mother and sister of Katrice Lee Mr Dunne: To protect our commercial position, the regarding the disappearance of Katrice Lee in November Department does not normally publish cost estimates 1981; what action points arose from the meeting; what in advance of main investment decision points, which admissions were made by the Royal Military Police in are planned for both Future Anti Surface Guided Weapon respect of the initial investigation into Katrice Lee’s Light and Heavy missiles in 2013. disappearance; and if he will make a statement. [134746] 905W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 906W

Mr Francois: I wrote to my hon. Friend the Member these schemes and no employer’s contributions are made for Gosport (Caroline Dinenage) on 20 December 2012 to their pensions. 82 of these are permanent employees about this meeting and I will write to the hon. Member and 38 are casual members of staff with a further three shortly as well. on fixed term appointments exceeding two years. However, the Royal Military Police have now acknowledged that the previous investigations were flawed, Public Expenditure and have sincerely apologised to Katrice’s family for these failings. The Royal Military Police have also Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence undertaken, at an appropriate point, to ask an independent what assessment he has made of the effects of the civilian police force to review their findings. changes announced in the autumn statement on the affordability of his Department’s (a) equipment Merlin Helicopters programme and (b) science and technology budget; and if he will make a statement. [133363]

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Dunne: The autumn statement had no effect on Defence by what date the transfer of RAF Merlin the core equipment programme. MK3s to the Fleet Air Arm will be complete. [134608] The Department has committed to maintain science and technology spending at 1.2% of the overall Defence Mr Dunne: It is currently planned that responsibility budget. That commitment is also unchanged by the for the Merlin Mk 3/3a will transfer from the Royal Air autumn statement. Force to the Royal Navy Commando Helicopter Force in financial year 2014-15. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total size was of the unallocated Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency provisions in his Department’s budget in 2011-12. [134404] Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the effect Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 18 December of reductions in Ministry of Defence police numbers 2012]: Nil; we started making unallocated provision on Scotland; [133064] from 2012-13. (2) how many Ministry of Defence police officers there were in Scotland in each of the last five years. Radioactive Materials [133065] Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Francois: The number of MDP officers in Scotland Defence how much his Department has spent on the were as follows: purchase of special nuclear materials in each of the last 10 years. [133921] Ministry of Defence police strength in Scotland Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence has not purchased 2008-09 821 any special nuclear materials in the last 10 years. 2009-10 835 Staff 2010-11 823 2011-12 789 2012-13 711 Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on (a) recruitment The reduction in strength is due to a force-wide agency fees, (b) outplacement agency fees for displaced recruitment freeze that was introduced in August 2009 or redundant staff and (c) staff training in each of the and a MOD Voluntary Early Release Scheme which last 12 months. [125734] began on 1 April 2010 and is ongoing until 31 March 2014. Mr Francois: External recruitment to the Ministry of The MOD continues to maintain effective security at Defence for grades below the senior civil service is its defence establishments in Scotland and, in particular, carried out by Defence Business Services (DBS). Where its nuclear bases in the Clyde and Coulport. external recruitment for senior civil service level posts is required, recruitment agencies may be asked to carry Pensions out an initial search for suitable candidates. In financial year (FY) 2011-12 the Ministry of Defence spent £81,380 on recruitment agency fees in connection with SCS level Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for recruitment. Defence how many (a) permanent and (b) casual Support to staff who are leaving the Ministry of members of staff in his Department do not receive Defence on redundancy or voluntary release includes contributions for their pensions. [132625] access to the outplacement service (MODOPS). MODOPS is a contractor-operated service which helps staff to Mr Francois [holding answer 12 December 2012]: All find work outside the civil service, giving guidance on permanent and casual members of staff have the option subjects including job-searching, CV writing, interview to be in one of the Civil Service Pension Schemes. 123 preparation and financial planning. Expenditure under members of the Department’s staff have opted out of MODOPS for FY 2011 -12 was £251,900. 907W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 908W

The Defence Academy is the primary provider of nuclear deterrent submarine comes into service the training and education to civilian personnel, both through in-service costs of the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which courses run on-site, and through the provision of e-learning, will include Atomic Weapons Establishment’s costs, including the running of the Defence e-learning centres. will be similar to today (around 5% to 6% of the Specialist and functional training is also procured from defence budget). a range of external suppliers. Some training is delivered locally, usually by civilian or military staff for whom John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for training is not a full-time responsibility, but the costs of Defence what his most recent estimate is for the cost of locally delivered training are not separately identified design and build for a replacement continuous at-sea and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost. nuclear deterrent system. [133834] Details of expenditure on staff training in FY 2011-12 are not available. However, the Defence Academy outturn for FY 2011-12 was £115 million, compared with £118.6 Mr Dunne [holding answer 18 December 2012]: Current million in FY 2010-11 and £124.4 million in FY 2009-10. forecast costs, including planned Submarine Enterprise Performance Programme efficiency measures, indicate Surveys that we remain within the 2006 White Paper estimates of £11 billion to £14 billion (at 2006-07 prices) for the Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Successor platform costs (assuming a four boat fleet). Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the results of his Department’s most recent staff survey; which organisation carried out the survey; and what Trident Missiles the cost of the survey was. [132099]

Mr Francois: The results of the October 2012 Ministry Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for of Defence staff survey will be placed in the Library of Defence pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2012, Official Report, the House on 31 January 2013 when the results are column 238W, on Trident missiles, what (a) (b) published on our website. the cost was of the recent refit and post refit Demonstration and Shakedown Operation for HMS The cost of the survey for the Ministry of Defence Vigilant; and what the cost is of an individual Trident and participating agencies will be approximately £120,000. D5 missile to the UK. [133920] The exact cost will be known in the spring. The MOD has participated in the Civil Service People Survey carried out across the entire civil service since 2009. The Mr Dunne: The cost of HMS Vigilant’s recent long survey is carried out by ORC International Ltd. This overhaul period (refuelling) (LOP(R)) and the approach, which is managed by the Cabinet Office, demonstration and shakedown operation (DASO) are delivers strong efficiencies through economies of scale still being finalised. However, the LOP(R) is expected to by eliminating previously duplicated effort and project be around £345 million. The cost of the DASO for management and realises strong value for money. HMS Vigilant is expected to be approximately £15.6 million. The current net book value of a Trident D5 The cost of the 2012 survey across the civil service is missile is £8.86 million. expected to be 63% lower than what was spent separately by Departments and agencies in 2008-09 on their own staff surveys. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was of the programme Trident management and engineering services contract between the Royal Navy and Lockheed Martin for support to Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence the Trident D5 missile system in each of the last three how many employees of (a) BAE Systems, (b) years. [133922] Babcock Marine and (c) Rolls-Royce have been seconded to his Department to work on the Trident Mr Dunne: I am withholding the information as its replacement design programme. [133492] disclosure would prejudice commercial interests. Mr Dunne: No BAE Systems employees have been seconded to the Ministry of Defence to work on the Unmanned Air Vehicles Successor Submarine Programme. One Babcock Marine full-time and two part-time employees and one Rolls- Royce employee have been Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for seconded to work on the programme. Defence pursuant to the answer of 3 December 2012, Official Report, column 616W,on unmanned air vehicles, John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for what consideration his Department has given in the Defence what estimate he has made of the cost of development of Maritime Unmanned Aerial Systems operation of a continuous at-sea deterrent replacement Strategy to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to system over the likely lifespan of such a system. tackle illegal piracy and fishing in areas beyond national [133525] [133833] jurisdiction.

Mr Dunne [holding answer 18 December 2012]: As Mr Dunne: The maritime unmanned air systems strategy stated in the White Paper, The Future of the United paper will consider potential future capability needs for Kingdom’s Nuclear Deterrent (Cm 6994) published in unmanned air systems, but it will not consider in detail December 2006, we expect that once the new successor their use in particular scenarios. 909W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 910W

Vetting Stephen Hammond: There are six operator licences held by entities trading as Stagecoach. Since 1 January Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 2012 they have submitted four applications to cancel a pursuant to his answer of 10 December 2012, Official local bus service registration, eight registrations for new Report, column 40W, on vetting, what (a) safeguards, local bus services, and 26 applications to vary an existing (b) processes and (c) checks his Department and its local bus service registration to the North Eastern Traffic agencies put in place prior to the introduction of the Commissioner. Employment Relations Act 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations 2010 and subsequently by its suppliers to prevent blacklisting Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for of employees on construction projects. [134068] Transport how many route change submissions (a) Go North East, (b) Stagecoach and (c) Arriva have made Mr Francois: It has been the long-standing policy of to the North Eastern Traffic Commissioner each year the Ministry of Defence to include provisions in its between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2011. contracts requiring suppliers to abide by the law, to [134100] adhere to principles of equality and to ensure that these requirements are included in any sub-contracts. Stephen Hammond: The Vehicle and Operator Services Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Agency holds electronic records on behalf of the Traffic pursuant to his answer of 10 December 2012, Official Commissioners who are responsible for issuing and Report, column 40W, on vetting, what representations regulating licences. To obtain records for 2001 would on blacklisting his Department received prior to the invoke disproportionate cost. However, the subsequent introduction of the Employment Relations Act 1999 years are in the following table: (Blacklists) Regulations 2010. [134069] Vary an New existing Grand Mr Francois: To the best of my knowledge there have Cancellations applications application total been no representations made on blacklisting prior to the introduction of the Employment Relations Act (a) Go 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations 2010. North East 2002 19 27 49 95 2003 63 41 177 281 World War I: Anniversaries 2004 99 100 220 419 2005 40 61 272 373 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for 2006 103 38 296 437 Defence (1) what steps he is taking to encourage 2007 36 70 211 317 greater archive accessibility at military museums in the 2008 80 142 193 415 lead-up to the centenary of the First World War; 2009 74 62 225 361 [131991] 2010 83 67 278 428 (2) what steps he is taking to encourage co-operation 2011 59 75 212 346 between national and local military museums in the Grand total 656 683 2,133 3,472 lead-up to the centenary of the First World War. [131992] (b) Stagecoach Dr Murrison: The information requested will take 2002 49 69 204 322 time to collate. I will write to my hon. Friend in due 2003 81 51 342 474 course. 2004 58 36 323 417 2005 72 55 388 515 2006 86 31 281 398 2007 71 33 296 400 TRANSPORT 2008 56 21 248 325 2009 61 41 773 875 Airports: Israel 2010 39 39 226 304 2011 24 25 251 300 Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Grand total 597 401 3,332 4,330 Transport what agreements the Civil Aviation Authority has with the Israeli government regarding the presence (c) Arriva of Israeli security agents at UK airports. [134733] 2002 47 17 175 239 Mr Simon Burns: The Civil Aviation Authority has 2003 33 51 178 262 no such agreements. 2004 38 28 94 160 2005 68 39 155 262 2006 54 39 204 297 Bus Services: North East 2007 26 24 166 216 2008 58 62 136 256 Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009 42 43 122 207 Transport how many route change submissions Stagecoach 2010 70 37 107 214 has made to the North Eastern Traffic Commissioner 2011 43 64 191 298 since 1 January 2012. [134099] 911W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 912W

Large Goods Vehicles: Licensing Vary an New existing Grand Cancellations applications application total Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to extend the range of Grand total 479 404 1,528 2,411 statutory consultees on the grant of operator licences by Traffic Commissioners to include parish councils; Fuels and if he will make a statement. [134944]

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Hammond: There are no plans to extend the Transport what assessment he has made of (a) the range of statutory consultees to include parish councils. relative calorific values of (i) E10 fuel and (ii) petrol At this time I am satisfied that in the majority of cases and (b) the potential effect of introduction of E10 fuel the systems work well and therefore have no plans to on the retail price of petrol. [133986] change the legislation.

Norman Baker: E10 is a petrol-ethanol blend of up to Rescue Services 10% ethanol and is not yet available in the UK. Most petrol sold in the UK contains up to 5% ethanol. Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Ethanol’s energy content is lower than that of petrol Transport if he will undertake an independent (petrol’s energy content is 32MJ per litre while ethanol’s assessment of steps required to reduce any risk to the energy content is 21MJ per litre). This means that E10 safety of remaining regular coastguards, those working has a lower energy density than E5 (about 2% less in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency headquarters energy per litre of fuel). Vehicles will be able to travel and volunteers. [134496] slightly further with a tank full of E5 than a tank full of E10. Stephen Hammond: An independent assessment is It is for fuel retailers to determine the price of the not required. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency different products that they sell. However, it seems keeps risks to the safety of its staff and volunteers unlikely that E10 would be priced higher than E5, as under constant review, and takes remedial and mitigating there is no requirement on suppliers to change the actions as necessary. product they sell. Vehicle and Operator Services Agency Gospel Oak-Barking Railway Line John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish details of staffing at the Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (a) between Transport what recent (a) information, (b) advice and 2006 and 2011, (b) in 2012 and (c) between 2013 and (c) reports he has received on the case for 2018. [134433] electrification of the Barking to Gospel Oak section of the North London Line; and if he will make a Stephen Hammond: The Vehicle and Operator Services statement. [134793] Agency publishes its staff numbers in its Annual Report. Staff numbers between 2013 and 2018 have yet to be Mr Simon Burns: Although there is no new funding agreed. Staffing numbers from 2006-12 are as follows: available, the Department is working with Transport for London and Network Rail to review the case for As at 31 March: Number electrification. A detailed breakdown of the £90 million cost of electrification has been provided by Network 2012 2,131 Rail. Transport for London has provided its business 2011 2,272 case for using longer electric passenger trains and has 2010 2,497 offered £25 million towards the cost of electrification. 2009 2,771 2008 2,635 High Speed 2 Railway Line 2007 2,626 2006 2,708 Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 4 December 2012, Official Report, column 684W, on High Speed 2 railway line, what estimate his Department has made of the (a) CABINET OFFICE gross and (b) net expenditure on (i) the safeguarding zone and (ii) the voluntary purchase zone as part of the Construction proposed compensation scheme for High Speed 2 if no change were to be made to the proposals currently out Dan Jarvis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office for consultation. [134994] how many people are employed in the construction sector in (a) Barnsley Central constituency, (b) South Mr Simon Burns: Further to the answer of 4 December Yorkshire and (c) England. [134678] 2012, Official Report, column 684W, on High Speed 2 Railway Line, the costs would depend entirely on the Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the extent to which householders and others take up the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have options open to them. asked the authority to reply. 913W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 914W

Letter from Glen Watson: Table 1: Number of people employed part-time1 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have Thousand been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning Level how many people are employed in the construction sector in (a) 12 months ending Barnsley Central constituency, (b) South Yorkshire and (c) England. Change between [134678] 12 month Annual statistics on the number of employees are available periods ending from the ONS release Business Register and Employment Survey June 2010 and (BRES) at: June 2010 June 20122 June 2012 www.ons.gov.uk County 54 **57 3 The following table contains the latest figures available, which Durham show the number of employees in the construction industry for North 298 *304 6 Barnsley Central constituency, the former metropolitan county of East South Yorkshire and England for 2011. England 6,465 *6,605 140 1 Part-time in main job. Employees in 2011 2 Coefficients of Variation have been calculated for the latest period as an indication of the quality of the estimates. See Guide to Quality Barnsley Central 1,900 below. Former Metropolitan County of 27,400 Guide to Quality: South Yorkshire The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, England 1,032,400 the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within Job Creation the range 180-220. Key: Pat Glass: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office * 0 = CV<5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered precise how many jobs created in (a) England, (b) the North ** 5 = CV <10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered East, (c) County Durham and (d) North West reasonably precise Durham constituency have been either (i) part-time or *** 10 = CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered (ii) on temporary contracts since May 2010. [134615] acceptable **** CV = 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the CV = Coefficient of Variation responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Note: asked the authority to reply. All estimates are independently rounded. Letter from Glen Watson, dated December 2012: Source: Annual Population Survey As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Mental Health how many jobs created in (a) England, (b) the North East, (c) County Durham and (d) North West Durham constituency have Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet been either (i) part-time or (ii) on temporary contracts since May Office what recent assessment he has made of the level 2010 (134615) of happiness in each constituent part of the UK. ONS compiles Labour Market Statistics following International [134649] Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions for areas smaller than the UK from the Annual Population Survey (APS). Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Information regarding jobs created is not available. As an responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have alternative we have provided estimates of the number of people asked the authority to reply. who were employed part-time or employed in jobs that were not permanent according to survey responses during the 12 month Letter from Glen Watson, dated December 2012: periods ending June 2010, the survey period closest to May 2010, As Director-General for the Office for National Statistics, I and June 2012, along with the net change between these two have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question periods. This net change provides a reasonable approximation of asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recent assessment the number of jobs created since May 2010. he has made of the level of happiness in each constituent part of As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject the UK. 134649 to a margin of uncertainty. In April 2011 ONS introduced four subjective well-being questions National and local area estimates for many labour market onto the ONS Annual Population Survey (APS). The four questions statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant are as follows: count are available on the NOMIS website at: Overall, how satisfied are you with your life nowadays? http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Overall, to what extent do you feel that the things you do in Table 1: Number of people employed part-time1 your life are worthwhile? Thousand Overall, how happy did you feel yesterday? Level Overall, how anxious did you feel yesterday? 12 months ending All were answered on a scale of 0 to 10 where 0 is ‘not at all’ Change between and 10 is ‘completely’. 12 month The table shows results to the four subjective well-being questions periods ending by the four constituent countries of the UK and by English June 2010 and region. June 2010 June 20122 June 2012 In July 2012, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published North 10 ***11 1 a report entitled ‘First ONS Annual Experimental Subjective West Well-being Results’. This report is available from the following Durham web link: 915W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 916W

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/wellbeing/measuring- The Government is currently consulting on a ban on subjective-wellbeing-in-the-uk/first-annual-ons-experimental- multi-buy alcohol promotions, including analysis of its subjective-well-being-results/first-ons-annual-experimental- effects on retailers, consumers and the Exchequer. subjective-well-being-results.html HMRC has also commissioned research into consumer Life satisfaction, worthwhile, happy yesterday and anxious yesterday thresholds1: by constituent UK countries and English regions, April responses to pricing and promotion restrictions, and it 2011 to March 20122,3 will be completed in 2013. Percentage Life Worthwhile Happy Anxious satisfaction yesterday yesterday Business: Loans 0-6 7-10 0-6 7-10 0-6 7-10 0-3 4-1

United 24.1 75.9 20.0 80.0 28.9 71.1 60.1 39.9 Bill Esterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Kingdom whether the total net lending of banks who have signed Great 24.2 75.8 20.0 80.0 29.0 71.0 60.0 40.0 up to the Government’s Funding for Lending scheme Britain has increased since it was introduced. [134554] England 24.3 75.7 20.1 79.9 29.0 71.0 59.9 40.1 North 24.6 75.4 21.2 78.8 30.9 69.1 58.2 41.8 East Greg Clark: Total net lending by banks participating North 25.3 74.7 20.6 79.4 30.4 69.6 59.1 40.9 in the Funding for Lending Scheme increased by £0.5 West billion in the third quarter of 2012. The Bank of England Yorkshire 24.7 75.3 20.0 80.0 29.7 70.3 60.4 39.6 will provide an update to these data in March. and The Humber East 23.4 76.6 19.4 80.6 28.6 71.4 59.7 40.3 Child Benefit Midlands West 27.1 72.9 ’22.7 77.3 31.2 68.8 61.4 38.6 Midlands Margot James: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer East of 23.0 77.0 18.7 81.3 26.7 73.3 61.6 38.4 how many households that receive child benefit have England (a) one child, (b) two children, (c) three children, (d) London 27.2 72.8 22.6 77.4 30.6 69.4 55.5 44.5 four children, (e) five children, (f) six children, (g) South 21.5 78.5 17.8 82.2 27.2 72.8 61.2 38.8 seven children and (h) eight or more children. [134604] East South 21.8 78.2 18.3 81.7 26.9 73.1 62.3 37.7 West Sajid Javid: The following table details the numbers Wales 25.3 74.7 20.3 79.7 29.0 71.0 59.9 40.1 requested. This is based on the latest published data Scotland 22.6 77.4 19.4 80.6 28.8 71.2 61.2 38.8 —August 2011. Northern 21.9 78.1 18.9 81.1 26.0 74.0 64.5 35.5 Ireland Number of children Number of families 1 Thresholds: Proportions of respondents reporting low (0-6) and One child 3,720,160 high (7-10) ratings for life satisfaction, worthwhile and happy yesterday questions and low (0-3) and high (4-10) ratings for the Two children 2,940,120 anxious yesterday question. Three children 902,250 2 All data weighted. Four children 236,890 3 Non-respondents not included. Five children 59,050 Source: April 2011 to March 2012, Annual Population Survey Subjective Six children 17,445 Well-being Experimental dataset, ONS Seven children 5,835 Eight or more children 3,015 Wines Child benefit statistics are published once a year and Mark Hendrick: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet can be found at: Office what the current valuation is of wine kept for use http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/child-geog-stats.htm#2 at occasions hosted by the Prime Minister. [134697] Statistics for August 2012 will be published in early Mr Maude: None is kept. 2013.

Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will put in place contingency measures to assist TREASURY individuals in households affected by the higher income child benefit charge who may be unclear about Alcoholic Drinks: Prices their ongoing entitlement to national insurance credits for state pension purposes; and if he will make a statement. [134639] Mr Brady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the potential effect on tax revenues of any prohibition on multi-buy alcohol Mr Gauke: The high income child benefit charge does promotions. [134760] not affect entitlement to national insurance credits. This is set out on the HMRC website: Sajid Javid: No estimate of the effect on the Exchequer http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefitcharge/ for a ban on multi-buy alcohol promotions is available. introduction.htm#5 917W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 918W

Employment Table 2: Growth in employment level, age 16+ Percentage North-east England Pat Glass: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the rate of job growth has been in (a) England, Three months to October 2003 1.6 0.8 to three months to October 2004 (b) the north-east, (c) County Durham and (d) North Three months to October 2004 0.6 1.2 West Durham constituency in each year since 1997; to three months to October 2005 and what estimate he has made of the likely level of Three months to October 2005 2.2 0.8 such growth in each of the next three financial years. to three months to October 2006 [134619] Three months to October 2006 1.9 0.7 to three months to October 2007 Three months to October 2007 -1.0 0.2 Sajid Javid: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) to three months to October 2008 employment statistics for County Durham and north-west Three months to October 2008 -2.8 -1.5 Durham are not available back to 1997. Table 1 shows to three months to October 2009 growth in the employment level each year from the year Three months to October 2009 2.6 0.9 to June 2005. Estimates of employment at the county to three months to October 2010 and constituency level are more volatile than estimates Three months to October 2010 -1.7 -0.1 for larger geographic areas, reflecting the small sample to three months to October 2011 size for survey respondents. Employment increased in Three months to October 2011 4.1 1.9 County Durham decreased by 0.9% between the year to to three months to October 2012 June 2011 and the year to June 2012, while north-west Source: Durham decreased by 10.3%. ONS Employment increased by 4.1% in the north-east over the year to the three months to October 2012 and by Mr David Davis: To ask the Chancellor of the 1.9% in England (Table 2). Exchequer what the rate of job growth was in (a) The Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) is responsible Haltemprice and Howden constituency, (b) Yorkshire for employment forecasts, which are only available at and the Humber and (c) England in each year since the UK level. Employment is projected to rise in every 1997; and what estimate he has made of such growth in year of the OBR’s December 2012 ‘Economic and fiscal each of the next three years. [134635] outlook’. In the next three financial years employment in the UK is forecast to increase from 29.6 million in this financial year to 30 million in 2015-16. Sajid Javid: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Table 1: Growth in employment level, age 16+ employment statistics for Haltemprice and Howden are Percentage not available back to 1997. Table 1 shows growth in the County Durham North-west Durham employment level each year from the year to June 2005. Estimates of employment at the constituency level are Year to June 2005 to 1.5 -2.7 more volatile than estimates for larger geographic areas, year to June 2006 reflecting the small sample size for survey respondents. Year to June 2006 to 6.8 24.7 Employment increased in Haltemprice and Howden by year to June 2007 10.1% between the year to June 2011 and the year to Year to June 2007 to -2.4 -5.7 year to June 2008 June 2012. Year to June 2008 to -0.1 2.6 Employment increased by 3.9% in Yorkshire and the year to June 2009 Humber over the year to the three months to October Year to June 2009 to -3.1 -1.1 year to June 2010 2012 and by 1.9% in England (Table 2). Year to June 2010 to 1.9 -6.0 The Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) is responsible year to June 2011 for employment forecasts, which are only available at Year to June 2011 to -0.9 -10.3 the UK level. Employment is projected to rise in every year to June 2012 year of the OBR’s December 2012 economic and fiscal Source: ONS outlook. In the next three financial years employment Table 2: Growth in employment level, age 16+ in the UK is forecast to increase from 29.6 million in Percentage this financial year to 30 million in 2015-16. North-east England Table 1: Growth in employment level, age 16+ Percentage Three months to October 1997 -2.0 1.3 to three months to October 1998 Haltemprice and Howden Three months to October 1998 0.0 1.2 Year to June 2005 to Year to June 2006 -11.2 to three months to October 1999 Year to June 2006 to Year to June 2007 1.6 Three months to October 1999 3.3 1.2 Year to June 2007 to Year to June 2008 0.8 to three months to October 2000 Year to June 2008 to Year to June 2009 -1.5 Three months to October 2000 0.2 0.7 to three months to October 2001 Year to June 2009 to Year to June 2010 12.0 Three months to October 2001 0.5 0.9 Year to June 2010 to Year to June 2011 -5.6 to three months to October 2002 Year to June 2011 to Year to June 2012 10.1 Three months to October 2002 0.9 0.6 Source: to three months to October 2003 ONS 919W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 920W

Table 2: Growth in employment level, age 16+ Amounts of top-up payments paid under the Gift Percentage Aid Small Donations Scheme will be published on the Yorkshire and HMRC website in due course. The Humber England

Three months to October 1997 0.9 1.3 Internet to three months to October 1998 Three months to October 1998 1.7 1.2 Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to three months to October 1999 how much has been spent on (a) strategy and planning, Three months to October 1999 1.3 1.2 to three months to October 2000 (b) design and build, (c) hosting and infrastructure, Three months to October 2000 -0.2 0.7 (d) content provision and (e) testing and evaluation to three months to October 2001 for his Department’s websites in each of the last two Three months to October 2001 1.8 0.9 years; and how much has been allocated for each such to three months to October 2002 category of expenditure in 2012-13. [132121] Three months to October 2002 1.7 0.6 to three months to October 2003 Sajid Javid: The Treasury has spent the following Three months to October 2003 2.2 0.8 amounts on its website in the years requested: to three months to October 2004 Three months to October 2004 0.6 1.2 Website Spend (£) to three months to October 2005 Three months to October 2005 0.5 0.8 2010-11 to three months to October 2006 Strategy and planning 0 Three months to October 2006 1.1 0.7 Design and build 20,000 to three months to October 2007 Hosting and infrastructure 131,000 Three months to October 2007 0.1 0.2 Content provision 0 to three months to October 2008 Testing and evaluation 20,000 Three months to October 2008 -1.7 -1.5 to three months to October 2009 Three months to October 2009 -0.3 0.9 2011-12 to three months to October 2010 Strategy and planning 0 Three months to October 2010 0.2 -0.1 Design and build 0 to three months to October 2011 Hosting and infrastructure 131,000 Three months to October 2011 3.9 1.9 Content provision 0 to three months to October 2012 Testing and evaluation 0 Source: ONS 2012-13 Excise Duties: Fuels Strategy and planning 0 Design and build 0 Katy Clark: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Hosting and infrastructure 131,000 (1) what assessment he has made of the effect of the Content provision 0 island water fuel duty discount pilot on the price of Testing and evaluation 0 water fuel sold on islands; [134729] (2) if he will consider the merits of increasing the rate of discount applicable to the island water fuel duty Money Lenders discount scheme. [134730] Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid: Motorists on the Scottish islands and the whether the Financial Services Authority has taken Isles of Scilly are benefitting from the 5p per litre recent steps to investigate and prosecute illegal money discount on pump prices since the Government introduced lending. [134631] the rural fuel rebate pilot scheme earlier this year. The Government will consider whether to seek EU Jo Swinson: I have been asked to reply on behalf of approval for an extension of the scheme to other remote the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. parts of the UK that are likely to display similar The Financial Services Authority is not responsible characteristics to the islands. for tackling illegal money lending. Until April 2012 the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills directly Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme: North East funded trading standards to take on complex cases which crossed individual local authority boundaries. Pat Glass: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if This included setting up Tackling Illegal Money Lending he will estimate how many charities operating in (a) Teams for England, Wales and Scotland. the north-east, (b) County Durham and (c) North On 1 April 2012, the Government published its response West Durham constituency will be eligible for the Gift to the consultation on Empowering and Protecting Aid Small Donations Scheme. [134620] Consumers, which set out the decision to establish a National Trading Standards Board (NTSB) for England Sajid Javid: HM Revenue and Customs does not and Wales. During 2012-13, the NTSB has continued to separately identify Gift Aid claims by regions of the fund the delivery of the Illegal Money Lending Team in UK and will not be able to do so for the Gift Aid Small England, while the Convention of Scottish Local Donations Scheme. Authorities (COSLA) fund provision in Scotland. 921W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 922W

Between April 2004 and April 2012, the projects had: Social Security Benefits Identified over 2,500 illegal money lenders and arrested over 600 illegal money lenders and secured over 220 prosecutions, Laura Sandys: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer resulting in prison sentencing totalling over 117 years—some by how much Government spending on welfare increased cases were connected to other, more serious criminal activity in (a) cash terms, (b) real terms and (c) as a proportion which took precedence over illegal money lending prosecutions. of gross domestic product between 1997-98 and 2010-11. Seized over £2.1 million in cash. [134458] Identified over £28 million of assets that could be seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Sajid Javid: Public sector net social benefits increased Helped over 16,000 victims of loan sharks. by (a) 86% from £106 billion to £197 billion in cash terms, (b) 40% from £144 billion to £201 billion in real Northern Rock terms (2011-12 prices), and (c) ¾ppt from 12½%of GDP to 13¼% between 1997-98 and 2010-11.

Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Tax Avoidance what advice or directions were given by Ministers to UK Asset Resolution about the timing of its announcement on Northern Rock remediation payments. [134708] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent steps he has taken to minimise tax avoidance by multinational corporations and Sajid Javid: The UK Asset Resolution (UKAR) Board companies. [131536] formally notified UK Financial Investments Ltd (UKFI) of its proposal on 5 December. Ministers were made Mr Gauke: The Government announced on 3 December aware of the proposal on the same day. The UKAR 2012 further investment of £77 million in HM Revenue proposal was agreed by UKFI in a letter to UKAR on & Customs (HMRC) to expand their anti-avoidance 10 December. UKFI sought and was granted Treasury and evasion activity specifically focusing on offshore approval on 10 December. evasion and avoidance by wealthy individuals and by multinationals. This is expected to bring in an additional PAYE £2 billion per year in tax that would have otherwise gone unpaid. As part of this investment, HMRC will Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer expand its risk assessment capability across the large what proportion of PAYE submissions made in the real business sector and increase its specialist transfer pricing time information pilot have been unmatched through resources to speed up its work to identify and challenge (a) being submitted late and (b) including the wrong multinationals’ transfer pricing arrangements. payment amount since the inception of the pilot. The UK, French and German Governments have [130377] jointly written to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development offering voluntary contributions equivalent to ¤150,000 each in order to Mr Gauke: The information requested is not currently support rapid progress on its work to tackle profit available. shifting and the erosion of the corporate tax base at the There are a variety of reasons why RTI submissions global level. may not be matched to a hash cross reference received This pledge of resources follows on from the Chancellor’s from the payment system. call, together with Wolfgang Schauble, at the G20 meeting Hashes received for schemes that have recently joined of Finance Ministers on 4 to 5 November 2012 in the RTI system cannot be matched where the PAYE Mexico for concerted international cooperation to scheme is still going through the RTI alignment process. strengthen international standards for corporate tax HMRC have also indentified that in some cases hash regimes. cross references are being included in RTI submissions where the employer is not paying their employees under Mr Meacher: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer a BACS service user number. Hash matching is not how many schemes to minimise payment of corporation possible in these cases. HMRC is using the RTI pilot to tax have been challenged by HM Revenue and Customs refine its guidance to employers and software developers in court or at a tribunal since 2004. [133539] about hash matching. Mr Gauke [holding answer 13 December 2012]: From Secondment 2004 to 2012 there were over 650 decisions in UK tax cases in the Upper Tribunal (previously High Court) and above covering both avoidance and non avoidance Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the cases. About 100 of these cases arose from corporation Exchequer how many individuals employed by (a) tax disputes. Overall HMRC won about two thirds of major UK utility companies, (b) Energy UK or (c) these cases. The classification of a case as tax avoidance any related energy utility organisation have been involves an element of interpretation that would require seconded to his Department since May 2010. [130172] detailed scrutiny of individual judgments. This could only be undertaken at disproportionate cost for the full Sajid Javid: Since May 2010 there has been (a) one period requested. However, HMRC has undertaken secondment from a major utility company, (b) none some analysis for the period from 2010 to April 2012, from Energy UK and (c) none from other related during which time HMRC was successful in 51 out of energy utility organisations. 60 judgments in tax avoidance cases. 923W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 924W

Taxation Table 1: Unemployment (level) July 2010 to July 2011 to Change over June 2011 June 2012 period Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many additional members of staff of Maidstone 1,200 4,300 +3,100 HM Revenue and Customs will work on tackling tax and The avoidance and evasion as a result of the funding change Weald announced in the autumn statement 2012. [134949] Bassetlaw 1,600 4,600 +3,000 Source: Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I ONS gave on 11 December 2012, Official Report, column Table 2: Unemployment (rate) 293W. July 2010 to July 2011 to Change over June 2011 June 2012 period

Unemployment North East 4.0 16.1 +12.1 Cambridgeshire Birmingham, 10.2 21.4 +11.2 Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Chancellor of the Erdington Exchequer in which 20 parliamentary constituencies Bradford 9.0 18.2 +9.2 there have been the largest increases in unemployment West in the last 12 months; and what those increases were Hendon 5.1 13.3 +8.2 (a) in figures and (b) as a percentage. [134709] Doncaster 13.5 20.5 +7.0 North Sajid Javid: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Brent Central 10.3 17.1 +6.8 provide unemployment statistics by constituency on an Croydon 6.5 13.1 +6.6 annual basis. Estimates of unemployment at the Central constituency level are not available for all constituencies. Islington 6.1 12.6 +6.5 Where reported they are not very precise and can exaggerate South and changes, reflecting the small sample size for survey Finsbury respondents. Inverclyde 8.6 15.1 +6.5 Preston 8.3 14.7 +6.4 Comparing the year July 2010 to June 2001 to July Airdrie and 7.5 13.8 +6.3 2011 to June 2012 the following 20 parliamentary Shotts constituencies saw the largest increases in unemployment South 2.3 8.6 +6.3 (table 1). Changes as a percentage are provided in Derbyshire table 2. Leeds North 7.4 13.7 +6.3 Table 1: Unemployment (level) East July 2010 to July 2011 to Change over Hemel 2.2 8.4 +6.2 June 2011 June 2012 period Hempstead Kingswood 5.0 11.2 +6.2 Hendon 3,500 10,400 +6,900 West 13.0 19.2 +6.2 North East 2,000 7,500 +5,500 Bromwich Cambridgeshire East Islington 3,000 7,500 +4,500 Ealing, 9.1 15.1 +6.0 South and Southall Finsbury Ealing North 7.4 13.4 +6.0 West Ham 5,400 9,700 +4,300 East 3.4 9.4 +6.0 Birmingham, 4,100 8,100 +4,000 Hampshire Erdington Sheffield 9.1 15.0 +5.9 Ealing, 4,200 8,200 +4,000 South East Southall Source: Preston 3,500 7,300 +3,800 ONS Croydon 3,900 7,700 +3,800 Central VAT: Alarms Leeds North 3,700 7,400 +3,700 East Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Feltham and 4,800 8,500 +3,700 if he will give consideration to making carbon Heston monoxide detectors exempt from VAT. [134676] Sheffield 4,200 7,700 +3,500 South East Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Bradford 3,700 7,100 +3,400 given on 12 December 2012, Official Report, column West 330W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Colne Valley Manchester, 6,200 9,500 +3,300 (Jason McCartney). Gorton Bradford 4,000 7,200 +3,200 South Welfare Tax Credits Brent Central 5,000 8,200 +3,200 Manchester 5,800 8,900 +3,100 Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Central what the average time taken was between an application Manchester, 3,900 7,000 +3,100 being made and benefit paid for (a) child benefit, (b) Withington working tax credit and (c) child tax credit in the most Shipley 3,000 6,100 +3,100 recent period for which figures are available. [134638] 925W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 926W

Sajid Javid: This information can be found in the Sajid Javid: The following table details the numbers HMRC publication ‘How are we Doing’ published requested. This is based on April 2012 data. These data November 2012 and available online at: are a snapshot and therefore the numbers presented as http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/briefings/2012-13-half- follows are accurate as of the time of extraction. yearly.pdf In the first five months of the current financial year, Number (000s) UK tax credits and child benefit claims and changes of (a) People 9.3 circumstances were cleared in an average of 15.2 days. (b) Working People 7.2 Over the same period, international claims and changes (c) Families 5.7 of circumstance were cleared in an average of 122.1 days. ’People’ in this instance is defined as adults in a Data about tax credits are not broken down into household receiving tax credits. A working person is working tax credit and child tax credit as both are made defined as anyone who is working non-zero hours. on the same claim form where appropriate. Working Tax Credit Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what the average length of time was for HM Revenue Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Customs to administer a reconsideration of a decision how many people will experience a reduction in income to stop or adjust a claimant’s tax credit entitlement as a result of working tax credit decisions announced in following an undisclosed partner intervention in the the Autumn Statement, with the increase in the personal latest year for which figures are available; [134673] tax allowance taken into account. [134176] (2) if he will publish the guidance issued to HM Revenue and Customs compliance officers on undisclosed Mr Gauke: The Department for Work and Pensions partner interventions and the evidence deemed acceptable will publish an Impact Assessment of autumn statement to prove non-cohabitation; [134674] of 5 December 2012, Official Report, columns 871-882, (3) how many HM Revenue and Customs compliance benefit and tax credit uprating measures in January. officers are currently working on the undisclosed partner project. [134677] Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people have been refused the Sajid Javid: Information on the average length of disability element of working tax credit on the grounds time for HM Revenue and Customs to administer a that myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is an ineligible reconsideration of a decision to stop or adjust a claimant’s criterion in each of the last five years; and if he will tax credit entitlement following a Credit Reference Agency make it his policy to extend the disability element of undeclared partner intervention is not readily available working tax credit to people with ME. [134622] and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The guidance issued to HMRC compliance officers Sajid Javid: HMRC does not hold data on the number on undeclared partner interventions is published at of people with ME who have been refused the disability Chapter 15 of the Claimant Compliance Manual. This element of working tax credit. The ’disadvantage test’ manual is available at: used for assessing eligibility to the disability element http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/ccmmanual/index.htm consists of 21 functional disabilities connected with, for HMRC currently deploys around 227 full-time equivalent example, seeing, hearing, getting around, using hands, staff on the Credit Reference Agency undeclared partner mental disabilities, exhaustion and pain and a claimant intervention. needs only one of them to pass the test. The disadvantage test does not exclude any particular diagnostic group of disabled people. To include reference to specific conditions Welfare Tax Credits: Kingston upon Hull would be impractical as people living with the same illness may not suffer the same functional disabilities. Diana Johnson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer There are no plans to change the eligibility conditions how many (a) people, (b) working people and (c) for the disability element of working tax credits. families in Kingston upon Hull North constituency are in receipt of tax credits. [133214] Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made Mr Gauke: As at 1 April 2012, there were: of the effect on the income of households in (a) (a) 18,100 adults, Coventry, (b) Coventry North East constituency, (c) (b) 13,500 adults in families defined as ’in work’ for tax credits the West Midlands and (d) England as a result of the purposes, and, increase in the number of hours of work required for (c) 12,000 families, in receipt of tax credits in the Kingston eligibility for working tax credit as instituted in April Upon Hull North constituency. 2012. [134675]

Welfare Tax Credits: Yorkshire and the Humber Sajid Javid: No estimate has been made. The measure to restrict eligibility to working tax Mr David Davis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer credit for couples with children to those working for at how many (a) people, (b) working people and (c) least 24 hours per week is part of a range of reforms to families in Haltemprice and Howden constituency are the tax credits system announced at the 2010 spending in receipt of tax credits. [134636] review. 927W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 928W

Estimating the effect on families of an individual Children: Maintenance measure does not give a clear indication of the full monetary impact of the package of reforms on an Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for individual household. Work and Pensions with reference to the report by the The Government published estimates of the distributional National Audit Office, Child Maintenance and impact of the packages of announced tax and benefit Enforcement Commission Client Funds Account 2011- measures, which can be found at: 12, published on 5 November 2012, if he will bring http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/junebudget_annexa.pdf forward legislative proposals to allow the writing off of http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/sr2010_annexb.pdf historical child maintenance arrears. [134797]

Pat Glass: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Steve Webb: On the 10 December 2012 we introduced how many people in (a) England, (b) the north-east, legislation that will allow us to write off arrears, including (c) County Durham and (d) North West Durham historical arrears, in certain circumstances. This was constituency receive working tax credit; and what the provided for through the Child Support Management average weekly payment is in each case. [134791] of Payments and Arrears (Amendment) Regulations 2012. Sajid Javid: HMRC publish tax credit statistics based on finalised awards every year; the latest of which is the Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for HMRC publication ‘Child and Working Tax Credits Work and Pensions with reference to the report by the Statistics: Finalised Annual awards 2010-11 Geographical National Audit Office, Child Maintenance and Analysis’. This publication can be accessed from: Enforcement Commission Client Funds Account 2011- http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/fin-geog-stats.htm#2 12, published on 5 November 2012, what steps he plans to take to reduce the level of errors in maintenance Details on the number of families benefitting from assessments. [134798] working tax credit (WTC) can be found in Table 2 (England, North East and County Durham) and Table 3 (North West Durham). The requested statistics have Steve Webb: The Child Support Agency has made been reproduced in the following table for convenience. significant improvements in reducing the level of errors made in maintenance assessments. At the end of September In-work 2012, rolling 12 month performance on accuracy showed families Average that for every £1.00 of a maintenance calculated, 98.4p Receiving receiving Receiving weekly was accurate, an increase of 0.3p on September 2011. WTC and CTC1 only WTC only payment Further improvements are expected to be achieved this CTC1(thousand) (thousand) (thousand) (£) year by focusing on child maintenance procedures and England 1,636.9 1,946.5 434.4 83.4 driving up the quality of case notes. North East 90.6 100.5 32.6 81.3 The new IT system and 2012 statutory scheme, County 17.7 21.5 6.3 78.1 introduced on 10 December, have been designed to Durham deliver further improvements in accuracy. Payments UA will usually be based on the non-resident parent’s latest North West 3.1 4.1 1.2 75.9 tax-year gross income, sourced directly from HM Revenue Durham and Customs. For the first time, maintenance assessments 1 CTC- Child Tax Credit will be reviewed annually to ensure they remain fair, WTC only families are those families without children accurate and up-to-date. This will also help avoid huge and will definitely be in receipt of WTC. However, backdated arrears demands which can build up when those benefitting from WTC and CTC will benefit from parents need to be reassessed. WTC through a higher entitlement although they may not actually receive it, as this part of their award is Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for tapered away first. Work and Pensions with reference to the recent report The figure for average weekly payment is the average by the National Audit Office, Child Maintenance and payment across all in-work families in the respective Enforcement Commission Client Funds Account 2011- regions, not just those receiving WTC. 12, published on 5 November 2012, what is (a) the largest amount of child maintenance arrears currently outstanding and (b) the longest period of time for which child maintenance arrears have been outstanding WORK AND PENSIONS without any payments being made. [134799] Steve Webb: The CSA Quarterly Summary of Statistics Access to Work Programme (QSS) provides information on outstanding maintenance arrears. This includes the arrears distribution, which Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for provides the proportion of cases with arrears, and the Work and Pensions how much funding was allocated value of arrears by size of arrears outstanding on each for the Access to Work programme in 2011-12. [133802] case. At September 2012, 0.4% of the arrears caseload has outstanding arrears greater than £50,000. This Mr Hoban: The total funding available for the programme information is available on page 29 of the September in the 2011-12 operational year was £105 million to 2012 QSS at: assist disabled people to overcome barriers in the workplace http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/child_support/2012/ in a variety of practical ways. csa_qtr_summ_stats_sep2012.pdf 929W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 930W

We are not able to release more detailed information allowance in each region of the UK have led to a because doing so could make the families concerned change in the initial decision in the latest year for which identifiable. figures are available. [134681] Retrieving the information necessary to answer part (b) of the question would involve manually checking Mr Hoban: The following table shows the proportion the records of each individual case, and therefore exceed of successful appeals (initial decision overturned) heard the appropriate cost limit. on fit for work decisions following the initial work capability assessment by region. The table covers Employment and Support Allowance employment and support allowance claims starting between September 2010 and August 2011 (the latest information available). The statistics are likely to alter over time due Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for to outstanding appeals for ESA claims made in this Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 29 November period. Appeals against incapacity reassessment outcomes 2012, Official Report, column 487W, on employment are not included. and support allowance, following the introduction of Successful appeals heard on fit for work decisions in initial functional mandatory reassessments, what financial assistance will assessment, Great Britain and its regions be available to claimants who have been found fit to Initial decision overturned work while their reconsideration is pending. [134618] Region (percentage)

Mr Hoban: The financial assistance available is dependent East Midlands 29 on individual circumstances of the claimant. However, Eastern 32 claimants who are disallowed employment and support London 40 allowance (ESA) are able to claim other benefits for North East 36 example, jobseeker’s allowance, housing benefit and North West 27 council tax benefit. Scotland 37 South East 42 Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for South West 40 Work and Pensions what the average period is in each Wales 37 region of the UK between an initial application for West Midlands 27 employment and support allowance and the determination Yorkshire and Humber 29 of an appeal against refusal in the latest period for Great Britain 34 which figures are available. [134680] Source: Department for Work and Pensions benefit administration datasets Mr Hoban: The following table shows the total duration and HM Courts and Tribunal Service appeals case load data. between the claim start date until the appeal result date. Food Banks This is for employment and support allowance (ESA) claimants found fit for work following the initial work capability assessment where an appeal has been heard. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for The table covers ESA claims starting between June and Work and Pensions what the name and location is of August 2011 (the latest information available) and is each food bank that he or Ministers of his Department broken down by region. The statistics are likely to alter have visited since May 2010; and what the date was of over time due to outstanding appeals for ESA claims each visit. [134623] made in this period. Appeals against incapacity reassessment outcomes are not included. Mr Hoban: Since May 2010, there have been no Duration between claims start date and appeal result date, Great recorded visits to a food bank by Ministers of this Britain and its regions Department. Region Duration in weeks

East Midlands 39 Housing Benefit Eastern 43 London 47 Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for North East 42 Work and Pensions (1) what assessment he has made of North West 46 the welfare of families in social housing subject to the Scotland 41 under-occupation penalty; [134324] South East 45 (2) what assessment he has made of the effect on South West 47 families of reducing the amount of benefit that people Wales 46 can claim if they are deemed to have a spare bedroom West Midlands 44 in their council or housing association home. [134325] Yorkshire and Humber 44 Great Britain 44 Steve Webb: In June 2012, the Department published Source: an Equality Impact Assessment of introducing restrictions Department for Work and Pensions benefit administration datasets and HM Courts and Tribunal Service appeals case load data. to housing benefit for working age customers living in the social rented sector who are occupying a larger Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for property than their household size requires. Work and Pensions what proportion of appeals against We are in the process of a procurement exercise with decisions on the provision of employment and support leading research organisations to commission independent 931W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 932W monitoring and evaluation to explore the effects of the For 2012-13, the Department allocated £5,944,716 in introduction of the restrictions in the social rented transitional funding to London authorities using a formula sector. based on the anticipated losses in each area as a result This will include some primary research into the of the reforms. impacts of the changes, and is expected to be undertaken Housing Benefit: Islington over a two-year period from April 2013 to March 2015. Initial findings are expected to be available in early Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for 2014 with final reporting in late 2015. They will be Work and Pensions how many tenants in the London made available to Parliament and published in accordance borough of Islington have been affected by the housing with the Department’s publication protocols. benefit cap since its introduction. [134412]

Steve Webb: The information is not available. The Housing Benefit: Edinburgh Department for Work and Pensions published an impact assessment in July 2010 which estimated the number of Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for people affected by restricting local housing allowance Work and Pensions (1) what estimate he has made of to the four-bedroom rate and applying maximum weekly the number of households in (a) Edinburgh and (b) caps. This is available in Table 22 at the following web Edinburgh North and Leith constituency which will no address: longer receive housing benefit at the current rate as a http://www.dwp.gov.uk/local-authority-staff/housing-benefit/ result of new rules on under-occupancy in social claims-processing/local-housing-allowance/impact-of- housing; [133934] changes.shtml (2) what estimate he has made of the number of Jobseeker’s Allowance households in (a) Edinburgh and (b) Edinburgh North and Leith constituency which will be affected by new rules on under-occupancy in social housing. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work [133935] and Pensions (1) what proportion of households on jobseeker’s allowance did not contain children in each Steve Webb: Impacts of the new rules on under- year for which data is available; [134124] occupancy in social housing are not available at local (2) what proportion of households on jobseeker’s authority or parliamentary constituency level. allowance had more than three children in each year Impacts of the under-occupancy measure at a regional for which data is available. [134125] level can be found in the Impact Assessment: Mr Hoban: Information as requested is not available. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/social-sector-housing-under- occupation-wr2011-ia.pdf Members: Correspondence

Housing Benefit: Greater London Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he plans to answer the letter from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for dated 17 October 2012 with regard to Mr N. Pletchy Work and Pensions what payments he has made to forwarded from the Department for Communities and each London borough to assist tenants affected by the Local Government. [133049] housing benefit cap from the time of its introduction to the latest date for which figures are available. [134413] Mr Hoban: The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford Steve Webb: The Government increased its contribution and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), replied to to discretionary housing payments (DHPs) by £130 the right hon. Member on 17 December 2012. million over the spending review period to help support tenants affected by the reforms to housing benefit, Natural Gas: Safety including the caps to local housing allowance rates. In 2011-12, the total Government contribution for DHPs Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work for London authorities was £8,181,054—an increase of and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to over 80% compared to 2010-11. In 2012-13 the contribution prevent unqualified and unregistered gas engineers rose to £20,298,344. from undertaking work on gas appliances. [134611] In addition to an increase in DHPs, a further £49 million transitional funding was made available over Mr Hoban: The Gas Safe Register undertakes an the spending review period for local authorities to provide active inspection programme in excess of 40,000 inspections targeted support for claimants affected by the housing every year. Between April 2010 and April 2012 2,247 benefit reforms. In 2011-12, this funding was allocated investigations were carried out into allegations of through a bidding process. The successful bids within unregistered gas work. London boroughs were Lambeth, Brent, the North It is a legal requirement that installation and maintenance London Housing Partnership (six local authorities led of gas appliances should only be undertaken by a by Haringey) and the East London Housing Partnership suitably qualified and Gas Safe registered engineer. The (eight local authorities led by Barking and Dagenham). Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regularly takes In total, these authorities were awarded transitional enforcement and prosecution action against unregistered funding of £1,302,401 for 2011-12. gas fitters, and publicises these cases. 933W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 934W

HSE and Gas Safe Register are active in raising Commissioner for Public Appointments have been public awareness of gas safety risks. This includes promotion made by his Department since 2007; and in how many of the key safety message that consumers should use such cases the services of recruitment consultants were only a Gas Safe registered engineer for all gas work in retained. [132782] their home. Recent research by the Gas Safe Register has shown that 83% of consumers are aware of gas Mr Hoban: For the period from 1 April 2007 to safety risks and the Gas Safe Register. 31 March 2012, this Department has made (a) 58 Pension Credit public appointments regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) and (b) 20 public appointments not regulated by the Office Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for Work of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. and Pensions how many people in (a) England, (b) the North East, (c) County Durham and (d) North West Of the 58 OCPA-regulated appointments, 33 appointments Durham constituency receive pension credit; and what were from exercises which involved the use of recruitment the average weekly payment is in each case. [134790] consultants. For the non-OCPA appointments, 16 of the 20 appointments made involved the use of recruitment Steve Webb: Statistics on pension credit are available consultants. from 100% data and are published on the Department’s website at: Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and http://83.244.183.180/100pc/pc/tabtool_pc.html Pensions when his Department last assessed the (a) Guidance for users is available at: utility and (b) value of psychometric testing in its recruitment and selection of candidates for public http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/tabtools/guidance.pdf appointments on advisory boards. [132783] Public Appointments Mr Hoban: Psychometric testing is not used routinely Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and by this Department for public appointments to advisory Pensions which recruitment consultants his Department bodies. It has been used on only one occasion in recent used to select candidates for public appointments within years and, consequently, there has been no formal his departmental remit in each year for which figures assessment of the utility and value of such testing. are available since 2007; and how much was paid in fees to each such company in each year since 2007. [132781] Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his Department’s policy is on the Mr Hoban: The decision to use recruitment consultants payment of travel expenses to candidates in respect of to administer recruitment exercises for public appointees their attendance at assessment centres and interviews is decided on a case-by-case basis. when pursuing applications for selection to a public Complete information is not available going back to appointment. [132784] 2007. Information that is available is shown in the following table: Mr Hoban: This Department pays reasonable travelling expenses to candidates in respect of their attendance at Recruitment assessment centres and interviews when pursuing consultants Fees paid (£)1 applications for selection to a public appointment. Payments 2007-08 Veredus 29,300 are made in line with the Department’s Concessionary Odgers Berndtson 70,500 Travel Policy which would apply to a DWP employee Egon Zehnder 90,000 travelling in similar circumstances. International

2008-09 Capita 19,076 Remploy

2009-10 Veredus 20,013 Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Odgers Berndtson 89,500 for Work and Pensions if he will publish a comprehensive Egon Zehnder 40,000 breakdown of the sale of (a) contracts, (b) buildings, International (c) plant, (d) machinery, (e) equipment and (f) other Hays 289,201 Remploy assets. [134414]

2010-11 Veredus 56,591 Esther McVey: The information requested is not held Hays 47,467 by the Department, and the hon. Member is advised that he should request this information from Remploy’s Company Secretary. They can be contacted at: 2011-12 Veredus 54,000 [email protected] Hays 33,179 1 These figures may include associated costs for example advertising in the press. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which Remploy managers have Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and been sold or given any of Remploy’s (a) buildings, (b) Pensions how many public appointments (a) regulated plant, (c) machinery and (d) contracts or other assets; by and (b) not regulated by the Office of the and if they have rented buildings. [134415] 935W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 936W

Esther McVey: The information requested is not held taken between an application being made and the date by the Department, and the hon. Member is advised the customer was notified of the decision on their that he should request this information from Remploy’s claim. company secretary. They can be contacted at: Please see the most recent AACT data in the following [email protected] table.

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State 2012-13 (November for Work and Pensions for what reasons those Remploy Benefit 2012) factory sites that were earmarked for sale have not been Attendance Allowance (AA) 15.1 days sold. [134416] Bereavement Benefits (BB) 22.0 days Disability Living Allowance (DLA) 28.4 days Esther McVey: All stage one businesses were put up Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 10.6 days for sale. We also provided funding to support employee led bids. For some businesses, no interest was received, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) 10.0 days reflecting the commercial standing and nature of the Maternity Allowance (MA) 9.1 days businesses. I understand from Remploy that in some Pension Credit (PC) 10.9 days instances where initial interest was received from bidders, Please note this data has not been fully quality-assured. no final offers were submitted by bidders. In some This internal management information does not form instances bids were rejected because they did not meet part of the regular official statistics outputs that are published criteria, including on retaining the employment released by the Department in accordance with the UK of disabled employees, sustainability of employment or Statistics Authority’s Code of Practice. value for money and in some cases bidders withdrew from the process. Social Security Benefits: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for for Work and Pensions if he will establish an inquiry Work and Pensions how many people have been refused into the process of closing Remploy and reports of (a) disability living allowance and (b) disability premium corruption in the sale of some Remploy sites. [134417] for housing benefit on the grounds that myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is an ineligible criterion in each Esther McVey: The current commercial process for of the last five years; and if he will make it his policy to Remploy is a matter for the Remploy Board and as such extend those allowances to people with ME. [134621] any requests for an investigation into this process should be raised directly with Remploy’s Company Secretary. Esther McVey: Entitlement to disability living allowance They can be contacted at (DLA) is not based on having a specific health condition, [email protected] but depends on what help the person needs with personal I am satisfied that Remploy has conducted its commercial care as a result of their disability, and/or the extent of process in a way that has been transparent and fair to their mobility difficulties. No one, therefore, has been all organisations that submitted business plans, or wanted refused DLA on the grounds that myalgic encephalomyelitis to submit business plans. If the hon. Member has is an ineligible criterion. Anyone who meets the eligibility evidence to the contrary, he should present this to the criteria will be awarded DLA. Remploy Board. Disability premium is payable in housing benefit and council tax if the claimant is receiving a qualifying Social Security Benefits benefit or is registered blind or satisfies the incapacity for work condition. A person cannot qualify for a Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Work disability premium for housing benefit or council tax and Pensions what the average time taken was between benefit on any grounds if the claimant has, or is treated an application being made and benefit paid for (a) as having, limited capability for work or has reached the attendance allowance, (b) bereavement benefits, (c) qualifying age for pension credit and neither the claimant carer’s allowance, (d) disability living allowance, (e) nor partner is getting income support, income-based employment and support allowance, (f) jobseeker’s JSA or income-related ESA. allowance, (g) maternity benefits, (h) housing benefit, Social Security Benefits: Fraud (i) council tax benefit and (j) pension credit in the most recent period for which figures are available. [134637] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many recorded cases of Mr Hoban: The information regarding when a benefit benefit fraud there were by (a) European and (b) is paid is not available as this will vary from claim to non-European immigrants in each of the last five years. claim depending on circumstances, payment type and [132268] frequency of payment. Mr Hoban: The requested information is not available. Housing benefit and council tax benefit are administered by local authorities and not the DWP.Processing statistics Trade Unions for these benefits can be found at: http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/sop/index.php?page=sop Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State The data that are available is the Average Actual for Work and Pensions how many times and when he Clearance Time (AACT) which is the average time has met trades union consortium officers. [134418] 937W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 938W

Esther McVey: I have had contact with representatives In order to maintain additional provision in the from the Remploy trade unions in face to face meetings, ‘hotspots’, additional Jobcentre Plus support will be stakeholder events and through correspondence. I have made available for young people at the start of their listened and responded to their views and opinions on claim in these areas from January 2013. the progress of the Stage 1 process, as I have done with other stakeholders. Universal Credit

Unemployment: Hartlepool Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the nationality of existing Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for benefits claimants are to be captured when their Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of records are migrated to universal credit. [133976] the level of unemployment in Hartlepool constituency in recent months; and what steps he will take to reduce Mr Hoban: With the introduction of universal credit the number of unemployed people in Hartlepool from October 2013, the Government are considering constituency. [134329] ways to record nationality, immigration status and residency at source. This will also apply to those claimants already Mr Hoban: Over the past year the number of jobseeker’s in receipt of other benefits as they migrate to universal allowance (JSA) claimants has fallen in two thirds of credit. constituencies. In Hartlepool this is not the case, as the number has risen 460 in the year to November 2012, to Universal Credit: Wales 4,728. The change over this period is affected by the fact that people entering the Work programme continue to Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work receive JSA and remain on the claimant count until and Pensions what recent discussions he has had with they find regular work, whereas under previous programmes Welsh Government Ministers on how passported they were removed from the figures and recorded separately benefits will be provided under universal credit; and if on training allowances. Wider welfare reforms, such as he will make a statement. [134476] reassessment of incapacity benefit claims, changes to eligibility for lone parent benefits and equalisation of Mr Hoban: Lord Freud wrote to Leighton Andrews, state pension age, are also adding to the number on JSA. AC/AM Minister for Education and Skills, Welsh The Department is aware of the challenges facing Government on 4 December 2012 about the operation jobseekers in the labour market, particularly in places of passported benefits in universal credit, providing like Hartlepool where the proportion of the population information and options for delivery of their passported on JSA, having nearly doubled between 2007 and 2009, benefits during implementation and asking for confirmation is well above the national average. A substantial body of of their preference. support has been put in place to help people move into Winter Fuel Payments: British Nationals Abroad work. Jobcentre Plus currently offers claimants a comprehensive menu of help including skills provision and job search support. This is bolstered by a number Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for of Get Britain Working measures including: work Work and Pensions how many people whose last UK experience placements, Work Clubs and support for address was in Preston constituency are now receiving those looking to start their own business known as the winter fuel allowance whilst living abroad. [134684] new enterprise allowance. Steve Webb: The information is not available. The Work programme provides tailored support to those claimants furthest from the labour market. Claimants In 2011-12 74,685 winter fuel payments were made to with more challenging barriers to work can be referred eligible customers living in EEA countries and Switzerland. early. Providers are paid on the results they achieve, and Work Capability Assessment: Hampshire are paid more for supporting the hardest to help into sustained work. Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work The YouthContract, launched on 2 April, will provide and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 10 December nearly half a million new opportunities for young people 2012, Official Report, columns 41-2W,on Atos Healthcare, including: wage incentives for employers taking on a how many Atos staff conducting work capability claimant from the Work programme; incentives to take assessments in (a) Hampshire, (b) Portsmouth and (c) on apprentices; and extra work experience placements. Southampton are not doctors, nurses or physiotherapists. Extra funding is being made available to support the [134736] most vulnerable 16 and 17-year-olds not in education, employment or training, into learning, an apprenticeship Mr Hoban None—all Atos Healthcare Professionals or a job with training. conducting work capability assessments in (a) Hampshire, From late July 2012, in 20 local authority areas (b) Portsmouth and (c) Southampton are either doctors, designated as ‘youth unemployment Hotspots’ including nurses or physiotherapists. Hartlepool, wage incentives were also made available via Jobcentre Plus to employ 18 to 24-year-olds that Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work have been claiming for six months and were not yet and Pensions how many (a) doctors, (b) nurses and attached to the Work programme. From December 17 (c) physiotherapists in the Southampton and Portsmouth this approach was extended nationally so that all 18 to work capability assessment centres obtained their primary 24-year-olds who have been claiming for six months clinical qualification at an institution outside the UK. have access. [134737] 939W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 940W

Mr Hoban: There are a number of healthcare Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for professionals (HCPs) who carry out assessments at Work and Pensions with reference to the finding of the Portsmouth and Southampton Medical Assessment Centres London Voluntary Service Council (VSC) published on and they have the right for their personal information to 29 November 2012, that most VSC specialists are yet to be dealt with appropriately. have a single customer referred to them for support In addition, it may be that HCPs from outside the from their prime contractors, what assessment he has area carry out assessments at Portsmouth and made of the level of involvement of voluntary sector Southampton, depending on volumes of referrals to organisations in the Work programme; and whether he these assessment centres. We are not able to supply any plans any change of policy towards such involvement. information relating to the professional standing or [134718] qualifications of HCPs in the Portsmouth and Southampton assessment centres, as this constitutes Mr Hoban: Up to October 2012, 20.5% of Work each HCPs personal data. programme referrals were made to voluntary and All healthcare professionals are registered with a community sector organisations (VCO). This figure includes professional body such as the General Medical Council referrals to VCOs acting as subcontractors to prime or the Nursing and Midwifery Council and must have at providers (tier one supply chain), but does not include least three years post-qualification experience. In addition, those VCOs which are not acting as sub-contractors, all healthcare professionals are fully trained in disability but who deliver services for which payment is made on assessment. They receive comprehensive training before an ad hoc basis (tier two supply chain). being approved by DWP chief medical adviser. We have already taken a number of steps to increase volumes of referrals to specialist subcontractors who support the hardest to help. For example, we have Work Programme recently extended eligibility to the Work programme to ESA claimants who did not previously have to join. Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for Work This means that more people will receive the support and Pensions how much funding his Department has they need to get back to work through the Work provided to Work programme providers in (a) programme, and there will be higher volumes of ESA England, (b) the North East, (c) County Durham and referrals from prime providers to specialist subcontractors. (d) North West Durham constituency since the inception of that programme. [134617] Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hoban: The total paid to Work programme providers Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 13 Official Report in the UK is £337.9 million from the start of the December 2012, , columns 426-27W, on programme through to 30 July 2012, i.e. the period departmental responsibilities, how his Department’s covered by the Statistical Release. Due to commercial in Open Data Strategy is being applied to the Work confidence considerations we are not able to release programme; and if he will make a statement. [134719] financial data below the national level at this time. Mr Hoban: The Department is committed to offering Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for a transparent view of performance across all its contracted Work and Pensions whether he has made an assessment employment provision. In support of this, the DWP’s of the recommendation published on 29 November Open Data Strategy includes a series of commitments 2012 by the London Voluntary Service Council that the to publish detailed Work programme statistics. design of the Work programme should be modified so Official statistics on referrals and attachments to the that it provides better support for harder-to-help customers, Work programme were published for the first time on a greater role for specialist voluntary and community 21 February 2012 and outcome statistics on 27 November sector organisations and greater transparency. [134717] 2012. Mr Hoban: We are working to build understanding The Official Statistics on the Work programme can and expertise among Work programme providers, in be viewed on the Work programme landing page at: particular with regards to dealing with harder to help http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=wp claimants. Also available on the Work programme landing page We also have the Merlin Standard in place to ensure are: good working relationships between providers and all their subcontractors. It is a requirement for prime providers A background information note and a technical annex providing to be accredited, and we have asked Michael O’Toole, supplementary information on the processes involved in developing the Crown Representative for the Voluntary and and releasing the statistics. Community and Social Enterprise Sector, to join the The Department’s business case key data measure indicator Merlin Advisory Board. providing information on the proportion of customers for whom providers achieved a job outcome at 12 months on the With regards to transparency, we are committed to programme. offering a transparent view of performance across all our contracted employment provision. A strategy covering Analysis of the benefit status of Work programme participants. the release of all statistics on employment programme A strategy covering the release of all statistics on employment support can be found via this link: programme support which can be found at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/work_programme/ http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/work_programme/ release_strategy.pdf?x=1 release_strategy.pdf?x=1 941W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 942W

Work Programme: Durham (8) what the cost per offender was of the seven Intensive Alternatives to Custody pilot areas; [134357] Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for Work (9) what the cost per offender of custody was in each and Pensions how many people resident in North West of the seven Intensive Alternatives to Custody pilot Durham constituency who were referred to the Work areas; [134358] programme have secured a job as a result of that (10) what funding was provided to each of the seven referral since the inception of that programme. [134616] Intensive Alternatives to Custody pilot areas in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12; Mr Hoban: The information requested is not available. [134359] Work Programme providers are not required to submit (11) if he will publish details of the offences committed job start information until they claim a job outcome; by each offender in each pilot area; and what proportion only then are they requested to input a job start date of offences each such type of offence represented as which helps secure the job outcome payment. Therefore part of the Intensive Alternatives to Custody pilots. job starts lasting less than 13 or 26 weeks, dependent on [134362] the customer circumstances at the point of referral, will not be submitted. Jeremy Wright: On 12 July 2012 we published several Statistics on how many people resident in North West process evaluations of the Intensive Alternatives to Durham constituency who have secured job outcomes Custody pilots1, results of the initial analysis on the through the Work Programme to date can be found at: impact of IAC on reoffending2 and a short report with http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool the main findings from the process evaluations, break Guidance for users can be found at: even analysis and impact feasibility study3. http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/tabtools/guidance.pdf The impact analysis looked at the reoffending rates for offenders sentenced to the intensive alternative custody Work Programme: Yorkshire and the Humber order. The reoffending rates were not broken down by gender, ethnic background or religion. The overall 12-month Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for proven reoffending rate for the 2009 cohort of offenders Work and Pensions how many people have come off was 54.9%. We are in the process of analysing reoffending benefits after joining the Work programme in (a) data for the 2010 cohort of offenders. Haltemprice and Howden constituency and (b) Yorkshire As of 8 March 2011, the compliance rate across all and Humber to date. [134720] pilot sites was 56%. Data on each breach and the outcome across each pilot site are not available. The Mr Hoban: The information requested is not readily following table shows the proportion of IAC orders available and could be provided only at disproportionate that were revoked for breach, across the pilot sites. cost. Across all pilot sites, 70% of offenders who had their order revoked were sentenced to custody.

JUSTICE Number of Number Pilot area IACs revoked Percentage

Alternatives to Prison Derbyshire 274 134 49 Dyfed-Powys 111 59 53 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Humberside 276 100 36 (1) what the 12 month reoffending rate in each pilot Manchester 322 91 28 area as part of the Intensive Alternatives to Custody and Salford pilots is for each (a) gender, (b) ethnic background Merseyside 203 46 23 and (c) religion; [134319] South Wales 186 75 40 (2) how many times the interventions were breached West Yorkshire 478 107 22 in each pilot area; and what the response to each Total 1,851 612 33 breach as part of the Intensive Alternatives to Custody pilots was; [134320] Supervision was the most common requirement for (3) what the most common type of intervention used all pilot sites, except West Yorkshire where Specified in each pilot area as part of the Intensive Alternatives Activity was the most common intervention. Further to Custody pilots was; [134321] detail as to the use of each intervention across pilot sites is published in the summary evaluation. (4) what the current status of each of the seven Intensive Alternatives to Custody pilots is; [134322] The Ministry of Justice no longer provides funding (5) how many people in the Intensive Alternatives to for the IAC pilots. However, as they were considered Custody pilots (a) were first time offenders and (b) successful by local areas and were popular with courts and other criminal justice stakeholders, all are continuing had committed offences in the past; [134350] unfunded and most have expanded their remit. All the (6) what criteria was applied to deciding which schemes are now part of local Integrated Offender offenders took part in each of the Intensive Management schemes and have drawn in resources Alternatives to Custody pilots; [134354] from other agencies, the private and voluntary sector. (7) what the 12 month reoffending rate is in each This approach has reduced duplication of effort and pilot area for (a) first time offenders and (b) previous maximises benefits realised through the contributions offenders as part of the Intensive Alternatives to of partner agencies, thereby improving the efficiency of Custody pilots; [134356] service delivery. 943W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 944W

For the offenders matched to the PNC in Dyfed-Powys, Manchester and Salford collected data on the categories Humberside, Merseyside, South Wales and West Yorkshire, of offences committed by the offenders in each pilot initial figures suggest that 755 offenders out of a total area. These data are not available for Derbyshire. of 756 had previous convictions. All offenders in 1 http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/research-and-analysis/ Manchester and Salford had previous convictions. These moj/process-evaluations-on-intensive-alternatives-to-custody data are not available for Derbyshire. 2 http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/research-and-analysis/ Each of the pilot sites applied slightly different selection moj/initial-analysis-of-the-impact-of-the-intensive-alternatives- criteria. to-custody-pilots-on-re-offending-rates 3 Derbyshire adopted a broadly inclusive approach to http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/publications/research- and-analysis/moj-research/intensive-alt-custody-research- eligibility and suitability, which was not dependent on summary.pdf age, gender, need or risk. Dyfed-Powys focused on offenders with a history of Bail non-compliance to community supervision, or where periods of custody had had limited or no impact in the Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for past. Female offenders were accepted onto the programme. Justice how many people have failed to comply with Humberside adopted a broadly inclusive approach to bail conditions whilst on (a) police bail and (b) court eligibility and suitability, which was not dependent on bail in each of the last two years. [133928] age, gender, need or risk. High-risk offenders (Tier 3,4 and Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements Jeremy Wright: Information on bail and remand (MAPPA) cases) were accepted onto the programme, collected centrally by the Ministry of Justice and held and there were a large number of Integrated Domestic on the Court Proceedings Database does not record Abuse Programme (IDAP) cases. whether conditions were attached to bail, the nature of Manchester and Salford targeted young men aged 18 them, nor whether those conditions were breached. to 25 years. Merseyside at the outset, primarily targeted young Civil Law (18 to 30), male, relatively low-risk persistent offenders, who were likely to have had previous experience of David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for custodial and/or community sentences and a poor history Justice if he will consider the merits of producing an of compliance. As the project developed during the first impact assessment of the cumulative effects on the civil year, the IAC caseload also included older offenders justice system of the provision of the Legal Aid, and women. Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and South Wales initially targeted offenders whose offences the reforms of litigation costs proposed by Lord Justice involved excessive use of alcohol. As the project progressed Jackson, the introduction of Alternative Business through its first year, it included offenders that committed Structures, the proposed increase in the small claims violent offences (mainly common assault and actual limit, the proposed medical panels for whiplash cases bodily harm), persistent shoplifters, and a small but and the proposed changes to the Road Traffic Accident significant number of female offenders. portal; and if he will make a statement. [133944] West Yorkshire targeted offenders who demonstrated Mrs Grant: The Government has already published a range of crime-related needs that required the imposition impact assessments on the Jackson reforms to civil of an intensive period of supervision. litigation costs which are contained in Part 2 of the Reoffending data were not collected separately for Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders first-time and previous offenders. The overall 12-month Act 2012; the proposed increase in the small claims proven reoffending rate for the 2009 cohort of offenders limit for road traffic accident related personal injury was 54.9%. All but one of the offenders in the sample claims; and the proposed medical panels for whiplash had previous convictions. cases. These impact assessments are available on the The estimated weighted average cost of an IAC order Ministry of Justice website at: per offender was around £5,000 a year, taking into www.justice.gov.uk/consultations account set-up costs, running costs and the cost of An impact assessment for the commencement of the interventions. The cost varied across pilot areas from alternative business regime was also published and is around £4,000 to nearly £7,000 due to the different available at: range of interventions delivered to offenders and the www.legislation.gov.uk different contracts set up with partner organisations. Prior to implementation of the extended Road Traffic The average cost of custody nationally is £40,000 per Accident personal injury scheme, the Government will year per prisoner, which includes NOMS overhead costs. undertake an impact assessment of the potential effects The funding differed across the pilot sites due to on affected groups of introducing fixed recoverable differences in the original bids and pilot designs. At the costs in personal injury claims. This will also be published end of 2010, Merseyside had been provided with £841,000 on the Ministry of Justice website and a copy will be of funding, South Wales £613,500, West Yorkshire placed in the Libraries of both Houses. £1,247,000, Dyfed Powys £486,817 and Humberside £1,210,000. Data are not available for Derbyshire or Community Orders Manchester and Salford. The funding data are not split by year. Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for The process evaluations for Dyfed-Powys, Humberside, Justice what estimate he has made of the number of Merseyside, South Wales and West Yorkshire, and people on community orders who travelled abroad 945W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 946W during the duration of their order in the latest year for Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for which figures are available. [134422] Justice how many offenders given a community sentence for rape in 2011 were aged (a) under 18, (b) between 18 Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice does not and 21 and (c) over 21 years. [134531] collect data on the number of offenders on community orders who travel abroad during the duration of their order. The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Jeremy Wright: The number of offenders given a Offenders Act 2012 created a new requirement which community sentence for rape in 2011, provided by requested may be imposed as part of a community order or age groups, can be viewed in Table 1. suspended sentence order to prohibit offenders from The number of offenders given a community sentence travelling outside the United Kingdom. This came into for grievous bodily harm in 2011, provided by requested force on 3 December 2012. age groups, can be viewed in Table 2.

Table 1: Defendants sentenced by community sentences, with community sentences breakdown, for rape offences by age in England and Wales 20111,2

Community Punishment Order Community Community and Rehabilitation Supervision Punishment Attendance Rehabilitation Curfew Reparation Age Order Order Order Centre Order Order Order Order

10 to 17 2 2 0 0 0 0 0

18 to 21 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Over 21 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

All ages 4 2 0 0 0 0 0

Youth Drug Treatment Rehabilitation Total Community Age Action Plan Order and Test Order Referral Order Community Order Order sentences

10 to 17 0 0 10 0 16 30

18to21000102

Over21000506

All ages 0 0 10 6 16 38

1 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Table 2: Defendants sentenced by community sentences, with community sentences breakdown, for grievous bodily harm by age in England and Wales 20111,2,3 Community Punishment Order Community Community and Rehabilitation Supervision Punishment Attendance Rehabilitation Curfew Reparation Age Order Order Order Centre Order Order Order Order

10 to 17 2 3 0 0 0 5 0 18 to 21 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Over 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 All ages 2 3 0 0 0 7 0

Youth Drug Treatment Rehabilitation Total Community Age Action Plan Order and Test Order Referral Order Community Order Order sentences

10 to 17 0 0 137 0 122 269 18 to 21 0 0 0 119 0 121 Over 21 0 0 0 220 0 220 947W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 948W

Youth Drug Treatment Rehabilitation Total Community Age Action Plan Order and Test Order Referral Order Community Order Order sentences

All ages 0 0 137 339 122 610 1 Includes offences of wounding or inflicting bodily harm (including racially aggravated) and malicious wounding or grievous bodily harm (including racially and/or religiously aggravated). 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Community Punishment Orders Mrs Grant: Whether to create a Hardship Fund for victims injured in Scotland is a matter for the Scottish Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Government. I understand that Scottish Ministers decided Justice what recent estimate he has made of the annual not to do so. rate of change in reoffending rates of people under Although separate from our shared interest in the intensive community punishment orders. [134423] Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, my officials held discussions with the Scottish Government regarding the implementation of the Hardship Fund. Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) published its response to ‘Punishment and reform: effective community Custodial Treatment: Death sentences’ on 23 October 2012 announcing the intention not to take forward the proposal in the consultation to Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice introduce an intensive community punishment order. (1) how many people died in custody in the youth The MOJ has therefore not made any estimates of secure estate by (a) gender, (b) race and (c) religion in changes in re-offending rates for offenders subject to each of the last four years; [134355] intensive community punishment orders. However, we (2) how many people who died in custody had been have published research which examines the relative diagnosed with mental health problems in the (a) effectiveness of community order requirements at reducing youth secure estate and (b) adult secure estate in each re-offending, for offenders with similar characteristics. of the last four years; [134360] This research is published on the MOJ website at: (3) how many people died in custody in the adult www.justice.gov.uk/publications/research-and-analysis/moj/ secure estate of each (a) gender, (b) race and (c) effectiveness-community-order-requirements religion in each of the last four years; and what the cause of death was in each such case. [134361] Courts: Middlesbrough Jeremy Wright: The information is as follows: (1) The number of deaths by gender, ethnic group Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for and religion for those aged 15 to 17, 18 to 20 and 21 and Justice what consideration he has given to the merits of over for each of the last four years are provided in situating the East Middlesbrough Community Justice tables 1, 2 and 3 as follows. Central deaths in custody Court in East Middlesbrough. [133980] records do not specifically include those who die in the ‘youth secure estate’ or ‘adult estate’. However, we can Mrs Grant: No consideration has been given to the provide information based on the offenders’ ages at the merits of situating the East Middlesbrough Community time of death. As the adult prison estate can be defined Justice Court in East Middlesbrough as the Community as either those aged 18 and above or those aged 21 and Justice Initiative of which East Middlesbrough was part above we have included figures for 15 to 17, 18 to 20 and ended in 2009. 21 and over. At the end of the pilot East Middlesbrough cases (2) Central deaths in custody records do not contain were absorbed back into the general work of Teesside details of those who have been diagnosed with mental magistrates court. health problems and therefore this question cannot be answered. However, there is ongoing research on the Criminal Injuries Compensation: Scotland self-inflicted deaths of prisoners in England and Wales which looks at a number of factors including the mental health of those who have died. Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for (3) Table 4 shows aggregate numbers of deaths by Justice (1) what discussions he had with the Scottish apparent cause for young adults (aged 18 to 20 years) Government before the decision to create a hardship and adults (aged 21 years and over). The National fund for victims, following changes to the Criminal Offender Management Service make a provisional Injuries Compensation Scheme; [134800] classification of death based on apparent cause. It is the (2) what steps he is taking to allow victims of violent responsibility of coroners to determine the cause of crime in Scotland who would previously have been able death and figures may change following inquest. The to access the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme amount of information that can be released before an access to the Hardship Fund. [134801] inquest has been concluded is limited. 949W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 950W

Table 1: Deaths in custody by gender and category Table 3: Deaths in custody by religious group and category Gender 2008 2009 2010 2011 Religious group 2008 2009 2010 2011 Female Under 0000 18 21 and 5476 18-20 0 0 0 1 over 21 and 5774 over Hindu Under 0000 18 Male Under 0001 18-20 1 0 0 0 18 21 and 21—2 18-20 5 5 4 6 over 21 and 155 157 186 180 over Jewish Under 0000 Table 2: Deaths in custody by ethnic group and category 18 Ethnic 18-20 0 0 0 0 group 2008 2009 2010 2011 21 and 2311 Asian Under 0000 over 18 18-20 1 0 0 0 Muslim Under 0000 21 and 12 6 11 8 18 over 18-20 0 0 0 0

Black Under 0000 21 and 10 8 7 11 18 over 18-20 0 0 0 0 21 and 2 3 11 12 No religion Under 0000 over 18 18-20 0 1 1 2 Mixed Under 0000 21 and 32 32 35 52 18 over 18-20 0 1 0 0 21 and 3324 over Roman Under 0001 Catholic 18 18-20 1 3 1 2 Other Under 0000 18 21 and 24 29 35 34 18-20 0 0 0 1 over 21 and 4110 over Sikh Under 0000 18 White Under 0001 18-20 0 0 0 0 18 21 and 2010 18-20 4 4 4 6 over 21 and 139 149 168 160 over Other Under 0000 Table 3: Deaths in custody by religious group and category Christian 18 Religious 18-20 0 0 0 3 group 2008 2009 2010 2011 21 and 6 2 10 12 Anglican Under 0000 over 18 18-20 2 0 1 0 Other Under 0000 21 and 53 42 46 54 religious 18 over group 18-20 0 0 0 0 Buddhist Under 0000 18 21 and 1042 over 18-20 0 0 0 0 21 and 3626 over Not Under 0000 recorded 18 Free Under 0000 18-20 1 1 1 0 Church 18 21 and 20 37 45 4 18-20 0 0 0 0 over 951W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 952W

Table 4: Deaths in custody by apparent cause for young adults (aged was in July 2006. The techniques described in both 18 to 20 years) and adults (aged 21 and over) documents apply equally to male and female prisoners Deaths by apart from specific guidance relating to the restraint of cause 2008 2009 2010 2011 pregnant women. Natural 18-200000Restraint techniques were revised in October 2010 causes with the withdrawal of the nose distraction technique 21 and 98 105 125 121 across the whole NOMS estate and its replacement by over the mandibular angle technique, which uses a pressure point behind the jaw. This followed concerns over the Self- 18-205547safety of the nose distraction technique as part of the inflicted system of restraint used for young people (those held in 21 and 56 56 54 49 the under-18 estate). over At a local level individual prison establishments are Homicide 18-20 0000responsible for monitoring use of force in their establishment and may from time to time put out local guidance to 21 and 3012 over reinforce training and national policy when particular issues are noted.

Other18-200000A new system of restraint has been developed for use 21 and 3 3 13 12 with young people and will be implemented in young over offender institutions and secure training centres from 2013. Techniques of restraint have been developed specifically Immigration in order to instruct staff on the most effective and safe methods of using force. The techniques take account Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if both of the safety of staff applying the techniques and he will estimate the additional cost of the delivery of that of the prisoner on whom the techniques are used. those public services for which his Department is Safe and effective use of the techniques is reinforced responsible arising from inward migration since 1997. during annual refresher training and through the monitoring [134299] systems in place at all prisons.

Mrs Grant: The Department does not routinely produce Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice estimates of this nature. To do so would require the on how many occasions males in the youth justice Department to incur disproportionate cost. system in England and Wales have been restrained in Legal Profession each of the last five years. [133914]

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Jeremy Wright: The table shows the number of incidents (1) what proportion of legal executives in England and where males aged 10 to 17 years required restrictive Wales were male in each year from 1 April 1997 to physical intervention while being held in custody within 2012; [133574] the youth secure estate (secure children’s homes, secure (2) what proportion of legal executives in England training centres or under-18 young offender institutions) and Wales were (a) white British, (b) black Caribbean, in 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11. Comparable data for (c) black African, (d) Pakistani, (e) Indian, (f) previous years is not centrally held. Bangladeshi and (g) of another ethnicity in each year This data was published by the Ministry of Justice in from 1 April 1997 to 2012; [133575] January 2012 in the Youth Justice Statistics 2010-11 (3) what proportion of legal executives in England publication: and Wales were (a) Christian, (b) Muslim, (c) Jewish, http://www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/youth-justice/statistics (d) Hindu, (e) Sikh, (f) of no faith and (g) of Data for 2011-12 will be published in January 2013. another faith in each year from 1 April 1997 to 2012. Table 1: Total number of incidents of males (aged 10 to 17 years) [133577] requiring restrictive physical intervention in the under 18’s secure estate, 2008-09 to 2010-11 Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice does not hold Incidents data on the gender, ethnicity or religion of legal executives. 2008-09 6,567 Offenders: Restraint Techniques 2009-10 5,868 2010-11 6,697 Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when his Department’s guidelines on the restraint of female offenders were last amended. [133913] Official Hospitality Jeremy Wright: Policy and guidance on the use of restraint in prison and young offender institutions is set Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice out in Prison Service Order 1600 Use of Force, published how much his Department spent on ministerial entertaining in 2005. Material used to instruct staff on control and in the last six months; where each entertainment event restraint techniques is set out in the NOMS Use of was held; and what the name is of each person (a) who Force Training Manual, the last major revision of which was invited and (b) who attended. [133541] 953W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 954W

Jeremy Wright: I have interpreted this question to The level of any reduction in the cost of motor mean events hosted by Ministry of Justice Ministers. insurance premiums is a matter for the insurance industry. All expenditure, including that on hospitality, has to be The Association of British Insurers have stated that incurred in accordance with the Treasury’s guidance on insurers will pass on any savings to customers that Managing Public Money. result from unnecessary and excessive costs being removed Ministers have hosted three events since June 2012. from the system. The costs for these events and a list of invitees and attendees are as follows: Young Offender Institutions The first was a dinner to discuss the start-up and growth of enterprising businesses in UK prisons. Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice The Opening of the Legal Year is a major constitutional event, how many injuries have been sustained by young attended by the senior judiciary and distinguished overseas guests. people following an incident of restraint, in each young The visits from those from overseas jurisdictions tie in with offender institution and secure training centre in each significant bilateral meetings with the Lord Chancellor, Senior Judges and Ministry of Justice officials. Costs for the Opening of month since January 2010; and how many of those the Legal Year have reduced significantly in recent years, and are injuries have been classified as minor or serious now less than half what they were prior to 2010. injuries. [132940] The reception on the 31 October was an opportunity for the new ministerial team to discuss the work of the Department with Jeremy Wright: Table 1 shows the total number of key media stakeholders. injuries sustained by young people following an incident of restraint in each under 18 young offender institution Personal Injury: Compensation (YOI) and secure training centre (STC) in each month from January 2010 to March 2011. David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Table 2 shows the number of minor injuries sustained Justice (1) what estimate his Department has made of by young people following an incident of restraint in the likely average reduction in motor insurance premiums each under 18 YOI and STC in each month from as a result of implementation of the proposals set out in January 2010 to March 2011. his Department’s consultation on Reducing the number and costs of whiplash claims; and if he will make a Table 3 shows the number of serious injuries sustained statement; [133945] by young people following an incident of restraint in each under 18 YOI and STC in each month from (2) what steps he has taken to ensure that any savings January 2010 to March 2011. for motor insurance providers attributable to the implementation of measures generated from reforms to These data were provided by the Youth Justice Board the whiplash claims process will be passed to (YJB). consumers; whether he has received any undertakings Data for the period of April 2011 to March 2012 will from such providers in this respect; and if he will make be available when the 2011-12 Annual Youth Justice a statement. [133946] Statistics are published in January 2013. These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, Mrs Grant: The Government has published an impact as with any large scale recording system, are subject to assessment on the proposals included in the “Reducing possible errors with data entry and processing and can the number and costs of whiplash claims” consultation. be subject to change over time. This includes an assessment of the potential costs and These data come from monthly returns from the savings to all affected stakeholders from the consultation youth secure estate to the YJB. Due to the way the data proposals. The impact assessment is available to download are collected, it is not possible to tell if the same young from the Ministry of Justice website at: people are involved in multiple incidents throughout www.justice.gov.uk/consultations the time period.

Table 1: Injuries following a restraint 2010 2011 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Secure Training Centres Hassockfield 12 6 14 14 8 13 14 29 25 24 17 9 6 18 11 Medway9814674375661481322 Oakhill 102175241237431 Rainsbrook 8343710995653245 STC Total 30 17 34 24 29 32 28 49 36 38 31 33 20 38 39

Young Offender Institution Ashfield 0610110426562282 Castington 02202000——————— Cookham 37171250116332313 Wood 955W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 956W

Table 1: Injuries following a restraint 2010 2011 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Downview010000000000000 Eastwood 000000000001000 Park Feltham9448571113139512 Feltham 000000000110 (Heron Unit) Foston 0000000000000—— Hall Hindley 13 12 19 9 8 12 11 7 4 15 17 10 18 10 18 Huntercombe 10231100——————— NewHall000000010000000 Parc657670448640136 Stoke 301026220340121 Heath Warren 322428385424530 Hill Warren 000000000000000 Hill (Carlford Unit) Werrington 1305103231731449 Wetherby— 155021123110213 Keppel Unit Wetherby2381284774393352 YOI Total 42 50 52 54 60 57 35 48 38 50 50 26 49 43 56 Total 72 67 86 78 89 89 63 97 74 88 81 59 69 81 95

Table 2: Minor injuries following a restraint 2010 2011 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Secure Training Centres Hassockfield 12 6 14 14 8 13 14 29 25 24 17 9 6 18 11 Medway9814674375661481322 Oakhill 102175241237431 Rainsbrook 8343710995653245 STC Total 30 17 34 24 29 32 28 49 36 38 31 33 20 38 39

Young Offender Institutions Ashfield 0610110426562282 Castington 022020000000000 Cookham 36141250116332313 Wood Downview010000000000000 Eastwood 000000000001000 Park Feltham9448571113138511 Feltham ———000000000110 (Heron Unit) FostonHall0000000000000—— Hindley 13 12 19 9 8 12 11 7 4 15 17 10 18 10 18 Huntercombe 10231100——————— NewHall000000010000000 Parc657670448640136 Stoke 301026220340121 Heath Warren Hill 322328375324530 957W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 958W

Table 2: Minor injuries following a restraint 2010 2011 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Warren Hill 000000000000000 (Carlford Unit) Werrington 1305103231731448 Wetherby— 145021113110213 Keppel Unit Wetherby2381284774393352 YOI Total 42 48 52 50 60 57 35 46 38 49 50 26 48 43 54 Total 72 65 86 74 89 89 63 95 74 87 81 59 68 81 93

Table 3: Serious injuries following a restraint 2010 2011 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Secure Training Centres Hassockfield 000000000000000 Medway000000000000000 Oakhill 000000000000000 Rainsbrook 000000000000000 STCTotal000000000000000

Young Offender Institutions Ashfield 000000000000000 Castington 000000000000000 Cookham 010300000000000 Wood Downview000000000000000 Eastwood 000000000000000 Park Feltham000000000000101 Feltham ———000000000000 (Heron Unit) FostonHall0000000000000—— Hindley000000000000000 Huntercombe 00000000——————— NewHall000000000000000 Parc000000000000000 Stoke 000000000000000 Heath Warren Hill 000100010100000 Warren Hill 000000000000000 (Carlford Unit) Werrington 000000000000001 Wetherby—Keppel 010000010000000 Unit Wetherby000000000000000 YOITotal020400020100102 Total020400020100102 Table 1 to 3 Notes: 1. The data presented in the answer should be treated with caution. In practice, it can be difficult to attribute an injury to the restraint itself or to the reason why the restraint was used. 2. These data come from monthly returns from the secure estate to the YJB. Because of the way the data are collected, it is not possible to tell if the same young people are involved in multiple incidents throughout the time period. These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing and can be subject to change over time. 3. Data from April 2011 is provisional. Finalised data for the period of April 2011 to March 2012 will be available when the 2011-12 Annual Youth Justice Statistics are published in January 2013. 4. Data for the Heron Unit in Keltham was collected from April 2010. 5. The following changes to the YOI estate occurred during this period: Castington YOI was decommissioned in August 2010. Foston Hall was decommissioned in January 2011. Huntercombe was decommissioned in August 2010. 959W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2012 Written Answers 960W

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice data can be worked out from the subtraction of the how many adult offenders were held in the youth secure under-18 population from the including 18s population estate in 2011. [134353] figures: http://www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/youth-justice/custody-data Jeremy Wright: On average 178 offenders aged 18 Figures for April 2011 onwards are provisional. Figures years or older were held in custody in the youth secure for the period 2011-12 will be finalised in the 2011-12 estate at any one time (secure children’s homes, secure Youth Justice statistics in January 2013. training centres or under-18 young offender institutions) during 2011. These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording Currently, young people subject to a detention and system, are subject to possible errors with data entry training order who turn 18 while in custody remain and processing and can be subject to change over time. within the under-18 estate to complete the custodial part of the sentence, if it is in their best interests. For example, if it allows for continuity of education, health care, and remaining in contact with their family and CHURCH COMMISSIONERS youth offending team. Young people who are serving long-term or indefinite sentences will be transferred Bishops: Females from the under-18 estate by the time they reach 18 years and one month, providing they have more than one Helen Goodman: To ask the hon. Member for Banbury, month remaining to serve. representing the Church Commissioners, what the legislative These data have been provided by the Youth Justice process is that would need to be followed by the Church Board (YJB) and are based upon monthly snapshot of England to enable women to become bishops. data between January and December 2011. The YJB [134612] receives data on the number of young people aged 18 or over from the National Offender Management Service Sir Tony Baldry: I have today placed a copy of an (NOMS). Although not published explicitly in the monthly explanatory memorandum from the Secretary General Youth Custody data report on the Justice website, these of the General Synod in the Library of the House. ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 20 December 2012

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 973 BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued British Antarctic Survey...... 982 Manufacturing (Investment) ...... 985 Business Bank...... 978 Payday Lenders...... 973 Business Start-ups...... 987 Regulation Costs...... 984 Construction Output Figures...... 981 Regulators (Fees) ...... 984 Copyright Law...... 983 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (Exports) ..... 976 Further Education Colleges ...... 979 Strike Action...... 975 Green Manufacturing Jobs...... 974 Topical Questions ...... 988 Higher Education...... 986 Internet Access (Rural Areas) ...... 987 Life Sciences ...... 983 HEALTH...... 1020 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Thursday 20 December 2012

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 121WS HEALTH...... 124WS Guidelines for Prosecutors Parliamentary Written Questions (Correction)...... 124WS (Doctrine of Joint Enterprise) ...... 121WS BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 121WS Business Bank...... 121WS TRANSPORT ...... 126WS Copyright Reform...... 123WS Government Car and Despatch Agency...... 126WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 124WS Port of Dover...... 126WS Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Rail Franchising...... 127WS Europe ...... 124WS PETITIONS

Thursday 20 December 2012

Col. No. Col. No. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 11P PRESENTED PETITION Film “Innocence of Muslims” ...... 11P Welfare benefit reform ...... 9P HOME DEPARTMENT...... 13P Film ‘Innocence of Muslims’ ...... 13P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Thursday 20 December 2012

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 857W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Corporate Manslaughter...... 857W Manufacturing Industries: Environment Immigration...... 857W Protection ...... 867W Money Lending...... 858W Medical Research Council: Redundancy...... 867W Money Lenders: Tees Valley...... 867W Overseas Trade...... 868W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 860W Students: Loans ...... 869W Adult Education: Hampshire ...... 860W Vocational Training: Young People ...... 869W Apprentices...... 861W Apprentices: Barnsley ...... 862W Business: Regulation ...... 863W CABINET OFFICE...... 912W Debts: Advisory Services...... 864W Construction...... 912W Equality ...... 864W Job Creation...... 913W Export Credit Guarantees: North Korea...... 865W Mental Health...... 914W Financial Services: Education ...... 865W Wines ...... 915W Higher Education: Scotland...... 866W ICT ...... 866W Immigration...... 866W CHURCH COMMISSIONERS ...... 960W London Metropolitan University...... 866W Bishops: Females ...... 960W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 877W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS— Construction: Materials ...... 877W continued Family Intervention Projects ...... 878W Pate de Foie Gras...... 873W Homelessness: Suffolk...... 878W Plants...... 874W Housing ...... 880W Housing: Finance...... 880W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 884W Housing: Fire Prevention ...... 881W Argentina...... 884W Private Rented Housing: Rents ...... 881W Bahrain ...... 885W British Indian Ocean Territory...... 886W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 858W Burma...... 886W Betting ...... 858W Middle East ...... 887W Equality ...... 859W Syria...... 888W Football: Sportsgrounds ...... 859W Tibet ...... 889W Immigration...... 859W HEALTH...... 889W DEFENCE...... 898W Cancer ...... 889W Annington Homes ...... 898W Carbon Monoxide: Poisoning ...... 889W Armed Forces: Coeliac Disease...... 898W Care Quality Commission...... 889W Armed Forces: Health Services ...... 899W Chronic Illnesses ...... 891W Armed Forces: Rape ...... 900W Diabetes: Children ...... 892W Clyde Shipyards ...... 900W Health Services ...... 892W Defence Equipment ...... 901W Hospitals: Norovirus...... 892W Defence: Expenditure...... 901W Sick Leave ...... 892W Defence: Procurement...... 903W Smoking...... 893W Devonport Dockyard...... 903W Smoking: Health Education...... 893W Guided Weapons...... 903W ICT ...... 904W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 874W Immigration...... 904W Alcoholic Drinks: Prices ...... 874W Katrice Lee ...... 904W Antisocial Behaviour...... 875W Merlin Helicopters ...... 905W Domestic Violence ...... 875W Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency. 905W Domestic Violence: Northern Ireland ...... 876W Pensions...... 905W Entry Clearances...... 876W Public Expenditure...... 906W Forced Marriage ...... 876W Radioactive Materials ...... 906W Immigration Controls ...... 876W Staff ...... 906W Incitement...... 876W Surveys ...... 907W Police: Lancashire ...... 877W Trident ...... 907W Powers of Entry: Compensation ...... 877W Trident Missiles...... 908W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 908W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 897W Vetting ...... 909W Developing Countries: Trade ...... 897W World War I: Anniversaries...... 909W JUSTICE...... 941W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 881W Alternatives to Prison...... 941W Food Banks...... 881W Bail ...... 944W Peers ...... 882W Civil Law...... 944W Community Orders ...... 944W EDUCATION...... 894W Community Punishment Orders...... 947W Children: Protection...... 894W Courts: Middlesbrough...... 947W Part-time Employment...... 895W Criminal Injuries Compensation: Scotland ...... 947W Special Educational Needs...... 896W Custodial Treatment: Death...... 948W Teenage Pregnancy...... 897W Immigration...... 951W Legal Profession...... 951W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 882W Offenders: Restraint Techniques ...... 951W Biofuels...... 882W Official Hospitality ...... 952W Data and Communications Company...... 882W Personal Injury: Compensation...... 953W Fuel Poverty...... 883W Young Offender Institutions...... 954W Renewable Energy...... 883W Wind Power: Carmarthenshire...... 884W PRIME MINISTER ...... 860W Wind Power: Noise ...... 884W Food Banks...... 860W

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL SCOTLAND...... 859W AFFAIRS...... 869W UK Membership of EU...... 859W Ash Dieback Disease ...... 869W Conditions of Employment...... 869W TRANSPORT ...... 909W Environment Protection...... 870W Airports: Israel...... 909W Fisheries: Western Sahara ...... 870W Bus Services: North East...... 909W Flood Control...... 870W Fuels ...... 911W Floods: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 871W Gospel Oak-Barking Railway Line ...... 911W Food Banks...... 872W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 911W Inland Waterways: Conservation...... 872W Large Goods Vehicles: Licensing...... 912W Members: Correspondence ...... 873W Rescue Services ...... 912W Col. No. Col. No. TRANSPORT—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Vehicle and Operator Services Agency ...... 912W Children: Maintenance ...... 928W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 929W TREASURY ...... 915W Food Banks...... 930W Alcoholic Drinks: Prices ...... 915W Housing Benefit ...... 930W Business: Loans...... 916W Housing Benefit: Edinburgh ...... 931W Child Benefit...... 916W Housing Benefit: Greater London...... 931W Employment ...... 917W Housing Benefit: Islington ...... 932W Excise Duties: Fuels ...... 919W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 932W Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme: North East...... 919W Members: Correspondence ...... 932W Internet ...... 920W Natural Gas: Safety ...... 932W Money Lenders...... 920W Pension Credit...... 933W Northern Rock...... 921W Public Appointments ...... 933W PAYE...... 921W Remploy...... 934W Secondment ...... 921W Social Security Benefits...... 935W Social Security Benefits...... 922W Social Security Benefits: Chronic Fatigue Tax Avoidance ...... 922W Syndrome...... 936W Taxation...... 923W Social Security Benefits: Fraud ...... 936W Unemployment ...... 923W Trade Unions ...... 936W VAT: Alarms ...... 924W Unemployment: Hartlepool ...... 937W Welfare Tax Credits...... 924W Universal Credit...... 938W Welfare Tax Credits: Kingston upon Hull ...... 925W Universal Credit: Wales...... 938W Welfare Tax Credits: Yorkshire and the Humber.... 925W Winter Fuel Payments: British Nationals Abroad.. 938W Working Tax Credit ...... 926W Work Capability Assessment: Hampshire ...... 938W Work Programme...... 939W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 927W Work Programme: Durham ...... 941W Access to Work Programme ...... 927W Work Programme: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 941W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Thursday 27 December 2012

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CONTENTS

Thursday 20 December 2012

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 973] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Business and Skills

Business of the House [Col. 995] Statement—(Mr Lansley)

Thalidomide Trust (Grant) [Col. 1008] Statement—(Norman Lamb)

Welfare Benefits (Up-rating) [Col. 1014] Bill presented, and read the First time

Backbench Business Energy and Climate Change Committee Report [Col. 1015] Motion—(Mr Yeo)—agreed to Christmas Adjournment [Col. 1020] Motion—(Mr Amess)—agreed to

Azerbaijan (Human Rights) [Col. 1098] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Human Trafficking [Col. 311WH] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 121WS]

Petitions [Col. 9P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 857W] [see index inside back page]