Monday Volume 514

26 July 2010 No. 38

HOUSE OF COMMONS
OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY
DEBATES
(HANSARD)

Monday 26 July 2010

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693 26 JULY 2010
House of Commons
Monday 26 July 2010
The House met at half-past Two o’clock
PRAYERS
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS
KENT COUNTY COUNCIL (FILMING ON HIGHWAYS)
BILL [LORDS]
Bill read the Third time and passed, without amendment.
ALLHALLOWS STAINING CHURCH BILL [LORDS]
Bill read the Third time and passed, without amendment.
Oral Answers to Questions
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media
and Sport was asked—
Impartiality Rules (Television News)
1. Paul Farrelly (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Lab):
What representations he has received on broadcasting
rules on political impartiality in television news. [10670]
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media
and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): Absolutely none.
Paul Farrelly: I thank the Secretary of State for that
precise and illuminating reply. He will know that the
British public value the political neutrality of TV news
in this country, so will he confirm that the Government
have no plans to change the rules governing political
impartiality on TV news, and that they will expect
broadcasters on digital terrestrial television to conform
to those rules in the future?
Mr Hunt: I can confirm that we have no plans to
change the impartiality rules, but we will take no lessons
on impartiality from the Opposition. There are two
people responsible for impartiality in British broadcasting:
the head of Ofcom and the head of the BBC Trust. One
is a former Labour councillor and the other is a former
Labour special adviser.
Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): Does the Secretary
of State agree that the BBC also needs to remain
neutral on international politics, and that, if it is to be
believed about its position on Israel, it needs to publish
as a matter of urgency the internal report that it
commissioned on its apparent anti-Israel bias?
694
Mr Hunt: I thank my hon. Friend for his question,
and he is absolutely right that impartiality needs to
apply across the board. I am well aware of his concerns
about the issues surrounding the publication of the
independent report into the BBC’s coverage of Israel,
and I am very happy to raise those issues with the BBC
Trust if he would like to supply me with any new
information that he has about them.
Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): I agree entirely
with the question from my hon. Friend the Member for
Newcastle-under-Lyme (Paul Farrelly), but there is another
matter on which news broadcasts are not neutral: they
have a degree of imbalance on matters relating to the
European Union. Will the Secretary of State seek to
ensure that in future broadcasters reflect the nation’s
view on Europe, not their view?
Mr Hunt: I very much welcome the hon. Gentleman’s
question. The BBC Trust recognised in a report that it
published, entitled “From Seesaw to Wagon Wheel:
Safeguarding Impartiality in the 21st Century”, that the
BBC was behind public opinion on issues such as
Europe and immigration, and the BBC recognises that
it must ensure that that does not happen again. However,
as Culture Secretary I have to be very careful not to
direct the BBC in any way editorially, because in a free
country that is a beacon for democracy it is very important
that the national broadcaster be independent of the
Government. However, that is not to say that the hon.
Gentleman’s point should not be addressed in the
appropriate way.
Sports Participation
2. Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark)
(LD): What steps his Department plans to take to
increase the level of participation in sport. [10671]
3. Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): What steps he
plans to take to increase levels of participation of
young people in sport. [10672]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture,
Olympics, Media and Sport (Hugh Robertson): Since
taking office two months ago, the new coalition Government
have already taken three steps that will increase participation
by young people in sport. The first step is to increase
sport’s share of national lottery funding to 20%, which
was envisaged when the lottery was set up; the second is
that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has
announced plans for a new Olympic-style school sport
competition; and the third is that we have asked sport’s
national governing bodies to increase to 30% the amount
of money that they commit to grass-roots sport from
their broadcast deals.
Simon Hughes: I thank my hon. Friend the Minister
for a positive answer. The borough of Lambeth and my
local borough have an excellent sports action zone,
promoting sport at all ages. Will the Minister take
further steps both in the short term to ensure that, now
the school holidays have started throughout the UK, all
ages are encouraged to get used to doing some sport,
and in the medium term to ensure that we train and
recruit many more sports coaches throughout the UK?
695 Oral Answers 26 JULY 2010
Hugh Robertson: I can absolutely give the hon.
Gentleman that assurance. A key part of the new whole-
sport programme, which the previous Government
introduced, was to ensure precisely that sports’ governing
bodies devoted a far greater proportion of their funding
to grass roots; that the funding was targeted at precisely
the sort of voluntary schemes that he mentions; and
that a crucial part of that was funding for extra coaches,
who will be vital to drive any form of participation that
we get off the back of the 2012 games.
Toby Perkins: I am glad to hear that the Minister has
some ideas on increasing youth participation in sport,
but, as someone who has coached young people in
rugby for the past five-and-a-half years, and as a parent
with a sports-mad child, I have to say that the idea that
over the past 10 years there has not been any encouragement
for competitive sports always seems quite ridiculous.
Does he agree that the tabloid myth that there is no
support for competitive sports is an insult not just to
the previous Government, but to all those PE teachers
who give up so much of their time and to all those
people who voluntarily coach young people in sport?
Hugh Robertson: It would be fair to start by thanking
the hon. Gentleman for his contribution to grass-roots
sport over many years as a rugby coach in his own area.
The question of competitive sport is a difficult one,
and it is clearly something that, as a new Government,
we put at the heart of our sports policy. [Interruption.]
If the hon. Gentleman looks at the figures for competitive
sport in schools, he will see that it is an area that needs
attention and that everybody would agree we need to
work on. We have highlighted that and put in place a
plan to address it.
Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): Last Friday,
I had a meeting with people at the National Badminton
Centre, which has its headquarters in my constituency
in Milton Keynes. They have ambitious plans to extend
participation in the sport, but a problem they often
encounter is that sports halls built for sports use are
increasingly rented out for non-sports uses. Will the
Minister look into that as a matter of urgency?
Hugh Robertson: I thank my hon. Friend for that
question. In fact, the people there said the same thing to
me when I went to visit about a year ago. When I looked
into this, I found that the problem is that a village hall
can be used for a variety of uses, so to try to screen it
out for badminton means no dog show, no village fete,
and none of the other things that take place in village
halls. This is about the sensible division of time in the
way that village halls are used. I can only promise my
hon. Friend that I will look into it.
Mr Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford South) (Lab): Over the
past 13 years of a Labour Government, £5 billion was
spent on sport, and that increased investment increased
participation. After 10 weeks of this new Government,
we have already seen the Building Schools for the Future
programme cut, with 11% of that money due to be
spent on new sports facilities; we have seen free swimming
cut; and we are now seeing that they are prepared to
drop the target of 2 million people participating in
sport, which was one of the Olympic legacies. What
discussions did the Minister have with the Department
Oral Answers 696
for Education before the decision was taken on Building
Schools for the Future, and what is he going to do
about the sports facilities that need to be improved and
would have been improved under that scheme?
Hugh Robertson: There are two obvious things to say
in answer to that question. First, we are dealing with an
economic inheritance that we did not create but that
was left to us by the Government of whom the hon.
Gentleman was a member. Secondly, the Secretary of
State has a regular series of meetings with his counterpart
in the Department for Education at which these matters
are discussed. We have already increased the share of
lottery funding to 20%, and that is a huge improvement.
Under the hon. Gentleman’s stewardship, the amount
of money that sport governing bodies were committed
to giving to the grass roots in their broadcast deals was
5%; in three or four months’ time, when our changes
have gone through, it will be 30%—a huge increase.
Television Licence Fee
4. Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab): What recent
discussions he has had with the BBC on the level of the
television licence fee. [10673]
6. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): If he will
bring forward proposals to reduce the television licence
fee by 25% over the next four years. [10675]
8. Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): What his
plans are for the future level of the television licence
fee; and if he will make a statement. [10677]
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media
and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): We have had absolutely
no discussions with the BBC about the level of the
licence fee under the next settlement.
Graham Jones: The Secretary of State has said that a
huge number of things need to change at the BBC. Will
he tell the House what he means by that and provide a
list of the changes that he thinks are in order?
Mr Hunt: I have been very clear that in its use of
licence fee payers’ money, the BBC needs to be on the
same planet as everyone else. We are tackling a huge
deficit as a result of the economic legacy left by the last
Government. As we are having to be careful about every
penny of taxpayers’ money we spend, so the BBC must
be careful with every penny of licence fee payers’ money
that it spends.
Mr Bone: Government Departments are having to
cut their expenditure by between 25% and 40%. Will the
Secretary of State insist that the bloated nationalised
state broadcasting service does exactly the same and
passes on the savings to the licence fee payer?
Mr Hunt: My hon. Friend will know that we are
committed to a strong BBC that focuses on producing
great TV and high-quality news. He is absolutely right.
There has been a trickle of stories about BBC pay and
expenses, particularly BBC management pay; lots of
people at the BBC do not have high salaries. The BBC
must look at what happened to Parliament when we lost
697 Oral Answers 26 JULY 2010
the trust of the public because we did not handle our
own expenses correctly, and it must be careful not to
make the same mistakes.
Kevin Brennan: Licence fee payers will have found last
night’s broadcast of “Sherlock”, produced by BBC
Wales and written by the excellent Steven Moffat, first
class and great value for money. Earlier, the Secretary of
State took pains to name the chairman of the BBC
Trust and his former political affiliations, along with
the chairman of Ofcom. By doing that, was he trying to
call into question their impartiality in the work that
they do, and if not, why did he bother to say it?
Mr Hunt: I, too, watched “Sherlock” last night and
thought that Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch
did a brilliant job. It was a very good example of the
BBC at its best, investing in new programming.
I am not in any way calling into question the impartiality
of the two gentlemen I mentioned earlier, but the Opposition
should not preach lessons on impartiality when they
were so careful to put people of their own political
affiliation in charge of so many Government quangos.
Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): Does the
Secretary of State understand the concern of many of
my constituents and others across the country following
the report in The Daily Telegraph of his comments on
the BBC? They feel that its high-quality programming
is something to be supported and celebrated, not least
the excellent independent news coverage that is free of
the influence of commerce, or indeed Rupert Murdoch.
Mr Hunt: I agree with the hon. Lady about the
importance of the BBC spending money on high-quality
programming. That is what the coalition Government
believe is one of the primary roles of the BBC. I also
agree with her that one thing that has made British
broadcasting some of the highest-quality broadcasting
in the world is that we have a mix of funding streams,
including the licence fee, advertising-funded programming
and subscription-funded programming. That is why we
are happy with that structure and intend to continue
with it.
Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): In the context
of reducing the licence fee, what consideration has the
Secretary of State given to encouraging the BBC to sell
off some of its assets, possibly including Radio 1 and
some of its other services?
Mr Hunt: We have no plans to ask the BBC to sell off
Radio 1. There may be possibilities in the case of some
of the BBC’s commercial assets, such as BBC Worldwide,
and we await any proposals that the BBC may have.
However, we are committed to a publicly funded, publicly
owned national broadcaster as a benchmark of quality
in the broadcasting system. We believe we are one of
the few countries in the world to have competition at
the quality end of the broadcasting market as well as
the popular end, and we want that to continue.
Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab): Policy on broadband
is a joint responsibility of the Secretary of State’s
Department and the Department for Business, Innovation
and Skills, and he has indicated that he will dip into the
licence fee to support the roll-out of high-speed broadband.
Oral Answers 698
Can he confirm that any new funding from that source
will not be available until 2013 at the earliest, which is
three years late, when Labour’s phone levy would have
been generating £150 million a year in three months’
time, not in three years? Given his aim to reduce the
licence fee, can he give any assurance of that level of
funding being available even three years late, and given
the complete absence of significant new funding for
high-speed broadband, is he embarrassed that his pre-
election promises on high-speed broadband have so
quickly turned to dust?
Mr Hunt: Let me confirm a few things that the right
hon. Gentleman ought to be aware of, given that he was
a Minister responsible for the matter. The first is that
the money that his Government had allocated to ensure
that everyone in this country could access broadband at
a minimum speed of 2 megabits per second was less
than half the total cost of doing that. That was why,
when we examined the situation, we decided that we
would honour the pledge but would not be able to do so
by 2012 and extended it to 2015. As in so many areas,
his Government simply did not leave enough money in
the pot.
Digital Economy Act 2010
5. Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): What recent
representations he has received on sections 9 to 18 of
the Digital Economy Act 2010. [10674]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture,
Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): Ministers
and officials have had recent meetings with copyright
owners, consumer organisations and internet service
providers, at which the matter has been raised.
Dr Huppert: Is the Minister aware of the deep concerns
held about those sections of the Act among internet
service providers such as BT and TalkTalk, among
members of the public such as those who went to the
Open Rights Group conference on Saturday, and among
creative content providers? Given that the Act was
rushed through in the dying days of the last Government,
will he ensure that there is proper scrutiny of not just
the details but the principle of those sections, which
many of us oppose?
Mr Vaizey: I am aware of the concerns that the hon.
Gentleman mentions. It is important to emphasise that
the technical measures in those sections would not
come in until at least 2012, and that this House and the
other place will have a chance to debate the matter in
full under the super-affirmative procedure.
Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP):
What representations has the Minister had directly from
those who actually work in the creative industries—the
1.8 million people who depend on the sector for their
jobs and the 250,000 whose jobs are at risk from illegal
downloading? What does he have to say to them?
Mr Vaizey: The hon. Gentleman’s point is well made.
There are two sides to the story. I have met many
content owners in the past few months to discuss the
matter, and they are keen to have measures in place to
combat illegal downloading.
699 Oral Answers 26 JULY 2010
Media Ownership (Regulation)
7. Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab):
What representations he has received on the
appropriateness of regulation of media ownership.
[10676]
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media
and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): I have had no representations
from anyone on cross-media ownership.
Mr Watson: If News Corp is successful in buying the
remaining 61% shares of BSkyB, the control that it
exercises over UK mass media will be greater than that
of any individual in any other advanced industrial
country, including Berlusconi’s Italy. The law in the US
and Australia would prohibit the takeover. Is the Secretary
of State concerned about the lack of plurality of ownership
in the UK media? What is the estimated tax loss if the
merger takes place?
Mr Hunt: I cannot tell the hon. Gentleman what the
estimated tax loss will be—I do not know whether there
will be a tax loss. There are big tax gains from having a
plurality of players in the British media market. The
particular decision that he mentioned is a matter for my
right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business,
Innovation and Skills, who is responsible for determining
whether to invoke the public interest clause about the
merger. He will make a decision in due course.
Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con): Does the
Secretary of State agree that the relatively low price for
which Richard Desmond has acquired Channel 5 is a
further indication of the continuing difficulties affecting
all traditional television companies, and that it also
shows that successful companies are likely to have to
operate across several different media in future? Given
that, does he have any plans to look again at the current
rules that govern cross-media ownership and cross-
promotion?
Mr Hunt: I thank my hon. Friend for a thoughtful
question, as ever, on the topic. He is absolutely right
that media companies of the future will have to operate
on different platforms. That is why one of my first
decisions was to accept a recommendation by Ofcom to
remove the regulations on cross-media ownership locally
to allow local media operators to develop new business
models that let them take product from newspapers to
radio to TV to iPods to iPads and so on.
We do not currently have any plans to relax the rules
on cross-promotion. Indeed, the regulations on taste,
decency and political impartiality on Five remain extremely
tight, but we are aware of the need to lighten regulations
in general because, if we are to have a competitive
broadcasting sector, we must have one in which independent
players can also make a profit.
Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): The
Secretary of State knows that Richard Desmond and
Rupert Murdoch have huge pornography empires. Does
he share my concern that children have increasing access
to pornography on television? What can he do about it?
It is a curse, and I hope that he shares my desire to do
something about it.
Oral Answers 700
Mr Hunt: The hon. Gentleman makes an important
point. Our real concern on this side of the House is
about the sexualisation of young people in particular;
we take a liberal view of adults’ ability to make decisions
about what they see on television. I do not want to
pretend that there is an easy answer, because traditional
linear viewing, which allowed the watershed, made it
possible to be much more definite about what would be
seen by children and what would be seen by adults. To
answer the hon. Gentleman’s question directly, we have
no plans to relax any of the taste and decency regulations
on terrestrial broadcasts.
BBC Accounts
9. David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): What
progress has been made on implementation of the
proposals set out in the coalition agreement to give the
National Audit Office full access to the BBC’s
accounts. [10678]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture,
Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): I had a
brief meeting with the chair of the BBC Trust last
month. My officials are now working with the BBC
Trust to ensure that the commitment is achieved by
November 2011, as announced in the Department’s
structural reform plan, in a way that preserves the
BBC’s editorial independence.
David Mowat: The move by part of the BBC from
London to Salford has been good value for the licence
payer, good for the north-west and will be good for the
BBC. Does the Under-Secretary agree that it would be
useful for the National Audit Office to consider moving
further functions of the BBC from inside the M25 to
the north-west, particularly Salford?
Mr Vaizey: That is not a matter for the National
Audit Office, which examines how the BBC spends its
money, but for the BBC and the BBC Trust.
Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): Is there
any real justification for not opening up the BBC accounts
to the National Audit Office and the Public Accounts
Committee, especially given that one of the Secretary of
State’s reasons for cutting the licence fee was deficit
reduction? I am not sure whether the BBC accounts
would rack up against the public finances in quite that
way.
Mr Vaizey: Forgive me, Mr Speaker, but I am not
quite sure what point the hon. Gentleman is making. It
is a coalition Government commitment that the National
Audit Office should have full access to the BBC’s accounts
by November 2011 in order to ensure value for money
and public accountability.
Creative Partnerships
10. Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): What plans he
has for the future of Creative Partnerships. [10679]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture,
Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): Creative
Partnerships is funded by Arts Council England and as
such, decisions on its future are a matter between that
and Creativity, Culture and Education.
701 Oral Answers 26 JULY 2010
Fiona Mactaggart: The Minister does not sound as
enthusiastic as the teachers and head teachers in my
constituency about this wonderful programme. Can he
do more to publicise the achievements of Creative
Partnerships? The case report that his Department semi-
released a week ago without any real promotion concluded
not only that Creative Partnerships improves learning
and achievement, but that through research, it improves
the capacity of creativity to do more to help children to
learn.
Mr Vaizey: As the hon. Lady may know, I am a
passionate supporter of both music and cultural education
in the round. We could do more to make such programmes
more coherent, so that they work in a more joined-up
fashion, but as I said, the future of Creative Partnerships
and how it works is very much a matter between it and
Arts Council England.
Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe) (Con): Does
the Minister agree that because Arts Council England
set up a separate body to deliver that programme—Creative
Partnerships—and even if much of the work on the
ground and delivery is excellent, we need to be careful
how many tiers of management are involved? Creative
partnerships are possible through local authorities and
some excellent private sector organisations that do a lot
of work with the community, such as the Creative
Foundation in my constituency.
Mr Vaizey: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his
well made point. As I said, I feel very strongly that we
need to bring some coherence to the sector. Many very
good initiatives are happening on the ground, and it is
important that we join them up as much as possible to
make them as effective as possible.
Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): Successive Labour
Culture Secretaries achieved settlements in every
comprehensive review from 1997 onwards that were
significantly better than the Whitehall average, arguing
successfully that culture has a special role in our national
life; that for every £1 we invest, we get £2 back; and that
spending in any case is tiny—less than the annual
underspend in the NHS. Are the Minister and his
colleague the Secretary of State even bothering to make
those arguments with the Treasury? What has happened
to the Liberal Democrats manifesto pledge to protect
spending on arts and culture? Is that just another example
of the Lib Dems having no influence whatever on the
Government?
Mr Vaizey: We work very closely with our Liberal
Democrat colleagues. As the shadow Secretary of State
is aware, the economic state that the previous Government
left us in has left us with some very tough decisions to
make. I can assure him that the Secretary of State and I,
and all colleagues in the Department, are making effective
arguments. Since the right hon. Gentleman makes his
point so effectively, could he now give a guarantee that
the Opposition—
Mr Speaker: Order. The Minister’s answer is always
of interest to hear, but it is not for him to be posing
questions to the shadow Secretary of State.
Mr Bradshaw: I note that there is not even a Lib Dem
Front-Bench spokesman in the Chamber at the moment,
although I am partially reassured by what the Minister
has to say, because of course his Government have been
Oral Answers 702
described by senior Conservatives as the “Brokeback
Mountain” coalition. That happens to be one of my
favourite films, but as I am sure he is aware, it does not
end well. One of the cowboys is killed in a homophobic
attack by backwoodsmen, and the other lives out a sad,
lonely life on a trailer park. Which is which in this
coalition?
Mr Vaizey: Mr Speaker, you quite rightly upbraided
me for asking questions of the Opposition, and I am
sure that you would not want me to comment on
general political matters during Culture, Media and
Sport questions.
Licensing Act 2003
11. Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): Whether
he plans to bring forward proposals to exempt from the
provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 live performances
at small venues; and if he will make a statement.
[10680]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture,
Olympics, Media and Sport (John Penrose): I am delighted
to reassure my hon. Friend that the Government are
committed to the principle of trying to reduce the
burden of red tape on live music performances. We are
currently evaluating a series of options, and hope to
bring forward whichever of them comes out best in the
business case.
Chris Heaton-Harris: I wish to press my hon. Friend
because I would like a date or time scale for the removal
of these measures, which were introduced in the Licensing
Act 2003 and which have been so detrimental to live
music.
John Penrose: I am afraid that I cannot give my hon.
Friend a precise date, if only because the devil is in the
detail. I can only assure him that we are working
through these measures as quickly as possible. A number
of stakeholders—as the jargon has it—have to be consulted,
and today I had meetings with people from the Local
Government Association and Local Government
Regulation in order to ensure that all the relevant
people have been consulted. We will do it as fast as we
can.
Coventry Market
12. Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab):
What factors he took into account in reviewing English
Heritage’s decision to list Coventry market. [10681]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture,
Olympics, Media and Sport (John Penrose): In deciding
to retain Coventry market on the statutory list, I took
into account the architectural and historical interest of
the building, as set out in the Planning (Listed Buildings
and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
Mr Cunningham: I am surprised by the Minister’s
answer, because if architectural design were taken into
consideration that building would not pass muster. Is he
aware that that scheme means that hundreds of millions
of pounds of modernisation money now cannot be
spent in Coventry city centre? Will he meet a delegation
to consider this further?
John Penrose: I sympathise with the hon. Gentleman,
who took the trouble to write to me in advance laying
out some of his concerns. My problem is that economic
703 Oral Answers
considerations are not part of the factors that I am
allowed to consider under the 1990 Act. I can reassure
him that the fact that the building is listed as grade II
does not mean that it cannot be touched. In fact, there
are many examples every year of listed buildings at
grade II that are altered, and in some cases pulled
down, for economic reasons, depending on the decision
of the local planning authority.
Superfast Broadband (Cornwall)
14. Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD):
What steps he is taking to increase provision of
superfast broadband in Cornwall. [10683]
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media
and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): Unlike the previous
Government, this Government are committed to the
roll-out of superfast broadband in rural areas as well as
in cities, and not just at speeds as slow as 2 megabytes,
but at very fast speeds. Cornwall will be an important
part of that process.
Stephen Gilbert: I welcome the Government’s
commitment to roll out superfast broadband across the
UK, but can the Secretary of State give me an assurance
that we will not have a digital divide between roll-out in
urban areas and roll-out in rural areas such as Cornwall?
Mr Hunt: We will do everything we can to avoid that
digital divide. The importance of superfast broadband
is not just economic; it is social. The reason for that is
that every year 7 million jobs are advertised on line, and
90% require internet skills. So for remote, rural and
deprived areas it is incredibly important that they are
part of the revolution. That is why we are committed to
tackling rural broadband provision at the same time as
broadband provision in our cities.
2012 Olympics (North-west)
15. Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): What recent
discussions he has had on the legacy for the north-west
of the London 2012 Olympics. [10684]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture,
Olympics, Media and Sport (Hugh Robertson): I have
regular discussions on maximising the legacy benefits
of the games for the UK as a whole. The north-west
stands to gain from a wide range of opportunities
created by the games through businesses winning games-
related work, increased tourism and cultural events,
including G R Formby Heavy Transport Ltd, a firm in
my hon. Friend’s constituency which has won work in
the Olympic Deliver Authority supply chain.
Mark Menzies: I am sure that the people of Fylde
will be pleased by my hon. Friend’s answer. What measures
is he taking to ensure that schools and youth groups in
the north-west have affordable access to the games in
London?
Hugh Robertson: The first and obvious point is that
1,263 schools and colleges in the north-west are already
registered for the London 2012 education programme.
That is a process that will continue. It is part of highlighting
26 JULY 2010 Oral Answers 704
the two years to go celebrations tomorrow and it is a
process that we will continue as we move closer to the
games.
Superfast Broadband (Isle of Wight)
16. Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): If he
will have discussions with industry representatives on
promoting the use of superfast broadband on the Isle
of Wight. [10686]
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media
and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): The Isle of Wight does
not have good or consistent broadband coverage and
this Government are determined to sort it out.
Mr Turner: The economy of the Isle of Wight is
markedly poorer than in the rest of the south-east
because of our separation by sea. Access to superfast
broadband would help. When is it likely to become
comprehensively available everywhere on the island?
Mr Hunt: My hon. Friend is right to talk about the
importance of superfast broadband and not just low-speed
broadband for somewhere such as the Isle of Wight. We
have said that we are committed to having the fastest
superfast broadband network in Europe by the end of
this Parliament, and we are doing everything possible
both to stimulate private sector investment in our broadband
network and to have a coherent strategy for dealing
with rural and remote areas such as the Isle of Wight.
We are happy to work closely with him to ensure that
the Isle of Wight is part of that success story.
Licence Fee
17. Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): What
recent discussions he has had with the BBC on the level
of the television licence fee. [10687]
Mr Speaker: Minister? Secretary of State?
Hon. Members: Come on!
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media
and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): I do apologise, Mr Speaker.
I have had no discussions with the BBC about the
level of the licence fee.
Ian Murray: The Secretary of State will be aware that
there is an ongoing programme of savings totalling
£1.9 billion in the current licence fee period. What
impact will that have on the Government’s decision
with regard to the level of the licence fee?
Mr Hunt: I am delighted that the BBC has started to
talk about making savings, but it needs to go further.
The BBC needs to understand that the world in which
licence fee payers are living is one of severe and constrained
finances. Licence fee payers would like that to be reflected
in the BBC’s approach to matters such as executive pay
and remuneration, executive pensions, and a whole
range of other areas. We want a strong BBC, but a
strong BBC is one that is in touch with the feelings and
the mood of the people who pay for it, and they are the
licence fee payers.
705 Oral Answers 26 JULY 2010
Topical Questions
T1. [10690] Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): If he
will make a statement on his departmental
responsibilities.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media
and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): I shall make a brief
statement, if I may, to start proceedings. First, because
of my Department’s responsibility to take its share of
reducing the deficit inherited from the previous
Government, we have announced today plans to rationalise
or merge a number of arm’s length bodies for which we
are responsible. As part of that, we have said that we are
considering the abolition of the UK Film Council and
the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. That
does not reflect our commitment to the Government’s
or the lottery’s investing in UK film, or Government
support for the sectors represented by the Museums,
Libraries and Archives Council. However, in the constrained
circumstances in which we find ourselves, we want to
ensure that every penny is used on front-line services,
not on back-office and bureaucracy.
With permission, Mr Speaker, I also want to mention
that tomorrow marks the date from which there will be
exactly two years till the 2012 London Olympics opening
ceremony. I am happy to report to the House that the
construction of the project is on track, and I believe
that it will also be delivered within budget. It is because
I want to maintain the cross-party support for that
important project that I can today announce that there
will be Liberal Democrat and Labour representation on
the Olympic board, and the Labour representative will
be the right hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood
(Tessa Jowell).
Several hon. Members rose—
Mr Speaker: Order. Doubtless the Secretary of State
was seeking to be helpful to the House, but in light of
the impromptu statement that he has just made, I will
probably allow modest injury time.
Bob Blackman: We are all looking forward to the
2012 Olympics. However, this is a very difficult time for
football fans—after the World cup and before the season
starts—so what lobbying has the Secretary of State
been doing and what action has he been taking to bring
the World cup back to England?
Mr Hunt: I thank my hon. Friend for his excellent
question. I have met five members of the FIFA executive
committee to tell them personally that England is the
best possible place to host the World cup in 2018. More
than 1 million people watch or play football every week
in this country, and we have the best football infrastructure
in the world. There is no doubt at all that we would
deliver the best World cup possible in 2018, so I thank
my hon. Friend for his support.
T3. [10692] Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): Will the
Government’s Shott inquiry consider the media
pressures in north Wales and, in particular, the failure
of the BBC to provide any local radio in Wales or
support the developing media network within the
country?
Oral Answers 706
Mr Hunt: The Shott inquiry will certainly be looking
at that, but it will also look at the chronic failures in
local media throughout the country. The situation is
tough for local newspapers and local radio stations and,
unlike many countries, we have virtually no local TV in
this country. For rural areas such as north Wales, we
believe that local media have an important role to play.
That is why, unlike the previous Government, we are
doing something about the problem.
T2. [10691] Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth)
(Con): Will my right hon. Friend join me in praising
Brentford football club community sports trust for its
work in the community, involving more than 27 sports
and 30,000 children, and explain what plans he has for
developing the big society model to create more
opportunities for sport for young people across the
country?
Mr Hunt: I am very happy to praise the work of that
organisation, which I visited with my hon. Friend before
the election. I can personally attest to what a brilliant
job it is doing. I think that it involves more than 50,000
young people every year across four London boroughs,
and it has a brilliant role to play. I hope that restoring
the lottery to its original four pillars as one of my first
acts as Secretary of State will make more funds available
for such projects and for their important work.
T4.[10693] Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and
East Cleveland) (Lab): Guisborough and Skinningrove
in my constituency suffer from bad TV reception, and
certain channels are unobtainable. Both areas are
served by relay transmitters rather than masts. Will the
Minister confirm the date for digital switchover in both
communities, and provide details of the funding of the
switchover? Will he also give me a guarantee that the
residents of those areas will be able to receive all
Freeview channels once the process is complete?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture,
Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): By the
time digital switchover ends in 2012, everyone in the
country should be able to receive at least 15 Freeview
channels, but I would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman
to discuss any particular problems in his constituency.
T5. [10694] Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con):
Last week, Dr David Harrop, a dentist from
Grassington in the heart of the Yorkshire dales, wrote
to me to say that he felt completely left behind by all
the advances in the internet. Does the Secretary of
State agree that connecting rural communities with
high-speed broadband is vital for setting up businesses
and for work? Will he meet me and my North
Yorkshire colleagues to work out how North Yorkshire
can be at the forefront of his super-fast broadband
revolution?
Mr Hunt: I am happy to meet my hon. Friend and his
colleagues from Yorkshire; I have already met colleagues
from Norfolk. I agree that super-fast broadband can
create jobs in fields that we cannot possibly predict,
including home education and tele-medicine, and we
are anxious that those benefits should be shared throughout
the country.
707 Oral Answers 26 JULY 2010
T6. [10695] Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): The
Government’s change of policy on regional development
agenciesrequiredYorkshireForwardtocancelaninvestment
of £5millionintherefurbishmentof theNationalRailway
museum’s great hall and one of £1 million towards the
restoration of York minster’s great east window. If the
Government do not want Yorkshire Forward to invest in
heritage,willtheSecretaryof StateortheMinisterresponsible
for culture come to York over the summer to discuss other
ways of supporting those important institutions, and to
meet people from other important heritage organisations
inthecity?
Mr Vaizey: I was in York in April and it is a very fine
city. I know that the museum is opening its extension
this week. I will happily meet the hon. Gentleman to
discuss how we can help York to continue to move
forward with its exciting cultural and heritage projects.
T7. [10696] Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con):
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has already
mentioned the fact that the Olympics will be launched
two years tomorrow. I am sure that he also enjoyed the
various events that were held recently in constituencies
across the country, including Xtremefest and the
disability showcase in Ipswich. One concern that has
been passed to me by many of the volunteers who help
with sport across the country is that they are put off by
the excessive health and safety regulations and the
increasing requirements for insurance. Will he assure
me that he will have words with his colleagues in the
Cabinet about how we are preventing people from
doing the right thing?
Mr Hunt: My hon. Friend makes an important point.
I have already had a meeting with Lord Young to
discuss how we can look at the burden of health and
safety regulation on volunteering in general. A particular
concern is the rule that requires two people to take
children to sporting activities in minibuses. We are
worried that that is putting off schools taking people to
sports events in other places. My hon. Friend is absolutely
right, and we are looking at that matter carefully.
Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): I am sure that the
Front-Bench team will agree that it is important to
increase participation in sport at school, and that playing
fields have an important role in that. During the review
of capital expenditure on education, was the Secretary
of State consulted on the proposal to review the regulations
relating to school playing fields? If he was consulted,
what did he say? If he was not consulted, why not?
Mr Hunt: We are working closely with the Department
for Education on a number of projects to do with
school sport. In particular, we want to ensure that
proper protections are in place for school playing fields.
That was a failing of the previous Conservative Government
and of the previous Labour Government, and we want
to put it right.
T8. [10697] Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con):
May I praise my right hon. Friend for helping to
expose some of the excessively large pay packages at
the BBC, and ask him when something is actually
going to be done about this matter?
Oral Answers 708
Mr Hunt: There is a moment once every five years
when a Secretary of State has a chance to influence the
way in which the BBC spends money. That is when he
has negotiations on the future of the licence fee, and
that moment will come next year.
Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): Given the Minister’s
unilateral decision to close the UK Film Council, will
he outline what discussions he had with the council and
its members and when those discussions took place?
Will he also outline what direct support and ambition
the Government have for film making in the United
Kingdom?
Mr Speaker: I think that that was a triple question,
but I know that the Secretary of State is dextrous
enough to provide a single reply.
Mr Hunt: We have not announced a decision, but we
have said that we are considering such action because
we want to hear everyone’s views. The UK Film Council
spends £3 million per annum on administration. We
want to ask whether that money could be better used to
support film makers.
Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con):
When is the Shott review likely to report back on the
creation and viability of local television?
Mr Hunt: In September.
HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION
The hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the
House of Commons Commission, was asked—
Parliamentary IT Equipment
1. Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): What
representations the House of Commons Commission
has received from new hon. Members on Parliamentary
Information and Communications Technology’s policy
that ICT equipment is allocated only to the permanent
office of an hon. Member. [10698]
Sir Stuart Bell (Middlesbrough): None, sir.
Duncan Hames: It is a very serious matter when Members
of the House are denied the tools to provide an efficient
and effective service to their constituents, at home in
their constituencies. Will the hon. Gentleman please
consider removing that obstacle to Members, recognising
that those such as me who did not rush into taking out
office leases saved the taxpayer money and should be
entitled to the IT provision available to other Members?
Sir Stuart Bell: I sympathise with the hon. Gentleman.
If there are special circumstances in any case PICT will
be prepared to consider an alternative approach. Under
its current approach, each and every Member ought to
have a permanent office, either in Westminster or their
constituency, before they order equipment. That ensures
that the equipment ordered is suitable for the space
being occupied, and it avoids the need to relocate often
heavy equipment and to set it up twice.
709 Oral Answers 26 JULY 2010
LEADER OF THE HOUSE
The Leader of the House was asked—
Early-day Motions
2. Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): What assessment he
has made of the effectiveness of the early-day motions
procedure. [10699]
The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of
the House of Commons (Mr David Heath): The procedure
for early-day motions is a matter for the House. Despite
their variable quality, the opportunity provided by EDMs
to raise any issue in the House is valued by many hon.
Members. I understand that the House authorities are
considering measures to reduce the associated costs.
Mark Menzies: I thank the Minister for his response.
I and many colleagues are increasingly concerned that
the EDM procedure is being abused by outside interests
and lobbyists, at considerable cost to the taxpayer and
to Members’ time. What steps is he taking to ensure that
that does not continue?
Mr Heath: I know that a number of hon. Members
share the hon. Gentleman’s view. Ironically, perhaps,
the concerns about early-day motions are expressed in
early-day motion 432, which sets out a similar view to
his. The problem is that many of our constituents are
led to believe by campaigning organisations that EDMs
have an efficacy well beyond what we in the House
know to be the case. The matter will have to be considered
by the House authorities and Committees, but he makes
an important point.
Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Early-day motions
are an important way for the House, and particularly
Back Benchers, to show interest, concern and dedication
to a particular cause. I urge the hon. Gentleman not to
make it more difficult for Members to sign early-day
motions—I know that there are difficulties deciding
which to sign and which not to sign—but to make it
easier. Currently, we can table a question online, but we
cannot add our name to an early-day motion online.
Surely that facility could be introduced.
Mr Heath: In the past financial year, a total of 2,531
EDMs were tabled, with 120,158 names added. Clearly,
the obstacles are not insuperable, but the hon. Gentleman
raises an important point, which he has raised with me
previously and which I have taken up with the House
authorities. I hope that we will soon make progress on
the matter.
Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Had it not
been for the availability of the EDM procedure, I would
not have been able quickly to gather 249 signatures for
an EDM that helped in considerable part to change the
law so that the mad decision of three judges that our
home addresses should be revealed to anyone who
asked for them could be stultified and reversed. May I
suggest gently to my hon. Friends and other hon. Members
that if they are so shy about saying no when asked to
sign an EDM, they have the option of simply informing
the Table Office that they do not sign any EDMs, and
informing their constituents of the same? Those of us
who want to make use of the procedure can then
continue to do so.
Oral Answers 710
Mr Heath: I am not sure that that was a question, so
it is a little difficult for me to reply.
Mr Speaker: We will take it as a rhetorical question.
Policy Announcements
3. Rachel Reeves (Leeds West) (Lab): If he will take
steps to ensure that no major Government policy
announcements are made when the House is not
sitting. [10700]
The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir George
Young): The Government make major policy
announcements to the House in the first instance when
it is sitting. However, the demands of modern government
make it impossible to avoid making any announcements
at all when the House is not sitting.
Rachel Reeves: The Minister for Housing, the right
hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Grant Shapps),
made substantial policy announcements on Friday that
could just as easily have been made on Thursday or
today. What assurances can the Leader of the House
give us that until Parliament returns in September there
will be no announcements that can wait, especially
given that it is returning early in September? The House
needs to be able to scrutinise legislation properly.
Sir George Young: It is precisely because the Government
want to keep the House informed that there are 32 written
ministerial statements on the Order Paper today. We
have brought forward announcements that might otherwise
have been made in August in order to keep the House
fully in the picture. I am not aware that any substantial
policy announcements are to be made during August.
Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con):
Will my right hon. Friend look favourably on a request
that when consultation is announced over the summer—as
it is in one of today’s written ministerial statements—a
certain amount of injury time will be allowed to enable
those of us who wish to take soundings from our
constituents to do so adequately, and subsequently to
respond?
Sir George Young: I think I am right in saying that the
Government have set out guidelines in best practice to
assist the consultation process, and I hope that the
process to which my hon. Friend refers observes those
guidelines, and that she will have an opportunity to
consult her constituents in good time before it ends.
Ms Rosie Winterton (Doncaster Central) (Lab): Will
the Leader of the House ensure that when the Government
have made up their mind about their policy on rape
anonymity, it will be communicated when the House is
sitting, especially given that there is another leak in
today’s papers suggesting that the Government have
reversed their stated position?
Sir George Young: The right hon. Lady knows that
no legislation on rape anonymity is planned for the
current Session, but of course the Government will
make their views on the issue known at the right time.
Before she waxes too indignant, let me remind her that
the then Prime Minister announced at last year’s party
conference—when the House was not sitting—substantial
changes of policy on a national care service and a
referendum on the alternative vote.
711 Oral Answers 26 JULY 2010
HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION
The hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the
House of Commons Commission, was asked—
Parliamentary Recording Unit
4. Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): If the
House of Commons Commission will bring forward
proposals to reduce parliamentary recording unit
charges for small independent broadcasters. [10701]
Sir Stuart Bell (Middlesbrough): We have already
taken action. In anticipating new licensing arrangements
due to come into effect in August 2011, we have decided
to stop charging copyright licence fees to broadcasters
for the material that we hold.
Mr Turner: It sounds as if I must be very grateful for
that. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will now give me
further information.
Sir Stuart Bell: I am aware that the hon. Gentleman
has had discussions with the parliamentary recording
unit. He has been very diligent, and I congratulate him
on that. As he knows, the principles and level of charges
were originally set out in 1993 by what was then the
Select Committee on Broadcasting and have thereafter
been reviewed at official level. The technical duplication
charges, to which the hon. Gentleman did not refer but
which I know he understands, will be reviewed during
the business planning for the new broadcasting
arrangements that will be introduced in August 2011.
LEADER OF THE HOUSE
The Leader of the House was asked—
Pre-legislative Scrutiny
5. Diana R. Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North)
(Lab): What steps he plans to take to provide for
pre-legislative scrutiny of proposed Government
legislation. [10702]
The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of
the House of Commons (Mr David Heath): The Government
will continue to publish Bills in draft for pre-legislative
scrutiny as opportunities arise. We have already announced
that three Bills—on parliamentary privilege, House of
Lords reform and defamation—will be published in
draft.
Diana R. Johnson: During last Thursday’s business
questions, the Leader of the House told me that pre-
legislative scrutiny was “not possible” for all constitutional
Bills in the first term of a Parliament. Has the hon.
Gentleman had an opportunity to read the words of
Professor Robert Blackburn, Professor Robert Hazell
and Peter Riddell, who say that there is no justification
for rushing through without pre-legislative scrutiny the
Fixed-term Parliaments Bill when we return in September,
other than the political expediency of the two coalition
partners?
Mr Heath: Well, that is their opinion. It is perfectly
clear that it is not possible for Bills to be produced in
time to allow full pre-legislative scrutiny in the first
Oral Answers 712
10 weeks of a new Government when those Bills are to
be debated in the very near future; I would have thought
that that was obvious to any Member of this House. We
are clearly committed to using pre-legislative scrutiny
whenever possible, but I repeat that it is clear that, with
a new Government and a new House of Commons,
there will be new Bills that cannot go through that
procedure.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): The
Deputy Leader of the House will be aware that in the
previous Parliament many Bills were almost totally
rewritten during their passage through the House. In
due course, after the Government have had time to
write their Bills, will the Deputy Leader of the House be
able to say that pre-legislative scrutiny will be the norm,
and not the exception, for a Bill in this Parliament?
Mr Heath: The hon. Gentleman makes the important
point that what is most important is that Bills are
written correctly and are made right first time, rather
than having them rewritten, as was so often the case
under the previous Administration. [Interruption.] We
hear protestations from Opposition Members, but may
I remind them that in the 2009-10 Session only five Bills
were submitted for pre-legislative scrutiny and in the
2008-09 Session there were only four, whereas we have
already announced three.
Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North) (Lab): The
Deputy Leader of the House referred to someone’s
opinion about pre-legislative scrutiny. What does he
think of the opinion that all Bills should be given
12 weeks of pre-legislative scrutiny? That was the opinion
of his right hon. Friend the Leader of the House,
writing to the Liaison Committee last week. Is it not a
travesty of the processes of this House that my Select
Committee on Political and Constitutional Reform has
only been able to squeeze in a maximum of three
sessions to look at two very important Bills? Will the
Deputy Leader of the House not cite past precedent,
but try to set future precedent to do this job properly?
Mr Heath: I hope that the hon. Gentleman’s Committee
will do an excellent job in looking at those Bills as they
are taken forward. The critical period is between Second
Reading and Committee, when Members consider
amendments that they may wish to table. I hope that his
Committee will take full advantage of that period by
having as many sittings as he requires in order to do
that work.
HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION
The hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the
House of Commons Commission, was asked—
Early-day Motions
6. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): How much
it costs to print early-day motions in 2009-10. [10703]
Sir Stuart Bell (Middlesbrough): The cost of publishing
early-day motions, including printing, staff time and
technical support, was approximately £1 million in
the financial year 2009-10. Printing alone accounts for
some £776,000.
713 Oral Answers
Mr Hollobone: Taxpayers will be shocked by the
figures that the hon. Gentleman has just read out to the
House. Should this not offer scope for huge cost savings
and, hopefully, be another nail in the coffin of the
wretched EDM system?
Sir Stuart Bell: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman
for his remarks, and he will be happy to know that from
the start of this parliamentary Session older EDMs
have not been reprinted weekly, saving 2.5 million sheets
of paper and up to £300,000 in printing costs per year.
Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): I confess that I have
been here for only 18 years but I have not yet seen an
EDM debated. Would it not be a good idea for us to
pick four or five EDMs for debate in the course of a
year and therefore, through the Backbench Business
Committee or the Leader of the House, vent those
issues and make the system better value for money?
Sir Stuart Bell: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend,
but I cannot add to the points made by the Deputy
Leader of the House and the Parliamentary Secretary,
Cabinet Office, the hon. Member for Forest of Dean
(Mr Harper). As my right hon. Friend will no doubt
know, this is a matter for the Procedure Committee or
the Backbench Business Committee.
Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Would it not be a
good way to save money to publish EDMs just on the
internet and not print them on the Order Paper?
Sir Stuart Bell: That is an interesting point. In 2007
the Procedure Committee said there should be no electronic
tabling of EDMs without stronger authentication than
that in place for questions.
Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Why?
Sir Stuart Bell: My hon. Friend asks why. The Procedure
Committee said there should not be such electronic
tabling unless
“significantly stronger authentication than is currently required
for parliamentary questions can be guaranteed”.
26 JULY 2010 Oral Answers 714
The Procedure Committee went on to say that it cannot
therefore
“recommend the introduction of e-tabling for EDMs.”
I am happy to answer the hon. Gentleman’s question,
and my hon. Friend’s question from a sedentary position.
Running Costs
7. Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): Whether
the House of Commons Commission plans to seek the
views of hon. Members on ways of reducing the
running costs of the House. [10704]
Sir Stuart Bell: The Commission will seek the view of
Members in the normal way through the Finance and
Services Committee and the Administration Committee.
I am pleased to see on today’s Order Paper the submission
of names to the will of the House for both those
Committees. The Commission will also welcome the
submission of views from individual Members, which
should be sent to the secretary of the Commission.
Hugh Bayley: I understand the need for the House to
cut its costs, but I am worried about the size of the cut
in respect of Select Committee travel, because it will
undermine the ability of Parliament to scrutinise the
Government. Will the Commission seek savings in other
areas which do not have a direct impact on how Parliament
does its job? For example, at a time of widespread
public concern about public sector bonuses, will the
Commission examine what impact the bonus scheme
for senior staff of this House has had on their output
and productivity?
Sir Stuart Bell: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for
his question. On the cuts in the Select Committee
budgets, I am afraid that we are not able in this House
to distinguish between one set of expenditure and another.
The cuts announced recently are for this year only and
are in response to the general financial stringency being
applied to the public sector in the current year. Following
scrutiny by the Finance and Services Committee last
December, the Commission agreed to a reduction of
9% over three years and will consider the position for
future years in the autumn. My hon. Friend’s point
about pensions will be included in that review.
715 26 JULY 2010
Ian Tomlinson
3.31 pm
Emily Thornberry (Islington South and Finsbury)
(Lab) (Urgent Question): To ask the Attorney-General
if he will make a statement on the decision not to
prosecute any police officer in connection with the
assault and subsequent death of Ian Tomlinson?
The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve): I thank
the hon. Lady for her question. I wholly understand the
reaction of the public and of this House to the news
that the Director of Public Prosecutions considers that
he cannot bring a criminal prosecution following the
Independent Police Complaints Commission’s investigation
into the death of Mr Ian Tomlinson in April 2009. No
one who has seen the pictures of his treatment that day
could fail to be disturbed by them. The facts were
rightly and thoroughly investigated by the IPCC. In
recognition of the strong public interest in understanding
how that decision had been reached, last Thursday the
Director of Public Prosecutions, who has responsibility,
independently of Government, for the decision, made a
detailed and lengthy statement explaining it. The statement
is available on the Crown Prosecution Service website,
and I have also asked for copies of it to be placed in the
Library.
Once the IPCC has concluded its report, an inquest
will follow into the death of Mr Tomlinson under the
direction of Her Majesty’s coroner. The Metropolitan
police will also consider whether disciplinary or any
other action should be brought. It has to be remembered
that the detailed statement made by the DPP did not
purport to set out any defence that the suspected police
officer would have advanced had the case come before a
criminal court; it only centred on the evidential issues
faced in any prosecution.
From the outset, the CPS and the IPCC approached
this case on the basis that there may be evidence to
justify a charge for manslaughter. Expert evidence was
obtained with a view to establishing the cause of death.
After the original pathologist, who was appointed by
Her Majesty’s coroner, provided a second statement
about his findings, the factual basis on which the other
experts had given their opinions about the cause of
death was seriously undermined. The CPS concluded
that there was no realistic prospect of conviction for
manslaughter.
It is not appropriate practice in possible homicide
cases to bring a charge for a lesser offence such as
common assault while there remains a prospect of a
prosecution for manslaughter. But once it was clear that
a charge for manslaughter was not going to be possible,
the CPS turned to consider whether proceedings could
be brought for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
In law, a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily
harm can be brought in respect of quite minor injuries.
However, to bring a measure of consistency to charging
decisions in assault cases the CPS applies charging
standards. In the case of the G20 demonstration, for
example, after a police officer struck a woman twice
with his baton causing a similar level of injury, the CPS
brought a prosecution for common assault applying
exactly the same guidance. That officer was of course
recently acquitted by the courts.
Ian Tomlinson 716
I understand the dismay of the House at the outcome
of this case, which is that a prosecution will not be
brought for any offence. That outcome was reached
after an independent investigation of the facts by the
IPCC and independent and thorough consideration by
a senior and experienced Crown Prosecution Service
prosecutor, with the added benefit of advice from
independent leading counsel under the oversight and
with the approval of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
I have seen nothing to make me doubt the seriousness
and propriety of the decision-making process in this case.
Emily Thornberry: Does the right hon. and learned
Gentleman believe that if a member of the public had
launched an unprovoked attack on a police officer that
was immediately followed by the officer’s death, and if
that incident was on film, a pathologist of highly dubious
professionalism would have been appointed to investigate
and that that pathologist would have been allowed to
throw away samples that could have proved the link
between the assault and the death? Does he also agree
that it would be highly unlikely, even if one were to leave
aside the evidence in connection to the manslaughter,
that there would be no action on the assault?
We have all seen the film. The man was clearly
assaulted. We have also, have we not, read Nat Cary’s
evidence in which he says that there is an area of
bruising consistent with being hit with a baton? As Nat
Cary says, if that is not ABH, what is? How can the
CPS have taken 15 months to come to no conclusion? It
is not going to take any action. I suggest that that would
not have happened if the tables had been turned and
this shows that there is no equality before the law. If the
right hon. and learned Gentleman agrees, what is he
going to do about it?
The Attorney-General: I should say at the outset that
I think that the first part of the hon. Lady’s question is
based on a slightly false premise. The appointment of a
pathologist is a matter for the coroner, not for the CPS.
The first pathologist appointed in this case was appointed
by the coroner—he has the power to do that. The hon.
Lady will be aware from what was said by the DPP and
from what I said a moment ago that much flows from
that appointment. It is clear that a report was produced
that provided an indication to lead to further reports
that looked as though it might lead to showing a causal
connection between the assault and the death but that
subsequently a further factual statement from the
pathologist first appointed by the coroner entirely
undermined the basis on which any further expert view
could be taken of the case by other pathologists. That is
at the root of the problem.
As for the hon. Lady’s suggestion that in some way
this case would have been treated differently had it
involved the death of a police officer, I have no reason
to think that that is the case. It is right to say that when
the matter was first drawn to the attention of Her
Majesty’s coroner, it might not have been apparent at
that stage—because the video evidence had not become
available—that this was not a sudden death on the
fringe of the G20 demonstration rather than something
that was intimately linked to it, as became clear when
the video evidence became available.
Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab): I should
like to thank the Attorney-General for the elaboration
that he has given. It seems to me that the decision not to
717 Ian Tomlinson 26 JULY 2010
prosecute appears to rest on the divergence of medical
opinion between the three pathologists who have conducted
post-mortems, creating evidential problems for the DPP
when considering the likelihood of proving a causal
link between the push and the blow that, as we have all
seen, were struck at Mr Tomlinson and his subsequent
death. However, is it not the case that the decision of
medical authorities to charge Dr Patel, the first pathologist,
with 26 counts of misconduct is materially important?
The public will find it difficult to understand how the
opinion of a doctor facing 26 charges of misconduct
before the General Medical Council can in effect muddy
the evidential waters in this very serious case to such an
extent that a prosecution cannot proceed in a case
where the public interest is not served, as I think the
right hon. and learned Gentleman would probably agree,
by such a decision.
Prosecuting authorities, of course, are rightly
independent, but what powers of supervision does the
Attorney-General have over their decisions? In view of
the GMC’s charges against Dr Patel, has he asked the
DPP to review his decision about whether to bring
charges, given that the other two pathologists—Dr Cary
and Dr Shorrock—agree that Mr Tomlinson’s death
was a result of internal bleeding from blunt force trauma
to the abdomen? If not, will he now do so?
I am sure that the Attorney-General agrees—and
would say again—how important it is that justice is seen
to be done, freely and fairly, with all being equal before
the law. The unfortunate circumstances of this case do
not appear to show that at present.
The Attorney-General: As for the hon. Lady’s last
comment, I entirely endorse what she says. On her
earlier comments, I am not in a position to make a
judgment on the misconduct allegations that may pertain
to the pathologist, Dr Patel, which I understand arise
out of other matters. Neither am I in a position to
comment on questions of expertise. As I tried to make
clear a moment ago, this is about an issue of fact.
Dr Patel carried out the first post-mortem examination,
which included certain conclusions about blood in the
abdominal cavity. Subsequently, he factually retracted
those statements, or altered them markedly, putting a
completely different complexion on what conclusions
could be drawn from the evidence and whether, in
particular, any connection could be made between the
blow that one can see being struck on the video, the fall
that followed and the actual cause of death. I understand
that that lies at the root of the Crown Prosecution
Service’s difficulties in this case.
The hon. Lady also asked about my powers of
supervision and superintendence. I have those—they
are my ability to ask questions. As she might appreciate,
I have certainly had an opportunity to do that, but this
is not my decision and I have not been in a position to
review the evidence. As I said earlier, I have no reason to
think, from anything I have heard, that this matter was
not most conscientiously and fully inquired into with a
clear desire to see justice being done. The decision is
potentially open to being reviewed by means of judicial
review—that could happen if someone wished it to take
place—but I want to make it clear that on the basis of
what I have been told and what I have discussed, but not
on a review of the evidence, it seems to me that the CPS
has acted with complete propriety in this matter and in
trying to take it forward.
Ian Tomlinson 718
Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Does my
right hon. and learned Friend accept that the CPS
might have acted with complete propriety but that its
actions have nothing to do with the delivery of justice in
this case? Does he understand that to allow the findings
of a pathologist who has previously found a victim of
the Camden ripper in 2002 to have died of natural
causes resulting from heart disease to trump the considered
verdicts of two other pathologists is far from satisfactory?
Is he more understanding than I am of the fact that the
Director of Public Prosecutions can take the view that
the findings amount to an irreconcilable disagreement
between experts rather than between two experts and
one incompetent who ought to be disregarded?
The Attorney-General: I fully understand my hon.
Friend’s concerns, but at the risk of repeating myself, I
must restate the key point. This is not just a disagreement
between experts: it is about a key matter of fact that had
to be established at the outset, which has been left
completely unclear. On the basis of the facts as now
stated, it does not lend support to there being a causal
connection between the blow and the death. That might
be a profoundly unsatisfactory state of affairs, but I
simply say that the CPS has to go with the material that
is available to it, and it cannot manufacture it or wish
that something different had happened from what actually
happened. From that point of view and bearing in mind
my responsibility in this matter, in seeking to answer the
House’s questions properly, I repeat that the CPS seems,
from what I have been told, to have acted with complete
propriety in investigating this matter.
Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): The Attorney-General
might recall that at the instigation of the hon. Member
for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) the Select
Committee on Home Affairs held an inquiry into the
G20 riots and made passing comment on the case of
Ian Tomlinson. Two recommendations were put forward,
one of which concerned the use of untrained officers.
The other involved the Committee’s concern about the
prospect that communication between the police and
the public at that time, and the tactics that were used,
might undermine public confidence and trust in the
police. Have those two recommendations been addressed?
If not, will the Attorney-General write to me and let me
know what progress has been made?
The Attorney-General: I think the right hon. Gentleman
will understand that those questions fall slightly outside
the remit for my area of responsibility. My right hon.
Friend the Home Secretary is sitting on my left, however,
and I am sure that is a reflection of the seriousness with
which she takes the entirety of the matters that the right
hon. Gentleman has just expounded. I hope very much,
therefore, that my right hon. Friend will be in a position
to answer the question that he raised.
Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): It is
important not to prejudice any further action, but does
the Attorney-General agree that to avoid the impression
of a cover-up it is also important that the CPS considers
all the evidence that will be presented at the inquest and
whether it warrants taking action against the officer
then?
719 Ian Tomlinson 26 JULY 2010
The Attorney-General: The hon. Gentleman makes a
perfectly good point. As I indicated, the matter is not at
an end. There will be an inquest and there is the IPCC
report to the Home Secretary. If it were, indeed, the
case that further evidence emerged, I have not the
slightest doubt that the CPS would wish to consider it.
Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab):
The issues causing my constituents concern are, first,
the seeming failure of the Metropolitan police ever to
learn from their past mistakes and, secondly, that the
CPS seems to have endowed the medical evidence with
undue weight and ignored the other manifest evidence
that was in the public domain. If there is to be an
inquest, will the family of Mr Tomlinson be afforded
any kind of financial support by the Government, given
the swingeing cuts that have been introduced to the
legal financial service?
The Attorney-General: On that latter and final point,
I have to tell the hon. Lady that it is a matter for my
right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for
Justice. As she is aware, provision is available to help
families in certain inquests and that matter would have
to be considered. It would also have to be considered by
the Legal Services Commission to which application
would be made.
May I return to this point: I do not think it is a
question of the application of undue weight on anything?
The responsibility of the CPS is to apply the code and
test of Crown prosecutors as to whether there is a basis
on which a prosecution can be brought. In a case of
prosecution for manslaughter, that is not possible for
the reasons I have already given the House and the hon.
Lady. In a case of assault occasioning actual bodily
harm, if the CPS were to depart from its own standards
and guidelines, which have, I think, been in existence for
some 15 years—I seem to recollect they were introduced
following some criticisms that there were excessive variations
in when assault occasioning actual bodily harm was
charged or not—that decision could be open to criticism
and challenge.
Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): Is it not time
that coroners were issued with new guidance that they
should not appoint pathologists when there is a direct
and/or present relationship with the police force they
are investigating?
The Attorney-General: My hon. Friend raises an
interesting question. Normally, as I understand it, that
is a matter for the discretion of the coroner. It may be
that one of the matters arising from this case that needs
to be considered is how pathologists are appointed by
coroners in all cases.
Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Stoke Newington)
(Lab): Does the Attorney-General agree that a key
element in upholding the rule of law is people’s confidence
in the rule of law? Does he also agree that a number of
issues associated with this case have tended to undermine
that confidence both for the tragic Tomlinson family
and for the community as a whole? The question of the
pathologist’s competence has been touched on, but
there is also the chequered history of the policeman
involved—at one point, he was actually discharged from
the Metropolitan Police Service. There is also the question
of the length of time it took the CPS to finish the
Ian Tomlinson 720
inquiry, which has meant that no prosecution of any
kind may be brought. Does the right hon. and learned
Gentleman agree that all of us in the House who are
committed to upholding the rule of law have reason to
be concerned about what has happened in this case?
The Attorney-General: I certainly endorse the hon.
Lady’s final comment. Yes, and I hope I made it clear
that there is something profoundly unsatisfactory about
a conflict of evidence arising on facts and matters of
this kind. Some matters the hon. Lady raises are not
within my province, but there may well be some lessons
to be learned, and as I indicated previously, this matter
is at least not yet completely at an end. That having
been said, prosecutors have to see that the law is observed,
but they have to act within the law and on the evidence.
They are constrained by that; indeed, that is one of
their responsibilities and duties. The fact that the evidence
ends up unsatisfactory and that the matter cannot
therefore be taken any further does not mean that they
have not done their job properly.
Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Does
the Attorney-General accept that, whatever may be the
normal practice, there was nothing to prevent the CPS
from bringing a simple assault charge while other matters
continued to be investigated? Does he also recognise
that the urgency of creating a system of genuinely
independent medical examiners, as recommended after
the Shipman case and by the Justice Committee, is
confirmed by aspects of this case?
The Attorney-General: The right hon. Gentleman
raises the question of whether an assault charge could
have been brought while the investigation continued. I
say simply that it could have been. The difficulty that
might have arisen is that if that assault charge had been
taken to conclusion through the courts during the period
of the investigation and subsequently the material on
which a manslaughter charge could have been based
became apparent, it might then have been impossible to
proceed with the manslaughter charge. I do not think
that that matter can simply be overlooked.
I did not fully respond to the point put by the hon.
Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington
(Ms Abbott) about the timing. I simply say this: there
was an IPCC inquiry first of all, which took some
months. By the time the Crown Prosecution Service got
the material in this case, time had already gone on a fair
bit. In those circumstances, I do not take the view from
what I have seen that the CPS was in any way dilatory in
trying to bring this matter to a conclusion.
Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Does the
Attorney-General understand that a lot of people view
his remarks today and his response to my hon. Friend
the Member for Islington South and Finsbury (Emily
Thornberry) with utter consternation? As my hon. Friend
the Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington
(Ms Abbott) pointed out, this is a question of justice
and of seeing justice to be done. If we are to have any
confidence in the judicial system and in the ability of
the Government or the CPS to mount a prosecution,
something must happen in this case where a wholly
innocent man was killed in broad daylight on the streets
of London and no action appears to be imminent on
this matter.
721 Ian Tomlinson 26 JULY 2010
The Attorney-General: As I said, anyone who saw the
video of what happened must be seized with very serious
concern about the matter. That is a view that I entirely
endorse. Therefore, for the same reason, I am extremely
unhappy, as I am sure everyone in the House is, that we
should be in the position that we are in today with such
a complete lack of clarity in the matter. There may well
be lessons to be learned overall, but I came to the House
to answer for the CPS, which had to take the material
available to it and act on it. As I said before, I do not
believe there is anything in what I have seen of how the
CPS has conducted itself in this matter to make me
think that it was not seeking throughout to try to ensure
that justice was done in this case. I hope that the hon.
Gentleman will be able to accept that.
Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Does the
Minister agree that the liberty of every citizen in this
country relies on the separation of powers, that members
of the public should not be tried by television and the
media and that the CPS has looked at this properly and
reached a proper decision?
The Attorney-General: My hon. Friend does make an
important point—in this country, we have the presumption
of innocence and it is also right that we only prosecute
where the code test is passed and there is a credible basis
on which a prosecution can be brought. Those are
onerous burdens for the CPS, which it has to discharge
impartially, free of political control and fearlessly. I
have not the slightest doubt that in this matter that is
what it has sought to do. The fact that the outcome is
unsatisfactory—from the House’s viewpoint and that of
many, particularly, I might add, the family of the deceased,
for whom everyone in the House must have the greatest
sympathy—does not, in fact, undermine the validity of
what the CPS was trying to do.
Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): Does
the right hon. and learned Gentleman accept that, on
the CPS’s lack of proceeding against the officer, one
aspect that causes concern is his alleged chequered
history? According to press reports, he left the Met
under a cloud, was re-employed as a clerk, successfully
applied to Surrey constabulary for a position and then
transferred back to the Met. Can the right hon. and
learned Gentleman advise us, in his knowledge, whether
Ian Tomlinson 722
that aspect of Metropolitan Police Authority recruitment
policy is being examined as part of the process in
respect of the prosecution, and whether, if there is a
lesson for the Home Office on inter-constabulary transfers,
that matter will be brought to the attention of the
House?
The Attorney-General: The Home Secretary is sitting
on my left, and she has had the opportunity of hearing
the hon. Gentleman. As he will appreciate, the points
that he makes are again outside the remit of myself as a
Law Officer and, indeed, of the Crown Prosecution
Service, but I fully accept that they are perfectly pertinent.
Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con): Would my right hon.
and learned Friend be able to assist in this way: cases
involving causation are always difficult, but did the
Crown Prosecution Service consider two other charges
available to it, neither of which would have been time-
barred, namely affray and misfeasance in public office?
The Attorney-General: So far as affray is concerned, I
am not aware of whether it was considered, and it does
not immediately spring to mind as appropriately reflecting
what happened in the case. So far as misconduct in
public office is concerned, the matter can be looked at,
but the test in misconduct in public office is quite clear:
it should not be used as a substitute to get around a
substantive offence being brought. For those reasons,
the CPS took the view that misconduct in public office
was not an appropriate charge to bring, and in that it is
certainly backed by all precedent.
Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): Is it
true that the coroner, Professor Paul Matthews, refused
to allow two IPCC investigators to attend the first
post-mortem and failed to advise Mr Tomlinson’s family
about their rights in relation to the second post-mortem?
If so, how can any of us have any confidence in his
ability to conduct an inquest that will have such a
crucial bearing on any future decision by the CPS?
The Attorney-General: As to the latter point about
the family, I am not in a position to comment. As to the
first, on whether the coroner insisted that a post- mortem
go ahead with Dr Patel only, I think that I am in a
position to confirm that that is what he did.
723 26 JULY 2010
Policing in the 21st Century
3.58 pm
The Secretary of State for the Home Department
(Mrs Theresa May): With permission, Mr Speaker, I
would like to make a statement about a consultation
paper that I am publishing today. Entitled “Policing in
the 21st Century: Reconnecting police and the people”,
it sets out the most radical reforms to policing in at least
50 years.
For this Government, police reform is a priority, not
just because we inherited the worst public finances of
any major economy, but because for too long the police
have become disconnected from the communities that
they serve, been bogged down by bureaucracy and
answered to distant politicians instead of to the people.
Crime remains too high, too many families and communities
suffer from antisocial behaviour and barely half the
public are confident that important local issues are
dealt with. Meanwhile, the challenges that we face have
changed. Terrorism, the growth in serious and organised
crime and cybercrime all require new approaches that
cross not just police force boundaries, but international
borders.
First, we will transfer power back to the people. We
will introduce directly elected police and crime
commissioners by 2012. The commissioners will set the
police budget, determine police force priorities and
have the power to hire and, where necessary, fire their
chief constable. To help the public hold their local
police to account, we will publish local crime data and
mandate local beat meetings so that people can challenge
the performance of their neighbourhood policing teams.
Secondly, we will return professional responsibility to
police officers. Front-line staff will no longer be form
writers; they will be crime fighters, freed from bureaucracy
and central guidance and trusted to get on with their
jobs. We have scrapped the policing pledge. We have got
rid of the confidence target. We will restore police
discretion over charging decisions for particular offences.
We will limit the reporting requirements for “stop and
search” and we will scrap the “stop” form in its entirety.
Thirdly, we will shift the focus of Government. As
the Home Affairs Committee noted during the previous
Parliament, the previous Government tried to micro-
manage local policing but failed to support forces effectively
on national issues, so we will build on the work of the
Serious Organised Crime Agency to create a more
powerful national crime agency, which will tackle organised
crime and protect our borders. We will phase out the
National Policing Improvement Agency and scrap Labour’s
plans for a statutory police senior appointments panel.
We will discuss with the Association of Chief Police
Officers the way forward in its role as a professional
leadership body.
Fourthly, we will make the police more efficient at
force, regional and national levels so that front-line
local policing can be sustained. To this end, we are
already consulting separately on police procurement
regulations to get better value for taxpayers’ money.
Fifthly, we will unleash the power of community
pride and civic responsibility, so that people can come
together to cut crime. We will therefore look for a
cost-effective way to establish 101 as a single police
non-emergency number so that it is easier to report
Policing in the 21st Century 724
crime and antisocial behaviour. We will also do more to
encourage active citizens to become special constables,
community crime fighters and members of neighbourhood
watch groups.
There is nothing inevitable about crime. That is why
we are determined to press ahead with these reforms,
which demonstrate our determination to undo the damage
of the Labour years, put the people back in charge, and
rid our communities of crime, antisocial behaviour and
disorder. I commend the statement to the House.
Alan Johnson (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle)
(Lab): The statement should be entitled, “Policing in
the 21st Century: How to make the job harder”. As
usual, the Home Secretary trots out her infantile drivel
about the last Labour Government, probably written by
some pimply nerd foisted on her office by No. 10.
The Home Secretary said that she aims to undo the
damage of the Labour years. That damage was recorded
in the Home Office’s statistics on 15 July. Here it is:
overall crime is down by 50%, violent crime is down by
50%, property crime is down by 55%, the murder rate is
at its lowest level since at any time over the past 20 years,
and the chance of being a victim of crime is at its lowest
level since records began in 1981—21.5%, down from
its peak of 40% under the Conservatives. That is the
damage that she is seeking to undo—the kind of damage
that any Government would be proud of.
The Home Secretary is about to have her budget cut
by at least 25%.
Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): Thanks to you.
Alan Johnson: Thanks to us, the hon. Lady says from
a sedentary position. I remind her that we were making
the police a priority and guaranteeing the funding for
record numbers of police officers.
Last week’s report by Her Majesty’s inspectorate of
constabulary and the Audit Commission made it plain
that any cuts above 12% were bound adversely to affect
front-line policing. Soon we will learn how the Government
plan to restrict the use of the DNA database and
CCTV, and thus make it harder for the police to catch
criminals. Today we have the final part of the triple
whammy—structural upheaval through the imposition
of elected commissioners and the abolition of the Serious
Organised Crime Agency. Perhaps the Home Secretary
can tell me which chief constables, which police authority
chairs or even which local authority leaders support the
replacement of police authorities by a single elected
commissioner. Sir Simon Milton, when he was the
Conservative head of the Local Government Association,
said:
“there are already people elected at local level to represent the
community and be advocates over a range of services—they’re
called councillors”.
Is not the Home Secretary setting up, in Sir Simon
Milton’s words,
“a parallel and potentially conflicting system with a competing
mandate”?
Sir Hugh Orde has said:
“Every professional bone in my body tells me”
that having elected commissioners
“is a bad idea that could drive a coach and horses through the
current model of accountability and add nothing but confusion.”
725 Policing in the 21st Century 26 JULY 2010
The Conservative chair of the Association of Police
Authorities has said that the idea appears to be driven
by dogma, and Richard Kemp, the leader of the Liberal
Democrat group on the Local Government Association,
has said that the vast majority of the 3,700 Lib Dem
councillors—a figure soon to be drastically reduced at
the next election—oppose an elected commissioner.
Does the Home Secretary not think that the narrower
the remit of the position, the weaker the case for having
the occupier of that position decided by ballot?
How will the Home Secretary safeguard the operational
independence of the chief constable? As the APA has
pointed out, police authorities have done a great deal
over the past few years to ensure that the public understand
their role and that police authority members are properly
equipped and trained to operate effectively. There is a
clear argument for enhancing and increasing the role
and responsibility of local government, so that local
councillors have a clear mandate for holding the police
to account. That is the route that we should be taking,
rather than this unnecessary, unwanted and expensive
diversion. Can the Home Secretary tell me whether the
LGA is right when it states that the elected commissioners
will cost £50 million? What is her estimate?
The coalition agreement talked about refocusing the
Serious Organised Crime Agency, not eliminating it.
That organisation was formed only four years ago, and
the structural upheaval then took years to settle down.
Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): It was
yours.
Alan Johnson: It was our structural upheaval, I agree
completely, but that is what occurs with any reorganisation.
To put people through another structural upheaval four
years later is simply madness.
In 2006, SOCA was wrongly described as replicating
the FBI, and reports over the weekend gave the same
description. Does the Home Secretary think it is accurate?
She will be aware of Sir Paul Stephenson’s John Harris
memorial lecture recently, which rejected the FBI option.
Sir Paul set out a model built upon SOCA, not upon
replacing it, and his national federated model has much
to commend it. Why is the Home Secretary not pursuing
that alternative?
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre
does fantastic work. To build upon that work, we were
moving it away from SOCA to be a non-departmental
public body. Will the Home Secretary continue that
process, and if not, why not?
Will the dedicated border force replace the UK Border
Agency, and how many jobs will be lost as a result of
these initiatives in SOCA, the UKBA, the National
Policing Improvement Agency and elsewhere?
We have yet to hear a word from this Government
about how they plan to cut crime. All we have heard is
how they will cut officer numbers, prison places and
police powers. Today, the Home Secretary has managed
to reannounce at least three decisions that we had
already taken in government. She says that she will
mandate beat meetings to challenge the performance of
neighbourhood policing teams, having scrapped the
policing pledge drawn up by chief constables themselves
to provide exactly that mandate.
Policing in the 21st Century 726
The Home Secretary inherited the Department when
crime had fallen substantially, public confidence in the
police had never been higher and public concern about
antisocial behaviour had never been lower. She says she
is pursuing bold policies; in fact she is pursuing bad
policies. I was pleased to see the Government’s U-turn
on anonymity for rape defendants; elected commissioners
need to go the same way.
Mrs May: I have to say to the shadow Home Secretary
that I find his complacent attitude in relation to what
has happened over recent years rather surprising. As far
we are concerned, we do need to fight and cut crime, but
our streets can never be too safe and we will not be
complacent about the antisocial behaviour and crime
that still blight the lives of too many people in this
country.
The right hon. Gentleman talks about the damage
that is being done, but I will tell him when damage is
done to policing in this country. It is when, as Her
Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary reported last
week, at any one point an average of only 11% of police
officers are out on our streets. It is when the average
police constable is spending only 14% of their time on
the streets and 22% in filling forms. The Labour
Government did that damage over 13 years.
The right hon. Gentleman mentioned the DNA database.
It is extraordinary that he is still willing to defend a
Government who wanted to put innocent people’s DNA
on the database, but were not willing to ensure that they
had the DNA of all the people in prison on that
database.
The right hon. Gentleman asks who supports the
decision to have directly elected commissioners and
elected representatives of the people. He will find some
support from the following quote:
“we will legislate to strengthen the democratic link with the public
by introducing local, directly elected crime and policing
representatives.”—[Official Report, 17 July 2008; Vol. 479, c.435.]
Those are not my words, but those of the right hon.
Gentleman’s predecessor as Home Secretary, the right
honourable Jacqui Smith.
The right hon. Gentleman talks about the need to
publish figures. Of course, we will in due course publish
figures in relation to the police commissioners as well as
the business case for the national crime agency. He
mentioned its role and the need for it. Only two weeks
ago in the Police Foundation lecture, the Metropolitan
Police Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson, raised the
need for us to strengthen the tasking and co-ordination
of response to serious organised crime. That is what the
national crime agency will do. It will also deliver our
commitment for a border police force and strengthen
our ability to protect our borders.
On the shadow Home Secretary’s comments about
cuts in budgets, I simply refer him to two things. First,
he seems to have forgotten that, in the words of the
former Labour Chief Secretary to the Treasury, “There
is no money left.” Secondly, it would be helpful for the
House to know that yesterday, on Sky News, the shadow
Home Secretary confirmed that, in a Labour Government,
he would have cut police budgets.
Several hon. Members rose—
727 Policing in the 21st Century 26 JULY 2010
Mr Speaker: Order. A great many hon. Members
wish to take part, but there is important business to
follow and there are real pressures on time. Single, short
supplementary questions and brief replies are therefore
required.
Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): Does
the Home Secretary agree that the checks and balances
that apply to elected police commissioners must be
strong enough to stop populist politicians turning policing
into their personal fiefdoms?
Mrs May: I think that everybody in politics aims to
represent the people and their views. The point of
directly elected commissioners is to replace bureaucratic
accountability with democratic accountability. However,
the hon. Gentleman is right that checks and balances
need to be in place. That is why we will introduce the
police and crime panels, drawn from local authority
representatives and independent members, with powers
to look at the commissioner of police’s plans in their
area and to raise public concerns if they wish to do that.
Mr David Blunkett (Sheffield, Brightside and
Hillsborough) (Lab): I will leave aside the fact that the
Government came to power promising to stop constant
reorganisations but have done nothing but reorganise.
Will the Home Secretary confirm that SOCA in its
current guise is being abolished and that the intelligence
function, which is crucial to dealing with, for example,
the cybercrime and e-crime that she mentioned, will go
with it? Does she therefore propose to enhance the role
of the excellent police e-crime unit in the Met, or to
transfer the powers to that amorphous body, the NCA?
Mrs May: The right hon. Gentleman’s assumption
that SOCA’s intelligence-gathering capability will be
abolished is completely wrong. We intend to build on
and harness the intelligence-gathering expertise that has
been built up in SOCA in the past few years as part of
the serious organised crime command in the national
crime agency.
Given that, in November 2003, the right hon.
Gentleman’s proposals included changing police authorities
so that they would be wholly or partially directly elected
rather than appointed, I am sorry that he has not
supported our proposal for directly elected commissioners.
Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con):
Given that the Home Affairs Committee found that
SOCA managed to seize only £1 from organised crime
gangs for every £15 of its budget, will the Home Secretary
reassure us that her proposals for the national crime
agency will be more effective in cutting not only crime,
but waste?
Mrs May: I am happy to give that assurance to my hon.
Friend. SOCA has built up expertise in intelligence
gathering, but we need to do more. We need to put more
focus in this country on fighting serious organised
crime, which is what the command within the NCA will
be able to do.
Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): The Home
Secretary will know that effective policing in this country
is absolutely dependent on good intelligence at every
level. How will she ensure that the relationships between
local authorities and the police, which are essential not
Policing in the 21st Century 728
only for neighbourhood policing, but for that golden
thread of intelligence that goes all the way through to
tackling terrorism, are maintained under her proposals?
Mrs May: I thank the right hon. Lady for her question
and for raising the point about the golden thread that
runs through policing. It is absolutely essential that we
retain that golden thread from local neighbourhood
policing all the way through to the work done at national
level to fight serious organised crime, terrorism and so
on. However, one of the points of introducing directly
elected police and crime commissioners is to ensure that
someone in each force has a direct responsibility to the
people, which will ensure that they represent the needs
of the people in local policing.
Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): The
Home Secretary has done what the Opposition failed to
do—she has stood up to the vested interests and put the
police under democratic control. Since she does not
envisage allowing directly elected individuals to direct
particular investigations, will she assure the House that
she will not sign up to a European investigation order
that would allow political appointees in other member
states to do precisely that?
Mrs May: We are considering our response to the
proposals for the European investigation order, and I
will ensure that the House is informed of our decision
on it. I suggest that my hon. Friend has another look at
the order if that is his interpretation of it.
Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): I thank the right
hon. Lady for clarifying that the Government intend
not to abolish SOCA, but rather to build on it. How will
she ensure that efforts are made locally and regionally,
whether by elected commissioners or chief constables,
to focus on serious organised crime, so that the national
agency can perform appropriately and for the benefit of
the whole country?
Mrs May: I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for
raising that important point. Of course, individual police
forces will still have a responsibility to deal with serious
organised crime, but we need to strengthen that national
co-ordination and tasking in relation to such crime,
which is why we are bringing the serious organised
crime command into the national crime agency. However,
we are also looking at imposing strong duties of
collaboration among police forces to ensure that, when
collaboration across force boundaries is necessary to
deal with issues such as serious organised crime, that
does indeed take place.
Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South) (LD): Will
the Home Secretary give an assurance to the House and
police forces in England and Wales that they need not
fear that they will be forced into amalgamations because
of the changes, and that we are not going to resurrect
the Labour party’s proposals from its last term in
power?
Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising
that point and for enabling me to put absolutely clearly
on the record that this Government will not try to
impose mergers on police forces. If police forces voluntarily
wish to merge and come forward not only with a strong
729 Policing in the 21st Century 26 JULY 2010
business case, but with clear indications that such a
merger is supported by the local communities, we will of
course look at that, but we will not, unlike the previous
Government, try to impose mergers on forces.
Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): May I welcome a
number of the Home Secretary’s proposals today that
are in keeping with recommendations made by the
Select Committee on Home Affairs last year? I was
going to say that she nicked the name of our last report
for her White Paper, but I will be generous and say that
she borrowed it. She is right about SOCA, and clearly,
£79 million on National Policing Improvement Agency
consultants is far too much, but will she give the House
an assurance that, whatever the reorganisation entails,
front-line policing will not be affected; that the number
of officers on the front line will remain the same; that
our fight against terrorism will be as strong as it has
been over the past few years; and that we will not give in
to the serious organised crime gangs?
Mrs May: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his
questions, for the work that the Home Affairs Committee
has done under his chairmanship and for the issues that
it has identified, to which I referred in my statement. I
can confirm to him—and it is clear in the document—that
our work on counter-terrorism is a good example of
forces coming together and working together, and we
have no plans to change the arrangements that are in
place. In relation to front-line policing, this Government
want to strengthen it. We want to slash the bureaucracy
and get the police where they should be—out on the
streets.
Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): In setting
up the new national crime agency, will my right hon.
Friend ensure that it does not make the same mistakes
as its predecessor bodies in setting artificial targets for
the confiscation of the proceeds of crime, which have
often led to inappropriate and wasteful proceedings?
Mrs May: It is one of the characteristics of the
previous Government that they set more store by setting
targets than by ensuring outcomes and giving bodies
the freedom to do what was necessary to get on with the
job and fight crime.
Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab): Can the Home
Secretary tell the House whether she has had any
independent assessment made of the likely impact of
these proposals on crime rates?
Mrs May: The Government’s intention throughout
the actions that we have announced today is to strengthen
the fight against crime at local, regional and national
levels.
Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): Can my
right hon. Friend confirm that for elected commissioners
to work in the court of public opinion they will have to
have real teeth? I am pleased to hear that they will have
the powers to hire and fire. Will she confirm that those
powers will not be watered down in the legislation?
Mrs May: I can confirm that our intention is as set
out in the document today and that the directly elected
police and crime commissioners will have the ability to
appoint, and if necessary remove, the chief constable.
Policing in the 21st Century 730
Sir Gerald Kaufman (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab): Is
the Home Secretary aware that while concern about the
impact of crime will always be great among our constituents,
in my constituency the police—led by Inspector Damian
O’Reilly and his colleagues—have great achievements
in reducing crime levels and improving detection rates
in several categories? Does she accept that, if those
achievements—achieved with the support of the Labour
Government and Manchester Labour council—deteriorate
in any way, it will be her cuts and her reorganisation
that will be held responsible?
Mrs May: I of course commend the work that is
being done on the ground by individual police officers,
such as those whom the right hon. Gentleman mentioned.
This Government want to strengthen the fight against
crime. He returns—as did the shadow Home Secretary—to
the issue of cuts. Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary
reported last week that it thinks that it will be possible
to find 12% budget cuts in the police force without
affecting front-line policing. The reason that we are
having to look at the sort of spending cuts across
Government that we are—[Interruption.] Labour Front
Benchers may groan, but they know that it is their fault:
it is the legacy of the last Labour Government.
Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): Does the
Home Secretary agree that having directly elected police
commissioners will help to improve the public’s trust
and confidence in our police force by ensuring that the
police listen to local people?
Mrs May: My hon. Friend makes an important and
valid point. We need to restore that confidence and the
link between the police and the public—the link that
has sadly been damaged over the years by the increased
bureaucracy and imposition from the centre under the
last Labour Government. He is right that our proposals
will increase the public’s confidence.
Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) (DUP): There will be
concerns about the possible disruption of activities
against organised crime as a result of the changeover
from SOCA to the national crime agency. What contact
has the Home Secretary had with regional assemblies
across the UK and can she give an assurance that the
formation of the new agency will not mean a downgrading
of the fight against crime in regions such as Northern
Ireland?
Mrs May: We certainly wish to ensure that the fight
against crime is in no way downgraded; indeed, the
whole purpose of our proposals is to help to strengthen
the fight against crime across the UK, as I have said in
answer to a number of questions. The directly elected
police commissioners will relate to England and Wales,
and both the Minister for Police and I have had discussions
with the Welsh Assembly.
Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): In welcoming
my right hon. Friend’s excellent statement, may I urge
her to consider extending control to the Crown Prosecution
Service? We saw in the earlier statement the difficulties
that we have with the uniquely British system of having
a prosecution organisation that is wholly independent
of accountability.
731 Policing in the 21st Century 26 JULY 2010
Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for raising an
important point. As their name suggests, the police and
crime commissioners will have a responsibility that goes
wider than simply the police force. We are looking at
how they can work with, for example, community safety
partnerships in local areas. However, we also envisage
looking at the possibility of extending the remit of
police and crime commissioners further in the criminal
justice system. Indeed, my right hon. Friend the Minister
for Police is looking at that with both the Home Office
and the Ministry of Justice.
Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab):
May I press the Home Secretary for an answer on the
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, which
has established itself as a world leader in protecting
children and finding perpetrators? All the evidence
points to the need for an independent organisation
focused on child protection. Why does she want to
shoehorn CEOP into the national crime agency?
Mrs May: There is no suggestion of shoehorning
anything. The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right
that CEOP has built up a significant reputation through
the important work that it has done. I pay tribute to
CEOP and Jim Gamble for everything that they have
done in that area. However, we are not talking about
shoehorning it into anything. What we are talking about
is greater co-ordination across a range of activities
under the national crime agency, and CEOP will be part
of that.
Mr Aidan Burley (Cannock Chase) (Con): May I
congratulate the Home Secretary on her commitment
to looking for a cost-effective way of re-establishing the
single non-emergency number, 101? May I also urge her
to undertake to build on the pilots already established
in Hampshire and elsewhere, and roll out the number
nationwide as quickly as possible, so that the general
public can have a quick and easy way to report crime
and antisocial behaviour, and an alternative to the
overloaded 999 number?
Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for making an
important point. Let me take this opportunity to put on
record my thanks to him for the work that he did at an
early stage of the introduction of the 101 number pilots.
The 101 number is an important development, and we
will do all that we can to ensure that we introduce it
cost-effectively.
Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): Can the
Home Secretary explain how having elected police
commissioners will genuinely be a step forward for
democracy when it is likely to lead to senior police
officers being chosen not for their ability to do the job,
but because of their party allegiance?
Mrs May: As the hon. Lady will know, the question
of party allegiance does not arise in relation to chief
constables, because members of the police force are not
able to be members of political parties. We are absolutely
clear that chief constables will retain their operational
independence. It is important that they and the police in
this country are able to operate without fear or favour,
and we will maintain that. However, according to a
Cabinet Office survey conducted under the last Labour
Policing in the 21st Century 732
Government, at the moment, only 7% of people in this
country know that if they have a problem with the
police, they can go to their police authority. We will
clearly be ensuring democratic accountability for the
police at local level through the introduction of police
commissioners, although I am sorry that the hon. Lady
has such a jaundiced view of the views of the British
people.
Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): As a special
constable who served in the Cheshire constabulary, I
welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement about increasing
the number of special constables. Does she agree that
these unpaid volunteers are an excellent and cost-effective
way to fight crime?
Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising
the issue of special constables. I thank him for what he
did as a special constable and place on record the
thanks of the whole House for the work that all special
constables do in helping the fight against crime. They
play an important role, and we intend to encourage
more people to take it on.
Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): Many of
the improvements that the Home Secretary has talked
about are already happening on the ground in Stoke-on-
Trent, thanks to people such as Inspector Sharrard-
Williams. Recently, however, the House might have seen
a man who runs the British National party claiming
that he has 1 million followers—that is, 1 million people
voting BNP—in the UK. What happens when the BNP
stands for one of these commissioner posts, as will
happen, and gets it?
Mrs May: This is something that the hon. Gentleman
and his colleagues have raised on a number of occasions,
and I will give him two answers. If he looks at the voting
record so far, he will see that the British National party
has never managed to get more than 15% of the vote in
an election. But let us set that to one side; I actually
believe in trusting the people of this country.
Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): I
welcome the Home Secretary’s statement as a way of
empowering communities and making our streets safe.
With regard to unnecessary bureaucracy, what steps are
being taken to review the work of the NPIA, which
costs millions and achieves nothing, according to some
senior police officers?
Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for that question.
The document makes it absolutely clear that we will be
phasing out the NPIA. We will review its functions, and
we believe that it will be necessary to transfer some of
them elsewhere, but the NPIA will be phased out.
Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab):
Neither the Home Secretary nor I would want to comment
on ongoing investigations, but I hope she will agree that
the Northumbria police force recently faced a huge and
complex challenge and that it responded to it admirably,
with the support of police forces across the north. Will
she explain to me and my constituents how this top-down
reorganisation, combined with cuts in central and local
funding, will enable the Northumbria police force to
rise to such challenges in the future?
733 Policing in the 21st Century 26 JULY 2010
Mrs May: The hon. Lady is absolutely right to say
that I would not want to comment on the ongoing
investigations into the recent work of Northumbria
police in relation to Raoul Moat. I would say, however,
that that was a good example of how a police force can
bring in resources from elsewhere. It brought in resources
from across the country, including from the Police
Service of Northern Ireland, the Met and other local
forces, in response to a very difficult situation involving
a callous murderer, Raoul Moat. I would say to the hon.
Lady that we are not imposing a top-down reorganisation;
we are talking about restoring democratic accountability,
which will enable the link between the police and the
public to be restored.
Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): What effect
does my right hon. Friend expect the national crime
agency’s border police force to have on the number of
illegal immigrants, which the previous Government
estimated to be around 700,000?
Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for her question. It
has been a long-standing concern of ours that we need
to strengthen our border protection through the
introduction of a border police force. We will do that
within the national crime agency, which will enable the
work of border police force, bringing together the work
of the UK Border Agency, Her Majesty’s Revenue and
Customs and other agencies, to link in with the work of
the serious organised crime command. That will not
only strengthen our ability to protect our borders in the
way that she suggests, but will enable us to protect this
country against serious organised crime.
Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): What is
the point of the Home Secretary giving a paean to
police community support officers when she is overseeing
a programme of cuts that has resulted in Durham
constabulary announcing last week that it would have
to remove 200 such officers?
Mrs May: I believe neighbourhood policing to be an
important part of our police landscape. The work that
can be done at local level by warranted officers and
PCSOs forms an important part of the golden thread
that runs from neighbourhood policing through to national
issues. The hon. Lady mentioned cuts in police budgets.
The in-year cut in police budgets this year is less than
1.5% across the country, and we all know why. This will
probably be a cause for groans from Labour Members
because they know what the answer is: those budgets
have been made necessary by the legacy of economic
mismanagement of the previous Labour Government.
Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): Last week,
Staffordshire police authority announced the appointment
of its first full-time chief executive, with a salary of
£85,000. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the
people of Staffordshire would rather have more influence
over policing priorities than see the appointment of
another unelected, unaccountable and expensive bureaucrat?
Mrs May: The whole point of the structure that we
are proposing is that, after May 2012, there will be
directly elected police and crime commissioners who
will set the budget and the strategic plan for the police,
and ensure that the decisions being taken are in line
with the interests of the people and with fighting crime.
Policing in the 21st Century 734
Yvonne Fovargue (Makerfield) (Lab): Given the amount
of sensitive information to which the elected commissioners
will have access, will they undergo security clearance
before standing for election? What would happen after
the election if they were elected without the appropriate
level of clearance?
Mrs May: If the hon. Lady is implying that people
who wish to stand for election should somehow be
required to have security clearance, that is a new and
interesting thought, but it is not one that I intend to
pursue.
Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Is the Home Secretary
aware that the chief constable of Essex has said in a
written statement that the opportunities presented by
elected police commissioners include the potential for
less cost, less bureaucracy and greater public clarity?
Will she agree to meet the chief constable with me, and
to support local people who believe in local democracy
for local policing?
Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for reporting
to the House the comments of the chief constable of
Essex, whom I would be delighted to meet. We have
been meeting chief constables across England and Wales
to discuss the proposals, but I would be happy to hear
what he has been able to do to fight crime and reduce
bureaucracy in Essex.
Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): The Home
Secretary has not addressed the effect of police budget
cuts on her ideas. Does she not agree that elected
commissioners are already doomed to fail, as thousands
of neighbourhood police and thousands more police
community support officers, for instance in the Cleveland
police force, are removed from the communities they
have served so well?
Mrs May: No, I do not agree that that is the implication
of what we are doing. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman
speaks to the shadow Home Secretary, who, when
challenged during the general election campaign to
guarantee that there would be no cuts to the number of
police officers under a Labour Government, simply said
that he could not make such a guarantee.
Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): I thank the
Home Secretary for making the statement now, because
in past years such announcements were made during
the recess when the House could not question a Minister.
The UK Human Trafficking Centre in Sheffield is closed
and has been incorporated into SOCA, which is now
being closed and will become the NCA. Are the
Government still committed to combating human
trafficking?
Mrs May: Yes, we are indeed still committed to
combating human trafficking. Setting up the national
crime agency, with not only the serious organised crime
command but the border police force, increasing broader
protection, will, I believe, enable our fight against trafficking
to be even stronger.
Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Will the Home Secretary
tell us how much directly elected police commissioners
will cost?
735 Policing in the 21st Century 26 JULY 2010
Mrs May: I have already referred to that question,
which was raised by the shadow Home Secretary. We
will in due course publish figures about the cost of
directly elected commissioners. As I have said elsewhere,
the introduction of directly elected commissioners is
not an attempt to make savings; it is a long-standing
commitment, which we believe is necessary to reconnect
policing and the public.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): Will
my right hon. Friend assure the House that these
commissioners will not have a new paid bureaucracy
created around them? Instead, might they be assisted by
an unpaid advisory board?
Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that
positive suggestion, which I am happy to consider.
Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab): Did the Tory
party not claim to be the party of law and order in the
past? Is the Home Secretary not embarrassed to be
the first Tory Home Secretary to set out to undermine
the police with the proposed cuts? Does she agree that
gimmicks are no substitute for substance?
Mrs May: The police have been undermined by the
way in which Whitehall has set them targets, and by
having to look constantly to Whitehall in relation to
what they do. Instead, they should respond to the needs
of people in their local area. We are strengthening the
ability of police to fight crime, slashing bureaucracy
and enabling police officers to get out on to the streets,
where the public want to see them.
Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): Does
the Home Secretary agree that the 101 phone number is
an important tool in understanding real levels of crime,
and that it is also effective in helping police officers to
know where to tackle the problem areas in the community?
Mrs May: My hon. Friend makes an extremely valid
point. The 101 phone number is important, and that is
why we are considering introducing it nationally. The
information that we will make available about crime at
street level will also be important in helping people to
tackle crime locally.
Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab):
Does the Home Secretary accept that there will have to
be a reduction in the number of front-line police officers
as a result of the additional cost of directly electing
police commissioners?
Mrs May: No.
Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): I declare my
interest as a special constable serving the British Transport
police.
Given that half of all crime is committed by 10% of
criminals, may I urge my right hon. Friend to consider
that one of the best ways of promoting policing in the
21st century would be to ensure that persistent and
prolific offenders served their full time in jail?
Mrs May: I commend my hon. Friend for his work as
a special constable with the British Transport police.
The work that they do is often forgotten, but it is an
important part of the fight against crime and the job of
keeping people safe.
Policing in the 21st Century 736
I think that what we need to do to protect people
from crime is ensure that when offenders have served
their time, we can reduce the likelihood of their reoffending.
Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): Is the
Home Secretary embarrassed about the fact that she
has not even had time to figure out the cost of the
separate police commissioner apparatus? What on earth
has she got against good old-fashioned democratic local
government as the best way of holding the police to
account?
Mrs May: I have absolutely no embarrassment in
coming to the House and making it clear that what we
will do is restore democratic accountability to the police
through the direct election of commissioners. The hon.
Gentleman speaks of local government. As a former
councillor, I believe that local government is an important
part of the strength of government in this country, but I
also believe that most people do not know what their
police authority is, or that they can consult it with a
problem relating to their policing. Now they will have
an opportunity to vote directly for the individual who
will be their police commissioner.
David Tredinnick (Bosworth) (Con): I congratulate
my right hon. Friend on going for it and introducing
directly elected commissioners. They have been very
successful in other parts of the world, particularly the
United States. However, has she thought about the
situation that might arise if a directly elected commissioner
had one policy and she had another, based on the
national interest? How would that situation be resolved?
Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for raising that
prospect. One of the purposes of directly elected
commissioners is to be responsive to local needs. Of
course it will be necessary to ensure that the collaboration
between police forces that I referred to earlier can be
undertaken when necessary, and that will also involve
ensuring that national policing issues are addressed
properly. However, it is not the Home Secretary who
should determine what happens in regard to local
policing—which is what happened under the Labour
Government—but the directly elected commissioners.
Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab): The cost of elections
in Lancashire is expected to be at least £1 million. Given
that the Home Secretary has just said that there is no
money, can she tell us whether they will be paid for by
the Treasury or by Lancashire taxpayers?
Mrs May: As I said earlier, we will release figures for
the costs in due course.
The hon. Gentleman claims that I said that there was
no money. In fact, it was the former Labour Chief
Secretary to the Treasury who said that.
Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): Now that her
right hon. Friend the Justice Secretary has explained
that crime fell under Labour because of a rise in living
standards, by what measure does the Home Secretary
estimate that crime will rise as a result of cuts in public
services, the rise in VAT and rising unemployment? Will
the direct election of commissioners mean higher living
standards for anyone other than the commissioners
themselves?
737 Policing in the 21st Century 26 JULY 2010
Mrs May: That was a slightly convoluted question, if
I may say so. I believe that directly elected commissioners
will ensure that the police forces in their areas are
responsive to local needs rather than being responsive
simply to the bureaucratic imposition from Whitehall,
as they were under the Labour Government.
Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab):
Notwithstanding the Home Secretary’s response to her
hon. Friend the Member for Bosworth (David Tredinnick),
who gave the example of directly elected commissioners
in the United States, is it not the case that, far from
crime falling there, the United States has vastly larger
crime totals than we do and vastly overcrowded prisons?
Is it not also the case that once elected, the directly
elected police commissioner tends to spend the next
three years campaigning for re-election rather than
tackling crime? Is that really the model that the Home
Secretary wishes to introduce in this country?
Mrs May: I neither accept nor recognise the picture
the hon. Lady paints of what happens with directly
elected commissioners in other parts of the world.
Labour Members who are so against directly elected
commissioners should ask themselves two questions.
First, why then do they support the arrangements we
have in London, where the Mayor is directly accountable?
Secondly, why was it, therefore, that in 2008 the then
Labour Home Secretary brought forward proposals for
directly elected police representatives?
Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): If the
Home Secretary will not tell us how much this is going
to cost or where the money is coming from, will she at
least tell my constituents in Selly Oak that she is not
planning to pinch it from their hard-pressed police
budgets?
Mrs May: I have answered the question about—
[Interruption.] No, I have made it clear that we will
publish figures in due course. As the hon. Gentleman
will know, all Departments are going through the spending
review at the moment and the budgets and other figures
will be revealed later this year.
Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): Given that 80% of
the Northern Ireland public are aware of their police
authority and Policing Board, has the Home Secretary
any plans to replicate the mechanisms adopted in respect
of the Policing Board for holding a chief police officer
to account, namely having elected, as well as appointed,
Policing in the 21st Century 738
officials on the board who have regular monthly public
meetings holding the chief of police to account? Is that
not a better way forward than directly electing
commissioners?
Mrs May: We did, of course, look at the arrangements
in Northern Ireland, but what we propose to introduce
in England and Wales will include a directly elected
commissioner and a police and crime panel, which will
be drawn from local authority representatives and
independent people who will be able to ask the
commissioner of police to appear before them and
explain what has been happening in their area.
Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): The inevitable logic
of what the Home Secretary has said this afternoon is
that we should be electing not only police commissioners
but the local chief prosecuting officer. Indeed, it seemed
from what she was saying earlier that she was moving in
that direction. Surely the last thing people want in any
of our constituencies is more party political interference
in the policing of this country.
Mrs May: We are not talking about party political
interference in policing. The picture the hon. Gentleman
has painted does not accurately portray what I was
saying earlier about directly elected commissioners. The
directly elected commissioners will be called police and
crime commissioners and they will have a wider role
than simply looking at what is happening in relation to
their police force; they will be looking at crime more
generally and working with community safety partners.
We are, however, absolutely clear that the operational
independence of the police will remain.
Emily Thornberry (Islington South and Finsbury)
(Lab): As I am the final questioner, may I take the
opportunity to ask two central questions? First, how
much will these initiatives cost and, secondly, by how
much will they cut crime?
Mrs May: As I said in response to a number of earlier
questions, we will publish figures on cost and the business
case for the national crime agency in due course—and I
am sorry the hon. Lady had to wait such a long time to
ask that question.
Mr Speaker: I am grateful to all hon. and right hon.
Members, including the Home Secretary whose pithiness
enabled more than 40 colleagues to ask questions on the
statement; that was very welcome.
739
Points of Order
4.48 pm
Kris Hopkins (Keighley) (Con): On a point of order,
Mr Speaker. You will be aware of the recent Westminster
Hall debate in which we were reminded that one party
with representatives elected to this House still refuses to
take up its seats yet claims its allowances and expenses.
May I ask you to make a ruling as to how we can bring
this shameful activity to an end? Do you not agree that
it is an affront to Members who believe that it is a
privilege to serve and debate in this House, and that it is
not, as some others believe, possible to be an associated
Member of the Houses of Parliament?
Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for
his point of order, and I respect the fact that there is
concern about this issue in some sections of the House.
First, I am of course aware that there has recently been
a Westminster Hall debate on the subject—on 30 June if
memory serves me correctly. Secondly, this is a matter
for the House. The hon. Gentleman might be aware—and
other Members will certainly be conscious of this—that
a resolution of the House regarding the use of facilities
and the ability to claim expenses that touched on precisely
the matter that is of concern to him was passed on
18 December 2001. If the House wishes at any stage to
consider this matter again and to debate and vote upon
a resolution, it will, of course, be entirely open to the
House to do so. This is, therefore, a matter not for the
Speaker but for the House. I hope that is helpful.
Kate Hoey (Vauxhall) (Lab): Further to that point of
order, Mr Speaker. I welcome what you have just said,
which clarifies matters. It might be worth my pointing
out that there are Members on both sides of the House
who share this concern and would like to see this
measure come back to the House, as those of us who
voted against it last time might find ourselves in the
majority this time.
Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for that.
As she is well aware, she has helpfully underlined and
reinforced the point that the hon. Member for Keighley
(Kris Hopkins) has just made. It is always a pleasure to
be in agreement with the hon. Lady.
Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): On a point of
order, Mr Speaker. On 8 July, I received a written
answer from the Under-Secretary of State for Justice,
the hon. Member for Reigate (Mr Blunt), assuring me
that this week a report would be published on research
and statistics
“relating both to false allegations of rape and to other relevant
issues.”—[Official Report, 8 July 2010; Vol. 513, c. 428W.]
I have two unanswered written questions, in which I was
pursuing whether or not the Government would be
making legislative proposals. However, I read in The
Sunday Telegraph that an
“MoJ source said: ‘We will certainly not be legislating’”
26 JULY 2010 740
on this issue, and that the Government do not plan to
publish the evidence, about which they certainly responded
in their answer of 8 July to my question. Although I
welcome a U-turn by the Government on this issue, is it
in order that they have failed to come to the House to
tell us comprehensively what they intend to do on this
proposal and how they intend to move forward and let
Members on both sides of the House receive information
at first hand, rather than through the press?
Mr Speaker: What I would say in response to the
right hon. Lady is that the timing of Government
statements to the House is a matter specifically for the
Government. I hope that I have understood the right
hon. Lady correctly with reference to the questions that
she has tabled, and what I would say is that if she has
not received answers—or, at any rate, substantive
answers—to questions, I would very much hope that
substantive answers will be forthcoming before the House
rises for the summer recess. I very much hope that
Ministers from the Ministry of Justice have heard—if
they have not heard, I hope that they will hear shortly—
precisely what I have just said. That approach seems to
me to be conducive to the good conduct of business of
the House.
Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): On a point of
order, Mr Speaker. During questions the Secretary of
State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport made
reference, in answer to the hon. Member for Newcastle-
under-Lyme (Paul Farrelly), to the political affiliations
of the chairman of the BBC Trust and the chairman of
Ofcom. Subsequently, in answer to a supplementary
question from me asking whether or not he was calling
into question their impartiality, he went on to claim
that a number of appointments to non-departmental
public bodies under the previous Administration had
been made in a politically biased way, despite the fact
that proper procedures had been put in place for public
appointments during the previous Parliament. Given
your ruling that when Ministers speak from the Dispatch
Box they are speaking on behalf of the Government,
can we have a statement from the Government on
whether or not they believe that public appointments
made under the previous Administration were made for
political reasons and not made through the proper
public appointments procedures, which were set up and
in place, and on whether they have confidence in those
public appointments?
Mr Speaker: It is always a pleasure to hear points of
order from the hon. Gentleman. Something tells me
that at least in part of his point of order—I will be
generous and say “in part”—he was seeking to continue
an earlier argument. That in itself would not constitute
a point of order and might almost risk becoming disorderly.
What I would which may be of interest to him and to
others in the House is that when reference is made to
individuals outside this place, such reference should be
made with care, restraint and circumspection. I hope
that that is helpful to the hon. Gentleman.
741
BILLS PRESENTED
LOCAL REFERENDUMS BILL
Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)
Zac Goldsmith presented a Bill to make provision
about binding local referendums; and for connected
purposes.
Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on
Friday 3 December, and to be printed (Bill 66).
RECALL OF ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES
Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)
Zac Goldsmith presented a Bill to permit voters to
recall their elected representatives in specified circumstances;
and for connected purposes.
Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on
Friday 3 December, and to be printed (Bill 67).
26 JULY 2010 742
Academies Bill [Lords]
[3RD ALLOCATED DAY]
Further considered in Committee (Progress reported,
22 July)
[MR NIGEL EVANS in the Chair]
Clause 3
APPLICATION FOR ACADEMY ORDER
4.56 pm
Dr John Pugh (Southport) (LD): I beg to move
amendment 8, page 3, line 11, at end insert—
‘(1A) In the case of a member or members of a governing
body objecting to an application under subsection (1), there shall
be a ballot of the parents of children enrolled at the school,
subject to regulations laid down by the Secretary of State.’.
The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr Nigel
Evans): With this it will be convenient to discuss the
following: Amendment 78, page 3, line 11, at end insert—
‘(1A) Before making an application for an Academy order, the
governing body shall consult relevant parties on whether to make
such an application.
(1B) The Secretary of State shall issue guidance as to how
governing bodies should conduct such a consultation with
parents, pupils, teaching and non-teaching staff and their
representatives, neighbouring schools and the local authority and
such other parties as he may think appropriate and such
guidance must also specify the information to be made available
to consultees in relation to the proposed arrangements for
Academy status.’.
Amendment 4, in clause 5, page 4, line 11, leave out
‘such’ and insert—
(a) the local education authority,
(b) the teachers at the school,
(c) the pupils,
(d) the pupils’ parents,
(e) such persons as in their opinion represent the wider
community, and
(f) such other’.
Amendment 18, page 4, line 11, at end insert ‘including
the local authority for that area.’.
Amendment 77, page 4, line 14, leave out ‘may take
place before or after an Academy order, or’ and insert
‘must take place before’.
Amendment 9, page 4, line 14, leave out ‘an Academy
order, or’.
Amendment 86, page 4, line 14, leave out subsection (3).
Amendment 10, page 4, line 15, at end add—
‘(4) Consultation on Academy status should not be led by any
member of a governing body who may benefit financially as a
result of conversion to Academy status or whose salary, terms or
conditions may be affected by such conversion.’.
New clause 1—Reversion of Academies to maintained
status—
(1) This section applies to any former maintained school which
has been converted into an Academy under section 4.
(2) The governing body must make arrangements for the
holding of a ballot of parents under this section if at least 10 per
cent of the parents of pupils at the Academy request it to do so.
743 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
(3) The purpose of a ballot under this section is to determine
whether the parents of pupils at the Academy want the Academy
to be converted into a maintained school.
(4) If the result of the ballot is in favour of conversion, the
Secretary of State must—
(a) revoke the Academy order, and
(b) take such other steps as he considers necessary to
convert the Academy into a maintained school.’.
Dr Pugh: When were elected this May—God, it seems
years ago—we all knew that there was some prospect
that politics in this place might never be quite the same
again. Many of us, frankly, welcomed that. The huge
and welcome influx of new Members gave us all hope
that things could possibly be different. That, along with
the odd arithmetic of this place and the challenging
nature of the country’s problems, seemed to dictate that
the way ahead would be through rational consensus and
for a while—all too short a while—it appeared that
tribalism and command-and-control politics were dead;
the Chamber and Committees would be important and
the policy would have to be evidence-led, much to the
disappointment of the media, whose preference is always
for a good scrap.
What do we have with amendments to the Bill, however?
We have the spectacle of Ministers who have already
told us that they will accept no amendment, period, and
the sight of Whips new and old cracking their knuckles
off-stage and perfecting basilisk-like stares in the mirror,
persuading people not to vote for amendments such as
amendment 8 and others that, it could be argued, align
with the spirit and improve the detail of the Bill.
Paradoxically, they are doing that because they assume
that is how coalition politics work. I say paradoxically,
because the amendment-denying Ministers in front of
us, whose agents the Whips are, seem to be the most
mature, civilised and benign advocates of the new politics.
I personally cannot associate myself with the recent
comments made by my hon. Friend the Member for
Westmorland and Lonsdale (Tim Farron); nor can I
afford to drink in the Boot and Flogger. I am simply
moving an amendment with which the Committee should
be comfortable and, frankly, which any Member of any
party can and should be free to support.
In the event of a governing body being divided,
amendment 8 obliges a school to hold a ballot if a
governor or a minority of governors object to an application
for academy status. It therefore provides a restraint on a
motivated group of governors misrepresenting or riding
roughshod over parents’ wishes.
Mr Evans, you might recall that under Mrs Thatcher,
in the Education Reform Act 1988, a parental ballot
was an essential precondition of the change to grant-
maintained status in any school. There were votes across
the country on those matters. Sadly, subsequent
Governments seem to have lost interests in the views of
parents and, in my view, have disempowered parents,
with one exception. Tony Blair insisted that the change
from grammar school status required a parental ballot
and that condition survives and is effectively incorporated
in this Bill.
Can anyone in this Chamber give me an argument for
why grammar school parents should be balloted before
the status of their school changes and parents of children
at other schools should not? I am at a loss to find such
an argument. Why should grammar school parents have
744
a right that primary school parents, comprehensive
school parents and special school parents do not have?
Will anyone agree with the former and present me with
a good argument for voting against the latter?
Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): Presumably,
the reason is that a change from grammar school to
non-grammar school involves a change in admission
arrangements for the cohort coming in the new year.
With an academy, the admissions code remains the
same and all that effectively happens is that the school
organisation changes.
Dr Pugh: That was very quick off the mark. I anticipated
that point being made, but a change in governance is
quite as significant as a change in admissions, and most
parents would think so.
Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South) (LD): Does
my hon. Friend accept the suggestion that there are to
be no ballots because most of them might be lost if
parents knew all the facts? That situation is being
avoided simply by not making provision for a ballot in
the first place.
Dr Pugh: My hon. Friend suggests a cynical intention
on the part of Ministers and I hesitate to endorse that.
People must reach their own conclusions as to whether
such an intention is present.
Is anyone going to give hon. Members a good reason
to vote against my amendment, which would not even
give parents the same rights as the parents of children at
grammar schools but would be conditional on a governor
objecting to proposals? I cannot for the life of me see
why anyone would vote against it, but I suspect that
nearly 300 will.
Let me be clear that I have no prejudice against
grammar schools. I went to three of them—expelled
from none, I hasten to add—and I taught happily at an
ex-direct grant, independent school for 15 years. I am
agnostic about educational structure and this is just a
matter of logical consistency. In our debates on this
issue, the hon. Member for Epping Forest (Mrs Laing)
has called on the Opposition to
“acknowledge that parents should be the people who have the
greatest say in their children’s education”.—[Official Report, 19 July
2010; Vol. 514, c. 43.]
The hon. Member for Peterborough (Mr Jackson) has
accused Labour of not trusting people
“with the education of their own children.”—[Official Report,
19 July 2010; Vol. 514, c. 118.]
And the Minister has claimed that he wants to ensure
that parents are “happy with the quality” of educational
provision. The hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale
West (Mr Brady) has assured us that
“the Conservative Front-Bench team takes the view that parents
should have more choice”.—[Official Report, 21 July 2010; Vol. 514,
c. 444.]
They are all wise and experienced politicians who must
know, as we all do, that governing bodies can sometimes
splinter, be out of touch or be monopolised or taken
over by cliques, particularly given the current chronic
shortage of governors nationally; it is quite difficult to
get people to become governors. Governing bodies also
can and might misread parental opinion.
745 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
There is a general concern, which I share, about
people who are temporarily and contingently nominated
as the governors of a state school being entitled unilaterally
to change the status of an asset that is paid for and
financed by the whole community without the consent
of that community or its elected representatives. Setting
that concern aside, however, changing the status of a
school without allowing the parents of children at the
school a decisive voice is extraordinarily hard to justify,
especially given the discretionary and entirely unspecific
nature of the consultation arrangements in the Bill. The
only motive that I can see for opposing my amendment,
other than the dishonourable motive that my hon.
Friend the Member for Portsmouth South (Mr Hancock)
has suggested, is a relative indifference to parental
wishes.
Mr Hancock: Does my hon. Friend agree that if the
possibility of a ballot taking place arose, it should not
be just the parents of children at the existing school
who were allowed to vote? It would have to be wider
than that and take in the parents of children in feeder
schools, as they would be the major beneficiaries, and if
not them, the wider community as a whole. As we have
argued time and again in our debates on this issue,
secondary schools are a focal point in many communities
and offer more than the teaching of children.
Dr Pugh: I am arguing simply that we should be at
least as permissive as Baroness Thatcher was in 1988.
My hon. Friend argues that we should be more permissive,
but the Government are arguing, and anyone who votes
against my amendment will clearly be convinced by that
argument, that we should be less permissive.
Amendment 9 would delete the words “an Academy
order, or”, the effect of which would be to ensure that
consultation on academy status would have to occur
prior to the order being made. It is good common sense
and, in essence, it is supported by the Chair of the
Education Committee. As he said on Second Reading:
“The Government’s concession in clause 5 at least makes
governing bodies consult those whom they deem appropriate, but
it is blunted by the fact that they do not have to do so prior to
applying to the Secretary of State and because they can do so
even after they have been issued with an academy order. Those
consulted in such circumstances would have good grounds for
feeling that they were participating in a charade.”—[Official
Report, 19 July 2010; Vol. 514, c. 49.]
I do not think that it is our business in this place to
encourage charades.
I am aware that, from time to time, it suits Members
to parody, simplify and stereotype their opponents. The
last Government are characteristically portrayed by the
current Government as an unmitigated disaster and, in
return, Labour Members portray the Government as an
unmitigated evil. If people want to live in a world of
hyperbole, that is fine—if a little wearisome—but let us
conduct a simple thought experiment. Let us imagine a
Government—any Government—different from ours,
who propose to allow a public institution to change its
character. They agree that the institution must consult
people about the change, but they allow consultation
only after the irreversible change has happened. Would
Members back such a Government? Would they applaud
them? What would be the point of consultation? What
would that process do for public cynicism about public
service consultation—already significantly eroded by
Academies Bill [Lords] 746
the pseudo and sham consultations organised by the
previous Government? But on the coalition side of the
Chamber, how many quotes—showing our previous
attacks, time and again, on sham consultation—do we
want dragged up and used against us? At least those
consultations did not take place after the event. Why do
we want to invite comparison with the twisted politics
of a communist plebiscite?
Is the only reason why we support the provision that
the Government are proposing it? I notice that no one
has said that post-hoc consultation is a cracking idea. It
cannot be a case of “my Government right or wrong”.
That is not a good basis for a working democracy. It
will not help the Government if we vote for indefensible
nonsense. It will not help the Government if we vote,
but compromise our beliefs in the process. Inconsistency
and duff arguments will not help the coalition in the
long or short term.
Amendment 10 is genuinely probing. It makes the
obvious and, for me, slightly unkind point that the last
time schools were given greater financial freedoms under
local financial management, which I have always supported,
nearly every governing body was presented with a paper
from the headmaster showing that his salary should go
up because the headmaster down the road would be
getting a significant increase. We saw salary inflation
across the headmaster class, so headmasters may have
something to look forward to from new academy status.
Of course, they may not think in those terms, and I am
sure that the majority do not, but the point is pretty
obvious to all of us—imagine asking MPs to consult on
a change that might possibly result in improved salaries.
The concept of declaration of interest has some relevance
in these provisions, so it is important that consultation
is led by those who have none.
I acknowledge that I have not shown a lot of enthusiasm
for the Bill, but despite that and despite my doubts as to
its cost and effects, I am not seeking to derail it. I do not
wish to cause trouble. Free schools and academies are in
the coalition agreement. All I hope I have done is to
make a case for good sense, which I think most people
are up for, the primacy of the Commons Chamber,
which I think most of us support, and the right of
parents to be taken seriously. I hope rational beings on
both sides of the Committee will see their way to
support the amendment.
Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): I want
to speak to new clause 1, on the reversion of academies
to maintained status, and amendment 4, on consultation
on conversion to an academy. I shall concentrate the
majority of my remarks on new clause 1, and will speak
only briefly to amendment 4, as consultation has been
pretty much covered in our previous debates.
I tabled new clause 1 because there is no provision in
the Bill for academies to revert to maintained status.
That means that all the potential problems that the Bill
would permit—such as restrictive curriculum,
discriminatory admissions and employment policies—would
be made permanent at the point of conversion. The
Government admit that problems are likely. I have cited
this before, but it bears repeating that the Minister
responding for the Government in a debate in the other
place stated:
“I fully accept that if you trust people things do go wrong, but
that is the direction that we want to try to go in.”—[Official
Report, House of Lords, 7 July 2010; Vol. 720, c. 299.]
747 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
[Caroline Lucas]
It beggars belief that the Government would not
want to guard against certain things going wrong, so is
it really necessary to give schools complete freedom
over admissions, curriculum and employment just to
show that the dedicated people running our schools are
trusted? I would argue not. The public are funding these
schools, so on their behalf we must ensure that children
are protected from indoctrination, that they are taught
key subjects and that their staff are fairly treated. But
given the Bill’s failure to make proper consultation
mandatory when schools convert to academy status, it
is crucial to have a mechanism for parents to say that
they want their schools to revert to maintained status if,
as an academy, things do go wrong.
The Government want academies to be like private
schools funded by the state, yet if things go wrong at a
private school, parents have more recourse than parents
of children at an academy as envisaged in the Bill. For
example, if a private school behaves in a way that a
parent does not like, the parent can stop paying the fees,
withdraw their child or pay for their child to go somewhere
else. There is no comparable control in the Bill for
parents of children in academies. For example, it may
well not be practical or possible for there to be the
surplus capacity necessary for children to be pulled out
of one academy and be sent to the next state-funded
school of choice.
If parents see things going wrong in schools and
believe that the Government’s complete trust has been
misplaced, surely they should be able to do something
about it. The amendment is designed to provide a
remedy to parents as a group—if, for example, an
academy failed to teach key subjects or sought to impose
religious beliefs on pupils. The amendment means that
where 10% of the parents of pupils at an academy
request it, the governing body must make arrangements
for the holding of a ballot of parents to determine
whether they want the academy to be converted back
into a maintained school. If the Government are in
favour of decentralising, as they constantly say they are
with their big society rhetoric, why do they not want to
let parents have the power to act if they decide that an
academy is not better and if they want the school to go
back to being a maintained school?
Mr Edward Timpson (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con):
On the practical aspects of the amendment, as opposed
to the principle that she has already articulated, will she
explain why she arrived at the 10% figure as a threshold
before a ballot is triggered? As to the ballot itself, once
the mechanism is in place, what majority would apply
to the ballot—50% or more—before academy status
could be withdrawn?
Caroline Lucas: I am grateful that the hon. Gentleman
takes the amendment sufficiently seriously to want to
know such a level of detail, which is very encouraging.
It seemed to me that 10% was a reasonable threshold,
but I would be delighted to discuss the issue in more
detail with other Members who might want a slightly
higher threshold—I would not have thought we would
want to make it lower— and I am equally open to
suggestions as to the necessary majority. Perhaps a
simple majority would not be enough and a two thirds
majority might be better. At the moment, however, I am
using the amendment to set out a basic principle.
Academies Bill [Lords] 748
Vernon Coaker (Gedling) (Lab): I think that the hon.
Lady’s amendment puts forward a good point. However,
does not the intervention from the hon. Member for
Crewe and Nantwich (Mr Timpson) highlight the problem
with the process that we have to go through in that the
hon. Lady could have the most brilliant idea ever and be
like Cicero in presenting it, but it would make no
difference at all because there is no Report stage for the
Government to consider her point and table appropriate
amendments?
Caroline Lucas: I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman
for coming to the rescue. That was an exceedingly good
point, which completely reinforces the fact that we are
being forced to rush the Bill through at breakneck speed
for no better reason than, presumably, the Secretary of
State wanting to put a notch up and say that he has
managed to achieve something before September. That
is not a good way to make decisions. We should be
going through the Bill line by line, making proposals
and hearing the Government’s response so that we are
able to create the best possible legislation. We are being
railroaded into a charade that is not designed to get the
best piece of legislation on to the statute book, and that
is what we should be getting.
5.15 pm
Amendment 4, in my name, seeks to make real
consultation mandatory before funding arrangements
are signed for schools converting to academy status.
Again, the lack of consultation in the Bill demonstrates
that the legislation is about centralisation, not about
empowerment. Rather than power to parents and pupils,
the actuality will be the Secretary of State and his civil
servants managing thousands of funding agreements
with individual schools at the expense of local
accountability.
An amendment in the other place means that the
governing body of a converting school has to consult
those persons whom it thinks appropriate, but there is
nothing to prevent a school that is eager to convert from
missing out key stakeholders. Proper consultation would
enable reflection on accountability and governance, and
on whether the freedoms that academy status will bring
can be used without disadvantaging other parts of the
community. Members will know from what I have said
so far that I do not believe that that is possible.
I am sure that most parents would want a direct say
over the removal, by severing the local authority link, of
their right to democratic influence. The ramifications of
so many schools becoming independent are enormous,
and children, local parents, teachers, trade unions and
the wider local community are surely entitled to have
their voices heard. The point, which was made in the
other place and by Members of this House last week
but not adequately answered, is that article 12 of the
UN convention on the rights of the child gives children
the right to express views on all matters affecting them.
Failure to consult students on matters that might
significantly alter the ethos and curriculum of a school
is a retrograde step, and it makes a mockery of the
Secretary of State’s empowerment claims.
Consultation should be central to the Bill. It is not
sufficient to rely on the role of parent governors or
TUPE regulations for staff, because they do not adequately
equate to proper consultation on abandoning the education
749 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
system as we know it. For example, I have no doubt
that, on the conversion to academy status, many staff
will have well-informed views that go well beyond the
question of the transfer of their terms and conditions.
To sum up, on reversion to maintained status, why
does the Minister want to deny parents the power to
trigger a ballot? And on consultation, why is he in such
a hurry? Why does he not have time to listen to those
affected?
Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): It was a
pleasure to hear the hon. Member for Southport (Dr Pugh)
looking back with such fond nostalgia to those democratic,
halcyon days of the Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven. I
did not know that he cared quite as much, but it was a
wonderful trip down memory lane. I have a lot of
sympathy with the hon. Gentleman in usually favouring
democratic solutions and thinking that consultation is
good and voting better, but sometimes the best can be
the enemy of the good. What we have from Ministers is
the opportunity for schools that so wish to obtain
greater freedom to serve their pupils, parents and the
wider community by having more to spend of the
money that is properly theirs in the educational budget,
and greater freedom to decide who they employ and
how, and what they do in the classroom.
The Bill does not, as the hon. Member for Brighton,
Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) suggests, set up some kind of
complete freedom, whereby iconoclasts can seize control
of a school and ignore all kinds of standards and
requirements; those schools will still be within the state
sector, monitored and regulated, and they will still need
to achieve standards. There will be a great deal of
interest from the local community, but there will still be
the national regulatory scheme, too, so the hon. Lady
was just trying to shock the Committee and is not living
in the real world.
Caroline Lucas: Is it not the case that, if one gives
academies the right to choose their own curriculum and
opt out in so many respects from the local authority,
one is giving them exactly those freedoms? I do not
think that anything that I have said is designed to
shock; my remarks exactly reflect the Bill. It will give
academies incredible freedoms that other schools do
not enjoy, and it will have huge ramifications for the rest
of the local authority, as academies drain resources
from it and from other schools. That is why consultation
is so important.
Mr Redwood: That is a completely different argument
from the one that the hon. Lady made in her speech, in
which she said that these schools would be free of all
checks, balances, regulation, inspection and control,
and that they would go wrong. She seemed to be
implying that we were giving schools the freedom to do
badly. That is a particularly fatuous argument, because
parents have considerable influence through governors
and through their own voice, and they would take a
great deal of interest. The number of pupils applying to
go to the school would drop off very rapidly if the kind
of disaster that she envisaged in her remarks came true,
so I do not see that happening. I think that a combination
of national regulation, the framework of law and local
pressure would, on the whole, be benign.
Academies Bill [Lords] 750
Now the hon. Lady is arguing a rather different
case—that these academies are going to be so successful,
because they have all these excellent freedoms, that they
will attract more and more people from the local community
at the expense of the other schools in the area. I wish it
were so. I do not think they will be that successful and
take all the pupils from the local area, but if they are
very good, I welcome the fact that more people will
want to send their children there. That is a benign
pressure to place on the other schools in the local area.
It may be, however, that some of the more traditionally
maintained schools act as the beacon that she would
like to see.
Caroline Lucas: To clarify my point, I am talking
about the fact that these schools will drain resources
away from other schools. That is already happening in
my constituency with the existing academies established
under the previous Government, and it will happen
even more under the new Government’s proposals. I am
talking about resources coming out of other schools
because academies will essentially outsource things such
as special educational needs provision and other
co-ordinating methods that were usually undertaken by
the local authority. That means that the local authority
will have less money to perform those same roles.
Mr Redwood: The main mechanism by which academies
could take more of the money would be by their being
extremely popular and attracting more pupils, because
most of the money follows the pupils. That is a thoroughly
benign pressure. If these academies are going to take off
and develop extremely good standards and reputations,
they will attract more pupils and get more money,
which they will need because they are teaching more
pupils, and the other schools will need to pull their
socks up. If the outcome is not as successful as that, the
hon. Lady’s worries should fall away. Surely she must
accept, however, that we need some challenge and
improvement in the system, and that there is nothing
wrong with choice.
Why is it that someone like the hon. Lady does not
trust anybody other than the state and is never prepared
to give anybody any freedom to initiate, innovate, change
and improve? Cannot she see that we desperately need
to raise school standards, and that we need to do
something to try to make that happen? Her system was
tried for 13 years, and it did not work.
Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): The right hon.
Gentleman’s point about trust is unfortunate, to say the
least. Governing bodies do not always get these things
right, and that is why some kind of mechanism needs to
be in place. The amendments are trying to achieve that
and to remedy some of the problems caused by our not
having enough time to do the job properly in Committee.
Mr Redwood: I have said that I love democracy, and it
is often a good idea to give more people more votes.
However, let me deal directly with the issue. Parents are
not without powers or influence in this situation; if they
were, I would immediately sign up to the amendment
tabled by the hon. Member for Southport. I suspect,
however, that Ministers will argue, like me, that it would
be a nice addition but is unnecessary because there are
other checks and balances in the system.
751 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
[Mr Redwood]
Let us consider those elements. First, there is an
elected local authority that will have a lot of influence
and control over these schools. Its voice will be heard
because it has considerable influence over the appointments
of the very people who will be making this proposal or
decision for each school. The local authority often has
members on the governing body, and the governing
body has parent representatives. If the parents became
alarmed by the way in which the head teacher and the
senior governors were moving, they would presumably
make their voice heard through the parent governors or
use their ability to change those governors to make the
point.
Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): The evidence
suggests that it takes seven years for a school to gain or
lose a reputation, so it is not correct to say that the
parents have this power to change things immediately.
That is not going to happen—it will take a long time,
and in the meantime children will lose out.
Mr Redwood: That may well be the case generally, but
not in this situation. Changing to an academy is a
one-off event of some significance in a school’s life, so
parents would be well aware of it and the school would
communicate with them. If the parents were alarmed, I
am sure they would make their views known. I know
that parents of children in my local area are well attuned
to what is happening in their local school, and if they
are alarmed by something that is going on, they soon
raise it. They can do so directly with their councillors,
with their MP or with the school’s governors.
Mr Mike Hancock: I understand and accept entirely
the right hon. Gentleman’s point about the checks and
balances being in place once a school is created, but the
amendment is about whether people should have a
choice about such a school being set up. Is he saying
that the parents of potential pupils at such a school
should not have a say in whether it should change its
status? He is perfectly right about what happens after
the event, but this is about what happens before the
change.
Mr Redwood: If an entirely new school is being set up,
it is up to the people putting forward that proposition
to make their own decisions and canvass the marketplace
to see whether people are likely to go to it. If there is a
proposal to change a school’s status, parental opinion is
very important, but I suggest that under the system set
out in the Bill, which develops the current system, there
will be plenty of opportunity for parents to make their
views known. They can do that directly by talking or
writing to the head teacher or governors, or they can get
different people on to the governing body if they are
really worried.
My experience is that people care desperately about
the education of their children, and if they thought that
the head teacher and the small group in the governing
body who were trying to steer a change through were
getting it wrong, they would make their views known
very strongly. I suspect that the head and the governing
body would moderate their stance or back off if they
felt they had lost the confidence of their pupils and
parents.
Academies Bill [Lords] 752
Dr Pugh: The right hon. Gentleman is sketching out
various alternatives to a more democratic arrangement.
I understand his argument, but is he not also making an
overwhelming argument not to proceed in September?
All the things that he asks parents to do cannot be done,
because the parents are on holiday and the school is
shut.
Mr Redwood: It cannot be done on that short a time
scale—these things will take a bit of time to go through.
As soon as schools want to make a proposal, they will
have to put in an application, and of course they will
notify parents at that time. It is quite possible for them
to do so by e-mail or post in the school holidays, and
the schools will be back in September, when there will
be opportunities for the dialogue to continue.
Mr Iain Wright (Hartlepool) (Lab): The right hon.
Gentleman is being most generous in giving way. May I
point him to paragraph 7 of the explanatory notes
accompanying the Bill? It states:
“The Secretary of State expects that a significant number of
Academies will open in September 2010 and for the number to
continue to grow each year.”
As the hon. Member for Southport (Dr Pugh) says,
there is simply not the time to consult in the way that
the right hon. Gentleman suggests.
Mr Redwood: I think hon. Members are making
obstacles where none need occur. Changes will go speedily
only if the local community is happy. As soon as it gets
out that a school is considering academy status, the
local community will be engaged. There are local
newspapers, local websites and all sorts of ways to do
so, and the usual school grapevines will be in operation.
Opposition Members protest far too much—we all
know they hate freedom, and they do not believe that
free people can mobilise themselves in a good cause. I
can assure them that people can do so very quickly if
need arises. They should not be so afraid of the idea
that their local schools might want a bit more freedom
and a bit more of their own money to spend. It is
dreadful that they believe that all their local schools
need so much control from the centre that they want
ever more regulation and control from Whitehall of the
kind that Labour Governments meted out, and continued
or increased control from local education authorities in
the hope that one day there will be more Labour authorities
to exercise it.
Surely it is high time that we set free the schools that
wish to be set free. I can assure the Committee that
should groups of parents not wish a change to academy
status to happen, they will mobilise quickly and democracy
will work. It is still alive and kicking.
Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): I, too,
would like to consider the serious lack of consultation
required before establishing an academy, as outlined in
clauses 3 and 5. I share the concern of not only other
hon. Members, but teachers, parents and other stakeholders,
who fear that they could be excluded from the whole
process at the whim of just over half a governing
body—that could be five, six, seven or eight people—intent
on establishing an academy.
753 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
5.30 pm
I know that there was much debate in the other place
about consultation, but the resulting amendment, which
allows the governing body to choose to consult after the
academy order is made, does not go far enough. To say
that the academy can consult after the event is nonsense,
as is the provision that it must
“consult such persons as they think appropriate.”
When the previous Conservative Government attempted
to persuade schools to opt out of local authority links
under the grant-maintained status legislation, parents
were not only given the right to be consulted but allowed
to vote on whether the school should opt out. That vote
was binding on the governors, who had to accept the
parents’ will. Parent power ruled, and I, for one, trust
parents.
Neither the original Bill nor the amendments passed
in the other place give parents a guaranteed voice in the
process. I can envisage, in many cases, governing bodies
riding roughshod over parents and the community and
making the changes that they want regardless. I say that
because I witnessed the behaviour and the blind ambition
of some governors and head teachers in the days of the
former Cleveland county council, when the grant-
maintained legislation was in place. A majority of governors
and a few governing bodies favoured opting out, but the
parents rejected that approach and their decision was
final. Under the Government’s current proposals, such
governing bodies could—and, I believe, would—make
the decisions and ignore the parents.
Mr Redwood: Why does the hon. Gentleman think
that there will be so many schools with governing
bodies and head teachers that are completely out of
touch with their local parents and want to ride roughshod
over them?
Alex Cunningham: That is straightforward. Parents
have always made good decisions when electing parent
governors, but they have to be able to make bigger
decisions, and I believe that they should be consulted.
The Government have chosen to ignore genuine concerns
about the Bill. That is not new politics, but old politics
of the worst type. Rushed legislation makes bad law. In
the words of the National Association of Head Teachers,
legislate in haste, repent at leisure. I therefore hope that
the amendments that would compel governing bodies
to consult parents, among others, will be supported.
Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall) (LD): I welcome
you back to the Chair on the third day of our Committee
proceedings, Ms Primarolo.
My hon. Friend the Member for Southport (Dr Pugh)
presented a strong argument, which the Minister clearly
needs to answer, on whether the Bill currently goes far
enough in giving those who care about the future of
their school the opportunity to be involved in determining
it. He set out the case for a ballot and looked back to
the previous Conservative Government’s decisions about
grant-maintained status, which he looked to as a model.
Like other hon. Members, he acknowledged that our
noble Friends in another place debated consultation at
length, hence the provision, which should have been
included from the outset, for consultation. The hon.
Member for Stockton North (Alex Cunningham)
mentioned it, and it has improved the Bill a great deal.
Academies Bill [Lords] 754
My hon. Friend referred to the parents of children
who currently attend the school as the electorate in such
a ballot. As my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth
South (Mr Hancock) pointed out, many other interested
parties may wish to be part of it. I therefore think that
amendment 8 is a very useful tool for prompting a
discussion on who should be consulted and how.
We are considering a series of amendments, which
examine consultation and votes in detail. The hon.
Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) tabled
a new clause, which would allow for a reversion to
maintained status if there were a trigger. She set out a
10% threshold on that. We could make some sort of
hybrid amendment that sets out a 10% threshold of
parents to trigger the kind of ballot that my hon. Friend
the Member for Southport mentioned, or adopt a model
based on the amendments tabled by the Opposition,
which are more specific on who should be consulted
and how that should happen. The debate is therefore
important.
Vernon Coaker: The hon. Gentleman makes a perfectly
reasonable point, but the problem is that we cannot
amend the Bill unless we win a vote. That is the problem
with this process. Frankly, we all feel immense frustration.
His point is exactly right, but we cannot amend the Bill.
Dan Rogerson: The hon. Gentleman has made that
point on a number of occasions—this afternoon and
previously—but the fact remains that it is a question
not just of whether we amend the Bill, but how we do
so. That is what we are debating. When the Minister
responds, he might say what the guidelines are for
consultation on aspects of the Bill following debates in
another place.
Amendment 8, which was moved by my hon. Friend
the Member for Southport, is quite specific about one
group of people who will be affected and who may take
an interest.
Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) (DUP): I take the point
that the hon. Gentleman and others have made on the
importance of consulting parents, but surely the Bill
already ensures that they will be consulted. Clause 5 is
clear that people “must” be consulted. It is also clear
that people refers to “such persons as” the governors
“think appropriate”. Surely to goodness no one would
suggest that parents do not fall under the phrase,
“persons as they think appropriate”.
Dan Rogerson: The hon. Gentleman made that point
in an earlier debate on another group of amendments.
He is absolutely right that the Bill, as amended—
amendments that were pressed for by my noble Friends
in another place—would highlight parents as an obvious,
key group for consultation. The question asked in
amendment 8 by my hon. Friend the Member for Southport
is whether there should be a ballot.
Who should trigger such a ballot? There may be some
sympathy for the proposal of the hon. Member for
Brighton, Pavilion for a reversal ballot—she suggests
that 10% of parents could trigger such a ballot, but my
hon. Friend said that an approval ballot should be
triggered by one governor. However, one would have
thought that even if a governing body, who might have
signed up to academy status after a discussion lasting
755 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
[Dan Rogerson]
for a considerable period, decides to go for academy
status, people outside that group may want a ballot.
There are therefore problems with his proposal.
Sammy Wilson: Whether the threshold of one governor
or 10% of parents is used to trigger a ballot, does the
hon. Gentleman see the danger of a type of guerrilla
warfare against a school? Ten per cent. of parents or
one governor are very low thresholds. They could keep
the debate going on for ever, which only introduces
uncertainty on the school’s status.
Dan Rogerson: As a seasoned political campaigner,
the hon. Gentleman is well aware of the possibilities
that are open to anyone at that point.
Dr Pugh: I do not want to accuse the hon. Member
for East Antrim (Sammy Wilson) of complete nonsense,
but the gist of amendment 8 is a procedure for dealing
with an objection. If a governor disagrees, there would
be a ballot. The ballot would decide on that objection,
and that would be the end of the matter. The hon.
Gentleman said that a governor could keep the debate
going for ever, but they cannot do so. That is not what
the amendment proposes.
Dan Rogerson: My hon. Friend is right that amendment 8
sets out such a procedure, but the question is whether
we should adopt it and whether it will allow everybody
who might want a ballot to trigger one.
Vernon Coaker rose—
Dan Rogerson: I should like to make a little progress,
after which I will happily give way to the hon. Gentleman,
who I hope will contribute to the debate on this group
of amendments.
The key question is this: do we feel that there is
enough consultation provision in the Bill? There is also
an issue of timing, to which my hon. Friend the Member
for Southport and others referred when speaking to
amendment 9. Is it possible to have meaningful consultation
after an application has been made to the Secretary of
State? In the debate in the other place this issue was
addressed, and, as I recall, it is the signing of the
funding agreement that makes things final. Therefore,
should consultation reveal that everyone in the wider
community is horrified by the idea of the school becoming
an academy, there would be the option not to proceed.
In other words, before the final funding agreement is
signed, the application could be withdrawn and the
process stopped at that point. There is a misunderstanding
about when the point of no return is reached. It is not
when the application is approved, but when the funding
agreement is signed.
Mr Mike Hancock: I hope that my hon. Friend does
not find my intervention unhelpful, although he might—
[Laughter.] Does he agree that the amendments tabled
by my hon. Friend the Member for Southport (Dr Pugh)
go to the heart of the old Liberal adage about giving
people a choice and a chance to have their say? Anything
short of support for that would fly in the face of many
of the things that we have stood for over the years.
Academies Bill [Lords] 756
Dan Rogerson: Against my hon. Friend’s possible
intention, that was a helpful intervention as it gives me
the opportunity to repeat the point that the amendment
is about one particular group of people who would be
involved in the vote, not others who would also be
affected—a point that he made in an intervention on
my hon. Friend the Member for Southport. It is therefore
important that the consultation should be as wide-ranging
as possible, but it should take place before the final
funding agreement has been signed. It is in that period
that a meaningful consultation can take place because
there is something to consult on.
Mr Redwood: If there were a good head teacher in a
good school who recommended a transition to academy
status, a ballot called with a 40% turn-out and 21% of
the parents said no to academy status and 19% said yes,
would the head master have to resign? Could the head
teacher be lost because his proposal had been rejected?
Dan Rogerson: We are moving into uncharted territory
with the suggestion of motions of no confidence in
head teachers and legislating on that point. It is an
interesting point.
I hope that the Minister can tell us how the consultation
process will be supported and how it can move forward.
I hope that he can reassure the Committee—as those in
the other place were reassured—that consultation will
be meaningful and allow everyone to have their say.
Hon. Members have already raised concerns about the
time scale over the summer for those who wish to take
early advantage of these measures, and there are schools
which do want to take this route. I would be interested if
the Minister can say how we can ensure that that
consultation is meaningful in those instances.
Amendment 9 is an important one in the context of
consultation. It is possible to have that consultation
after the application has been made. Amendment 9
would require the consultation to take place between
the application and approval by the Secretary of State.
It is fair to say that there may have been some discussions
already between the Secretary of State and the Department
and the schools that started this process before the Bill
was introduced. It is possible theoretically therefore
that approval could be given quickly. The amendment
would narrow the window for consultation between the
application being made and being granted by the Secretary
of State. If that happened in a short space of time, there
would be no time for consultation. We need the consultation
to be able to proceed until the signing of the final
agreement, which is the agreement that creates the
academy and concludes the process.
Dr Pugh: Does it not follow that trying to get academy
status by September must be nonsense? Can my hon.
Friend sketch out an indicative timetable that includes
application, the funding agreement—which is irreversible—
and, somewhere in the middle, consultation, bearing in
mind that it is only six weeks until September?
5.45 pm
Dan Rogerson: I suspect that my hon. Friend has
posed a problem not for me, but for the Minister to
answer when he replies to this debate. He is right: as I
have already said, the Committee will need some reassurance
that those consultations can take place over the summer
for schools that wish to proceed quickly.
757 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
For the reasons that I have outlined, this is an important
debate for the Committee to have. My hon. Friend is to
be commended on moving the amendment in his
customarily considered way. For that reason, it should
be treated as a probing amendment by the Minister,
rather than one on which the Committee should be
divided, because it would not actually achieve the aspirations
that many hon. Members have outlined, and which
others will perhaps outline later in this debate.
Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab): I
would like to speak to amendment 4, and to support
amendment 78, on the process of consultation, and
amendment 77, on the timing.
I have grave concerns about the Bill. I cannot understand
why the provisions are being rushed through for no
identifiable reason other than political expediency. The
Bill seems to seek completely to undermine the role of
local authorities. It seems to be unaware of—indeed,
antagonistic towards—the crucial role that those authorities
play in planning for special educational needs, equalities,
fair admissions, and so on. From my 25 years of being a
governor, I know the importance of the local education
authority in supporting schools, so it should be quite
clear that I am not happy with the Bill. However, it is
simply disgraceful to try to force through a re-designation
of maintained schools to academies, bringing about a
change in governance, curricula and admissions, and a
possible loss of amenity to a local community, albeit
without any meaningful consultation with them.
Amendment 4 seeks to outline a range of people and
groups who should be consulted. They include—
obviously—teachers, parents, other local authorities,
pupils, potential partners to academies, and the wider
community.
Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): Proposed clause 5(1)(c)
in amendment 4 lists the pupils. Would the hon. Lady
not agree that consulting with pupils aged 11—or, if we
give academy status to primary schools, five or six—might
be a little stretching for them at that point in their
educational cycle?
Roberta Blackman-Woods: The hon. Gentleman
makes an interesting point. I have some experience of
consulting on an academy—albeit not the sort of the
academy proposed by the Bill—and I can assure him
that pupils find it very easy to grasp what the change of
their school to academy status would mean. However,
his point is valid in that there must be a given length
of time for a consultation to take place, so that the
arguments for and against an academy in an area can be
properly explained to everyone concerned. However,
the Bill completely overrides any meaningful consultation
process.
Bill Esterson: There are many professionals with good
experience of how to consult effectively with children.
Exactly the same point that the hon. Member for York
Outer (Julian Sturdy) has just raised—the point about
why children should not be consulted—was raised with
me when I was dealing with the establishment of academies
in Medway a couple of years ago. However, it is a
completely spurious point, as I think my hon. Friend
would agree, because even much younger children have
good insights. The question is how we go about consulting
them, not whether we should consult them.
Academies Bill [Lords] 758
Roberta Blackman-Woods: My hon. Friend makes a
valid point, which demonstrates the lack of seriousness
among the Government parties about consulting with
those in the community. They simply have not thought
through how to consult with particular groups.
Mr Timpson: When talking about consultation in the
education of children, does the hon. Lady recall that
the previous Government introduced provisions in the
Children, Schools and Families Act 2010—which went
through Parliament in the previous Session—relating to
the education of home-educated children. Those provisions
imposed far more draconian checks and balances on
how parents who educated their children at home were
to do so. However, there was no consultation by the
previous Government when they introduced those
provisions, so there has been no consistency from her
party on the issue.
Roberta Blackman-Woods: I am quite sure that the
previous Government were setting precise and specific
standards for home education, because it is really important
to ensure that children’s education is protected when
they are being educated at home.
I shall return to amendment 4. It is important that
time should be given to consulting all the relevant
groups in an area that will be affected by a new academy.
I find the Liberal Democrats’ position on this issue
rather confusing. The academy that we were hoping to
establish in my constituency has been stopped by the
Government. It was supported by the local authority, in
partnership, and backed by the university of Durham.
It had huge support in the local community. It took
some time to work through with the local community
what the arrangements would mean, but once that had
been adequately explained and they had asked their
questions of the relevant partners and got the answers,
everyone was clear about the way ahead. The parents
and teachers were also very clear that they wanted an
ongoing relationship with the local authority. If the Bill
goes through unamended, as seems likely given the
parliamentary process that is being adopted, it will be
impossible for parents to have their points heard or to
maintain their desired relationship with the local authority.
I therefore urge hon. Members to support amendment 4
and amendment 78, so that proper consultation
arrangements can be put in place.
I also want to speak to amendment 77, which relates
to the timing of the consultation. When I first read
clause 5, I thought that there must be something missing.
Surely no one could be suggesting that it is appropriate
to consult after an academy order has been made. That
is clearly ludicrous. When I discussed this with people in
my constituency at the weekend, they suggested that we
should perhaps applaud the Government for being up
front and honest about the fact that they were not going
to hold consultations or pay any attention to any
consultations that were held. Obviously, if a consultation
takes place after an order has been made, they are not
going to pay any attention to it. So perhaps the Government
are just being honest in clause 5, and saying that, as they
are not going to pay any attention to any consultation,
it does not matter whether it takes place before or after
an academy order is made.
The Minister of State, Department for Education
(Mr Nick Gibb): Did the hon. Lady not hear the answer
given my hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall
759 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
[Mr Nick Gibb]
(Dan Rogerson), which is that the academy order is not
the final moment in the conversion process? The final
moment involves the funding agreement, which takes
place after the academy order is made, so there will be
plenty of time for the consultation to take place.
Roberta Blackman-Woods: I did hear that answer, but
many of us fear that, at that point, the process will
already have gone too far in a particular direction for it
to be stopped. In any case, the Government should
adopt best practice, but it is not best practice to carry
out a consultation when all but the very last stages of a
decision process have already been completed. It would
be more honest of the Government to admit that this
clause had been inserted in the other place, that they did
not want it in the Bill in the first place, and that there is
no intention whatever to consult outside the governing
bodies. Significantly, they should also admit that no
attention will be paid to the outcome of any consultation
exercise. This is not what the Government should be
doing; it is not good practice.
Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): I should like
to speak to amendments 8 and 9 and new clause 1. I
shall possibly touch on amendment 4 as well. Over the
past few weeks, it has been interesting for me, as a new
Member, to listen to Labour Members telling us that a
figure of 51% is the correct one in any decision. Today,
however, I think it was the hon. Member for Stockton
North (Alex Cunningham) who told us that using a
figure of 51% was an unacceptable way of coming to a
decision. I am interested that their consistency on one
argument does not necessarily carry over into another.
There are some sensible reasons behind amendment 9,
in that one would probably want a consultation to have
begun—and possibly even finished—before making an
academy order. I suspect that as schools move along
this route, that will indeed be the case. Today, however, I
have been struck by the lack of confidence in our
governing bodies and our head teachers. It has been
staggering to listen to that. I sit as a school governor
and I was until recently a school teacher. Perhaps I am
judging hon. Members unfairly, but they seem to be
giving the impression that governing bodies are educational
asset strippers who want to move forward as quickly as
possible without any consultation with parents. As a
governor and someone who has worked as a teacher, I
do not recognise that portrayal of governors as some
kind of strange being.
Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab): I take the hon. Gentleman’s
point about Members not taking governors’ commitment
seriously. I want to reassure him that that is certainly
not the argument that many of us are putting forward.
The point about governors, of which I am one, is that
they have a strong duty to take into consideration the
impact of changes on the children in their school. They
attach the utmost importance to that duty. We are
asking them to take into account the impact of the
proposed changes on the wider community, but they
will be able to do that only if they consult the wider
community. Many of us are concerned that that will not
happen unless such a requirement is incorporated in the
Bill.
Academies Bill [Lords] 760
Andrew Percy: I thank the hon. Lady for her intervention.
Amendment 8 does not mention the wider community;
it simply mentions parents. We also now have community
governors to represent the interests of the wider community.
So it is untrue—sorry, it is incorrect to suggest that
governors do not take into account the role of their
school in the community. In fact, over the past few
years, one of the great moves forward for most schools
is that they now recognise their position at the centre of
the local community, and no longer see their responsibility
ending at the school gate or the perimeter fence. Most
schools now work incredibly hard to build links with
their communities.
Lisa Nandy: I accept that most schools see their role
as being at the heart of their community, and I am
grateful for that. The problem arises when a school does
not see that as its role, and that is what many of these
amendments are seeking to address.
Andrew Percy: I suspect that the hon. Lady and I will
have to agree to differ on this point, otherwise we will
end up bouncing backwards and forwards. Head teachers,
teachers, governors and those who have attended a
governors’ training course are generally well aware of
their responsibilities beyond the boundary fence of
their school.
Sammy Wilson: Does the hon. Gentleman not agree
that any school that wants a long-term future and wants
to attract the necessary intake of pupils to maintain its
position will have to take cognisance of what is going
on in the community, because without community support
it will not get a supply of pupils?
Andrew Percy: My hon. Friend makes that point
better than I could. That is precisely why I am making
the point today that governing bodies are not full of
educational asset strippers. They consist of people who
care deeply about their schools and communities and
who will not change the governance arrangements of
their school without proper consultation with parents,
pupils and the wider community. We should pay respect
to the people who serve as governors. They are dedicated
individuals who understand their responsibilities full
well, and they will not proceed without proper consultation.
Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): There seems
to be a view that a particular school serves a community,
but in many areas the reality is that it serves different
communities. A catchment area will include a range of
different communities, not all of which might be represented
on the governing body.
6 pm
Andrew Percy: The hon. Gentleman makes the point
that I was going to make about amendment 8, which
limits consultation on the ballot to the parents at the
school at the time, taking no account of the wider
community or communities. One of the biggest problems
that I have with the suggestion of a ballot for parents is
this: given that orders can take up to a year to go
through, who do we ballot? Do we ballot year 11
parents? Do we ballot year 6 parents from feeder schools?
Do we ballot people who might be thinking of having a
child at some point? The impossibility of drawing a
correct boundary around those to be balloted is the
weakness of the ballot process.
761 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
Having served as a local councillor who has been
through the Building Schools for the Future process, I
would like to ask Labour Members who propose ballots
this question: where were our ballots on the proposal to
merge schools? Where were our ballots on the proposal
to close schools? Where were our ballots on the proposal
to move ahead with academies, put forward by the
previous Government? Such ballots did not exist, and
the Government were right not to call for them. Proper
consultation with the governing bodies, involving
consultation with parents and schools, was the best
course of action.
The same applies to health services. In my area, a
number of health services have been lost. Trusts have
become foundation trusts, and their governance
arrangements have changed, but we had no ballots on
those proposals either.
Ian Mearns (Gateshead) (Lab): The hon. Gentleman
makes a cogent argument for the retention and
strengthening of the strategic role of the local authority
in education provision, which seems to run against the
logic of establishing academies across the piece.
Andrew Percy: The hon. Gentleman will probably be
disappointed, as I was about to move on to that point.
Labour Members have said a great deal about the role
of the local authority, and of parents in relation to it, in
control of schools. In the area I represented as a councillor,
when parents were up in arms about proposals to close
our primary schools, the local education authority was
in no position to fight such proposals or to act as a
guardian for our local schools, because there is no
genuine control by the local authority over education.
The surplus places legislation and the Ofsted framework
come down from central Government. It is a fallacy
that parents are continuously engaged with their LEA
about the structure of education in their area. The
theory might look and sound good, but the reality is
different.
The Bill gives parents a choice—I limit my comments
here to maintained schools that become academy
schools—to vote with their feet. The hon. Member for
Southport (Dr Pugh) wants parents to vote in some
form, and I suggest that providing a range of different
education facilities in an area enables parents to decide
not with a tick in a box but with their feet.
My concerns about new clause 1 echo many of those
put forward by my hon. Friend the Member for Crewe
and Nantwich (Mr Timpson). We might end up with
the strange situation in which 10% of parents are continually
unhappy with the governance arrangements and go
back for a second, third or fourth bite at the cherry.
That is the problem with a 10% threshold, or a 30%,
40% or 49.9% threshold—
Ian Mearns: Or 55%.
Andrew Percy: I am pleased that the hon. Gentleman
has come round to the idea of having a 55% rule in
certain circumstances.
With the ballots proposal, the risk is that we end up
with vexatious and frivolous requests for ballots.
Caroline Lucas: The hon. Gentleman’s points underline
the fact that we do not have time to discuss the amendments
properly. He focuses not on the principle of providing
Academies Bill [Lords] 762
some way for academies to revert to maintained status,
but on whether the threshold should be 10% and whether
there will be vexatious uses. It is not beyond the wit of
mankind to devise ways of further amending the proposal
to ensure that it is not put to vexatious use. Will he focus
on the principle of the amendment, and say whether he
agrees with it?
Andrew Percy: As someone who has been a teacher, I
hope that governing bodies will have a way not only to
move in one direction but, potentially, to move back.
Dan Rogerson: I agree with the hon. Gentleman that
such mechanisms are important, but would he be satisfied
with the current provision that at the end of seven years,
if the agreement is not renewed, the school would revert
to maintained status?
Andrew Percy: My hon. Friend has, I hope, allayed
some of the fears of the hon. Member for Brighton,
Pavilion (Caroline Lucas). Should the measures not
succeed, or should the school not be happy with the
position, the Bill would provide a route back.
We should trust governing bodies and governors to
do their job. They are dedicated people, education
professionals, well intentioned parents, and well intentioned
people from local communities. They will not steamroller
ahead against the wishes of parents and the wider
community. They will take on board seriously the views
and aspirations of local people. The weakness of not
having a range of education provision is that we deny
parents and pupils a choice over the curriculum that
they want to follow. We end up with parents choosing
between school A and school B, which are identical.
There is nothing wrong with some competition, with
giving parents the choice and with allowing them to
vote with their feet. I urge the Committee to vote
against the amendments.
Lisa Nandy: I want to speak particularly to my
amendment 86, which is a probing amendment designed
to understand the Government’s reasons for not including
in the Bill consultation with key groups, including the
wider community, prior to a school seeking academy
status.
Previously, when maintained schools converted to
academies, the local authority was obliged to consult
widely. Although there was no legal requirement for
public consultation where a new academy was to be
established, the local authority at least had to be consulted.
I am worried that that is not being replicated in the Bill.
Despite some progress, the current wording on consultation
is inadequate, requiring consultation only with
“such persons as they think appropriate”.
It is of the utmost importance that parents, pupils, staff
and the local authority are consulted.
We have already talked a little about the importance
of consulting children. I want also to draw attention to
the United Nations convention on the rights of the
child, which successive Governments have supported,
and which sets the standard by which we expect children
to be treated in this country. Part of that is about
talking to children and listening to their views on matters
that affect them. Few matters could affect children
more than that currently under consideration by the
Committee.
763 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
[Lisa Nandy]
The changes will impact on all the groups to which I
have referred, including the wider community, children
who are not currently at school, children who are going
on to school, and children who are at other schools. I
will not rehearse the arguments that were advanced on
Second Reading, but it is important to consider those in
the context of the amendments.
The Government have said that they are committed
to giving parents a greater voice. The National Governors
Association has said that, in that case, it would like to
see consultation with parents as part of that principle. I
reiterate the point I made earlier that governors have a
strong duty to put the children in their school first. I
would like a provision for prior consultation with the
wider community to be included in the Bill. That would
mean that, before taking the decision to seek academy
status, the governors were in command of the full facts.
That cannot be controversial, and I cannot understand
why the provision is not in the Bill.
Several groups have raised the concern with me that
the wording of the Bill is so broad as to leave governing
bodies open to legal action should they not carry out
consultation with groups in a way that is considered
proper. Will the Minister consider that in his response,
as I would hate to see that happening to governing
bodies? As a school governor, I would find it extremely
worrying to find my school in that position.
Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Does
it not strike my hon. Friend as odd that, while the
Government are proposing to allow local communities
to engage in consultation and to vote on planning
permission for residential developments, they are proposing
no such consultation when it comes to the impact on
the future of a school and the implications of that for
the whole community?
Lisa Nandy: That brings me to a point that was raised
with me by the TUC. The Government’s concept of the
big society appears to feature the involvement of more
and more people in the services that they own as members
of the community, but this proposal, like some of the
other measures that have been pushed through, seems
to be directly at odds with that principle.
Andrew Percy: Would the hon. Lady care to comment
on the previous Government’s conversion of schools to
academies, and their school closures? Does she believe
that there was proper consultation with parents and
pupils then, and does she feel that there should have
been ballots?
Lisa Nandy: I believe that we can always do better
when it comes to consultation, but I also believe that the
standard being set in the Committee today marks an
extraordinarily low point in the history of consultation.
I think that we should move on from what was done by
the previous Government, and ensure that there is more
consultation, not less.
Let me emphasise to the Minister that schools are at
the heart of their local communities. If there is no
consultation with the people who will be affected by the
Bill, schools will drive a wedge between themselves and
their communities, and I believe that we have an obligation
Academies Bill [Lords] 764
to prevent that from happening. My amendment seeks
to establish why the Government do not wish to ensure
that the views of the community inform the decisions of
schools. I should be grateful if the Minister could
answer that question.
Mr Mike Hancock: You will be pleased to know,
Ms Primarolo, that I spent most of the weekend trying
to pronounce your name without embarrassing myself
or you. That is as near to pronouncing it correctly as I
can get. I apologise for my rudeness to you last week
when I could not pronounce it.
It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Wigan
(Lisa Nandy). Is it Wigan? It was on the annunciator
screen, but I missed it. It moved so quickly. You know
how unaccustomed this place is to things moving quickly,
Ms Primarolo, except on the annunciator screen. Anyway,
it is a pleasure to follow the hon. Lady, and I had more
than a degree of sympathy for what she had to say.
I hope that Members will give serious consideration
to some of the issues raised by my hon. Friend the
Member for Southport (Dr Pugh) and others, including
the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas).
She made a very good point. The only point on which I
disagreed with her was the percentage business: I did
not think that that was helpful to the debate.
I am disappointed that the right hon. Member for
Wokingham (Mr Redwood) has left the Chamber. He
seemed to be digging himself gradually into a deeper
and deeper hole, and taking interventions to save himself
from burying himself. He appeared to be saying that
everyone else could be right, but parents would have to
be wrong. Parents could not be trusted to make a
decision as important as this, because they might simply
get it wrong. Well, who is to say that anyone else is
going to get it right?
I should be interested to know what is wrong with
giving people an opportunity to discuss and to make a
decision. I shall explain shortly why I think that is
important, but let me deal first with the notion that the
amendment, or something like it, cannot be accepted
because there is not enough time. Nothing in the rules
of the House suggests that the business cannot be
changed. If the Government were minded to accept the
amendment, a Report stage could, if necessary, be
arranged for tomorrow afternoon. Nothing in the rules
states that the summer Adjournment debates must take
place at a particular time on the last day before the
recess, as long as they do take place. The business could
be changed so that both Report and Third Reading
could take place tomorrow. There would be nothing to
prevent that, if good will existed in relation to bringing
parents into the debate about academy status.
6.15 pm
I think it important to spread the franchise. I do not
entirely agree with my hon. Friend the Member for
Southport that one governor should be able to intercede,
to object and to force a parental vote. I believe that the
issue is more important than that. Although I personally
oppose academy status, I wish existing academies all the
best, and if people have a choice and decide in favour of
academy status, so be it. However, a determined effort
must then be made if the arrangement is to work, and it
will not work if feeder schools, and the parents of
children at those schools, are not involved in the process.
765 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
I believe that one of the ways to make an academy
really work is to lock it into an all-through, all-embracing
system involving the feeder schools and the secondary
school, but those wishing to adopt such a system would
have to carry a lot of parents with them.
The questions that we should be asking are “Is this
really so good for education?” and “What will an academy
do for children that a local authority working with a
school cannot achieve today?”Those fundamental questions
are lost time and again in our debates in the Chamber.
There has been no proper analysis here of the direct
benefits that academy status will apparently bring to
schools. Will all academies be a success? Are we brazen
enough to say that no academy will ever fail? I hope
not; that is to say, I hope they will not fail, but I also
hope our thinking is not so flawed that we believe every
academy will succeed. The problem is, if an academy
does fail, who will pick up the pieces afterwards? Parents
must be able to engage in a proper, informed debate
themselves.
The suggestion that all that can be sorted out in time
for some academies to be in existence by September is
mind-boggling.
Mr Sheerman rose—
Mr Hancock: I see that the hon. Gentleman is itching
to intervene. At our age, I think I should allow him to
do so, so that he need not struggle to rise too often.
Mr Sheerman: The hon. Gentleman is more deeply
rooted in his community and his constituency than
almost anyone I know, but I hope he will not mind my
saying that he is slightly missing one point. Under the
last Government, Building Schools for the Future and
academies were not just about improving schools, but
about transforming the communities in which they sat.
That was at the heart of what the last Government were
doing, and that is what the present Government seem to
be missing. Transforming the community is what a
great school does.
Mr Hancock: I agree. As I said in my intervention on
my hon. Friend the Member for Southport, it is not just
about the parents of children attending a school; it is
about the wider community having a say. Academies
were supposed to be at the very heart of the community,
and they were supposed to be seven-days-a-week
establishments offering a range of activities that the
whole community could embrace. If that is what we will
have, we should share it with the population and encourage
them to become involved; but to suggest that we can
create academies from scratch by September is pushing
against a door that has already been slammed in our
faces. It might be possible in the case of schools that
have partly completed the process, but I think it highly
unlikely that any academy created from scratch could
succeed. I do not even know whether the governors
would meet between the passing of the Bill and the time
at which it would be possible to begin the process of
setting up an academy.
How quickly will the Government be able to agree on
the financial basis? What will happen to the role of local
authorities that have already budgeted for the coming
year? What will happen to the existing budgets in schools?
That brings me to a point at which I have to declare an
Academies Bill [Lords] 766
interest yet again, Ms Primarolo—Primarolo—[Laughter.]
It is difficult for a person who has had a speech impediment
for 60 years and then mastered it when someone comes
along with a name that contains a P and an R too close
together, with an O at the end. I am trying to fight this
as best I can. I hope you will bear with me, Ms Primarolo.
Are you looking for inspiration from above?
I was thinking about a problem that local authorities
face. I must declare an interest at this point: I am a
member of a local authority that is a local education
authority. This morning we were discussing what to do
now. We already have one academy and, as I have said,
it is a pleasure to see the transformation that is taking
place particularly in the parents, who were heavily consulted,
and the pupils. Everyone is optimistic and looking for
an improvement in the school’s academic record in one
year. So even though I am against this measure, I have
seen how it can start such a process.
As I said, this morning we on the Portsmouth executive
were discussing what to do now in respect of the legislation
before us. How will we deal with the other schools? Will
we try to talk to them about having a federation?
Should we think about helping one school? We have a
very good single-sex girls’ school but it is sometimes
difficult to see where its future will lie. I would very
much like for it be maintained, but we also have a
single-sex boys’ school that is not in such a good state of
health, and the question therefore arises of how we
work with them. I do not want local authorities to be
left with a rump of schools that are difficult to manage.
We asked other questions, too. How do we cope with
staff ? How do we cope with low achievement in schools?
How do we maintain parents’ confidence that their
children will get an equal share of the resources? The
Government did not address that problem during our
discussions last week but it is fundamental, because if
parents are not going to be involved in the creation of
an academy they really ought to be told what the effects
will be on those children who will not be fortunate
enough to get into an academy.
I ask the Minister to talk about the confidence that
the Government have to be able to give to parents in
order to be sure that all of them believe their children
will get equal opportunities at school. Under the Bill in
its current form, there is a degree of unfairness that
could easily and very quickly be exposed in cities such
as mine—densely populated urban areas with schools
very close together where it is difficult to regulate catchment
areas fairly and properly because people live so close by.
Where schools are located is also an issue in this respect.
Some of them came into existence as secondary schools
somewhat late in the day. We had to build two new
secondary schools in our city in the last 10 years to cope
with the rising numbers of children, and we had to
build them where we could, rather than in the right
place, so to speak. We had to build them on the available
sites which were not necessarily in the right areas. That
also makes the catchment areas issue very difficult.
Parents therefore rightly have a number of fears, and
teachers certainly do too. The amendments before us
are about making sure that parents have the opportunity
to know both a lot more than is currently available
about what an academy can achieve and the downsides
of academies. The Minister would be foolish in the
extreme if he were to suggest that some parents would
not want the downsides of an academy to be explained.
767 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
[Mr Mike Hancock]
That is particularly the case in respect of parents of
children who are not fortunate enough to get into them.
What will happen to the rest of the children?
I hope the Minister will also respond to the points
raised by the hon. Member for Wigan and my hon.
Friend the Member for North Cornwall (Dan Rogerson).
My hon. Friend asked two or three questions that are
worthy of a specific on-the-record comment from the
Minister, because this Committee needs and demands
that. We cannot allow legislation to be passed so quickly
without proper scrutiny and with questions left unanswered.
The Government cannot have it both ways. If they are
not prepared to give us the time to scrutinise the Bill
properly, they should be able to put a sustainable and
maintainable position on the record by saying, “This is
the way it’s going to be.” Anything short of that should
be seen by this House and the country as totally
unacceptable.
Several hon. Members rose—
The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means
(Dawn Primarolo): I call Vernon Coaker.
Vernon Coaker: Thank you for calling me to speak,
Ms Primarolo. It has been an interesting debate so far
and, clearly, more Members wish to contribute to it.
The Government are in a mess on consultation. There
are all sorts of worries and concerns on both sides of
the Committee about consultation and what it actually
means in practice for both local communities and individual
schools across the country. This is a live issue for the
Government, because we are supposed to be in an era of
new politics, which is about localism—involving, talking
to and empowering local people and communities—yet
the Government are unclear about what that means in
respect of schools.
Under the Bill in its current form, a governing body
and head teacher can, effectively, apply to become an
academy and be fast-tracked through that process if
they are outstanding, and it is the Secretary of State
who makes the final decision. This is therefore a hugely
centralising measure that completely bypasses the local
community, the local authority and anyone of influence
in a local area. The Government can state clearly in the
Bill that that is not their intention and they do not wish
that to happen.
I take on board the point that there are many good
governing bodies and that we should not impinge on
individual governors and head teachers who work extremely
hard, but they operate on the basis of what they consider
to be best for their individual school whereas it is
incumbent upon us here to pass laws that not only look
towards the interests of individual schools but address
such issues within the context of the education system
as a whole. The Government’s intention is that thousands
of schools will become academies and hundreds will be
fast-tracked through the process but, as I said last week,
I think we will simply be taking a leap in the dark, with
no real idea where this will end up.
The Minister must tell us how many schools have
applied to become academies and how many he anticipates
will be academies in September 2010. The press release
the Department for Education sent out at the beginning
Academies Bill [Lords] 768
of this process on 2 June told us 1,000 schools have
applied for academy freedoms, but that is not what it
meant to say. It meant that 1,000 schools had expressed
an interest in that, but where are we now in this regard?
Where have those schools got to in respect of consultation?
Who will they be talking to in August? Which governors
are consulting which local authorities? Which governors
are talking to which parents? Which governing bodies
are talking to which communities? What consultation is
going on, given that the Secretary of State has expressly
told this House that he wants as many outstanding
schools as possible to be fast-tracked to academy status
in September? “Not a clue,” is the answer from the
Government. Any reasonable and rational person would
say it is difficult to have such consultations when schools
are on holiday. I accept that—we all accept that—but in
that case the Government should not set out as one of
the Bill’s policy objectives that large numbers of schools
will become academies.
The Government have not stated what consultation
they expect the schools that are being fast-tracked to
academy status to be involved in. They have not set
before the Committee what the process will be by which
they as a Government monitor that, other than to say
that there is a point of contact at the Department for
Education. What on earth does that mean—a phone
call, perhaps, or the odd letter, or a couple of e-mail
exchanges? What evidence will be collected to ensure
that the measures in the Bill—even the measure on this
limited consultation—are followed? The issue of legal
challenge was rightly raised. There will be a legal challenge
if the Department cannot give adequate explanations—
other than what it has given so far, which is extremely
woolly—in respect of even the limited consultative process
in the Bill, with the pre-commencement later on in it. If
it cannot do that, there is a real problem.
Pat Glass: I wonder whether my hon. Friend agrees
with me about what is happening in a school that is
outside but close to my constituency, which may affect
children in my constituency? The head teacher and a
small number of governors have made an application
for academy status and it is being fast-tracked, but the
head teacher is retiring on 31 August. Does my hon.
Friend agree that this is contemptuous, not only to
children and to parents and to the local community, but
to the new head teacher who is due to take over a school
which is going to change in character and is not going
to be the school to which he applied? That is what is
happening as a result of this Bill being rushed through
this House.
6.30 pm
Vernon Coaker: I agree with that. The point that we
have made on numerous occasions is that even if the
Government think that this is a good Bill—they clearly
do—and are determined to push forward with it, the
rush to put the legislation in place will have unintended
consequences of exactly the sort that my hon. Friend
describes. I am not trying to be smart when I predict
that individual Members from across the House will
have individual schools coming to them about problems
with this process and the adverse consequences that it is
having for their area, and that will be as a result of
having rushed this legislation through.
769 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
Mr Gibb: May I help the hon. Gentleman by saying
that schools that do wish to convert this September
must have submitted their applications by 30 June, so
there will be time before the beginning of the schools’
summer recess for consultation to take place? In addition,
the consultation is not required to terminate by September;
it can go on through the autumn until the funding
agreement is signed. So there is plenty of time, both
before the summer and after it, for this important
consultation to take place.
Vernon Coaker: I am afraid that the Minister is just
asserting things; there is no fact in what he just said.
How many schools are going through this process?
What are they actually doing to consult? Are they
sending a letter to every parent? Are they holding
parents’ meetings? Are they going out into the community?
Are leaflets being sent round? Are other schools involved
in this? Are other governing bodies involved? Is the
local authority involved? What does what the Minister
has just said mean? The reality is that none of us knows.
Mr Mike Hancock: In view of what the Minister has
just said, is the hon. Gentleman not slightly mystified,
as I am, why the Government cannot tell us the number
of schools that have indicated since 30 June that they
want to start this process? Surely the Department ought
to be able to make that information available to the
Committee.
Vernon Coaker: Absolutely. The point that the Minister
missed was that the Secretary of State has made great
play of the fact that some schools will become academies
not by Christmas or through the autumn, when the
consultation is going to be by, but by September 2010;
the whole reason we are rushing this Bill through is that
the Secretary of State was telling us that all these
schools were queuing up to become academies by
September 2010. The Minister may have been saying in
his intervention that a lot of schools signed up by 30
June, because the process takes three months, and they
have therefore started the consultation. We do not know
what that involves, but it carries on in August and can
go on “through the autumn”—those were the Minister’s
own words. So why are we rushing this legislation if the
consultation can go on for longer? We could have
slowed down a bit and improved the Bill, accepting
some amendments that hon. Members have proposed.
The Government would have thus achieved their objective
with a much-improved Bill that would have allayed
some of the concerns that have been raised, notwithstanding
the fact that Labour Members would have opposed it in
any case.
I hope that the Minister will tell us the exact number
of schools that have applied, not the number that have
expressed an interest—I hope he will give the exact
number for primary schools and secondary schools. I
know that this is not going to happen in special schools
until 2011 and I cannot remember whether that is also
the case for primary schools, but it certainly will happen
in secondary schools. How many schools are actually
applying? How many of that number does the Minister
expect to open in September 2010? I hope he will
outline for us exactly what consultation process those
schools will be expected to have gone through and that
he will explain to the Committee how the Department is
ensuring that that has taken place, so that when the
Academies Bill [Lords] 770
Secretary of State decides whether to give an academy
order he can say, “These are the criteria I used.” The
Committee deserves to know that, but we have so far
been given no answer..
Mr Redwood: Can the shadow Minister explain why
he thinks so many head teachers and governing bodies
might want to drive something like this through against
the wishes of the local community and parents or
without bothering to find out what their views were? I
would have thought that the first thing any head teacher
would do when considering this would have been to
ensure that they had support.
Vernon Coaker: What we are saying is that we are
legislating for a process and we expect it to set out
exactly what should happen. It is for the Government to
determine what that process is. At the moment, they
have no real idea about it. I also say to the right hon.
Gentleman that what we are also trying to do—this is
the point made by the hon. Member for Portsmouth
South (Mr Hancock)—is find out how many of the
1,000 schools that the press release says have applied
will become academies in September. The Minister has
failed last week and this to give a categorical answer to
the question of how many academies the Department
expects to open in September. I, too, will be interested
to hear that answer.
Mr Redwood: I am sure that we will all be interested
in that answer. However, the shadow Minister has given
me no answer on the point that I asked. He is not saying
that he knows of lots of head teachers and governing
bodies foolish enough to try to drive this through
against local opinion. Can he not understand that the
whole idea of localism is that we need to trust these
people more and give them more scope to act? They will
decide how to consult and how widely they need to
consult depending on the mood.
Vernon Coaker: But who will decide? It will be the
head teacher and the governing body of the school. The
right hon. Gentleman tells us not to worry because
some consultation will take place, and he asks what
head teacher would drive this through against local
opposition. I just say to him that if parents—if all of
them—are so important, why does the word “parents”
not appear in the Bill? I ask him that to test him,
because none of us can find a reference to them and I
find that astonishing. He asks what head teacher would
possibly go against the wishes of parents and against
the wishes of anybody, but why is the word “parents”,
which the right hon. Gentleman has just prayed in aid
when he said that the Government were all for localism
and for people empowering the local neighbourhood,
not contained in this Bill? There may be one or two such
references but I cannot find them.
Mr Redwood: Sometimes things are so obvious that
when one trusts people they will do the obvious thing.
Of course these people will want to carry the local
parents with them because otherwise they will lose their
school.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
771 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
Vernon Coaker: I make a prediction to the right hon.
Gentleman and to some of the hon. Members on the
Government Benches who are saying “Hear, hear”. I
predict that the Government will produce amendments
in the Bill that they are introducing in the autumn to
clarify the situation and that hon. Members will, at
some point, be writing to the Minister asking whether
he could intervene in respect of particular schools in
their community where it looks as though the consultation
has not taken place and other schools start complaining
about the schools that have been fast-tracked to academy
status. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, because he
has been here longer than I have, when we legislate in
this House, we do so in a way that lays out the process
that we expect to be followed in order for a process to
happen. The process in this Bill is confused, and people
do not know what it is supposed to be. He knows as well
as I do that confused legislation provides the opportunity
for judicial review. All I am saying is that the fact that
this reference is not in the Bill is astonishing.
Mr Ward: I wonder whether the hon. Gentleman is as
concerned as I am about the proposals on consulting
parents. Unless we receive some advice to the contrary,
it appears that under clause 1(6)(d) up to 49% of the
pupils in a new school do not have to be
“drawn from the area in which the school is situated.”
Vernon Coaker: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely
right about that. Of course what Lord Hill said in
another place was that if we were to consider the
grammar schools that become academies, we might find
that that area is significantly broader. What that “area”
meant was very difficult to define.
My hon. Friend the Member for Huddersfield
(Mr Sheerman), the former Chair of the Select Committee,
drew attention to the fact that the Government are not
averse to ballots because they have introduced them for
local planning decisions. Of course, the Minister will
know, as we heard in the statement that took place
before our discussions in Committee started today, the
Government are introducing ballots for locally elected
police commissioners. The principle of ballots, such as
that proposed by the hon. Member for Southport
(Dr Pugh), is something to which the Government are
not opposed.
We think that we should lay out the details that are
set out in amendment 78 rather simply leaving it to
people to do what is appropriate. Parents should be
consulted and, as many people have said, it is essential
that the pupil voice should be heard. In answer to an
earlier question from a Member on the Government
Benches, of course that would be done in a way that is
appropriate. The amendment refers to guidance that
should be given to schools on how they should consult
pupils.
What are the teachers and non-teaching staff going
to come back to in September? The Minister needs to
answer the question about what is happening with the
TUPE negotiations about the transfer of teaching and
non-teaching staff for those schools that want to become
academies.
Sammy Wilson: The shadow Minister is making a
point about the form of the consultation. In fact, if he
examines the remarks he is making now he will see just
how difficult it will be to be prescriptive about the form
Academies Bill [Lords] 772
of consultation, even though that is what he seems to be
seeking. One would consult pupils in a different way to
teachers, and parents in a different way to teachers, too.
It might not be possible to get them all under one roof.
Is he seeking a prescriptive method of consultation or is
the fact that the Bill makes it clear there should be
consultation on a question mentioned in the Bill and
that it must take place with the appropriate people not
sufficient detail for him?
Vernon Coaker: I do not think that it is sufficient. The
hon. Gentleman is right: of course one would consult
teachers, non-teaching staff and pupils differently. That
is why our amendment states:
“The Secretary of State shall issue guidance as to how”
that is done. Of course the consultation will be carried
out in different ways, and that is why we have included
the word “guidance”.
On the need for consultation with neighbouring schools,
the Bill does not require good and outstanding schools
that become academies to partner schools that are in
difficulty or need support. I know that in the other
place it was believed—many of my hon. Friends believe
it too—that such a provision should be on the face of
the Bill. Merely stating that they should do engage in
such consultation is not sufficient. Many of us have
made the point time and again that the complete elimination
of local authorities from this situation is not acceptable
at all.
Let me talk about amendment 77. The Chair of the
Select Committee, the hon. Member for Beverley and
Holderness (Mr Stuart), was quoted by the hon. Member
for Southport. If hon. Members think that I am making
too much of the idea that a consultation should take
place before, not after, the giving of an academy order,
they should listen to what the Chair of the Select
Committee said during one of the debates last week—it
bears repeating. On the subject of consultations that
took place after an academy order was made, and not
before, he said:
“Those consulted in such circumstances would have good
grounds for feeling that they were participating in a charade. I ask
those on the Government Front Bench to consider that.”—[Official
Report, 19 July 2010; Vol. 514, c. 49.]
In his reply, the Minister needs to explain why it is not a
charade and why the Chair of the Select Committee is
wrong or misguided in making that comment. Is he
wrong? Has he got it wrong? Does he not understand
the process? Of course he understands that the making
of an academy order comes before an academy agreement
is signed—everybody understands that, and we have all
read the Bill. We are saying that the discussion of, and
consultation on, an academy order—by the way, I can
find no example of what an academy order would
actually be—should take place before it is made and not
afterwards. Perhaps the Minister—in answer to the
Chair of the Select Committee, if not to me—can tell us
what an academy order will contain. What will it look
like? What will be in it? Will we have the opportunity for
some sort of consultation on what an academy order
should be?
6.45 pm
I accept the points made in the amendments tabled
by my hon. Friends the Members for City of Durham
(Roberta Blackman-Woods) and for Wigan (Lisa Nandy),
773 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
but I hope that they agree that amendment 78, tabled in
my name, pulls the amendments together in the way
that we would all want.
Let me say something more about new clause 1. The
hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas)
makes an important point about the fact that the whole
process is one way. If we believe that head teachers and
governing bodies will consult local people in their desire
to become academies and if we believe in localism, why
should not those people have the opportunity to revert
back and say, “We don’t want to stay as an academy.
We’ve decided that it does not work for us, and we’re
concerned about the situation”? Let us take the
Government’s process as part of this example. If the
head and the governing body make an application to
the Secretary of State that they wish to be a local
authority maintained school, what is wrong with that? I
would be interested to hear the Minister’s response.
Does localism work as long as it agrees with Government
policy or does localism really mean localism, even if it
does not agree with Government policy? That is the
point.
It is difficult to support new clause 1 to the extent of
voting for it, because it has flaws, but the hon. Lady’s
point is nevertheless one of principle. There should be
the opportunity for schools to revert from academy
status back to being local authority maintained. As for
the point about whether the limit should be 10% or
whether some other procedures would have to be put in
place for it to happen, if the Government agreed with
the principle behind the proposal—of course, they would
not say so if they did not agree—they would normally
say in Committee, “This is an important point. We will
take it away and consider whether there is a way in
which it can be put into effect and we will come back
with a Government amendment on Report.” That cannot
happen today, because of the process that we are going
through.
That is a problem. I agree with the principle of the
new clause and I await with interest the answer to the
question that I posed about localism and what it means
to the Minister. It is a fundamental question, so I shall
repeat it. Do the Government support the localism
agenda as long as people agree with them, or, as soon as
those people disagree, will the Government say that
they do not really agree with the localism agenda?
Andrew Percy: I agree with the shadow Minister that
there should always be a way back, but I fail to understand
the following fact. When his party were in government,
there were plenty of forced mergers and forced school
closures through the transforming our primary schools
programme and the surplus places legislation. There
were thousands of names on petitions against irreversible
school closures. Where were the democracy and localism
in those decisions?
Vernon Coaker: There are two points. I shall come
back to the local point in the moment, but all the way
through these discussions—the hon. Gentleman, to his
credit, has been in the Chamber for many hours of the
debate on the Bill—I have pointed out significant and
substantial differences between the academies programme
pursued under the last Government and the academies
programme and model proposed by the Bill. Our model
concentrated on areas of educational underperformance
and social disadvantage. That was the key driver for the
Academies Bill [Lords] 774
use of the academy model. The Bill turns that on its
head and says we will allow schools that are doing well
under the current system to become academies, with all
the worries and concerns that have arisen.
I know that the hon. Gentleman has been involved in
this area and has worked hard in his constituency on the
issue of school reorganisation. However, in virtually
every circumstance in which academies have been
agreed—that includes the 200 that were agreed and the
number that were to go forward in September with
secondary school reorganisation attached to educational
transformation—the local authorities were key partners
in those decisions. Some of those decisions were difficult.
We have not tabled the amendments to say that any of
this is easy, that there is a panacea or that someone can
wave a magic wand to bring about school reorganisation
in way that is never controversial or painful. We are
saying that under our model, local authorities and local
partners were specifically included. There were still
difficulties, and sometimes tough decisions had to be
made, but local authorities and local decision makers
were involved. The way that the Bill is drafted specifically
excludes those people from being involved other than in
the way that a wish list of good practice would say that
they should be involved.
Ian Mearns: Does my hon. Friend accept that under
the previous Government’s academy proposals, the local
consultation that took place was subject to an adjudicator’s
ruling in the last instance if that was necessary?
Vernon Coaker: I was going to make that point:
schools adjudicators have been involved almost as a
final route of appeal. I know from my experience as a
Minister—if the hon. Member for Brigg and Goole
(Andrew Percy) becomes a Minister he will find this
out—that even when one thinks a decision is right, it
can be completely thrown out of the window because
the schools adjudicator prevents something from going
ahead. That happened to me a couple of times in
relation to the closure of a school.
Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): Does the
Minister accept that there have been examples of Labour-
held local authorities being given the opportunity to set
up academies but rejecting it without consulting parents
at all? I refer specifically to the offer by Goldman Sachs
several years ago to set up an academy in Tower Hamlets.
The local authority there gave parents not a jot of
consultation.
Vernon Coaker: Some local authorities have been a
problem, but not just Labour authorities—Conservative
local authorities have also stood in the way of academy
development. One pays a price for local democracy and
involving local authorities: sometimes it means that
people pursue educational options in their area that one
does not agree with. That is the point I was making
when I asked the Minister whether localism is fine only
as long as it goes along with the Government’s policy
objectives.
There are all sorts of unanswered questions about
consultation, many of which the hon. Member for
Portsmouth South has laid out. What happens to local
authorities? What happens to the money? What happens
regarding special needs? Who is vetting the consultation
775 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
[Vernon Coaker]
that takes place? Who knows what is going on? How
will the school funding proposals that have been published
today affect what is going on? There are all sorts of
issues to be discussed.
Bill Esterson: May I take my hon. Friend back to the
primary capital programme and the democracy in that
process, which the hon. Member for Brigg and Goole
(Andrew Percy) asked about? In the Tory-run authority
in which I was the opposition spokesman on children’s
services, there was a lot of opposition to some proposals
and only a thorough consultation process brought up
that opposition and showed the flaws in the plan. The
council rejected them and the adjudicator, whose role
my hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead (Ian Mearns)
has mentioned, had to get involved. The checks and
balances were in place in that process as they were in the
School Standards and Framework Act 1998.
Vernon Coaker: My hon. Friend makes a self-evident
and good point, and identifies some of the problems
regarding the difference between what happened before
and what will happen under the Bill’s measures. There
are a huge number of questions that the Minister needs
to answer.
On consultation, it would help if the Government
and the Minister answered named day written questions,
including a large number that are specifically relevant to
this whole process and our discussions on consultation.
I have 11 named-day questions for last Monday that
have not yet been answered by the Department. Not all
of them are relevant to this debate—[Interruption.]
The Front Benchers are now debating who is responsible;
I am afraid that it involves both Conservative and
Liberal Democrat Ministers. Some of those questions
are specific to today’s debate on consultation, so for the
Department to talk about consultation, procedure and
correct processes when I still have not received the
answers to questions for which the named day was last
Monday—[Interruption.] The Minister says that I have
had a holding response: on Monday 19 July, for 11 of
my questions, I received the reply, “I will reply as soon
as possible,” from him and his colleagues. I do not know
whether anyone else has experienced this problem, but
given that the measures are being pushed through
Parliament at significant speed, all hon. Members need
the answers to their named day questions so that
information that might inform our discussions is available.
With that, I shall simply say that we will support
amendment 8 if the hon. Member for Southport pushes
it to a vote, and I give notice that we would like to put
amendment 78 to a vote.
Bill Esterson: I want to talk about consultation in
relation to my experience as an opposition spokesman
for children’s services, particularly in relation to pre and
post-decision consultation and three academies that the
council pushed through. The Tory-run council in Medway
decided not to consult until decisions had been taken,
which caused consternation and all sorts of problems
with the wider community, not just parents. I think that
was a precursor to what is happening with this legislation.
It was only the involvement of the then Ministers with
responsibility for schools standards, including my hon.
Academies Bill [Lords] 776
Friend the Member for Gedling (Vernon Coaker), that
enabled us to have proper consultation before decisions
were finally taken and to ensure that the assurances that
the local community sought were addressed. My concern
is that the proposed measures will cause what happened
in Medway will be repeated across the country.
Dan Rogerson: Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that
the situation he describes happened under legislation
that was pushed through by a Labour Government and
that the Bill does say—thanks to amendments that were
passed in another place—that consultation must take
place?
Bill Esterson: I confirm that it happened under the
legislation—that was why the checks and balances were
eventually put in place. The point I was making is that
the Tory-run council in Medway tried to push things
through using the same procedure that will be introduced
by the Bill. The hon. Gentleman mentions the amendments
that were made in the other place, but, like many hon.
Members, I have grave concerns that leaving it to the
governing body to decide not just who to consult but
whether to consult is a fundamental problem that will
not be overcome by any checks and balances further
down the line.
My experience and that of many people in Medway
shows that allowing consultation at any time up to the
signing of an academy agreement will not work and will
make the process completely inadequate. That is why
the amendments are so important. If they are not
accepted, not only Members, but schools, children, staff
and parents across the country will regret the lack of a
requirement for the sort of proper consultation that is
detailed in many of the amendments and that was in the
1998 Act. That guidance on how to consult different
groups is extremely thorough and works extremely well
when it is followed.
7 pm
Andrew Percy: I am failing to get my head round the
arguments of Opposition Members. There was plenty
of consultation—admittedly under the previous
Government—on Building Schools for the Future and
on transforming our primary school agenda, and it
threw up thousands of names on petitions from parents
who did not want their schools closed, yet their schools
were still closed. Where was the consultation? The
failings the hon. Gentleman is outlining are exactly
those that took place under the last Government.
Bill Esterson: Consultation is not a referendum; it
will not necessarily produce the answer that the majority
are pushing for, but there is a fundamental difference
between holding a consultation and not holding one at
all. The problem with the Bill is that unless the governing
body agrees, there will be no consultation at all.
Andrew Percy: I think I heard the hon. Gentleman
correctly and that he was saying that the Opposition are
arguing that they want consultation simply so that they
can say they have had it, but they are not all that
bothered about the outcome.
777 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
Bill Esterson: The hon. Gentleman is trying to put
words into the mouths of many Members. I think he is
talking a load of nonsense on that point, but it was a
nice try.
One of my concerns about leaving it to governing
bodies to decide about consultation is that they,
understandably, feel that it is their duty to support head
teachers. Sometimes, however, the head teacher gets
their own way through strength of personality and the
governing body may not apply the degree of scrutiny
and challenge that it should, although I am not saying
that is always true because many governing bodies work
extremely well in genuine partnership with their head
teacher. The reason why I support the amendments
proposed by the hon. Member for Southport (Dr Pugh)
is that the situation I described, together with the potential
for financial benefit for head teachers, could create the
possibility for conflict of financial interest, which would
be wholly undesirable. There is concern about the potential
for financial gain for head teachers and the lack of
scrutiny in some governing bodies, although by no
means all—I stress that point. It is important that we
get the legislation right at this point, before things go
wrong, rather than rushing it through with the danger
that such problems might arise.
The hon. Member for Portsmouth South (Mr Hancock)
and the former Chair of the Select Committee, the hon.
Member for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman), made important
points about schools being a key part of their community.
Although governing bodies are representative of certain
parts of the community, they do not represent the wider
community, which is why the provisions of the School
Standards and Framework Act are a good guide. The
fundamental problem with the Bill is that if consultation
is not held until after the initial decision, it will be
apparent to the local community that there has been a
fait accompli. The danger is that once the train has left
the station, it will be very difficult to put the brakes on.
Mr Gibb: This group of amendments deals with
consultation. We have always made it clear that we
expect schools to consult on their proposals for conversion
to academy status, which is why we were happy to
amend the Bill in the other place to put that provision
on the face of the legislation. As Lord Adonis said,
during the passage of the Bill in the other place,
“it is very unlikely that an academy proposal will be a success if it
does not have a very wide measure of support from the parental
body, the staff body and the wider community.”—[Official Report,
House of Lords, 21 June 2010; Vol. 719, c. 1230.]
As a result of persuasive arguments put in the other
place, principally by Liberal Democrat peers, the
Government tabled the amendment that led to clauses 5
and 10. I pay particular tribute to Baroness Walmsley
for her determination to put consultation on the face of
the Bill.
Amendment 8 would require that if any member of a
school’s governing body objects to the school’s application
for academy status, the parents of children at the school
must be balloted. The purpose of the Bill is to allow
schools that wish to do so to apply for academy status.
The Bill is permissive rather than coercive. The arrangements
for governing body decisions are set out in the School
Governance (Procedures) (England) Regulations 2003,
which state that every question to be decided at a
governing body meeting must be determined by a majority
Academies Bill [Lords] 778
of votes of those governors present and voting, and no
decision can be taken without due discussion. Furthermore,
at least a third of the membership of the governing
bodies of all maintained schools is made up of parents.
That means that the views of parents will clearly be
considered during the governing body’s discussions. In
addition, clause 5 requires a school’s governing body to
consult on its proposals to convert to an academy. In
practice, we believe that means that parents will be
consulted and will have the chance to make representations
about the proposals.
Dan Rogerson: The Minister is setting out his vision
for the Bill and talking about the role of governing
bodies. We did not have the opportunity to reach that
clause last week because time defeated us. Is he able to
confirm whether he has looked at the issue of how
many parent governors there should be on future academy
governing bodies?
Mr Gibb: I am happy to do so. We shall be coming to
the relevant clause later in the debate, but I have been
persuaded by my hon. Friend’s arguments, and as a
result of his representations, and those of other people,
we intend to amend the model funding agreement to
raise the number of parents on governing bodies from
one to a minimum of two.
Requiring a ballot of all parents of pupils at the
school would unduly politicise the process.
Vernon Coaker: I welcome the concession the Minister
just made. The Committee has run very well without
being churlish about such things, and there are many
other aspects we agree with, but that is an important
step forward.
Mr Gibb: I am grateful to the shadow Minister for
that remark. He clearly takes the issue very seriously
and has scrutinised the Bill thoroughly. It is a pleasure
to debate the measure with him.
Caroline Lucas: At the risk of being churlish, why is
the democracy such an issue? The point was made that
if you were to—[HON. MEMBERS: “He”]—if he were to
have a proper election, it would—I am sorry. A moment
ago, the Minister said that if you were to increase the
governors—
Mr Gibb: I think I have taken the hon. Lady’s point.
Requiring a ballot of all parents of pupils at the school
would unduly politicise the process and would enable
those who are ideologically opposed to academies—I
do not accuse the hon. Lady of that—to use the process
either to agitate against the proposals or to try to delay
the implementation of the decision. That would place
unnecessary burdens on the governing body of the
school.
Amendment 10 relates to the financial interest of
governors. I reassure the Committee that there are
restrictions on people taking part in the proceedings of
governing bodies of maintained schools. They are clearly
set out in the well-known School Governance (Procedures)
(England) Regulations 2003, which provide that where
there is a conflict between the interests of any governor,
associate member or head teacher and the interests of
the governing body that person must disclose the interest,
779 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
[Mr Gibb]
withdraw from the meeting and not vote. If one of
those individuals has a financial interest in any matter,
he or she must disclose it, withdraw from the meeting
and not vote. If there is any dispute as to whether a
person must withdraw, the other governors must decide
on the matter.
There are important safeguards that apply both before
and after conversion to academy status. They mean that
there is no need for an amendment specifically to disallow
a governor from leading the consultation, as under
existing law governors cannot participate in decision
making on issues that concern their remuneration or
benefit. That is a fundamental principle of charity law,
and all academies are charities. I can also confirm that
the model articles of association ensure that no governor
can make any financial gain in his or her role as a
governor.
Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): Will the Minister
clarify that, by and large, these proceedings and procedures
have worked very well and have presented very little
difficulty in this regard?
Mr Gibb: Yes, my hon. Friend makes a very good
point. The type of people who become school governors
are motivated by one issue only—the school of which
they are governors; they want to raise standards and are
concerned about that school.
Several amendments—including amendments 78, 77,
9 and 86—would require the governing body of a
maintained school to consult on their proposals to
become an academy before applying for an academy
order. Clause 5 requires, as I have said, that the governing
body of the school
“must consult such persons as they think appropriate”
on the proposed conversion. The consultation may take
place before or after an application for an academy
order has been made in respect of the school or after an
academy order has been granted. This will allow each
school to determine when it has sufficient information
on which to consult and at what point during the
application process it wishes to do so. Schools are, after
all, in the best position to determine when and how
consultation should best take place, and they may not
want to approach parents or others until they have firm
proposals.
The only requirement is that the consultation must be
held before the funding agreement is signed, since at
that point the school will be legally committed to the
conversion process. Academy orders, though a step
along the way, are not irreversible and we therefore
believe that there is still value in a school consulting
after an order has been made. At that point, the school
is in no sense bound to convert, so it is not the case that
any consultation of parents or others would either be
not meaningful or too late, as the hon. Member for
Gedling (Vernon Coaker) suggested it would be in last
week’s debate.
Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD) rose—
Ian Mearns rose—
Mr Gibb: I give way to my hon. Friend first and then
to the hon. Gentleman.
Academies Bill [Lords] 780
Mr Leech: I thank the Minister. I seek some clarification
of the provision he cited, which makes reference to
consulting “such persons”. Does he assume that “such
persons” would include the parent body of the school?
Mr Gibb: Of course, and it is up to the school to
decide. I was going to come on to the guidance later. It
is published on the departmental website and it sets out
precisely what guidance the governing bodies should
adhere to. It states:
“It will be for the Governing Body of the school to determine
who should be consulted, although schools should consider involving
local bodies or groups who have strong links with the school.”
It sets out various elements such as: information on the
school’s website, a letter to all parents explaining the
proposal, a meeting for parents, a newsletter for parents
and asking for views from parents to be sent in writing
to the school.
Ian Mearns: My hon. Friend the Member for Gedling
(Vernon Coaker) pursued this issue earlier, when he
spoke about the ability of schools in the list to go ahead
and become academies in September. If the Bill is
passed—we assume it will be, given the parliamentary
numbers—orders will be made and consultation will
have to take place before the funding agreement is in
force. If schools are to become academies in September—
assuming this idea has not been completely abandoned—it
means that the consultation will happen all through
August. Is my understanding correct?
Mr Gibb: It is possible for an academy order to be
issued in September, while the details of the funding
agreement are still being negotiated. These things are
very complicated, and it might take several weeks after
the academy order is issued before the funding agreement
is signed, so the consultation process can continue after
the academy order has been issued.
Mr Iain Wright: We really need clarity on this very
important point. As I mentioned earlier, paragraph 7 of
the explanatory notes states:
“The Secretary of State expects that a significant number of
Academies will open in September 2010”.
Is the Minister now suggesting that academies will open
without a funding agreement being in place?
Mr Gibb: The school can continue with an academy
order made. That is the point. The academy order can
be made in September, but the funding agreement might
take several additional weeks afterwards—[Interruption.]
No, the school will be open; children will be able to
attend a school and an academy order will have been
made.
Sammy Wilson: I thank the Minister for giving way
and for his further clarification of the purpose and
usefulness of consultation after the order has been
made, but does he not accept that once an order has
been made, many of those who might have had an
interest in the consultation might well deem that there
has been a done deal so that the consultation is meaningless?
I say that despite the Minister’s assurances today, because
the flag locally will be whether or not an order has been
made to declare a school an academy.
781 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
7.15 pm
Mr Gibb: I am grateful for that intervention, as it
enables me to repeat that the deal is not done until the
funding agreement is signed. That has always been the
case: it was the case under the previous Administration
and it is the case today. It is the funding agreement that
is key.
Let me turn my attention to amendments 78, 4 and
18, which seek to prescribe with whom the school must
consult. The Government believe that the individuals
who lead schools—the governors and the head—are
best placed to make decisions about their schools. They
are the ones who know the local area, the local
circumstances of the school and how it relates to other
schools in the area. We do not intend to be prescriptive
over whom schools should consult, as schools will have
different views and the level of information they want
or can make available at the time of consultation will
depend on the point at which they do it. If they consult at
the very beginning of the process, they may consult only
on the principle of conversion itself. If they consult at a
much later stage, they may want to consult on a wide
range of additional matters—the curriculum, governance
arrangements or a specialism for the academy, for
example— on which they may by then have firmer
views.
We trust the school to determine how to consult and
whom to consult, and we do not intend to provide an
inflexible checklist, which would not, in itself, ensure
that consultation were any more meaningful. This includes
consultation with the local authority, as amendment 18
would require. We do not intend to give local authorities
a role that could, in some areas of the country, undermine
the Government’s policy—as we know, this has been the
case in the past. We do not want to provide local
authorities with an opportunity to delay or frustrate
applications via the consultation process. The Department’s
website, as I mentioned earlier, includes guidance on
good consultation practice.
New clause 1, tabled by the hon. Member for Brighton,
Pavilion (Caroline Lucas), would allow schools that
have become academies to return to maintained status
if 10% of the parents of the pupils at the academy vote
in favour of it. Of course, the academies programme is
about freedoms and lack of prescription, so an academy
could choose, if it wished, to run itself like a maintained
school. The academy could willingly act in such a way
that for all intents and purposes, it would be a maintained
school, operating with all the restrictions and requirements
that apply to them—including the academy buying
back services from the local authority and choosing not
to use its curriculum or staffing freedoms. Therefore
there would be no need for it to change its status for it to
be run in a way that is equivalent to a maintained
school.
We expect all schools that apply to become an academy
to be fully committed to the academies programme.
Before becoming an academy, the governing body of
the predecessor school will have taken account, as I
have said on numerous occasions, of the views of the
parents and pupils at the academy.
Let me deal briefly with some of the comments made
during the debate. My hon. Friend the Member for
Southport (Dr Pugh) raised the issue of the new politics,
which he said that he, like me, supports. I believe that
Academies Bill [Lords] 782
the coalition involves discussion, concessions and change,
which we have seen during the passage of the Bill. The
coalition is delivering the kind of politics demanded by
the public. Today, the coalition has delivered its promise
to introduce a pupil premium. The Minister of State,
my hon. Friend the Member for Brent Central (Sarah
Teather) has today tabled a written ministerial statement
announcing a consultation process on the implementation
of the pupil premium.
My right hon. Friend the Member for Wokingham
(Mr Redwood) took us back to the halcyon days of
Lady Thatcher, which I know he likes to do from time
to time, as do we all. My right hon. Friend is absolutely
right that we need to trust teachers and head teachers
and that we need to give parents a genuine choice that
will serve as a powerful force to raise standards.
My hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall
(Dan Rogerson) is right to point out that it is the
funding agreement that is the key and the binding
moment in the conversion process towards academy
status. Schools wishing to convert in September had to
apply by 30 June and we expect that those schools most
keen to convert in September will already have embarked
on consultation. That is what the Department has advised.
There is nothing to stop such enthusiastic governing
bodies from continuing to consult through July and the
summer holidays, and it is inconceivable that they will
have kept such matters from parents, when parents are
represented to the tune of one third of governors on
such bodies.
My hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Goole
(Andrew Percy) is absolutely right that the governors of
a school, particularly the parent governors, take their
responsibilities very seriously. They care deeply about
the school and would not take forward the process of
acquiring academy status without taking into account
the views of the community, whether or not a particular
part of the community were represented on the governing
body.
The hon. Member for Wigan (Lisa Nandy) made the
important point that schools are at the heart of the
local community, and we agree that they should be,
which is why the funding agreement specifically states
that academies should be at the heart of the community
and share facilities with it. She also raised the issue of
the risk to governing bodies of a legal challenge, but
clause 5(1) requires them to consult those people whom
they think appropriate, and to a large extent, therefore,
it is up to the body to decide whom it should consult.
Provided that its decision is reasonable, it is unlikely to
face a legal challenge.
The hon. Member for Gedling (Vernon Coaker) asked
for the number of schools that have applied. Those that
want to convert in September must have applied to do
so by 30 June, but that does not mean that others will
not also have applied by that date, and we do not believe
that all those that have applied will necessarily be in a
position to convert by September. We want to ensure
that the process is right, and we will not allow conversions
until all issues have been resolved.
The hon. Gentleman also asked where we are with
the TUPE negotiations. Employers of staff at schools
seeking to convert will be at different stages, depending
on when they intend to convert, but TUPE requires the
consultation on the transfer of employment to be sufficient,
and it will apply outside the Bill in any event. Any
783 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010 Academies Bill [Lords] 784

[Mr Gibb] If Members wish to disempower parents, if people in

this room genuinely believe in post hoc consultation,
proposed September convertors will have been advised and if they object to rational amendment in the Commons,
to begin a TUPE consultation some time ago, at the they should vote against my amendment. I can do
outset of their consideration of the application. nothing about that, but if they think differently I should
Finally, the hon. Gentleman asked about the details like them to agree to amendment 8.
of the academy order. It will state that a named school Question put, That the amendment be made.
will convert to an academy on such date as is specified The Committee divided: Ayes 229, Noes 303.
in the funding agreement. It is a very short document,
and with those few remarks I urge hon. Members and Division No. 45] [7.25 pm
my hon. Friends, when asked, to withdraw their
AYES
amendments.
Abbott, Ms Diane Davies, Geraint
Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob De Piero, Gloria
Dr Pugh: I shall say a few words before putting Alexander, Heidi Denham, rh Mr John
amendment 8 to the vote. Ministers have been fairly Ali, Rushanara Dobbin, Jim
quiet throughout the large part of this debate, and I Allen, Mr Graham Dobson, rh Frank
cannot be alone in sensing a certain embarrassment Anderson, Mr David Docherty, Thomas
about some aspects of this legislation and the manner Bailey, Mr Adrian Doran, Mr Frank
in which it has been pressed. Bain, Mr William Doyle, Gemma
Balls, rh Ed Dromey, Jack
My hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth South Banks, Gordon Dugher, Michael
(Mr. Hancock) said to me during my earlier contribution Barron, rh Mr Kevin Eagle, Ms Angela
that the real reason for weak consultation and no Bayley, Hugh Eagle, Maria
balloting is that it is all about making the establishment Beckett, rh Margaret Efford, Clive
of academies easier, and at the time I said that that was Begg, Miss Anne Elliott, Julie
uncharitable. Having listened to the counter-arguments, Bell, Sir Stuart Ellman, Mrs Louise
however, I am not sure that he was not after all right Benn, rh Hilary Engel, Natascha
and me a little naïve. Benton, Mr Joe Evans, Chris
Berger, Luciana Farrelly, Paul
The ministerial argument against ballots was that Betts, Mr Clive Fitzpatrick, Jim
they would politicise, but one does not need to be very Blackman-Woods, Roberta Flello, Robert
bright to realise that that is a general argument against Blears, rh Hazel Flint, rh Caroline
any ballot, any time, any place. The right hon. Member Blenkinsop, Tom Fovargue, Yvonne
for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) suggested that we would Blomfield, Paul Gapes, Mike
know the parental view from informal soundings, and Blunkett, rh Mr David Gardiner, Barry
to some extent that is correct, but he was unable to Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben George, Andrew
explain how that could happen before September, when Brennan, Kevin Gilmore, Sheila
schools are closed for the holiday. Indeed, if that is such Brooke, Annette Glass, Pat
a good, sure-fire method, why do we persist with ballots Brown, Lyn Glindon, Mrs Mary
Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Godsiff, Mr Roger
before changing a grammar school’s status? People were
Brown, Mr Russell Goggins, rh Paul
completely unable to answer that, or why primary,
Bryant, Chris Goodman, Helen
secondary and special schools should not have the same Buck, Ms Karen Greatrex, Tom
privileged legal position. Burden, Richard Green, Kate
No one answered the comments from the hon. Member Burnham, rh Andy Greenwood, Lilian
for Beverley and Holderness (Mr. Stuart), the Chair of Byrne, rh Mr Liam Griffith, Nia
the Education Committee, even though they were repeated. Cairns, David Hain, rh Mr Peter
I shall repeat them again: he described the consultation Campbell, Mr Alan Hamilton, Mr David
Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hamilton, Mr Fabian
arrangements as appearing like a charade. I recall working
Chapman, Mrs Jenny Hancock, Mr Mike
for a boss who used to listen to his heads of department, Clark, Katy Hanson, rh Mr David
gather them all around, very carefully solicit their views Clarke, rh Mr Tom Harman, rh Ms Harriet
and conclude by saying, “I hear what you say.” After Clwyd, rh Ann Harris, Mr Tom
that, he would do precisely what he wanted to do in the Coaker, Vernon Havard, Mr Dai
first place. Coffey, Ann Healey, rh John
The hon. Member for Brigg and Goole suggested Cooper, rh Yvette Hendrick, Mark
Corbyn, Jeremy Hepburn, Mr Stephen
that parents will be able to vote not necessarily by ballot
Crausby, Mr David Heyes, David
but with their feet. I describe that as the Burmese school Creagh, Mary Hillier, Meg
of democracy: “If you don’t like it, you can get out and Creasy, Stella Hilling, Julie
go somewhere else.” He was quite right that governors Cruddas, Jon Hodge, rh Margaret
generally and usually have a good awareness of and Cryer, John Hood, Mr Jim
good contact with parents, and that they are likely to Cunningham, Alex Hopkins, Kelvin
know quite a lot about how they might feel and react, Cunningham, Mr Jim Howarth, rh Mr George
but the clear point is that that is not invariably the case. Curran, Margaret Hunt, Tristram
Were it invariably the case, every grant-maintained ballot Dakin, Nic Illsley, Mr Eric
would have been won, but many were lost. Indeed, the Danczuk, Simon Jackson, Glenda
hon. Member for Sefton Central (Bill Esterson) and I Darling, rh Mr Alistair Jamieson, Cathy
come from an area where all the grant-maintained David, Mr Wayne Johnson, rh Alan
ballots were lost. Davidson, Mr Ian Johnson, Diana R.
785 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010 Academies Bill [Lords] 786

Jones, Graham Qureshi, Yasmin Blackman, Bob Goldsmith, Zac

Jones, Mr Kevan Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Blackwood, Nicola Goodwill, Mr Robert
Jones, Susan Elan Reeves, Rachel Blunt, Mr Crispin Gove, rh Michael
Joyce, Eric Reynolds, Emma Boles, Nick Graham, Richard
Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Reynolds, Jonathan Bone, Mr Peter Grant, Mrs Helen
Keeley, Barbara Riordan, Mrs Linda Bradley, Karen Gray, Mr James
Keen, Alan Robertson, John Brady, Mr Graham Grayling, rh Chris
Kendall, Liz Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Brake, Tom Green, Damian
Khan, rh Sadiq Rotheram, Steve Bray, Angie Greening, Justine
Lavery, Ian Roy, Mr Frank Brazier, Mr Julian Grieve, rh Mr Dominic
Leech, Mr John Roy, Lindsay Bridgen, Andrew Griffiths, Andrew
Leslie, Chris Ruane, Chris Brine, Mr Steve Gummer, Ben
Lewis, Mr Ivan Ruddock, rh Joan Brokenshire, James Gyimah, Mr Sam
Lloyd, Tony Sarwar, Anas Bruce, Fiona Halfon, Robert
Long, Naomi Seabeck, Alison Buckland, Mr Robert Hames, Duncan
Love, Mr Andrew Sheerman, Mr Barry Burley, Mr Aidan Hammond, rh Mr Philip
Lucas, Caroline Sheridan, Jim Burns, Conor Hammond, Stephen
Lucas, Ian Shuker, Gavin Burns, Mr Simon Hancock, Matthew
MacShane, rh Mr Denis Singh, Mr Marsha Burstow, Mr Paul Harper, Mr Mark
Mactaggart, Fiona Skinner, Mr Dennis Byles, Dan Harrington, Richard
Mahmood, Mr Khalid Slaughter, Mr Andy Cairns, Alun Harris, Rebecca
Mahmood, Shabana Smith, rh Mr Andrew Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hart, Simon
Mann, John Smith, Nick Carmichael, Mr Alistair Harvey, Nick
Marsden, Mr Gordon Smith, Owen Carmichael, Neil Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan
McCabe, Steve Soulsby, Sir Peter Cash, Mr William Heald, Mr Oliver
McCann, Mr Michael Spellar, rh Mr John Chishti, Rehman Heath, Mr David
McCarthy, Kerry Straw, rh Mr Jack Clappison, Mr James Heaton-Harris, Chris
McClymont, Gregg Stringer, Graham Clark, rh Greg Henderson, Gordon
McDonagh, Siobhain Stuart, Ms Gisela Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hendry, Charles
McGovern, Alison Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Herbert, rh Nick
McGovern, Jim Thomas, Mr Gareth
Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hinds, Damian
McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Collins, Damian Hoban, Mr Mark
Thornberry, Emily
McKechin, Ann Colvile, Oliver Hollingbery, George
Timms, rh Stephen
Meacher, rh Mr Michael Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hollobone, Mr Philip
Trickett, Jon
Meale, Mr Alan Crockart, Mike Holloway, Mr Adam
Mearns, Ian Turner, Karl Crouch, Tracey Hopkins, Kris
Michael, rh Alun Twigg, Derek Davey, Mr Edward Horwood, Martin
Miliband, rh Edward Twigg, Stephen Davies, David T. C. Howell, John
Miller, Andrew Umunna, Mr Chuka (Monmouth) Hughes, Simon
Moon, Mrs Madeleine Vaz, rh Keith Davies, Glyn Huhne, rh Chris
Morden, Jessica Vaz, Valerie Davies, Philip Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy
Morrice, Graeme Walley, Joan Davis, rh Mr David Hunter, Mark
Morris, Grahame M. Ward, Mr David de Bois, Nick Huppert, Dr Julian
Mudie, Mr George Watson, Mr Tom Dinenage, Caroline Hurd, Mr Nick
Munn, Meg Watts, Mr Dave Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Jackson, Mr Stewart
Murphy, rh Mr Jim Whitehead, Dr Alan Dorries, Nadine James, Margot
Murphy, rh Paul Wicks, rh Malcolm Doyle-Price, Jackie Javid, Sajid
Murray, Ian Williamson, Chris Duddridge, James Jenkin, Mr Bernard
Nandy, Lisa Wilson, Phil Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Johnson, Gareth
Nash, Pamela Winnick, Mr David Ellis, Michael Jones, Andrew
O’Donnell, Fiona Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Ellison, Jane Jones, Mr Marcus
Onwurah, Chi Ellwood, Mr Tobias Kawczynski, Daniel
Woodcock, John
Osborne, Sandra Elphicke, Charlie Kelly, Chris
Woolas, Mr Phil
Owen, Albert Eustice, George Kirby, Simon
Wright, Mr Iain
Pearce, Teresa Evans, Graham Knight, rh Mr Greg
Perkins, Toby Tellers for the Ayes: Evans, Jonathan Kwarteng, Kwasi
Phillipson, Bridget David Wright and Evennett, Mr David Laing, Mrs Eleanor
Pugh, Dr John Bill Esterson Fabricant, Michael Lancaster, Mark
Fallon, Michael Lansley, rh Mr Andrew
Featherstone, Lynne Latham, Pauline
NOES
Field, Mr Mark Laws, rh Mr David
Adams, Nigel Baldwin, Harriett Francois, rh Mr Mark Leadsom, Andrea
Afriyie, Adam Barclay, Stephen Freeman, George Lee, Dr Phillip
Aldous, Peter Barker, Gregory Freer, Mike Lefroy, Jeremy
Alexander, rh Danny Baron, Mr John Fullbrook, Lorraine Leigh, Mr Edward
Amess, Mr David Barwell, Gavin Fuller, Richard Leslie, Charlotte
Andrew, Stuart Beith, rh Sir Alan Garnier, Mr Edward Letwin, rh Mr Oliver
Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Benyon, Richard Garnier, Mark Lewis, Brandon
Bacon, Mr Richard Beresford, Sir Paul Gauke, Mr David Lewis, Dr Julian
Bagshawe, Ms Louise Berry, Jake Gibb, Mr Nick Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian
Baker, Norman Bingham, Andrew Gilbert, Stephen Lilley, rh Mr Peter
Baker, Steve Binley, Mr Brian Glen, John Lopresti, Jack
787 Academies Bill [Lords]
Lord, Jonathan
Loughton, Tim
Lumley, Karen
Macleod, Mary
Maude, rh Mr Francis
May, rh Mrs Theresa
Maynard, Paul
McCartney, Jason
McCartney, Karl
McIntosh, Miss Anne
McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick
McPartland, Stephen
McVey, Esther
Menzies, Mark
Mercer, Patrick
Metcalfe, Stephen
Miller, Maria
Mills, Nigel
Milton, Anne
Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew
Moore, rh Michael
Mordaunt, Penny
Morgan, Nicky
Morris, Anne Marie
Morris, David
Morris, James
Mowat, David
Mundell, rh David
Munt, Tessa
Murray, Sheryll
Murrison, Dr Andrew
Neill, Robert
Newmark, Mr Brooks
Newton, Sarah
Nokes, Caroline
Norman, Jesse
Nuttall, Mr David
O’Brien, Mr Stephen
Offord, Mr Matthew
Ollerenshaw, Eric
Opperman, Guy
Ottaway, Richard
Paice, Mr James
Paisley, Ian
Parish, Neil
Patel, Priti
Paterson, rh Mr Owen
Pawsey, Mark
Penning, Mike
Penrose, John
Percy, Andrew
Perry, Claire
Phillips, Stephen
Pickles, rh Mr Eric
Pincher, Christopher
Poulter, Dr Daniel
Pritchard, Mark
Randall, rh Mr John
Reckless, Mark
Redwood, rh Mr John
Rees-Mogg, Jacob
Reevell, Simon
Reid, Mr Alan
Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm
Robathan, Mr Andrew
Robertson, Hugh
Robertson, Mr Laurence
Rogerson, Dan
Rosindell, Andrew
Rudd, Amber
Russell, Bob
Rutley, David
26 JULY 2010
Sanders, Mr Adrian
Sandys, Laura
Scott, Mr Lee
Selous, Andrew
Shapps, rh Grant
Sharma, Alok
Shelbrooke, Alec
Shepherd, Mr Richard
Simmonds, Mark
Simpson, Mr Keith
Skidmore, Chris
Smith, Miss Chloe
Smith, Henry
Smith, Julian
Smith, Sir Robert
Soames, Nicholas
Soubry, Anna
Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline
Spencer, Mr Mark
Stanley, rh Sir John
Stephenson, Andrew
Stevenson, John
Stewart, Bob
Stewart, Iain
Stewart, Rory
Streeter, Mr Gary
Stride, Mel
Stuart, Mr Graham
Sturdy, Julian
Swales, Ian
Swinson, Jo
Swire, Mr Hugo
Syms, Mr Robert
Teather, Sarah
Thurso, John
Timpson, Mr Edward
Tomlinson, Justin
Tredinnick, David
Truss, Elizabeth
Turner, Mr Andrew
Tyrie, Mr Andrew
Uppal, Paul
Vaizey, Mr Edward
Vara, Mr Shailesh
Vickers, Martin
Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa
Walker, Mr Charles
Walker, Mr Robin
Wallace, Mr Ben
Walter, Mr Robert
Watkinson, Angela
Weatherley, Mike
Webb, Steve
Wharton, James
Wheeler, Heather
White, Chris
Whittaker, Craig
Whittingdale, Mr John
Wiggin, Bill
Williams, Roger
Williams, Stephen
Williamson, Gavin
Wilson, Mr Rob
Wilson, Sammy
Wollaston, Dr Sarah
Wright, Jeremy
Wright, Simon
Young, rh Sir George
Zahawi, Nadhim
Tellers for the Noes:
Norman Lamb and
Mr Philip Dunne
Academies Bill [Lords] 788
Question accordingly negatived.
Amendment proposed: 78, in clause 3, in page 3,
line 11, at end insert—
‘(1A) Before making an application for an Academy order, the
governing body shall consult relevant parties on whether to make
such an application.
(1B) The Secretary of State shall issue guidance as to how
governing bodies should conduct such a consultation with parents,
pupils, teaching and non-teaching staff and their representatives,
neighbouring schools and the local authority and such other
parties as he may think appropriate and such guidance must also
specify the information to be made available to consultees in
relation to the proposed arrangements for Academy status.’.—
(Mr Coaker.)
Question put, That the amendment be made.
The House divided: Ayes 227, Noes 310.
Division No. 46] [7.39 pm
AYES
Abbott, Ms Diane Cunningham, Alex
Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Cunningham, Mr Jim
Alexander, Heidi Curran, Margaret
Ali, Rushanara Dakin, Nic
Allen, Mr Graham Danczuk, Simon
Anderson, Mr David Darling, rh Mr Alistair
Bailey, Mr Adrian David, Mr Wayne
Bain, Mr William Davidson, Mr Ian
Balls, rh Ed Davies, Geraint
Banks, Gordon De Piero, Gloria
Barron, rh Mr Kevin Denham, rh Mr John
Bayley, Hugh Dobbin, Jim
Beckett, rh Margaret Dobson, rh Frank
Begg, Miss Anne Docherty, Thomas
Bell, Sir Stuart Doran, Mr Frank
Benn, rh Hilary Doyle, Gemma
Benton, Mr Joe Dromey, Jack
Berger, Luciana Dugher, Michael
Betts, Mr Clive Eagle, Ms Angela
Blackman-Woods, Eagle, Maria
Roberta Efford, Clive
Blears, rh Hazel Elliott, Julie
Blenkinsop, Tom Ellman, Mrs Louise
Blomfield, Paul Engel, Natascha
Blunkett, rh Mr David Esterson, Bill
Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Evans, Chris
Brennan, Kevin Farrelly, Paul
Brooke, Annette Fitzpatrick, Jim
Brown, Lyn Flello, Robert
Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Flint, rh Caroline
Brown, Mr Russell Fovargue, Yvonne
Bryant, Chris Gapes, Mike
Buck, Ms Karen Gardiner, Barry
Burden, Richard George, Andrew
Byrne, rh Mr Liam Gilmore, Sheila
Cairns, David Glass, Pat
Campbell, Mr Alan Glindon, Mrs Mary
Campbell, Mr Ronnie Godsiff, Mr Roger
Chapman, Mrs Jenny Goggins, rh Paul
Clark, Katy Goodman, Helen
Clarke, rh Mr Tom Greatrex, Tom
Clwyd, rh Ann Green, Kate
Coaker, Vernon Greenwood, Lilian
Coffey, Ann Griffith, Nia
Cooper, rh Yvette Hain, rh Mr Peter
Corbyn, Jeremy Hamilton, Mr David
Crausby, Mr David Hamilton, Mr Fabian
Creagh, Mary Hancock, Mr Mike
Creasy, Stella Hanson, rh Mr David
Cruddas, Jon Harman, rh Ms Harriet
Cryer, John Harris, Mr Tom
789 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010 Academies Bill [Lords] 790

Havard, Mr Dai O’Donnell, Fiona Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Evans, Graham

Healey, rh John Onwurah, Chi Bacon, Mr Richard Evans, Jonathan
Hendrick, Mark Osborne, Sandra Bagshawe, Ms Louise Evennett, Mr David
Hepburn, Mr Stephen Owen, Albert Baker, Norman Fabricant, Michael
Heyes, David Pearce, Teresa Baker, Steve Fallon, Michael
Hillier, Meg Perkins, Toby Baldwin, Harriett Featherstone, Lynne
Hilling, Julie Phillipson, Bridget Barclay, Stephen Field, Mr Mark
Hodge, rh Margaret Pugh, Dr John Barker, Gregory Francois, rh Mr Mark
Hood, Mr Jim Qureshi, Yasmin Baron, Mr John Freeman, George
Hopkins, Kelvin Raynsford, rh Mr Barwell, Gavin Freer, Mike
Howarth, rh Mr George Nick Beith, rh Sir Alan Fullbrook, Lorraine
Hunt, Tristram Reeves, Rachel Benyon, Richard Fuller, Richard
Illsley, Mr Eric Reynolds, Emma Beresford, Sir Paul Garnier, Mr Edward
Jackson, Glenda Reynolds, Jonathan Berry, Jake Garnier, Mark
Jamieson, Cathy Riordan, Mrs Linda Bingham, Andrew Gauke, Mr David
Johnson, rh Alan Robertson, John Binley, Mr Brian Gibb, Mr Nick
Johnson, Diana R. Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Blackman, Bob Gilbert, Stephen
Jones, Graham Rotheram, Steve Blackwood, Nicola Glen, John
Jones, Mr Kevan Roy, Mr Frank Blunt, Mr Crispin Goldsmith, Zac
Jones, Susan Elan Roy, Lindsay Boles, Nick Goodwill, Mr Robert
Joyce, Eric Ruane, Chris Bone, Mr Peter Gove, rh Michael
Kaufman, rh Sir Ruddock, rh Joan Bradley, Karen Graham, Richard
Gerald Sarwar, Anas Brady, Mr Graham Grant, Mrs Helen
Keeley, Barbara Seabeck, Alison Brake, Tom Gray, Mr James
Keen, Alan Sheerman, Mr Barry Bray, Angie Grayling, rh Chris
Kendall, Liz Sheridan, Jim Brazier, Mr Julian Green, Damian
Khan, rh Sadiq Shuker, Gavin Bridgen, Andrew Greening, Justine
Lavery, Ian Singh, Mr Marsha Brine, Mr Steve Grieve, rh Mr Dominic
Leslie, Chris Skinner, Mr Dennis Brokenshire, James Griffiths, Andrew
Lewis, Mr Ivan Slaughter, Mr Andy Browne, Mr Jeremy Gummer, Ben
Lloyd, Tony Smith, rh Mr Andrew Bruce, Fiona Gyimah, Mr Sam
Long, Naomi Smith, Nick Buckland, Mr Robert Halfon, Robert
Love, Mr Andrew Smith, Owen Burley, Mr Aidan Hames, Duncan
Lucas, Caroline Soulsby, Sir Peter Burns, Conor Hammond, rh Mr Philip
Lucas, Ian Spellar, rh Mr John Burns, Mr Simon Hammond, Stephen
MacShane, rh Mr Denis Straw, rh Mr Jack Burstow, Mr Paul Hancock, Matthew
Mactaggart, Fiona Stringer, Graham Byles, Dan Harper, Mr Mark
Mahmood, Shabana Stuart, Ms Gisela Cairns, Alun Harrington, Richard
Mann, John Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Harris, Rebecca
Marsden, Mr Gordon Thomas, Mr Gareth Carmichael, Mr Alistair Hart, Simon
McCabe, Steve Thornberry, Emily Carmichael, Neil Harvey, Nick
McCann, Mr Michael Timms, rh Stephen Cash, Mr William Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan
McCarthy, Kerry Trickett, Jon Chishti, Rehman Heald, Mr Oliver
McClymont, Gregg Turner, Karl Clappison, Mr James Heath, Mr David
McDonagh, Siobhain Twigg, Derek Clark, rh Greg Heaton-Harris, Chris
McDonnell, John Twigg, Stephen Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Henderson, Gordon
McGovern, Alison Umunna, Mr Chuka Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hendry, Charles
McGovern, Jim Vaz, rh Keith Coffey, Dr Thérèse Herbert, rh Nick
McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Vaz, Valerie Collins, Damian Hinds, Damian
McKechin, Ann Walley, Joan Colvile, Oliver Hoban, Mr Mark
Meacher, rh Mr Michael Ward, Mr David Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hollingbery, George
Meale, Mr Alan Watson, Mr Tom Crockart, Mike Hollobone, Mr Philip
Mearns, Ian Watts, Mr Dave Crouch, Tracey Holloway, Mr Adam
Michael, rh Alun Whitehead, Dr Alan Davey, Mr Edward Hopkins, Kris
Miliband, rh Edward Wicks, rh Malcolm Davies, David T. C. Horwood, Martin
Miller, Andrew Williamson, Chris (Monmouth) Howarth, Mr Gerald
Moon, Mrs Madeleine Wilson, Phil Davies, Glyn Howell, John
Morden, Jessica Winnick, Mr David Davies, Philip Hughes, Simon
Morrice, Graeme Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Davis, rh Mr David Huhne, rh Chris
Morris, Grahame M. de Bois, Nick Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy
Woodcock, John
Munn, Meg Dinenage, Caroline Hunter, Mark
Woolas, Mr Phil
Murphy, rh Mr Jim Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Huppert, Dr Julian
Wright, Mr Iain
Murphy, rh Paul Dorries, Nadine Hurd, Mr Nick
Murray, Ian Tellers for the Ayes: Doyle-Price, Jackie Jackson, Mr Stewart
Nandy, Lisa Mr George Mudie and Duddridge, James James, Margot
Nash, Pamela David Wright Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Javid, Sajid
Dunne, Mr Philip Jenkin, Mr Bernard
NOES Ellis, Michael Johnson, Gareth
Adams, Nigel Alexander, rh Danny Ellison, Jane Jones, Andrew
Ellwood, Mr Tobias Jones, Mr Marcus
Afriyie, Adam Amess, Mr David
Elphicke, Charlie Kelly, Chris
Aldous, Peter Andrew, Stuart
Eustice, George Kirby, Simon
791 Academies Bill [Lords]
Knight, rh Mr Greg
Kwarteng, Kwasi
Laing, Mrs Eleanor
Lancaster, Mark
Lansley, rh Mr Andrew
Latham, Pauline
Laws, rh Mr David
Leadsom, Andrea
Lee, Dr Phillip
Leech, Mr John
Lefroy, Jeremy
Leigh, Mr Edward
Leslie, Charlotte
Letwin, rh Mr Oliver
Lewis, Brandon
Lewis, Dr Julian
Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian
Lilley, rh Mr Peter
Lloyd, Stephen
Lopresti, Jack
Lord, Jonathan
Loughton, Tim
Lumley, Karen
Macleod, Mary
Maude, rh Mr Francis
May, rh Mrs Theresa
Maynard, Paul
McCartney, Jason
McCartney, Karl
McIntosh, Miss Anne
McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick
McPartland, Stephen
McVey, Esther
Menzies, Mark
Mercer, Patrick
Metcalfe, Stephen
Miller, Maria
Mills, Nigel
Milton, Anne
Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew
Moore, rh Michael
Mordaunt, Penny
Morgan, Nicky
Morris, Anne Marie
Morris, David
Morris, James
Mowat, David
Mundell, rh David
Munt, Tessa
Murray, Sheryll
Murrison, Dr Andrew
Neill, Robert
Newmark, Mr Brooks
Newton, Sarah
Nokes, Caroline
Norman, Jesse
Nuttall, Mr David
O’Brien, Mr Stephen
Offord, Mr Matthew
Ollerenshaw, Eric
Opperman, Guy
Ottaway, Richard
Paice, Mr James
Paisley, Ian
Parish, Neil
Patel, Priti
Paterson, rh Mr Owen
Pawsey, Mark
Penning, Mike
Penrose, John
Percy, Andrew
Perry, Claire
26 JULY 2010
Phillips, Stephen
Pickles, rh Mr Eric
Pincher, Christopher
Poulter, Dr Daniel
Pritchard, Mark
Randall, rh Mr John
Reckless, Mark
Redwood, rh Mr John
Rees-Mogg, Jacob
Reevell, Simon
Reid, Mr Alan
Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm
Robathan, Mr Andrew
Robertson, Hugh
Robertson, Mr Laurence
Rogerson, Dan
Rosindell, Andrew
Rudd, Amber
Russell, Bob
Rutley, David
Sanders, Mr Adrian
Sandys, Laura
Scott, Mr Lee
Selous, Andrew
Shapps, rh Grant
Sharma, Alok
Shelbrooke, Alec
Shepherd, Mr Richard
Simmonds, Mark
Simpson, Mr Keith
Skidmore, Chris
Smith, Miss Chloe
Smith, Henry
Smith, Julian
Smith, Sir Robert
Soames, Nicholas
Soubry, Anna
Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline
Spencer, Mr Mark
Stanley, rh Sir John
Stephenson, Andrew
Stevenson, John
Stewart, Bob
Stewart, Iain
Stewart, Rory
Streeter, Mr Gary
Stride, Mel
Stuart, Mr Graham
Sturdy, Julian
Swales, Ian
Swinson, Jo
Swire, Mr Hugo
Syms, Mr Robert
Teather, Sarah
Thurso, John
Timpson, Mr Edward
Tomlinson, Justin
Tredinnick, David
Truss, Elizabeth
Turner, Mr Andrew
Tyrie, Mr Andrew
Uppal, Paul
Vaizey, Mr Edward
Vara, Mr Shailesh
Vickers, Martin
Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa
Walker, Mr Charles
Walker, Mr Robin
Wallace, Mr Ben
Walter, Mr Robert
Watkinson, Angela
Weatherley, Mike
Academies Bill [Lords] 792
Webb, Steve Wilson, Mr Rob
Wharton, James Wilson, Sammy
Wheeler, Heather Wollaston, Dr Sarah
White, Chris Wright, Jeremy
Whittaker, Craig Wright, Simon
Whittingdale, Mr John Young, rh Sir George
Williams, Mr Mark Zahawi, Nadhim
Williams, Roger Tellers for the Noes:
Williams, Stephen Bill Wiggin and
Williamson, Gavin Norman Lamb
Question accordingly negatived.
Vernon Coaker: I beg to move amendment 82, page 3,
line 11, at end insert—
‘(1A) An application under subsection (1) shall be in such
form and shall contain such particulars as may be prescribed in
regulations.’.
The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means:
With this we may take the following: amendment 81, in
clause 4, page 3, line 34, at end insert—
‘(3A) The Secretary of State shall publish criteria which he will
apply in deciding whether to make Academy orders, which shall
be in such form and shall contain such particulars as may be
prescribed in regulations.’.
Amendment 83, in clause 4, page 4, line 3, leave out
subsection (6).
Vernon Coaker: I will be interested to hear why the
Minister thinks that the amendments are unacceptable.
Before that, it is important to say that, in the previous
debate, there was a massive change in Government
hope and expectation for their flagship academies policy.
They have retreated from claiming that hundreds of
new academies will open in September to saying that
hundreds or a large number of academy orders will be
agreed. The Secretary of State did not outline that as
part of a flagship Government policy, which was for
significant numbers of new academies to open. The
policy is chaos, confusion and a complete shambles.
Hon. Members of all parties will find it unbelievable
that we now have a Government commitment to a
significant number of academy orders, with consultation
to follow. Significant progress has therefore been made
as we have exposed the flaws in many aspects of the Bill.
However, a Minister coming to the Dispatch Box and
admitting that the Government’s aims and objectives
will not be realised is astonishing.
I do not want to take up too much of the Committee’s
time on the amendments. I should simply be grateful if
the Minister explained why he thinks that they are
unacceptable.
Mr Gibb: The amendments would collectively have
the effect of increasing the burden of regulation associated
with the academy conversion process. They propose
several sets of regulations as well as a requirement that
academy orders be made by statutory instrument. Hon.
Members will recognise that that would take the
Government’s policy in the opposite direction from our
proposals. We want to deregulate when regulatory burdens
are not only stifling innovation, but costing time and
therefore money to achieve compliance. We want to give
schools freedoms to allow them to focus on raising
standards. Adding bureaucracy to the process is the last
thing that we want.
793 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
Amendments 81 and 82 would introduce regulations
that prescribed the contents of applications for academy
orders and the criteria that the Secretary of State applied
when deciding whether to make them. We do not believe
that it is appropriate to regulate the contents of applications
for academy orders. The Department already provides
clear guidance on its website about the conversion
process and the various steps that a school needs to
take. The website also includes an application pro forma,
which covers all the necessary information to enable a
decision to be made. The Government have made it
clear that they will apply a rigorous fit and proper
person test in approving any sponsors of an academy.
The Secretary of State will consider applications
from schools that wish to become academies and, in
each case, confirm whether he is content for the conversion
proposal to proceed to the next stage. If he is, he will
make an academy order. In doing that he will, of
course, take account of the relevant information
before him, but he expects to approve most
applications from outstanding schools. Those schools
will make up the first wave, and we will publish the
criteria for other applicants—the next wave—on the
Department’s website.
Before issuing an academy order, the Secretary of
State will undertake checks to ensure that the school is
in a position to become an academy. That is important
because academies operate with greater autonomy than
other schools and need to be in a secure position to do
so. We will check whether there has been any significant
change since the school’s last outstanding Ofsted rating.
Mr Mike Hancock: Does my hon. Friend anticipate
the criteria being changed from those that are currently
applied to the raft of academies that is going through
the process and the academies that he expects to go
through shortly? Will the basic criteria be changed for
future academies? He suggested that they would be
published, but how different will they be?
Mr Gibb: The criteria will be different because the
fast-tracking is confined to schools that are graded
outstanding. When they have gone through the process,
we will relax the criteria to enable other schools to do
so. My hon. Friend will recall that the Secretary of State
sent letters to all schools in the country. The criteria
that I just mentioned apply to fast-tracking. There will
be different criteria for the process once the first wave
has gone through.
Issues that the Secretary of State will check include
whether the school has a substantial budget deficit,
whether there are PFI arrangements relating to the
school and whether the school is already part of
reorganisation proposals. Depending on the outcome of
discussions, that may have a bearing on whether and
when the Secretary of State can approve an outstanding
school’s progression to the next stage. When an academy
order is made, the Secretary of State must give a copy to
the governing body, the head teacher and the local
authority. If the application is rejected, the Secretary of
State is required to inform the governing body, the head
teacher and the local authority of his decision and the
reason for it. It will therefore be transparent and clear
why and when a school will be permitted to convert and
when it will not.
Academies Bill [Lords] 794
However, the first stage of the process—the academy
order stage—is just that: it permits a school to convert,
but does not require it to do so. We need to be clear
that, for many proposals, the greater detail and the final
stage of the process will come later, when the Secretary
of State decides whether to enter into a funding agreement
with a proposed academy. It is only on signing the
funding agreement that the conversion becomes legally
binding. We therefore believe that prescription of the
form and content of academy orders in secondary
legislation is unnecessary and too bureaucratic.
An academy order is the means whereby a school’s
conversion into an academy is enabled. The intention
behind amendment 83 is that an academy order be
made by statutory instrument, which would have to be
laid before Parliament. Academy orders are intended to
be the legal means whereby an individual school converts
to academy status. They will contain key pieces of
information that are pertinent to the conversion, but
are highly specific to the circumstances of each school.
It would not be a good use of Parliament’s time to
require each order for each and every school to be
tabled. The use of the negative resolution procedure
would also be highly disruptive to any school, since the
period of 40 days during which the order could be
prayed against in this House or the other place would
leave the school with no certainty about whether the
conversion could go ahead.
In any event, the hon. Member for Gedling will be
interested to know that the Lords Delegated Powers
and Regulatory Reform Committee issued a report on
the Bill, dated 17 June. I am sure that he knows it well,
given that he has been so assiduous in scrutinising the
Bill and all the accompanying documents. As he predicted,
it states about the provision:
“this seems to us to be reasonable. Each order affects only one
school and there is provision for those affected to be provided
with copies. We agree… that these Orders are not really legislative
in character and we see no reason why Parliament would want to
have any control over them.”
For those reasons, I urge the hon. Gentleman to withdraw
the amendment.
Vernon Coaker: It is a very good job that the Minister
has persuaded me that statutory instruments of any
sort—negative or affirmative—are unnecessary, otherwise
he would not be able to announce academy orders in
September. I intend to ask leave to withdraw the
amendment, but I return to a point I made earlier. I
provoked the Minister at the beginning of this debate,
but in both this debate and the debate on the previous
group of amendments, I note that he has not put any
figure at all on the number of schools that he expects to
become academies. That now seems to have gone down
to almost nought, because the aspiration now is to
introduce large numbers of academy orders.
8 pm
We will wait and see what transpires in September,
but interestingly, the Government have today announced
a huge retreat on their expectations for the Bill. They
have gone from saying, “Hundreds of academies are
expected to open,” to saying, “Maybe a few will open on
the basis of the ones that the previous Government
approved earlier in the year.” However, the Minister’s
and the Government’s aspiration as announced today is
795 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
to have significant numbers of academy orders, with
consultation to follow. We will see where we are in
September, but with those comments, I beg to ask leave
to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause 3 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 4
ACADEMY ORDERS
Jon Trickett (Hemsworth) (Lab): I beg to move
amendment 54, in page 3, line 34, at end insert—
‘(3A) An Academy order must include provisions which make
available for community use some or all of the school’s facilities.
(3B) Such provisions shall not be fewer and on less
advantageous terms than those which have been available prior
to the application being made for an Academy order.
(3C) Such provisions may be made by means of a contract or
contracts with a local authority or other non-profit making or
commercial body.
(3D) “Local authority” in this section means a county, district,
unitary or parish council.’.
I welcome you to the Chair, Mr Hoyle. I think that
this is the first time I have served under your distinguished
chairpersonship, to use a gender-neutral phrase.
Notwithstanding the fact that you and I come from
different sides of the Pennines, I am sure that you will
exercise justice and mercy if I happen to cross the line
from time to time—if that is possible between people
from different sides of the Pennines.
Amendment 54 is a probing amendment, and a similar
proposal was discussed, albeit briefly, in the House of
Lords, where the Minister prompted more questions
than he gave answers. I shall be brief because I know
that we have other important matters to debate tonight.
We now know that the Government have effectively
given the Secretary of State the power to change the
status of schools by order—by fiat or administrative
measures—notwithstanding the fact that we seek some
form of accountability to local communities, which the
Government have denied. Members of the House will
know that I was against academies and that I voted
against them when they were introduced by my own
party. However, at least the previous Government had
the merit of saying that schools should be accountable
and responsible to local communities, and that their
facilities should be as widely accessible as possible.
The concept of the extended school—a school that
reaches out into the community, and a community that
reaches into the school—was very much at the heart of
Labour’s schools provisions. It occurred to me that I
should like to know what will happen to schools’ assets
that are associated with that community provision. The
idea of the extended school is that the school is a facility
for the whole community. After all, in the African
phrase, it takes a whole village to educate a child—
sometimes it takes a child to educate the village, too—so
the interaction between the community and the school
is important, and lies at the heart of modern educational
thinking.
I am pleased that over the years of the Labour
Government, many schools in my area developed a
series of community activities, and I shall highlight
two—I am sure that every hon. Member could talk
about what happens in schools in their areas in the same
Academies Bill [Lords] 796
way. At Minsthorpe community college, a gym provided
by the Labour Government, the Labour council and the
college is open to everybody. A brand new sports hall
that was built at the cost of millions of pounds in 2009
is also open to the community at subsidised cost. The
college might become part of the Olympic preparations,
because it is an Olympic-recognised site, which is a very
proud achievement for our whole community. The school
also has AstroTurf, which is used by local football
clubs, a training and conference centre, beauty training,
adult education, and crèche facilities on site and in the
local village of Upton. The youngest pupil at the college
is three months old, and the oldest is 80 years old. That
is the school’s range of provision.
Hemsworth arts and community college has also had
millions of pounds spent on it, and it opens every single
day in one form or another. Cherry Tree House, a
multi-agency drop-in centre, is available to the whole
community, the police, the health service and others,
and an on-site sports centre is open all year. There is an
Ofsted-registered day-care nursery, an adult education
learning programme, and a programme of arts that
works with all kinds of community groups, which use
creative skills that were unimaginable even a few years
ago in Hemsworth. There are outreach programmes
with local churches, the skills centre and so on and so
forth. That is a description of two schools, but I am sure
that every school in every community provides similar
facilities.
By tabling amendment 54, I am asking the Government:
what do they intend to happen to all that community
outreach? I propose that there should effectively be two
further aspects to the Bill. First, there should be no less
provision to the community than there is on the day of
transfer, and secondly, those provisions should be available
on at least the same advantageous terms as they are
now, meaning that there should be no increase in price
or decrease in accessibility. It is a simple proposal.
Tens of thousands of people use community schools
in my constituency and throughout the country. The
question is: what will happen to those community facilities?
After all, they were provided not by the school, but by
the whole community, through council tax and central
taxation. The Bill ought to make it clear that that
community provision should continue—that should be
the underlying philosophy of the nature of the relationship
between educational institutions and the people who
live in a community—and that the pricing should not
change.
Paragraph 33(e) of the Government’s proposed model
funding agreement allows the academy to
“charge persons who are not registered pupils at the Academy for
education provided or for facilities used by them at the Academy”.
I guess that the Minister will say that that is simply a
measure to give academies a legal power to charge.
However, there are fears, including in the schools that I
mentioned and among the people who use them, whom
I represent, that fees will increase rapidly, and that the
community will be seen as a cash cow. Like many other
right hon. and hon. Members, I represent many deprived
communities. They, too, are seriously worried about the
intentions of some academies.
I mentioned that a similar proposal was debated in
the Lords. Lord Wallace of Saltaire, speaking for the
Government, said:
“We therefore entirely agree with my noble friend”—
797 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
who moved the amendment—
“that it is important for a school to be at the heart of its
community and that it should, as far as possible, encourage the
community to make use of school facilities in the evenings and at
weekends. The place to impose obligations on an academy is
through the academy arrangements—either the funding agreement
or the terms and conditions of grant. We therefore resist the
imposition of this in the Bill but entirely sympathise with the
intentions of the amendment.”—[Official Report, House of Lords,
28 June 2010; Vol. 719, c. 1620.]
I guess that the Minister will say the same thing.
There are two ways to deal with this community
access issue. One would be for the thousands and thousands
of academies—if that is how many are eventually
created—to each have their own funding agreement,
which would have to be policed separately. If constituents
come to my surgery and say that the fees that they used
to pay to do French or learn IT, or to use the sports or
beauty facilities, have suddenly tripled or quadrupled,
where will I turn if the amendment is not accepted? I
will have to turn to the Minister and his civil servants,
who will have to look at the funding agreement and
make a separate enforcement order. This is not releasing
schools from red tape, as was suggested a few moments
ago by the Minister. It is nationalising the education
system and the schools because, instead of schools
being accountable to the local authority, or regulated
under an amendment of the type that I propose, the
Minister will have to take separate enforcement orders
for every academy. How can that be the case for a
Government who claim to believe in freeing up institutions
and the education system?
If the Government are determined to go ahead with
the system proposed in the Bill and if they agree with
the philosophy that schools should be part of their
communities, it would be simpler, more direct and cheaper
to put something in the Bill so that each principal and
governing body of an academy will understand from
the beginning that they have taken over community
facilities that the council helped to build, that they have
inherited pricing structures, and that they have to honour
them. The amendment is not an earth-shattering one,
but I want to test the Government’s commitment to
their expressed desire to release people rather than bind
them up in red tape. The Minister’s answer in the other
place opened up a Pandora’s box of national control
over an education system that we have always been
proud has been administered locally. The Bill is a reversal
of that trend.
Mr Mike Hancock: It is a pleasure to serve under
your chairmanship, Mr Hoyle. This is the first time that
I have had the honour of speaking when you are in the
Chair.
I congratulate the hon. Member for Hemsworth (Jon
Trickett) because he makes a very important point. We
have had a helpful debate on all the issues over the three
or four days of consideration of the Bill, and it has been
remarkable how much common ground has been found,
even by those who are diametrically opposed to the idea
of academies. Several of us have seen the merits of
some of the issues, and the debate as a whole has been
fair and frank. I suspect that the Minister has also
found some of the comments helpful in framing the
final form of the legislation and the detail that is
provided to future academies.
Academies Bill [Lords] 798
I support the amendment, because the effect of a
large secondary school on the social fabric of a
community—with possibly an increased role in the
future—is important for social cohesion. I had hoped
that we would consider new clause 2, tabled by my hon.
Friend the Member for North Cornwall (Dan Rogerson),
because that talks specifically about the importance of
social cohesion. If that obligation were in the Bill, there
would be no going back on the school’s commitment to
the community. I have been a governor of schools where
the local authority put in money for community facilities—
such as a nursery—and bit by bit those services, which
were additional to the school, disappeared, because of
the weight of numbers. First, we lost the community
room, and then the nursery. Those community facilities
are not paid for by the education budget, but by the
general rate fund—and in large council estates by the
housing revenue account—but the pressure of numbers
at the school means that they are lost to the community.
8.15 pm
The investment needed to make real social cohesion
work in large secondary schools, in both rural and
urban areas, but especially in large schools in densely
populated urban areas, is important not only to the
school, but to the whole community. I want to see our
academies, and all our schools, used seven days a week,
with proper facilities being offered and without the
restriction of governors saying that they do not want
strangers in the building. Social cohesion means that
the school can be used on a Sunday afternoon if someone
is prepared to put the money in to pay the caretaker, not
that the facilities are jealously guarded by the school as
if they are only for its use. If this is going to work, we
have to accept that these schools are an integral part of
community provision. Sadly—[Interruption.] I thought
that the right hon. Member for Morley and Outwood
(Ed Balls) wished to intervene. He was either yawning
or mumbling about his leadership bid.
The Minister of State, Department for Education
(Sarah Teather): He was talking to his wife.
Mr Hancock: Yes, I was a bit thrown by that. I do not
know if there was a domestic going on—
The Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr Hoyle): Order.
Perhaps the hon. Gentleman could stick to the amendment.
Mr Hancock: The amendment is very important because
it places pressure on the Minister to spell out exactly
what he believes social cohesion should mean, how
schools can be best used and whether any concession
will be made by the Government in this area. I hope
that there is, and I expect that the hon. Member for
Hemsworth feels the same.
If academies come into being, the chances of local
authorities—which may have “bought into” new schools
in the past—to buy facilities in schools will be remote
and will not happen very often. It will be important for
academies to start to sell themselves to the wider
communities, saying what is on offer and inviting people
to use it. We do not want to start with the idea that the
use of facilities will be restricted. I would hope that
Ministers will give us a concession tonight that would
lead people to believe that schools will have a newly
awakened sense of their responsibility to make a greater
effort to bring the community in.
799 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
Dan Rogerson: I apologise to you, Mr Hoyle, and to
the Committee for not being here for the start of the
debate on this group of amendments. I was startled by
the efficiency and economy with which the Committee
dealt with the previous one.
I welcome the fact that the hon. Member for Hemsworth
(Jon Trickett) has raised this issue. It is right that people
should look to their local schools for more than the
education of young people—or even the education of
people throughout their lives. In constituencies such as
mine, the rural primary schools are at the heart of the
small villages and offer much in terms of facilities and a
focal point for much of what happens in the community.
In the towns and bigger urban areas, secondary schools
offer a similar facility, as my hon. Friend the Member
for Portsmouth South (Mr Hancock) said. I completely
understand the concerns that the hon. Member for
Hemsworth has raised, on behalf of his constituents
and people across the country watching this debate,
about facilities that they are accustomed to having
access to, for a whole range of purposes, perhaps being
affected.
I do not have an academy in my constituency, so I
bow to the experience of hon. Members who do as to
how academies can continue to be at the heart of their
communities. However, I would hope that we could
have a response from the Minister to the issues raised by
the hon. Member for Hemsworth, to reassure people
that there will be something in the funding agreement—as
we have heard, Government spokespeople in the other
place suggested that that would be the way forward—if
not in the Bill itself, to ensure that there is a duty on
those schools to continue to engage with their local
communities.
We have provision in the Bill not just for the transition
of existing maintained schools into academies, but for
new schools. We have already had a debate about whether
some capital resource might be available to help those
schools get under way. I hope that that could be kept to
a minimum and that where people come forward wishing
to provide those services, they would bring with them
the determination to provide such facilities themselves.
However, if there is a drawdown of money from the
state system, as it were, the relevant duties and
responsibilities must lie with those people, because they
will be wanting to make a contribution to the education
of young people in their communities, and I would
hope that they should also be at the heart of those
communities.
Amendment 54 seeks to place that commitment in
the Bill, particularly with regard to facilities. I hesitate
to get into a debate on the new clause standing in my
name, which my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth
South mentioned—we may reach it this evening; I am
not sure—but there are related issues, which I hope you
will permit me to mention, Mr Hoyle, that go wider
than just the facilities. My hon. Friend referred to social
and community cohesion, on which I hope the Minister
will have had a chance to reflect.
With regard to the use of the facilities that the hon.
Member for Hemsworth has set out in his amendment,
there is a concern that if schools that are considering
going down that route are to be held in law to be
responsible for providing them following a change, they
might seek to reduce such facilities or run them down. I
hope that they would not, because all schools, whether
Academies Bill [Lords] 800
they are undergoing the process or not, will want to be
at the heart of their communities. However, behind the
amendment is a concern that a school might wish to
restrict access a little. My concern is that accepting the
amendment as drafted, with all the caveats that the hon.
Member for Gedling (Vernon Coaker) will no doubt
raise on Report—perhaps I can cut in now, before we
get there—will mean that schools would be encouraged
to run down the community activities that they offer,
because they would want to keep to a minimum what
they would have to do afterwards. The amendment
might therefore have the opposite effect.
Also, the courts would presumably then become the
final arbiter of whether a school was keeping its swimming
pool open—if it had a swimming pool—for the same
number of hours as it had been a little while ago. We
could have schools repeatedly going back to court. I
know that that is not the intention of the hon. Member
for Hemsworth. I am merely saying that his amendment
is a chance to probe the Minister’s intentions and insist
that, wherever possible, we should have as much in the
guidelines or the funding agreement, which is probably
the way to do things, to reassure people that schools will
continue to be at the heart of their communities, no
matter how they receive their state funding—whether
through a maintained set-up or the newer, academies
option.
I hope that the Minister will indicate his support for
that, but also place on record the fact that it will apply
to any new academies, as well as to those formed by
existing schools transferring across.
Mr Iain Wright: May I begin by saying what a pleasure
it is to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hoyle?
I will be brief, because my hon. Friend the Member
for Hemsworth (Jon Trickett) and the hon. Members
for Portsmouth South (Mr Hancock) and for North
Cornwall (Dan Rogerson) have said all that needs to be
said about amendment 54. I welcome the amendment,
which was tabled by my hon. Friend. He has rightly
expressed the concern about the risk that community
facilities—provision that could and should be used by
partnering schools or the wider community—could be
stopped as a result of an academy order. All three hon.
Members who have spoken in this debate have said how
important such facilities are to social cohesion.
A further point is that in times when public finances
are tight, the potential saving from having extended
schools with those provisions is immense. There could
be savings to the NHS, from having that social network
in place, to the Home Office and police budgets, from
early intervention, or to the social care budget. Those
savings could be huge, and they all stem from the idea
of an extended school that opens out into the community,
providing an open and collaborative range of offers.
However, there is nothing in the Bill that might safeguard
that. I am concerned about that, which is why I welcome
the amendment. I know that it is a probing amendment,
as my hon. Friend said. However, I hope that the
Minister can reassure the Committee that what is in the
Bill will safeguard what is available for the community,
because the whole of society can benefit as a result.
Mr Gibb: Amendment 54 seeks to ensure that each
academy order contains provisions that make the school’s
facilities available for community use once the school
801 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
has converted to an academy. We agree on the importance
of schools being at the heart of their communities. We
would want to encourage the community use of school
facilities. That is why the model funding agreement,
which has been made available in the Libraries of both
Houses and on the Department’s website, requires
academies
“to be at the heart of their communities and to share their
facilities with other schools and the wider community”.
That could include a wide range of initiatives—for
example, making the school’s sports facilities available
for local groups to use, offering adult education after
hours, and engaging staff in outreach work across other
local schools. It is clear from the provisions in academy
arrangements that we are committed to academies being
a central resource to their local communities. That is
also borne out by our expectation that all outstanding
schools commit in principle to working in partnership
with a weaker school, as part of their applications to
become academies.
However, it would not be appropriate for every academy
order to make such provision. Academy orders are
intended to be the documents that confirm a school’s
conversion, and will contain key pieces of information
pertinent to the conversion, depending on the circumstances
of each school. We believe that the place to impose
obligations on an academy is through the academy
arrangements, in either the funding agreement or the
terms and conditions of grant. That is consistent with
the approach of the previous Government.
The hon. Member for Hemsworth (Jon Trickett) talked
about the gym and the sports facilities in his local
school, and asked whether it could be made a requirement
that there should be no less provision to the community
than existed at the date of the transfer. He wanted to
put that in the Bill, which I have explained would be
excessive. He also raised the issue of the fees charged for
those sports facilities. Again, his fear is that an academy
would raise those fees in order to raise further funds for
the academy or the school. However, all the issues that
he has raised are issues for the funding agreement.
There is no reason why those facilities cannot continue.
If the issue is shared facilities between the school and
the local authority, these will be subject to discussion as
part of the conversion process. On the wider issue of
charging, charging that is allowed is limited, as he
knows, and will be equivalent to the money that maintained
schools are also entitled to raise for out-of-hours-type
activities.
I suppose that the issue at the back of the hon.
Gentleman’s mind is the concern that somehow academies
will be less community-minded than the maintained
schools that they replace—that somehow they will gouge
out those facilities used by local residents or the out-of-hours
evening classes that they attend. I see no evidence from
the academies that I have visited around the country
that that is their attitude. They are just as much a part
of the community as the maintained schools that they
are replacing.
The hon. Gentleman should be assured, certainly on
the basis of the statements that I am now making to the
Committee, that it is not the Government’s intention
that academies should become islands unto themselves,
charging the maximum that they can to raise funds for
their facilities. They will continue to be part of the
community, concerned about the community, and wanting
to share their facilities with the community.
Academies Bill [Lords] 802
I want to turn now to the points raised tangentially
by my hon. Friends the Members for Portsmouth South
(Mr Hancock) and for North Cornwall (Dan Rogerson).
They both raised the issue of community cohesion. It is
our view that the funding agreement will already include
that requirement, using the phrase that I have just read
out about being at the heart of the community and
sharing facilities with the community. I am also able to
help my hon. Friends by adding to the funding agreement
an explicit requirement that academies will be required
to be at the heart of their communities, to promote
community cohesion and to share their facilities with
other schools and the wider community. I hope that, in
the light of those few words and the arguments that I
put forward earlier, the hon. Member for Hemsworth
will withdraw his amendment, which he described as a
probing amendment.
8.30 pm
Jon Trickett: I am grateful to the Minister for the way
in which he has presented his case to the Committee,
and I do not wish to press the amendment to a vote. He
has had the opportunity to put the Government’s views
on record, and they will no doubt form part of any
future debate when academies begin to operate. I predict,
however, that the monitoring system he is introducing
will be more expensive, more bureaucratic and more
top-down than the present system of accountability of
schools to their local communities through the local
authorities, and that is deeply regrettable. With that, I
beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Mr Iain Wright: I beg to move amendment 79, page 4,
line 8, at end add—
‘(8) Before making an Academy order in respect of a
maintained school under this section, the Secretary of State shall
consult with—
(a) the local authority,
(b) any other local authority who would in his opinion be
affected by the making of an Academy order,
(c) teachers and other staff at the school and their
representatives,
(d) parents and pupils of the school and the other schools
in the community, and
(e) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers
appropriate.’.
The Chairman of Ways and Means: With this it will
be convenient to discuss new clause 7—Social cohesion—
(1) Before a school makes an application for an Academy
order or an Academy arrangement with an additional school the
relevant local authority must be asked to assess the impact of
Academy status on—
(a) admissions in the local authority area where the school
is situated;
(b) funding between all publicly funded schools in the
local authority area where the school is situated; and
(c) social cohesion in the local authority area where the
school is situated.
(2) The impact assessment in subsection (1) should be made
with regard to any existing policies the local authority or local
schools forum have in relation to (a), (b) and (c).
(3) Before making an Academy order or an Academy
arrangement with an additional school the Secretary of State
must have regard to the impact assessment in subsection (1)
made by the local authority.’.
803 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
Mr Wright: With this amendment and new clause 7,
we return to a subject that we have discussed time and
again in this brief Committee stage. One of the most
fundamental weaknesses of the entire Bill is its wholly
inadequate provision for consultation. Clause 4 sets out
the process for the Secretary of State to consider and
approve an academy order. It also sets out the criteria
by which an application may be considered. The two
criteria are that the governing body has applied or that
the school is eligible for intervention. This provides no
role for the local community or for parents to ask for
intervention, however. Time and again this afternoon,
the point has been raised about the lack of consultation
for local stakeholders, especially parents. We believe
that local authorities, communities, teachers, trade unionists
and, most importantly, parents should have a role in
calling for intervention.
Inherent in the Bill is a massive risk of creating a
two-tier system that will divide rather than unite
communities, and that will set deprived communities
against affluent neighbourhoods. As I said in Committee
last week, the Bill could ensure that the most important
relationship was between the individual school and the
Secretary of State, rather than between the school and
its local community.
We have just been discussing amendment 54. One of
my concerns is that the Bill, as it stands, is a highly
centralising piece of legislation whose focus is firmly on
the school and the Secretary of State, rather than on the
wider area. There is also a risk that the Secretary of
State intends to use the freedoms that academies allow
to give only successful, prosperous schools the flexibility
and resources to thrive. Those freedoms could well be
provided at the expense of the vast majority of schools,
which could face cuts to support services and experience
severe disruption. The fragmentation of our schools
system would be a real step backwards for social progress
and social cohesion.
Amendment 79 would ensure that, before making an
academy order in respect of a maintained school, the
Secretary of State would be obliged to consult the local
authority, teachers and other staff at the school, parents
and pupils of the school and the other schools in the
community, and any other such persons who are considered
appropriate. In addition, he would have to consult other
local authorities that might be affected by an academy
order. This is most common, although not exclusively
so, in London, where pupils in a particular school may
be drawn from a wide variety of local authorities.
Demand for places at a school in a particular local
authority, especially a popular school, can affect the
demand, and hence the viability, of schools in other
boroughs. Surely the Minister accepts that it is right for
those affected local authorities to be consulted as well.
Proposed new subsection 8(b) would ensure that any
other local authority that might be affected by the
making of an academy order was consulted. For those
reasons, we believe that amendment 79 offers an important
means of injecting more challenge, scrutiny and consultation
into the proposed legislation.
We believe strongly that local authorises have a strong
role to play in helping every child to succeed. They do
not, and should not, run schools, but they can provide a
strategic function, and commission provision across an
area that is relevant, suitable and in keeping with the
local authority’s vision for the shape of their economy.
Academies Bill [Lords] 804
Local authorities can ensure that local services are of a
high quality and meet the needs, ambitions and aspirations
of children and young people. The actions or, at times,
inactions of local authorities can also be held to account
by local people in a truly democratic fashion, as a
means of securing effective, efficient and fair local
public services.
We on the Labour Benches and, I suspect, some on
the Government Benches, believe that local authorities
are best placed to facilitate partnerships across different
schools and drive forward improvement and rising
standards. I said “I suspect”, but it is fair to say that all
Liberal Democrats subscribe to that view. I quote page
37 of their 2010 general election manifesto, which states:
“Local authorities will not run schools, but will have a central
and strategic role, including responsibility for oversight of school
performance and fair admissions. They will be expected to intervene
where school leadership or performance is weak.”
We can all agree with that sentiment. I can more or less
agree, too, with the next bullet point in their manifesto:
“We will ensure a level playing field for admissions and funding
and replace Academies with our own model of ‘Sponsor-Managed
Schools’. These schools will be commissioned by and accountable
to local authorities and not Whitehall”.
That is an important commitment, on which every
Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament was returned
to the House. It is important that the Committee has
the opportunity to vote on the matter, so that Liberal
Democrat Members can support their manifesto
commitments to a level playing field on admissions and
funding and on social cohesion. On that basis, I give
notice that I want to test the Committee’s opinion with
regard to new clause 7.
Ian Swales (Redcar) (LD): What did the hon. Gentleman
think about the provisions under discussion when the
Labour Government introduced academies? As far as I
know, none of the provisions apply to the current
academy system.
Mr Wright: I do not want to return to the Second
Reading debate, but the purpose and definition of academies
under the Bill differ fundamentally from those of the
academies introduced by the Labour Government. We
gave freedoms and flexibilities to poorly performing
schools in deprived areas. The Bill is a completely
different kettle of fish, and I think that the hon. Gentleman
agrees with me.
Under new clause 7, before a school can make an
application for an academy order—or arrangement with
a free school—local authorities would be asked to assess
the impact of such an order or arrangement on admissions,
the funding between all state-funded schools and social
cohesion in an area. As the hon. Member for North
Cornwall (Dan Rogerson) ably articulated, social cohesion
with regard to education is vital. There is a huge risk
inherent in the Bill that social cohesion will be threatened
and compromised. The new clause addresses that.
Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): The hon. Gentleman
makes a strong case, referring to Liberal Democrat
party policy. In new clause 7(1)(a), he refers to the
admissions policy and the impact on admissions to
schools. Were he successful in getting the new clause
accepted, what would he envisage as the best solution in
805 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
circumstances in which, inevitably, parents will be
disgruntled that their child is unable to gain admission
to a local school?
Mr Wright: In my constituency, parents want to get
their children into certain popular schools. It is important
that the local authority sets out a clear procedure by
which admissions will be considered, that there is a
good appeals process, and that the schools adjudicator
is part of that process. It is important that local authorities
are in the driving seat: not running schools, but with
borough-wide thinking on admissions. The approach
has worked well and can continue to do so.
Earlier today, my right hon. Friend the shadow Secretary
of State for Education and the shadow Schools Minister,
my hon. Friend the Member for Gedling (Vernon Coaker)
wrote to every Liberal Democrat Member, expressing
the wish that we work together to amend and improve
the Bill by supporting new clause 7. If Liberal Democrat
Members feel that they must support the Bill as a whole
in keeping with the coalition agreement, I can understand
and respect their position, but I hope that there can be
cross-party support for new clause 7.
Dan Rogerson: How could I resist the opportunity to
respond to the hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr Wright),
who has thrown his glove across the Floor of the House
to land at my feet?
The hon. Gentleman is obviously pining for the day
on which there is a Liberal Democrat majority
Government—[Interruption.] I look forward to working
with the hon. Gentleman. Given the way in which his
party has conducted itself in opposition, he and his
hon. Friends may well be working towards such an
arrangement even now.
Let me say, in all seriousness, that the hon. Gentleman
is absolutely right to suggest that if the Liberal Democrats
had been the majority party, we would have proceeded
with the sponsor-managed schools option. However, we
are not in that position. As the hon. Gentleman pointed
out, we are in a coalition Government with a coalition
agreement, and it is clear that some policies emanate
from one partner in the coalition and some from the
other. That is the way it works in coalition agreements
all over the world, in countries where arrangements
such as this are far more common than they have been
in the United Kingdom, at least for several decades.
I do not think that academies are the answer. I did
not think that they were the answer when the hon.
Gentleman’s party was in charge of the policy, and I do
not think that they will necessarily be the answer for all
schools now. However, following the coalition agreement,
the Bill contains a series of provisions enabling communities,
where there is a will, to allow schools to adopt academy
status. It remains to be seen how many will take up the
option and what use they will make of it. Amendments
were made in another place, notably with regard to the
provision of additional schools—which I know concerned
the hon. Gentleman in earlier debates—and assessments
of the impact on the surrounding area.
Consultation is vital. We have already engaged in a
full debate on that issue, and I shall not go over the
ground again. I will say, however, that the hon. Gentleman
spoke of commitments by a political party in a set of
circumstances prior to a coalition agreement which has
been published and is available for everyone to examine
Academies Bill [Lords] 806
and discuss. Believe me, people in my constituency and
others have been discussing it, and we have had many
debates on it. That should not come as a surprise to the
hon. Gentleman.
I had the honour of serving in the last Parliament,
when the hon. Gentleman stood at the Government
Dispatch Box ably standing up for—it must be said—the
sometimes slightly dodgy policies that his party was
producing. He must have seen us sitting on the Opposition
Benches below the Gangway—where his hon. Friend
the Member for Gateshead (Ian Mearns) is sitting now—
talking to some of his hon. Friends who were then
sitting on this side of the Committee. They were sorely
tempted to join us. Lord McAvoy, as he now is, would
have been there, casting his eye over Labour Members
and making sure that that did not happen.
It could be said that we are now in similar circumstances
in terms of the way in which this place works, but it can
only work, and a Government can only work, when
there is an agreed programme. We have an agreed
programme, and the Government are proceeding with
it. However, I am pleased that the Minister was willing
to listen—as was his noble Friend Lord Hill—to Members
of our party and our side of the coalition, and to other
noble Lords and hon. Members, and to make provision
to allay some of the concerns that have been raised.
Vernon Coaker: Let me explain why we consider new
clause 7 so important. Subsection (1)(c) refers to
“social cohesion in the local authority area where the school is
situated.”
Under the Bill, as part of the funding agreement, if a
pupil is excluded from an academy during the year, the
academy will keep the funding as if the pupil had not
been excluded, but the local authority—or someone
else—will have to provide the funding for that excluded
pupil somewhere else. It is because of such provisions in
the Bill that some of us consider an impact assessment
to be vital. Otherwise, when a pupil is excluded, the
academy will keep the money and the pupil will become
the responsibility of the local authority, which will have
no funds with which to carry out that responsibility.
8.45 pm
Dan Rogerson: I understand the hon. Gentleman’s
point, and I am sure the Minister will want to respond
to it in respect of how the funding agreement will work
as the academies come into being. However, the hon.
Gentleman said earlier that he thinks that academies
are a good thing and that if Labour had continued in
government, they would have increased in number.
[Interruption.] Well, the issue of variance that has
arisen between the Government’s proposal and that of
the hon. Gentleman is how the academies come into
being. Until now they have undoubtedly had an effect
on their local area, but there is an issue of critical mass,
as many Opposition Members have said: there must be
a tipping point at which there is a sufficient number of
academies to have a particular effect on the local authority.
That would have happened under the hon. Gentleman’s
vision for expanding the number of academies as well
as under the Government’s, so that is a separate question;
it is a question about how many academies we have and
what effect they have collectively.
I was tempted to rise and respond to the question of
whether the model under discussion is the same as that
which the Liberal Democrats have advocated throughout
807 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
[Dan Rogerson]
history. It is not of course, but real progress has been
made in that the Government have now introduced a
Bill that includes a provision to allay a lot of the
concerns that many of us have raised, but which also
opens a way for communities that feel they want to go
in this direction.
I am concerned that scare stories are being told that
everybody will want to go for this in a big rush, but I do
not think that will be the case. I think that many
governing bodies, schools and groups will want
to—[Interruption.] Well, the Secretary of State has
talked about the huge amount of interest in this programme
and I am sure that that is true, but I think that many
people will want to see what happens and how things
develop before deciding whether to take advantage of
the provisions.
Andrew George: My hon. Friend has said that his
concerns have been allayed. He will have heard my
intervention on the hon. Member for Hartlepool
(Mr Wright) in respect of the impact of these proposals
on the admissions policies of each of the academies and
what will happen when parents are unable to find a
place in their local school which happens to be an
academy—from whom they can seek redress in those
circumstances if they have a justifiable reason to take
the matter a stage further. I wonder how my hon.
Friend might allay my concerns, given that his concerns
in respect of the admissions policy have been allayed.
This point is particularly important if we bear in mind
the fact that the first academies are likely to be the
outstanding schools—those that all pupils would wish
to go to.
Dan Rogerson: My hon. Friend raises an important
point. He has intervened on both the hon. Member for
Hartlepool (Mr Wright) and me, and he will no doubt
want to raise his question with the Minister when he
responds—indeed, the Minister may well wish to do
address it in any case. When talking about fears being
allayed, the particular point I was addressing was to do
with community cohesion, which is very important. It is
about the way in which the existing maintained schools,
the new academies that have transferred over and other
new school provision that is offered will interact and
relate to the surrounding community. There has been a
bit of progress on that, which I welcome.
On the tempting invitation from the hon. Member for
Hartlepool to support the Labour amendment, I must
say that their conversion comes a little late on some of
these issues. As my party colleagues, my hon. Friends
the Members for St Ives (Andrew George) and for
Redcar (Ian Swales), have already said in this brief
debate, in respect of how the relationships emerge most
of the provisions were in existence and operation under
the previous academies programme. I do not think
there is any huge difference therefore. The only difference
is that this is someone else’s academy programme, not
that of the hon. Gentleman.
Mr Gibb: Amendment 79 would require the Secretary
of State to consult all those listed in the amendment
before making an academy order in respect of a maintained
school. As I have mentioned a number of times, clause 5
already requires the governing body of a maintained
school wishing to convert to academy status to consult
Academies Bill [Lords] 808
on its proposals. That provision was included in the Bill
in response to concerns raised in the other place and in
order to demonstrate the importance that this Government
attach to consultation. I believe, therefore, that it is
unnecessary and inappropriate, not to mention impractical,
for the Secretary of State to consult on those same
proposals. It should be the school’s decision to become
an academy, except in those cases where the school is
eligible for intervention. It is our aim to reduce any
unnecessary bureaucracy surrounding the academy
conversion process, and I believe that potentially duplicating
consultation would fall into that category.
We have made it very clear that we believe that
schools are in the best position to determine how best
consultation should take place. That includes deciding
who should be consulted, although some guidance is
provided on the website as to who is consulted, and
when and how that should be done. We do not intend to
provide an inflexible checklist, such as that proposed in
this amendment, which would not, in itself, ensure that
consultation was any more meaningful.
New clause 7 would mean that before a school makes
an application for an academy order or an academy
arrangement with an additional school, a local authority
must be asked to assess the impact of academy status
on admissions, on funding between all publicly funded
schools and on social cohesion in the local authority
area where the school is situated. It would also mean
that before making an academy order or an academy
arrangement with an additional school, the Secretary of
State would be required to have regard to the impact
assessment.
Clause 9 requires the Secretary of State, when deciding
whether to enter into academy arrangements with an
additional school—an entirely new or “free” school—to
take into account the impact of such a school on the
existing schools and colleges in the area. We believe that
requiring the local authority to consider the impact of
an additional school as well is unnecessary and will
simply result, again, in the duplication of work. The
clause does not include provisions for the Secretary of
State to assess the impact of schools that convert into
academies. We are clear that schools should convert “as
is”; in most cases, it will be the same head, the same
staff, the same parents and the same children in the
school, but with additional freedoms to innovate and
raise standards. Furthermore, the requirement for converting
schools to consult means that those other schools in the
area may have the chance to make representations on
the proposed conversion. Where schools convert “as is”
we do not believe, therefore, that the nature of the
change is such that there is any need for an impact
assessment.
Andrew George: The Minister will have heard my two
interventions about the availability of an appeals process
where an admissions policy excludes potential pupils
from a school before they have been able to gain admission
to the school. Under the current arrangements, in most
areas the parents can appeal to the local authority if
they feel that the decision is unacceptable. What
arrangements will apply where an academy has been set
up?
Mr Gibb: My hon. Friend will know that the admissions
code will apply just as much to academies as to maintained
schools, that the admissions appeals code will also
809 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
apply just as much to academies as to maintained
schools and that the co-ordination arrangements will
apply too. So the local authorities will hold the ring on
admissions in the same way as they do at the moment.
Mr Iain Wright: I may be pre-empting what the
Minister is going to say. He has been talking about
existing maintained schools converting to an academy,
using the phrase “as is” and he mentioned that schools
would have the same head, the same estate and so on.
New clause 7(1) states:
“Before a school makes an application for an Academy order
or”—
this is the point on which I seek clarification—
“an Academy arrangement with an additional school”.
That refers to a free school. Will the existing arrangements
still apply in respect of a free school too? Could the
Minister provide clarity on that?
Mr Gibb: I shall seek to do that during the rest of my
speech. If I do not get round to the hon. Gentleman’s
point, I shall write to him.
We believe that the impact of an increase in academies
and the freedoms they provide will lead to improvements
in standards across the education sector as the best
heads and the best schools drive improvements and
expertise. The noble Lords were concerned about schools
changing their age range and the Bill was amended to
allay those concerns. Subsection (4) of clause 9 makes it
clear than when a maintained school becomes an academy
under the current school closure processes, further to
the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and not further
to an academy order, when the age range is not like-for-like,
the school would be classed as an additional school, so
the Secretary of State would be required to evaluate the
impact. That would include, for example, an academy
created as a result of the amalgamation of two or more
schools or an 11-to-18 academy that replaced an 11-to-16
maintained school, if that involved a closure rather
than a conversion. Any school wishing to add a sixth
form would need to follow the relevant statutory provisions.
The answer to the question whether the admissions
code and the appeals code will apply to free schools,
too, is yes, it will. The problem with the Minister’s
opening remarks—
Mr Wright: I’m not the Minister any more.
Mr Gibb: Sorry, the shadow Minister. It is all very
new.
The problem with the shadow Minister’s speech in
moving the amendment was that it was written, I think,
before he heard of the Government’s intention to put in
the funding agreement an explicit requirement to promote
community cohesion. On top of that, it already requires
academies to be at the heart of the community. He cited
the Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment that local
authorities will not run schools. That is a view common
throughout the coalition and we also agree that local
authorities should be the champion of parents and
pupils, championing school improvement and challenging
rather than defending underperforming schools. In an
old politics kind of way, he is trying to drive a wedge
into fissures in the coalition where no fissures exist—and
he is doing so unsuccessfully.
Academies Bill [Lords] 810
The point made by the hon. Member for Gedling
(Vernon Coaker) about excluded pupils is wrong. He
alleged that the funding for an excluded pupil stays with
the academy. The funding follows the pupil when the
pupil is excluded and that is a requirement in the
academy agreement.
With those few words, I hope that I have persuaded
Opposition Members and those elsewhere to withdraw
their amendments.
Mr Iain Wright: I apologise to the Minister on the
subject of the concession that he has made on social
cohesion and community cohesion in the funding
agreement. I had meant to mention that, but I was
wrapped up in helping Liberal Democrats. I apologise;
that is a welcome concession.
The hon. Member for North Cornwall (Dan Rogerson)
went so far in tempting me to think that he does not
agree with academies, but then he pulled back considerably.
He mentioned, rightly, that coalition—like all politics—is
a question of compromise and negotiation, but I think
that the Liberal Democrats are getting a bit of a raw
deal in the coalition agreement when it comes to education
policy. I will readily admit that today there has been the
announcement on school funding and the pupil premium
and I am pleased to see the Minister of State, the hon.
Member for Brent Central (Sarah Teather), on the
Treasury Bench. I pay tribute to her for pushing that
forward.
In every other sense, the emphasis has been on
Conservative party policy, with an emphasis on free
markets. There has been a rush to the markets and a
lack of consultation with and consideration for the
wider community that is at odds with what the Liberal
Democrats want. I shall still provide the hon. Member
for North Cornwall and his hon. Friends, who seem
readily poised to join us in the appropriate Lobby, with
the opportunity to ensure that the commitments that
were made in the Liberal Democrat manifesto in the
general election, only a matter of weeks ago, can still be
fulfilled.
I am not content with the Minister’s explanations in
terms of new clause 7. I think it is very important and I
will want to press that to a vote, but I beg to ask leave to
withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause 4 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 5 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 16
PRE-COMMENCEMENT APPLICATIONS ETC
Question put, That the clause stand part of the Bill.
The Committee divided: Ayes 319, Noes 222.
Division No. 47] [9 pm
AYES
Adams, Nigel Bacon, Mr Richard
Afriyie, Adam Bagshawe, Ms Louise
Aldous, Peter Baker, Norman
Alexander, rh Danny Baker, Steve
Amess, Mr David Baldry, Tony
Andrew, Stuart Baldwin, Harriett
Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Barclay, Stephen
811 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010 Academies Bill [Lords] 812

Barker, Gregory Fallon, Michael Lamb, Norman Poulter, Dr Daniel

Baron, Mr John Featherstone, Lynne Lancaster, Mark Prisk, Mr Mark
Barwell, Gavin Field, Mr Mark Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Pritchard, Mark
Beith, rh Sir Alan Francois, rh Mr Mark Latham, Pauline Pugh, Dr John
Benyon, Richard Freeman, George Leadsom, Andrea Randall, rh Mr John
Beresford, Sir Paul Freer, Mike Lee, Dr Phillip Reckless, Mark
Berry, Jake Fullbrook, Lorraine Leech, Mr John Redwood, rh Mr John
Bingham, Andrew Fuller, Richard Lefroy, Jeremy Rees-Mogg, Jacob
Binley, Mr Brian Garnier, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr Edward Reevell, Simon
Blackman, Bob Garnier, Mark Leslie, Charlotte Reid, Mr Alan
Blackwood, Nicola Gauke, Mr David Lewis, Brandon Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm
Blunt, Mr Crispin George, Andrew Lewis, Dr Julian Robathan, Mr Andrew
Boles, Nick Gibb, Mr Nick Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Robertson, Hugh
Bone, Mr Peter Gilbert, Stephen Lidington, Mr David Robertson, Mr Laurence
Bottomley, Peter Glen, John Lilley, rh Mr Peter Rogerson, Dan
Bradley, Karen Goldsmith, Zac Lloyd, Stephen Rosindell, Andrew
Brady, Mr Graham Goodwill, Mr Robert Lopresti, Jack Rudd, Amber
Brake, Tom Gove, rh Michael Lord, Jonathan Russell, Bob
Bray, Angie Graham, Richard Loughton, Tim Rutley, David
Brazier, Mr Julian Grant, Mrs Helen Lumley, Karen Sanders, Mr Adrian
Bridgen, Andrew Gray, Mr James Macleod, Mary Sandys, Laura
Brine, Mr Steve Grayling, rh Chris Maude, rh Mr Francis Scott, Mr Lee
Brokenshire, James Green, Damian May, rh Mrs Theresa Selous, Andrew
Brooke, Annette Greening, Justine Maynard, Paul Shapps, rh Grant
Browne, Mr Jeremy Grieve, rh Mr Dominic McCartney, Jason Sharma, Alok
Bruce, Fiona Griffiths, Andrew McCartney, Karl Shelbrooke, Alec
Buckland, Mr Robert Gummer, Ben McIntosh, Miss Anne Shepherd, Mr Richard
Burley, Mr Aidan Gyimah, Mr Sam McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Simmonds, Mark
Burns, Conor Halfon, Robert McPartland, Stephen Simpson, Mr Keith
Burns, Mr Simon Hames, Duncan McVey, Esther Skidmore, Chris
Burstow, Mr Paul Hammond, rh Mr Philip Menzies, Mark Smith, Miss Chloe
Byles, Dan Hammond, Stephen Mercer, Patrick Smith, Henry
Cable, rh Vince Hancock, Matthew Metcalfe, Stephen Smith, Julian
Cairns, Alun Harper, Mr Mark Miller, Maria Smith, Sir Robert
Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Harrington, Richard Mills, Nigel Soames, Nicholas
Carmichael, Mr Alistair Harris, Rebecca Milton, Anne Soubry, Anna
Carmichael, Neil Hart, Simon Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline
Cash, Mr William Harvey, Nick Moore, rh Michael Spencer, Mr Mark
Chishti, Rehman Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Mordaunt, Penny Stanley, rh Sir John
Clappison, Mr James Heald, Mr Oliver Morgan, Nicky Stephenson, Andrew
Clark, rh Greg Heath, Mr David Morris, Anne Marie Stevenson, John
Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Heaton-Harris, Chris Morris, David Stewart, Bob
Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Henderson, Gordon Morris, James Stewart, Iain
Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hendry, Charles Mowat, David Stewart, Rory
Collins, Damian Herbert, rh Nick Mundell, rh David Streeter, Mr Gary
Colvile, Oliver Hinds, Damian Munt, Tessa Stride, Mel
Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hoban, Mr Mark Murray, Sheryll Stuart, Mr Graham
Crockart, Mike Hollingbery, George Murrison, Dr Andrew Stunell, Andrew
Crouch, Tracey Hollobone, Mr Philip Neill, Robert Sturdy, Julian
Davey, Mr Edward Holloway, Mr Adam Newmark, Mr Brooks Swales, Ian
Davies, David T. C. Hopkins, Kris Newton, Sarah Swinson, Jo
(Monmouth) Horwood, Martin Nokes, Caroline Swire, Mr Hugo
Davies, Glyn Howarth, Mr Gerald Norman, Jesse Syms, Mr Robert
Davies, Philip Howell, John Nuttall, Mr David Teather, Sarah
Davis, rh Mr David Hughes, Simon O’Brien, Mr Stephen Thurso, John
de Bois, Nick Huhne, rh Chris Offord, Mr Matthew Timpson, Mr Edward
Dinenage, Caroline Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Ollerenshaw, Eric Tomlinson, Justin
Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Hunter, Mark Opperman, Guy Tredinnick, David
Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Huppert, Dr Julian Ottaway, Richard Truss, Elizabeth
Dorries, Nadine Hurd, Mr Nick Paice, Mr James Turner, Mr Andrew
Doyle-Price, Jackie Jackson, Mr Stewart Paisley, Ian Tyrie, Mr Andrew
Duddridge, James James, Margot Parish, Neil Uppal, Paul
Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Javid, Sajid Patel, Priti Vaizey, Mr Edward
Ellis, Michael Jenkin, Mr Bernard Paterson, rh Mr Owen Vara, Mr Shailesh
Ellison, Jane Johnson, Gareth Pawsey, Mark Vickers, Martin
Ellwood, Mr Tobias Jones, Andrew Penning, Mike Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa
Elphicke, Charlie Jones, Mr Marcus Penrose, John Walker, Mr Charles
Eustice, George Kelly, Chris Percy, Andrew Walker, Mr Robin
Evans, Graham Kirby, Simon Perry, Claire Wallace, Mr Ben
Evans, Jonathan Knight, rh Mr Greg Phillips, Stephen Walter, Mr Robert
Evennett, Mr David Kwarteng, Kwasi Pickles, rh Mr Eric Ward, Mr David
Fabricant, Michael Laing, Mrs Eleanor Pincher, Christopher Watkinson, Angela
813 Academies Bill [Lords]
Weatherley, Mike
Webb, Steve
Wharton, James
Wheeler, Heather
White, Chris
Whittaker, Craig
Whittingdale, Mr John
Williams, Mr Mark
Williams, Roger
Williams, Stephen
Williamson, Gavin
NOES
Abbott, Ms Diane
Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob
Alexander, Heidi
Ali, Rushanara
Allen, Mr Graham
Anderson, Mr David
Bailey, Mr Adrian
Bain, Mr William
Balls, rh Ed
Banks, Gordon
Barron, rh Mr Kevin
Bayley, Hugh
Beckett, rh Margaret
Begg, Miss Anne
Bell, Sir Stuart
Benn, rh Hilary
Benton, Mr Joe
Berger, Luciana
Betts, Mr Clive
Blackman-Woods, Roberta
Blears, rh Hazel
Blenkinsop, Tom
Blomfield, Paul
Blunkett, rh Mr David
Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben
Brennan, Kevin
Brown, Lyn
Brown, rh Mr Nicholas
Brown, Mr Russell
Bryant, Chris
Buck, Ms Karen
Byrne, rh Mr Liam
Cairns, David
Campbell, Mr Alan
Campbell, Mr Ronnie
Chapman, Mrs Jenny
Clark, Katy
Clarke, rh Mr Tom
Clwyd, rh Ann
Coaker, Vernon
Coffey, Ann
Cooper, rh Yvette
Corbyn, Jeremy
Crausby, Mr David
Creagh, Mary
Creasy, Stella
Cruddas, Jon
Cryer, John
Cunningham, Alex
Cunningham, Mr Jim
Curran, Margaret
Dakin, Nic
Danczuk, Simon
Darling, rh Mr Alistair
David, Mr Wayne
Davidson, Mr Ian
Davies, Geraint
De Piero, Gloria
26 JULY 2010 Academies Bill [Lords] 814
Wilson, Mr Rob Jones, Graham Phillipson, Bridget
Wilson, Sammy Jones, Mr Kevan Qureshi, Yasmin
Wollaston, Dr Sarah Jones, Susan Elan Raynsford, rh Mr Nick
Wright, Jeremy Joyce, Eric Reeves, Rachel
Wright, Simon Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Reynolds, Emma
Young, rh Sir George Keeley, Barbara Reynolds, Jonathan
Zahawi, Nadhim Keen, Alan Riordan, Mrs Linda
Kendall, Liz Robertson, John
Tellers for the Ayes: Khan, rh Sadiq Robinson, Mr Geoffrey
Mr Philip Dunne and Lavery, Ian Rotheram, Steve
Bill Wiggin Leslie, Chris Roy, Mr Frank
Lewis, Mr Ivan Roy, Lindsay
Lloyd, Tony Ruane, Chris
Long, Naomi Ruddock, rh Joan
Denham, rh Mr John Love, Mr Andrew Sarwar, Anas
Dobbin, Jim Lucas, Caroline Seabeck, Alison
Dobson, rh Frank Lucas, Ian Sheerman, Mr Barry
Docherty, Thomas MacShane, rh Mr Denis Sheridan, Jim
Doran, Mr Frank Mactaggart, Fiona Shuker, Gavin
Dowd, Jim Mahmood, Mr Khalid Skinner, Mr Dennis
Doyle, Gemma Mahmood, Shabana Slaughter, Mr Andy
Dromey, Jack Mann, John Smith, rh Mr Andrew
Dugher, Michael Marsden, Mr Gordon Smith, Nick
Eagle, Ms Angela McCann, Mr Michael Smith, Owen
Eagle, Maria McCarthy, Kerry Soulsby, Sir Peter
Efford, Clive McClymont, Gregg Spellar, rh Mr John
Elliott, Julie McDonagh, Siobhain Straw, rh Mr Jack
Ellman, Mrs Louise McDonnell, John Stringer, Graham
Engel, Natascha McGovern, Alison Stuart, Ms Gisela
Esterson, Bill McGovern, Jim Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry
Evans, Chris McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Thomas, Mr Gareth
Farrelly, Paul McKechin, Ann Thornberry, Emily
Fitzpatrick, Jim Meacher, rh Mr Michael Timms, rh Stephen
Flello, Robert Meale, Mr Alan Trickett, Jon
Flint, rh Caroline Mearns, Ian Turner, Karl
Fovargue, Yvonne Michael, rh Alun Twigg, Derek
Gapes, Mike Miliband, rh Edward Twigg, Stephen
Gardiner, Barry Miller, Andrew Umunna, Mr Chuka
Gilmore, Sheila Moon, Mrs Madeleine Vaz, Valerie
Glass, Pat Morden, Jessica Walley, Joan
Glindon, Mrs Mary Morrice, Graeme Watson, Mr Tom
Godsiff, Mr Roger Morris, Grahame M. Whitehead, Dr Alan
Goggins, rh Paul Mudie, Mr George Wicks, rh Malcolm
Goodman, Helen Munn, Meg Williamson, Chris
Greatrex, Tom Murphy, rh Mr Jim Wilson, Phil
Green, Kate Murphy, rh Paul Winnick, Mr David
Greenwood, Lilian Murray, Ian Winterton, rh Ms Rosie
Griffith, Nia Nandy, Lisa
Hain, rh Mr Peter Woodcock, John
Nash, Pamela Woolas, Mr Phil
Hamilton, Mr David O’Donnell, Fiona
Hamilton, Mr Fabian Wright, David
Onwurah, Chi
Hancock, Mr Mike Wright, Mr Iain
Osborne, Sandra
Hanson, rh Mr David Owen, Albert Tellers for the Noes:
Harman, rh Ms Harriet Pearce, Teresa Mr Dave Watts and
Harris, Mr Tom Perkins, Toby Steve McCabe
Havard, Mr Dai
Healey, rh John
Hendrick, Mark Question accordingly agreed to.
Hepburn, Mr Stephen Debate interrupted (Programme Order, 19 July).
Heyes, David The Chair put forthwith the Questions necessary for
Hillier, Meg the disposal of the business to be concluded at that time.
Hilling, Julie
Clauses 17 to 19 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Hodge, rh Margaret
Hood, Mr Jim
Hopkins, Kelvin Clause 20
Howarth, rh Mr George
Hunt, Tristram
SHORT TITLE
Illsley, Mr Eric
Jackson, Glenda Amendment made: page 10, line 25, leave out
Jamieson, Cathy subsection (3).—(James Duddridge.)
Johnson, rh Alan Clause 20, as amended, ordered to stand part of
Johnson, Diana R. the Bill.
815 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010 Academies Bill [Lords] 816

New Clause 7 Goggins, rh Paul Morris, Grahame M.

Goodman, Helen Mudie, Mr George
SOCIAL COHESION Greatrex, Tom Munn, Meg
Green, Kate Murphy, rh Mr Jim
(1) Before a school makes an application for an Academy Greenwood, Lilian Murphy, rh Paul
order or an Academy arrangement with an additional school the
Griffith, Nia Murray, Ian
relevant local authority must be asked to assess the impact of
Hain, rh Mr Peter Nandy, Lisa
Academy status on—
Hamilton, Mr David Nash, Pamela
(a) admissions in the local authority area where the school Hamilton, Mr Fabian O’Donnell, Fiona
is situated;
Hancock, Mr Mike Onwurah, Chi
(b) funding between all publicly funded schools in the Hanson, rh Mr David Osborne, Sandra
local authority area where the school is situated; and Harman, rh Ms Harriet Owen, Albert
(c) social cohesion in the local authority area where the Harris, Mr Tom Pearce, Teresa
school is situated. Havard, Mr Dai Perkins, Toby
(2) The impact assessment in subsection (1) should be made Healey, rh John Phillipson, Bridget
with regard to any existing policies the local authority or local Hendrick, Mark Qureshi, Yasmin
schools forum have in relation to (a), (b) and (c). Hepburn, Mr Stephen Raynsford, rh Mr Nick
(3) Before making an Academy order or an Academy Heyes, David Reeves, Rachel
arrangement with an additional school the Secretary of State Hillier, Meg Reynolds, Emma
must have regard to the impact assessment in subsection (1) Hilling, Julie Reynolds, Jonathan
made by the local authority.’.—(Mr Iain Wright.) Hodge, rh Margaret Riordan, Mrs Linda
Brought up. Hood, Mr Jim Robertson, John
Hopkins, Kelvin Robinson, Mr Geoffrey
Question put, That the clause be added to the Bill. Horwood, Martin Rotheram, Steve
The House divided: Ayes 223, Noes 315. Howarth, rh Mr George Roy, Mr Frank
Hunt, Tristram Roy, Lindsay
Division No. 48] [9.13 pm Illsley, Mr Eric Ruane, Chris
Jackson, Glenda Ruddock, rh Joan
AYES Jamieson, Cathy Sarwar, Anas
Abbott, Ms Diane Crausby, Mr David Johnson, Diana R. Seabeck, Alison
Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Creagh, Mary Jones, Graham Sheerman, Mr Barry
Alexander, Heidi Creasy, Stella Jones, Mr Kevan Sheridan, Jim
Ali, Rushanara Cruddas, Jon Jones, Susan Elan Shuker, Gavin
Allen, Mr Graham Cryer, John Joyce, Eric Skinner, Mr Dennis
Anderson, Mr David Cunningham, Alex Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Slaughter, Mr Andy
Bailey, Mr Adrian Cunningham, Mr Jim Keeley, Barbara Smith, rh Mr Andrew
Bain, Mr William Curran, Margaret Keen, Alan Smith, Nick
Balls, rh Ed Dakin, Nic Kendall, Liz Smith, Owen
Banks, Gordon Danczuk, Simon Khan, rh Sadiq Soulsby, Sir Peter
Barron, rh Mr Kevin Darling, rh Mr Alistair Lavery, Ian Spellar, rh Mr John
Bayley, Hugh David, Mr Wayne Leslie, Chris Straw, rh Mr Jack
Beckett, rh Margaret Davidson, Mr Ian Lewis, Mr Ivan Stringer, Graham
Begg, Miss Anne Davies, Geraint Lloyd, Tony Stuart, Ms Gisela
Bell, Sir Stuart De Piero, Gloria Long, Naomi Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry
Benn, rh Hilary Denham, rh Mr John Love, Mr Andrew
Thomas, Mr Gareth
Benton, Mr Joe Dobbin, Jim Lucas, Caroline
Thornberry, Emily
Berger, Luciana Dobson, rh Frank Lucas, Ian
Timms, rh Stephen
Betts, Mr Clive Docherty, Thomas MacShane, rh Mr Denis
Trickett, Jon
Blackman-Woods, Roberta Doran, Mr Frank Mactaggart, Fiona
Mahmood, Mr Khalid Turner, Karl
Blears, rh Hazel Dowd, Jim
Blenkinsop, Tom Doyle, Gemma Mahmood, Shabana Twigg, Derek
Blomfield, Paul Dromey, Jack Mann, John Twigg, Stephen
Blunkett, rh Mr David Dugher, Michael Marsden, Mr Gordon Umunna, Mr Chuka
Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Eagle, Ms Angela McCann, Mr Michael Vaz, Valerie
Brennan, Kevin Eagle, Maria McCarthy, Kerry Walley, Joan
Brown, Lyn Efford, Clive McClymont, Gregg Ward, Mr David
Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Elliott, Julie McDonagh, Siobhain Watson, Mr Tom
Brown, Mr Russell Ellman, Mrs Louise McDonnell, John Whitehead, Dr Alan
Bryant, Chris Engel, Natascha McGovern, Alison Wicks, rh Malcolm
Buck, Ms Karen Esterson, Bill McGovern, Jim Williamson, Chris
Byrne, rh Mr Liam Evans, Chris McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Wilson, Phil
Cairns, David Fitzpatrick, Jim McKechin, Ann Winnick, Mr David
Campbell, Mr Alan Flello, Robert Meacher, rh Mr Michael Winterton, rh Ms Rosie
Campbell, Mr Ronnie Flint, rh Caroline Meale, Mr Alan Woodcock, John
Chapman, Mrs Jenny Fovargue, Yvonne Mearns, Ian Woolas, Mr Phil
Clark, Katy Gapes, Mike Michael, rh Alun
Wright, David
Clarke, rh Mr Tom Gardiner, Barry Miliband, rh Edward
Wright, Mr Iain
Miller, Andrew
Clwyd, rh Ann George, Andrew
Coaker, Vernon Gilmore, Sheila
Moon, Mrs Madeleine Tellers for the Ayes:
Morden, Jessica Steve McCabe and
Coffey, Ann Glass, Pat
Morrice, Graeme Mr Dave Watts
Cooper, rh Yvette Glindon, Mrs Mary
Corbyn, Jeremy Godsiff, Mr Roger
817 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010 Academies Bill [Lords] 818

NOES Hurd, Mr Nick Paice, Mr James

Jackson, Mr Stewart Paisley, Ian
Adams, Nigel Dorries, Nadine
Afriyie, Adam Doyle-Price, Jackie James, Margot Parish, Neil
Javid, Sajid Patel, Priti
Aldous, Peter Duddridge, James
Alexander, rh Danny Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Jenkin, Mr Bernard Paterson, rh Mr Owen
Johnson, Gareth Pawsey, Mark
Amess, Mr David Ellis, Michael
Andrew, Stuart Ellison, Jane Jones, Andrew Penning, Mike
Jones, Mr Marcus Penrose, John
Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Ellwood, Mr Tobias
Kelly, Chris Percy, Andrew
Bacon, Mr Richard Elphicke, Charlie
Bagshawe, Ms Louise Eustice, George Kirby, Simon Perry, Claire
Knight, rh Mr Greg Phillips, Stephen
Baker, Norman Evans, Graham
Baker, Steve Evans, Jonathan Kwarteng, Kwasi Pickles, rh Mr Eric
Laing, Mrs Eleanor Pincher, Christopher
Baldry, Tony Evennett, Mr David
Lancaster, Mark Poulter, Dr Daniel
Baldwin, Harriett Fabricant, Michael
Barclay, Stephen Fallon, Michael Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Prisk, Mr Mark
Barker, Gregory Featherstone, Lynne Latham, Pauline Pritchard, Mark
Leadsom, Andrea Randall, rh Mr John
Baron, Mr John Field, Mr Mark
Lee, Dr Phillip Reckless, Mark
Barwell, Gavin Francois, rh Mr Mark
Beith, rh Sir Alan Freeman, George Leech, Mr John Redwood, rh Mr John
Lefroy, Jeremy Rees-Mogg, Jacob
Beresford, Sir Paul Freer, Mike
Leigh, Mr Edward Reevell, Simon
Berry, Jake Fullbrook, Lorraine
Bingham, Andrew Fuller, Richard Leslie, Charlotte Reid, Mr Alan
Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm
Binley, Mr Brian Garnier, Mr Edward
Blackman, Bob Garnier, Mark Lewis, Brandon Robathan, Mr Andrew
Lewis, Dr Julian Robertson, Hugh
Blackwood, Nicola Gauke, Mr David
Blunt, Mr Crispin George, Andrew Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Robertson, Mr Laurence
Lidington, Mr David Rogerson, Dan
Boles, Nick Gibb, Mr Nick
Bone, Mr Peter Gilbert, Stephen Lilley, rh Mr Peter Rosindell, Andrew
Bottomley, Peter Glen, John Lloyd, Stephen Rudd, Amber
Bradley, Karen Goldsmith, Zac Lopresti, Jack Russell, Bob
Brady, Mr Graham Goodwill, Mr Robert Lord, Jonathan Rutley, David
Loughton, Tim Sanders, Mr Adrian
Brake, Tom Gove, rh Michael
Bray, Angie Graham, Richard Lumley, Karen Sandys, Laura
Brazier, Mr Julian Grant, Mrs Helen Macleod, Mary Scott, Mr Lee
Bridgen, Andrew Gray, Mr James Maude, rh Mr Francis Selous, Andrew
Brine, Mr Steve Grayling, rh Chris May, rh Mrs Theresa Shapps, rh Grant
Brokenshire, James Green, Damian Maynard, Paul Sharma, Alok
Browne, Mr Jeremy Greening, Justine McCartney, Jason Shelbrooke, Alec
McCartney, Karl Shepherd, Mr Richard
Bruce, Fiona Grieve, rh Mr Dominic
Buckland, Mr Robert Griffiths, Andrew McIntosh, Miss Anne Simmonds, Mark
Burley, Mr Aidan Gummer, Ben McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Simpson, Mr Keith
Burns, Conor Gyimah, Mr Sam McPartland, Stephen Skidmore, Chris
Burns, Mr Simon Halfon, Robert McVey, Esther Smith, Miss Chloe
Burstow, Mr Paul Hames, Duncan Menzies, Mark Smith, Henry
Mercer, Patrick Smith, Julian
Byles, Dan Hammond, rh Mr Philip
Cable, rh Vince Hammond, Stephen Metcalfe, Stephen Smith, Sir Robert
Cairns, Alun Hancock, Matthew Miller, Maria Soames, Nicholas
Mills, Nigel Soubry, Anna
Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Harper, Mr Mark
Milton, Anne Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline
Carmichael, Mr Alistair Harrington, Richard
Carmichael, Neil Harris, Rebecca Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Spencer, Mr Mark
Cash, Mr William Hart, Simon Moore, rh Michael Stanley, rh Sir John
Mordaunt, Penny Stephenson, Andrew
Chishti, Rehman Harvey, Nick
Clappison, Mr James Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Morgan, Nicky Stevenson, John
Clark, rh Greg Heald, Mr Oliver Morris, Anne Marie Stewart, Bob
Morris, David Stewart, Iain
Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Heath, Mr David
Morris, James Stewart, Rory
Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Heaton-Harris, Chris
Coffey, Dr Thérèse Henderson, Gordon Mowat, David Streeter, Mr Gary
Mundell, rh David Stride, Mel
Collins, Damian Hendry, Charles
Colvile, Oliver Herbert, rh Nick Munt, Tessa Stuart, Mr Graham
Murray, Sheryll Stunell, Andrew
Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hinds, Damian
Crockart, Mike Hoban, Mr Mark Murrison, Dr Andrew Sturdy, Julian
Crouch, Tracey Hollingbery, George Neill, Robert Swales, Ian
Davey, Mr Edward Hollobone, Mr Philip Newmark, Mr Brooks Swinson, Jo
Davies, David T. C. Holloway, Mr Adam Newton, Sarah Swire, Mr Hugo
(Monmouth) Hopkins, Kris Nokes, Caroline Syms, Mr Robert
Davies, Glyn Howarth, Mr Gerald Norman, Jesse Teather, Sarah
Davies, Philip Howell, John Nuttall, Mr David Thurso, John
Davis, rh Mr David Hughes, Simon O’Brien, Mr Stephen Timpson, Mr Edward
de Bois, Nick Huhne, rh Chris Offord, Mr Matthew Tomlinson, Justin
Dinenage, Caroline Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Ollerenshaw, Eric Tredinnick, David
Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Hunter, Mark Opperman, Guy Truss, Elizabeth
Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Huppert, Dr Julian Ottaway, Richard Turner, Mr Andrew
819 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
Tyrie, Mr Andrew Whittaker, Craig
Uppal, Paul Whittingdale, Mr John
Vaizey, Mr Edward Wiggin, Bill
Vara, Mr Shailesh Williams, Roger
Vickers, Martin Williams, Stephen
Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Williamson, Gavin
Walker, Mr Charles Wilson, Mr Rob
Walker, Mr Robin Wilson, Sammy
Wallace, Mr Ben Wollaston, Dr Sarah
Walter, Mr Robert Wright, Jeremy
Watkinson, Angela Wright, Simon
Weatherley, Mike Young, rh Sir George
Webb, Steve Zahawi, Nadhim
Wharton, James Tellers for the Noes:
Wheeler, Heather Norman Lamb and
White, Chris Mr Philip Dunne
Question accordingly negatived.
The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair.
Bill, as amended, reported.
Third Reading
9.25 pm
Mr Gibb: We have had an interesting week of debates
on the Bill, and I thank all hon. Members who took
part, particularly my hon. Friends the Members for
Penrith and The Border (Rory Stewart) and for South
Basildon and East Thurrock (Stephen Metcalfe), who
made their maiden speeches during these debates. I
should also like to thank the Minister of State, Department
for Education, my hon. Friend the Member for Brent
Central (Sarah Teather), for her help, and the right hon.
and hon. Members on the Opposition Front Bench for
their careful and thorough scrutiny of the Bill.
I thank officials in the Department for the long hours
that they have spent on the Bill during its passage
through the other place and this House, and for their
support of my right hon. and hon. Friends. We should
also thank the Chairs of the Committee, Mr Evans,
Mr Caton, you, Mr Deputy Speaker, and Ms Primarolo,
whom my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth
South (Mr Hancock) lovingly referred to as “Miss P”. I
am grateful to my noble Friend Lord Hill, who skilfully
steered the Bill through the other place just days after
being appointed a Minister, and to my hon. Friends and
noble Friends who have improved the Bill and the
model funding agreement in both the other place and
this House.
Throughout the process we have been keen to listen
to concerns, particularly, though not exclusively, those
of our partners in the Liberal Democrat part of the
coalition. Amendments in the other place have given
children with special educational needs greater rights to
admission to academies than existed in previous academies
legislation, and new requirements for funding for low-
incidence special needs have been added. New duties to
consult have been included in clauses 5 and 10, and the
Secretary of State will now be obliged by statute to take
into account the impact on other schools of any new
school established under the Bill. That is now in clause 9.
My noble Friends have added greater parliamentary
accountability through an annual report to Parliament,
which will also enable us to analyse issues of concern to
my hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall (Dan
Rogerson), such as the viability of primary schools that
opt for academy status. He made a compelling case for
Academies Bill [Lords] 820
increasing the number of parent governors, so as I
mentioned earlier, the model funding agreement will be
changed to increase the number from one to two.
Opposition Members have successfully ensured that the
funding agreement includes a requirement for looked-after
children to have a designated member of staff.
Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): Will the two parent
governors be elected by other parents or appointed?
Mr Gibb: My understanding is that they will be
elected, but if I am proved wrong I will write to my hon.
Friend.
After 22 hours in Committee and nine hours on
Report in the other place between 7 June and 13 July,
and after 19 and a half hours of Second Reading and
Committee in this House, not including this afternoon
and evening, we finally reach Third Reading of a Bill
that, in the words of my right hon. Friend the Secretary
of State,
“grants greater autonomy to individual schools…gives more freedom
to teachers and…injects a new level of dynamism into a programme
that has been proven to raise standards for all children and for the
disadvantaged most of all.”—[Official Report, 19 July 2010;
Vol. 514, c. 24.]
I shall start by saying what the Bill is not about. It is
not about a “full-scale assault” on comprehensive
education—a ludicrous claim by the shadow Secretary
of State in The Guardian on Saturday. We believe in
comprehensive education and are committed to it, and
the Bill will strengthen it. Nor is it about scrapping the
admissions code, another spurious claim about the
Government’s education policies by the shadow Secretary
of State. We are committed to fair admissions through
the code, and all academies will be bound by it through
the model funding agreement.
Nor is this Bill about the creation of a two-tier
education system. Two tiers are what we have today—the
best performing state schools and the worst. The
independent sector, which educates just 8% of children,
is responsible for 44% of all A* grades in GCSE French.
It educates just 10% of 16-18 year olds, but is responsible
for 35% of all A grades in A-level physics.
The Bill offers all schools the opportunity to acquire
the kind of professional freedoms that have proved so
successful not only in the independent sector, but in the
city technology colleges and in academies. After 20 years
of independence, CTCs are among the most successful
schools in the country. On average, in those schools,
82% achieve five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C,
including English and maths. In those academies that
have been open long enough to have had GCSE results
in 2008 and 2009, a third have GCSE results that
improved by 15 percentage points compared with their
predecessor schools.
There have been 1,958 expressions of interest from
schools in all parts of the country. Of those 1,071 are
from schools graded outstanding by Ofsted. Many of
the heads and governing bodies of those schools are
hungry for the freedoms in the academies legislation
that the previous Administration introduced. They are
in a hurry to have them by September and, for those
schools that are ready and able, so are we.
We are in a hurry because we do not think that it is
right that 40% of 11-year-olds leave primary school still
struggling with reading, writing and maths. It is not
821 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
acceptable that nearly three quarters of pupils eligible
for free school meals fail to get five or more GCSEs or
equivalents at grades A* to C, including English and
maths, or that 42% of those eligible for free school
meals fail to achieve a single GCSE above grade D.
I know that there are some concerns among hon.
Members of all parties about the future role of local
authorities if all schools become academies. However, I
should point out that there are 203 academies out of
3,300 secondary schools and some 17,000 primary schools.
It will be many years, if at all, before all those schools
acquire academy status. The Bill is permissive, not
prescriptive or mandatory. We see a new and stronger
role for local authorities emerging over the years as
champions of parents and pupils, challenging rather
than defending underperforming schools. My right hon.
Friend the Secretary of State has established a ministerial
advisory group to take that forward and written to all
education authorities seeking views.
The Bill is the first step in the coalition’s ambitious
plans to raise standards in all our schools. We want
parents not to have to worry about the quality of
education that their children will receive at their local
school. We want behaviour in all schools to be as good
as in the best. That is why we are clarifying and
strengthening teachers’ powers and abolishing the statutory
requirement for 24 hours’ notice for detentions. We
want a teaching profession with renewed morale and
confidence, no longer struggling under the yoke of
monthly Government initiatives and ever-demanding
bureaucratic requirements.
The Bill is about trusting the professionalism of
teachers and head teachers. It is about innovation and
excellence, about giving parents a genuine choice and
children the opportunity for a better future. It is a short
Bill, but its impact will be long lasting. I commend it to
the House.
9.33 pm
Ed Balls (Morley and Outwood) (Lab/Co-op): It is
customary to commence a Third Reading debate with
congratulations to hon. Members of all parties on the
excellence of their speeches; to departmental officials
and external advisers on the cogency of their briefing,
and to you, Mr Speaker and your Deputies on your
conduct of the proceedings. Tonight must be no different.
Therefore, on behalf of the shadow Education Ministers
and all Labour Members, I commend all those who
have taken part in the debates, with a special mention to
my hon. Friends the Members for Gateshead (Ian Mearns)
and for North West Durham (Pat Glass) for their
contributions, as well as—the list is only partial, from
the speeches that I have heard—the hon. Members for
Brigg and Goole (Andrew Percy), for Beverley and
Holderness (Mr Stuart), for St Ives (Andrew George),
for North Cornwall (Dan Rogerson), for Portsmouth
South (Mr Hancock) and for Bradford East (Mr Ward).
However, normally those tributes are paid after weeks
of post-Second Reading scrutiny—after many days of
Committee deliberations and hours of scrutiny on Report.
Those weeks of debate in Parliament are important
because, although consensus may not be reached on
every point, everyone can feel that they have raised
issues, aired concerns and had their say. Not so with this
Bill. In the opinion of my hon. Friends and I, and many
Academies Bill [Lords] 822
outside experts, the flawed and rushed provisions in the
Bill risk ripping apart the community-based comprehensive
education system that we have built in this country over
decades. We fear that the Bill will make things worse for
our schools, our children’s futures and the cohesion of
our communities, yet it has been railroaded through
from Second Reading to Third Reading in just seven
days, with just three days in Committee, and following
unprecedentedly constricted debates in the other place.
There has been no time for proper debate or scrutiny,
no Report, and no amendments have been allowed, and
hon. Members on both sides of the House have had no
opportunity to correct some of the Bill’s worst excesses.
Three weeks ago, we had the unedifying sight of the
Secretary of State having to apologise twice to the
House because of his rushed and discourteous handling
of his school buildings cancellation. It is a pity that he
has not learned that rushing through unfair or ill-thought
through policies does him no credit.
As I said on Second Reading just seven days ago, the
Secretary of State was clearly fearful of what proper
parliamentary scrutiny would throw up about the Bill.
As the hon. Member for Southport (Dr Pugh) said
earlier from the Government Benches, “We have the
spectacle of Ministers who have already told us that
they will accept no amendment, period, and the sight of
Whips new and old cracking their knuckles off-stage
and perfecting basilisk-like stares in the mirror.”[HON.
MEMBERS: “What?”] I have no clue what that means, but
it sounds very bad to me. If the hon. Gentleman were in
the Chamber, I would be happy for him to intervene to
tell us. He is a Liberal Democrat, so clearly, among
those on the Government Benches, not only the Chair
of the Select Committee on Education is deeply critical
the handling of the Bill.
The Opposition are very proud of the biggest school-
building programme since the Victorian era, of the best
generation of teachers we have ever had in our country,
and of the hard work of children, parents and teachers.
That has delivered the biggest increase in standards for
many years. We have gone from fewer than half of
schools not reaching the basic standard to just one in
12 over the past 10 years. It is our firm view that the Bill
will create an unfair, two-tier education system, and
gross unfairness in funding. Standards will not rise but
fall, and fairness and social cohesion will be undermined.
Chris Skidmore (Kingswood) (Con): The right hon.
Gentleman mentioned that he is proud of bringing up a
new generation of teachers. The Bill is principally about
handing power back to teachers to set up good new
schools. Why is he running scared of that?
Ed Balls: The most important issue is standards, not
structures, and the Bill is all about structural change
that cuts out consultation for teachers, governors, parents
and communities, and that undermines the ability of
people to ensure that their local area has a proper
spread of schools. The fact is that the Bill is a complete
free market free-for-all. That is why I am critical of it.
There have been some words of reassurance and
promises of reviews to come, but none of any substance.
The explanatory notes to the Bill state:
“The Secretary of State expects that a significant number of
Academies will open in September 2010”,
823 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
[Ed Balls]
but we now know—we heard it this afternoon—that
such are the rushed provisions of the Bill and the lack
of substance to those expressions of interest, no academies
at all will open this September. We are rushing this
through purely to have orders agreed by next September.
This is just an attempt to bounce the coalition partners
into agreeing before they wake up to exactly what is
going on.
I shall explain that in more detail. What has become
abundantly clear in the short time that we have had to
debate this Bill is that, by dropping any pretence at
consultation and clearing away the role of the local
authority entirely, the Secretary of State has made it
possible, through this legislation, to divert billions of
pounds from existing school building, the Building
Schools for the Future programme, into the creation of
new, additional school places through the setting up of
new, free market schools, even when there are already
too many school places, creating a chaotic free market.
Chris Skidmore rose—
Ed Balls: I will take a second intervention from the
hon. Gentleman, but I hope that it is better than the
first one.
Chris Skidmore: The right hon. Gentleman is right
that it is standards, not structures that are important, so
I find it hard to believe his new obsession with the BSF
programme, which he never had the money for in the
first place. But he did not answer my first question: why
is he running scared of allowing teachers to set up
schools? Why is he running free—I mean scared—of
giving teachers that freedom?
Ed Balls: I am not running free, or even scared. I
support new schools where we need new schools, but I
have been to the Brunel academy and seen the huge
boost to the aspirations of the children in that part of
Bristol from the first ever BSF programme. I also went
to Knowsley last year and opened a new BSF school. I
asked two year 9 pupils what they thought of the
school. They said that they never thought that anybody
would think that they were sufficiently important to
have a school like that built for them. That boost to
aspiration, hope and expectation has been taken away
from 700 schools and from 700,000 children all around
the country, and that is why I am critical of this Bill and
that decision. This is paving legislation for the new free
market schools.
I wish to remind the House of the amendments that
have been rejected by the Government in the few hours
that we have had to debate this Bill because of the no
amendment rule—
Mr Mike Hancock: Like the shadow Education Secretary,
I think that this Bill is a threat to comprehensive education.
But I thought that his Government’s Bill on academies
was also a threat to comprehensive education. What is
the difference now?
Ed Balls: The only similarity between our policy on
academies and the new policy on academies is that the
Secretary of State has pinched the word “academy” and
Academies Bill [Lords] 824
attached it to the new schools he wishes to establish.
Our academies were set up in the most disadvantaged
areas, not the most affluent areas. They were set up with
the agreement of local authorities rather than to avoid
any role for local authorities. They taught the core parts
of the national curriculum, including sex and relationship
education, rather than opting out entirely from the
curriculum. They had an obligation not just on looked-after
children, but to co-operate to stop competitive exclusions
in an area, and that has been entirely removed by this
Bill. There was a requirement for our academies to have
a sponsor, and that has been removed. We had a
requirement for proper consultation with the community,
also removed. Our academies programme was about
tackling disadvantage. The new policy is about encouraging
elitism and enabling the affluent to do better. That is
why it is so deeply unfair.
Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): The right
hon. Gentleman has just said that the academies that
the previous Government set up were in disadvantaged
areas. In the London borough of Croydon, he approved
two academies in two of the most affluent wards in the
borough.
Ed Balls: The fact is that our academies were
disproportionately set up in disadvantaged communities.
They disproportionately took in more children on free
school meals than the catchment area required, and
they achieved faster-rising results than the average. That
was social justice in action; what we are seeing with this
Bill is the opposite. The freedoms and the extra resources
in the Bill are going to outstanding schools, not schools
that need extra help. They are going to schools that have
more children from more affluent areas, fewer children
with free school meals, and fewer children with special
needs and disabilities, even though they will get pro rata
funding. That is not social justice being put into action;
it is social injustice. That is why the Bill is deeply
offensive to people on the Opposition Benches and, I
think, probably to many on the Government Benches as
well.
Mr Gibb: But why is the legacy of the right hon.
Gentleman’s Government the fact that outstanding schools
are disproportionately in areas of affluence?
Ed Balls: If the hon. Gentleman looks at the facts
over the past decade, he will see that of the 20 local
authorities that had the biggest increase in results, half
were in the poorest 10% of boroughs in the country, all
of which were in London. The London Challenge
programme and our academies focused on tackling
disadvantage. Of course there is a long legacy of social
division and inequality in our education system. We
were addressing it; the Government are going to re-entrench
it. That is the difference.
Let us look at the amendments that—[Interruption.]
The Secretary of State, who chose not to participate in
this Third Reading debate—[Interruption.]
Mr Speaker: Order. Let me say that we have 15 minutes
left to complete our consideration of Third Reading.
We do not have enough time to go back to 1931 and
Ramsay MacDonald.
825 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
Ed Balls: It would have been better if the Secretary of
State had contributed to this debate, given that it was so
truncated. The only thing that I will say, Mr Speaker, is
that in 1931, Ramsay MacDonald cut public spending
to try to get us out of a recession. That caused a
depression, and I am afraid that he ended up going into
a coalition with the Conservatives. In that debate the
Liberal Democrats opposed the cuts that were being
made; unfortunately, this time they are propping up the
coalition. However, I did not raise the issue of Ramsay
MacDonald, Mr Speaker, so I will move on.
Let me look at the amendments tabled that have been
rejected. First—
Mr Speaker: Order. Let me gently say to the shadow
Secretary of State—this is a point often not fully
comprehended on either side of the House—that
contributions to Third Reading debates have to be on
the remaining content of the Bill, and must not focus on
matters that have been excluded from it. But I know
that the right hon. Gentleman will reorient his remarks
readily.
Ed Balls: In that case, Mr Speaker, I will make no
reference to the fact that a requirement that the admissions
code should attach to such schools was excluded from
the Bill, nor will I refer to the fact that parental consultation
could have been strengthened, but that that was ignored.
Let me come to the substance of the Bill as we find it.
The thing that worries me most is this—
The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove):
That Unite backed Ed Miliband.
Ed Balls: The right hon. Gentleman makes his jokes,
but as Secretary of State he is, in my view, presiding
over the most profoundly unfair piece of social engineering
in this generation, and in the end he will be ashamed of
what he has done this evening and over these past few
days. That is my strong view. The contemptuous way in
which he has treated the House of Commons in recent
weeks is a matter of great shame to him as well.
In any case, the Liberal Democrats appear to have
completely forgotten their manifesto, which declared
that
“we will ensure a level playing field for admissions and funding
and replace Academies with our own model of ‘Sponsor-Managed
Schools’. These schools will be commissioned by and accountable
to local authorities and not Whitehall”.
However, the Bill entirely removes any role for local
authorities. We are told now by the Schools Minister
that there will be a new ministerial advisory group.
However, the fact is that cutting out the role of the local
authority will mean that there will be no check on the
pressures for free market schools to lead us not just to
massive unfairness, but to what we fear will be much
greater social segregation in the coming weeks, months
and years. I fear a new education social apartheid
arising from this Bill.
I am very fearful, and that is why I say to Government
Members that this Bill is the greatest threat to our state
education system in 60 years. It is a Bill of great
significance, but it has been rushed through in a way
that is an abuse of Parliament. As I said a moment ago,
I think that the Secretary of State should be ashamed of
himself. This evening we challenge the coalition,
Academies Bill [Lords] 826
Conservatives and Liberal Democrats alike, to put a
halt to this deeply ideological, free market experiment
before it is too late, and to vote against the Third
Reading of the Bill.
9.49 pm
Gavin Barwell: I spoke in the Second Reading debate
and sat through most of the Committee stage because
one of the main issues in my constituency is standards
in schools, particularly secondary schools. The former
Secretary of State, the right hon. Member for Morley
and Outwood (Ed Balls), approved a number of academies
in the London borough of Croydon, often in schools
with a deprived pupil cohort that were in affluent areas.
That catchment could change over time as the schools
improve. He was right to do that, but the question that I
want to ask Labour Members is why they want to limit
to underperforming schools the improvements that the
academy programme has delivered. Why should not
good, satisfactory or outstanding schools also seek to
improve? In my borough, one third of parents who
choose to send their children to a state primary school
do not go on to send them to a state secondary school in
Croydon. They look to selective schools outside the
borough and to schools in the independent sector. I
would have thought that Opposition Members wanted
improvements in schools right across the board in my
borough, to give parents the confidence to send their
children to local schools.
In Croydon, we had the Harris city technology college.
It was one of the original CTCs, and it is now the Harris
academy Crystal Palace. More than 500 parents wanted
to send their children there this year—more than twice
as many as any other school in our borough. We also
have schools such as the Coloma convent school,
Archbishop Tenison’s high school and Wolsey infants
school. These are outstanding schools that want to take
up the opportunities that the Bill offers.
The shadow Secretary of State spoke of the importance
of spreading opportunity in disadvantaged areas. Wolsey
infants school is in the middle of the town of New
Addington in my constituency—one of the most deprived
parts of London. It is an outstanding school that is
doing a fantastic job for pupils from a deprived background,
and it wants to take on the additional freedoms that
academy status will offer. Why do Opposition Members
want to deny that school that opportunity?
Beyond those outstanding schools, we have Shirley
high school and St Mary’s junior and high schools.
They are good or satisfactory schools that have also
expressed an interest in taking on the opportunities that
academy status offers. Why should they be denied that
opportunity? Why should it be reserved solely for a
certain class of school?
We also have to accept that there are local authorities
that are not as progressive as my own, and that do not
take action to deal with underperforming schools. Indeed,
the shadow Secretary of State took a great deal of
action when he was Secretary of State to push councils
into taking that kind of action. The Bill will give
freedom to parents who have been told, year after year,
that there is no place for their child in the schools that
they want them to go to. It will give them the opportunity
to find a place for their child in a satisfactory school.
Local authorities should be doing that already, and
827 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010
[Gavin Barwell]
those that are taking the right action and driving up
standards have absolutely nothing to fear from this
legislation, but it will give an option to parents who
have not been given that opportunity, year after year.
I am conscious that other hon. Members want to
speak in the debate, so I shall draw my remarks to a
close. I welcome the debate that we had in Committee,
and I paid tribute earlier to the hon. Member for
Gedling (Vernon Coaker) for his contribution. I disagree
with him about primary schools, and with his point
about surplus places being a bar to academies being set
up. He was right, however, to raise the issue of special
educational needs. We have had a long and detailed
debate, which has added something to the Bill. I shall be
grateful to see the Bill pass into law because it will drive
up opportunities for pupils right across my constituency.
9.53 pm
Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): I
was interested to hear the contribution of the hon.
Member for Croydon Central (Gavin Barwell). He spoke
eloquently of the freedoms that will be presented to the
schools in his constituency, but he markedly failed to
give details of what those freedoms would be, as indeed
has the Bill. One of the freedoms is said to relate to
expansion. We all have schools in our constituencies
that are oversubscribed. However, the capacity for
expansion, which would enable parents in my constituency
to send their children to schools with very high standards,
was completely sabotaged by the Secretary of State
cancelling the Building Schools for the Future programme,
so capacity is still an issue.
I was interested to hear the Minister of State, Department
for Education, the hon. Member for Bognor Regis and
Littlehampton (Mr Gibb), making a direct comparison
between comprehensive state education and the independent
sector. I was having a conversation with a parent only
this weekend, and she told me that, in the school that
her children attend, there are only 18 children in every
class. If the Government are so committed to raising
standards in the state sector so that they meet and pass
those of the independent sector, why are they not spending
their time and energy putting the necessary funding into
the state system so that those class sizes could become
the norm rather than the exception?
The central issue is that the Bill has nothing to do
with freedom for all our people; it has to do with
exclusion, not inclusion. The failure to consult on these
proposals across a wide range of people in the community
will mean that more and more children, certainly in my
constituency, will be excluded from the best that already
exists. The best that already exists is from a system that
was funded by my Government, and that acknowledged
the need for wide consultation across the community,
with services presented to all schools from a local
authority, which is essential to those standards. The
proposal of the Minister and the Government, however,
will sabotage those standards. As I had occasion to say
on Second Reading, and as I have continued to say, we
will not only see standards go down in our state sector
as result of the Bill, but we shall see centrally, and most
reprehensibly, serious social division, of which he and
every member of his collaborationist Government should
be ashamed.
Academies Bill [Lords] 828
9.55 pm
Dan Rogerson: I extend my thanks to all hon. Members
who participated in the debate, to the Minister, who has
done his best to listen and take on board the issues
raised, and to the hon. Members for Hartlepool
(Mr Wright) and for—famously—Gedling (Vernon
Coaker), who have led ably for the Opposition.
I am delighted to say that the Bill is better than when
it started out. Clearly, in another place it was altered to
reflect some of the concerns generated there and outside.
During the Committee stage in this place, we have
heard, on the record, that there are no extra sources of
funding for the academies above and beyond the money
that will go to the local authority for them; that the role
of the Young People’s Learning Agency with regard to
monitoring will be clarified; and that there will be wide
consultation, the intent of which will be explained,
which is helpful. The Minister has also generously
pointed out that the role of parent governors will be
strengthened.
Bob Russell: Does my hon. Friend agree that it is
disappointing that the Minister was not able to say
whether parent governors would be elected or appointed?
The other issue is that existing comprehensive schools
can have as many as eight elected parent governors,
whereas under the Bill the number is only two.
Dan Rogerson: My hon. Friend has made his point to
the Minister and the House as is his wont.
The progress that occurred in the other place on the
impact statement has been crucial. Tonight’s discussions
about community cohesion have also been important.
The hon. Member for Hemsworth (Jon Trickett), who is
no longer in his place, made some useful points on that,
and I was delighted to hear the Minister’s reassurance.
It is nice to see the shadow Secretary of State for
Education in his place. He was not here for most of the
debate—someone was, because they wrote his speech
for him. As a comprehensive-educated boy, I can point
out to him that a basilisk is a mythological reptile that
can freeze someone with its breath or stare. That point
aside, it is clear that he has not listened to the debates
too closely. For some of us who do not have the widening
of the number of academies at the top of our political
agenda, the explanation of the Government’s thinking
has reassured us about a Bill that, with some welcome
safeguards, allows that in places that are keen for it to
happen.
9.58 pm
Andrew Percy: I was not planning to speak on Third
Reading, but I want to respond to a couple of points
made by the shadow Secretary of State, particularly
relating to Labour Members’ concerns about special
educational needs and inclusion. We should always use
temperate language, and although debate on the Bill
has been interesting and measured on both sides of the
House, the extreme language used—we heard some
recently from the hon. Member for Hampstead and
Kilburn (Glenda Jackson)—about social division, apartheid
and exclusion has been incredibly unfortunate. As the
Bill has progressed, we have received assurances from
Ministers about the content of funding agreements with
regard to social inclusion and SEN. It is incorrect to
829 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010 Academies Bill [Lords] 830

suggest that only Labour Members are interested in Green, Damian Macleod, Mary
those issues. Many Members have raised concerns and Greening, Justine Maude, rh Mr Francis
received assurances from Ministers. Grieve, rh Mr Dominic May, rh Mrs Theresa
Griffiths, Andrew Maynard, Paul
The Bill has been improved in another place, and Gummer, Ben McCartney, Jason
welcome assurances have been received from Ministers. Gyimah, Mr Sam McIntosh, Miss Anne
Ultimately, we should accept that parents will be given a Halfon, Robert McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick
choice, and it is for parents and governors to take the Hames, Duncan McPartland, Stephen
Bill forward and make what they can of it. The suggestion Hammond, rh Mr Philip McVey, Esther
that schools will, in some way, do something bad for Hammond, Stephen Menzies, Mark
their community is a nonsense. Hancock, Matthew Mercer, Patrick
Hands, Greg Metcalfe, Stephen
Question put, That the Bill be now read the Third
Harper, Mr Mark Miller, Maria
time. Harrington, Richard Mills, Nigel
The House divided: Ayes 317, Noes 225. Harris, Rebecca Milton, Anne
Hart, Simon Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew
Division No. 49] [9.59 pm Harvey, Nick Moore, rh Michael
Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Mordaunt, Penny
AYES Heald, Mr Oliver Morgan, Nicky
Adams, Nigel Clark, rh Greg Heath, Mr David Morris, Anne Marie
Afriyie, Adam Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Heaton-Harris, Chris Morris, David
Aldous, Peter Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Henderson, Gordon Morris, James
Alexander, rh Danny Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hendry, Charles Mowat, David
Amess, Mr David Collins, Damian Herbert, rh Nick Mundell, rh David
Andrew, Stuart Colvile, Oliver Hinds, Damian Munt, Tessa
Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hoban, Mr Mark Murray, Sheryll
Bacon, Mr Richard Crockart, Mike Hollingbery, George Murrison, Dr Andrew
Bagshawe, Ms Louise Crouch, Tracey Hollobone, Mr Philip Neill, Robert
Baker, Norman Davey, Mr Edward Holloway, Mr Adam Newmark, Mr Brooks
Baker, Steve Davies, David T. C. Hopkins, Kris Newton, Sarah
Baldry, Tony (Monmouth) Horwood, Martin Nokes, Caroline
Baldwin, Harriett Davies, Glyn Howarth, Mr Gerald Norman, Jesse
Barclay, Stephen Davies, Philip Howell, John Nuttall, Mr David
Barker, Gregory Davis, rh Mr David Hughes, Simon O’Brien, Mr Stephen
Baron, Mr John de Bois, Nick Huhne, rh Chris Offord, Mr Matthew
Barwell, Gavin Dinenage, Caroline Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Ollerenshaw, Eric
Beith, rh Sir Alan Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Hunter, Mark Opperman, Guy
Benyon, Richard Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Huppert, Dr Julian Ottaway, Richard
Beresford, Sir Paul Dorries, Nadine Hurd, Mr Nick Paice, Mr James
Berry, Jake Doyle-Price, Jackie Jackson, Mr Stewart Paisley, Ian
Bingham, Andrew Duddridge, James James, Margot Parish, Neil
Binley, Mr Brian Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Javid, Sajid Patel, Priti
Blackman, Bob Ellis, Michael Jenkin, Mr Bernard Paterson, rh Mr Owen
Blackwood, Nicola Ellison, Jane Johnson, Gareth Pawsey, Mark
Blunt, Mr Crispin Ellwood, Mr Tobias Jones, Andrew Penning, Mike
Boles, Nick Elphicke, Charlie Jones, Mr Marcus Penrose, John
Bone, Mr Peter Eustice, George Kawczynski, Daniel Percy, Andrew
Bottomley, Peter Evans, Graham Kelly, Chris Perry, Claire
Bradley, Karen Evans, Jonathan Kirby, Simon Phillips, Stephen
Brady, Mr Graham Evennett, Mr David Knight, rh Mr Greg Pickles, rh Mr Eric
Brake, Tom Fabricant, Michael Kwarteng, Kwasi Pincher, Christopher
Bray, Angie Fallon, Michael Laing, Mrs Eleanor Poulter, Dr Daniel
Brazier, Mr Julian Featherstone, Lynne Lancaster, Mark Prisk, Mr Mark
Bridgen, Andrew Field, Mr Mark Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Pritchard, Mark
Brine, Mr Steve Francois, rh Mr Mark Latham, Pauline Randall, rh Mr John
Brokenshire, James Freeman, George Leadsom, Andrea Reckless, Mark
Browne, Mr Jeremy Freer, Mike Lee, Dr Phillip Redwood, rh Mr John
Bruce, Fiona Fullbrook, Lorraine Leech, Mr John Rees-Mogg, Jacob
Buckland, Mr Robert Fuller, Richard Lefroy, Jeremy Reevell, Simon
Burley, Mr Aidan Garnier, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr Edward Reid, Mr Alan
Burns, Conor Garnier, Mark Leslie, Charlotte Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm
Burns, Mr Simon Gauke, Mr David Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Robathan, Mr Andrew
Burstow, Mr Paul Gibb, Mr Nick Lewis, Brandon Robertson, Hugh
Byles, Dan Gilbert, Stephen Lewis, Dr Julian Robertson, Mr Laurence
Cable, rh Vince Glen, John Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Rogerson, Dan
Cairns, Alun Goldsmith, Zac Lidington, Mr David Rosindell, Andrew
Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Goodwill, Mr Robert Lilley, rh Mr Peter Rudd, Amber
Carmichael, Mr Alistair Gove, rh Michael Lloyd, Stephen Russell, Bob
Carmichael, Neil Graham, Richard Lopresti, Jack Rutley, David
Cash, Mr William Grant, Mrs Helen Lord, Jonathan Sanders, Mr Adrian
Chishti, Rehman Gray, Mr James Loughton, Tim Sandys, Laura
Clappison, Mr James Grayling, rh Chris Lumley, Karen Scott, Mr Lee
831 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010 Academies Bill [Lords] 832

Selous, Andrew Truss, Elizabeth Dromey, Jack Mann, John

Shapps, rh Grant Turner, Mr Andrew Dugher, Michael Marsden, Mr Gordon
Sharma, Alok Tyrie, Mr Andrew Eagle, Ms Angela McCann, Mr Michael
Shelbrooke, Alec Uppal, Paul Eagle, Maria McCarthy, Kerry
Shepherd, Mr Richard Vaizey, Mr Edward Efford, Clive McClymont, Gregg
Simmonds, Mark Vara, Mr Shailesh Elliott, Julie McDonagh, Siobhain
Simpson, Mr Keith Vickers, Martin Ellman, Mrs Louise McDonnell, John
Skidmore, Chris Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Engel, Natascha McGovern, Alison
Smith, Miss Chloe Walker, Mr Charles Esterson, Bill McGovern, Jim
Smith, Henry Walker, Mr Robin Evans, Chris McGuire, rh Mrs Anne
Smith, Julian Wallace, Mr Ben Fitzpatrick, Jim McKechin, Ann
Smith, Sir Robert Walter, Mr Robert Flello, Robert Meacher, rh Mr Michael
Soames, Nicholas Watkinson, Angela Flint, rh Caroline Meale, Mr Alan
Soubry, Anna Weatherley, Mike Fovargue, Yvonne Mearns, Ian
Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Webb, Steve Gapes, Mike Michael, rh Alun
Spencer, Mr Mark Wharton, James Gardiner, Barry Miliband, rh Edward
Stanley, rh Sir John Wheeler, Heather George, Andrew Miller, Andrew
Stephenson, Andrew White, Chris Gilmore, Sheila Moon, Mrs Madeleine
Stevenson, John Whittaker, Craig Glass, Pat Morden, Jessica
Stewart, Bob Whittingdale, Mr John Glindon, Mrs Mary Morrice, Graeme
Stewart, Iain Wiggin, Bill Godsiff, Mr Roger Morris, Grahame M.
Stewart, Rory Williams, Mr Mark Goggins, rh Paul Mudie, Mr George
Streeter, Mr Gary Williams, Roger Goodman, Helen Munn, Meg
Stride, Mel Williams, Stephen Greatrex, Tom Murphy, rh Mr Jim
Stuart, Mr Graham Williamson, Gavin Green, Kate Murphy, rh Paul
Stunell, Andrew Wilson, Mr Rob Greenwood, Lilian Murray, Ian
Sturdy, Julian Wilson, Sammy Griffith, Nia Nandy, Lisa
Swales, Ian Wollaston, Dr Sarah Hain, rh Mr Peter Nash, Pamela
Swinson, Jo Wright, Jeremy Hamilton, Mr David O’Donnell, Fiona
Swire, Mr Hugo Wright, Simon
Hamilton, Mr Fabian Onwurah, Chi
Syms, Mr Robert Hancock, Mr Mike Osborne, Sandra
Young, rh Sir George
Teather, Sarah Hanson, rh Mr David Owen, Albert
Zahawi, Nadhim
Thurso, John Harman, rh Ms Harriet Pearce, Teresa
Timpson, Mr Edward Tellers for the Ayes: Harris, Mr Tom Perkins, Toby
Tomlinson, Justin Mr Philip Dunne and Havard, Mr Dai Phillipson, Bridget
Tredinnick, David Norman Lamb Healey, rh John Qureshi, Yasmin
Hendrick, Mark Raynsford, rh Mr Nick
Hepburn, Mr Stephen Reeves, Rachel
NOES
Heyes, David Reynolds, Emma
Abbott, Ms Diane Cairns, David Hillier, Meg Reynolds, Jonathan
Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Campbell, Mr Alan Hilling, Julie Riordan, Mrs Linda
Alexander, Heidi Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hodge, rh Margaret Robertson, John
Ali, Rushanara Chapman, Mrs Jenny Hood, Mr Jim Robinson, Mr Geoffrey
Allen, Mr Graham Clark, Katy Hopkins, Kelvin Rotheram, Steve
Anderson, Mr David Clarke, rh Mr Tom Howarth, rh Mr George Roy, Mr Frank
Bailey, Mr Adrian Clwyd, rh Ann Hunt, Tristram Roy, Lindsay
Bain, Mr William Coaker, Vernon Illsley, Mr Eric Ruane, Chris
Balls, rh Ed Coffey, Ann Jackson, Glenda Ruddock, rh Joan
Banks, Gordon Cooper, rh Yvette Jamieson, Cathy Sarwar, Anas
Barron, rh Mr Kevin Corbyn, Jeremy Johnson, rh Alan Seabeck, Alison
Bayley, Hugh Crausby, Mr David Johnson, Diana R. Sheerman, Mr Barry
Beckett, rh Margaret Creagh, Mary Jones, Graham Sheridan, Jim
Begg, Miss Anne Creasy, Stella Jones, Mr Kevan Shuker, Gavin
Bell, Sir Stuart Cruddas, Jon Jones, Susan Elan Skinner, Mr Dennis
Benn, rh Hilary Cryer, John Joyce, Eric Slaughter, Mr Andy
Benton, Mr Joe Cunningham, Alex Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Smith, rh Mr Andrew
Berger, Luciana Cunningham, Mr Jim Keeley, Barbara Smith, Nick
Betts, Mr Clive Curran, Margaret Keen, Alan Smith, Owen
Blackman-Woods, Roberta Dakin, Nic Kendall, Liz Soulsby, Sir Peter
Blears, rh Hazel Danczuk, Simon Khan, rh Sadiq Spellar, rh Mr John
Blenkinsop, Tom Darling, rh Mr Alistair Lavery, Ian Straw, rh Mr Jack
Blomfield, Paul David, Mr Wayne Leslie, Chris Stringer, Graham
Blunkett, rh Mr David Davidson, Mr Ian Lewis, Mr Ivan Stuart, Ms Gisela
Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Davies, Geraint Lloyd, Tony Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry
Brennan, Kevin De Piero, Gloria Long, Naomi Thomas, Mr Gareth
Brown, Lyn Denham, rh Mr John Love, Mr Andrew Thornberry, Emily
Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Dobbin, Jim Lucas, Caroline Timms, rh Stephen
Brown, Mr Russell Dobson, rh Frank Lucas, Ian Trickett, Jon
Bryant, Chris Docherty, Thomas MacShane, rh Mr Denis Turner, Karl
Buck, Ms Karen Doran, Mr Frank Mactaggart, Fiona Twigg, Derek
Burden, Richard Dowd, Jim Mahmood, Mr Khalid Twigg, Stephen
Byrne, rh Mr Liam Doyle, Gemma Mahmood, Shabana Umunna, Mr Chuka
833 Academies Bill [Lords] 26 JULY 2010 834

Vaz, rh Keith Winnick, Mr David NORTHERN IRELAND AFFAIRS

Vaz, Valerie Winterton, rh Ms Rosie That Mr Joe Benton, Oliver Colvile, Mr Stephen Hepburn,
Walley, Joan Woodcock, John Lady Hermon, Ian Lavery, Naomi Long, Jack Lopresti, Dr
Ward, Mr David Woolas, Mr Phil Alasdair McDonnell, Ian Paisley, Stephen Pound, David Simpson,
Watson, Mr Tom Wright, David Mel Stride and Gavin Williamson be members of the Northern
Whitehead, Dr Alan Wright, Mr Iain Ireland Affairs Committee.
Wicks, rh Malcolm Tellers for the Noes:
Williamson, Chris Mr Dave Watts and PROCEDURE
Wilson, Phil Steve McCabe That Mrs Jenny Chapman, Mr Roger Gale, Mr James Gray,
Tom Greatrex, John Hemming, Mr David Nuttall, Andrew Percy,
Bridget Phillipson, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Angela Smith, Sir Peter
Question accordingly agreed to. Soulsby and Mike Wood be members of the Procedure Committee.
Bill read the Third time and passed, with an amendment.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Business without Debate That David Heyes and Jon Trickett be added to the Select
Committee on Public Administration.

DELEGATED LEGISLATION REGULATORY REFORM

Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing
Order No. 118 (6)),
SERIOUS ORGANISED CRIME AGENCY
That the draft Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005
(Disclosure of Information by SOCA) Order 2010, which was
laid before this House on 18 January 2010, in the previous
Parliament, be approved.—(James Duddridge.)
Question agreed to.
ADMINISTRATION
Ordered,
That Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Rosie Cooper, Frank Dobson,
Thomas Docherty, Gemma Doyle, Mr Mark Francois, Sir Alan
Haselhurst, Mrs Siân C. James, Dr Phillip Lee, Nigel Mills, Tessa
Munt, Sarah Newton, Bob Russell, Mr Shailesh Vara, Mr Dave
Watts and Mike Weatherley be members of the Administration
Committee.—(Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, on behalf of the Committee
of Selection.)
ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT
Ordered,
That Peter Aldous, Richard Benyon, Neil Carmichael, Martin
Caton, Katy Clark, Murray, Caroline Nokes, Mr Mark Spencer,
Dr Alan Whitehead and Simon Wright be members of the
Environmental Audit Committee.—(Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, on
behalf of the Committee of Selection.)
EUROPEAN SCRUTINY
Ordered,
That Mr William Cash, Mr James Clappison, Michael Connarty,
Jim Dobbin, Julie Elliott, Tim Farron, Nia Griffith, Chris Heaton-
Harris, Kelvin Hopkins, Chris Kelly, Tony Lloyd, Penny Mordaunt,
Stephen Phillips, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Henry Smith and Ian Swales
be members of the European Scrutiny Committee.—(Geoffrey
Clifton-Brown, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)
COMMITTEES
Mr Speaker: With the leave of the House, we will take
motions 8 to 12 together.
Ordered,
HUMAN RIGHTS (JOINT COMMITTEE)
That Dr Hywel Francis, Dr Julian Huppert, Mrs Eleanor
Laing, Mr Dominic Raab, Mr Richard Shepherd and Mr Andy
Slaughter be members of the Select Committee appointed to join
with a Committee of the Lords as the Joint Committee on
Human Rights.
That Heidi Alexander, Mr David Anderson, Andrew Bridgen,
Jack Dromey, Lilian Greenwood, Ben Gummer, John Hemming,
Gordon Henderson, Andrew Jones, Ian Lavery, Brandon Lewis,
Andrew Percy, Mr Robert Syms and Valerie Vaz be members of
the Regulatory Reform Committee.—(Geoffrey Clifton-Brown,
on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)
FINANCE AND SERVICES
Ordered,
That, notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order No.
121(2) (Nomination of select committees), Sir Paul Beresford,
Luciana Berger, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Robert Flello, Mr James
Gray, Sir Alan Haselhurst, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Mr Brooks Newmark,
Jonathan Reynolds, John Thurso and Mr Iain Wright be members
of the Finance and Services Committee.—(James Duddridge.)
STANDARDS AND PRIVILEGES
Ordered,
That Mr Kevin Barron, Sir Paul Beresford, Annette Brooke,
Mr Tom Clarke, Mr Geoffrey Cox, Mr Jim Cunningham, Mr
Oliver Heald, Eric Ollerenshaw, Heather Wheeler and Dr Alan
Whitehead be members of the Standards and Privileges
Committee.—(James Duddridge.)
ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE (27 JULY)
Motion made,
That, on Tuesday 27 July, the Speaker shall not adjourn the
House until any message from the Lords has been received, any
Committee to draw up Reasons which has been appointed at that
sitting has reported, and he has notified the Royal Assent to Acts
agreed upon by both Houses.—(James Duddridge.)
Hon. Members: Object.
PETITIONS
Taxibus Services (Plymouth)
10.15 pm
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): The
petition is against the withdrawal of the taxibus services
in Plymouth from Glenholt down through to the city.
The petition states:
The Petition of residents of the Plymouth, Moor View constituency
and others,
Declares that the petitioners are unhappy with the decision to
withdraw the taxibus service that serves the residents in the north
of Plymouth; notes that residents in St Budeaux and Weston Mill
use this bus to access their GP surgery, dentist, shops and other
community facilities; and further declares that the withdrawal of
this service will cause major inconvenience to residents.
835 Business without Debate 26 JULY 2010
[Alison Seabeck]
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons
urges the Government to encourage local authorities to support
local taxibus services to avoid these vital public transport services
being removed.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.
[P000847]
Free Swimming (Wakefield)
Mary Creagh (Wakefield) (Lab): I rise to present a
petition on free swimming.
The petition states:
The Petition of Mrs Priscilla Whisker and residents of Wakefield
constituency, and others,
Declares that HM Government’s decision to cut the previous
Labour government’s free swimming scheme from 1 August 2010
will make it more difficult for under 16 and over 60 year olds to
access swimming facilities in Wakefield; further declares that the
scheme was part of the 2012 Olympics legacy to get more people
involved in healthy activities; further declares that there are high
levels of child obesity in Wakefield; and further declares that the
cuts will disproportionately affect the health of poor people in
Wakefield.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons
urges HM Government to recognise the value of encouraging
young people to take regular exercise and to learn to swim; to
recognise the important health benefits of swimming to children
and people over 60; to reconsider the cuts to the Swim 4 Free local
authority grant support; and to reinstate the Swim 4 Free grant
support to local authorities from 1 August 2010.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.
[P000848]
1GOAL For All Campaign
Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): I rise to present a petition
on the 1GOAL For All campaign.
The petition states:
The Petition of staff and students at Halton Lodge School and
their friends, relatives and others in their community,
Declares that the petitioners support the 1GOAL For All
Campaign to use the power of football to contribute to securing
universal primary education by 2015 (Millennium Development
Goal 2); notes the progress that has already been made towards
this goal, with 40 million more children in school since the
Millennium; further declares that the petitioners are appalled that
72 million children across the world are still denied the opportunity
of schooling; further notes that sport can be used to champion
education, which gives people the tools to help themselves out of
poverty…The Petitioners therefore request that the House of
Commons agrees to any motion expressing support for the 1GOAL
Campaign and urges the Leader of the House and the Backbench
Business Committee to consider scheduling a debate on progress
towards achieving Millennium Development Goal 2 (Universal
Primary Education).
There are 452 petitioners.
Following is the full text of the petition:
[The Petition of staff and students at Halton Lodge
School and their friends, relatives and others in their
community,
Declares that the petitioners support the 1GOAL For
All Campaign to use the power of football to contribute
to securing universal primary education by 2015 (Millennium
Development Goal 2); notes the progress that has already
Business without Debate 836
been made towards this goal, with 40 million more children
in school since the Millennium; further declares that the
petitioners are appalled that 72 million children across
the world are still denied the opportunity of schooling;
further notes that sport can be used to champion education,
which gives people the tools to help themselves out of
poverty; and further declares that Halton Lodge School
has used the opportunity afforded by World Cup 2010 to
engage with the international campaign founded and chaired
by Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, by watching and
reading 1GOAL material, by producing artwork to raise
the profile of the Campaign, by holding a 1GOAL school
assembly and by opening the school for parents to watch
the first game (France v South Africa) of the World Cup
2010 recently held in South Africa, an event which has
raised the hopes and aspirations of millions of young
people across Africa.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of
Commons agrees to any motion expressing support for
the 1GOAL Campaign and urges the Leader of the House
and the Backbench Business Committee to consider scheduling
a debate on progress towards achieving Millennium
Development Goal 2 (Universal Primary Education).
And the Petitioners remain, etc.]
[P000849]
Wind Farm (Puriton, Somerset)
Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger (Bridgwater and West Somerset)
(Con): The petition states:
The Petition of the residents of Woolavington and others,
Declares that they are concerned about plans by EDF Energy
Renewables to develop a new wind farm at Withy Farm near
Puriton; about the implications for local residents of noise from
the turbines; the intrusive nature of the wind turbines and any
possible additional power lines associated with them on the
unique landscape of the Somerset Levels; and the potential
damage to wildlife and their habitats.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons
urges the Government to take all possible steps to take the impact
on local communities and the landscape fully into account when
considering plans submitted for the siting of wind farms and the
provision of energy generation through renewable sources.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.
[P000850]
Blandford Community Hospital (Dorset)
Mr Robert Walter (North Dorset) (Con): I present a
petition in the name of the Blandford community hospital
in Dorset.
The petition states:
The Petition of Mrs Jacqueline Stayt and Mrs Josephine Seath,
residents of the North Dorset community and others,
Declares that they are concerned about the future of Portman
Ward at Blandford Community Hospital, Dorset.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons
urges the Secretary of State for Health to encourage NHS Dorset
to consider seriously the impact on the local community of
proposed cuts to services at Blandford Hospital, in particular the
proposed closure of Portman Ward, and to ensure that decisions
affecting the hospital’s future reflect the concerns and needs of
patients, staff and the community at large.
And your Petitioners remain, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
[P000851]
837 26 JULY 2010
Hospital Car Parking Charges (Hereford)
Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House
do now adjourn.—(Bill Wiggin.)
10.21 pm
Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire)
(Con): I am very grateful for the opportunity to bring
before the House this important issue, which is of great
local concern in Hereford, where a campaign led by
Sarah Carr has resulted in a petition of more than
1,400 signatures against hospital car parking charges. It
is important to emphasise that this issue is not about a
“little local difficulty”. On the contrary, it shines a
bright light on the huge cost and inflexibility of the
private finance initiative and raises some profoundly
important long-term public policy issues about the
management and financing of the NHS. It is a case
study of the foolishness and self-serving incompetence
of the last Government.
These charges are expensive and unfair. They affect
hospital patients and their families at a very vulnerable
and difficult time in their lives. They particularly target
frequent users, such as those visiting in-patients and
those suffering from cancer, and they are socially regressive,
falling relatively harder on the poor than the rich.
Nationally, patients are estimated to pay more than
£100 million a year in these charges.
But the problem of car parking charges does not end
with Hereford hospital—quite the contrary. The trust
would like nothing better than to reduce or scrap the
charges for those affected, but it cannot because its
hands are almost completely tied by the hospital’s PFI
contract.
To see why, we need to step back a little. Hereford
hospital was started in 1999 and was one of the earliest
projects undertaken through the PFI. It was built, and
is currently owned and managed under a 30-year contract,
through Mercia Healthcare. Mercia is a special-purpose
company that is 75%-owned by Semperian, a large PFI
firm that is based in the City of London, and 25%-owned
by the French industrial services giant, Sodexo. As well
as being a shareholder, Sodexo acts as the contractor
for car parking, among other things, which it in turn
subcontracts out to CP Plus. Other non-clinical services
are contracted out, including maintenance to WS Atkins.
The total cost of the project has been about £93 million.
In return the hospital trust pays a unitary sum every
year, currently about £15 million, which covers all costs—
both capital and services. Governing all that is a huge
legal contract that seeks to cover every eventuality that
could arise between the two sides over its 30-year life.
But there is little transparency in the contract as to how
much different services cost or what margin is being
charged on them. Instead, there is massive inflexibility.
This is how the contract works. A consultant who
wants to put up a shelf in her office cannot do it herself
or get the odd-job man in—after all, the trust does not
own the hospital; instead, she has to use the in-house
PFI contractor at unknown but doubtless significant
expense. The contract allows up to 12 weeks for a
quotation to be supplied and up to 12 more weeks for
the work to be completed—six full months from when
the original need arose. Even that is not necessarily the
end of the matter. The contractor will also insist that
some items be treated as capital items—as permanent
Hospital Car Parking Charges 838
(Hereford)
additions to the infrastructure. and charged for in every
subsequent year of the life of the contract.
A recent low point was reached with the installation
of a new TV aerial in the consultants’ staff room at the
hospital. A “changes” notice was raised and sent to the
contractor, WS Atkins in that case. Twelve weeks later,
it was costed at the princely sum of £819 plus VAT, or a
grand total of £963—almost £1,000 for a TV aerial!
That is the reality of public contracting in the UK
today.
It is significant that later PFI contracts contained
some financial safeguards for the NHS, which included
automatic efficiency savings of 3% a year and the right
for a hospital to put services out to public tender
periodically. However, the Hereford contract contains
neither of those safeguards; any efficiency savings go
direct to the PFI consortium. Yet including savings of
only 3% a year would reduce the cost of services by 60%
in nominal terms over the life of the contract. That is a
lot of lost medicines, lost hospital care and lost surgery.
The car park is managed not by Mercia or by its
contractor, Sodexo, but by Sodexo’s subcontractor, CP
Plus, in effect creating a treble mark-up on the deal. The
hospital trust has little influence, knowledge of underlying
costs or legal scope to negotiate changes to the contract.
There are no automatic efficiency savings, and the contract
cannot be re-tendered until 2029. The PFI consortium
is thus sitting on a huge revenue stream, paid for by the
taxpayer. My fear is that the contract is costing the
taxpayer millions of pounds too much over its life.
Is it any surprise that the citizens of Herefordshire
are paying so much for car parking, or that so little
progress has been made to fix the problem, despite the
trust’s best efforts? Is it any surprise that cost inflation
in the NHS has been running at twice the national level?
Let us take stock. The issue of car parking charges is
a matter of public concern. Every year, thousands of
vulnerable people are affected by the charges in
Herefordshire alone. We must have a solution.
It is well known that PFI contractors have done very
well over the years from the huge wave of spending that
has taken place in the NHS. I therefore ask Sodexo and
Semperian to sit down again with the hospital trust,
open up the books, sharpen their pencils, pass on some
efficiencies and work with the trust to craft a new
agreement. For myself, I shall not let the matter rest
until they do.
However, the deeper issue, here as elsewhere, lies in
the impact of the PFI itself. It is almost as though these
contracts were deliberately designed to impede public
transparency and public accountability. The point is
not to blame those who originally negotiated the Hereford
contract; they were rightly delighted that the new hospital
was being built, in a county traditionally starved of
public investment. It was one of the earliest deals of its
kind, and as with any new market it took time to
develop the knowledge and safeguards of the public
interest that existed in later deals.
But if we look more broadly, we see some staggering
ironies. The PFI was used to protect the last Government’s
much-vaunted fiscal rules, only for the same rules to be
spectacularly smashed anyway, as their spending boom
gave us the longest and deepest recession on record.
Secondly, the early PFI consortiums were actively
encouraged by the Government to take on service provision
839 Hospital Car Parking Charges 26 JULY 2010
(Hereford)
[Jesse Norman]
so that their debt could be put off balance sheet. The
result has arguably been to impose hundreds of millions
of pounds of unnecessary costs on the NHS, while the
Office for National Statistics has started to look at
bringing the same debt on to the national balance sheet
anyway. You could not make it up, Mr Speaker. Thirdly,
the PFI has put car parking and other services beyond
the scope of public accountability, while the structure
of the contracts prevents hospital trusts from having
the very information they need to renegotiate the contracts
themselves.
This cautionary tale raises a vital wider question. At
a time of fiscal crisis, should PFI projects be exempt
from contributing to the public purse? I would argue
that they should not be exempt. They should contribute
to our national economic recovery like everybody else.
There are some £210 billion-worth of outstanding
PFI capital assets in this country at the moment. A
McKinsey study last year suggested that for the NHS
alone, a reduction in interest charges of just two or
three one hundredths of 1% could save £200 million.
Anyone who thinks two or three hundredths of 1% is a
lot should bear in mind that since July 2007, the base
rate has fallen a full 5.25%.
“Are these not commercial contracts?”, it might be
asked. Of course they are, and I am not for one moment
suggesting that those contracts should be torn up. But
the Government do not lack influence in this area. They
have many points of contact with the different consortiums.
For example, Semperian alone has stakes in 106 different
PFI or public-private partnership projects, while Sodexo
has stakes in 11 of them.
Moreover, many of the investors in these organisations
are themselves public authorities. The largest investor in
Semperian, with an equity stake of more than 25%, is
Transport for London. It and other public bodies may
themselves wish to support fairer treatment of PFI
hospitals, rather than make huge sums at a time of
national austerity.
Finally, some PFI providers are looking to expand
abroad in search of future growth. They will not wish to
be faced with criticism at home about the high cost of
their services, while they seek new markets overseas. So
I would call on the Government to use all these levers to
encourage PFI providers to rebate some of their gains
to the taxpayer. There is a direct precedent for this in
the voluntary code that was introduced a few years to
encourage PFI providers to share refinancing windfalls
with the taxpayer.
I will close on a more positive note. The use of assets
in many PFI hospitals remains far below international
best practice. But over the longer term, there is clear
scope to open up current deals, to relax some of the
restrictions, to make better use of hospital assets and to
remit more value to the public purse. The contractors
will get what they are owed, but the taxpayer could
benefit still more. That, I suggest, should be the thrust
of Government policy in this area, and I greatly look
forward to hearing what the Minister has to say on this
issue. I would, of course, be happy to work with him to
win a fairer deal for the taxpayers of Herefordshire and
elsewhere if the need arises.
Hospital Car Parking Charges 840
(Hereford)
10.32 pm
The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr Simon
Burns): I begin by congratulating my hon. Friend the
Member for Hereford and South Herefordshire (Jesse
Norman) on securing his first Adjournment debate—on
the effect of NHS PFI costs on hospital car parking
charges in Hereford.
Let me provide a little background on the trust before
discussing my hon. Friend’s specific points about car
parking. As my hon. Friend will know, Hereford Hospitals
NHS Trust is the main provider of acute services across
Herefordshire and for parts of Wales. The trust offers a
wide range of services, including a dedicated cancer
unit, which forms part of the three counties cancer
network. I understand that funding has now been secured
in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to develop
a new cancer unit.
The most recent Care Quality Commission outpatient
survey, released in April this year, showed that 19 out of
20 patients—95%—attending the Hereford hospital out-
patient department rated the care they received as either
“good”, “very good” or “excellent”. It also found that
89% of those asked stated that they were treated with
dignity and respect at all times. This is very much to the
hospital’s credit, and I pay tribute to the hard-working
staff at Hereford hospital. It is through their dedication
and expertise that my hon. Friend’s constituents benefit
from such a high quality of care.
My hon. Friend has raised the important issue of
parking costs at Hereford hospital. The quality of care
inside the hospital is excellent. However, the service
provided outside the hospital presents a real and pressing
concern for patients, visitors and members of staff.
The Hereford county hospital development was, as
my hon. Friend mentioned, part of the previous
Government’s first wave of private finance initiatives.
The County hospital PFI contract lasts for 30 years,
from 2002 until 2032. In some respects, the Hereford
contract differs from later PFIs, which utilised a standard
form developed following the experience of earlier
agreements.
In 2005, car parking charges for the period 2006-15
were agreed between the trust and Mercia Healthcare
and incorporated in the main PFI contract through a
legally binding variation, as my hon. Friend mentioned.
Although Mercia owns the car parks, CP Plus operates
them on a day-to-day basis via a subcontract with
Sodexo, which runs all food and facilities management
services on the site. I am told, unfortunately, that the
cost to the trust of buying back the car parking element
of the contract to 2032 has been calculated at some
£7 million, a sum that my hon. Friend will agree is
deemed prohibitive by the Hereford Hospitals NHS
Trust.
The contract also switched car parking charges from
pay and display to pay on exit. That change was introduced
to discourage people using the hospital car park when
shopping in Hereford city centre, cutting the number of
spaces available for patients and visitors to the hospital.
The hospital offers concessionary parking for different
types of user. For example, a range of discounts is
available to those who use the car park frequently, to
the disabled and to a wide range of people on benefits
or low incomes. In addition, when the length of stay
exceeds certain local waiting targets, the cost of parking
841 Hospital Car Parking Charges 26 JULY 2010
(Hereford)
is reduced to the target wait. For example, if initial
treatment is not given within four hours at accident and
emergency, the cost of parking is reduced so that a
patient pays only for four hours. Also, parents of children
staying overnight in the hospital have their parking
costs discounted to the two-hour rate of £3.
However, there is a real issue about people not knowing
that those concessions exist. Although they are clearly
displayed on the trust’s website, the internet, as my hon.
Friend will probably appreciate, is not usually the first
place to look for information when one drives into a car
park. The clear and prominent display of the discounts
and concessions available is a common complaint of
patient groups throughout the country and one with
which I have a considerable amount of sympathy. I am
told that the current car parking charges are in fact a
little lower than those originally agreed with Mercia
and reflect the trust board’s decision to subsidise the
tariff by 50p an hour over the past two years. The
annual cost of that subsidy is £88,502.
The strategic health authority has informed me that
the trust board has taken a number of measures to
ensure that car parking charges are reasonable. It has
committed to reducing progressively the costs of on-site
parking for patients and, eventually, to eliminate those
costs all together. To pay for the reduction, charges for
visitors and other users will be increased in line with the
existing 10-year tariff plan. The trust is also investigating
alternative transport initiatives to encourage staff and
patients to use public transport.
The strategic health authority informs me that Hereford
Hospitals NHS Trust is reviewing its car park policy.
The aim is to develop proposals for charges and concessions
for patients’ parking at the hospital, covering the hourly
rates charged to patients and the availability of revenue
to develop alternative arrangements. The review will
also consider the range and appropriateness of current
concessions. The trust hopes to complete its review of
car parking charges by the end of this month, and the
next increase to car parking charges, now due, is on
hold pending the outcome of it. I also understand that
the trust has already agreed a package of measures to
improve car parking arrangements for patients receiving
chemotherapy. These include the allocation of further
free car parking spaces and better advertising of concessions.
Individual patients and advocate groups such as
Macmillan Cancer Support and the Patients Association
regularly raise the issue of car parking charges. Macmillan
has highlighted how a lack of awareness among users
and the poor promotion of concessions by some trusts
lead to low take-up among long-term patients. We are
giving those concerns serious thought. The Department
of Health recently conducted a consultation on car
parking charges, and I can assure my hon. Friend that
we aim to publish a response to that consultation in
September.
Unfortunately, though, whatever one’s views might
be on the subject of NHS car parking charges, given the
dire state of the public finances it is simply not possible
to abolish them. Within a very difficult economic climate,
this Government are committed to delivering health
care outcomes that are among the best in the world. As
part of this, power is being devolved to the front line
like never before. As my hon. Friend will appreciate,
when we came into government in May we inherited a
deficit of £155 billion. Some tough decisions are having
Hospital Car Parking Charges 842
(Hereford)
to be taken because my right hon. Friend the Chancellor
of the Exchequer rightly makes it a priority to reduce
the huge debt that we inherited, which is causing so
many problems for our general economic well-being.
I am sure that my hon. Friend will appreciate that, as
I said, it is simply not possible to abolish car parking
fees at the moment, because the ethos of our policy
towards better provision of health care, as outlined by
my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health
in his White Paper last week, is that we believe that it is
crucial to put patients at the forefront and the centre of
health care. We must have bottom-up provision of health
care that meets local needs to improve services and
ensures the finest quality health care that the health
service can provide in such a way that we do not have
politicians and bureaucrats dictating a top-down approach.
Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con): Does
my hon. Friend agree that many of the problems that
we face in Hereford and in many other towns across the
country are down to poorly negotiated private finance
initiatives agreed by the last Labour Government?
Mr Burns: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for
making that cogent and powerful point. As we have all
found out since we came into office, the economy was
left in a dire state, and we are now having to pick up the
pieces, as we did in 1979, to sort out the mess that the
previous Government left us. That is the challenge that
we are facing, and that is why we are having to take
some tough decisions for the general better welfare of
the economy as a whole and the people of this country,
as tends to be traditional when we come into power
after a Labour Government.
Where car parking charges make it difficult for staff
to do their jobs properly, where they damage patients’
access to services, or where they prevent family and
friends from visiting, hospital trusts have a responsibility
to look again at their charges and policies. As my hon.
Friend knows, a review is currently under way at Hereford
hospital. I trust that he and all his constituents who are
concerned about the level of car parking charges at the
hospital are contributing to that review and ensuring
that their views and concerns are known as regards the
impact that those charges may be having on them. I also
believe that it is crucial, not only in Hereford but
throughout the country, that greater publicity and
prominence be given to the fact that some people may
qualify for a reduction in car parking charges due to
their individual circumstances. That must be drawn to
the attention of the client group that might benefit,
because one suspects that too often, there is too little
publicity and awareness of those discounts, which would
provide genuine help to those who find car parking
charges genuinely onerous to pay for.
James Wharton (Stockton South) (Con): I should
just like to have it recorded in Hansard as a point of
important note that while we are talking about the
people who are the most disadvantaged by the charges
that are so often levied in hospital car parks, not a single
Opposition Member is here to hear the debate. I hope
my hon. Friend agrees that that is an important point
that should be recorded and registered.
Mr Burns: I congratulate my hon. Friend, who has
certainly succeeded in achieving what he intended. No
doubt tomorrow, when Hansard is published, his cogent
843 Hospital Car Parking Charges 26 JULY 2010
(Hereford)
[Mr Simon Burns]
point will be marked. The only disappointment is that
as there are no Opposition Members here, they will not
be aware of his intervention, but I am sure he will use
his skills to ensure that his point is given a wider
audience.
Matthew Hancock (West Suffolk) (Con): Before my
hon. Friend concludes, will he address the point about
renegotiating the PFI? Will he take up the offer of my
hon. Friend the Member for Hereford and South
Herefordshire (Jesse Norman) and try to squeeze some
more value out of the PFI, and to help? He has made an
eloquent case about how tight the money is.
Mr Burns: I thank my hon. Friend for that extremely
helpful intervention. I am grateful for his kind offer for
me to try to intervene and use my good offices to
facilitate a renegotiation. It is late at night, but I do not
want to be churlish and I do not want to upset my hon.
Friend. However, gone are the days when politicians
and bureaucrats sitting in Whitehall interfere and micro-
manage local health services. The Government’s vision,
new policy and ethos is for a localised health service,
responding to local needs, not hamstrung by interfering
Ministers, including—I know that my hon. Friend will
Hospital Car Parking Charges 844
(Hereford)
find that difficult to believe—me. I must therefore say
that it is a local matter, which would have to be taken up
and sorted out locally, though, from my extensive knowledge
of the position, I would not, were I a betting man, put a
considerable amount of money on the suggested course
of action being adopted.
Having said that, during a review of car parking at
the hospital, it is important that all those with an
interest or a concern about the charges play a full part.
Ultimately, as I hope that my hon. Friend the Member
for West Suffolk (Matthew Hancock) will appreciate, it
is for the NHS trust to manage its car parking to suit
best the needs of its patients, the visitors and staff.
However, I hope that, given the campaign of my hon.
Friend the Member for Hereford and South Herefordshire
and my hon. Friends in the surrounding constituencies,
who have played their part not only in recent months
but for a considerable time in representing their constituents
and trying to get a good deal for them, they will
continue to open dialogue with the local trust and do all
they can to pursue the matter and ensure that they get a
better and fairer deal, which is mutually satisfactory to
the trust, the PFI and my hon. Friend’s constituents.
Question put and agreed to.
10.50 pm
House adjourned.
51WS Written Ministerial Statements 26 JULY 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 52WS

Written Ministerial RDA

Board
Member
Position
Serving
Term
Completed

Statements Advantage West Midlands

Angela Business First term
Maxwell OBE
Monday 26 July 2010 Jas Bains Voluntary/ First term
Community
Sue Prince Business Second term
OBE
BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS
Gerard Coyne Trade Union Second term
Diane Rayner Local Second term
Consultation on Business Finance Issues Authority
East of England Development Agency
The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Stuart Evans Business First term
Skills (Vince Cable): Coming into the recovery, the Paul Burall Local Second term
Government’s focus is on creating the conditions for Authority
balanced and sustainable growth in the private sector. Sheila Voluntary/ Second term
In order that UK business can finance this growth, we Childerhouse Community
are seeking to address the challenges and risks faced by Karen Trade Union Second term*
businesses in ensuring that they can access the finance Livingstone
they require. Marco Local Third term1
Cereste Authority
At the heart of these challenges is ensuring stable
East Midlands Development Agency
financial conditions for business. The coalition Government
Michael Seals Business First term
have taken decisive action to tackle the fiscal deficit, MBE
which is the first priority for restoring business confidence.
Ann Voluntary/ First term
But businesses also need sustainable and secure sources Cartwright Community
of finance for investment. Unless the financial system is Steve Brown Business Second term
reformed it may fail to deliver the finance that is vital to
this task. Gary Hunt Local Second term
Authority
Today, I am publishing a Command Paper, jointly
Jonathan Local Second term*
written with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor. This Collins Authority
discussion document sets out lessons learnt from the
Geoffrey Local Second term
past and some of the challenges ahead. We would like Stevens Authority/
to encourage businesses, investors and lenders to participate rural
in this consultation as it will inform the Government’s Prof Philip Education Second term
future response to the issues raised. Tasker further/higher
In “Financing a private sector recovery”, we state Northwest Regional Development Agency
that the Government would like more diverse sources Anthony Local First term
of finance available. The paper explores a broad range McDermott Authority
of options, including trade finance, greater application of MBE
the mutual model, more use of equity and a responsible Susan Local First term
return to securitisation. The paper also addresses the Williams Authority
success of existing Government schemes, such as the Prof John Education First term
enterprise finance guarantee, and whether they should Brooks further/higher
be improved or extended. Peter Allen Business/rural First term
MBE
But it is emphasised that industry and market-led
solutions are the preferred response to any market Peter Business Second term**
Hensman
failures. Only where appropriate will Government assist
in providing solutions, in conjunction with business. Joe Dwek Business Second term***
CBE
The paper is being published today on BIS’s website:
John Merry Local Second term
www.bis.gov.uk/businessfinance. The deadline for responses CBE Authority
is 20 September 2010.
One North East
Graham Business First term
Regional Development Agencies (Board Members) Thrower
Prof Education First term
Christopher further/higher
The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation Higgins
and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk): I would like to announce Gill Hale Trade Union First term
my decision to offer continued terms to 19 board members
Ian Dormer Business First term
whose first term of appointment finishes on the
13 December 2010. I have also decided, following approval Alison Thain Business Second term
from the Commissioner for Public Appointments, to OBE
offer extensions to a further 21 board members who are Ian Brown Business/rural Second term
finishing their second or third term in office. The names Bob Symonds Local Second term
of the board member are: Authority
53WS Written Ministerial Statements 26 JULY 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 54WS

Rejected demands by the European Parliament (EP) for an

Board Position Term EU resolution fund and EU supervision of cross-border
RDA Member Serving Completed firms.
South East England Development Agency Reaffirmed that the European Banking Authority will be
Keith Riley Business First term based in London.
Dr Dolores Business First term Sought to limit and tie down the role suggested by the EP for
Byrne OBE the European Supervisory Authorities in banning products.
Imtiaz Business Second term As a result, the Council agreed that such powers would:
Farookhi be specifically agreed by Council and EP in legislative proposals;
Southwest Regional Development Agency
be subject to a sunset to require the authority to regularly
Brian Local First term reaffirm its decision;
Robinson Authority
Ellen Winser Business First term include an appeal procedure requiring a qualified-majority
vote to support a ban if a member state requests it.
Nick Business Third term1
Buckland The presidency will now take forward negotiations
OBE on the basis of the new mandate, and will seek to find
Yorkshire Forward agreement ahead of the September EP plenary vote.
Mark Lovell Business First term The UK supports this new ECOFIN consensus, and
Mark Kirk Local First term looks forward to a swift agreement with the EP and the
Authority establishment of the bodies by January 2011.
Linda Pollard Business Second term Programme of the Belgian Presidency
OBE JP DL
*
Extension granted for a year from December 2009. The Belgian presidency presented the ECOFIN work
**
Extension already granted for six months until June 2011. programme for the next six months.
***
Extension granted for a year from December 2009.
1
The Commissioner has granted extended terms up until December Follow up to the European Council:
2011 when the board member will have served the maximum 10 years
in office. Commission communication on “Reinforcing economic
policy co-ordination”
The coalition Government have made the decision to
support the creation of Local Enterprise Partnerships The Commission presented its paper as a contribution
to replace RDAs. Final closure of RDAs is likely to be to the ongoing work on economic governance. The UK
completed by 31 March 2012 following legislation. On believes the paper provides helpful input and agrees that
that basis the decision was made not to continue with robust national frameworks are an important part of
any further board member recruitment. The continued the solution—independence of national statistical and
terms for board members are necessary to ensure; i) fiscal authorities is key, as shown by the creation of the
that the RDA chairs are able effectively to manage their Office for Budget Responsibility. Further work will
board membership up until closure, and; ii) that membership continue by the European Commission, with ECOFIN
does not fall below the minimum requirement of eight, returning to this issue in September.
as stated in the Regional Development Agencies Act Broad Economic Policy Guidelines
1998. The board members have a valuable role to play
Following initial agreement at ECOFIN and the
in helping manage the abolition of the RDAs and the
European Council in June, the broad economic policy
transition to the new arrangements, in which their skills
guidelines (BEPGs) were formally adopted. The
and experience will continue to be a valuable asset.
Government are content with the text, following additional
I have placed biographies of the board members in language at the June European Council making clear
the Libraries of both Houses. I can confirm that the that country-specific recommendations under the BEPGs
continued terms have been made in accordance with the
Commissioner for Public Appointments code of practice. “shall be fully in line with relevant treaty provisions and EU rules
and shall not alter member states’ competences, for example in
areas such as education”.
TREASURY Stability and Growth Pact
The Council adopted a raft of decisions on excessive
ECOFIN deficits including launching excessive deficit procedures
for Bulgaria, Denmark, Cyprus and Finland. In addition,
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): the Council noted that since December 2009, effective
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council was held action has been taken by Austria, Belgium, the Czech
in Brussels on 13 July 2010. The following items were Republic, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, the
discussed: Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia and Slovenia. Following
EU financial supervision the emergency Budget on 22 June, ECOFIN agreed that
ECOFIN agreed a revised position on the Commission’s the UK is also now taking effective action to further
proposals to establish a European Systemic Risk Board increase the size of fiscal consolidation in 2010-11 and
and three new European Supervisory Authorities. The significantly strengthen the planned pace of deficit reduction
Council: over the medium-term.
Reaffirmed its December 2009 agreement that supervision Adoption of the euro by Estonia
should remain national, that the proposed EU roles in
mediation and crisis should be subject to safeguards to Following discussions at the June ECOFIN and
protect member states fiscal responsibilities, and that EU European Council, euro-area member states voted to
direct powers over firms should not override national supervisors’ adopt regulations which confirm the introduction of
discretionary decisions. the euro in Estonia on 1 January 2011.
55WS Written Ministerial Statements 26 JULY 2010
AOB: Report on EMU public finances
The annual report on public finances in the European
Monetary Union was presented to Ministers. The report
covers consolidation strategies and the link between
macroeconomic imbalances and fiscal policy.
Financial Regulation
The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Mark
Hoban): The Government have today published a
consultation document outlining the coalition Government’s
proposals for reforming the framework of financial
regulation in the UK. This builds on the statement I
made in the House on 17 June 2010.
“A new approach to financial regulation: judgment,
focus and stability” sets out in more detail plans to
overhaul the UK’s financial regulatory framework, including
providing the Bank of England with control of macro-
prudential regulation and oversight of micro-prudential
regulation.
The UK banking system is emerging from the most
serious financial crisis in over a hundred years. Despite
making three authorities—the Bank of England (the
Bank), the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the
Treasury—collectively responsible for financial stability,
the UK’s “tripartite” system failed in a number of
important ways. For example, it failed to identify the
problems that were building up in the financial system;
to take steps to mitigate them before they led to significant
instability in financial markets; and to deal adequately
with the crisis when it did break.
The document describes the future arrangements for
the framework of financial regulation that will address
these failings head on. These include proposals to create
an independent Financial Policy Committee in the Bank
of England and a new prudential regulation authority
as a subsidiary of the Bank. In addition to the proposed
changes to macro and micro prudential regulation, the
consultation document sets out in more detail plans to
create a dedicated consumer protection and markets
authority (CPMA), with a primary statutory responsibility
to promote confidence in financial services and markets.
The document also sets out details of proposals for
approaching future financial crises. One of the failings
of the UK system currently is the fact that no single
institution has the responsibility, authority or powers to
monitor the system as a whole, identify potentially
destabilising trends and vulnerabilities, and respond to
them with concerted action. The document outlines
how the Government intend to rectify this.
The document presents a range of issues and questions
for consultation. The Government will, on the basis of
this consultation and continuing policy development,
present more detailed proposals—including draft
legislation—for further consultation early in 2011.
The Government intend to introduce legislation to
implement their proposals in mid-2011, and in my
statement to this House on 17 June 2010 I committed to
ensuring the passage of the necessary primary legislation
within two years.
A copy of “A new approach to financial regulation:
judgment, focus and stability” has been deposited in the
Libraries of both Houses and published on the HM
Treasury website.
Written Ministerial Statements 56WS
G20 Framework for Strong, Sustainable and Balanced
Growth
The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Mark
Hoban): As part of the next phase of the G20 framework
for strong, sustainable and balanced growth, HM Treasury
has today submitted a new national template to the
International Monetary Fund (IMF), setting out its
national policy frameworks, programmes and projections
for the medium term.
This is in accordance with the updated mutual assessment
process agreed by G20 leaders at the Toronto summit,
in which G20 countries will provide information on any
policy revisions made since the beginning of the year
and the IMF will update its analysis of how these
national and regional policy frameworks fit together.
Copies of the document are available in the Vote
Office and have been deposited in the Library of the
House.
Counter-Terrorist Asset-Freezing Regime
The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Mark
Hoban): The Government take the threat of terrorism
seriously. However, measures taken to counter the threat
of terrorist activity must be done in a fair and proportionate
way.
The previous Government undertook to report to
Parliament on a quarterly basis on the operation of the
UK’s counter-terrorism asset-freezing regime. We believe
this is essential to ensure transparency and accountability
of the regime and we will continue to report to Parliament
each quarter. There is a clause to this effect in the
Terrorist Asset-Freezing etc Bill.
This report covers the period April to June 20101
Asset-freezing designations
In the quarter April to June 2010, the Treasury gave
no new directions under the Terrorism (United Nations
Measures) Order 2009.
During this quarter, the EU added five people to EC
Regulation 881/2002, implementing the UN al-Qaeda
and Taliban asset-freezing regime established under
UNSCR 1267.
As of 30 June 2010, a total of 202 accounts containing
just under £360,0002 of suspected terrorist funds were
frozen in the UK.
Reviews under the Terrorism Orders
The Treasury keeps domestic asset-freezing cases under
review and completed nine reviews in this quarter. From
these nine reviews, six persons had their designations
revoked.
Licensing
Maintaining an effective licensing system is important
to ensure the overall proportionality and fairness of the
asset-freezing regime, whether the individuals concerned
are subject to an asset-freeze in accordance with a UN
or EC listing, or domestic terrorism legislation. A licensing
framework is put in place for each individual on a
case-by-case basis. The key objective of the licensing
system is to strike an appropriate balance between
minimising the risk of diversion of funds to terrorism
57WS Written Ministerial Statements 26 JULY 2010
and meeting the human rights and humanitarian needs
of affected individuals and their families. Licences contain
certain appropriate controls to protect against the risk
of the diversion of funds for terrorist finance.
Thirteen licences were issued this quarter in relation
to eight persons subject to an asset-freeze under the
al-Qaeda and Taliban and domestic terrorism regimes.
In addition, five general licences were issued. General
licences cover both the al-Qaeda and domestic terrorism
regimes, and are important in ensuring an effective and
proportionate licensing regime by removing the need
for individual licence applications in specific areas. These
general licences are accessible on the Treasury’s website:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/
fin_sanctions_general_licences.htm
Proceedings
The previous Government committed to reporting
on proceedings taken for any offences under the asset-
freezing regime. We agree that it is important to continue
to report on proceedings for accountability and
transparency, and we will therefore continue to do so.
In the quarter April to June 2010, no proceedings
were taken for breaches of the prohibitions of the
Terrorism Orders or the Al-Qaida and Taliban (Asset-
Freezing) Regulations.
Developments
The Terrorist Asset-Freezing etc Bill: The Government
have introduced and published new terrorist asset-freezing
legislation. This was reported in the previous written
ministerial statement that I laid on 15 July 2010, Official
Report, column 36WS.
1
The detail that can be provided to the House on a quarterly basis
is subject to the need to avoid the identification, directly or
indirectly, of personal or operationally sensitive information.
2
This figure reflects account balances at time of freezing and
includes approximately $58,000 of suspected terrorist funds frozen
in the UK. This has been converted using exchange rates as of
21/07/10. Future fluctuations in the exchange rate may impact on
the contribution this sum makes to future totals of suspected
terrorist funds frozen.
IMF Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne):
The Government have today finalised an agreement to
lend up to the equivalent of $2 billion (approximately
£1.3 billion) in special drawing rights to the International
Monetary Fund’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust.
Copies of the agreement have been deposited in the
Libraries of both Houses.
COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Fire Service College (Key Performance Indicators
2010-11
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): The
following key performance indicators have been agreed
for the Fire Service College as part of the 2010-11
business planning round and performance against them
will be reported in the college’s annual report and
accounts:
Achieve an operating profit before interest.
Achieve 90% UK Fire and Rescue Service delegate satisfaction
for achievement of learning objectives.
Written Ministerial Statements 58WS
Achieve 75% UK Fire and Rescue Service delegate satisfaction
for learning experience.
Achieve a reduction in fixed staff costs compared to the
Financial Year 2009-10.
Achieve a net reduction in staff sick absence days compared
to the financial year 2009-10.
These indicators reflect the fundamental purpose of
the Fire Service College, which is to deliver cost effective
safety critical operational, leadership and command
training, and professional development to the UK Fire
and Rescue Service by applying consistent national
standards, in order to enhance Fire and Rescue Service
capability, operational effectiveness and safety.
Removing Planning Barriers (Schools)
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local
Government (Mr Eric Pickles): Today I am underlining
our commitment to supporting the creation of new free
schools through the planning system.
The new Government are committed to decentralising
power, including over planning. Localism should involve
both devolving power down to local councils, and going
further by devolving power and opportunity down to
community groups, neighbourhoods and individual citizens.
Our free schools policy is an example of localism and
the big society in action—by empowering individuals to
come together to improve the educational choices for
their children in their local community.
The Secretary of State for Education outlined his
proposals for new free schools on 18 June. Teachers,
parents and charities will have much greater freedom to
set up schools which respond to local needs. We want to
encourage competition and innovation, to address the
imbalance of opportunity in education and enable schools
to develop their own identity. Our approach will increase
choice and drive up standards across the country and
provide a real opportunity to transform the lives of
disadvantaged children.
We know that many individuals and organisations
are passionate about improving standards in education,
and they will want to take advantage of the new freedoms.
But we do not want to squander the opportunities that
they represent, for lack of suitable school premises.
Neither do we want to strangle proposals with red tape,
by putting them through a lengthy and ponderous planning
process. So we want to make it easier for promoters of
schools to build new premises, or find and if necessary
adapt buildings suitable for the needs of a school.
We are already giving a strong message to local
planning authorities that they must be more responsive
to the needs of their own area. We are empowering
them to take more responsibility for planning decision-
making, by removing centralised targets and streamlining
national planning policy. We are also encouraging them
to take a more proactive and positive, collaborative
approach to development at the pre-application stage.
The best authorities work with applicants to identify
the key issues and how they might be resolved, before
the planning application is submitted. In this way, they
have the opportunity to work with development promoters,
to bring about imaginative, but practical solutions, which
will benefit their local community. This is what we
would like to see happening with new free schools.
59WS Written Ministerial Statements 26 JULY 2010
It is important, however, for local planning authorities
to have a clear policy framework for the decisions they
take locally. Through this statement, therefore, I wish to
underline that, in determining planning applications,
local authorities should:
attach very significant weight to the desirability of establishing
new schools and to enabling local people to do so;
adopt a positive and constructive approach towards applications
to create new schools, and seek to mitigate any negative
impacts of development through the use of planning conditions
or planning obligations, as appropriate; and
only refuse planning permission for a new school if the
adverse planning impacts on the local area outweigh the
desirability of establishing a school in that area.
Local planning authorities and the Planning Inspectorate
should take this statement into account as a material
consideration when determining planning applications,
where it is relevant to do so.
If a local authority nevertheless refuses permission
on this basis, the Government will ask the Planning
Inspectorate to deal swiftly with any appeal that is
lodged.
We shall shortly be consulting on changes to the use
classes order to reduce unnecessary regulation and make
it easier for buildings currently in other uses to be
converted to schools.
These changes to the planning system will allow
school promoters to be confident about moving their
proposals forward quickly. We expect them to work
collaboratively with local authorities to take advantage
of the opportunities to benefit local communities, while
ensuring sustainable solutions.
This statement sets out our policy approach to support
the establishment of new schools until the proposed
new national planning framework is in place.
This statement applies to England only.
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT
Department’s Arm’s Length Bodies
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media
and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): DCMS is responsible for
a number of sectors which people are passionate about.
From sports through to television, and live music through
to museums, DCMS and its public bodies make a real
difference to the quality of people’s lives.
Despite being one of the smaller Government
Departments, we are responsible for a network of more
than 50 public bodies.
In my first few months as Secretary of State I have
made it my priority to examine our network of public
bodies critically with the aim of improving accountability,
transparency and value for money.
In line with the commitments set out in the coalition
document, I have been applying the Government’s agreed
tests to each of our bodies: does it perform a technical
function?; Does it need to be politically impartial?; And
does it act independently to establish facts?
This forms part of the work being undertaken across
Government, and led by the Cabinet Office, to restore
proper accountability for activities funded by public
Written Ministerial Statements 60WS
money. Public bodies which do not meet one of the
three tests outlined will be bought back into Departments
or devolved if their function is necessary or abolished if
not. This work will reduce the number of public bodies,
increase the transparency and accountability of the
remaining few, and ensure more effective delivery of
public services.
As a result of this review, I am today announcing my
intention to make a number of changes. This will include:
the abolition of the UK Film Council;
the abolition of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council;
the merger of UK Sport and Sport England;
the merger of the National Lottery Commission and Gambling
Commission1;
the abolition of the Advisory Council on Libraries and the
wind up of the Legal Deposit Advisory Panel.
the abolition of the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck
Sites and the declassification of the Advisory Committee on
National Historic Ships; and
declassifying the Theatres Trust so it can act as an independent
statutory advisory body.
Further work will be done in discussion with the
bodies concerned and other interested parties over the
summer to finalise the details and timing of these
proposals.
Where bodies are to be abolished we will look to
transfer key functions to other existing bodies so as to
continue to support our sectors and preserve the necessary
expertise. In the case of the Film Council, for example,
this will include its current responsibilities for the distribution
of lottery funding for films, which will be maintained,
as well as support for the certification process which is
critical to the film tax relief, which will also be maintained.
We will maintain a strong relationship with the British
Film Institute.
We will also continue to explore further opportunities
to improve the accountability and coherence of our
public bodies landscape.
We are looking closely at our responsibility for Heritage
and the Built Environment and so are currently considering
the role and remit of English Heritage, the Heritage
Lottery Fund and the National Heritage Memorial
Fund. Additionally, we are considering the role of the
Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment
and exploring opportunities to consolidate its functions.
We will also be discussing with the Church of England
the merits of declassifying the Churches Conservation
Trust so it has greater operational freedom.
In addition, we have reviewed the status of the two
public bodies set up to help us deliver a successful
games in 2012—the Olympic Delivery Authority and
the Olympic Lottery Distributor—and have concluded
there is no need to change our existing plans to wind up
these organisations following the games.
The Olympic games provide a huge opportunity to
boost inbound and domestic tourism and we continue
to explore the best way of realising our ambitious goals
in this area. As part of this we are considering the
status, role and functions of Visit England and Visit
Britain. A final decision will be made on this in the
autumn as part of the spending review.
Any necessary legislative changes will be made through
the Cabinet Office Public Bodies Bill, which is due to be
introduced in the autumn.
61WS Written Ministerial Statements 26 JULY 2010
Where proposed changes have implications for the
devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland we will work closely with them to finalise proposals.
1
Subject to a business case.
DEFENCE
Exercise Joint Warrior 4-15 October 2010
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Nick Harvey):
Joint Warrior is a bi-annual tri-service major exercise
with invited NATO and allied nations and usually takes
place over a two-week period in the spring and autumn.
Its aim is to provide high-quality joint collective training
and pre-deployment training in a multi-threat environment
for participating units and their staffs. Each unit will
operate from various bases in the UK and abroad but
specifically there is an increase in air and land activity
across Wales, Scotland and the border regions of England,
as well as an increase in maritime activity in the north
and west of Scotland.
These exercises are routine and I therefore wish to
update the House that it is my intention to continue to
write only to individual Members who raise specific
concerns.
Joint Warrior is a complex exercise which requires
careful planning and co-ordination to minimise the
possibility of environmental damage. I would like to
reassure the House that in order to achieve this, the
exercise planning teams will continue to work closely
with local authorities, various national rural agencies,
landowners and other interested parties.
Collective training is a key priority for defence. It is a
vital component in the UK armed forces ability to be
able to generate forces at the right time, with the right
skills and in the right numbers and Joint Warrior has
the additional benefit which also gives UK forces the
ability to train and operate with other coalition countries.
The next exercise, Joint Warrior 102, commences on 4
October 2010 and a press release will be issued for
public information.
EDUCATION
School Funding
The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove):
Today I have launched a consultation on our proposals
for school funding in 2011-12, including more detailed
proposals for a pupil premium as announced in the
document “The Coalition: our programme for
government”.
A good education is the key to improving young
people’s life chances so that they go on into adulthood
with the skills and confidence for success. This is particularly
important for pupils from a deprived background yet it
is these pupils that are being let down the most by the
school system.
Over the past decade, the gulf in achievement between
the rich and the poor has widened, while the attainment
gap between fee-paying schools and state schools has
doubled. Just two out of 57 countries now have a wider
attainment gap between the highest and lowest achieving
pupils.
Written Ministerial Statements 62WS
Young children who are in the bottom 20% of attainment
in the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile are six
times more likely to be in the bottom 20% at key stage 1
than their peers. For disadvantaged pupils, a gap opens
at KS1 and increases over time. Pupils entitled to free
school meals (FSM) are only a third as likely to achieve
five good GCSEs as their peers.
These gaps persist through to higher education. A
pupil who has been entitled to FSM is less than half as
likely to go on to study at university as their peers. In
the last year for which we have data, out of a cohort of
600,000 pupils, 80,000 pupils were eligible for free school
meals, and of those, just 45 made it to Oxbridge.
Addressing this disparity is a top priority of the
coalition Government and it is for this reason that we
are implementing a pupil premium, to ensure that extra
funding is targeted at those deprived pupils that most
need it.
The coalition document specified that this will be:
“a significant premium for disadvantaged children from outside
the schools budget”.
The consultation sets out our proposed methodology
for allocating the premium, including options on the
best deprivation indicator to use. This money will not
be ring-fenced at school level as I believe that schools
are in the best position to decide how the premium
should be used to support their pupils.
We are also using this consultation to set out our
proposals for possible additional support for service
children, as set out in “The Coalition: our programme
for government”. Furthermore, I have included proposals
for additional support for looked after children, who
have consistently low attainment but are often not
picked up by deprivation indicators and so would not
benefit from the pupil premium.
The consultation document also outlines our intentions
for school funding for 2011-12. We will continue with
the current methodology for the distribution of school
funding to allow for a clear and transparent introduction
of the pupil premium, but we also recognise that the
funding system could be more reflective of pupil
characteristics and so we intend to review the system for
funding schools beyond 2011-12.
In addition, from April 2011 we will require all local
authorities to implement the early years single funding
formula, in order to improve fairness and transparency
in the system and to support diversity of provision.
Copies of this publication have been placed in the
Libraries of both Houses.
ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (Regulations
Amendment)
The Minister of State, Department of Energy and
Climate Change (Gregory Barker): Today I am announcing
that the Government will be amending the Home Energy
Efficiency Scheme Regulations. The Government are
committed to the current budget and this amendment
regulation is intended to ensure the scheme for this year
is delivered within the planned resources. The amendment
63WS Written Ministerial Statements 26 JULY 2010
regulation obliges the scheme manager to refuse further
new applications at the point when all resources available
for any given year have been awarded. The amendment
will ensure that the scheme can provide measures for all
customers whose applications have been accepted and
that it can manage the Warm Front budget effectively in
advance of the spending review outcome. The scheme
currently operates a control strategy to manage the
process between application and installation of measures
to ensure that expenditure is kept within the available
budget. In the event that the budget becomes fully
committed before the end of the financial year, we will
ensure that the installation of heating and insulation
measures for successful applicants will be fully delivered.
HEALTH
Evidence Check: Homeopathy (Government Response)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health
(Anne Milton): We are today laying before Parliament
the Government’s response (Cm 7883) to the House of
Commons Science and Technology Committee report
“Evidence Check: Homeopathy”, which was published
on 22 February 2010.
Complementary and alternative medicine, including
homeopathy, have a long tradition, and very vocal
proponents and opponents. The Committee’s report
sets out evidence and opinion on each side, with a
strong focus on efficacy as being one of the main
criteria by which it would expect national health service
decisions to be made.
The Government welcome this report. We remain of
the view that the local national health service and
clinicians are best placed to make decisions on what
treatment is appropriate for their patients. We expect
local clinicians to make decisions on what is best for
their patients taking account of safety, evidence of
clinical and cost-effectiveness (where it exists) and the
availability of suitably regulated/qualified practitioners.
We remain committed to providing good quality
information available about complementary and alternative
treatments so that clinicians and consumers can make
informed decisions if they are considering such treatments.
Today’s publication is in the Library and copies are
available to hon. Members from the Vote Office.
NHS White Paper (Supporting Information)
The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley):
Today I am publishing two further supporting documents
to the national health service White Paper, “Equity and
Excellence: Liberating the NHS” (Cm 7881) which was
published on 12 July.
The first document, “Regulating Healthcare Providers”,
provides further detail on the principles of the policies
set out in the White Paper, and seeks views from the
public and external partners on some of the questions
arising out of them.
The White Paper set out a vision for a national health
service centred around the needs of patients, focusing
consistently on improving quality of care. One of the
fundamental features of the proposals is to free providers
from political interference and to establish a stable,
transparent regulatory environment.
Written Ministerial Statements 64WS
“Regulating Healthcare Providers” therefore sets out
proposals to free providers from central Government
controls and to develop Monitor, the current regulator
for foundation trusts, as an independent economic regulator
for health and adult social care.
Under our proposals, all remaining NHS trusts will
become or be part of a foundation trust, free from the
state’s operational control and not subject to the Secretary
of State’s direction. We will create an environment
where staff and organisations enjoy greater freedom
and clearer incentives to flourish. All providers should
be able to compete on a fair playing field, so that they
succeed or fail according to the quality of care for
patients and the value they offer the taxpayer.
Monitor will be responsible for regulating all providers
to promote efficient, financially sustainable service provision.
It will operate independently of Government so that
providers have confidence in a stable, rules-based system—
without the risk of political interference—to make long-
term investments in services. Monitor will have powers
to license providers of NHS services and core functions
to regulate prices for NHS services, where needed, to
promote competition, and to support service continuity.
The document seeks views on a number of questions
by 11 October.
Today, I am also publishing the report of the
Department’s review of its arm’s-length bodies.
The publication, sets out our proposals for arm’s-length
bodies in the health and social care sector. These proposals
form part of the cross-Government strategy to increase
accountability and transparency, and to reduce the
number and cost of quangos.
The Government’s proposed reforms of the NHS, set
out in “Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS”,
will establish more autonomous institutions, with greater
freedoms, clear duties and transparency in their
responsibilities to patients. Power will be devolved to
the front-line. Liberating the NHS will fundamentally
change the role of the Department and those bodies
accountable to it. Changes to the arm’s-length body
sector must reflect these wider reforms.
There is also an economic imperative for change. The
Government have guaranteed that spending on health
will increase in real terms in every year of this Parliament
and are committed to increasing the proportion of
resource available for front-line services, to meet the
current financial challenges and the future costs of
demographic and technological change. This means
that we need to make significant cuts in the costs of
health bureaucracy. Over the next four years, the
Government will reduce NHS administrative costs by
more than 45%, freeing up resources for front-line care.
The review has assessed arm’s-length bodies in light
of both the current financial challenges and the strategy
for the NHS set out in “Equity and excellence: Liberating
the NHS”. Only those functions which need to be
carried out a national level to support the Department’s
clear objectives should remain in the sector. Functions
that are better delivered by other parts of the system
should be devolved to the right level, and organisations
that carry out these functions should be abolished.
Shifting functions from public bodies back into the
Department, or to those who are closer to local needs
and are independent of the state, will ensure more direct
accountability to local people, Parliament and Ministers.
65WS Written Ministerial Statements
By ensuring that functions are delivered in the right
place, the sector will be streamlined to cut costs and
remove duplication and unnecessary burdens on the
front line. The review will achieve a significant reduction
in the number and cost of public bodies.
The Department will impose tight governance and
accountability over the cost and scope of its remaining
arm’s-length bodies. In future, arm’s-length bodies’
independence will be exercised within the confines of
clear and agreed functions. This is in line with the
Government’s wider commitment to increase transparency
and accountability.
The report details the proposals for each of the
Department’s bodies. Where changes require primary
legislation, these will be enacted through legislation
which will be introduced in this Parliament.
Proposals for the General Social Care Council (GSCC),
the regulatory body for social workers, are included in
the report. My predecessor issued a written ministerial
statement on 4 November 2009, Official Report, column
41WS about the publication of the Council for Healthcare
Regulatory Excellence’s (CHRE) report and
recommendations on the General Social Care Council
(GSCC) function relating to conduct. As part of its
response to CHRE’s report the previous Administration
announced that the GSCC would report on its progress
to Ministers at the end of March. This report has now
been received and is published today.
While the GSCC has made good progress over preceding
months, the reality is that the costs of maintaining an
independent regulator for social workers are prohibitive
and we therefore propose to transfer the function of
regulating social workers to the Health Professions
Council, which will accordingly be renamed to reflect
its remit.
These publications will be of interest to anyone working
in the health and social care sector, to taxpayers, and to
people who use health and social care services.
Copies of today’s publications have been placed in
the Library and copies are available to hon. Members
from the Vote Office.
“Regulating Healthcare Providers” can be viewed at:
www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_117782
The report of the arm’s length bodies review can be
viewed at:
www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/
PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_117691
Office of the Health Professions Adjudicator
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health
(Anne Milton): The Government have been considering
the case for proceeding with work surrounding the
Office of the Health Professions Adjudicator (OHPA).
OHPA was established in law in January of this year,
but is not yet operationally active. It was anticipated
previously that, from April 2011, it was to take over
from the General Medical Council (GMC) the role of
adjudicating on fitness to practise matters relating to
doctors and, in due course, take on the adjudication
role in relation to other health professionals from the
remaining health regulators.
26 JULY 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 66WS
Having reviewed the case for OHPA the Government
are not persuaded that the creation of another body is
necessarily the most appropriate and proportionate way
forward in terms of adjudication. We believe that steps
can be taken to strengthen and modernise existing
systems within the GMC to deliver substantially the
same benefits as OHPA. The learning from these steps
can then be reviewed and, in due course, applied to the
other health regulators. We intend to consult with external
partners on this approach shortly.
Healthier Food Mark and Government Buying
Standards (Food)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health
(Anne Milton): Over the last two years, the Department
has been developing a scheme to improve the nutritional
content and sustainability of food served in the public
sector, provisionally known as the Healthier Food Mark.
The Department has been working across Government
on this, and particularly closely with both the Food
Standards Agency and the Department for the
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Two
pilots, involving over 70 organisations from across the
public sector, have been completed.
I am announcing today that the Healthier Food
Mark will not be taken forward as a discrete scheme.
Instead, the considerable body of evidence and learning
from the development of both the nutrition and
sustainability criteria will be used to help develop
Government buying standards for food procurement in
the public sector.
Government buying standards ensure that the public
sector procures sustainable goods and services. They
are mandatory for central Government Departments
and their Executive agencies and are promoted to the
wider public sector. The Government buying standards
for food will take account of the evidence gained from
the pilots of the Healthier Food Mark. DEFRA, working
with the Department of Health and other Government
Departments, will assess the costs and benefits of a
number of options for criteria to be included in the
Government buying standards for food to address both
nutrition and sustainability. The standards will be consulted
on in the autumn.
HOME DEPARTMENT
English Language Requirement (Migrant Spouses)
The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): On
9 June 2010 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State
for the Home Department announced the introduction
of a new English language requirement for migrants
applying to come to or stay in the UK as a spouse or
partner. I wish to inform the House that I am today
announcing that this requirement will come into effect
on 29 November this year.
Non-European migrants joining a British citizen or
non-European national settled in the UK will have to
demonstrate a basic command of English as part of the
67WS Written Ministerial Statements 26 JULY 2010
visa application process unless they are a national of a
majority English-speaking country. The new language
requirement will apply to spouses, civil partners, unmarried
partners, same-sex partners, fiancé(e)s and proposed
civil partners and will be compulsory for people applying
from within the UK, as well as visa applicants overseas.
Migrant spouses and partners will have to demonstrate
English language ability at A1 level of the common
European framework of reference (speaking and listening),
the same level required for skilled workers admitted
under the skilled tier of the points-based system. Applicants
will be required to provide evidence with their application
that they have passed an acceptable English test with
one of the UK Border Agency’s approved test providers.
Speaking English promotes integration into British
society and broadens opportunities. The new rules will
help ensure that migrant spouses are able to participate
in British life from the outset and integrate more easily
into wider UK society.
We are reviewing English language requirements across
the immigration system with a view to tightening the
rules further in the future. We will inform the House of
our conclusions in due course.
Independent Police Complaints Commission (Annual
Report 2009-10)
The Minister for Police (Nick Herbert): I am pleased
to announce that today my right hon. Friend the Home
Secretary and my hon. Friend the Exchequer Secretary
to the Treasury are publishing the annual report of the
Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
Copies of the report have been laid before the House
and will be available in the Vote Office.
This is the sixth annual report from the IPCC. The
report covers the work of the IPCC during 2009-2010
and includes a discrete chapter on the discharge of their
responsibilities in respect of Her Majesty’s Revenue and
Customs.
National DNA Ethics Group (Third Annual Report)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the
Home Department (James Brokenshire): I am pleased to
announce the publication of the third annual report of
the National DNA Database Ethics Group on 29 July
2010. The group was established on 25 July 2007 to
provide Ministers with independent ethical advice on
the operation and practice of the National DNA Database
(NDNAD).
I welcome the consideration given in the report to a
number of important issues. The Government share the
concerns of the group to ensure the effectiveness of the
database and its ethical operation. Merely building as
big a database as possible is neither effective nor does it
achieve the proper balance between the rights of the
individual and the needs of the state. I believe that the
Government’s commitment to introducing the protections
of the Scottish model achieves that balance and we are
committed to introducing legislation to give effect to
that, which I hope will address the key concerns around
the database
Written Ministerial Statements 68WS
The report can be viewed from 29 July on the website
of the independent Forensic Science Regulator and I
am arranging for copies to be placed in the Library of
the House.
UK Border Agency (Annual Report and Accounts
2009-10)
The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): The
“UK Border Agency Annual Report and Accounts
2009-10” has been laid before the House today. Copies
will be made available in the Vote Office.
JUSTICE
Judicial Appointments
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
(Mr Kenneth Clarke): I am today announcing my agreement
that salaried mental health judges with suitable experience
can be selected to chair Restricted Patients Panel cases
in the mental health jurisdiction.
These cases involve patients who are detained in
hospital by virtue of a restriction order imposed by the
Crown Court or by virtue of being transferred from
prison by direction of the Secretary of State. The
convention, since the implementation of the Mental
Health Act 1983, has been that the tribunal judge
chairing the panel will always be a circuit judge, a
retired circuit judge or a recorder QC. However, the
convention came about at a time when there were no
full-time judges in the mental health review tribunal
and was designed to provide assurance when this power
was first transferred from the Secretary of State to the
tribunal that an experienced member of the judiciary
would be involved in decisions on whether to direct the
discharge of a patient.
There are now full-time salaried judges within the
jurisdiction with the necessary experience. Circuit judges
and recorder QCs will continue to deal with the majority
of cases but authorising some of the salaried mental
health judges will increase the pool of available chairs
to hear the cases.
JUSTICE
Civil Litigation Funding Arrangements
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice
(Mr Jonathan Djanogly): I am today announcing the
Government’s intention to consult in the autumn on
implementing Lord Justice Jackson’s recommendations
on the reform of funding arrangements in his report,
“Review of Civil Litigation Costs: Final Report”, published
on 14 January 2010. We will be consulting in particular
on the reform of conditional fee agreements (CFAs)
which should lead to significant costs savings, while still
enabling those who need access to justice to obtain it.
The Government are therefore taking these proposals
forward as a matter of priority.
Lord Justice Jackson was appointed by the then
Master of the Rolls in January 2009 to review the rules
and principles governing the costs of civil litigation and
to make recommendations to promote access to justice
at proportionate costs. Sir Rupert’s independent and
69WS Written Ministerial Statements 26 JULY 2010
comprehensive report makes a broad range of significant
recommendations for reducing costs in the civil justice
system in England and Wales. The Government are
very grateful to Sir Rupert for his report.
CFAs have played a role in giving access to justice to
a range of people. However, high costs under the existing
arrangements have now become a serious concern,
particularly in clinical negligence cases against the NHS
Litigation Authority and in defamation proceedings.
CFAs are a type of “no win no fee” agreements under
which lawyers are not paid if they lose a case, but can
charge an uplift on top of their base costs—otherwise
known as a “success fee”—if they win. Success fees
allow lawyers to cover the costs of cases they take on
which do not succeed. The success fee can be up to
100% of base costs. After-the-event (ATE) insurance
can be taken out by parties to a CFA funded case to
protect them against the risk of having to pay their
opponent’s costs if they lose. Under the current
arrangements, success fees and ATE premiums can be
recovered from the losing opponent in addition to the
base costs.
Sir Rupert recommends significant changes to the
current arrangements for CFAs. He proposes abolishing
the recoverability of both success fees and ATE insurance
premiums; this would require primary legislation. In
addition, to assist claimants to meet the cost of the
success fees for which they would now be liable, he also
recommends an increase of 10% in the level of general
damages for personal injury, defamation and other tort
claims; and a regime of qualified one-way costs shifting
in specified proceedings, including personal injury and
defamation.
Our consultation in the autumn would also seek
views on other related recommendations on funding
arrangements such as whether lawyers should be permitted
to enter into damages-based agreements (DBAs) or
“contingency fees” in litigation. DBAs are also a type of
“no win no fee” agreements which allow a lawyer to
take a percentage of the claimant’s damages for taking
on the claim. DBAs are commonly used in employment
tribunals but are not permitted in litigation before the
courts. This consultation will take account of any relevant
legal aid reform proposals on which we will also be
seeking views in the autumn, as previously announced.
Work is also progressing on a number of other areas
covered by Sir Rupert’s review, but will not form part of
the Government’s consultation in the autumn. The
Government are considering the recommendations on
fixed recoverable costs in the fast track, and on referral
fees. The Legal Services Board is looking at the issue of
referral fees, and their conclusions will inform the
Government’s position. We will also consider Lord
Young of Graffham’s conclusions from his “Review of
Health and Safety Law and the Compensation Culture”.
Separately, the Civil Justice Council will consult over
the summer on a voluntary code of conduct for third
party funders, as recommended by Sir Rupert. Third
party funding is an arrangement whereby a party not
directly relevant to the proceedings agrees to fund the
case in return for a share of the damages awarded.
A range of judiciary-led costs and case management
work has been continuing since Sir Rupert’s report was
published. For example:
more robust costs management is being piloted in defamation
cases and in mercantile, technology and construction cases;
Written Ministerial Statements 70WS
a streamlined process and scale costs in the Patents County
Court will come into effect in October 2010;
there will be a pilot of assessing disputed costs under £25,000
on the papers rather than at a hearing, in Leeds, Scarborough
and York county courts from October 2010; and
a pilot to speed up and reduce the costs of expert evidence
(through “concurrent evidence”) started in June 2010 in
mercantile, technology and construction cases at the Manchester
Civil Justice Centre.
A judicial steering group is considering the priorities
for further implementation of these recommendations.
LEADER OF THE HOUSE
Senior Salaries Review Body Report
The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir George
Young): On 31 March 2009 my predecessor informed
the House, (Official Report, column 58WS) that the
then Prime Minister had written to the Senior Salaries
Review Body (SSRB) on 13 February 2009, inviting it
to undertake a fundamental review of parliamentary
pension arrangements and to make recommendations.
The review was commissioned in response to the
Government Actuary’s advice that the cost to the Exchequer
of accruing benefits was likely to rise above 20% of
payroll, the trigger point recommended by the SSRB
for such a review.
The SSRB delivered its report to the former Prime
Minister earlier this year. Today, the Government are
publishing it in full. The report recommends some
significant changes to the parliamentary pension
arrangements, including:
Changing the basis of pension accrual from final salary to
career average;
Increasing the normal pension age from 65 to 68;
Restricting the rate of indexation to the lesser of RPI or
2.5%;
Standardising the accrual rate at 1/60th of salary per year of
service and the member contribution rate at 5.5% of pay;
and
Benefits already accrued on a final salary basis to be frozen
and uprated in line with RPI.
Taken together, the SSRB estimates that this package
would reduce the underlying rate of Exchequer contribution
to 10.5% of payroll.
The SSRB’s report provides helpful and thoughtful
advice and a timely input into the current debate on
public service pension arrangements. We are grateful to
the SSRB for its work and for its willingness to tackle
this matter thoroughly and independently.
In taking matters forward, we need to be mindful of
developments that have taken place since the SSRB
carried out its work:
1. The House has legislated to make the determination of
hon. Members’ allowances and, from 2012-13 their salary
and pensions, independent of the House. The independent
determination and administration of these matters through
the establishment of the Independent Parliamentary Standard
Authority (IPSA), is a crucial part of the process of restoring
trust in Parliament.
2. As stated in the coalition agreement, the Government
have committed to consulting IPSA on how to move away
from the generous final salary pension scheme for Members
71WS Written Ministerial Statements 26 JULY 2010
of Parliament. IPSA is due to take over responsibility for
Members’ pension arrangements in 2012-13, as originally
recommended by the Committee on Standards in Public Life
in November 2009 and provided for in the Constitutional
Reform and Governance Act 2010.
3. We have established, under the chairmanship of Lord
Hutton, an Independent Public Service Pensions Commission
and asked the Commission to make recommendations aimed
at ensuring the ongoing affordability, sustainability and fairness
of public service pension arrangements.
4. The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his Budget
statement that, from April 2011, the consumer prices index
(CPI) will be used for the price indexation of all benefits, tax
credits and public service pensions.
The parliamentary scheme is not included explicitly
within the scope of the Hutton Commission’s review.
However, the Government strongly believe decisions
about the parliamentary scheme should be informed by
the Commission’s recommendations in respect of public
service pensions more broadly, and that the SSRB report
should be available as evidence to the Commission.
We will therefore await Lord Hutton’s recommendations
on public service pensions. However, in the specific case
of MPs, there is broad party political acceptance that
the current final-salary pension terms for Members of
Parliament are not sustainable and that reform is needed.
We anticipate that the current scheme for MPs will end.
We propose to consult IPSA on these matters and to
make a further statement after Lord Hutton has published
his findings.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Billy Wright Inquiry
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr Owen
Paterson): I am pleased to announce that the report of
the Billy Wright Inquiry, chaired by Lord MacLean,
will be published on 14 September.
In my written statement to this House on 6 July,
Official Report, column 8WS, I set out the steps that
would need to be taken before publication of the Billy
Wright Inquiry report. These included a checking process
which would enable me to meet the obligations on me in
relation to article 2 of the European convention on
human rights and national security. I can confirm that
this checking process has now been completed and I
have received advice from the checking team which
confirms that there is nothing in the report which, if
published, could breach article 2 of the European
convention on human rights by putting the lives or
safety of individuals at risk, or put national security at
risk. I am therefore satisfied that the report can be
published in full and I have advised Lord MacLean of
this.
However, given the time needed for the panel to
finalise the text and to print the report, it will not be
feasible to publish the report to Parliament before summer
recess. I have therefore written to Lord MacLean asking
him to retain custody of the report over the recess.
The report has not been shown to me or to any other
member of the Government, or to any officials except
the five members of the team who carried out the
Written Ministerial Statements 72WS
checking process. I have not been briefed on the contents
of the report; nor have any officials other than those in
the checking team.
As with the publication of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry
report, I intend to consider giving advance sight to
those who were designated as Represented Parties by
the Inquiry, to their legal representatives, and to some
Members of this House. I intend to discuss this with the
Speaker of this House in due course.
Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland (Report
2009-10)
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr Owen
Paterson): The Chief Electoral Officer for Northern
Ireland is responsible for all aspects of electoral
administration in Northern Ireland, including the conduct
of all elections and referendums, as well as electoral
registration. Section 14 of the Electoral Law Act (Northern
Ireland) 1962—as amended by section 9 of the Northern
Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006—provides
that the Chief Electoral Officer must submit an annual
report to the Secretary of State. The annual report of
the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland for
2009-10 has been laid before Parliament today. Copies
are available in the Library of the House.
TRANSPORT
Interim Report on Salt Supply and Use
The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip
Hammond): For two winters in a row, severe weather
has caused significant disruption for transport in this
country. The cost to the economy and the disruption to
the public has been significant, and there has been a
level of dissatisfaction and confusion about the response
by Government at both local and national level. This is
unacceptable and must be resolved before the next
winter season. An independent review of the transport
sector’s response to last winter was commissioned by
my predecessor as Secretary of State and I have asked
David Quarmby CBE, who leads it, to continue that
work.
The review panel’s interim report is being published
today; and I am grateful to David Quarmby, Brian
Smith, Chris Green, and those who have supported
them, for their thoughtful and forthright analysis and
recommendations. Copies of the interim report have
been placed in the Library of the House.
The interim report concentrates on actions that can
be taken by local and national highways authorities,
salt suppliers, Government and others to improve resilience
of the highways network for the coming winter as well
as some longer-term actions. There is much in this
report on which all of these groups will want to act
urgently to ensure that disruptions to highway networks
are minimised in the event of another severe winter.
For my part, I have tasked my officials to take forward,
as a matter of priority, the recommendations relating to
the Department for Transport and the Highways Agency.
73WS Written Ministerial Statements 26 JULY 2010
I welcome the recommendation that the Highways
Agency should build up a strategic salt supply of last
resort for 2010-11, given the particular re-stocking challenges
for local highway authorities for this coming winter. I
have instructed the Highways Agency immediately
to consider how arrangements could be implemented
to source a volume of imported salt to establish and
manage national strategic stockpiles of up to 250,000
tonnes.
In taking action to create strategic salt reserves for
the 2010-11 winter season, the Highways Agency will
clearly need to take account of the constraints imposed
by the availability of salt from overseas and immediate
storage facilities. It is important, as the review makes
clear, that local highway authorities do not treat the
possibility of such a supply as absolving them from the
need to make appropriate provision for their highway
networks. I urge local highway authorities to take forward
the recommendations that relate to them.
The experience of last winter has shown that adopting
standards and methods which reduce the utilisation of
salt without compromising effectiveness will both reduce
vulnerability to salt supply problems and reduce the
cost to the local highway authority. It is therefore vital
that authorities share best practice across the sector and
my Department will discuss with the UK Roads Liaison
Group how best we can support this aim for this winter
and in the longer term.
Although highway authorities have a duty, as far as
practicable, to keep their highways clear of snow and
ice, it was clear from last winter that many members of
the public were keen to show community spirit in clearing
the footways outside their property. It was equally clear,
however, that many were uncertain of their rights and
liabilities if they were to act in this way. The interim
report recommends (as does a recent report by the
Local Government Association) that the Department
for Transport should produce a brief guide to help the
public understand this area of the law. I have tasked my
officials to produce this by the end of October, not in
the spirit of laying down what people should or should
not do, but in the spirit of empowering those who wish
to act in a neighbourly way.
The review panel’s work is not at an end. As well as
undertaking further analysis to support longer-term
actions to improve resilience in salt supply, they are also
turning their attention to other transport modes. I look
forward to receiving their final report, which they intend
to publish in the autumn, in due course.
High Speed 2 (Exceptional Hardship Scheme)
The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip
Hammond): The Government are committed to the
establishment of a high-speed rail network as part of
their programme of measures to create a low carbon
economy. However, in developing plans for a new high-speed
line, both I and my predecessor as Secretary of State for
Transport have been mindful of their potential impact
on those who live on or close to the proposed line of
route.
It was for this reason that the previous Government
launched a consultation on a potential exceptional hardship
scheme to provide assistance for those who have been
most severely and immediately affected by the preferred
route option for a new line between London and the
Written Ministerial Statements 74WS
west midlands set out in the recent report by HS2 Ltd.
This consultation closed on 17 June. Around 4,500
responses were received. This statement sets out my
response.
It is clear from the responses to the consultation that
there is overwhelming support for a scheme to be introduced
to provide assistance for those most severely affected by
HS2 Ltd’s proposed line. I can therefore confirm that an
exceptional hardship scheme will be introduced, and
that it will be open to applications from Friday 20 August.
The introduction of the scheme recognises the unique
nature of the proposed line, which is only the second
high-speed rail project to be considered in the UK and
which differs significantly from its predecessor in terms
of its design, operation and potential market. It should
therefore not be taken as setting any precedent for
future infrastructure schemes.
Respondents to the consultation also made many
suggestions as to how the terms of the scheme might be
altered. I have considered these and have made the
following changes from the scheme put forward for
consultation. First, the scheme will be widened to include
owner-occupiers of agricultural units and commercial
properties with an annual rateable value not exceeding
£34,800; this brings it in line with the blight provisions
under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Secondly,
the scheme will also be able to cover properties recently
inherited following a bereavement and repossessed
properties that the original owner urgently requires the
bank or other lender to sell to realise some value.
A number of respondents asked for the scheme to be
extended to properties over tunnelled sections of the
proposed line of route. It is my view, however, that any
blighting effects over tunnels are likely to be limited,
and this is reinforced by the additional information
note on the effects of tunnelling which HS2 Ltd has
published on its website today. However, I accept that
there is a need to make special provision in relation to
properties close to the proposed entrances and exits of
tunnels. I have therefore decided to extend the scheme
to cover these properties.
Finally, I have decided that the panel which makes
recommendations to me on applications to the scheme
should have a majority of independent members, although
this will not be the case for the shadow panel announced
in my written ministerial statement of 27 May 2010,
Official Report, column 15WS.
In other respects, the scheme will operate as set out in
the consultation document. In particular, the scheme
will apply only to properties on or in the vicinity of HS2
Ltd’s route option 3. HS2 Ltd’s report makes a clear
recommendation and it is therefore my view that assistance
of this kind should be focused on this route, where the
blight impacts will be most severe. It is also my conclusion
that, to minimise the risk of blight spreading as a result
of a scheme of this kind, it should be limited to those
who have a pressing need to sell and who would otherwise
experience exceptional hardship.
A large proportion of consultation responses also
raised issues in relation to longer-term provision to
address blight. If a decision is taken following public
consultation to proceed with a new high-speed line and
to safeguard the route that it would follow, statutory
blight arrangements would come into force covering
those properties which would have to be acquired in
75WS Written Ministerial Statements 26 JULY 2010
order to build or operate the new line. However, many
respondents suggested that additional provision would
be needed to cover those properties which would not
have to be acquired but which might still be seriously
affected by the construction or operation of the line.
Respondents also made a number of proposals for how
such provision might be structured. I am aware that
provision of this kind has been made in respect of a
number of previous schemes in both the public and
private sectors.
I am mindful of the importance of appropriate longer-
term arrangements to assist those who would be most
seriously affected by a new line. I agree that some
additional provision over and above the statutory blight
regime will be needed to achieve this, and it is therefore
my intention that this should be put in place, if and
when a decision is taken to safeguard a route.
The specific issues raised in response to the consultation,
particularly in respect of the different models for operating
such arrangements, are complex and require detailed
consideration. I have therefore asked my officials to
provide me with further advice on options for the terms
and conditions of such additional provision and how it
should operate. I will report to Parliament on my proposed
way forward in the light of the spending review outcome
and before public consultation on the Government’s
strategy for high-speed rail and the route of any new
high speed line.
I have placed copies of the analysis of responses to
the consultation and a list of frequently asked questions
about the scheme in the Libraries of both Houses.
Marine Aids to Navigation
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
(Mike Penning): Following my request for comments on
the report by Atkins consultants entitled “Assessment
of the provision of marine aids to navigation around
the United Kingdom and Ireland” in June 2010 (10 June
2010, Official Report, column 35WS), I have received
replies from 18 organisations and individuals. I wish
now to inform the House of the steps the Government
intend to take to ensure the continuing delivery of a
high-quality aids to navigation service to ensure the
safety of all of those using our seas, which also minimises
the burdens on those paying light dues.
The Atkins report makes some 52 recommendations
covering technical matters, corporate governance, efficiencies
and synergies, light dues charges, the general lighthouse
fund and Anglo-Irish issues. Key recommendations include:
creating a general lighthouse authority joint strategic board
to drive efficiencies;
using an annual target reduction calculator (RPI - x%) for
GLA running costs;
developing a timetable with the Irish Government on the
financing of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, setting out
an incentivised financial model which retains the all-Ireland
body while allowing its costs within the Republic of Ireland
to be covered wholly from Irish sources; and
changing the structure and scope of light dues.
In the light of the responses received, the Government
have decided to endorse the formation of the joint
strategic board with the clear objective of co-ordinating
and directing work between the three general lighthouse
authorities to achieve maximum efficiencies and
improvements in the delivery of aids to navigation. To
Written Ministerial Statements 76WS
take the work of the joint strategic board forward as
quickly as possible I have asked Chris Bourne, a non-
executive director of Trinity House, to act as chair of
the board. In his role as chair of the joint strategic
board Mr Bourne will take an independent and impartial
view of the issues, and will report to me on the board’s
achievements. His extensive shipping background and
knowledge of the work of the general lighthouse authorities
make him an excellent choice for this role. In the longer
term, the Government will look at the appointment of a
chair for the joint strategic board from outside the three
general lighthouse authorities.
The Government have also decided that it is right,
particularly in current economic circumstances, to ask
the general lighthouse authorities to deliver reductions
in their running costs below the level of inflation and
welcome the commitment by the general lighthouse
authorities to delivering this challenge. The precise target
will be agreed with the general lighthouse authorities
alongside the development of their corporate plans and
budgets for 2011 to 2014 that are submitted to me for
consideration in the autumn.
In this difficult economic period the Government
also wish to provide long term stability and reassurance,
both for light dues payers in the level of charges they
face and for the general lighthouse authorities so they
can plan effectively with budgetary stability. The responses
received to my request for comments on the Atkins
recommendations suggest that there is little appetite to
make major changes to the structure and scope of light
dues payable by ships visiting our shores. I do not
therefore intend to change the basis on which light dues
are currently charged, although I will continue to work
with all interested parties to seek an equitable means of
ensuing that all those who benefit from the provision
and supervision of marine aids to navigation by the
general lighthouse authorities pay towards their provision
where it is viable, practicable and economic to do so.
The Government also believe a solution needs to be
found as soon as possible to the imbalance of funding
for aids to navigation in the Republic of Ireland. I have
written to the Irish Minister of Transport; it is my
intention to conclude a negotiated agreement with the
Irish Government and to implement that agreement as
quickly as is reasonably possible thereafter.
Renewable Fuels Agency (Annual Report and Accounts
2009-10)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
(Norman Baker): In accordance with paragraph 14 of
the schedule to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations
Order 2007, the accounts of the Renewable Fuels Agency
for 2009-10 and the report of the Comptroller and
Auditor General have been laid before Parliament today.
WORK AND PENSIONS
Accounting for the Delivery of Welfare
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain
Duncan Smith): The Jobcentre Plus annual report and
accounts 2009-10 will be laid before Parliament today.
They will be published electronically on the Department’s
website later today.
77WS Written Ministerial Statements 26 JULY 2010
The annual report section provides a summary of
Jobcentre Plus’s performance against the business priorities
and targets stated in the 2009-10 published business
plan. The accounts provide a summary of Jobcentre
Plus’s administrative and employment programme
expenditure for 2009-10.
Copies will be available in the Vote Office and the
Printed Paper Office shortly.
Independent Living Fund
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions (Maria Miller): The trustees of the
Independent Living Fund took the decision to close
the fund to all new applicants as of June 2010. This
decision was taken to ensure the fund remained within
its £348 million budget. This followed the decision in
March to write to local authorities announcing that
from 1 May the fund would only be able to accept new
applications from disabled people in paid work of 16
hours or more, in line with the existing priorities set out
in its governing trust deed.
We have considered the circumstances that led to the
decision to restrict eligibility and then to close the fund
to new applicants. A combination of factors contributed
to this situation. The uncertainty and sensitivity of
financial forecasting assumptions and a short-notice
Written Ministerial Statements 78WS
film reduction in the fund’s 2010-11 budget implemented
by the previous Administration led to the trustees’
decision to restrict eligibility for the fund. The previous
Administration failed to approve this decision—which
enabled the ILF to live within their 2010-11 budget—until
March 2010. The confusion and uncertainty caused by
this chain of events is unacceptable.
The ILF has now put in place a more robust
methodology for forecasting future expenditure and has
safeguarded the support allocated to the 21,000 existing
recipients of the fund. I have asked the Department and
the ILF to ensure that all the lessons are learned from
this situation and that appropriate procedures are put in
place to ensure that the fund’s budget remains on track.
Further compounding the situation was the failure of
the previous Administration to take a principled and
strategic decision about the future role of the fund. This
was despite a comprehensive and independent review of
the fund published in 2007 which recommended that
the ILF should retain NDPB status until 2009-10 at
which point a decision should be made, based on the
presumption of the full integration of the funding
stream into personalised budgets.
The coalition Government are committed to ensuring
severely disabled people receive the support they need
and, working closely with the trustees, we will consider
and settle the long-term future of the ILF as part of the
forthcoming spending review.
9P Petitions 26 JULY 2010
Petitions
Monday 26 July 2010
OBSERVATIONS
HEALTH
Intensive Care (West Sussex)
The Petition of Mrs J Puttick and residents of the
Bognor Regis and Littlehampton constituency and others,
Declares that the Petitioners believe that care received
by Mr Ken Puttick at Worthing Hospital, West Sussex,
was appalling and inadequate; further declares that
consultants were not available at weekends, leading to
delays to necessary medical procedures; further declares
that the number of intensive care beds available was
insufficient to meet the needs of the patients and to
allow the necessary time for rehabilitation; and further
declares that the training given to nurses caring for
patients was inadequate.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of
Commons urges the Secretary of State for Health to
take steps to increase the number of intensive care beds
available; to ensure that care for patients is available
24 hours a day and seven days a week; and to improve
the training offered to nurses who care for multiple
organ failure patients who have been transferred from
intensive care units.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mr Nick
Gibb, Official Report, 6 July 2010; Vol. 513, c. 3P .]
[P000843]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Health:
The issues raised in the petition are local matters for
West Sussex Primary Care Trust (PCT) and my Department
will bring these to the attention of the Strategic Health
Authority, NHS South East Coast.
HOME DEPARTMENT
Anti-Social Behaviour (Croydon)
The Petition of the people of New Addington and
Fieldway wards,
Declares that they are concerned about numerous
cars have been broken into and damaged, while bins
have been repeatedly set on fire around Oak Bank.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of
Commons urges the Government to encourage the
authorities to introduce improved lighting and an increased
police presence in Oak Bank.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by
Mr Andrew Pelling, Official Report, 24 March 2010;
Vol. 508, c. 349 .]
[P000786]
Observations from the Secretary of State for the Home
Department:
The Government are deeply committed to tackling
antisocial behaviour in all its forms and have made it a
key priority for action at all levels. We all know that
antisocial behaviour and crime are stubborn features of
our broken society.
Petitions 10P
We firmly believe that the public have the right to
have their concerns about antisocial behaviour promptly
tackled by the police and local partners to ensure that
people feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods.
There are a number of powers available to the police,
local authorities, social landlords and other front-line
practitioners to tackle antisocial behaviour and there is
also detailed guidance on how to make full and effective
use of them. Warnings, acceptable behaviour contracts
(ABCs), fixed penalty notices, enforcement of tenancy
agreements, antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs), and
injunctions are all tools that could be used to stop
antisocial behaviour. There should be no situation in
which antisocial behaviour cannot be tackled or victims
not supported.
We understand from Croydon Council that action is
being taken to address the problem.
Cosmetics Testing on Animals
The Petition of the students of Coloma Convent High
School and the people of Croydon,
Declares that cosmetics testing on animals is unethical
and should be banned.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of
Commons urges the Government to bring in a bill to
outlaw the testing of cosmetics on animals.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by
Mr Andrew Pelling, Official Report, 6 April 2010; Vol. 508,
c. 944 .]
[P000818]
Observations from the Secretary of State for the Home
Department:
In 1997-98, the Government secured a voluntary ban
on the testing of cosmetic finished products and ingredients
on animals in the United Kingdom. We did this because
we believed that there was inadequate justification for
using animals given the benefits of these products and
the alternative tests available. After 13 years of negotiations,
other European Union (EU) countries agreed to the
phasing in of a near-total ban on the sale of animal-tested
cosmetic products throughout the EU from 2009. The
European Cosmetics Directive defines cosmetics to include
not only vanity products but also other products such
as toothpaste, baby care products and sun cream.
We cannot foresee any circumstances under which we
would be prepared to issue licences under the Animals
(Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 for testing on cosmetic
finished products and ingredients.
Human Trafficking
The Petition of the people of Croydon,
Declares that human trafficking continues to blight
our town.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of
Commons urges the Government to use their influence
to maintain a dedicated anti-trafficking unit in the
Metropolitan Police.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by
Mr Andrew Pelling, Official Report, 24 March 2010;
Vol. 508, c. 348 .]
[P000783]
11P Petitions 26 JULY 2010
Observations from the Secretary of State for the Home
Department:
The Government totally condemn the horrendous
crime of trafficking people into, out of and within the
United Kingdom and are committed to ensuring the
UK is a hostile environment for those who seek to
profit from this vile trade.
From 1 April 2010, responsibility for tackling human
trafficking in London has rested with an expanded
Clubs and Vice Unit which is supported by being part
of the Specialist Crime Directorate (SCD) of the
Metropolitan Police Service. This change will reduce
duplication, improve leadership governance, accountability
and clarity for partners and victims. The move to SCD
will enable an increased focus on organised crime and
enable better access and use of that Directorate’s assets
in order to improve the response to human trafficking.
Policing (Croydon)
The Petition of people of Croydon,
Declares that the London Borough of Croydon requires
a fairer share of police officers in London.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of
Commons urges the Government to take steps to secure
a fairer share of London’s police officers for Croydon
Petitions 12P
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by
Mr Andrew Pelling, Official Report, 29 March 2010;
Vol. 508, c. 604 .]
[P000789]
Observations from the Secretary of State for the Home
Department:
On 30 September 2009 the Metropolitan Police Service
had 32,904 police officers, 4,637 police community support
officers and 13,693 police staff. The Government do not
determine the number of police officers that are deployed
to Croydon by the Metropolitan Police Service: that is a
matter for the Commissioner (Sir Paul Stephenson QPM)
and the Metropolitan Police Authority. At the end of
March 2010 the Croydon Operational Command Unit
had 747 police officers, 173 police community support
officers and 75 Special Constables.
The Government understand that decisions about
the allocation of resources to the London Borough
Operational Command Units is informed by the
Metropolitan Police Resource Allocation Formula which
is kept under review by the Commissioner and the
Metropolitan Police Authority. We have drawn this
petition to the attention of the Commissioner and the
Metropolitan Police Authority.
601W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Written Answers to
Questions
Monday 26 July 2010
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT
London Olympics
13. Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he
plans to take to ensure that people from all parts of the
UK volunteer for the London 2012 Olympics. [10682]
Hugh Robertson: LOCOG will launch its London
2012 ‘Games Makers’ volunteer scheme tomorrow. The
scheme will be marketed across the UK. A roadshow in
September will follow, and then selection and training
events will be held across the country.
The Department is working with local authorities to
enable them to provide volunteers to welcome visitors
in 2012.
BBC’s Accounts
18. Alec Shelbrooke: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what progress has
been made on implementation of the proposals set out
in the coalition agreement to give the National Audit
Office full access to the BBC’s accounts. [10688]
Mr Vaizey: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I
gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington
South (David Mowat).
Arts: Finance
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent
discussions he has had with officials and Ministers in
HM Treasury on future levels of arts funding. [11444]
Mr Vaizey: This Department meets regularly with the
Treasury. The future arts funding settlement will be
decided in the spending review, the outcome of which
will be known in October this year.
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he plans
to ring-fence Arts Council England funding. [11445]
Mr Vaizey: There are no plans to ring-fence arts
funding. Our priority is putting the economy back on
its feet and restoring the nation’s finances. This is in the
interests of all our sectors, particularly the arts and
culture sectors which receive significant amounts of
private finance. Any budget reductions will be made
while protecting frontline services as far as possible.
Betting
Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he
has made of the sums in dormant betting accounts.
[11184]
Written Answers 602W
John Penrose: It has not yet been possible to make an
informed estimate of the sums that may be held in
dormant betting accounts as such figures are not generally
published by betting operators. The Tote has, however,
previously advised that the gross figure for uncollected
winnings recorded during the financial year 2008-09
was £1.04 million.
I have asked the hon. Member for Bath (Mr Foster)
to compile a report for me into abandoned betting
accounts and other unclaimed winnings. The report will
seek to consider how much money may be left abandoned
in betting accounts and the value of unclaimed winning
tickets. The hon. Member for Bath will be meeting
interested parties throughout the autumn to gather
views and information. He expects to present his findings,
along with a possible proposal of new legislation, to me
by the end of the year.
Betting Shops: Greater London
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture,
Olympics, Media and Sport what representations he has
received from the Mayor of London on licensing of
betting shops in London since his appointment. [10925]
John Penrose: I have not received any representations
from the Mayor of London on licensing of betting
shops in London.
Big Lottery Fund: Scotland
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture,
Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions he has
had on the effects on Scotland of the proposed changes
to the criteria for the Big Lottery Fund with (a) the
Secretary of State for Scotland, (b) the Lottery Fund in
Scotland, (c) Scottish Executive Ministers, (d) the
Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations and (e)
the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. [11068]
John Penrose: We propose to consult on this shortly,
and will include the Big Lottery Fund, the Secretary of
State for Scotland, Scottish Ministers, the Scottish Council
for Voluntary Organisations and the Convention of
Scottish Local Authorities. Initial discussions have already
taken place between DCMS officials and officials at the
Big Lottery Fund, the Scotland Office and the Scottish
Executive and the Secretary of State for Scotland recently
met the Chief Executive and Scotland Chair of the Big
Lottery Fund about this and other lottery proposals.
Big Lottery Fund: Voluntary Organisations
Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what proportion
of grant money awarded from the Big Lottery Fund
went to organisations in the community and voluntary
sector in each of the last three financial years. [10270]
John Penrose [holding answer 21 July 2010]: In 2004,
the Big Lottery Fund gave an undertaking to direct
between 60-70% of funding to the voluntary and
community sector (VCS). This undertaking has since
been increased to 80% of grants. This commitment
reflects the view that the VCS is frequently best placed
to make funding work for those communities and people
most in need.
603W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
The following table sets out the percentage of grants
committed to the VCS for the last three financial years.
Percentage of grants committed
Financial year to the VCS1
2009-10 91
2008-09 87
2007-08 68
1
These percentages include grants awarded though the Awards for
All programme. Prior to April 2009, Awards for All was delivered by
the Big Lottery Fund and funded by Big Lottery Fund, Arts Council
England, Heritage Lottery Fund and Sport England. Since April
2009, Awards for All has been delivered and solely funded by the Big
Lottery Fund.
Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what grants were
awarded by the Big Lottery Fund to (a) community
and voluntary organisations and (b) other
organisations in each constituency in each of the last
three financial years. [10271]
John Penrose [holding answer 21 July 2010]: A list
containing details of each grant awarded in each
constituency could be provided only at disproportionate
cost. The Big Lottery Fund have, however, provided a
table that details the total amount of grants committed
as proportions of grants committed to the Voluntary
and Community Sector (VCS) and non-VCS grants in
each constituency for each of the last three financial
years. This table will be placed in the Libraries of both
Houses.
The table includes grants awarded through the Awards
for All programme. Prior to April 2009 Awards for All
was delivered by the Big Lottery Fund and funded by
Big Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, Heritage
Lottery Fund and Sport England. Since April 2009
Awards for All has been delivered and solely funded by
the Big Lottery Fund.
Bolton and Quinn
Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much (a) his
Department and (b) Arts Council England has paid to
Bolton and Quinn in each year since 1997. [11185]
Mr Vaizey: This Department has not paid Bolton
and Quinn since 1997. In 2004-05 Arts Council England
paid them £11,750 and in 2005-06 £14,363.38.
Broadband: West Yorkshire
Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what plans his
Department has to roll out superfast broadband to
rural areas in Colne Valley constituency. [10708]
Mr Vaizey: On 8 June, the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport set out the
Government’s plans for ensuring the UK has the best
superfast broadband network in Europe. A transcript
of this announcement in its entirety can be accessed via
the DCMS website at:
http://www.culture.gov.uk/news/ministers_speeches/7245.aspx
Written Answers 604W
The Government are committed to making a service
level of 2 Mbps available in towns and villages still
without a basic level of access. The office charged with
delivering this universal service commitment, Broadband
Delivery UK, held an industry event on 15 July to
provide further information on this commitment. Roll-out
of broadband is first and foremost a matter for private
sector investors. However, as stated in the Coalition’s
joint programme for Government, we will seek to introduce
superfast broadband in remote areas at the same time
as in more populated areas, and pilots will be held in
three areas to test the roll-out of superfast broadband
in rural areas. The locations of these pilots will be
announced later in the year.
Departmental Billing
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what percentage
of payments made by his Department to (a) small and
medium-sized enterprise suppliers and (b) all suppliers
were made (i) within 10 days of receipt of invoice and
(ii) on the agreed payment terms in the last three
months for which information is available. [11159]
John Penrose: The Department’s performance for
payment of invoices within 10 working days and within
agreed terms to all suppliers in each month from April-June
2010 is set out in the table.
Percentage of Percentage of
payments made within payments made within
10 working days agreed terms
April 98.05 99.25
May 97.37 99.04
June 95.81 99.12
To disaggregate performance by small and medium
sized enterprise suppliers would incur disproportionate
cost, as the DCMS systems do not record payment data
in this way.
Departmental Degrees
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many
officials in his Department have a BSc degree in a
science or engineering subject. [11258]
John Penrose: At this time, DCMS does not record
the degree qualifications held by officials.
Departmental Official Cars
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) how much his
Department has spent on the Government Car Service
since the Government took office; [7990]
(2) which (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his
Department have been driven by the Government Car
Service since the Government took office; and how
much each of these persons has received in expenses for
use of taxis, buses and underground trains in that
period. [7991]
605W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
John Penrose: The Secretary of State has cancelled
contracts for personal Government Car Scheme (GCS)
cars for this Department’s Ministers. Ministers have
made use of green cars, which are provided by the
Government Car and Dispatch Agency, on an ad hoc
basis and we are currently negotiating a final cancellation
fee with the GCS.
The costs Ministers have incurred for taxi, bus and
underground train travel for the months they have been
in office, are shown in the table:
Travel expenses post
Minister appointment (£)
Jeremy Hunt 412.68
Ed Vaizey 50.00
Hugh Robertson 159.30
John Penrose 175.28
The only expense claimed directly by a Minister is
£30.00 for a taxi to/from an event at the Australian high
commission by the Minister for Sport and the Olympics.
Departmental Operating Costs
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he has
taken to reduce the running costs of his Department to
date. [9601]
John Penrose: The Department has taken steps to
reduce its costs in 2010-11 by cutting £800,000 across
administrative and pay budgets (including travel and
subsistence, ministerial cars, consultancy, training, publicity
and overtime); and £750,000 of its own capital expenditure
(mainly software upgrades). In addition, it has also
reduced by 3% the grants it makes to most of its arm’s
length bodies and other institutions and programmes
funded by the Department.
We will be taking further steps to reduce administration
costs as part of the spending review.
Football
Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what criteria
he plans to use to assess progress on reforms of
football governance; [10806]
(2) what timetable his Department has set for
bringing forward proposals for the reform of football
governance. [10807]
Hugh Robertson: While it is not for Government to
run football, I have made it clear that I want to see the
three football authorities working together to address
various issues in the game, including the implementation
of the Burns Review.
I will be meeting with the authorities again in the
near future to see what progress has been made.
Gambling
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport on what date the
Gambling Commission plans to publish the Gambling
Prevalence Study 2010. [10983]
Written Answers 606W
John Penrose: The Gambling Commission plans to
publish the British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010 in
February 2011. Further details are available on the
Commission’s website at:
http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/research __consultations/
research/bgps/bgps_2010.aspx
Gambling: Licensing
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps the
Gambling Commission takes to monitor (a) the
annual number of gambling premise licences issued
and (b) the locations in respect of which such licences
are granted. [10984]
John Penrose: Under the Gambling Act 2005, local
authorities are required to inform the Gambling
Commission of the grant of an application for a premises
licence. This includes details of the location of the
premises.
Gaming Machines
Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent
representations his Department has received from the
British Amusement Catering Trade Association on (a)
the proportion of category B3 arcade machines in
amusement arcades and (b) the stake on category B3
machines; and if he will make a statement. [10890]
John Penrose: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I
gave on 21 July 2010, Official Report, column 333W, to
my hon. Friend the Member for Shipley (Philip Davies).
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many B2
gaming machines there were in the UK in each year
since 2001. [10986]
John Penrose: Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs)
were reclassified as B2 gaming machines in September
2007 when the Gambling Act 2005 came into effect. No
central records of the number of gaming machines were
held prior to that, although the Gambling Commission’s
2006-07 annual report did contain figures that included
an industry estimate of 24,500 FOBTs.
Since 2007 the Gambling Commission has published
figures for all categories of gaming machines, based on
industry estimates. For B2 machines these were: 2007-08
27,000; 2008-09 27,500. Figures for 2009-10 are not yet
available. This data is available on the Gambling
Commission’s website at
http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/gh-about_us/
annual_report_and_accounts.aspx
Horserace Totalisator Board: Manpower
Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many staff
are employed by the Tote in Wigan constituency.
[11306]
John Penrose: The Tote currently employs 540 staff in
the Wigan area, based in the Tote Park head office and
the retail shops in the area.
607W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 608W

Local Broadcasting: West Yorkshire
Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what plans he has
for local television in West Yorkshire; and if he will
make a statement. [10709]
Mr Vaizey: The Government want to see commercially
sustainable local television emerge across the UK. The
Government recently appointed Nicholas Shott of Lazard
Ltd. to look at the necessary conditions for this to
happen and consider the ways in which major cities and
other areas might sustain local television services. His
findings will inform the Government’s proposed approach
due to be published later this year.
London Review of Books
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much
funding the London Review of Books has received
from the Arts Council in each year since 2000. [10891]
Hugh Robertson: The impact of the increase in the
rate of VAT, as announced in the June 2010 Emergency
Budget, is that the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA)
will be required to pay approximately £45 million in
additional VAT. As of 30 June 2010, and taking this
additional cost into account, the anticipated final cost
for the ODA programme is reduced £6 million since the
previous quarter, due to savings achieved by the ODA.
Performing Arts
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will bring
forward proposals to place a statutory duty on local
authorities to fund performing arts. [11442]
Mr Vaizey: It is our view that regulation is not the
best way to deliver cultural services at a local level. We
want to empower local communities and local authorities
to make the decisions that are most appropriate for
their area, rather than imposing a one size fits all model
of cultural provision. Imposing a statutory duty would
also add to burdens placed upon local government at a
time when deregulation is a priority.

Mr Vaizey: Arts Council England has supplied the Theatre

information in the following table for funding the London John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for
Review of Books each full financial year since 2000. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what plans he has
to provide support for the theatre sector. [11443]
£
Financial year Grant in aid Lottery Total Mr Vaizey: We are wholly committed to a strong
future for the arts, including support for the theatre
2000-01 14,050 0 14,050 sector.
2001-02 14,050 0 14,050 In 2009-10 Arts Council England invested over
2002-03 14,500 0 14,500 £104 million into regularly funded theatre organisations
2003-04 14,500 0 14,500 and more than £13 million into theatre through grants
2004-05 14,900 0 14,900 for the arts.
2005-06 15,300 0 15,300 Arts Council England carried out an extensive assessment
2006-07 20,000 0 20,000 of the theatre sector in 2009. The findings of this
2007-08 20,180 0 20,180 assessment fed into Arts Council England’s recent
2008-09 20,724 0 20,724 consultation ‘Achieving great art for everyone’ to help
2009-10 21,284 5,000 26,284 develop a strategic framework for its future investment
in the arts, including theatre. The framework will be
National Lottery: Scotland published in late 2010.
Theatre: Government Assistance
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for
has made of the number of current recipients in (a) Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he
Scotland and (b) Glasgow of funding from the Big has made of the contribution to the economy made by
Lottery Fund which would not meet the new proposed subsidised repertory theatre in each year since 1997.
[11281]
criteria for eligibility for such funding. [10233]
Hugh Robertson: This Department and Arts Council
John Penrose [holding answer 22 July 2010]: I have England have made no such estimate, however the
made no such estimate. I am proposing to consult Society of London Theatre published the Wyndham
shortly on a policy direction that would require the Big Report in 1998. This explored the economic impact of
Lottery Fund to take account of the need to focus London Theatre.
funding on the voluntary and community sector in
respect of its UK non-devolved and England expenditure.
The Big Lottery Fund’s devolved expenditure in Scotland SCOTLAND
would not be covered by such a direction. Departmental Billing
Olympic Games 2012: VAT Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Scotland what percentage of payments made by his
Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Department to (a) small and medium-sized enterprise
Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment suppliers and (b) all suppliers were made (i) within
he has made of the likely effect on Olympic 10 days of receipt of invoice and (ii) on the agreed
construction and procurement projects of the increase payment terms in the last three months for which
in the standard rate of value added tax. [9634] information is available. [11389]
609W Written Answers
Michael Moore: The Scotland Office does not
differentiate between suppliers and endeavours to pay
all valid invoices as promptly as possible. The Scotland
Office’s performance is shown in the following table:
Percentage
2010 Paid within 10 days Paid within 30 days
April 96.4
May 98.8
June 100
Electricity: Meters
Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for
Scotland what his most recent estimate is of the
number of households in Scotland which use pre-
payment electricity meters. [11425]
Michael Moore: Ofgem monitors the performance of
domestic electricity and gas suppliers in relation to
payment methods. Information is collected from suppliers
on a quarterly and annual basis and the data received
from suppliers are set out in tables and published on the
Ofgem website. The latest information for September
2009 shows there were 485,412 households with pre-
payment electricity meters in Scotland.
Graduates: Taxation
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for
Scotland what the implications would be for funding of
higher education under the Barnett formula in Scotland
from introduction of a graduate tax in England. [11069]
Michael Moore: An independent review, led by Lord
Browne, is currently looking at how universities in
England will be funded in the future. Its terms of
reference state that it will report in the autumn, before
which it would be inappropriate to pre-empt the outcome.
Housing Benefit
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for
Scotland what meetings he has had with (a) housing
associations in Scotland, (b) the Convention of
Scottish Local Authorities and (c) Citizens Advice
Scotland on the effects of the proposed changes in
housing benefit regulations. [11070]
Michael Moore: The Department for Work and Pensions
has been in contact with the Scottish Government on
this matter and published detailed impact assessments
of the changes on its website on 23 July.
Merchant Shipping
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for
Scotland pursuant to the answer of 14 July 2010,
Official Report, column 729W, on merchant shipping,
what discussions he has had with the Under-Secretary
of State for Transport on the Merchant Shipping
(Ship-to-Ship Transfers) Regulations 2010. [11071]
Michael Moore: I refer the hon. Member to my
answer to the hon. Member for Motherwell and Wishaw
(Mr Roy) on 15 July 2010, Official Report, column
817W.
26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 610W
Minimum Wage
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Scotland what discussions he has had with the First
Minister on the effect on those resident in Scotland and
in receipt of the national minimum wage of the
proposed change to the standard rate of value added
100 tax. [9886]
100
100 Michael Moore: I have not discussed this issue with
the First Minister. The decision to raise the standard
rate of value added tax was part of a necessary plan to
tackle the largest budget deficit in peacetime history,
which this Government inherited. As a result of the
action we are taking, basic rate taxpayers will gain from
the £1,000 rise in the personal allowance for income tax,
and families will gain from increases of £150 and £60
above indexation per year to the child element of the
child tax credit in the next two years respectively. The
Budget also commits to keeping everyday essentials
such as food and children’s clothing free from VAT.
WOMEN AND EQUALITIES
Access to Work
8. Jane Ellison: To ask the Minister for Women and
Equalities if she will hold discussions with the
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on proposals
to change the access to work programme to increase
opportunities for disabled people to find employment.
[10309]
10. Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Minister for Women
and Equalities if she will hold discussions with the
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on proposals
to change the access to work programme to increase
opportunities for disabled people to find employment.
[10311]
Maria Miller [holding answer 22 July 2010]: I have
been asked to reply.
The Government are committed to ensuring disabled
people are given the support they need to get a job and
remain in employment.
The coalition agreement made a commitment on
Access to Work. The Government Equalities Office is
developing plans for delivering this commitment and
further details will be announced in due course.
Departmental Operating Costs
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Minister for Women
and Equalities what steps she has taken to reduce the
running costs of the Government Equalities Office
since her appointment. [9816]
Lynne Featherstone: The Minister for Women and
Equalities has submitted plans for reductions to running
costs for the GEO in her submission for the spending
review. The Minister has already introduced stringent
controls on expenditure in line with Treasury and Cabinet
Office guidance on for example recruitment,
communications, publishing and media. In addition
controls have been introduced on the use of taxis and
first class travel for GEO staff.
611W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Departmental Pay
Tom Brake: To ask the Minister for Women and
Equalities how much was paid in remuneration in total
to civil servants in her Department in 2009-10. [10000]
Lynne Featherstone: The Government Equalities Office
paid £5,361,000 in remuneration to civil servants in
2009-10.
EC Law
Philip Davies: To ask the Minister for Women and
Equalities if she will estimate the cost to her
Department of compliance with regulations arising
from EU obligations in the last 12 months. [6880]
Lynne Featherstone: The Government Equalities Office
acts in accordance with a wide range of regulation of
both EU and domestic origin and it is not standard
accounting practice to distinguish regulatory compliance
costs from overall running costs. This figure could be
obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Equalities and Human Rights Commission: Manpower
Ann McKechin: To ask the Minister for Women and
Equalities how many (a) men and (b) women the
Equality and Human Rights Commission employs in
Scotland. [10488]
Lynne Featherstone [holding answer 22 July 2010]:
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is
independent and manages its own affairs; the following
is based on information it has provided. The Commission
employs 14 men and 32 women in Scotland.
Maternity Leave
Ann McKechin: To ask the Minister for Women and
Equalities what the practice is of (a) the Government
Equalities Office and (b) the Equality and Human
Rights Commission on recruitment of staff to provide
cover for female staff who are absent whilst on
maternity leave. [11067]
Lynne Featherstone: Government Equalities Office’s
practice when maternity leave is taken is to manage the
absence internally, from within the Department’s existing
staffing resource. Where a temporary replacement is
business critical, the vacancy is advertised as maternity
leave cover across the civil service, on loan terms.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is
independent and manages its own affairs; the following
is based on information it has provided. Where the
vacancy cannot be filled internally, a temporary replacement
is sought through the civil service and other non-
departmental public bodies.
Women’s National Commission
Sandra Osborne: To ask the Minister for Women and
Equalities what plans she has for the Women’s
National Commission. [10932]
Written Answers 612W
Lynne Featherstone: The coalition Government have
made clear their commitment to increase the accountability
of all public bodies and reduce their number and costs.
The Women’s National Commission (WNC) is included
in this exercise along with many other non-departmental
public bodies (NDPBs).
My Department, the Government Equalities Office,
has written to the chair of the commission, Baroness
Gould of Potternewton, inviting the WNC to respond
to the three tests which all NDPBs are being assessed
against. We are now considering the reply. I have also
met with Baroness Gould to discuss the review and
listen to her views.
The review will conclude in the autumn and the result
will be made public.
Sandra Osborne: To ask the Minister for Women and
Equalities what the budget for the Women’s National
Commission is for 2010-11. [10997]
Lynne Featherstone: The Women’s National Commission
budget for this financial year is £661,000.
WALES
Departmental Billing
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Wales what percentage of payments made by her
Department to (a) small and medium-sized enterprise
suppliers and (b) all suppliers were made (i) within 10
days of receipt of invoice and (ii) on the agreed
payment terms in the last three months for which
information is available. [11383]
Mr David Jones: The Wales Office payment statistics
do not make a split between small and medium-sized
suppliers and other suppliers, this information could be
obtained only at a disproportionate cost.
The percentage of payments made within 10 days for
all suppliers are:
Percentage of payments made within 10 days
April 2010 98.67
May 2010 98.36
June 2010 98.86
Although payment terms for suppliers range between
14 and 30 days, we aim to pay all invoices within
10 days.
Job Creation
Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for
Wales (1) what recent estimate she has made of the
number of new companies seeking to locate in Wales;
[10452]
(2) what estimate her Department has made of the
number of jobs (a) created and (b) safeguarded in the
economy by inward investment into Wales in (i) 2009
and (ii) the latest period for which figures are available.
[10343]
Mr David Jones: As the Prime Minister announced
on 22 July 2010, this Government are committed to
attracting as much inward investment as possible to the
UK. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will be
focusing on commercial links with the global marketplace
and this office is committed to playing its part in
drawing as much new investment to Wales as possible.
613W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
The latest figures available published by UKTI show
that the number of new jobs created from inward investment
in Wales was 3,431 in the financial year 2009-10. The
number of safeguarded jobs was 3,931.
Public Expenditure: Cuts
Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales
what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of
the Exchequer on projected trends in employment in
the public sector in Wales attributable to public
expenditure reductions in the next five years. [9594]
Mr David Jones: As specific spending plans will be
announced in the autumn, following the comprehensive
spending review, it has not been possible to produce any
forecasts in relation to the impact of public expenditure
reductions on Wales.
In devolved areas of spending, it is for the Welsh
Assembly Government to make its own decisions about
the allocation of its block grant, including any reductions.
Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales
if she will discuss with ministerial colleagues the
provision of support to those employed in the public
sector in Wales who will lose their jobs in the next five
years as a result of reductions in departmental
expenditure. [9595]
Mr David Jones: Both the Secretary of State for
Wales and I will continue to have discussions with
ministerial colleagues to ensure that any public sector
workers affected by reductions in Wales receive all the
support that they need.
Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales
what estimate she has made of the number of jobs to
be lost in the public sector in Wales in the next five
years. [9596]
Mr David Jones: I refer the hon. Gentleman to my
answer of 19 July 2010, Official Report, column 10W. It
is premature to make any estimates of the impacts on
Wales of the Government’s public sector expenditure
plans.
Trade Unions
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales
how much her Department and its predecessor has
paid to trade unions in each year since 1997; and what
estimate she has made of the monetary value of
facilities provided by her Department and its
predecessor for use by trade unions in each year since
1997. [11670]
Mr David Jones: No payments have been made directly
by the Wales Office to trade unions and no estimate has
been made of the value of facilities provided.
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales
how many paid manpower hours civil servants in her
Department and its predecessor spent on trade
union-related duties and activities in each year since
1997. [11671]
Written Answers 614W
Mr David Jones: One member of staff had 11 hours
trade union facility time during 2009-10, in line with the
ACAS Code of Practice “Time Off for Trades Union
Duties and Activities”. We have no information relating
to previous years.
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales
how many civil servants in her Department and its
predecessor spent the equivalent of (a) five days or
fewer, (b) five to 10 days, (c) 10 to 15 days, (d) 15 to
20 days, (e) 20 to 25 days and (f) 25 days or more on
trade union-related activities or duties while being paid
salaries from the public purse in each year since 1997.
[11672]
Mr David Jones: One member of staff spent the
equivalent of 1.5 days on trade union related activities
or duties facility time during the 2009-10 period while
employed by the Wales Office. We have no figures for
previous years.
DEFENCE
Afghanistan: Armed Forces
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for
Defence (1) how many Afghans from each ethnic group
have been recruited to the Afghan National Army; and
how many such recruits deserted or otherwise left that
army in the last three years; [8251]
(2) what the (a) size and (b) ethnic composition of
the Afghan National Army in (i) Afghanistan and (ii)
Helmand province was (A) in 2007 and (B) on the latest
date for which figures are available. [8252]
Dr Fox: There are currently 130,000 Afghan National
Army (ANA) members of which approximately 10,500
are in Helmand Province. Accurate data on the size of
the ANA nationally and in Helmand in 2007 is not
available, as we did not start to verify strength figures
for the ANA until late 2008.
The current ethnic composition of the ANA at the
national level is detailed in the following table:
Origin Percentage of overall ANA
Pashtun 44
Tajik 30
Hazara 11
Uzbek 7
Others 8
We do not hold accurate current data for the ethnic
composition of the ANA in Helmand.
ANA recruitment and retention are matters for the
Government of Afghanistan.
Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for
Defence how many (a) uniformed armed forces personnel,
(b) civilian support workers and (c) contractors were
employed in security work in Afghanistan in each of the
last 24 months. [9769]
615W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Dr Fox: The Ministry of Defence keeps the number
of armed forces and civilian personnel deployed to
Afghanistan under constant review. Civil servants deploy
to Afghanistan to support the armed forces but they are
not directly involved in security operations.
The force levels over the last two years are as follows:
Military Civilian
July 2008 8,100 40
June 2009 9,000 56
November 2009 9,500 97
July 2010 9,500 133
The Department does not directly contract with private
military security companies in Afghanistan.
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for
Defence how many operations involving armed drones
have been carried out by UK forces in each year of
conflict in Afghanistan; and from which bases the
operations were carried out. [10056]
Dr Fox: Reaper, operated by the Royal Air Force, is
the UK’s only armed remotely piloted air system. It
entered operational service in October 2007 in Afghanistan
and is flown from Kandahar airfield.
The primary role of Reapers operated by the UK
remains intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
but they have had the capability to employ air-to-ground
weapons since May 2008.
Weapons use
May to December 2008 28
January to December 2009 42
January to July 2010 27
Total 97
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for
Defence what assessment has been made of the effects
of adoption of a more passive military stance by
NATO in Afghanistan on levels of insurgency in
Europe. [10457]
Dr Fox: NATO has not adopted a more passive
military stance; it remains fully committed to the counter-
insurgency mission in Afghanistan. International security
assistance forces are in Afghanistan to protect our
national security by preventing Afghan territory from
again being used by al-Qaeda as a base from which to
plan attacks on the United Kingdom and our allies.
We continue to train the Afghan national security
forces so that they can assume responsibility for
Afghanistan’s enduring security as soon as possible.
Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for
Defence what percentage of casualties caused by
enemy action in Afghanistan in the last 12 months were
inflicted on routine (a) foot and (b) vehicle patrols.
[10666]
Dr Fox: Of the 134 service personnel killed due to
enemy action between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2010,
115 fatalities occurred during foot patrols, operations to
Written Answers 616W
dispose of Improvised Explosive Devices, and other
dismounted operations; the remaining 19 fatalities were
as a result of attacks on vehicles.
Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for
Defence (1) for what reasons the level of casualties
inflicted on routine foot and vehicle patrols in
Afghanistan has increased in the last 12 months; and if
he will make a statement; [10667]
(2) for what reason routine foot patrols in
Afghanistan have not been discontinued; and if he will
make it his policy to (a) reduce or (b) discontinue
tasking of British service personnel to such patrolling
duties. [10669]
Dr Fox: We are conducting a counter-insurgency
operation in Afghanistan, a key part of which is for
troops to interact with the local population, some of
which can only be carried out by patrolling on foot or in
vehicles. We will not implement a policy on foot patrols
that limits the ability of commanders on the ground to
fulfil the operation.
We constantly assess the security situation and try to
adapt our tactics in response while trying to reduce the
risk to our personnel through measures such as varying
the patrol routes and performing drills to help locate
improvised explosive devices.
Despite this, Helmand, where the majority of UK
troops are based, remains one of the most violent
provinces in Afghanistan. But as security conditions
allow, and when the Afghan security forces are ready,
international security assistance force troops will increasingly
step back from the front line into a supporting role and,
over time, will reduce in number. This will be a phased,
gradual process and will be subject to careful assessment
by commanders on the ground. It is only through close
engagement and partnering with the Afghan authorities
that we will be able to transfer responsibility for security
to the Afghans to deliver a stable country in the long-term.
Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for
Defence whether officers participate in most routine
(a) foot and (b) vehicle patrols in Afghanistan.
[10668]
Dr Fox: Officers share the same risks as the service
personnel they command and routinely conduct foot
and vehicle patrols with them.
Apache Helicopters
Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for
Defence how much his Department paid to the US
administration for use of training facilities by UK
Apache helicopter pilots in the latest period for which
figures are available. [10471]
Nick Harvey: The amount to be paid to the US
authorities for the use of training facilities by the UK
Apache force during the most recent phase of Exercise
Crimson Eagle in Arizona between April and July 2010
is estimated at approximately £770,000. This figure
includes rates and rents, estate and facilities management,
building maintenance and accommodation stores.
617W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 618W

The hot and dry conditions in the West Arizona

Financial Number of Cost Number of Cost
Aviation Training Site offer ideal preparation for the year SFA (£ million) SSFA (£ million)
conditions UK Apache pilots face on operations in
Afghanistan. Exercise Crimson Eagle is therefore an 2008-09 42,768 184 1,391 20
essential part of pre-deployment training for both aircrew 2009-10 42,060 184 1,524 22
and ground crew.
The MOD also currently rents 5,423 SFA properties
Armed Forces: Housing overseas.
Information for earlier years regarding the total number
Rebecca Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for of overseas SFA and rental costs is either not available
Defence (1) how many properties his Department or not held centrally and could be provided only at
rented from the private sector or other providers for the disproportionate cost.
purposes of housing service families in each of the last
five years; [10195] Caribbean: Warships
(2) how much his Department has paid to the private
sector for rental of accommodation for service families Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for
in each of the last five years; [10196]
Defence what reduction in his Department’s
expenditure arose from withdrawal of HMS Iron Duke
(3) how many service family accommodation units and RFA Fort George from the Caribbean in
are in condition (a) one, (b) two, (c) three and (d) December 2009. [10447]
four; [10197]
(4) how many units of service family Nick Harvey: The temporary withdrawal of the Royal
accommodation there were for armed forces personnel Navy presence from the Atlantic Patrol Task (North)
and their families as at 30 June 2010; [10198] for the six month period outside the hurricane season
(5) how many single living accommodation units (June to November), saved approximately £1 million.
there were for serving personnel as at 30 June 2010. Departmental Fire Services
[10199]
Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for
Mr Robathan: As at 30 June 2010, there were 65,019 Defence what plans he has to review his Department’s
service family accommodation (SFA) properties worldwide provision of defence fire and rescue services through
and, as at 31 March 2010 (the latest date for which contractors. [10358]
figures are available), there were 146,813 single living
accommodation bed-spaces. Nick Harvey: At this time there are no specific plans
SFA is assessed for its Standard for Condition (SfC)—a to change the way in which the Ministry of Defence fire
detailed measure of the physical condition of a property and rescue capability is delivered.
with Standard one being the highest and Standard four The cross-Government Strategic Defence and Security
the lowest. A survey to determine the SfC of SFA in Review is undertaking a thorough examination of our
England and Wales is currently being undertaken, with force structure in order to provide the most effective
similar surveys planned for Scotland and Northern defence of the UK’s interests. This exercise will bring
Ireland. Those UK properties so far surveyed and overseas defence policy, plans, commitments and resources into
SFA are at the following SfC: balance, and produce over time a transformative change
to British defence. This is a wide-ranging review that
Number of overseas will examine all aspects of defence, including options
SfC Number of UK SFA SFA for the future provision of fire services. Decisions will
S1fC 14,042 4,391 be made in the autumn.
S2fC 19,270 3,963 Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for
S3fC 1,026 4,124 Defence what minimum standards his Department sets
S4fC 201 2,841 in respect of the eligibility of his Department’s staff
and contractors to be employed for fire protection
While the majority of SFA in Scotland and Northern
work. [10359]
Ireland are owned by the Ministry of Defence (MOD),
other UK properties are leased from the private sector Nick Harvey: Professional fire protection standards
through various arrangements, including private finance are laid down by the Department for Communities and
initiatives. Local Government (fire and rescue service development
Where suitable SFA properties do not exist in an area criteria and National Occupational Standards), legislative
or are temporarily unavailable (as a last resort) Substitute requirements and national best practice within the fire
SFA (SSFA) is also rented from the local rental market. and rescue service sector.
The total numbers of SFA or SSFA properties in the Personnel recruited into the Defence fire and rescue
UK provided through these arrangements and the total service with no previous experience will undertake a 14
costs are only available for the last four years: week fire fighter course at the Ministry of Defence Fire
Training and Development Centre in Manston, which
Financial Number of Cost Number of Cost includes a demonstration of competence within the
year SFA (£ million) SSFA (£ million) workplace. Personnel with previous experience (e.g. in
2006-07 42,884 167 1,279 18 local authority fire and rescue service) will be subject to
2007-08 42,652 179 1,190 18
a training gap analysis to identify any shortfalls in their
skills. The same criteria will apply to contracted personnel.
619W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 620W

Departmental ICT Department; what the primary purpose of this aid is in

each case; and how much has been given to each in
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for each of the last five years. [9064]
Defence how much (a) his Department and (b) its
agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on Nick Harvey: Military Aid incorporates a broad spectrum
information and communication technology in each of activity co-ordinated through our Defence Attaché
year since 1997. [7342] network. The overarching aim of all military aid is to
strengthen the international security environment through
Mr Robathan: The operating costs of operational, the development of bilateral relationships. The Ministry
satellite and non-operational information technology of Defence does not give cash grants to partner countries
and telecommunications, including the related Private for military aid but does use departmental funding to
Finance Initiative (PFI) service charges from 2005-06, offset the cost of activities to achieve these aims. I refer
have been as follows: the hon. Member to the MOD Annual Reports and
Accounts which can be found on the MOD website at:
£ million www.mod.uk
Financial Year Expenditure PFI Service charges and which provide information on the funding and the
1997-98 645 — type of activities undertaken for the period requested.
1998-99 776 —
1999-2000 720 — Nuclear Submarines: Accidents
2000-01 769 —
2001-02 527 — Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for
2002-03 628 — Defence what inquiry was held into the collision
2003-04 738 — between HMS Vanguard and Le Triomphant in
2004-05 678 — February 2009. [10933]
2005-06 643 307
2006-07 719 425 Dr Fox: The First Sea Lord commissioned a thorough
2007-08 655 493 review of the collision between HMS Vanguard and FS
2008-09 852 539 Le Triomphant. The report on the incident, dated May
2009, contains highly classified operational detail concerning
These figures represent expenditure by the Department, the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent and for reasons
the on-vote defence agencies and those advisory non- of national security, it will not be published.
departmental public bodies we sponsor. The figures do
not include expenditure by our Trading Funds as they Nuclear Weapons: Finance
lie outside the departmental accounting boundary. Included
in expenditure are IT services, telephone line and equipment
Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for
rental and minor equipment. The cost of the Defence
Defence whether the budget for any future nuclear
Fixed Telephone Service is included in the figure for
weapons scheme will be ring-fenced within his Department’s
PFI service charges.
budget if it is accounted for in that budget. [10748]
We have published this information in our Annual
Report and Accounts since 2001-02, copies of which Peter Luff: The Government are committed to retaining
have been placed in the Library of the House and are a minimum credible nuclear deterrent based on Trident.
available on line at the following link: Spending review discussions continue until the autumn
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/ and consequently no final decisions have yet been taken
CorporatePublications/AnnualReports/ on the Defence budget.
The 2009-10 figures for expenditure and the PFI service
charges are intended for publication in our Consolidated Rescue Services: Helicopters
Departmental Resource Accounts, which were laid before
the House on 26 July.
Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State
Merlin Helicopters for Defence (1) pursuant to the Statement by the Chief
Secretary to the Treasury of 17 June 2010, Official
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Report, column 1047, on public spending, when he
Defence what his plans are for the eight Merlin expects the review of the search-and-rescue helicopter
helicopters which are exempt from the planned replacement project to be completed; and if he will
upgrade from Mark one to Mark two. [10444] make a statement; [11430]
(2) what factors will inform his Department’s review
Peter Luff: The future use of those Merlin Mark one of the search-and-rescue helicopter replacement
helicopters not upgraded under the Merlin Mark one project; and if he will make a statement. [11431]
Capability Sustainment Programme is under review as
part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review. Peter Luff: The review of the search and rescue
helicopter project is ongoing and is being conducted as
Military Aid a matter of urgency. It is extensive, and is looking at all
major aspects of the project. The results of the review,
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for which is being conducted jointly with the Department
Defence which countries receive military aid from his for Transport, will be announced in due course.
621W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Strategic Defence and Security Review
Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for
Defence what discussions he has had on the inclusion
of a future nuclear weapons programme in the
Strategic Defence and Security Review. [10749]
Dr Fox: None.
The Government are committed to retaining a minimum
credible nuclear deterrent based on Trident. Both the
value for money review of the Trident programme and
the re-examination of the UK’s declaratory nuclear
policy are being conducted within the framework of the
Strategic Defence and Security Review.
Trident
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Defence when his Department’s Investment Approvals
Board will next discuss the Trident replacement Initial
Gate; when the Board is due to reach a decision on the
replacement programme; and if he will place in the
Library and publish on his departmental website
details of the decision. [10490]
Dr Fox [holding answer 22 July 2010]: I refer the
hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for
North Ayrshire and Arran (Katy Clark) on 12 July
2010, Official Report, column 447W.
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for
Defence if he will ensure that parliamentary approval is
obtained for any Main Gate decision to commit funds
to building a successor system to Trident. [11152]
Peter Luff: Main Gate is not expected until around
2014. A decision on how best to consult will be made
nearer the time.
United Arab Emirates
Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for
Defence on how many occasions the then
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and Minister
for Veterans travelled to the United Arab Emirates in
the course of his official duties between October 2008
and May 2010; and what the (a) purpose and (b) cost
was of each visit. [8254]
Mr Robathan: None.
COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Affordable Housing: Greater London
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government how many (a)
discussions, (b) meetings and (c) exchanges of
correspondence he has had with the Mayor of London
on affordable homes in London since his appointment.
[10928]
Andrew Stunell: My right hon. Friend the Minister
for Housing and Local Government met the Mayor of
London on 30 June 2010 to discuss a number of housing
issues, including affordable housing.
The Mayor of London wrote to my hon. Friend the
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities
and Local Government (Robert Neill) on 17 May 2010
about the replacement London Plan, including a number
of housing proposals in the Plan. My hon. Friend
replied to the Mayor on 16 June 2010.
Written Answers 622W
In addition there has been correspondence and meetings
between the Mayor and Ministers about the further
devolution of power to London, including the proposal
that responsibility for the Homes and Communities
Agency in London be transferred to the Mayor.
Central Heating: Building Regulations
Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government what account he
took of the specification of efficiency standards for
central heating circulation pumps his Department
undertook prior to the publication of revisions to Part
L of the Building Regulations 2010. [10625]
Andrew Stunell: The amendments to Part L of the
Building Regulations due to come into force in October
2010 were made by the previous Government following
public consultation. The consultation document published
in June 2009 contained a proposal that guidance be
introduced that new and replacement stand-alone circulator
pumps should have a minimum Band C rating. The
final technical guidance published in April set out that
circulator pumps should have an energy label only, on
the basis that there will be a European requirement for
all stand-alone circulator pumps placed on the market
to be updated to Band A from 2013.
Council Housing
Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government how many (a)
individuals and (b) households were assisted with
housing by local authority social services, adult
services and children’s services departments in each of
the last three years. [10561]
Andrew Stunell [holding answer 22 July 2010]: Data
on the number of adults (aged 18 and over) in receipt of
local authority funded registered residential and nursing
care is collected and published by the NHS Information
Centre for health and social care.
The following table shows the number of adults aged
18 and over in receipt of local authority funded registered
residential and nursing care as at 31 March 2007, 2008
and 2009.
Total of all supported residents
2007 247,300
2008 236,100
2009 229,900
Notes:
1. Figures include registered unstaffed homes, voluntary and private
registered residential care homes and general and mental nursing
homes.
2. Data includes Boyd loophole residents and those clients formerly in
receipt of preserved rights.
Information on the number of individuals aged less
than 18 who are in receipt of local authority funded
registered care is not available from this Department.
623W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Council Tax: Exemptions
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government what guidance
his Department issues on the (a) publication of information
about and (b) registration with local authorities of
dwellings exempted from payment of council tax by
virtue of being places of public religious worship.
[10916]
Robert Neill: There is no exemption from council tax
for places of public religious worship. However, properties
used for public religious worship may be exempt from
non-domestic rates.
Departmental Billing
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government what
information his Department holds on the time taken by
contractors employed by it to pay the invoices of their
sub-contractors under prompt payment arrangements;
and if he will make a statement. [9260]
Robert Neill: The Department does not hold any
information about the time taken by its contractors to
pay invoices from their sub-contractors.
OGC is establishing a voluntary charter with suppliers
in 2010 which will cover mutual commitments on a
range of policy agendas that Government are pursuing
through public procurement including SMEs. The charter
will include commitments from signatory suppliers to
open appropriate sub-contracting opportunities to SMEs
and to pass on favourable terms, including prompt
payment, in supply chains.
We will issue guidance to category managers in Corporate
Procurement Division (CPD) encouraging this approach
when the charter is in place.
Departmental Internet
Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government how much (a)
his Department and its predecessor and (b) its
agencies spent on search engine biasing with (i) Google
and (ii) other search engines in each of the last five
years. [10012]
Robert Neill: The Department conducts its paid search
activity through the Central Office of Information (COI).
Their records indicate that the Department spent the
following amounts on paid search over the last two
financial years:
£ One mobile phone charger
2008-09 537,366
2009-10 221,107
The costs were incurred on activity to promote the
following campaign websites:
2008-09—Home Buying And Selling (including Home Information
Packs), Fire Kills, Mortgage Help and Preventing Repossessions,
HomeBuy, Eco-towns, Energy Performance Certificates.
2009-10—Mortgage Help and Preventing Repossessions, Fire
Kills, Fire Careers.
Written Answers 624W
COI do not maintain central records for paid search
activity for the years prior to 2009-10, nor do their
central records distinguish between search engines used.
The Department does not hold records for paid search
activity conducted by its agencies.
Departmental Lost Property
Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government what property
has been recorded as (a) lost and (b) stolen from the
Department in the last 12 months; and what estimate
has been made of the cost of the replacement of that
property. [5971]
Robert Neill: The property recorded as either (a) lost
or (b) stolen from the Department for Communities
and Local Government in the last 12 months and the
estimated cost of the replacement of that property is as
follows:
Within the last 12 months, under the previous
Government, the departmental property reported as
lost or stolen was as follows:
Lost:
Nil
Stolen:
Five BlackBerrys valued at approximately £1,000 (£200 each)1
Six laptop computers valued at approximately £6,000 (£1,000
each)1
Two mobile phones valued at approximately £250 in total
One mobile phone charger valued at approximately £10
One laptop log in key (stolen from staff home address) valued
at approximately £70
One memory stick valued at approximately £20
Under the current Government departmental property
reported as lost or stolen is as follows:
Lost:
Nil
Stolen:
Six laptops valued at approximately £6,000 (£1000 each).
Employees’ or contractors’ property reported as lost
or stolen during the period and under the previous
Government was as follows:
Lost:
One Apple I Phone
Stolen:
One bottle of aftershave
One purse
Two mobile phones
One laptop
Two memory sticks
Two power leads
In no cases did replacement costs fall to the Department.
No employee or contractor’s property has been reported
lost or stolen since the general election of 6 May 2010
1
None of the information contained on the laptop computers or
BlackBerrys was classified. However, each laptop and the BlackBerrys
were encrypted and password protected.
625W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 626W

Departmental Marketing The results for LSOAs which lie within the boundaries
of Hyndburn local authority can be downloaded from
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Department’s website at:
Communities and Local Government how much his http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/zip/
(a) Department and its predecessors and (b) its indices2007.zip
agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on Hyndburn local authority contains 53 LSOAs of
logo design in each year since 1997. [7476] which 10 areas have an overall IMD score that puts
them among the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in
Robert Neill: I refer my hon. Friend to the FOI England. Table 1 shows the proportion of Hyndburn’s
disclosure of August 2009 listing spending on logo LSOAs and population that fall into each of the IMD
design over the last five years. Available via: deciles.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/foi/disclosure-log/ Neighbourhoods and population of Hyndburn LA in IMD 2007 deciles
disclosurelog2009/brandinglogodesign Mid 2005
Number of population Percentage of
Departmental Official Cars IMD 2007 Deciles LSOAs estimates population

1 (most deprived) 10 15,615 19

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government how much his
Department has spent on the Government Car Service
since the Government took office. [7984]
Robert Neill: The Department has spent £62,136 with
the Government Car and Dispatch Agency (GCDA) on
car services. This figure relates to invoices posted since
12 May 2010 up to and including 12 July 2010. In the
year 2009-10 the Department spent £488,276 with the
GCDA. Pro-rota, this is less than the last Government,
and my Department is taking further steps to deliver
efficiency savings in this area.
Departmental Travel
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government which (a)
Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have
been driven by the Government Car Service since the
Government took office; and how much each of these
persons has received in expenses for use of taxis, buses
and underground trains in that period. [7985]
Robert Neill: The Department has spent £62,136 with
the Government Car and Dispatch Agency on car services.
This figure relates to invoices posted since 12 May 2010
up to and including 12 July 2010. In the year 2009-10
the Department spent £488,276 with the GCDA. Pro-rota,
this is less than the last Government, and my Department
is taking further steps to deliver efficiency savings in
this area.
Disadvantaged: Hyndburn
Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government what estimate he
has made of the relative level of deprivation in Hyndburn
constituency; and if he will make a statement. [10549]
Robert Neill: The Indices of Deprivation 2007, combines
a number of indicators into a single deprivation score
for each small area in England, this allows each area to
be ranked relative to one another according to their
level of deprivation.
Since 2004 the Indices of Deprivation have been
produced for all 32,482 neighbourhoods (Lower level
Super Output Areas—LSOA) in England. With an
average population of 1,500 people, LSOAs are smaller
than constituencies thus allowing small pockets of
deprivation to be identified.
2 8 12,138 15
3 10 14,583 18
4 5 8,226 10
5 6 9,192 11
6 2 2,988 4
7 6 9,276 11
8 4 7,230 9
9 2 2,982 4
10 (least deprived) 0 0 0
Total 53 82,230 —
The Department also publish six summary indicators
for local authorities. There are six measures because
there is no single best way of describing deprivation
across large areas, such as local authority districts. This
is due to the difficulties associated with describing or
comparing places with different population sizes and
patterns of deprivation. The six summary measures
cover various different aspects of multiple deprivation
so when considered together give a good overall impression
of deprivation in the district. The six summary measures
are; Average Score, Average Rank, Extent, Local
Concentration, Income Scale, and Employment Scale.
A description of what these indicators represent can be
found in the Indices of Deprivation 2007 Report available
from the Department website at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/
indiciesdeprivation07
The local authority summary indicators are available
at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/commun:ities/xls/
576504.xls
East of England Faiths Council: Finance
Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government what public
funding has been provided for the East of England
Faiths Council in each of the last three year for which
figures are available. [10875]
Andrew Stunell: Communities and Local Government
has made the following funding available to the East of
England Faiths Council in the last three financial years:
in 2007-08 a grant of £12,000 from the Faith Communities
Capacity Building Fund;
in 2008-09 four grants totalling £21,362 towards specific projects
and a core grant of £70,000;
in 2009-10 a core grant of £70,000 and a grant of £5,000
towards support for Inter Faith Week 2009.
627W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
A further core grant of up to £70,000 is available in
the current financial year (a commitment made by the
previous Government).
Fires
Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government how many fires
(a) in Harlow and (b) in private rented properties in
England and Wales were attributable to faults in
electrical installations and products in the most recent
12 month period for which figures are available. [10340]
Robert Neill: Fire incident data are available up to
September 2009, but only to Fire and Rescue Authority
level, and dwelling tenure details are not collected under
the Fire and Rescue Incident Recording System. Therefore
the data in the table are for all dwellings and for Essex
rather than Harlow.
Fires in dwellings attributable to faults in electrical installations and
products, October 2008-September 2009
Number
Essex
England 7,098
England and Wales 7,494
Source:
Fire and rescue incident records
Government Office for the North West
Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government what plans he
has for the future of the Government Office for the
North West; and if he will make a statement. [10755]
Greg Clark: I refer the hon. Member to the written
ministerial statement on regional Government made on
22 July 2010, Official Report, columns 27-8WS.
Homelessness
Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities
and Local Government how many and what proportion
of households applying to local authority housing
departments as homeless were found to be intentionally
homeless in each of the last five years. [10458]
Grant Shapps: Information about local authorities’
discharge of their duties under homelessness legislation
is collected on quarterly P1E returns. Quarterly statistical
releases on statutory homelessness published by CLG
present national and regional data for the last 10 years.
Summary information at local authority level, including
the number of households accepted as owed the main
duty and the number of households in temporary
accommodation, is also published each quarter in an
associated supplementary table. The latest (10 June
2010) release and previous editions are available both in
the Library of the House and via the CLG website. The
next release is due to be published on 9 September 2010.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/
housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/homelessnessstatistics/
publicationshomelessness/
Information is collected by the Department on the
number of applicant households found to be intentionally
homeless and in priority need. The figures are provided
in the following table. These do not include those that
Written Answers 628W
are intentionally homeless and not in priority need.
Percentages are given as a proportion of all homelessness
applicants.
Number and proportion of applicant households found to be
intentionally homeless and in priority need, England, 2005-06 to
2009-10
Applicant households found to be
intentionally homeless and in
priority need
Percentage Total number
Number (%) of applicants1
2005-06 13,260 6 213,290
2006-07 10,930 7 159,330
2007-08 9,560 7 130,840
2008-09 8,640 8 112,900
2009-10 6,580 7 89,120
1
Excludes ineligible applicants.
Note:
Figures for 2009-10 are provisional.
Source: Quarterly P1E form returns.
Homelessness: Bexley
173
Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government how many
people applying to the London borough of Bexley for
local authority housing were found to be intentionally
homeless in each of the last five years. [11176]
Grant Shapps: Information about local authorities’
discharge of their duties under homelessness legislation
is collected on quarterly P1E returns. Summary information
about English local housing authorities’ actions under
the homelessness legislation (part 7 of the Housing Act
1996) is collected at local authority level, and published
by the Department in the quarterly Statistical Release
on Statutory Homelessness, available both in the Library
of the House and via the CLG website at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/
housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/homelessnessstatistics/
publicationshomelessness/
A table has been placed in the Library of the House
giving numbers for all local authorities in England,
including the London borough of Bexley.
The Department only collects figures for the number
of applicant households found to be intentionally homeless
‘and’ in priority need. Therefore the figures do not
include those that are intentionally homeless and not in
priority need.
Homelessness: Young People
Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government what recent
estimate he has made of the number of people aged 18
to 24 years old who are homeless. [11274]
Grant Shapps: Information about local authorities’
discharge of their duties under homelessness legislation
is collected on quarterly P1E returns. Summary information
about English local housing authorities’ actions under
the homelessness legislation (Part 7 of the Housing Act
1996) is collected at local authority level, and published
by the Department in the quarterly Statistical Release
on Statutory Homelessness, available both in the Library
of the House and via the CLG website:
629W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/
housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/homelessnessstatistics/
publicationshomelessness/
Figures broken down by age of households are only
available for applicants accepted as owed a main
homelessness duty, that is eligible, unintentionally homeless
and in priority need.
Figures can be provided only for the age bracket 16 to
24 rather than 18 to 24.
In 2009-10 there were 15,510 applicants aged 16 to 24
owed a main homelessness duty.
Housing: Construction
Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government what allocation
his Department has made for Kickstart funding for the
Anfield/Brookfield regeneration area. [9289]
Andrew Stunell: The coalition Government remains
strongly committed to reducing the United Kingdom’s
budget deficit and the announcement by the Chief
Secretary on the 5 July 2010 confirmed that the Department
has agreed to a £220 million reduction in its claim for
end year flexibility this year. Given public sector borrowing
in 2010-11 was forecast to hit £167 billion such levels of
spending on ‘borrowed money’ was unsustainable—
contributing to the forecast £1.4 trillion of public debt
by 2014. However, the Government remain committed
to the provision of affordable housing and has been
able to secure £1.25 billion of the previous administration’s
£1.5 billion housing pledge.
This will enable the Homes and Communities Agency
(HCA) to meet all existing contractual commitments
and will be able to progress some programmes that have
been paused while the funding position was under
review. The HCA’s regional offices will be assessing
which other schemes can be progressed, including the
Kickstart project for the Anfield and Brookfield
regeneration area, with the aim of maximising affordable
housing and achieving best value for money. The objective
is to give interested parties clarity as quickly as possible.
Housing: Dorset
Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government how many
homes in Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency
(a) contain asbestos and (b) were built between 1950
and 1999. [10433]
Andrew Stunell: The information is not available from
my Department.
Local Government Services: Tees Valley
James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government if he will hold
discussions to seek to ensure that all local government
services in the Tees Valley sub-region identify
themselves with reference to a single identity. [10341]
Robert Neill: I am aware that Tees Valley has a well
established history of partnership working across local
government and business, and that it has been exploring
potential to form a local enterprise partnership. The
Written Answers 630W
Government will be very happy to receive such a proposal,
if that is the wish of local authorities and local businesses
in the area.
Local Government: Lobbying
Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government if he will issue
guidance to local authorities on the retention and use
of lobbying companies for the provision of lobbying
and support services to campaign for increased
funding. [9459]
Robert Neill: The Code of Recommended Practice on
Local Authority Publicity, to which councils are statutorily
required to have regard, states that councils should
ensure the greatest cost effectiveness in all their publicity
and makes clear that public funds should not be used
for publicity campaigns intended to persuade the public
to hold a particular view on a question of policy.
The Code of Recommended Practice is shortly to be
updated. Subject to consultation, we are minded to
include stronger guidance to stop the wasteful and
unhealthy practice of councils, funded by local or national
taxpayers, paying for lobbyists to lobby Government.
My Department has already issued guidance to its arms
length bodies to cancel their contracts with lobbyists.
Migration Impacts Fund
Kris Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government how many grants
were issued from the Migration Impacts fund in
2009-10; and how much was so distributed. [10581]
Andrew Stunell: 158 grant payments were made from
the Migration Impacts Fund in 2009-10.
122 of these were made to local authorities, 20 to
voluntary bodies, nine to Primary Care Trusts and
seven to other bodies including further education colleges.
Some local authority grants will have supported more
than one project.
The total distributed was £28,223,279.
£25,466,648 of this went to local authorities, £1,762,518
to voluntary bodies, £493,000 to Primary Care Trusts
and £501,113 to the remainder.
Multiple Occupation: Licensing
Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government what plans he
has to make provision in the Decentralism and
Localism Bill for planning procedures for multiple
occupancy housing. [11223]
Greg Clark: The Minister for Housing (Grant Shapps)
announced on 17 June his intention to amend the
planning rules relating to houses in multiple occupation.
Any changes will be made by secondary legislation.
Non-domestic Rates
Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government (1) what the (a)
cost and (b) net present value is of the policy in the
June 2010 Budget to cancel backdated business rate
bills eligible for the eight-year schedule of payments
scheme; [10506]
631W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
(2) how many businesses are covered by the policy in
the June 2010 Budget to cancel backdated business rate
bills for newly assessed properties that were split from a
larger rateable property; how many are not covered by
this definition but have received backdated bills; and
what the total liabilities are of both categories. [10509]
Grant Shapps: Estimates published by HMT for the
June 2010 Budget gave figures for the cost of waiving
certain backdated business rate bills:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/junebudget_costings.pdf
These costs will be assessed again, and the questions on
the number of businesses affected and their liability
addressed, in the impact assessment that will accompany
the regulations for the cancellation of backdated business
rates.
Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government how many (a)
businesses, (b) port-based businesses and (c) non
port-based businesses (i) in each local government
district and (ii) in total will receive assistance under the
policy in the June 2010 Budget to cancel backdated
business rate bills eligible for the eight-year schedule of
payments scheme. [10507]
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government how many (a)
businesses, (b) port-based businesses and (c) non
port-based businesses (i) in each local government
district and (ii) in total will receive assistance under the
proposal in the June 2010 Budget to cancel backdated
business rate bills eligible for the eight-year schedule of
payments scheme. [11352]
Grant Shapps: It is estimated that around 3,000 properties
in England could benefit from the policy published in
the Budget June 2010 to cancel backdated business rate
bills eligible for the eight-year schedule of payments
scheme. No estimates of these figures are available at a
local authority level. Informal inquiries with local authorities
estimate that around 700 port-based properties could
benefit from the policy published in the Budget June
2010 to cancel backdated business rate bills eligible for
the eight-year schedule of payments scheme. Available
information for individual port areas was given in a
press release issued on the 20 July 2010 at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/localgovernment/
1644201
These unfair, retrospective rates bill threatened to
devastate the export industry which would seriously
impact the manufacturing sector. Businesses and their
customers can look forward with confidence to the
future, unburdened from and no longer distracted by
the imposition of unfair taxes that have damaged the
industry’s competitive advantage.
Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government how many
businesses which are eligible for the eight-year schedule
of payments scheme arising from the backdating of
business rates are on a schedule of payments. [10510]
Grant Shapps: Information on how many properties
have been granted a schedule of payments agreement is
currently being collected from local authorities, and the
results are planned to be published in September 2010.
Written Answers 632W
Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government of the businesses
which are on the eight-year schedule of payments
scheme arising from the backdating of business rates,
what the total liability was (a) at the commencement
of the schedule of payments and (b) on the latest date
for which figures are available; and how much
backdated business rate has been paid back. [10511]
Grant Shapps: Estimates for the total backdated liability
for national non-domestic rates that could apply for a
schedule of payments appear in the impact assessments
for the initial schedule of payments and the subsequent
payment freeze. Information on how much backdated
liability is covered by a schedule of payments and how
much has already been paid back is not currently available.
Information on how many properties have been granted
an eight-year schedule of payments and the reduction
in liability due to the schedule of payments is currently
being collected from local authorities, and the results
are planned to be published in September 2010.
The links to the impact assessments referred to are:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2009/em/uksiem_20090204_en.pdf
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/em/uksiem_20101507_en.pdf
Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government whether businesses
that have paid some or all of the backdated rates that
are eligible for the eight-year schedule of payments
scheme will be (a) refunded and (b) refunded the full
amount each business has paid to date under the policy
announced in the June 2010 Budget to cancel backdated
business rates. [10512]
Grant Shapps: Businesses that have made payments
towards a qualifying backdated rates bill, that will be
cancelled, will be entitled to a refund of all monies that
have already been paid. It will need primary legislation
to cancel these bills and before any refunds can be
granted. We will find the earliest opportunity for taking
forward the necessary legislation, this will provide a
vital lifeline to struggling firms who were facing balance
sheet insolvency because of the unfair, retrospective
taxes. For example, in the right hon. Member’s own
local authority of Southampton, 26 properties will be
saved from a cumulative backdated liability of £3 million.
Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government how much will be
refunded to businesses that had already paid some or all
of the backdated rates under the policy announced in
the June 2010 Budget to cancel backdated business
rates. [10513]
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government how much will be
refunded to businesses that had already paid some or all
of the backdated rates under the proposal announced
in the June 2010 Budget to cancel backdated business
rates. [11354]
Grant Shapps: Initial estimates for the June 2010
Budget suggested that around £50 million could be
refunded. Further estimates will appear in the impact
assessment that will accompany the regulations for the
cancellation of backdated business rates in due course.
633W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government whether
businesses that have paid some or all of the backdated
rates that are eligible for the eight-year schedule of
payments scheme will be (a) refunded and (b)
refunded the full amount each business has paid to date
under the proposal announced in the June 2010 Budget
to cancel backdated business rates. [11349]
Robert Neill: Businesses that have made payments
towards a qualifying backdated rates bill, that will be
cancelled, will be entitled to a refund of all monies that
have already been paid. It will need primary legislation
to cancel these bills and before any refunds can be
granted. We will find the earliest opportunity for taking
forward the necessary legislation.
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government how many
businesses which are eligible for the eight-year schedule
of payments scheme arising from the backdating of
business rates are on a schedule of payments. [11350]
Robert Neill: Information on how many properties
have been granted a schedule of payments agreement is
currently being collected from local authorities, and the
results are planned to be published in September 2010.
Planning Permission: Appeals
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government what guidance he
has issued to the Planning Inspectorate in respect of
the planning application in Tolleshunt Knights (appeal
reference: APP/X1545/A/10/2130723/NWF); and if he
will make a statement. [11053]
Robert Neill: I cannot comment on individual planning
applications. This matter is for the Planning Inspectorate.
The Secretary of State published advice to local authorities
and the Planning Inspectorate when he revoked regional
strategies on 6 July. The advice is clear that regional
strategies are no longer part of the statutory development
plan. The Planning Inspectorate has ensured that all
inspectors are aware of this advice.
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government if he will direct
the Planning Inspectorate considering the planning
application in Tolleshunt Knights (appeal reference:
APP/X1545/A/10/2130723/NWF) to take into account
his decision to end regional spatial strategies; and if he
will make a statement. [11055]
Robert Neill: I cannot comment on individual planning
applications; this matter is for the Planning Inspectorate.
We published advice to local authorities and the Planning
Inspectorate when we revoked regional strategies on 6
July. The advice is clear that regional strategies are no
longer part of the statutory Development Plan and
should no longer be treated as such when making
planning decisions.
Written Answers 634W
Private Rented Housing
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government what steps his
Department is taking to (a) promote responsible
letting and (b) deal with rogue landlords. [10844]
Andrew Stunell: This Government are keen to encourage
responsible letting through the use of voluntary
accreditation schemes for landlords and letting agents.
These can offer landlords the benefit of a market advantage
and tenants a guaranteed standard of accommodation
and service. My Department is working with the leading
industry bodies to examine what might be done to
increase the use of voluntary schemes by landlords and
agents. Local authorities already have extensive powers
to take action against rogue landlords. We will work
with them to ensure that any barriers to them using
those powers are lifted.
Travellers: Caravan Sites
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State
for Communities and Local Government what the
status is of the Office of Deputy Prime Minister draft
circular 01/2006 (Gypsy and Traveller sites); whether he
plans to bring forward proposals to replace it. [8145]
Andrew Stunell: Since regional strategies have been
revoked, the level of pitch provision should now be
determined locally. We intend to replace this circular
with new light-touch guidance as part of a broader
package of reforms to ensure fair play in the planning
system.
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of
State for Communities and Local Government when he
expects to introduce legislative proposals to strengthen
the powers of local councils to remove people who are
illegally encamped; and if he will make a statement.
[9233]
Andrew Stunell [holding answer 19 July 2010]: We
will be giving councils more powers to tackle unauthorised
development to ensure fair play in the planning system.
We have already written to councils about the importance
of bank holiday enforcement; we have revoked the
top-down regional targets that have worsened community
relations; and we will be introducing new planning
guidance and reformed planning laws later this year.
Working Neighbourhoods Fund
Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government what plans he
has for the Working Neighbourhoods Fund (a)
nationally and (b) in the West Midlands; and if he will
make a statement. [10472]
Robert Neill: The Government will consider the future
of all programmes, including the Working Neighbourhood
Fund, as part of the current spending review process.
635W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
HOME DEPARTMENT
Animal Experiments
Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for
the Home Department (1) when each of the overseas
establishments approved by her to export dogs for use
in scientific procedures to the UK was last inspected by
inspectors from the Animals Scientific Procedures
Inspectorate; how frequently such inspections occur;
and what arrangements her Department makes with
third parties for the inspection of such establishments;
[10965]
(2) how many overseas supplying establishments are
approved to export dogs to the UK for use in scientific
procedures; and in which country each is based. [10966]
Lynne Featherstone: The Home Office has no authority
to approve suppliers of dogs for use in scientific procedures
located outside the United Kingdom. If suitable dogs
are not available from a designated breeding establishment
in the UK an application can be made to acquire them
from overseas breeding sources. Assurances are sought
from the project licence holder on the standards of
husbandry and care at the overseas breeding establishment
and permission to acquire is given on a case by case
basis.
From the information available, since 2004-05, dogs
have been sourced from European breeding centres in
Italy, France, Spain, and Holland and from the United
States. Centres in the United States, France and Italy
have been visited in the past by members of the Inspectorate
to confirm that information provided to the Home
Office was accurate and that husbandry and care practices
were satisfactory.
Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department what her policy is on the testing of
household products on animals. [11043]
Lynne Featherstone: The coalition Government have
pledged to end the testing of household products on
animals. Work is under way to define the range of
products affected and to determine how an end to such
testing can best be achieved.
Animal Experiments: Licensing
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department how many licences her Department
has issued allowing the use of the mouse/rat bioassay
(MBA/RBA) method to detect marine biotoxins in
shellfish; on what date each such licence was issued; in
respect of which (a) shellfish species and (b) toxin
groups each licence since June 2000 was granted; how
many such licences were revoked during the period;
and on what dates; and what procedure her
Department has used to develop new guidelines for the
detection of marine biotoxins without recourse to
MBA/RBA methods. [10939]
Lynne Featherstone: Currently there is one project
licence granted under the Animals (Scientific Procedures)
Act 1986 allowing the use of the mouse/rat bioassay
(MBA/RBA) method to detect and quantify marine
biotoxins in shellfish. This licence was granted on the 28
May 2009.
Written Answers 636W
Regulations EC 2074/2005, EC853/2004 and EC854/2004
set out the relevant EU requirements.
Under the authority of the current project licence
animals are only used with the intention of detecting
and quantifying toxins specified in the EU regulations
as paralytic shellfish (PSP) toxins and lipophilic toxins,
otherwise known as DSP.
Since 2000, the more commonly tested species were
mussels, pacific and native oysters, cockles, razors and
king and queen scallops.
Since June 2000 four project licences allowing the use
of the mouse/rat bioassay (MBA/RBA) method to detect
marine biotoxins in shellfish have been revoked. From
the information available to us they were revoked during
either 2000 or 2001, May 2004, 2006 and May 2009.
The Home Office is not party to the development of
new guidelines for the detection of marine biotoxins
without recourse to MBA/RBA methods, but Home
Office experts have contributed to an European Centre
for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM)
task force on reducing, refining and replacing animal
use for this purpose. We also continue to work with the
Food Standards Agency (FSA) in their re-defined role
of overseeing food safety which includes shell fish testing.
The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate works
with other regulators in the UK and Europe and with
the testing laboratories in order to reduce the numbers
of animals used in these tests and to refine the methodology
where animal testing is still used.
Asylum
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department what mechanisms are in place to
provide guidance on the application of immigration
rules to those people granted refugee status from 2005
who must apply for further leave to remain in order to
ensure that they will not lose their benefit, housing and
voting entitlements. [7779]
Damian Green [holding answer 12 July 2010]: Individuals
granted a limited period of five years’ refugee status or
humanitarian protection since August 2005 will be able
to apply for indefinite leave to remain from August
2010, in the month before their leave expires.
An application form and information for such individuals
on how to apply for settlement is available on the UK
Border Agency website. Guidance for officials on
considering such applications will also be published on
the website shortly.
The UK Border Agency will write to those eligible at
the most recently provided address, reminding them of
the need to apply. The Agency is also working closely
with its corporate partners to communicate the application
arrangements as widely as possible.
Mr Woolas: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department what assessment she has made of
the effects on the costs of asylum support of the
change in the number of people granted asylum in the
last 12 months. [9836]
Damian Green: The number of main applicants for
asylum declined from 27,670 in the 2008-09 financial
year to 20,220 in 2009-10. In 2008-09, the total cost of
asylum support (excluding UASCs and grants) was
£313 million, while in 2009-10 it was £312 million.
637W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for
the Home Department what steps her Department is
taking to process asylum applications made prior to
2010. [10498]
Damian Green: In April 2007 the UK Border Agency
established a dedicated resource to clear the backlog of
older asylum cases that were lodged prior to March
2007. It was estimated in July 2006 that the backlog
stood at between 400-450,000 “legacy” cases. The Case
Resolution Directorate had concluded around 277,000
cases up until the end of May 2010 and should complete
the remainder of these cases by summer 2011 or earlier.
Applications lodged since March 2007 have been
dealt with by case owners in teams based in each of the
regions around the UK. Those which were not concluded
within the six months target remain in those local teams
where the progress of each case continues to be managed
by a case owner.
Asylum: Deportation
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department how many asylum seekers awaiting
deportation are in prison. [11300]
Damian Green: The UK Border Agency seeks to
deport foreign national offenders who meet the following
criteria for deportation:
A court recommendation;
For non-European Economic Area nationals—a custodial sentence
of 12 months or more either in one sentence, or as an aggregate of
two or three sentences over a period of five years or a custodial
sentence of any length for a drug offence (other than possession);
For EEA nationals—a custodial sentence of 12 months or
more for an offence involving drugs, violent or sexual crimes or a
custodial sentence of 24 months or more for other offences.
At the point where no barriers to removal exist, the
UK Border Agency will set a direction to remove.
According to provisional management information, on
16 July 2010 approximately 140 foreign nationals who
met the relevant deportation criteria had removal directions
set against them.
Of these, approximately 30% had also submitted a
claim for asylum at some stage prior to the removal
direction being set and approximately 80% of those
who had submitted a claim for asylum were detained
either in an immigration removal centre or prison.
British Nationality
Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department what the average time to process an
application for naturalisation was in the latest period
for which figures are available. [10567]
Damian Green [holding answer 22 July 2010]: The
average processing time for naturalisation applications
in June 2010 was 1.45 months.
This information has been provided from local
management information and is not a National Statistic.
As such it should be treated as provisional and therefore
subject to change.
Written Answers 638W
British Nationality: Citizenship
Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department whether second-generation
descendants of former residents of the British Indian
Ocean Territory are entitled to British citizenship.
[11826]
Damian Green: There are no automatic routes by
which second generation descendants of former residents
of the British Indian Ocean Territory can acquire British
citizenship. They can apply for citizenship through
registration, or naturalisation if over the age of 18,
based on a period of residence in the United Kingdom.
A person born stateless outside of the United Kingdom
and overseas territories to a British Overseas Territories
citizen may apply for registration as a British overseas
territories citizen under schedule 2 of the British Nationality
Act 1981 following a period of residence in the UK or
an overseas territory immediately before the application.
After acquiring British overseas territories citizenship
in this way they may subsequently apply for full British
citizenship.
Citizenship
Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for
the Home Department which road traffic offences the
UK Border Agency will normally disregard in
considering an application for UK citizenship; what
guidance the Agency issues on this matter; and if she
will make a statement. [11262]
Damian Green: An applicant for British citizenship is
expected to be of good character. Although “good
character” is not defined within the British Nationality
Act 1981, UK Border Agency (UKBA) would not
normally expect to naturalise a person with an unspent
conviction. There is however some discretion to overlook
minor offences.
Where the applicant is of good character in all other
respects, UKBA would normally be prepared to overlook
a single minor unspent conviction resulting in a bind-over
order, absolute or conditional discharge, admonition,
relatively small fine or compensation order, or a fixed
penalty notice or Scottish fiscal fines. They would not,
however, normally disregard any unspent conviction
that involved dishonesty or recklessness.
In terms of traffic offences, offences which would
constitute “recklessness” would include offences such
as drink-driving, excessive speeding, driving without
tax or insurance with no reasonable excuse, or driving
while using a mobile phone. Driving offences that might
be disregarded are those that might be committed
inadvertently, such as minor speeding, stopping in a
box junction or going the wrong way down a one way
street.
Guidance on the good character requirement is published
on the UKBA website at:
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/
policyandlaw/nationalityinstructions/nichapter18/
ch18annexd?view=Binary
639W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Crime
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department what the attrition rate for (a) theft,
(b) burglary of a dwelling and (c) offences of
domestic violence was in each of the last 10 years for
which figures are available. [10401]
James Brokenshire: Attrition is not a term which is
formally defined in criminal justice statistics although
in the past there has been one in common usage which
relates to the ratio of convictions to offences recorded.
In terms of police recorded crime, to achieve such an
’attrition’ measure would require using two data sources
which are not directly comparable. Within the current
data collections, it is not possible to track individual
offences through to any conclusion at court and there
are important differences between the two data sources
which prevent meaningful comparison.
The Home Office police recorded crime data are
based on the number of offences recorded in each
financial year. Prosecutions and convictions data are
collected by the Ministry of Justice and are based on
the number of offenders proceeded against. These data
are published on a calendar year basis and are counts of
persons classified by their principal offence. For these
reasons the two datasets are not directly comparable.
Detainees: Torture
Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for
the Home Department if she will review the way in
which survivors of torture designated for removal are
treated by the United Kingdom Border Agency in
removal centres and throughout the removal process.
[11421]
Damian Green: The UK Border Agency takes the
welfare of those held in its removal centres very seriously.
For this reason, centres are operated in accordance with
the detention centre rules and a set of operating standards.
All detainees receive a healthcare screening, normally
with a nurse, within two hours of arrival in an immigration
removal centre, during which they are asked if they have
been the victim of torture. Where a detainee gives a
positive answer, healthcare notify the UK Border Agency’s
case owner, who considers whether in light of the
information the detainee should be released.
Representations made by legal representatives, including
medical reports submitted by independent doctors or
organisations who are experienced in identifying persons
who have been tortured, are also considered by the UK
Border Agency, and in particular whether it is appropriate
to maintain detention. Where the UK Border Agency
accepts that a person has been the victim of torture, he
or she is normally released. However, there are a number
of circumstances in which detention of an alleged or
actual victim of torture may nonetheless be appropriate.
These may be for reasons of public protection where a
person has been convicted of a crime, those who have
persistently failed to abide by the terms of their release
conditions, and in order to effect removal.
I am not proposing to review the procedures further
at this time.
Written Answers 640W
English Language
Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department pursuant to the written ministerial
statement of 9 June 2010, Official Report, columns
11-12WS, on English language requirement, whether
she expects the English language requirement for
migrants applying to join a spouse in the UK to be in
place by 30 September 2010. [10489]
Damian Green [holding answer 22 July 2010]: On 26
July 2010 the Government announced that this policy
would come into force via a change to the Immigration
Rules on 29 November 2010. It will not therefore be in
place by 30 September 2010.
Entry Clearances
Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department what recent representations her
Department has received on its decision to refuse entry
to the UK to members of the Iroquois lacrosse team
using travel documents issued by the Iroquois
Confederacy; and if she will make a statement. [9887]
Damian Green [holding answer 20 July 2010]: The
Iroquois lacrosse team have not yet sought leave to
enter the United Kingdom and therefore have not been
refused leave to enter.
The UK Border Agency has received representations
from the US authorities and legal representatives on
behalf of the Iroquois lacrosse team about the acceptability
of their travel documents. The United Kingdom is
unable to recognise the Haudenousanee passport as a
valid immigration document which can be used for
entry to the UK.
We remain very keen to work with the US authorities
and the Iroquois people to facilitate the team’s travel
for any future occasions that they wish to enter the UK.
Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department under what circumstances her
Department considers representations from hon.
Members on the refusal of visitor visas; and if she will
make a statement. [10039]
Damian Green [holding answer 20 July 2010]: We will
always give full consideration to representations from
hon. Members about visit visa refusals, and any other
entry clearance decision.
The refusal of a visit visa for a family visit attracts a
full right of appeal and the applicant will normally be
expected to exercise their right of appeal in order for the
decision to be reviewed. Any representations from hon.
Members will be taken fully into consideration, along
with the grounds of appeal and any additional supporting
documentation.
If it can be shown that there are exceptional or
compelling compassionate circumstances involved, or
that a decision is clearly flawed, we will be happy to
review a decision outside the appeal process in the light
of representations from hon. Members.
Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department if she will take steps to ensure that
representations from hon. Members on refusals of
641W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
visitor visas are referred to the relevant entry clearance
manager in advance of the applicant exercising their
right to appeal in cases where the applicant wishes to
attend an imminent event. [10040]
Damian Green [holding answer 20 July 2010]: I assume
that the hon. Member is referring to family visitors as,
unlike other categories of visitor, they have a full right
of appeal in the event of a refusal of entry clearance.
Where an applicant wishes to attend a family event in
the UK and (a) has been refused a visit visa and (b) due
to the imminence of the event is concerned that there is
insufficient time to appeal against the decision, we
would normally advise them that they may wish to
re-apply, ensuring that, when they do so, they fully
address the entry clearance officer’s concerns about
their original application, as detailed on the formal
Notice of Refusal.
Representations from hon. Members in such cases
should normally be provided to their constituents, so
that the applicant can submit them along with other
supporting documentation when re-applying.
Exceptionally, we will forward representations from
hon. Members to an entry clearance manager for
consideration outside the appeal process, e.g. where
there are clearly compelling, compassionate circumstances.
Compelling compassionate circumstances would normally
be considered to be the death or serious illness of a
close family member.
Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department whether the relevant entry
clearance manager is directed to review a visitor visa
case when representations are made by hon. Members
to the UK Border Agency; and if she will make a
statement. [10041]
Damian Green [holding answer 20 July 2010]: An
entry clearance manager will normally only be asked to
review a decision to refuse a visit visa application following
representations from hon. Members if there are exceptional
or compelling compassionate circumstances involved,
or if the decision is clearly flawed. Applicants who
intended to visit family in the UK can achieve a review
of the decision by exercising their right of appeal.
Their grounds of appeal, and any additional supporting
documentation submitted, will be taken fully into account.
The way forward for other visit visa applicants would
be to re-apply, ensuring that they address the concerns
about their previous application when doing so.
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
the Home Department how many spouse visas her
Department issued to people entering the UK from
Pakistan in each of the last five years. [11049]
Damian Green: The number of spouse visas issued to
nationals of Pakistan in each of the last five years is
shown in the following table.
Spouse visas issued to Pakistani
Financial year nationals
2005-06 9,805
2006-07 10,935
2007-08 10,846
Written Answers 642W
Spouse visas issued to Pakistani
Financial year nationals
2008-09 8,239
2009-10 5,642
Note:
This information is based on Management Information. It is provisional
and subject to change.
Entry Clearances: Married People
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
the Home Department how many spouse visas her
Department issued to people coming from each foreign
country other than Pakistan in each of the last five
years. [11322]
Damian Green: The number of spouse visas issued to
nationals of each non-EEA country other than Pakistan,
in each of the financial years 2005-06 to 2009-10, is
given in the table which has been placed in the House of
Commons Library.
Entry Clearances: Overseas Students
Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department how many illegal migrants
identified in the last 12 months were sponsored by
institutions (a) accredited by the British Council and
(b) inspected by Ofsted. [5122]
Damian Green: The information requested is not
centrally recorded and could be obtained by a manual
check of individual case records only at disproportionate
cost.
Entry Clearances: Skilled Workers
Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department how many (a) migrants and (b)
dependants of migrants were given leave to enter the
UK under (i) the highly skilled migrants programme
and (ii) Tier 1 of the points-based immigration system
in each quarter since the inception of the system.
[10586]
Damian Green: The information requested by my
hon. Friend is given in the published Quarterly Control
of Immigration Statistics, which is available on our
Research, Development and Statistics website at:
http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds
Please refer to table 1.1: entry clearance visas issued by
category, in each quarter since January 2007 to March
2010.
Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department which 20 non-EU nationalities have
received the most work permits for (a) doctors and (b)
nurses under the points-based immigration system
since the inception of the system. [10587]
Damian Green: The number of work permits issued
for each of the requested categories are set out in the
following table:
643W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 644W

Top 20 non-EU nationalities based on COS Used by Occupation Codes: Doctors and Nurses: 28 November 2008-20 July 2010
Occupation Nationality 2008 2009 2010 Total
1
Doctors India — 605 355 960
Pakistan 0 285 230 520
1
Sri Lanka — 225 160 390
1
Egypt — 150 100 250
1
South Africa — 180 50 230
Nigeria 0 80 50 135
Sudan 0 75 50 130
Malaysia 0 90 35 125
Australia 0 65 50 115
Bangladesh 0 35 30 65
Burma (Union of Myanmar) 0 30 15 45
United States 0 25 20 45
Iraq 0 25 15 40
Syria 0 30 10 40
Singapore 0 25 10 35
Jordan 0 20 10 30
Libya 0 20 5 25
Canada 0 20 5 25
Trinidad and Tobago 0 15 5 25
New Zealand 0 15 10 25
Total 5 2,020 1,230 3,255

1
Nurses India — 1,015 500 1,515
Philippines 0 685 585 1,265
Zimbabwe 0 520 190 710
Nigeria 0 180 90 265
South Africa 0 125 85 210
Ghana 0 80 40 120
1
Australia — 70 40 110
Mauritius 0 60 25 85
Nepal 0 60 25 85
Zambia 0 60 25 80
Jamaica 0 60 20 80
Pakistan 0 55 25 80
Kenya 0 55 20 70
China 0 30 25 55
Trinidad and Tobago 0 45 15 55
United States 0 30 25 50
Guyana 0 30 10 40
New Zealand 0 20 15 35
Uganda 0 20 5 25
Malaysia 0 15 10 25
Total 5 3,205 1,765 4,975

Total 5 5,225 2,995 8,225

1
Indicates 1 or 2.
Notes:
1. The data are based on management information, are provisional and may be subject to change. The data are not National Statistics.
2. Figures are rounded to nearest 5.
3. Because of rounding, figures may not add up to totals shown.

Foreign Nationals: Licences respect of foreign nationals applying for licences; and if
she will make a statement. [10967]

David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for the Lynne Featherstone: The SIA are entitled to make
Home Department what additional background checks background checks on overseas nationals in accordance
the Security Industry Authority is entitled to make in with their licensing criteria, which are approved by the
645W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Secretary of State for the Home Office, and published
in the form of Get Licensed. A copy of Get Licensed
has been placed in the House Library and can be found
on the SIA’s website at:
http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Documents/licensing/
sia_get_licensed.pdf
If any applicant, overseas or UK national, has been
based overseas for six continuous months or more
during the last five years, they must produce evidence of
a criminal record check covering that period from an
official source from the country they lived in, which the
SIA can verify. An official source will normally mean
the Government body that issues criminal record certificates.
Any evidence of criminality identified through an overseas
disclosure will be judged against the criteria and offences
in Get Licensed.
The SIA also undertake right to work checks on any
non EEA national applicants. This check does not
replace the statutory responsibility of employers to
ensure their employees have the right to work in the UK
or their responsibility to ensure employees with restricted
hours visas do not work more hours than allowed.
Employers are advised by the SIA to ensure that they
know if an employee’s right to work expires before their
SIA licence expires, and that they should not accept the
possession of an SIA licence as proof of the licence
holders right to work in the UK.
Human Trafficking
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for
the Home Department how many factors are taken
into account in assessing whether an individual has
been trafficked. [10628]
Damian Green: Decisions about who is a victim of
trafficking are made by trained specialists in designated
’Competent Authorities’. A Competent Authority will
take into account multiple factors when considering
whether an individual meets the definition of trafficking
given in the Council of Europe Convention on Action
against Trafficking in Human Beings. There is no prescribed
list of factors that must be present before trafficking
can be recognised, but the detailed training and guidance
used by Competent Authorities and frontline staff includes
a range of indicators drawn from international best
practice. These indicators include being deceived about
the nature of the job, location or employer, violence or
threats of violence against victim, confiscation of a
passport, debt bondage, isolation, confinement or
surveillance, forced tasks and excessive working hours.
Detailed information on the Competent Authority
consideration procedure can be found in the UK Border
Agency’s trafficking guidance:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/
policyandlaw/asylumprocessguidance/specialcases/guidance/
victimsoftrafficking.pdf ?view=Binary
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for
the Home Department what criteria the police use to
decide whether an individual has been trafficked.
[10629]
Written Answers 646W
Damian Green: The decision as to whether an individual
is a victim of human trafficking is made by trained
specialists in designated “competent authorities” within
the UK Border Agency and the UK Human Trafficking
Centre, not the police.
Police officers who encounter an individual they suspect
may be a victim of trafficking are asked to refer that
person to the UK Human Trafficking Centre so an
assessment can be made by competent authorities.
Illegal Immigrants: Employment
Sandra Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department how many illegal immigrants have
been found to be employed by fishing vessels registered
to each UK fishing port in each of the last 12 months;
and what steps her Department has taken in
consequence. [10931]
Damian Green: The information requested could be
obtained only at disproportionate cost by undertaking
a search of individual records.
Any abuse of the immigration rules within the fishing
industry will not be tolerated. Employers of illegal
workers are dealt with through the illegal working civil
penalty regime and any prosecutions are dealt with
through the courts.
Immigrants: English Language
Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department what progress has been made on
the establishment of English language test centres for
immigrants. [10426]
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
the Home Department by what mechanisms the
language skills of migrants applying for spouse visas
will be assessed under the proposed new English
language requirement. [11041]
Damian Green: On 9 June, my right hon. Friend the
Home Secretary announced a new language requirement
for those seeking entry to the UK as the spouse or civil
partner, fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, unmarried
partner or same sex partner of a British citizen or
someone who is present and settled in the UK.
Spouses will be required to meet level A1 of the
Common European Framework of Reference for speaking
and listening. The intention is that applicants will need
to submit evidence that they have passed a test on a
UKBA approved list of test providers with their application
for leave to enter or remain, unless they are nationals
from majority English-speaking countries.
We have not yet approved test providers for the new
spouse language requirement. An announcement about
approved test providers will be made at the earliest
opportunity.
Immigration
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
the Home Department what powers she has to revoke
an individual’s indefinite leave to remain granted
following marriage to a British citizen in circumstances
in which the individual has been violent towards their
spouse; and if she will make a statement. [11047]
647W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 648W

Damian Green: Where an individual has been granted
indefinite leave to remain as the spouse of a British
citizen, and is subsequently alleged to have been violent
towards his or her spouse, this is not in itself grounds
for revoking that indefinite leave. However, if deception
was used in obtaining indefinite leave to remain as the
spouse of a British citizen, section 10(1)(b) of the
Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, which provides for
the removal from UK of a person using deception, is
relevant. This allows for leave to be revoked and removal
pursued. If the person has been criminally convicted of
violence, he or she may have their leave revoked and be
subject to deportation.
Immigration: Hungary
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department what assessment her Department
has made of the likely effect on the level of immigration
to the UK of the decision of the Hungarian Government
to allow ethnic Hungarians living abroad to apply for
dual citizenship. [10712]
Damian Green: No assessment has been made to
date, but the UK Border Agency will continue to monitor
closely any significant changes in numbers of Hungarians
registering on the Worker Registration Scheme, or those
applying for residence documentation.
Immigration: Work Permits
Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department how many work permits have been
granted in respect of each occupation in each year
since the inception of the points-based immigration
system. [10584]
Damian Green: The numbers of work permits issued
for each of the requested categories are set out in the
tables placed in the House Library.
Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department how many grants of settlement
have been made on the basis of employment with a
work permit in (a) each year since 1997 and (b) each
quarter since quarter 1 of 2006; and if she will give the
corresponding figures for spouses and dependants.
[10597]
Damian Green [holding answer 22 July 2010]: The
latest quarterly figures were published in table 4.2 in the
“Control of Immigration: Quarterly Statistical Summary,
United Kingdom—January to March 2010”. The quarterly
figures from 2006 to the first quarter of 2010 are given
in table 1. Data for second quarter of 2010 are scheduled
for publication on 26 August 2010.
The latest annual figures from 1997 to 2009 are given
in table 2.
Home Office statistical publications are available from
the Library of the House and from the Home Office
Research, Development and Statistics website at:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum-
stats.html

Table 1—Grants and refusals of settlement1,2,3 by employment based category of grant, excluding EEA and Swiss nationals4, Q1 2006 to Q1 2010
Number of persons
2006 20075
Broad category of grant Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total
6
Employment
Employment with a work 7,210 2,670 685 710 11,270 1,350 2,880 5,550 5,385 15,165
permit after 4/5 years
Spouses and dependants 8,255 2,900 635 550 12,340 1,150 3,470 6,795 6,650 18,065

5 years aggregate of pre n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
PBS categories and Tiers 1
or 27
Spouses and dependants n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Permit-free employment, 705 1,820 620 120 3,265 90 175 340 265 865
businessman, persons of
independent means
Spouses and dependants 530 1,305 400 75 2,315 40 120 305 240 700

Commonwealth citizens 1,380 390 75 50 1,900 90 400 710 480 1,675

with a UK-born
grandparent
Spouses and dependants 520 160 40 20 740 30 150 325 230 730
Total employment-related 18,600 9,245 2,455 1,530 31,830 2,750 7,195 14,020 13,250 37,210
grants

Number of persons
2008 20098 20109
Broad category
of grant Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1

Employment6
Employment 6,210 5,765 5,585 5,710 23,270 6,515 6,145 6,605 6,170 25,435 7,675
with a work
permit after
4/5 years
649W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 650W

Number of persons
2008 20098 20109
Broad category
of grant Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1

Spouses and 7,815 7,210 7,360 8,185 30,575 9,120 9,250 9,835 8,630 36,830 11,060
dependants

5 years aggregate n/a n/a n/a 5 5 45 410 795 740 1,990 1,230
of pre PBS
categories and
Tiers 1 or 27
Spouses and n/a n/a n/a 5 5 60 655 1,170 970 2,855 1,725
dependants

Permit-free
employment,
businessman,
persons of 435 470 605 555 2,065 575 1,025 1,725 1,560 4,885 2,035
independent
means
Spouses and 380 400 510 500 1,790 540 1,230 2,440 2,065 6,275 2,485
dependants

Commonwealth 655 610 445 375 2,090 460 765 355 390 1,975 485
citizens with a
UK-born
grandparent
Spouses and 280 300 225 165 970 225 350 190 195 965 235
dependants
Total 15,775 14,755 14,730 15,505 60,770 17,550 19,835 23,120 20,715 81,220 26,930
employment-
related grants
n/a = Not applicable.
1
Figures rounded to the nearest 5 and may not sum to the totals shown because of independent rounding.
2
Includes reconsideration cases and the outcome of appeals.
3
May include a small number of cases in which a decision is recorded twice, where an individual has dual nationality.
4
Data exclude dependants of EEA and Swiss nationals in confirmed relationships granted permanent residence.
5
Excludes Bulgaria and Romania from January 2007.
6
In April 2006, the qualifying period for settlement in all employment-related categories changed from 4 to 5 years delaying grants of settlement that would
otherwise have occurred earlier.
7
Grants of settlement to persons that combine qualifying periods of residence in Points Base System Tiers 1 Highly Skilled or 2 Skilled Workers and other pre
Point Based System categories.
8
Revised figures.
9
Provisional figures.

Table 2—Grants of settlement by employment based category of grant, excluding EEA and Swiss nationals1,2, 1997-2009, United Kingdom
Number of persons
Broad
category of
grant 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 20033 20044,5 20054 20064 20074,6 20084,6,9 20094,6,10

Employment7
Employment 2,840 3,150 3,280 4,445 4,335 5,845 9,190 16,205 25,470 11,270 15,165 23,270 25,435
with a work
permit after
4/5 years
Spouses and 3,565 3,790 3,580 5,140 5,045 6,835 10,620 17,050 27,340 12,340 18,065 30,575 36,830
dependants

5 years n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 5 1,990
aggregate of
pre PBS
categories
and Tiers 1
or 28
Spouses and n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 5 2,855
dependants

Permit-free 975 1,060 835 1,685 1,050 1,095 1,550 1,545 1,945 3,265 865 2,065 4,885
employment,
businessman,
persons of
independent
means
Spouses and 1,195 1,190 1,005 1,115 845 680 1,050 1,020 1,570 2,315 700 1,790 6,275
dependants
651W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 652W

Table 2—Grants of settlement by employment based category of grant, excluding EEA and Swiss nationals1,2, 1997-2009, United Kingdom
Number of persons
Broad
category of
grant 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 20033 20044,5 20054 20064 20074,6 20084,6,9 20094,6,10

Commonwealth 1,110 1,675 2,240 2,580 3,255 4,060 5,275 4,755 4,795 1,900 1,675 2,090 1,975
citizens with
a UK-born
grandparent
Spouses and 225 365 540 640 725 1,290 1,945 1,680 1,895 740 730 970 965
dependants
Total 9,910 11,230 11,480 15,610 15,255 19,800 29,635 42,260 63,015 31,830 37,210 60,770 81,220
employment-
related grants
n/a = Not applicable
1
Figures rounded to the nearest 5 and may not sum to the totals shown because of independent rounding.
2
Data from 2003 exclude dependants of EEA and Swiss nationals in confirmed relationships granted permanent residence.
3
Excludes reconsideration cases.
4
May include a small number of cases in which a decision is recorded twice, where an individual has dual nationality.
5
Includes nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia before 1 May 2004, but excludes them
from this date.
6
Excludes Bulgaria and Romania from January 2007.
7
In 2006 the qualifying period for settlement in all employment-related categories changed from 4 to 5 years.
8
Grants of settlement to persons that combine qualifying periods of residence in Points Base System Tiers 1 Highly Skilled or 2 Skilled Workers and other pre
Point Based System categories.
9
Revised figures.
10
Provisional figures.

Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department how many work permits have been Home Department when she plans to respond to the
issued to non-UK nationals in each quarter since 1 hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay’s letter of 15
January 2005. [10598] June 2010 on his constituent Mr M. Tizora. [11429]

Damian Green [holding answer 22 July 2010]: The Damian Green: The UK Border Agency wrote to my
number of work permits issued since 1 January 2005 is hon. Friend on 23 July 2010.
set out in the following table:
Police: Finance
Work permits approved by quarter 1 January 2005-20 July 2010
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the
2005 42,325 44,770 42,050 38,235 Home Department which elements of the proposed
2006 41,880 42,720 45,370 41,030 £135 million police expenditure reductions (a) were
2007 43,225 41,335 43,310 37,055 and (b) were not contained in the £545 million of
2008 35,265 39,330 45,135 28,835 reductions set out in the Policing White Paper
2009 7,155 3,280 1,910 1,440 published in November 2009. [2073]
2010 1,340 2,120 480 669,590
Notes: Mrs May [holding answer 14 June 2010]: The £545
1. The data are based on management information, are provisional million set out in the 2009 Policing White Paper included
and may be subject to change. The data are not National Statistics. £100 million intended for delivery in 2010-11. Savings
2. Figures are rounded to nearest five. were to be achieved through national frameworks for
3. Because of rounding, figures may not add up to the totals shown.
procurement, converging IT, reductions in overtime and
streamlining support services. I have reduced this year’s
Members: Correspondence
core Government funding to the police by a total of
£125 million. It is for chief constables to use their
Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for expertise and decide what makes most sense for their
the Home Department when she expects to reply to the force, including taking account of the £100 million
letter to her dated 20 May 2010 from the right hon. opportunities, but I am quite clear that the £125 million
Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr A. saving can be achieved by driving out wasteful spending
Khan. [6339] on support functions, reducing bureaucracy and increasing
efficiency in key functions, leaving the frontline of policing
Damian Green: We have no record of receiving the strong and secure. I expect forces to be held to this by
right hon. Member’s letter of 20 May 2010 and obtained both police authorities and Her Majesty’s inspectorate
a copy from his office on 13 July 2010. I replied to the of constabulary.
hon. Member on 23 July 2010.
UK Border Agency International Group
Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department when the UK Border Agency plans Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for the
to respond to the hon. Member for Basildon and Home Department what (a) guidance and (b)
Billericay’s letter of 17 June 2010 on his constituent Mr directions Ministers in her Department issue to the UK
R. Zhang. [11428] Border Agency International Group; if she will place in
the Library a copy of each document containing such
Damian Green: The UK Border Agency wrote to my guidance and directions; and if she will make a
hon. Friend on 13 July 2010. statement. [10038]
653W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 654W

Damian Green [holding answer 20 July 2010]: Entry
clearance staff working within UK Border Agency
International Directorate make entry clearance decisions
on the basis of the immigration rules. Guidance on
applying the immigration rules is available to staff and
the general public at:
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/ecg/
This guidance is best viewed online rather than in
Library copy as it is regularly updated. A small part of
the guidance is classified for issues of national security
and on this basis it would not be appropriate to publish
this in the Library of the House or make it available to
the general public.
UK Border Agency: Expenditure
Principles) adapted for the public sector in accordance
with guidance issued by HM Treasury.
UK Border Agency: Immigration Appeals
Richard Harrington: To ask the Secretary of State for
the Home Department, what proportion of
immigration appeals UK Border Agency staff attended
in each year since 2005; and what proportion of
immigration appeals at which the UK Border Agency
(a) was and (b) was not represented were allowed in
each year. [3271]
Damian Green: The proportion of immigration appeals
represented by UKBA staff in each calendar year since
2005 is as follows:

Proportion
Kris Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Represented (%) Appeal numbers
Home Department how much the UK Border Agency
spent on legal costs for High Court cases in each of the 2005 91 53,630
last three years. [10577] 2006 84 95,351
2007 85 102,249
Damian Green: The information is not collated in the 2008 76 101,860
way requested as costs are not recorded based on the 2009 64 96,188
seniority of the court where the case was heard. The following table shows the proportion of immigration
The Home Office prepares its accounts in accordance appeals allowed each year since 2005 that were (a)
with UK GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting represented and (b) not represented.

Proportion
Not represented % Represented % Total

2005 Allowed 1,409 8 14,528 91 15,937

2006 Allowed 5,587 16 29,927 84 35,514
2007 Allowed 6,211 17 30,806 83 37,017
2008 Allowed 11,870 29 29,092 71 40,962
2009 Allowed 17,473 42 23,997 58 41,470
Notes:
1. In responding to this question, “immigration cases” has been taken to mean asylum, deportation, economic and family migration,
international group (entry clearance), and visit visa cases.
2. Figures exclude paper appeal cases as these cases are determined in the absence of a hearing by an immigration judge sitting “in chambers”.
Neither the appellant’s representative nor a presenting officer is required to attend a hearing and these figures are excluded from the appeals
representation rates as no representation takes place.
3. The statistical information provided is provisional and for internal use by the UK Border Agency only. This information has not been quality
assured under National Statistics protocols. The validity of data taken from CID is completely reliant on the quality and timeliness of the
information held on the database. Statistics to be used publicly or for other Government Departments or agencies must be agreed with the
Immigration Research and Statistics Service (IRSS).
4. Figures include cases withdrawn by the Home Office, as well as those withdrawn by the appellant.

Visas: Married People
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
the Home Department what powers she has to revoke a
spouse or partner visa in circumstances in which an
individual who has the visa has been violent towards
their spouse or partner; and if she will make a
statement. [11323]
Damian Green: Where a person has limited leave to
enter or remain in the United Kingdom as a spouse or
partner, and the marriage or relationship breaks down,
there is discretionary provision in paragraph 323 of the
Immigration Rules to curtail that person’s leave. If the
UK-settled sponsor alleges that the migrant has caused
domestic violence or made threats, my officials give
priority to the consideration of such cases. If a non-British
citizen is convicted of a criminal offence carrying a
custodial sentence of 12 months or more, he is liable to
deportation from the UK. A deportation order revokes
leave to enter or remain, and requires the person to
leave the UK.
Visas: Northern Ireland
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for the
Home Department what mechanism is in place to
ensure that non-EU nationals living in the Republic of
Ireland comply with visa requirements when travelling
to Northern Ireland. [11202]
Damian Green: The Common Travel Area comprises
the United Kingdom, the Crown dependencies (the
Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and the Republic
of Ireland, and is based on the principle that once a
person has been granted leave to enter one part of the
CTA, they will not normally require leave to enter
another part of it while that leave is extant and provided
they do not leave the CTA.
655W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 656W

There are exceptions to this principle and a visa Work Permits

national who has no valid visa for the UK may not
enter the UK from another part of the CTA without David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for the
leave from a UKBA officer. Home Department whether there are limits on the
The UK currently makes no routine immigration number of hours a week that an individual on a
checks on passenger travel within the CTA. However, working visa can work. [11207]
we do carry out intelligence-led operations on intra
CTA borders. This includes operational activity in Northern Damian Green: The points based system, and the
Ireland. immigration routes that preceded it, does not place a
We work closely with the Republic of Ireland to limit on the number of hours a week that an individual
tackle illegal migration and abuse of the CTA. The UK can work. However, migrant workers enjoy the same
Border Agency, UK police and the Irish Garda National protection under employment law as resident workers,
Immigration Bureau work collaboratively to tackle potential including the working time directive.
risk to the internal CTA borders.
We also continue to work in partnership with the
Republic of Ireland and the Crown dependencies on ATTORNEY-GENERAL
measures to strengthen the external CTA border and
prevent abuse; these include initiatives on data sharing, Crown Prosecution Service: Somerset
visa arrangements and e-Borders.
Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Attorney-General
Visas: Pakistan how many (a) full-time and (b) temporary Crown
Prosecution Service prosecutors were assigned to cases
Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for heard in courts in (i) Taunton and (ii) Bridgwater in
the Home Department how many applications there each of the last five years. [11028]
were for visas to enter the UK from Pakistan in each
year since 1997; and how many such applications were The Attorney-General: The Crown Prosecution Service
refused in each such year. [11145]
keeps records of prosecutors’/agents’ attendance at court
recorded by half-day sessions. The figures available for
2005-06 and 2006-07 are no longer available. In 2007-08,
Damian Green: The number of visa applications from 909 half-day sessions were recorded in Taunton and 673
nationals of Pakistan that were (a) received and (b) at Bridgwater. However prosecutors and agents cannot
refused in each year from 2004-09 are shown in the be distinguished. In 2008-09 there were 825 half-day
following table. Reliable statistics for previous years are sessions in Taunton, of which 67 were conducted by
not held. agents, and 585 at Bridgwater, of which 67 were conducted
by agents. In 2009-10, there were 840 half-day sessions
Nationality Applications Refused
at Taunton, of which 77 were conducted by agents, and
2004 Pakistan 229,338 64,563 514 at Bridgwater, of which 70 were conducted by
2005 Pakistan 207,331 71,897
agents.
2006 Pakistan 243,143 75,633
Departmental Internet
2007 Pakistan 208,059 85,723
2008 Pakistan 181,345 66,728
2009 Pakistan 147,982 71,657
Graham Evans: To ask the Attorney-General how
much (a) the Law Officers’ Departments and (b) their
agency spent on website design in each year since 1997.
Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for [7599]
the Home Department what the average time taken to
process applications for visas to enter the UK (a) from The Attorney-General: The information requested is
overseas and (b) from Pakistan was in the latest period detailed as follows.
for which figures are available. [11146] Central records held by both CPS and RCPO do not
differentiate between different categories of website
Damian Green: In the financial year 2009-10, average expenditure. The CPS figures shown, therefore, include
processing times for UK visa applications were as follows: expenditure on website design, maintenance, development,
All countries: 9.8 days
content (including Welsh translation), training, publishing,
as well as costs for work on the staff intranet.
Pakistan: 14.9 days.
Actual processing times can vary considerably according Cost
to location, category of application and time of year. A
guide to visa application processing times for each UK 2004-5 £23,000
visa application centre overseas is available on our 2005-6 £11,000
website at: 2006-7 £53,120.85
2007-8 £65,269.15
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas
2008-9 £190,493.78
Processing time is counted from the date the application 2009-10 £199,894.83
is lodged and the fee paid to the date that either (a) the Note:
applicant is informed that their passport is ready for Central records of costs incurred before 2004 are not available and
collection, or (b) the passport is sent back to the applicant. could be determined only at a disproportionate cost.
657W Written Answers
RCPO spent £58,741 in 2008-09 which includes not
only design but also the costs of the strategy and
planning, build, hosting, infrastructure, content provision,
testing, evaluation and staff costs. RCPO was set up in
2005. Records for website spend are not available before
2008-09 and could be determined only at a disproportionate
cost.
The National Fraud Authority spent £168,851 in
2009-10. This cost included the design and development
of the Action Fraud website (including the design of
the web reporting tool). No other expenditure on websites
is recorded.
The Attorney-General’s Office redeveloped its website
in 2009. The Attorney-General’s Office’s website is shared
with the National Fraud Authority and the total cost of
the combined website for the Attorney-General’s Office
and National Fraud Authority was £62,143.20.
The Treasury Solicitor’s Department is responsible
for the following websites: Treasury Solicitor’s Department,
Bona Vacantia, HMCPSI and Government Legal Service.
Since 2003 there has been external design expenditure
of £1,400 on the Treasury Solicitor’s website (incurred
in 2009-10).
The Bona Vacantia website was redesigned in 2009 at
a total cost of £42,598.
No external website design expenditure has been
incurred by HMCPSI or the Government Legal Service.
The Serious Fraud Office has spent the following
amounts on website design, there are no records for
expenditure in years before 2006-07.
2006-07
2008-09
2009-10
Departmental Pay
Tom Brake: To ask the Attorney-General how much
was paid in remuneration in total to civil servants in the
Law Officers’ Departments in 2009-10. [9931]
The Attorney-General: The following table details the
amount spent by the Law Officers’ Departments on
remuneration for civil servants in 2009-10. The information
provided is drawn from departmental resource accounts
for 2009-10 which have recently been presented to the
House of Commons.
Department Remuneration (£ million)
1
TSol
SFO
CPS
NFA
1
The Treasury Solicitor’s Department resource accounts for 2009-10
also cover staff at the Attorney-General’s Office, Her Majesty’s
Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.
Departmental Public Expenditure
Gordon Banks: To ask the Attorney-General (1) how
many of the Law Officers’ Departments’ contracts with
its suppliers are under review as a result of the recently
26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 658W
announced reductions in public expenditure; and what
the monetary value is of all such contracts which are
under review; [3632]
(2) how many officials in the Law Officers’ Departments
are working on renegotiating contracts for the supply of
goods and services to those Departments as a result of
recently announced reductions in public spending; what
savings are expected to accrue to those Departments
from such renegotiations; how much expenditure those
Departments will incur on such renegotiations; and
when such renegotiations will be completed. [3654]
The Attorney-General: The Law Officers’ Departments
operate a policy of continually reviewing contracts to
achieve efficiency savings where possible.
At present the Law Officers Departments, like other
Government Departments, are waiting for a direction
from OGC as to the suppliers and contracts that may be
subject to review and renegotiation, following the work
being done by the Efficiency and Reform Group on the
efficiency savings programme. We are unclear at present
as to which contracts may be affected by this programme,
so accordingly cannot currently identify the expected
savings or the expenditure the Departments will incur.
Green Energy (Definition and Promotion) Act 2009
Dr Whitehead: To ask the Attorney-General what
legal advice he has given Ministers on their
Departments’ compliance with section 3 of the Green
Energy (Definition and Promotion) Act 2009. [11014]
£ The Attorney-General: By long-standing convention,
observed by successive administrations and embodied
101,802
in the Ministerial Code, the fact that the Law Officers
60,288
have advised (or have not advised) on a particular issue,
107,114 and the content of any advice, is not disclosed outside
government.
Prosecutions: Expenditure
Karl Turner: To ask the Attorney-General what
proportion of the budget of the Crown Prosecution
Service was spent on frontline prosecution activity in
the latest period for which figures are available. [10456]
The Attorney-General: The proportion of the budget
of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) spent on frontline
prosecution activity for the financial year 2009-10 was
approximately 83%. The CPS has defined frontline to
mean the costs incurred by the 42 geographical areas,
CPS Direct and the four Casework Directorates, together
with the appropriate proportion of central overheads
54.181 such as information technology.
15.282
378.420
1.364
PRIME MINISTER
Departmental Communication
Stewart Hosie: To ask the Prime Minister what
instructions have been issued by his private office on
the preparation of briefing, speeches and replies to
official correspondence. [9674]
659W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
The Prime Minister: We aim to reply to all
correspondence swiftly and accurately. My Office has
responded to nearly 28,000 letters since 12 May 2010.
EU Budget
Mr Davidson: To ask the Prime Minister what
assessment he has made of the merits of implementing
a reduction of (a) 25% and (b) 40% in departmental
expenditure related to UK payments to the European
Union budget. [9962]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the
answer I gave on 14 July 2010, Official Report, column
946.
Israel
Mr Amess: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make
an official visit to Israel; and if he will make a
statement. [10591]
The Prime Minister: I refer my hon. Friend to the
answer I gave on 3 June 2010, Official Report, column
99W.
Ministerial Policy Advisers
Mr Allen: To ask the Prime Minister what progress
has been made towards introducing a limit on the
number of special advisers; and what the limit is
planned to be. [10259]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to
paragraph 3.2 of the Ministerial Code. A list of special
advisers was published on 10 June 2010, Official Report,
column 32WS.
Slovenia: World War Two
Mr MacShane: To ask the Prime Minister if he will
issue an apology to the families and descendants of
those Slovenes who were forcibly repatriated by the
British Army in 1945 and subsequently murdered by
the communist authorities of Yugoslavia. [8606]
Mr Lidington: I have been asked to reply.
The Government share the sense of regret at the loss
of life that occurred in Yugoslavia in the aftermath of
the second world war. These events are now for historical
study and review.
USA
Mr MacShane: To ask the Prime Minister what class
of air travel he used for his journey to the United States
on 19 July 2010. [10425]
The Prime Minister: As set out in the Ministerial
Code, details of all my overseas travel will be published
at least quarterly.
Written Answers 660W
HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION
Procurement Policy
Mr Sanders: To ask the hon. Member for
Middlesbrough, representing the House of Commons
Commission if the House of Commons Commission
will review its procurement policy to ensure that all
purchases made by the House of Commons Service
comply with ethical and environmentally sustainable
principles. [10706]
Sir Stuart Bell: The House Administration ensures,
when tendering and awarding its contracts, that suppliers
give evidence that they will apply best practice in terms
of both ethical practice and environmental sustainability.
The House’s standard form of contract includes terms
covering the environment and human rights, making
failure to comply a breach of contract and grounds to
terminate. Purchasing is carried out under an ethics
policy based broadly on that of the Chartered Institute
of Purchasing and Supply.
Palace of Westminster and 7 Millbank: Wifi
Chris Leslie: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough,
representing the House of Commons Commission what
plans Parliamentary ICT has to improve wifi connectivity
in (a) the Palace of Westminster and (b) No. 7 Millbank;
and if he will make a statement. [10774]
Sir Stuart Bell: Wifi is available in 75 locations across
the Estate including all committee rooms and meeting
rooms that are bookable by Members as well as other
communal areas such as the Portcullis House Atrium
and the Members Library. Access to the Parliamentary
Network for parliamentary users and guest wifi to the
internet is available in all these locations. There are no
current plans to extend wifi in No. 7 Millbank. The
quality of the wifi service is reported as good and access
to the guest service will be simplified over the summer.
A limitation to the use of Apple Macintosh laptops has
recently been identified and is being resolved.
Select Committees: Audio Recordings
Miss McIntosh: To ask the hon. Member for
Middlesbrough, representing the House of Commons
Commission (1) whether the House of Commons
Commission made an assessment of (a) quality and
(b) accuracy of transcripts provided by remote transcription
in (i) the Courts Service and (ii) other comparable
institutions in determining the award of the contract for
select committee transcription services; [9842]
(2) what process was followed for the (a) tender and
(b) award of the contract for select committee
transcription services; and which officers of the House
had responsibility for the process; [9843]
(3) what requirements there will be on contractors
providing transcription services to select committees
under the new contract to provide note-takers to attend
select committee evidence sessions; and if he will make
a statement; [9844]
661W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
(4) for what reasons the arrangements for transcription
of evidence taken during meetings of select committees
are to be altered; what consultation was carried out on
the proposed change; what representations the House
of Commons Commission has received on the proposed
change; and if he will make a statement; [9845]
(5) what contingency arrangements the House
Service has in place in the event of failure of sound
recording equipment in committee rooms; [9846]
(6) what assessment the House of Commons
Commission has made of the language skills of those
contracted to provide transcription services to select
committees under the new contract. [9847]
Sir Stuart Bell: The House of Commons and House
of Lords jointly have conducted public sector procurement
exercises for Select Committee and Private Bill Committee
transcription services periodically in the last decade.
(Public Bill Committees have always been transcribed
directly by the Official Report (Hansard).) Competitions
for contracts beginning in 2002 and 2007 were won by
W B Gurney’s, a private firm which has carried out this
work for a very long period. A review of the requirement
for future transcription services was carried out in 2007,
taking into account the increasing need for value for
money, developments in technology, and the need to
maximise the utilisation of the House’s existing transcription
expertise following reorganisation of the House
administration. Those consulted by the review team
included a range of other users of transcription services.
The review recommended that future contracts should
be managed by the Official Reports in the two Houses,
so as to make better use of the Houses’ existing professional
expertise, and should build in greater business resilience
by including the possibility of awarding work to more
than one company. The present contract, subject to the
possibility of renewal for up to two years, expires on 31
July 2010 and the competition for the new contract was
launched on 23 September 2009. The tenders and award
under the competition have followed the process set
down by the Public Contracts Regulations 2006, SI
2006 No.5, which, as a Contracting Authority (as defined
in the Regulations) both the House of Commons and
the House of Lords are bound to follow. The competition
has been conducted by a panel comprising senior officials
of the Committee Offices and the Editors of the Official
Reports of both Houses, advised and supported by the
House’s Commercial Services Directorate, acting on
behalf of the Corporate Officers of both Houses. It is
the Corporate Officers who have the legal capacity to
enter into contracts of this nature on behalf of the
House each serves. The House of Commons Commission
itself has no direct involvement in procurement exercises
of this nature.
Following the competition, contracts for externally
transcribed Committee sessions are being awarded to
three companies: Ubiqus, Merrill Legal and Marten
Walsh Cherer. The criteria governing the competition
were set out in the procurement documentation, and
included quality of work, reliability and value for money.
The contract assessment process has paid full attention
to the requirement for quality, with tenderers required
to demonstrate their capacity to deliver the services
required, including through sample transcripts of other
work undertaken, a real-time practical exercise, and
evidence of other work carried out by the companies.
Written Answers 662W
Separate contractual requirements are not specified for
each element of the process, since the objective is to
govern the quality of the end product, not the means by
which it is achieved. There was thus no requirement for
example to consider the specific language skills of the
individual staff of potential providers, though the capacity
of a tendering company to submit transcripts to a
required standard of English was assessed by the process
indicated above. Equally, tenderers were not required to
commit to specific methods of transcription; there was
thus no requirement for the process to assess the quality
and accuracy of transcription services using specific
methods carried out for other specific users, such as
court services (although the Departments of the Official
Report in both Houses, under the direction of their
Editors, keep abreast of professional developments in
their field). In practice, as at present, while there will
always be a transcriber present in the committee room,
some of the transcription work will be via verbatim
note-takers, with the remainder via loggers using recordings,
though the balance between different methods may
differ from the present arrangements. The Official Report
will continue to provide transcription services for up to
20% of select committee meetings using sub-editors to
log meetings, as it has been doing satisfactorily for the
past two years. As part of their normal contracted
duties, Westminster Sound Systems will ensure that
back-up recordings are made of every meeting; in addition,
all note-takers and loggers will be required to make
their own back-up recordings using mobile digital recording
technology. As a further assurance measure all transcripts
will be quality checked by the Official Report, with no
extra delay in the turnaround time, before they are
passed to committees. The Official Report will be managing
the contracts with outside providers.
The new arrangements will create very substantial
direct savings for both Houses, as well as making more
efficient use of existing Hansard resources. Obtaining
best value for money in the use of public resources has
been an important part of the process. The House of
Commons 2010-11 Corporate Business Plan identified
‘increased and demonstrable value for money’ in services
as a strategic objective for the House service. The
Commission has agreed a commitment to reduce the
Commons Administration budget by 9% over the period
2010-11 to 2012-13.
The Administration Committee and the Chairmen of
the Commission and of the Liaison Committee were
informed about the contract competition process. The
Commission is aware of letters which have been received
by a number of right hon. and hon. Members, some of
which have been forwarded to the Commission.
Television: Subtitles
Duncan Hames: To ask the hon. Member for
Middlesbrough, representing the House of Commons
Commission if the Commission will discuss with
broadcasters the extension of the provision of subtitles
in respect of broadcast proceedings of the House.
[11204]
Sir Stuart Bell: Subtitling is a matter for individual
broadcasters. The Commission has no plans to discuss
the issue, but the hon. Member may wish to raise it with
the broadcasters himself.
663W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Afghanistan: Overseas Aid
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State
for International Development what recent discussions
he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on
the comprehensive approach in Afghanistan. [10254]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Government’s approach to
Afghanistan is regularly discussed by the National Security
Council (NSC) of which the Secretary of State for
Defence and I are both members.
Afghanistan: Reconstruction
Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development what progress has been
made on the tarmacking of roads (a) between Garmsir
and Lashkar Gar, (b) between Geresk and Sangin and
(c) in Sangin town centre. [11149]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The United States are funding
the rehabilitation of the road from Lashkar Gah to
Garmsir. This will be a gravel road, with the option of
tarmacking it later. There are no plans to tarmac it at
present.
I am not aware of any plans for tarmacking the
Gereshk to Sangin road.
The UK funded district stabilisation team in Sangin
is funding tarmacking and improvements to roads in
the district centre and through the local bazaar. So far
2km of roads have been completed in the district centre.
We are considering options for further support to
transport infrastructure in Helmand.
Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development whether his Department
has considered funding proposals to develop a railway
line between Spin Baldak and Kandahar. [11338]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: While the Department for
International Development (DFID) is considering support
to a range of transport project, to date no consideration
has been given to funding a railway line between Spin
Baldak and Kandahar.
Africa: Children
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of
State for International Development what discussions
he has had with the government of (a) Ghana and (b)
other African countries on the use of child labour in
the recovery of items from e-waste arising in other
countries; and if he will make a statement. [11119]
Mr O’Brien: Department for International Development
(DFID) Ministers have not discussed the issue of child
labour in relation to e-waste with Ghana or other
countries.
Child labour is unacceptable and the Government are
committed to tackling it. We strongly support the Ethical
Trading Initiative (ETI), which challenges poor labour
standards around the world, including child labour, and
drives practical measures to improve them. DFID will
continue to encourage British businesses to sign up to
Written Answers 664W
the initiative and to follow the Organisation of Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines
for Multinational Enterprises, which set out good corporate
behaviour, including on employment rights and
environmental issues.
Cabinet Committees
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development how many times each
Cabinet sub-committee he chairs has met since 6 May
2010. [9973]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: I do not chair a Cabinet sub-
committee.
Departmental Manpower
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State
for International Development whether he plans to
change the number of people employed by his
Department. [10253]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: In line with other Government
Departments, the administration budget for the Department
for International Development (DFID) will be set during
the forthcoming spending review. We will finalise our
plans on DFID’s staffing structure once the outcome of
the review is known.
Departmental Official Hospitality
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development how much his Department
spent on hospitality for events hosted by each Minister
in his Department in (a) May and (b) June 2010.
[10116]
Mr O’Brien: The Secretary of State hosted the
Department for International Development (DFID)
Stakeholder Reception and Launch of the Organisation
for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
UK Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Peer
Review on 8 July. £306 was spent on non-alcoholic
beverages for this event.
Departmental Operating Costs
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development what steps he has taken to
reduce the running costs of his Department since his
appointment. [9823]
Mr O’Brien: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of
State for International Development announced on 1
July a significant package of measures to reduce the
Department’s running costs by over £10 million per
annum. This package includes:
the introduction of a new system of allowances for staff posted
overseas, saving £2 million per annum over time; the implementation
of a new travel policy which will save £1.2 million in 2010-11 by
restricting all staff plane or train journeys to economy class
unless business class is absolutely necessary;
the rental of two floors in the Department’s Palace Street
office, which will provide an income of over £2 million per
annum;
and a commitment to reduce the size and cost of corporate
services, such as HR and IT, by £5 million by 2012-13.
665W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
In line with other Government Departments, DFID’s
administration budget will be set during the forthcoming
Spending Review.
My right hon. Friend has also committed the Department
to work with other Government departments to reduce
its procurement costs, including renegotiating contracts
where possible.
Departmental Pay
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development how much was paid in
remuneration in total to civil servants in his
Department in 2009-10. [9902]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International
Development (DFID) paid £112 million in total in
respect of permanent employed civil servants employed
in the UK and overseas in 2009-10.
Departmental Private Education
Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development how many staff of his
Department were in receipt of the continuity of
education allowance in the last 12 months for which
figures are available; and what the cost to his
Department was in respect of staff (a) in the UK and
(b) posted overseas. [11480]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The terms and conditions of
employment in DFID are set in order to recruit, motivate
and retain staff who are skilled and equipped to meet
DFID’s objectives. Those with children have a legal
obligation as parents to ensure that their children receive
a full-time education from the age of five, and they pay
UK tax wherever they work. Most parents prefer to
take their children with them, but in some countries
they are not permitted to do so, either for health or
security reasons. Continuity of education is also an
important factor, particularly at secondary level.
In financial year 2009-10, 48 members of DFID’s staff
on overseas postings received an Education Allowance
at a total cost of £1,318,810. Two of the 48 employees
returned to the UK during the 2009-10 financial year
and were eligible to receive education continuity payments
at a cost of £30,823.
Departmental Public Expenditure
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development how many of his
Department’s contracts with its suppliers are under
review as a result of the recently announced reductions
in public expenditure; and what the monetary value is
of all such contracts which are under review. [3643]
Mr O’Brien: There are 13 key suppliers who will have
their contracts reviewed as part of this process. The
total number of contracts under review is 116 and the
total value of the contracts is £628 million.
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development how many officials in his
Department are working on renegotiating contracts for
the supply of goods and services to the Department as
a result of recently announced reductions in public
Written Answers 666W
spending; what savings are expected to accrue to his
Department from such renegotiations; how much
expenditure his Department will incur on such
renegotiations; and when such renegotiations will be
completed. [3665]
Mr O’Brien: Four senior procurement officials will
be involved in renegotiating contracts as part of their
duties. The potential for and levels of savings will be
determined by conducting a review of the top contracts.
Expenditure for this activity relates to engagement
with 13 key suppliers and may include telephone, e-mail
and face to face meetings.
The Department for International Development is
currently within the data gathering and planning phase
for this activity and completion time scales are currently
undefined.
Departmental Travel
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development which (a) Ministers and
(b) officials in his Department have been driven by the
Government Car Service since the Government took
office; and how much each of these persons has received
in expenses for use of taxis, buses and underground
trains in that period. [7968]
Mr O’Brien: The Secretary of State, Minister of
State, Permanent Secretary and I are entitled to use a
car from the Government Car Service. No other officials
from the Department for International Development
(DFID) are entitled to use a car, except when accompanied
by a Minister or the Permanent Secretary. DFID does
not maintain a record of officials who have travelled in
a car from the Government Car Service in this capacity.
No expenses have been reimbursed to DFID Ministers
or the Permanent Secretary for use of taxis, buses or
underground trains since the Government took office.
The Government publish on a quarterly basis the
expenses incurred by the most senior officials, which
includes use of the Government car service and other
travel expenses.
Developing Countries: HIV Infection
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development what discussions he has
held on his Department’s HIV/AIDS prevention
programmes with (a) other governments, (b) multilateral
agencies and (c) non-governmental organisations.
[9993]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: I regularly discuss with a wide
range of partners the importance of scaling up effective
HIV prevention programmes, such as prevention of
mother-to-child transmission of HIV, condom distribution
and use, family planning, and addressing underlying
factors that fuel the epidemic, such as gender inequality
and poverty.
Developing Countries: Maternity Services
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State
for International Development what steps his
Department is taking to improve post-natal care in
developing countries. [10762]
667W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Mr O’Brien: Maternal and newborn health is a major
priority for the UK Government and an area that the
Prime Minister has personally championed. The
Department for International Development is developing
a new Business Plan focusing on reproductive, maternal
and newborn health. This will support a ‘continuum of
care’, ensuring that women have choice over whether
and when to have children, and to have access to quality
care during pregnancy, childbirth and for the newborn,
including in the post-natal period.
The recent G8 summit, which the Prime Minister
attended, has delivered a significant boost to efforts to
improve maternal, newborn and child health. It is estimated
that the G8 Muskoka Initiative will prevent 1.3 million
under-fives child deaths, 64,000 maternal deaths and
enable an additional 12 million women to have access to
modern family planning in the period 2010-15.
At the United Nations Millennium Development Goals
summit in September, we will press for international
agreement on an action agenda to achieve the MDGs
by 2015. This will include making results-based
commitments for the most off track MDGs such as
maternal and child health, which are particular priorities
for the UK Government.
Developing Countries: Schools
Mr Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for International
Development whether his Department has made an
assessment of means to encourage increased levels of
school attendance in developing countries. [10235]
Mr O’Brien: In ‘The Coalition: our programme for
government’, the Government highlighted their
commitment to education, stating that we will prioritise
aid spending to ensure all children have access to education
and will particularly focus on girls and children with
disabilities. The ongoing aid reviews will determine how
we can achieve better value for money and accelerate
progress towards the MDGs, including the target on
education, which is at the heart of the Government’s
development policy.
We recognise that supporting increased levels of school
attendance in developing countries requires a range of
interventions including: removing financial barriers to
education; addressing specific needs of disadvantaged
groups; improving infrastructure; recruiting and training
more teachers; and ensuring a quality of learning. In
building our strategic approach to education going
forward, we will be guided by evidence of what works.
Development Innovation Fund
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development what plans he has for the
future of the Development Innovation Fund. [9974]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Development Innovation
Fund has been closed. Consultation for a new poverty
impact fund is planned for later this month, with a view
to launching the fund in the autumn.
Written Answers 668W
International Assistance
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State
for International Development what discussions he has
had with the Deputy Prime Minister on the forthcoming
UN Summit on the Millennium Development Goals in
New York; and if he will make a statement. [11424]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Deputy Prime Minister
and I met on 7 July to discuss priorities for the United
Nations Summit on the Millennium Development Goals
in New York.
International Assistance: Hunger
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development what steps his Department
is taking to ensure that the Millennium Development
Goal aimed at halving hunger by 2015 is met. [9865]
Mr O’Brien: At the G8 summit last month, the Prime
Minister confirmed the Government’s commitment to
the L’Aquila Food Security Initiative, which aims to
tackle hunger in developing countries through support
for agriculture, food security, and nutrition programmes.
The Department for International Development (DFID)
is helping to reduce hunger in partner countries by
promoting greater investment in agriculture and through
programmes which target the most vulnerable. For example
in Ethiopia, UK aid is helping 7.5 million people access
more and better quality food. DFID support has
contributed to a 15% rise in agricultural production and
11% economic growth in Rwanda. In Bangladesh,
agricultural inputs have been provided to over one
million people, helping increase incomes by 50%. DFID
also aims to prevent malnutrition in 3.5 million children
in India over five years, through our support to the
health and nutrition sectors.
At the Millennium Development Goal summit in
September, the UK Government will press for agreement
on a roadmap for achieving all the MDGs by 2015.
Nigeria: International Assistance
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development what his Department’s
plans are for future development projects in Nigeria;
and if he will make a statement. [11482]
Mr O’Brien: Nigeria is a hugely important country to
the development of Africa. The Secretary of State has
commissioned a review of the Department for International
Development’s (DFID)’s aid programmes around the
world. The Nigeria programme is part of this. The
outcome of the review will be used to inform the
Department’s spending plans, due to be brought to a
conclusion in the autumn. In the meantime, DFID is
continuing to implement its ongoing programme.
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development what recent representations
he has received on the future of his Department’s
development projects in Nigeria. [11484]
669W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Mr O’Brien: The Department for International
Development (DFID) maintains regular dialogue with
Federal Government counterparts in Abuja and with
senior officials at the state level. DFID also maintains
contact with a range of civil society organisations on
programme issues in Nigeria. The Secretary of State
has commissioned a review of DFID’s bilateral aid
programmes around the world. The Nigeria programme
is part of this. The outcome of the review will be used to
inform the Department’s spending plans, due to be
brought to a conclusion in the autumn. In the meantime,
DFID is continuing to implement its ongoing programme.
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development what recent discussions he
has had with representatives of the Government of
Nigeria on his Department’s programmes in that country.
[11485]
Mr O’Brien: The Secretary of State and I have not
yet had the opportunity to meet representatives of the
Government of Nigeria. The British High Commissioner
and Head of the Department for International
Development (DFID) in Nigeria have called on the
President of Nigeria several times over the last two
months to discuss his priorities and UK support.
Overseas Aid
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development which countries have been
the subject of joint strategies established by his Department
with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the
Ministry of Defence since his appointment. [9972]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: None. The UK Government are
committed to joined up working. Department for
International Development (DFID) officials work closely
with colleagues in other Government Departments,
including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and
the Ministry of Defence.
I have recently commissioned a review of DFID’s
bilateral aid programme to ensure we achieve value for
money and accelerate progress towards the Millennium
Development Goals. This review will inform country
plans to 2014. Other Government Departments will
feed into this process.
Vendata Resources
Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development what (a) financial and (b)
non-financial support his Department has given to
Vendata Resources plc in each year since 2005; and if
he will make a statement. [10766]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: Based on the information which
we hold, the Department for International Development
(DFID) does not, and has not in the past, supported
Vedanta Resources or its subsidiaries.
Water Supply
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for
International Development what reports he has received
on sourcing and distribution of water in (a) Rio de
Janeiro, (b) Shanghai and (c) other areas at threat of
increased water stress. [9811]
Written Answers 670W
Mr O’Brien: The Department for International
Development’s (DFID’s) work is directed towards poor
people living in least developed countries. On this basis,
we are not involved in sourcing and distribution of
water in either Rio de Janeiro or Shanghai.
DFID supports programmes to address increasing
water scarcity in many countries, including Sudan, Ethiopia,
Afghanistan, Bangladesh and India. Our watershed
management and rural livelihoods programmes in India
have enabled more secure livelihoods for 1.65 million
people. DFID also supports the Global Water Partnership,
which enables developing countries to plan and prepare
for their future water needs, and respond to the challenge
of climate change.
LEADER OF THE HOUSE
Pre-legislative Scrutiny
10. Mr Allen: To ask the Leader of the House if he
will introduce arrangements for pre-legislative scrutiny
of all proposed Government legislation. [10707]
Mr Heath: The Government aim to publish legislation
in draft whenever it is appropriate to do so. However, it
will not be possible to do so in all cases.
Members: Work Experience
Luciana Berger: To ask the Leader of the House if he
will bring forward proposals to establish a fund for
payment of interns working for hon. Members. [11340]
Sir George Young: The Government have no current
plans to do so.
Opposition: Finance
Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Leader of the House
pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2010, Official Report,
column 414W, on Labour Party: finance, how much
funding (a) in total and (b) for staff the Official
Opposition Whips Office will receive in (i) 2010-11 and
(ii) each of the subsequent two years. [11144]
Sir George Young: I refer the hon. Gentleman to my
answer of 8 July 2010, Official Report, column 414W.
Separate figures are not available for the funding of the
Opposition Whips office.
Oral Questions
Mr Allen: To ask the Leader of the House when he
plans to decide on whether questions to the hon.
Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s
Committee for the Independent Parliamentary
Standards Authority will be included in the rota for
questions for oral answer. [10858]
Sir George Young: The Government are considering
this issue and will inform the House in due course.
Parliamentary Questions
Barbara Keeley: To ask the Leader of the House if he
will discuss with ministerial colleagues the practice of
answering parliamentary questions by reference to
statistical publications on Government websites; and if
he will make a statement. [10465]
671W Written Answers
Sir George Young: The Office of the Leader of the
House of Commons provides guidance to Departments
on the practice of answering parliamentary questions
by reference to Government websites. This guidance is
available on the Cabinet Office website in the ‘Guide to
Parliamentary Work’, at:
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/parliamentary-clerk-guide/
chapter7.aspx
The guidance states that any information that is on a
Government website and is referred to in answer to a
parliamentary question should also be supplied to the
Member in hard copy, and deposited in the Library.
While it may be desirable for answers to parliamentary
questions to set out the full information requested,
where information is freely available in the public domain,
or where the quantity of information would prevent its
printing in Hansard, it is right that a reference to a
website may be the most appropriate way of providing
information.
I am depositing this guidance in the House of Commons
Library.
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations
David Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many
Afghan public servants have been killed in each
province of Afghanistan in 2010. [8963]
Mr Hague: There are currently no centrally collated
figures for 2010 for the number of Afghan public servants
killed in each province.
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much the
Government have spent on private military security
companies in Afghanistan in each year of the conflict;
and whether any of those employed by such companies
have immunity from prosecution. [9928]
Alistair Burt: The amount the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office (FCO) has paid to private security
companies for services in Afghanistan is as follows:
£ million
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
No figures are available for 2001-03 because the first
UK security contract in Afghanistan did not start until
mid December 2003.
These contracts provide services to other Government
Departments. The costs are shared out accordingly.
Private security companies carry out a variety of
important duties in Afghanistan, providing close protection
of personnel and static protection of our embassy and
other premises. They perform a vital and necessary role,
and enable the Government to fulfil both its policy
26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 672W
objectives and its duty of care to its employees, in
challenging environments. By providing essential security
services, private security companies ensure other
Government Departments, visiting journalists and non-
government organisations are able to carry out their
important work unhindered.
Members of private security companies who provide
security services for a diplomatic mission are treated as
performing administrative and technical (A&T) functions
for that mission, even if they are not employees of the
State concerned. Such people who are employed on
FCO contracts are granted immunity from criminal
jurisdiction, in accordance with Article 37 of the Vienna
Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961). However,
such immunity has never had to be invoked.
Afghanistan: Politics and Government
David Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent
discussions he has had with President Karzai on the
appointment of district governors, with particular
reference to Qal’ah-ye Zal following the death of
Governor Mohammad Nazils. [8965]
Mr Hague: The appointment of district governors is
a matter for the Afghan authorities and I have not
discussed individual cases with President Karzai. However,
during my meeting with him in Afghanistan on 19 July,
we did discuss the importance of governance, including
at sub-national level. An Afghan Presidential Decree
stipulates that deputy district governors and district
governors are now classified as civil servants and, as
such, subject to Civil Servant Commission appointment
procedures. The UK continues to support the merit-based
appointment of governors and other officials and was
pleased to see the commitment in the Kabul Conference
Communiqué that over the next six months the appointment
procedures for senior civil servants are to be simplified
and made more transparent.
British Nationals Abroad: Capital Punishment
Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign
and Commonwealth Affairs what information his
Department holds on the number of UK citizens
awaiting execution; and in which country each such
citizen is imprisoned. [11148]
4
Mr Jeremy Browne: Eight British nationals have been
4
sentenced to death: four in the USA, one in Ghana, one
15.3
in Pakistan, one in the Democratic Republic of Congo
20.9
and one in Afghanistan. In addition, a number of
22.2
British nationals are facing charges that potentially
13.8 carry the death penalty.
The government are committed to using all appropriate
influence to prevent the execution of any British national.
Departmental Communication
Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what instructions
have been issued by the private office of each Minister
in his Department on the preparation of briefing,
speeches and replies to official correspondence. [9671]
673W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Alistair Burt: Private offices communicate ministerial
preferences and views to officials as part of normal
everyday business.
Departmental Pay
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign
and Commonwealth Affairs how much was paid in
remuneration in total to civil servants in his
Department in 2009-10. [9899]
Alistair Burt: The total remuneration paid to civil
servants in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
for 2009-10 is £246,776,125 as laid out in Note 5.1 of
the FCO Resource Accounts for 2009-10. This includes
remuneration paid to staff at Wilton Park (an FCO
agency) but not staff employed by FCO Services. The
figure for Wilton Park is £1,973,734.
Departmental Private Education
Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff of
his Department were in receipt of the continuity of
education allowance in the last 12 months for which
figures are available; and what the cost to his Department
was in respect of staff (a) in the UK and (b) posted
overseas. [11479]
Alistair Burt: It is a condition of their employment
that members of the diplomatic service must be prepared
to serve anywhere in the world at any time during their
career, sometimes at very short notice. Those with children
have a legal obligation as parents to ensure that their
children receive a full-time education from the age of
five years. Members of the diplomatic service pay UK
tax wherever they work and are entitled to have their
children educated at public expense. Most parents prefer
to take their children with them on posting, but in some
countries we do not permit staff to take their children
either for health or security reasons. In others, local
schools of an acceptable standard are not available. The
Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) helps staff
meet their potentially conflicting obligations by providing
financial support for their children’s education in the
UK where staff choose this, or are obliged to do so
given local conditions in the country to which they are
posted. Continuity of education is also an important
factor, particularly at secondary level.
During the course of academic year 2009-10, 339
officers received Continuity of Education Allowance
for 521 children. This represents about 6% of staff
employed in the FCO and FCO Services. Three-quarters
of the recipients are below the senior management
grade in the FCO, including junior support staff and
single parents. Staff serving in the UK were paid £7,487,435,
with staff serving at posts overseas receiving £5,843,415.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and
Security Policy
Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign
and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he
has made of the effect on UK representation at the
United Nations of recent changes to the powers granted
to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and
Security Policy to (a) speak and (b) act on behalf of (i)
the EU and (ii) its member states. [9961]
Written Answers 674W
Mr Lidington: I have considered carefully the powers
granted by the Lisbon treaty to the High Representative
to speak and act externally on behalf of the EU. Those
powers leave largely unchanged the allocation of
competences between the EU and its member states
respectively. Nor do they alter the rights and responsibilities
of the representatives of EU member states to speak
and act on their own behalf at the United Nations. We
keep implementation of this and all aspects of the
Lisbon treaty under constant review, to ensure that
functions are allocated and performed strictly in accordance
with the treaty.
My written ministerial statement of 14 July 2010,
Official Report, columns 31-32WS, explained that we
had agreed that the EU should seek additional rights
for itself as an Observer in the UN General Assembly in
order to represent the EU and its member states effectively
in that forum, in the same way as the member state
holding the EU rotating presidency has done. As that
statement made clear, those additional observer rights
would not affect the rights and responsibilities of UK
representatives at the United Nations to speak and act
on our behalf in the UN General Assembly. EU
representatives will continue to sit with other international
organisations and not with the UN’s member states.
European Parliament Members: Finance
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign
and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the written
ministerial statement of 6 July 2010, Official Report,
columns 6-7WS, on the European Parliament Transitionary
Protocol, what the estimated cost to the European
Union of the 18 additional MEPs will be between now
and 2014. [8600]
Mr Lidington: The additional MEPs will be subject
to the same reimbursement arrangements as current
serving MEPs. The monthly post-EU tax salary of an
MEP is currently set at ¤6,083.91. This is paid from the
European Parliament’s budget. In addition to this salary,
MEPs are entitled to a number of allowances, including
travel expenses, daily allowance and general expenditure
allowance. More details can be found on the European
Parliament’s website:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/eplive/expert/multimedia/
20090511MLT55628/media_20090511MLT55628.pdf
The transitionary protocol has to be ratified by all 27
EU member states before the additional MEPs can
formally take up their seats, so it is not possible to make
a definitive calculation of cost as it is not known when
this will be. However, all expenditure will come from the
European Parliament’s share of the EU budget.
European Parliament Members: Germany
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign
and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the written
ministerial statement of 6 July 2010, Official Report,
columns 6-7WS, on the European Parliament Transitionary
Protocol, for what reasons the three additional German
MEPs will not be standing down before 2014; and what
the estimated cost to the European Union will be of
maintaining those MEPs until 2014. [8601]
675W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Mr Lidington: Under article 5 of the EU Act concerning
the election of the representatives of the European
Parliament by direct universal suffrage (20 September
1976), it is not possible for the EU to curtail an MEP’s
mandate during a parliamentary term or, therefore, to
reduce the current number of MEPs in the German
delegation within the European Parliament. The Act
only provides for vacancies under article 13 (1) in cases
where a seat falls vacant due to the mandate of an MEP
ending as a result of resignation, death or withdrawal of
the mandate by the member state of the MEP.
European Parliament: Publications
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign
and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the written
ministerial statement of 6 July 2010, Official Report,
columns 6-7WS, on the European Parliament
Transitionary Protocol, if he will place in the Library a
copy of the (a) agreed Protocol and (b) minutes of the
intergovernmental conference. [8602]
Mr Lidington: I will place a copy of the signed
protocol in the Library of both Houses. There are no
minutes of the intergovernmental conference (IGC),
though the principle was agreed by the European Council
in its Conclusions of December 2008 and June 2009.
These are available in the House Library.
The then Minister for Europe informed the Scrutiny
Committees last December that an IGC would be taking
place and for what reasons, and the hon. Member will
be aware of my written ministerial statement after the
IGC had taken place.
Gambia: Capital Punishment
Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations
his Department has made to the government of Gambia
on behalf of British citizen Deborah Burns, whose
husband Brigadier General Omar Bun Mbye has been
sentenced to the death penalty for treason in that country.
[10757]
Alistair Burt: Our acting high commissioner to Banjul,
in his capacity as the permanent acting representative of
the presidency of the EU delivered a statement by the
High Representative of the EU to the Gambian Ministry
of Foreign Affairs on 20 July 2010 expressing deep
concern over the death sentence pronounced against
Brigadier General Omar Bun Mbye and seven other
people accused of treason and conspiracy. The statement,
also released in the Gambian press, urged the Gambian
authorities not to carry out executions in respect of the
convicted individuals, to respect their right of appeal
and to ensure a fair trial is fully guaranteed.
Our acting high commissioner to The Gambia is in
regular contact with Brigadier Mbyes’ wife, Deborah
Burns, and we will continue to monitor this case closely.
India: Mining
Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has
had discussions on the likely effect on indigenous
people’s land of Vendata Resources plc’s proposed
bauxite mine in Orisha, India. [10767]
Written Answers 676W
Alistair Burt: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary
has not been involved in discussions with Vedanta
about this issue. However, in February 2010, our high
commissioner to India met with a representative of
Vedanta and raised concerns surrounding the company’s
project in Orissa.
Israel
Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support his
Department is providing to projects designed to
promote equality between Arab and Jewish citizens of
Israel. [10744]
Alistair Burt: Our embassy in Tel Aviv has provided
over £40,000 over the last year to promote equality and
understanding between Israel’s Arab and Jewish citizens.
This includes support to the Abraham Fund Initiative
for projects focused on the Arabic language, increasing
dialogue, raising awareness and work placement initiatives.
We have also supported the Hand In Hand centre’s
co-education project. We will continue to press the
Israeli Government to respect and promote the rights of
all minorities in Israel.
Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent
discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on
the teaching of Arabic in Israel. [10745]
Alistair Burt: Our embassy in Israel regularly engages
with the Government of Israel and with Israeli civil
society on education matters. Our ambassador in Tel
Aviv last spoke to the Israeli Minister of Education,
Gidon Sa’ar, about the teaching of Arabic in Israel in
September 2009. We welcome the support his Ministry
have subsequently given to an Arabic teaching initiative,
supported by the UK, called Language as a Cultural
Bridge. This initiative enables children from Jewish and
Palestinian families in schools in the Galilee to learn
more about each others culture and language.
Nigeria: Politics and Government
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent
assessment he has made of the political situation in
Nigeria. [10363]
Alistair Burt: We commend the Government of Nigeria
for the smooth and constitutional succession of President
Goodluck Jonathan, after the sad death of President
Yar’Adua on 5 May 2010. Since assuming the Presidency,
President Jonathan has made welcome commitments
on his determination to address corruption, conflict in
the Niger Delta and in Nigeria’s middle-belt, and to
bring about lasting electoral reform during his term as
President.
It will be vital for Nigeria that its government delivers
on these commitments, particularly building on the
reconstitution of the Independent National Electoral
Commission, to achieve credible and peaceful Presidential
and Gubernatorial elections in 2011. The UK, through
the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department
for International Development and partners in the
international community, are continuing to support
Nigeria in these efforts.
677W Written Answers
Palestinians: International Assistance
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the
answer of 12 July 2010, Official Report, column 516W,
on Palestinians: international assistance, what steps he
is taking to seek to (a) enable exportation of permitted
goods and (b) encourage the Israeli government to
remove building materials from the list of banned
items; and if he will make a statement. [10978]
Alistair Burt: I agree that there is a pressing need to
alleviate the economic situation in Gaza. It is in Israel’s
long-term interests to create an environment where
Gaza’s economy can flourish. We have been clear that
Israel should allow greater movement of goods both
into and out of Gaza, while recognising Israel has real
security concerns. My EU colleagues and I will continue
to push for the export of goods and services from Gaza.
Israel has agreed to let in construction materials for
use in building projects, such as the rehabilitation or
reconstruction of schools and clinics, which have been
approved by the Palestinian Authority and which will
be overseen by the UN or international aid agencies. We
understand Israeli concerns about the end use of dual-use
items. However, although 31 such projects have been
accepted in the last week by Israel, Israeli implementation
procedures remain cumbersome and slow. We will continue
to lobby Israel to streamline the process to ensure that
that essential reconstruction work is not held up.
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the
answer of 12 July 2010, Official Report, column 516W,
on Palestinians: international assistance, what
discussions he plans to have (a) at EU level and (b)
with the (i) Israeli and (ii) Palestinian government on
delivering real change; and what priorities he has set
for his policy on Gaza. [10992]
Alistair Burt: Our key priorities are:
to ensure that Israel implements the commitments it has made
regarding access and to allow exports out of Gaza;
to put into place workable monitoring systems for dual use
items; and
that the Palestinian Authority has sufficient capacity to prioritise
and facilitate the entry of goods into Gaza;
and that non-governmental organisations are ready and work
together.
We will discuss these priorities at the regular EU Foreign
Affairs Council, as well as at the official level at frequent
EU working groups. We also continue to discuss the
need for concrete progress on Gaza at ministerial and
official level with both the Israeli Government and the
Palestinian Authority.
Somalia: Politics and Government
Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign
and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he
has made of the situation in Somalia. [11147]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We are deeply concerned by the
crisis in Somalia. Insecurity and instability threaten the
lives of Somalis and Somalia is home to the worst
humanitarian crisis per capita in the world. The attacks
26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 678W
in Kampala, which Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility
for, demonstrate the threat that instability in Somalia
poses beyond its borders. The UK is working with
Somalis and the UN, EU, US and regional actors to
address the situation.
Somalia is a high priority for this Government and it
will be a central focus of discussions my hon. Friend
Henry Bellingham, Minister for Africa, intends to have
during his visit to the region.
Uzbekistan: Sterilisation
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign
and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has
received of the incidence of forced sterilisation in
Uzbekistan; what recent representations he has made
to the Government of Uzbekistan on this issue; and if
he will make a statement. [10551]
Mr Lidington: Our embassy in Tashkent is aware of
recent media and non-governmental organisation reports
of forced sterilisation in Uzbekistan, although these
have not been the subject of our recent exchanges with
the Government of Uzbekistan. We remain concerned
at the overall level of respect for human rights in
Uzbekistan, and regularly raise these concerns through
a critical but constructive dialogue with the Uzbek
authorities in Tashkent and in discussions with the
Uzbek embassy in London. In doing so, we encourage
Uzbekistan to act in accordance with its international
obligations. Most recently, I discussed the human rights
situation in Uzbekistan with the Uzbekistan Foreign
Minister in the margins of the Organisation for Security
and Co-operation in Europe Ministerial held in Almaty
on 16 to 17 July.
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER
Constituencies
Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister
what consultation he (a) has had and (b) plans to
undertake with residents of (i) the Isle of Wight, (ii)
Orkney and Shetland and Western Isles, (iii) Ross, Skye
and Lochaber and (iv) elsewhere on his proposals on
the equalisation of the size of constituencies. [8962]
Mr Harper: The Government’s proposals for more
equal constituency sizes are based upon the principle
that votes should have more equal weight. This was set
out clearly in the coalition programme and the Government
have not consulted further on this principle. However,
Parliament will have the opportunity to debate the Bill’s
provisions in full and residents in all proposed constituencies
will be able to make representations to the Boundary
Commissions on their proposed recommendations.
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister
pursuant to the oral statement of 5 July 2010, Official
Report, columns 23-5W, on political and constitutional
reform, what account he took of the proposed referendum
on the transfer of legislative powers under Part 4 of the
Government of Wales Act 2006 to the National Assembly
for Wales in his proposals for boundary changes to
constituencies. [8995]
679W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Mr Harper: The Government’s proposals for more
equal constituency sizes for the House of Commons
will ensure that votes have more equal weight. The
legislation does take account of the link between
parliamentary constituencies and Welsh Assembly
Government constituencies; the link between the two
will be broken so that fewer parliamentary constituencies
in future would not lead to a concomitant reduction in
the size of the Assembly.
Graham Jones: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister
whether his proposed review of the boundaries of
parliamentary constituencies will contemplate the drawing
of constituency boundaries across the existing boundaries
of (a) metropolitan and (b) non-metropolitan counties.
[9165]
Mr Harper: The Parliamentary Voting System and
Constituencies Bill introduced on 22 July contains provision
for the creation of fewer and more equal sized constituencies.
Under the new rules set out in the Bill, the Boundary
Commissions may take into account local government
boundaries, subject to the rule requiring that the number
of registered electors in a constituency is within 95-105%
of a UK electoral quota.
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister
(1) what the cost to the public purse was of the
Boundary Commission review held prior to the 2010
General Election; [9804]
(2) what estimate he has made of the cost to the
public purse of the proposed Boundary Commission
review to be held before the next general election; and if
he will make a statement. [9805]
Mr Harper: The previous general review of parliamentary
constituencies cost a total of £13.6 million—this is the
total figure for each of the last boundary reviews in the
UK although they did not take place simultaneously.
The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies
Bill, introduced on 22 July 2010, makes provision for a
boundary review to be completed in each part of the
UK before October 2013. The precise cost of the reviews
will depend on the final form of the legislation and the
approach adopted by the Boundary Commissions, and
we are continuing to discuss resourcing with them.
However, we anticipate that the total cost will be less
than the aggregate cost of the last set of reviews.
Constituencies: River Mersey
Steve Rotheram: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if
he will ensure that the proposed review of boundaries
of parliamentary constituencies recognises the River
Mersey as a natural boundary which cannot be crossed
by constituencies. [9542]
Mr Harper: The Parliamentary Voting System and
Constituencies Bill contains a revised set of rules for the
redistribution of seats by the Boundary Commissions.
The Bill would amend Schedule 2 of the Parliamentary
Constituencies Act 1986 and provide that a Boundary
Commission may take into account, if and to such
extent as they think fit, special geographical considerations,
including in particular the size, shape and accessibility
of a constituency. This would however, be subject to the
requirement for constituencies to be within 5% either
Written Answers 680W
side of the UK electoral quota. It will be a matter for
the Boundary Commissions to interpret the legislation
as they conduct the boundary review.
Electoral Systems: Referendums
Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister
what estimate his Department has made of the cost to
the public purse of counting votes for parliamentary
constituencies under (a) the alternative vote system
and (b) the first past the post system. [8091]
Mr Harper: The estimate made before the general
election in May 2010 of the cost of counting the votes
at that poll was £6 million. This was based on estimates
of turnout in each constituency and the time it would
take to verify and count the number of ballot papers.
The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies
Bill, introduced on 22 July, sets out the detail of the
alternative vote system that is to be the subject of the
referendum. It is, however, not possible to quantify with
certainty what the extra cost of counting votes under
the alternative vote would be: this will be dependent to
a significant extent on the preferences expressed by
voters.
In a general election using the alternative vote system,
the count process may take longer in cases where no
candidate wins outright on the first round as it will be
necessary in these cases to count the further preferences
of voters in order to determine the winning candidate.
This will take some extra time, although precisely how
much is difficult to predict as it would depend on how
many candidates won outright on the first round, and
how many further rounds of counting were necessary to
determine the winner. As now, voter turnout, the total
number of votes cast and any re-counting of votes will
also impact upon the length and cost of the count. We
have not yet made a detailed estimate of the cost that
would result from different combinations of turnout,
voting patterns and rounds of counting.
Electoral Systems: Reform
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister
what estimate he has made of the cost to the public
purse of holding a general election under (a) the first
past the post system, (b) the alternative vote system
and (c) other systems of proportional representation.
[9807]
Mr Harper: Based on the information set out in the
Parliamentary Elections (Returning Officers’ Charges)
Order 2010, the estimated cost of the conduct of the
UK parliamentary election in Great Britain which was
held under the first past the post system on 6 May is
£82.1 million. This figure takes into account the reduced
costs of holding the UK parliamentary election on the
same day as local government elections. The estimated
cost of the 2010 UK parliamentary election in Northern
Ireland was £2.5 million. The overall figures will be
finalised once all claims from acting returning officers
in Great Britain and the chief electoral officer for
Northern Ireland (who are statutorily responsible for
running the poll) have been received and finalised. The
estimated cost of holding a stand-alone UK parliamentary
election across the whole of the UK under the first past
the post system is £92.1 million.
681W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
The features of a general election using the alternative
vote system would broadly be the same as under the
existing system: for example, in terms of the provision
of ballot papers and polling stations. However, it is not
possible to quantify with certainty what would be the
extra cost of counting votes under the alternative vote
would be: this will be dependent to a significant extent
on the preferences expressed by voters.
We have not made any estimates of the possible cost
of conducting a general election under other systems of
proportional representation.
Members
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister
what estimate he has made of the reductions in public
expenditure which will arise from the proposed reduction
in the number of hon. Members following the next
general election; and if he will make a statement. [9806]
Mr Harper: The reduction in the number of MPs
could deliver savings of at least £12 million per annum.
This takes into account MP’s pay, pensions and expenses.
Political Parties: Finance
Priti Patel: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when
he expects to bring forward proposals on political
donations and party funding; and if he will make a
statement. [10072]
Mr Harper: As my right hon. Friend the Deputy
Prime Minister indicated during the debate on the
address on 7 June 2010, Official Report, column 42 the
Government will pursue an agreement on limiting donations
and reforming party funding to remove big money from
politics. We are considering our approach to party
funding as part of the Government’s overall programme
of reforms, and an announcement will be made in due
course.
Referendums
Mr Brady: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he
will bring forward proposals to provide that only
British citizens may vote in referendums. [11154]
Mr Harper: The Government have no plans to restrict
the franchise for referendums in general so that only
British citizens are eligible to vote. Although the legal
requirements for referendums are set out in the Political
Parties and Referendums Act 2000, the question of who
is entitled to vote in any particular referendum will be
considered and determined in the light of the subject
matter of that referendum. The franchise for the referendum
on the Alternative Vote system is set out in the
Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill,
which the Government published on Thursday 22 July.
Anyone who is entitled to vote in Westminster parliamentary
elections will be entitled to vote in the referendum—this
means that British, Republic of Ireland and qualifying
Commonwealth citizens who are aged over 18 and who
are registered to vote in parliamentary elections can
vote in the referendum. In addition, those members of
the House of Lords who are eligible to vote in local or
European parliamentary elections will be eligible to
vote in this referendum.
Written Answers 682W
NORTHERN IRELAND
Departmental Billing
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Northern Ireland what percentage of payments made
by his Department to (a) small and medium-sized
enterprise suppliers and (b) all suppliers were made (i)
within 10 days of receipt of invoice and (ii) on the
agreed payment terms in the last three months for
which information is available. [11384]
Mr Paterson: The Northern Ireland Office (NIO)
made the following percentage of payments to suppliers
within 10 days of receipt of invoice:
2010 Percentage
April 87
May 95
June 98
It is not possible to isolate payments made to small
and medium-sized enterprise suppliers.
On 12 April, responsibility for policing and justice in
Northern Ireland was devolved to the Northern Ireland
Assembly and the Executive. During the time leading
up to devolution, the Department had to refocus priorities
and this led to a reduction in prompt payment performance
in April 2010. It has subsequently returned to achieve
the target to pay 95% of suppliers within 10 working
days.
It is not possible to isolate the information relating to
payments made within agreed payment terms.
Trade Unions
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for
Northern Ireland how much his Department has paid
to trade unions in each year since 1997; and what
estimate he has made of the monetary value of
facilities provided by his Department for use by trade
unions in each year since 1997. [11709]
Mr Paterson: The Northern Ireland Office (NIO), as
it is now configured post the devolution of policing and
justice powers on 12 April, has staff representatives and
not full-time dedicated trade union representatives. They
are not paid for this role. Dedicated facilities are not
provided.
JUSTICE
Art Works
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice how much his Department has spent on works
of art since 2005. [6068]
Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) came
into existence in May 2007, encompassing the former
Department for Constitutional Affairs and part of the
Home Office.
For new builds and refurbishments, artwork is considered
part of the fixtures and fittings and isn’t separately
accounted for.
The only specific expenditure on artwork in 2007-08
and 2008-09 related to art installations in the Ministry
of Justice’s then newly refurbished headquarters building
683W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
at 102 Petty France (formerly Queen Anne’s Gate). This
work was originally commissioned at an estimated cost
of £470,000. This was later revised down to £290,000.
£208,000 was spent in 2007-08 and 2008-09 and a
further £45,000 in 2009-10 bringing the work in under
budget at £253,000.
A further £98,000 was spent in 2009-10, £97,000
related to the newly renovated Supreme Court building
in Middlesex Guildhall. The Ministry of Justice was
responsible for setting up the Supreme Court which has
operated as an independent Government Department
since October 2009. The remaining £1,000 was incurred
by Her Majesty’s Courts Service.
Claims Standards Council: Codes of Practice
Mr Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice for what reasons Kerobo’s licence for claims
management was suspended; what process his
Department undertook before lifting that suspension;
on what date that suspension was lifted; and if he will
make a statement. [10787]
Mr Djanogly: Businesses providing regulated claims
management services must comply with strict conduct
rules as a condition of their authorisation. The Claims
Management Regulation Unit at the Ministry of Justice
investigates any suspected breaches of the rules. Appropriate
enforcement action is taken, in line with the statutory
powers provided under the Compensation Act 2006 and
the claims management regulation enforcement policy,
against businesses that have failed to comply.
The authorisation of Kerobo Claims Limited was
suspended because the business had breached the conduct
rules. Suspension is a measure that prohibits a business
from providing regulated services for a defined period,
during which the breaches may be addressed. Where a
business is able to take steps to comply with the rules, its
authorisation may be reinstated. Kerobo agreed to a
number of strict undertakings, which it has published
on its website, and suspension was lifted on 8 July 2010.
Those undertakings prevent the business from taking
on new clients but enable it to complete existing claims
for those clients who wish to proceed and to make
refunds to customers to whom they are due.
Mr Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice what steps his Department takes to monitor
licensed claims management companies’ compliance
with regulatory requirements; what process it follows to
investigate suspected breaches of such compliance;
which claims management companies have been so
investigated in the last two years; and what the
outcome was in each case. [10788]
Mr Djanogly: The Claims Management Regulation
Unit in the Ministry of Justice uses a number of methods
to monitor compliance with the regulatory requirements.
Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts, found guilty at all courts and the conviction rate1 for theft, and burglary in a
dwelling, England and Wales, 1999 to 20082, 3
Proceeded against
Theft
1999 144,520
2000 142,480
2001 143,702
Written Answers 684W
When a business is authorised they are risk rated.
Businesses considered as medium or high risk are actively
monitored and regular information is sought on consumer
contracts, claims acquisition methods, referral arrangements
and the content of marketing materials to assess whether
the claims management service being provided is compliant.
The Claims Management Regulation Unit receives
significant intelligence from on average 1,500 contacts
per month from consumers, other enforcement bodies
such as trading standards departments and organisations
that receive claims.
Where analysis of this information identified suspected
rule breaches the relevant claims management businesses
may be subject to a paper or on site audit, directed to
take remedial actions, issued with warnings, required to
agree to formal undertakings. All investigations are
conducted following the National Intelligence Model
which is used by the police to gather and assess intelligence.
Nearly 500 investigations have been conducted in the
last two years. We are not able to publish the outcomes
in respect of all individual businesses. In general the
outcomes include no further action as the business has
immediately complied, the agreement of specific
undertakings, attachment of additional conditions on
the businesses’ authorisation and the suspension or
cancellation of authorisation. 191 cancellations have
been issued since the introduction of statutory regulation
in 2007. Details of all the businesses suspended or
cancelled are posted on the claims management website
at:
www.claimsregulation.gov.uk
Convictions
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice
what the conviction rate for (a) theft, (b) burglary of a
dwelling and (c) offences of domestic violence when
calculated from the initial complaint was in each of the
last 10 years for which figures are available. [10402]
Mr Blunt: The conviction rate for defendants proceeded
against for offences of theft, and burglary in a dwelling,
England and Wales, from 1999 to 2008 (latest available),
is given in the table as follows. Information on when the
initial complaint was made is not available centrally on
the court proceedings database.
The court proceedings database holds information
on defendants proceeded against, found guilty and
sentenced for criminal offences in England and Wales.
This information does not include the circumstances of
each case or hold specific information on offences beyond
descriptions provided by the statutes under which
proceedings are brought. It is not possible to separately
identify domestic violence offences from other offences
of assault and violence against the person.
Court proceedings data for 2009 are planned for
publication on 21 October 2010.
Found guilty Conviction rate (percentage)
114,061 79
113,230 79
113,925 79
685W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 686W

Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts, found guilty at all courts and the conviction rate1 for theft, and burglary in a
dwelling, England and Wales, 1999 to 20082, 3
Proceeded against Found guilty Conviction rate (percentage)

2002 143,838 114,174 79

2003 133,491 106,899 80
2004 119,407 99,626 83
2005 110,671 94,279 85
2006 105,995 91,025 86
2007 111,877 98,144 88
20084 114,612 103,407 90

Burglary in a dwelling
1999 26,211 16,387 63
2000 23,487 14,471 62
2001 23,441 13,684 58
2002 24,636 14,622 59
2003 23,644 14,540 61
2004 20,310 13,503 66
2005 18,226 12,820 70
2006 17,142 12,442 73
2007 17,570 13,138 75
20084 18,123 13,471 74
1
Proportion of defendants proceeded against who were found guilty.
2
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.
3
Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been
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.
4
Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July, and August 2008.
Source:
Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice
what recent representations he has received on the
process by which convictions become spent. [11490]
Mr Blunt: The process by which convictions become
spent is governed by the Rehabilitation of Offenders
Act 1974; I have met groups, such as Nacro and Unlock,
who have an interest in this Act. The Ministry of Justice
is undertaking a comprehensive assessment of sentencing
and rehabilitation policies, which will involve consideration
of the implications for the Rehabilitation of Offenders
Act 1974.
Corruption: Legislation
Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State
for Justice (1) what meetings he and his officials have
had with (a) non-governmental organisations and (b)
business organisations on guidance under section 9 of
the Bribery Act 2010; [10003]
(2) what written representations he has received on
the guidance to be produced under section 9 of the
Bribery Act 2010. [10004]
Mr Kenneth Clarke: Since taking office, no meetings
have been held with non-governmental organisations or
business organisations on guidance under section 9 of
the Bribery Act. We have received written representations
from the CBI, International Chamber of Commerce,
GlaxoSmithKline, the Association of the British
Pharmaceutical Industry, Transparency International
(UK), Tearfund and the Bond Governance Group on
the guidance under section 9 and the implementation of
the Act generally.
We announced on 20 July that we would be holding a
public consultation exercise on the form and content of
guidance to be issued under section 9 of the Act,
beginning in late summer with a view to publishing
guidance early in the new year in preparation for
commencement of the Act in the spring of 2011.
Debt Collection
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice (1) what estimate has been made of the number
of individuals that will enter into debt management
plans where fees have been charged in each month until
the end of 2010; [9832]
(2) which organisations responded to the consultation
on debt management schemes that closed on 18 December
2009; and when a Government response to that consultation
will be published. [9833]
Mr Djanogly: There are currently very little empirical
data relating to debt management plans. It is estimated
that 100,000 to 150,000 individual plans are created
each year. However, there are no definitive data on the
proportion of these where fees are charged.
The consultation on debt management schemes that
closed on 18 December 2009 looked at the way that debtors
deal with their indebtedness. It asked for evidence on
whether the powers contained in chapter 4 of part 5 of
the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act (TCEA)
2007 to approve operators of debt management schemes
(DMS) should be introduced or whether the
687W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
taking of other steps to make sure that debtors are
protected and creditors’ interests are safeguarded would
be more appropriate.
An initial impact assessment was published alongside
the consultation paper which considered the potential
effectiveness of all of the options contained in the
consultation paper. The impact assessment contained a
number of questions which sought to obtain information
relating to debt management plans. However, the few
responses to these questions contained very little factual
information relating to these plans.
A total of 57 responses to the consultation were
received from a variety of organisations, including those
from the creditor, debt management scheme operator,
debt advice, legal and Government sectors as well as
individuals.
Officials at the MoJ have recently completed a full
analysis of the views and opinions offered by all interested
parties to the debt management consultation and the
Government intend to publish their response to the
consultation shortly.
Departmental Operating Costs
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice what steps he has taken to reduce the running
costs of his Department since his appointment. [9822]
Mr Kenneth Clarke: The Ministry of Justice has
made progress in reducing its running costs and has
plans in place to reduce these costs further.
Under the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007
(CSR07), the Department agreed to deliver over £1 billion
net of costs and cash releasing Value for Money savings
by 2010-11 equating to over 3% per annum and a
5% real reduction in the Department’s administration
budget. Initiatives contributing to these savings include:
Specification, Benchmarking and Costing in the National Offender
Management Service. This is a framework of costed specifications
for all offender services delivered in prisons which drive better
commissioning of outcomes and ensure resources are targeted at
the most effective work with offenders.
Reducing regional and headquarters overheads across Her
Majesty’s Courts Service.
Introducing standard operation procedures in the tribunals
system through the use of Lean methodology, which is examining
how work is processed and the efficiencies that can be realised by
transferring processing activities to one location.
The Department has also identified further savings of
£325 million for 2010-11 as part of the Government’s
£6.2 billion Emergency Budget, implemented to tackle
the national deficit. These savings, and a number of new
financial controls, have been targeted to protect the
most essential front line work and reduce running costs
by:
Further reducing discretionary spend in areas such as consultancy,
travel, events and postage, including in our arm’s length bodies.
Reviewingchangeprogrammesandinformationandcommunications
technology spend and a moratorium on all new information and
communications technology projects above £1 million.
Further tightening recruitment through a recruitment freeze
on all but essential front line and business critical posts, which
will also be subject to robust internal controls and challenge.
Putting a freeze across the Ministry of Justice including its
arm’s length bodies, during 2010-11, on all new advertising and
marketing with robust internal controls and challenge on activity
under £25,000 or applications for exemptions.
Written Answers 688W
Departmental Pay
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice
how much was paid in remuneration in total to civil
servants in his Department in 2009-10. [9903]
Mr Kenneth Clarke: The Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
employs over 94,500 staff in headquarters and its four
Executive agencies—the National Offender Management
Service (including 35 local probation trusts), Her Majesty’s
Courts Service, the Tribunals Service and the Office of
the Public Guardian. In the 2009-10 financial year,
remuneration paid to directly employed staff on both
open and fixed ended contracts came to £2.6 billion.
A more detailed breakdown will soon be available in
the MoJ Resource Accounts 2009-10 which will be
presented to Parliament in the near future.
Domestic Violence: Children
Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice whether a member of staff in each secure training
centre has (a) made alternate elbow strikes to a child’s
ribs, (b) used extended fingers to strike a child in the
groin area and (c) used an inverted knuckle driven
inward and upward into a child’s sternum in each of the
last five years; and for what purpose in each case.
[10876]
Mr Blunt: These techniques, called ‘breakaway
techniques’, can only be used lawfully by staff in extreme
circumstances as self-defence when their own safety is
genuinely at risk. Data provided by the Youth Justice
Board indicate that no members of staff in secure
training centres have used any of these techniques in the
past five years.
Fines: Surcharges
Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if
he will assess the merits of reversing his Department’s
decision to require courts to charge a victim’s surcharge
for crimes in circumstances in which no victim of crime
is identified; and if he will take steps to raise more
revenue by seeking to collect previously uncollected
fines. [10873]
Mr Blunt: HM Courts Service (HMCS) takes the
issue of fine enforcement very seriously and is working
to ensure we clamp down on fine dodgers. Collecting
outstanding debt is a continued priority nationwide.
We have no plans to curtail the current application of
the surcharge, even for offences where there is not a
known identified victim. This Government take all crime
seriously and recognise the potential for causing harm
and the undesirable impact on society. I therefore have
no plans to exclude these offenders from the responsibility
of contributing directly to support for victims.
However, we do not want the victim surcharge to
continue to disproportionately impact motorists. Officials
are exploring the means of extending the surcharge to
other disposals.
Immigration: Asylum
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice how many (a) immigration and (b) asylum
new matter starts were issued where (i) an appeal had
already been lodged and (ii) a previous matter start had
been issued to a previous legal representative for that
appeal in (A) 2008 and (B) 2009. [10917]
689W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Mr Djanogly: The Legal Services Commission does
not hold data in a form to provide the information
requested. Matter Starts (or New Matter Starts) are
awarded to legal aid service providers on an annual
basis. Providers are entitled to use these matter starts
where a client’s case satisfies the statutory means and
merits test.
Magistrates Courts: Closures
Kris Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice
with reference to HM Courts Service’s consultation on
proposals on the provision of courts services in North
and West Yorkshire, what assessment he has made of
the estimate that (a) the closure of Keighley magistrates
court would result in maintenance savings of around
£225,000 and (b) the closure of Keighley county court
would result in maintenance savings of around £475,000.
[9923]
Mr Djanogly: As indicated in the consultation papers,
if these courts were to close it would remove the need
for HMCS investment in backlog maintenance. These
are not, therefore, savings but cost-avoidance.
The maintenance backlog figures given in the
consultation papers are based on data as at July 2009
(the most recent at time of publication). The figures will
be updated with July 2010 data for the purpose of the
impact assessment which will be published alongside
the consultation responses.
Closure of all 157 courts covered in the consultation
would achieve running cost savings of around £15.3
million per year. These courts also have backlog
maintenance of around £21.5 million, costs that can be
avoided if the closures go ahead.
Miscarriages of Justice
Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice how many cases his Department has discussed
with the Criminal Cases Review Commission in the last
two years following allegations of miscarriages of justice
being drawn to the Department’s attention. [11137]
Mr Djanogly: Neither Ministers nor officials from
the Ministry of Justice have discussed any cases with
the Criminal Cases Review Commission in the last two
years. Such discussions would be inappropriate given
the Commission’s independence in its consideration of
individual cases.
Money Laundering: Convictions
Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice how many convictions there have been for
offences related to money laundering in each of the last
five years. [11337]
Mr Blunt: The number of defendants found guilty at
all courts for offences of money laundering, England
and Wales, from 2004 to 2008 (latest available), is given
in the table.
Court proceedings data for 2009 are planned for
publication on 21 October 2010.
Written Answers 690W
Number of defendants found guilty at all courts for ‘money laundering offences’1,
England and Wales, 2004-082, 3, 4
Found guilty
2004 209
2005 596
2006 1,276
2007 1,348
2008 1,286
1
Includes offences under:
Drug Trafficking Act 1994, Sec 49 (previously Criminal Justice (International
Co-operation) Act 1990, Sec 14);
Drug Trafficking Act 1994, Sec 50 (previously Drug Trafficking Offences Act
1986, Sec 24);
Drug Trafficking Act 1994 , Sec 51 (previously S23A Drug Trafficking Offences
Act 1986 as inserted by S16 Criminal Justice Act 1993);
Drug Trafficking Act 1994, Sec 52;
Drug Trafficking Act 1994, Sec 53;
Criminal Justice Act 1988, Sec 93A as inserted by S29 Criminal Justice Act 1993;
Criminal Justice Act 1988, Sec 93B as inserted by S30 Criminal Justice Act 1993;
Criminal Justice Act 1988, Sec 93C as inserted by S31 Criminal Justice Act
1993;
Criminal Justice Act 1988, Sec 93D as inserted by S32 Criminal Justice
Act 1993;
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Sees 327 and 334(1);
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Sees 328 and 334(1);
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Sees 329 and 334(1);
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Sees 330 and 334(1);
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Sees 331 and 334(1);
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Sees 332 and 334(1);
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Sees 333 and 334(1);
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Sec 336;
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Sec 342;
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Sec 359(3) and (4);
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Sec 359(1) and (2);
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Sec 366(1) and (2);
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Sec 366(3) and (4);
2
The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom
these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When
a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for
which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for
two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory
maximum penalty is the most severe.
3
Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and
complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been 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.
4
Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July, and August.
Source:
Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice
Prison Sentences
Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice
when he expects the Parole Board to have completed
processing the backlog of assessments for prisoners
during imprisonment for public protection sentences
under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2005.
[10592]
Mr Blunt: The Parole Board has been working hard
with its sponsor unit in the Ministry of Justice to recruit
additional members to help deal with the backlog of
oral hearings. The recruitment of 59 judges and 48
independent members (including specialists) is now
complete. The large programme of training necessary
to allow them to sit on parole panels will be completed
in October. The board is already sitting a record number
of oral panels: In 2009-10 it considered 1,432 Indeterminate
Sentences for Public Protection (IPP) sentenced prisoners.
The board estimates that the current backlog will be
reduced by around 25% over the course of 2010-11 and
will be eliminated during 2012-13.
Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice
how many people are serving a sentence for
imprisonment for public protection by (a) age band
691W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 692W

and (b) gender; and how many (i) have exceeded their local authorities. Preliminary scoring of these and others
tariff and (ii) have not completed offender treatment identified is still being carried out. No decisions have
programmes in each such case. [10594] yet been taken.
Along with other Government Departments, the Ministry
Mr Blunt: The following table shows the number of of Justice is currently subject to a spending review. Any
offenders serving a sentence of imprisonment for public final decisions on new capacity, as well as long-term
protection (IPP) or detention for public protection (DPP) decisions on prison capacity programmes, are subject to
on 5 July 2010 and the number of these who were past the outcome of this review.
tariff on that date, broken down by gender and age-band.
These figures do not include offenders who have been Prisoners: Drugs
released on licence and remain in the community.
The figures in the table are rounded to the nearest 10. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice how many prisoners were caught in possession
Women Men All of drugs in each of the last three years; and how many
Age Past Past Past of these had their prison sentence lengthened as a
band Total tariff Total tariff Total tariff result. [10268]
1 1 1
Less 5 0 40 5 40 5 Mr Blunt: Data on adjudications count the number
than
18
of offences and punishments given rather than the
18-20 1
5 1
5 250 70 250 70
number of prisoners charged with those offences. The
following table gives details of offences punished, the
21-24 20 20 1,120 550 1,140 570
total number of punishments given and the number of
25-29 40 30 1,320 640 1,350 670
times additional days were given as a punishment for
30-39 60 40 1,550 740 1,610 780
possession of drugs in 2007, 2008 and 2009:
40-49 30 20 1,140 480 1,170 500
50-59 10 10 380 180 390 180 Possession of a controlled drug
60 and 1
5 1
5 170 90 170 90 2007 2008 2009
over
Number of offences 1,292 1,074 1,048
170 110 5,960 2,750 6,130 2,850
Number of 2,154 1,788 1,698
1
Less than punishments given
The figures were taken from the Public Protection Of which additional 422 351 415
days given
Unit Database (PPUD) in the National Offender
Source:
Management Service, and, as with any large scale recording Offender Management Caseload Statistics 2007 to 2009
system, it is subject to possible errors arising from either
data entry or processing. The PPUD is a live database, The figures are taken from Table 8.4 of the Ministry
updated on a regular basis. As a result, snapshots taken of Justice Statistics bulletin ‘Offender Management
on consecutive days will contain differences reflecting Caseload Statistics’ for 2007, 2008 and 2009, available
updates. at the following website:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/
The requested breakdown of the number of offenders prisonandprobation.htm
who have not completed offending behaviour programmes
These figures have been drawn from administrative
can currently be obtained only by incurring disproportionate
IT systems which, as with any large scale recording
cost.
system, are subject to possible errors with data entry
IPP prisoners may be identified as suitable for inclusion and processing.
in specific offending behaviour programmes, depending
on the nature of their offending and their identified risk Prisoners: Legal Aid
factors. The total number of offenders serving an IPP
sentence in prison who had not completed at least one Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for
course by 5 July 2010 was 2,120. This figure has been Justice how much of the legal aid budget was spent on
rounded to the nearest 10. This information was taken cases involving prisoners in each of the last three years.
from a database held by the Public Protection and [10263]
Mental Health Group at the National Offender
Management Service. Mr Djanogly: Legal aid expenditure in the prison law
category, including free standing advice and assistance
Prison: Wales and advocacy assistance at prison discipline and parole
board hearings, during each of the three most recent
Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for years for which figures are available is shown in the
Justice what progress has been made on constructing a following table. The expenditure for 2009-10 will be
new prison in north Wales. [10747]
available once the Legal Services Commission have
published their accounts.
Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice has been conducting Prison law expenditure (£
a search since October 2009 for suitable sites for a new million)
1,500 place prison in North Wales (as well as in other
2006-07 12.49
areas of strategic need).
2007-08 15.99
At the present time, several sites in the North Wales 2008-09 21.61
area have been suggested by members of the public and
693W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 694W

These figures do not include criminal legal aid for
trials or any appeals against conviction or sentence.
Prisoners may also receive legal aid in civil categories
of law. It is not possible to identify how much legal aid
other than prison law was spent on prisoners as the
status of an individual as a prisoner does not form part
of the criteria for granting legal aid. Prisoners seeking
legal aid, like other legal aid applicants, must satisfy the
means test and merits test for legal aid.
Prisoners: Sentencing
Mr Blunt: Figures for the number of offenders sentenced
to immediate custody for indictable offences, by sentence
length and previous sentence history are presented in
the following table, for years 2006 to 2008, the most
recent data available.
The figures shown are a further breakdown of the
criminal history statistics presented in chapter 6 of
“Sentencing Statistics 2008” which was published on 28
January 2010 and can be found at:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/sentencingannual.htm

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice how many and what proportion of people who
had previously served community sentences or other
non-custodial sentences were sent to prison for (a) one
year or less and (b) more than one year in each of the
last three years. [10264]
The figures have been drawn from the police’s
administrative IT system, the police national computer,
which, as with any large scale recording system, is
subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.
The figures are provisional and subject to change as
more information is recorded by the police.

Occasions when a custodial sentence was given for an indictable offence1, England and Wales, 2006-08
2006 2007 2008

Custodial sentence of one year or less

Number of offenders sentenced to immediate custody 55,978 57,717 61,641
Of which:
Number with at least one previous non-custodial sentence 49,824 50,645 54,375
Percentage with at least one previous non-custodial sentence 89.0 87.7 88.2

Custodial sentence of more than one year

Number of offenders sentenced to immediate custody 27,003 26,820 29,095
Of which:
Number with at least one previous non-custodial sentence 22,429 21,886 23,562
Percentage with at least one previous non-custodial sentence 83.1 81.6 81.0

Custodial sentence of any length

Number of offenders sentenced to immediate custody 82,981 84,537 90,736
Of which:
Number with at least one previous non-custodial sentence 72,253 72,531 77,937
Percentage with at least one previous non-custodial sentence 87.1 85.8 85.9
1
The figures are counts of primary offences as recorded on the Police National Computer. An offender who received a custodial sentence on more than one
occasion during this period will appear in these figures on each occasion.

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for prisoners in each of the last three years; and how many
Justice how many prisoners had their sentence prisoners had their prison sentence lengthened as a
lengthened while in prison in the last five years. [10269] result in each of those years. [10267]

Mr Blunt: This information is not held in the precise

form requested. The National Offender Management Mr Blunt: The National Offender Management Service
Service records the number of findings of guilt against does not record the number of attacks on prison staff,
prisoners at internal disciplinary hearings (adjudications) rather it records assault incidents in which one or more
where additional days were imposed. This information members of staff has been assaulted.
is given in the following table. Some prisoners may have
received more than one award of added days. The following table shows the number of all recorded
assault incidents in which a member of staff has been
Number of punishments of additional days imposed assaulted and/or injured in each of the last three years:
Punishments
Assault incidents
2005 12,040
2006 12,566 2007 3,243
2007 13,460 2008 3,187
2008 12,792 2009 2,830
2009 11,550

Prisons: Crimes of Violence The following table shows the number of findings of
guilt against prisoners at internal disciplinary hearings
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for (adjudications) for assaults on staff, and punishments
Justice how many attacks on prison staff were made by of additional days awarded:
695W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
2007 2008 2009
Assaults on 2,837 2,903 2,443
staff
Additional 600 460 393
days
The figures refer to all incidents recorded as assaults,
these may also include threatening behaviour, projection
of bodily fluids and other non-contact events and
allegations.
Prisons: Drugs
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice how many times sniffer dogs have been used to
search for drugs in prisons in each of the last three
years. [10262]
Mr Blunt: The data requested are not held centrally.
To obtain such information would require a detailed
survey of each prison establishment which would be at
disproportionate cost.
The prisons National Security Framework requires
that each prison has a local security strategy, within
which is detailed the type and frequency of searches to
be undertaken using drugs detection dogs in given
circumstances. This varies from prison to prison according
to the level and type of prisoner drug misuse in each
prison. All prisons have access to search dog capability.
Prisons: Visits
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice how many closed visits there were in prisons in
the last 12 months; and what the estimated cost was of
those visits. [10261]
Mr Blunt: In 2008-09, the last year for which data are
available, 1,543 visitors to prisons were made subject to
a period of closed visits following a visiting ban, 374
visitors were made subject to a period of closed visits
instead of a visiting ban, and 1,871 prisoners were
made subject to a period of closed visits.
These figures have been drawn from administrative
data systems. Although care is taken when processing
and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject
to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording
system. The figures are not subject to audit.
The cost of operating closed visits cannot be
disaggregated from the overall operating costs of prison
visits.
Secure Training Centres: Children
Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice (1) how many referrals made to local authorities
of section 47 of the Child Act 1989 concerning a child
or children held in a secure training centre were made
by (a) centre staff, (b) staff of the Youth Justice
Board, (c) independent advocates, (d) Ofsted staff,
(e) a child, (f) a child’s relatives and (g) another
person or organisation in the last five years; [10918]
(2) on how many occasions a referral under section
47 of the Children Act 1989 has been made to a local
authority following a restraint incident in each of the
last five years; and what steps were taken by (a) the
Written Answers 696W
local authority, (b) the relevant police force and (c)
prosecuting authorities in consequence. [11141]
Mr Blunt: The available information is as follows.
The table shows the number of referrals by secure
training centres (STCs) in the past five years, using data
provided by the STCs. These related to incidents: in
custody; during the young person’s earlier placements;
or while the young person was in the community.
Total
2006 102
2007 106
2008 93
2009 111
2010 82
In cases where YJB staff consider that a matter
should be referred to the local authority, then, unless
the matter concerns the director of the centre, it is
processed through the centre’s child protection
arrangements. There have been no separate referrals by
YJB staff to local authorities under section 47 in the
last five years.
The Government do not collect data centrally on the
sources of, or reasons for, referrals to children’s social
care, which is a local authority responsibility.
Shoplifting: Unpaid Fines
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for
Justice what estimate he has made of the level of
non-payment of fines for offences relating to theft from
shops in the last 12 months; and if he will make a
statement. [9866]
Mr Djanogly: HMCS systems do not identify how
many fines are paid for specific offences and therefore
an assessment of the level of non-payment for fines
imposed for theft from shops could be provided only at
disproportionate cost as it would require a manual
search of all fine accounts.
Her Majesty’s Courts Service has in place a strategy
to increase the success of compliance with court orders
particularly with regard to financial penalties—the Criminal
Compliance and Enforcement Services Blueprint. This
was launched in July 2008 and is being implemented
across HMCS. The blueprint sets out HMCS’s strategic
objective for enforcement which is for a cheaper, faster
and more proportionate system that primarily focuses
on ‘first time’ compliance while continuing to apply the
principles of rigorous enforcement to the hard core of
defaulters.
Unpaid Fines
Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice
what the monetary value was of uncollected fines
levied as a result of convictions for criminal offences on
the latest date for which figures are available. [10872]
Mr Djanogly: The amount outstanding for financial
penalties at the end of June 2010 was £597,926,217.
The value of outstanding balance includes the amount
owed for fines imposed in the magistrates and Crown
courts plus compensation, victims surcharge, costs and
697W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
the value of unpaid fixed penalty notices that are transferred
to HMCS for enforcement as a fine. The outstanding
balance has risen through the application of a strict
policy that only allows fines to be written off in certain
circumstances. The outstanding balance includes fines
imposed a number of years ago during the period when
fines could not be cancelled (2004-06) and fines which
are being paid by instalments. Some of the balance
outstanding could be as much as 10 years old.
There was a large increase in the amount outstanding
in April 2010 due to one fine for £8.3 million being
imposed against a company, of which only £2 million
has been paid so far and they have been ordered to pay
the remainder in instalments starting from December
2010.
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice
how much is owed to the Exchequer in outstanding
fines imposed by courts; and what steps the
Government plans to take to recuperate all such
outstanding fines. [11056]
Mr Djanogly: The amount outstanding for financial
penalties at the end of June 2010 was £597,926,217.
The value of outstanding balance includes the amount
owed for fines imposed in the magistrates and crown
courts plus compensation, victims surcharge, costs and
the value of unpaid fixed penalty notices that are transferred
to HMCS for enforcement as a fine. The outstanding
balance has risen through the application of a strict
policy that only allows fines to be written off in certain
circumstances. The outstanding balance includes fines
imposed a number of years ago during the period when
fines could not be cancelled (2000-06) and fines which
are being paid by instalments. Some of the balance
outstanding could be as much as 10 years old. There
was a large increase in the amount outstanding in April
2010 due to one fine for £8.3 million being imposed
against a company, of which only £2 million has been
paid so far and they have been ordered to pay the
remainder in instalments starting from December 2010.
Her Majesty’s Courts Service has in place a strategy
to increase the success of compliance with court orders
particularly with regard to financial penalties—the Criminal
Compliance and Enforcement Services Blueprint. This
was launched in July 2008 and is being implemented
across HMCS. The blueprint sets out HMCS’s strategic
objective for enforcement which is for a cheaper, faster
and more proportionate system that primarily focuses
on ’first time’ compliance while continuing to apply the
principles of rigorous enforcement to the hard core of
defaulters. The blueprint implementation ensures greater
use of the sanctions available under the Courts Act
2003 and extended methods of payment
Performance in relation to the collection of financial
penalties is being closely monitored across all areas of
HMCS and any area where performance is below target
is being challenged by a central team who will assist the
area in identifying areas for improvement and set targets
for increased collection.
In the 2009-10 financial year HMCS collected
£259,241,082 which was £12.5 million (5%) more cash
against financial penalties than in the 2008-09 year.
Written Answers 698W
INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY
STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE
Members: Correspondence
Glenda Jackson: To ask the hon. Member for
Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for
the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority,
what the (a) longest, (b) shortest and (c) average time
has been for staff of the Independent Parliamentary
Standards Authority to reply to an email from an hon.
Member. [10202]
Mr Charles Walker: At present, IPSA aims to respond
to all e-mails and letters within five working days.
Historical data regarding the timeframe for responding
to queries received to date are not readily available.
However, IPSA has recently introduced a new case
management system which will improve the response
time to e-mails, letters and telephone queries; and ensure
accurate records of correspondence between Members
and IPSA. Once this system is fully rolled out across
IPSA, IPSA will provide Members with information on
its performance against these and other service targets.
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Agriculture: Environment Protection
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what priorities
she has set for research and development expenditure
on projects to increase agricultural production and
protect the environment; and if she will make a
statement. [7258]
Mr Paice: Research and development is crucial to
help the farming industry raise production in harmony
with the environment and contribute to the global
challenge of food security.
DEFRA’s agricultural research and development has
over recent years focused on the development of sustainable
farming systems, reducing pollution and greenhouse
gas emissions, adapting to climate change, protecting
against pests and diseases, and improving animal health
and welfare.
The new Technology Strategy Board, DEFRA and
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
innovation platform for sustainable agriculture and food
will invest up to £90 million over the next five years in
match-funding to industry for agricultural research.
Air Pollution
Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans
to respond to the Fifth Report of the Environment
Audit Committee, Session 2009-10, HC229, on Air
Quality. [10885]
Richard Benyon: DEFRA is preparing a response to
this report in consultation with other Government
Departments and expects to publish it in the autumn.
699W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Bears: Conservation
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make
representations to international agencies on the
enforcement of the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in
respect of the farming in Asia of species of bear for
bile. [10339]
Richard Benyon: Unless domestic practices are stimulating
international trade, the convention on international
trade in endangered species (CITES) does not restrict
such activities. Nevertheless, whereas CITES does not
prohibit the domestic “farming”of captive-bred specimens
of appendix I species—such as Asiatic black bears—it
does regard them as being included in appendix II of
the convention and thus requiring appropriate certification
if the animals, or products from them, are to be subject
to international trade. CITES certification focuses on
the conservation impact of international trade and is
meant to ensure that such trade is not detrimental to the
survival of the species in the wild.
Should we be made aware that international trade
was taking place, we would of course pass that information
to appropriate authorities, including the CITES Secretariat,
to verify whether it was being done in accordance with
the relevant CITES controls and requirements.
In the UK we take a precautionary approach and ban
all commercial trade in bear bile or gall bladders irrespective
of their source.
British Waterways: Compensation
Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether British
Waterways plans to compensate (a) boat owners and
(b) business owners affected by the temporary closure
of a stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. [11724]
Richard Benyon: British Waterways is not able to
refund license or mooring fees. The terms and conditions
of mooring agreements and boat licenses explain that
historic canals may on occasion need to be closed due
to circumstances beyond British Waterways’ reasonable
control. The planned closure of one section of the
Leeds and Liverpool canal is due to the severe drought.
British Waterways have been working with affected
boat businesses to minimise the impact of the closure,
including assistance with relocation to other unaffected
areas.
Coastal Erosion
Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will assess
the merits of redesignating her departmental
responsibility for coastal erosion as her departmental
responsibility for coastal protection. [10870]
Richard Benyon: The Flood and Water Management
Act 2010 provides for flood and coastal erosion risk
management which will enable a wide range of approaches
for dealing with these threats. Risk management includes,
but is wider than, coastal protection. It will allow
community-based adaptation approaches, such as the
current coastal change pathfinder programme, where
Written Answers 700W
appropriate. Protection is not the only option or always
affordable, sustainable or appropriate, especially where
it increases the risk to others. Renaming our departmental
responsibility for coastal erosion could narrow and
limit our role in this area.
Common Agricultural Policy
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much
Common Agricultural Policy funding she expects
farmers in (a) the UK, (b) England, (c) Essex and
(d) Witham constituency to receive in the next five
years. [10094]
Mr Paice: It is not possible to provide figures for the
next five years, both because payments to farmers under
the Common Agricultural Policy are made in response
to applications from farmers and land managers and
because the current CAP Budget comes to an end in
2013. As an indication, however, farmers in the UK
received approximately £3.3 billion in the year ending
15 October 2009 for direct aids and rural development
schemes under the CAP, which included £2.1 billion in
England. The UK paying agencies do not record
information on payments at county or constituency
level. Further information can be found on DEFRA’s
website.
Dangerous Dogs
Angie Bray: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was
spent on kennelling dogs whose classification under the
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was subject to a court case
in (a) England, (b) London and (c) the London
Borough of Ealing in the latest period for which figures
are available. [10216]
Mr Paice [holding answer 21 July 2010]: The cost to
police forces across England, in London and in the
London borough of Ealing of kennelling dogs whose
classification under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was
subject to a court case cannot be provided because these
figures are not held centrally.
Departmental Billing
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what
information her Department holds on the time taken
by contractors employed by it to pay the invoices of
their sub-contractors under prompt payment
arrangements; and if she will make a statement. [9255]
Richard Benyon: The Department does not hold this
information and would incur disproportionate cost to
obtain it.
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage
of payments made by her Department to (a) small and
medium-sized enterprise suppliers and (b) all suppliers
were made (i) within 10 days of receipt of invoice and
(ii) on the agreed payment terms in the last three
months for which information is available. [11382]
701W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 702W

Richard Benyon: The Department does not distinguish London, Eastbury House
between small and medium-sized enterprise suppliers Reading, Northgate House
and all other suppliers in its payment processes. Reading, Coley Park
From information held centrally for the core Department Lincoln, Ceres House
the following table shows performance over the period Preston, Barton Hall
April to June 2010. Winchester, Itchin Abbas
Caernarfon, North Penralt
Percentage
Normal supplier Leicester, Saffron House
Core DEFRA 10 day performance terms performance Stafford, Beacon House
Shrewsbury, Sitka House
April 92.2 99.8
May 85.1 98.4
Longhanborough, Unit 11
June 91.0 99.2 Newcastle, The Waterfront
Reading, Northgate House
Departmental Buildings Stafford, RAF Stafford
Worcester, Whittington Road
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for London, Ashdown House
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much (a) York, Foss House
her Department and its predecessors and (b) its York, Mallard House
agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on Alnwick, Lion House
office refurbishment in each year since 1997. [7353] Norwich, Dragonfly House
Newcastle, Lancaster House
Richard Benyon: Information for years prior to 2001-02
Carlisle, Edenbridge House
could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Carlisle, Hadrian House
Spend against DEFRA’s Capital Investment programme,
Newcastle, The Quadrant
on new and refurbishment projects has been identified
as (rounded to the nearest £1 million): Truro, Polwhele
Exeter, Clyst House
Reigate, Liberty House
£ million
Gloucester, Saw Mills
2001-02 5 Bakewell, Endcliffe
2002-03 9 Manchester Airport, Building 308
2003-04 13 Heathersett, Station Court
2004-05 24 Carmarthen, Ty Merlin
2005-06 22
2006-07 18
2007-08 26 Departmental Catering
2008-09 16
2009-10 7 Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her
During this period the following projects were undertaken Department spent on catering in each year from 1997
and completed for Core DEFRA, RPA, Animal Health to 2009. [4855]
and MMO but is excluding projects for VLA, VMD,
CSL and CEFAS and any property disposal income. Richard Benyon: The Department was formed in 2001.
London, 3-8 Whitehall Place The catering contract was awarded and commenced
London, Nobel House
in April 2005 serving London and the Guildford sites.
At the DEFRA site in York the contract was awarded in
London, 55 Whitehall
April 2008. The costs shown in the following table refer
London, Ergon House to the actual cost of catering subsidy (the contribution
London, 9 Millbank made towards the staff restaurants which is a contractual
Workington, BCMS Offices obligation):

£
April to March each year Guildford Whitehall Page street Nobel house DEFRA total York

2005-06 34,844 19,420 66,521 51,655 172,440 —

2006-07 34,844 19,420 66,521 51,655 172,440 —
2007-08 28,598 3,616 56,736 103,644 192,594 —
2008-09 Site closed DECC Site closed 130,714 130,714 14,852
2009-10 Site closed DECC Site closed 104,367 104,367 47,637

Costs incurred prior to 2001 are available only at Other catering costs, for example vending machines,
disproportionate cost. are available only at disproportionate cost.
703W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 704W

The cost of hospitality for meetings (beverages and

£
lunch) incurred by DEFRA London and Guildford
sites is shown as follows: Animal health 214,929.81
Catering hospitality spend MMO (formally MFA) 4,127.93
March to April each year Spend (£) Rural Payments Agency1 45,814.00
Natural England2 43,946,000.00
2004-05 43,012
VMD 221,000.00
2005-06 488,460
2006-07 579,749
2008-09
2007-08 452,166
2008-09 466,326 Core DEFRA 6,547,640.82
2009-10 552,802 Animal health 107,979.13
Total 2,585,515 MMO (formally MFA) 53,425.22
Rural Payments Agency1 43,876.00
Costs incurred prior to 2001 are available only at Natural England3 37,986,000.00
disproportionate cost. VMD 276,000.00

Departmental Contracts 2009-10

Core DEFRA 5,643,124.80
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Animal health 111,149.58
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the monetary MMO (formally MFA) 169,531.87
value is of her Department’s contracts with its suppliers Rural Payments Agency1 Not yet published
which (a) are under review and (b) have been cancelled Sustainable Development 22,532.59
under her Department’s plans to achieve cost savings. Commission
[11409] Natural England4 39,673,000.00
VMD 284,000.00
Richard Benyon: Work on assessing our current contracts 1
RPA Information Technology Costs—as published in Note 2 of
and identifying the scope for renegotiation or cancellation the Annual Report and Accounts
is under way following the announcements in the Budget. 2
2007-08 including recharges from DEFRA for the Genesis IT
It is too early to say what will be the outcome in terms system of £28,726,000
3
of number of contracts affected and likely savings involved 2008-09 including recharges from DEFRA for the Genesis IT
system of £22,375,000
in the activity. 4
2009-10 including recharges from DEFRA for the Genesis IT
system of £22,048,000
Departmental ICT Notes:
1. Figures shown in italics are restated in the subsequent year for
consistency
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for 2. The 2009-10 accounts are not yet available as they have not been
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much (a) published
her Department and its predecessors and (b) its 3. These charges exclude depreciation, amortisation and cost of
agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on capital
information and communication technology in each
year since 1997. [7334]
Departmental Official Cars
Richard Benyon: In response to the amount spent on
information and communication technology since 1997, Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for
the Department was not formed until 2001 and data Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her
between then and April 2006 could be obtained only at Department has spent on the Government Car Service
disproportionate cost. since the Government took office. [7975]
Data for all agencies and NDPBs since 2006 not
shown could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Richard Benyon: The figures quoted are the invoiced
figures from 12 May up to and including 12 July and are
The amount coded to information and communication exclusive of VAT.
technology for Core DEFRA and its agencies and
NDPBs available is shown in the following table: The costs for DEFRA are £27,282.15.

£
Departmental Official Hospitality
2006-07
Core DEFRA 8,554,241.98 Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Animal health 20,760.73 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much (a)
MMO (formally MFA) 205,190.93 her Department and its predecessors and (b) its
Rural Payments Agency1 35,303.00 agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on
Governments Decontamination 3,049.73 hospitality in each year since 1997. [7441]
Service /Merged with FERA
VMD 228,000.00
Richard Benyon: In response to the amount spent on
“hospitality” since 1997, the Department was not formed
2007-08 until 2001 and data between then and April 2007 could
Core DEFRA 8,598,453.00 be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
705W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 706W

The amount spent on hospitality each year since

Organisation Spend (£ million)
April 2007 for core DEFRA, its agencies and NDPBs
that it holds data for is shown in the following table. Veterinary Laboratories 42.57
Spend for those agencies and NDPBs since 2007 that is Agency
not shown could be given only at disproportionate cost. Centre for Environment 20.56
Fisheries and Aquaculture
£ Science
Food and Environment 30.56
2006-07 Research Agency
Core DEFRA 377,379.69
Animal Health 4,249.52 Departmental Secondment
MMO 3,507.68
Governments Decontamination 312.27 Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for
Service/merged with FERA Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she
VMD Nil plans to take to increase the number of officials
seconded from her Department to the EU institutions.
2007-08 [9282]

Core DEFRA 332,549.31

Mr Paice: My Department regularly identifies and
Animal Health 85.00
evaluates opportunities that arise for secondments to
MMO 4,854.80
the EU institutions. A budget is available to fund a
Rural Payments Agency 95,021.01
number of opportunities in priority areas. These are
Governments Decontamination 517.94 advertised internally, and staff are encouraged to apply
Service/merged with FERA
in order both to provide UK expertise to these bodies
Natural England 274,070.00
and to develop their own knowledge and skills for the
VMD 140.00
benefit of the Department on their return from these
time-limited posts. The establishment of the new European
2008-09 Fast Stream will assist in developing more candidates
Core DEFRA 81,994.85 able to apply successfully both for such secondments,
Animal Health — and for permanent posts within the institutions.
MMO 7,739.81
Rural Payments Agency 93,518.21 Departmental Stationery
Governments Decontamination 1,318.94
Service/merged with FERA Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Natural England 266,714.00 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much (a)
VMD 525.00 her Department and its predecessors and (b) its
agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on
2009-10 stationery in each year since 1997. [7460]
Core DEFRA 405,841.19
Richard Benyon: In response to the amount spent on
Animal Health 13,259.20
“stationery” since 1997, the Department was not formed
MMO 11,528.36
until 2001 and data between then and April 2006 could
Rural Payments Agency 49,734.98
be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Natural England 65,700.00
Sustainable Development 4,054.56
For information on agencies and NDPBs not shown,
Commission the information could be obtained only at disproportionate
VMD 86.00 cost.
The amount spent on stationery each year since April
2006 for core DEFRA its agencies and NDPBs that it
Departmental Pay
holds data for is shown in the following table:
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for £
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was
paid in remuneration in total to civil servants in her 2006-07
Department in 2009-10. [9897] Core DEFRA 1,200,136.86
Animal Health 155,657.11
Richard Benyon: The following table summarises the MMO (formerly MFA) 21,478.76
total spent, by core DEFRA and its Executive Agencies, Government Decontamination 7,232.88
in 2009-10 for remuneration to civil servants. Figures Service/merged with FERA
are taken from the Resource Accounts of each organisation. VMD 28,057.00

Organisation Spend (£ million) 2007-08

Core DEFRA 120.95 Core DEFRA 409,527.44
Animal Health 58.48 Animal Health 227,166.61
Veterinary Medicines 6.83 MMO (formerly MFA) 23,768.94
Directorate Government Decontamination 5,547.27
Rural Payments Agency 95.8 Service/merged with FERA
707W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 708W

£ Organisation Travel type Total (£)

Natural England 277,309.00 Rail 36,946.40

VMD 19,517.00
Core DEFRA Air 1,473,240.53
2008-09 Rail 1,774,538.72
Core DEFRA 401,394.97
Animal Health 232,394.54
Governments Air 36,570.37
MMO (formerly MFA) 55,695.98 Decontamination Service
Government Decontamination 3,593.89 /Merged with FERA
Service/merged with FERA Rail 35,925.23
Natural England 250,575.00
VMD 18,147.00
Natural England All 4,092,813.00

2009-10
MMO (Formally MFA) Air 23,135.54
Core DEFRA 318,820.50
Animal Health 230,184.68 Rail 20,079.71
MMO (formerly MFA) 43,174.05
Sustainable Development 7,568.69 Rural Payment Agency Air 334,166.82
Commission.
Rail 739,542.70
Natural England 256,075.00
VMD 20,331.00
VMD All 102,217.00
Departmental Training
2008-09 Animal Health Air 17,132.83
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Rail 46,731.77
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much (a)
her Department and its predecessors and (b) its Core DEFRA Air 1,390,903.23
agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on
employee away days in each year since 1997. [7315] Rail 1,582,723.78

Richard Benyon: This information is not held centrally Governments Air 58,530.01
and the information could be provided only at Decontamination Service
disproportionate cost. /Merged with FERA
Rail 30,235.72
All public expenditure has to be incurred in accordance
with the principles of Managing Public Money and the
Treasury handbook on regularity and propriety. Subject Natural England All 4,099,990.00
to those principles business areas have discretion whether
or not to hold away days having regard to the evaluation MMO (formally MFA) Air 13,379.46
of alternative options and, value for money considerations.
Rail 19,718.21
Departmental Travel
Rural Payment Agency Air 358,121.16
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Rail 1,009,982.32
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her
(a) Department and its predecessors and (b) its
agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on VMD All 115,635.00
travel for its employees in each year since 1997. [7422]
2009-10 Animal Health Air 39,293.16
Richard Benyon: In response to the amount spent on Rail 111,432.04
“travel” since 1997, the Department was not formed Core DEFRA Air 2,504,318.00
until 2001 and data between then and April 2007 and
Rail 2,637,252.64
for the other agencies and NDPB’s spending outside of
the CWT Contract could be obtained only at
disproportionate cost. Governments Rail 1,196.20
Decontamination Service
Spend for those agencies and NDPBs since 2007 not /Merged with FERA
shown could be given only at disproportionate cost.
The amount spent on rail and air travel each year Natural England All 3,238,768.00
since April 2007 and split where data are available for
Core DEFRA, its agencies and NDPBs is shown in the
following table: MMO (formally MFA) Air 11,269.10
Rail 133,732.04
Organisation Travel type Total (£)

2007-08 Animal health Air 16,363.06 Rural Payment Agency Air 164,872.00
709W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 710W

In addition, the Government publish on a quarterly

Organisation Travel type
Rail
VMD All
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which (a)
Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have
been driven by the Government Car Service since the
Government took office; and how much each of these
persons has received in expenses for use of taxis, buses
and underground trains in that period. [7976]
Richard Benyon: I refer the hon. Member to the
replies I gave to the hon. Member for West Bromwich
East (Mr Watson) on 12 July 2010, Official Report,
column 455W, and 7 June 2010, Official Report, column
15W.
Total (£)
basis, the expenses incurred by the most senior officials
834,243.00 which include use of the Government car service and
other travel expenses.
130,927.00
Departmental Utilities
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much (a)
her Department and its predecessors and (b) its
agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on
(i) electricity, (ii) water, (iii) heating and (iv) telephone
services in each year since 1997. [7585]
Richard Benyon: The following amounts were spent
on electricity, heating (gas, oil and Whitehall district
heating system) since 2002-03 and on water since 2004-05.
Information is not held prior to those dates. In addition,
availability of historic telephone services expenditure
varies from body to body according to their archiving
strategy. Those data are therefore incomplete. These
data cover the core Department, its executive agencies,
and its two largest NDPBs, the Environment Agency
and Natural England; information for all NDPBs could
be provided only at disproportionate cost.

2008-09
£
Energy costs
Electricity Gas Oil WDHS Total Water cost

AH 278,862 106,372 2,115 0 387,349 61,966

CEFAS 485,093 137,138 0 0 622,231 165,583
DEFRA 875,180 294,258 0 8,628 1,178,066 37,673
FERA 1,626,133 706,539 0 0 2,332,672 76,143
MFA 20,867 5,687 3,200 0 29,754 1,504
NE 247,335 84,797 0 0 332,132 45,867
RPA 775,125 157,645 17,982 0 950,752 70,786
VLA 1,891,799 2,217,256 188,525 0 4,297,580 157,340
EA 6,217,000 474,000 219,000 0 6,910,000 261,000
Total 12,417,394 4,183,692 430,822 8,628 17,040,536 877,862

2007-08
£
Energy costs
Electricity Gas Oil WDHS Total Water cost

AH 192,356 59,655 9,853 0 261,864 58,152

CEFAS 379,799 90,529 0 0 470,328 165,069
DEFRA 777,931 139,277 16,006 18,615 951,829 59,312
FERA 1,198,146 460,979 291 0 1,659,416 81,782
MFA 15,379 3,986 2,034 0 21,399 2,820
NE 141,367 57,219 0 0 198,586 30,339
RPA 537,396 113,370 18,277 0 669,043 72,001
VLA 1,352,291 900,142 154,500 0 2,406,933 117,190
EA 4,881,000 371,000 193,000 0 5,445,000 204,000
Total 9,475,665 2,196,157 393,961 18,615 12,084,398 790,665

2006-07
£
Energy costs
Electricity Gas Oil WDHS Total Water cost

SVS 232,450 81,504 8,245 0 322,199 54,146

CEFAS 479,818 129,615 0 0 609,433 120,161
DEFRA 1,195,043 331,850 43,173 0 1,570,066 60,981
FERA 1,703,661 683,929 550 0 2,388,140 71,856
MFA 17,765 6,630 1,714 0 26,109 3,965
1 1 1 1
NE — — — — 0 9,670
RPA 771,553 150,898 10,370 0 932,821 72,365
711W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 712W

2006-07
£
Energy costs
Electricity Gas Oil WDHS Total Water cost

VLA 1,361,182 1,309,391 16,181 0 2,686,754 116,831

EA 5,888,000 463,000 163,000 0 6,514,000 207,000
Total 11,649,472 3,156,817 243,233 0 15,049,522 716,975
1
Included in DEFRA total.

2005-06
£
Energy costs
Electricity Gas Oil WDHS Total Water cost

SVS 244,208 99,160 13,073 0 356,441 38,187

CEFAS 375,712 102,528 0 0 478,240 149,252
DEFRA 892,036 257,315 52,115 26,930 1,228,396 62,948
FERA 878,800 384,277 1,020 0 1,264,097 81,028
MFA 13,277 3,073 2,321 0 18,671 1,555
NE 308,620 106,930 0 0 415,550 40,740
RPA 594,520 132,630 16,445 0 743,595 83,355
VLA 853,598 930,284 16,395 0 1,800,277 106,569
EA 3,973,000 353,000 136,000 0 4,462,000 242,000
Total 8,133,771 2,369,197 237,369 26,930 10,767,267 563,634

2004-05
£
Energy costs
Electricity Gas Oil WDHS Total Water cost

SVS 212,738 77,715 11,626 0 302,079 33,809

CEFAS 267,164 73,579 0 0 340,743 107,314
DEFRA 626,563 134,261 24,945 105,771 891,540 44,617
FERA 597,198 327,604 482 0 925,284 61,220
MFA 11,972 1,622 1,431 0 15,025 1,058
NE 244,122 85,731 0 0 329,853 27,304
RPA 431,676 101,596 4,313 0 537,585 60,275
VLA 388,395 657,494 19,288 0 1,065,177 38,784
EA 4,707,000 486,000 296,000 0 5,489,000 221,000
Total 2,779,828 1,459,602 62,085 105,771 9,896,286 595,381

Energy costs 2003-04

£
Electricity Gas Oil WDHS Total

CEFAS 227,352 59,952 0 0 287,304

DEFRA 978,977 301,090 53,100 126,647 1,459,814
FERA 441,497 329,803 716 0 772,016
RPA 309,387 95,806 6,897 0 412,090
VLA 404,333 636,761 11,376 0 1,052,470
EA — — — — —
Total 2,361,546 1,423,412 72,089 126,647 3,983,694

Energy costs 2002-03

£
Electricity Gas Oil WDHS Total

CEFAS 222,188 71,597 0 0 293,785

DEFRA 920,830 247,775 59,574 134,165 1,362,344
FERA 707,190 276,445 0 0 983,635
RPA 323,066 94,902 8,782 0 426,750
VLA 409,803 646,925 31,315 0 1,088,043
EA — — — — —
Total 2,583,077 1,337,644 99,671 134,165 4,154,557

Telephony costs
£
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

SVS — — — — 299,211 358,470 412,449 366,162

CEFAS 119,221 152,585 95,862 80,943 95,677 90,544 90,389 67,512
713W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 714W

Telephony costs
£
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

DEFRA — — — — — — — —
FERA 82,531 76,262 66,737 72,243 68,275 65,558 51,726 55,142
MFA — — — 17,325 19,453 16,028 16,364 19,454
NE — — — — 787,690 519,536 63,482 44,686
RPA — — — — 1,768,753 878,719 1,670,471 1,345,723
VLA 106,419 131,082 102,323 90,941 77,414 65,192 19,390 69,312
EA — — — 1,250,000 1,216,000 1,817,000 1,587,000 1,241,000
Total 308,171 359,929 293,681 1,511,452 4,332,473 3,811,047 3,911,271 3,208,991

Telephony costs sole and skate in respect of (a) Suffolk Coastal

£ constituency and (b) England; and if she will make a
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 statement. [10874]

SVS — — — — —
Richard Benyon: Officials from the Marine Management
CEFAS — 236,955 129,471 179,128 99,033
Organisation are working very hard to secure additional
DEFRA — — — — —
North sea sole quota for the under 10 metre fleet. I have
FERA — — — — — also asked representatives from across industry to consider
MFA — — — — — possible options for immediate-term relief. If these prove
NE — — — — — successful, I hope that a limited reopening of the fishery
RPA — — — — — may be possible in the near future. At this stage, I
VLA — — 40,474 86,190 99,889 foresee little prospect of being able to reopen the skate
EA — — — — — fishery, where uptake has been consistent with previous
Total — 236,955 169,945 265,318 198,992 years, and closure of the fishery occurred later than in
Key to organisations
2009. I am committed to delivering the long-term reform
of the inshore fleet that is clearly necessary to prevent a
AH Animal Health recurrence of the difficulties that it currently faces and
CEFAS Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture to ensure its future sustainability. It is my intention that
Science a public consultation on proposals for such reform will
DEFRA Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs be launched in the latter part of this year.
FERA Food and Environment Research Agency
MFA Marine and Fisheries Agency Flood Control
MMO Marine Management Organisation
NE Natural England Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for
RPA Rural Payments Agency Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects
SVS State Veterinary Service to publish guidance on national flood and coastal
VLA Veterinary Laboratories Agency erosion risk management strategies in England
WDHS Whitehall District Heating System pursuant to the Floods and Water Management Act
Notes: 2010. [10850]
1. The State Veterinary Service was formed on 1 April 2005; the
organisation changed its name to Animal Health in April 2007. Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency will be
2. MFA was formed 1 October 2005, the data in 2005-06 is for the
whole year, we are unable to split the data before and after the agency
responsible for developing the national strategy and
was formed. The MFA was replaced by the MMO (an NDPB) on guidance for England.
1 April 2010. We expect the Agency to consult on the strategy and
Fisheries: EC Grants and Loans key guidance this autumn. This will give an opportunity
for the public and parliamentary colleagues, including
the EFRA committee, to provide comments and suggestions
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for
before a draft is submitted to Ministers for review.
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what EU grants
are available for private storage of fisheries products; The national strategy and guidance will also heed to
and if she will make a statement. [11212] be laid before Parliament prior to being issued.

Richard Benyon: Under Council Regulation 104/2000 Food: Procurement

on the common organisation of the markets in fishery
and agriculture products, private storage aid may be
granted to producer organisations for certain frozen
fish products. The regulation will be reformed along
with the common fisheries policy.
Fishing Limits
Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will
withdraw her Department’s restriction on fishing for
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her
Department is taking to promote the procurement of
food produced with the lowest possible greenhouse gas
emissions in the public sector. [5341]
Mr Paice: We are in the process of considering criteria
for Government Buying Standards (GBS) to ensure the
public sector procures sustainable food and catering
services. GBS are mandatory for central Government
715W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Departments and their Executive agencies and the standards
will be promoted to the wider public sector.
DEFRA supported the development of PAS2050, a
publicly available standard for calculating greenhouse
gas footprints, which suppliers can use to report the
footprint of their products. DEFRA-funded research
demonstrated its applicability for food products.
Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the
answer of 1 July 2010, to question 4421, on
procurement of food, which public sector bodies have
improved the quality and sustainability of the food
they serve whilst maintaining or reducing the overall
cost. [6884]
Mr Paice: In October 2008 DEFRA commissioned
accounting and consultancy firm Deloitte to carry out
an independent evaluation of the Public Sector Food
Procurement Initiative (PSFPI).
Deloitte’s evaluation of the PSFPI was published by
DEFRA in March 2009, and includes examples of
public sector bodies which have improved the quality
and sustainability of food procurement while reducing
the overall cost. For example, the North East Public
Sector Food Programme made cashable savings of over
£165,000, Bradford City delivered ’better quality school
meals at no extra cost’ and Shropshire School Meals
Service improved the quality of school fruit and vegetables
while making an overall saving of 11%.
Incinerators: Shrewsbury
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will meet
residents of Shrewsbury constituency to discuss the
prospect of the construction of a waste incinerator in
Shrewsbury. [9338]
Richard Benyon: Local authorities, rather than the
Government, are responsible for deciding how waste is
managed in their respective areas. Choice of technology
must reflect local circumstances, which will vary. It is
important that any plans for waste to energy facilities
emerge out of local waste strategies, so that all options
for reuse, recycling and composting can be explored
first.
Inshore Fisheries
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State
for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans
she has for the transitional funding for the creation of
inshore fisheries and conservation authorities from
former Sea Fisheries Committees. [10908]
Richard Benyon: DEFRA is launching the transitional
funding scheme on Monday 26 July 2010. This scheme
is designed to assist existing Sea Fisheries Committees
in preparing for the additional duties and functions
they will have to perform when they vest as Inshore
Fisheries and Conservation Authorities under the Marine
and Coastal Access Act 2009.
Written Answers 716W
Packaging: Waste Management
Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the
remit of her review of waste management policy
extends to consideration of the merits of a levy on
waste packaging which does not break down quickly.
[10919]
Richard Benyon: The terms of reference for the review
of waste policies will be published shortly. The review
will consider all aspects of waste policy and delivery in
England.
Primates: Ownership
Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she
plans to bring forward proposals for the further
regulation of the ownership of primates. [10861]
Mr Paice: The welfare of primates is already governed
by the Animal Welfare Act 2006. A code of practice for
the welfare of privately kept non-human primates, made
under the Act, came into force on 6 April this year. We
have no plans to introduce any further measures regarding
the ownership of primates.
Reservoirs: Abingdon
Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage
of the land proposed at the new reservoir site south of
Abingdon by Thames Water is in each category of
agricultural land classification. [11496]
Richard Benyon: Thames Water has produced a map
giving this information for the current public inquiry
into its draft water resources management plan. A copy
of the map has been placed in the House Library.
Rivers: North East
James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how much
has been spent on clearing debris from the River (a)
Tees, (b) the Tyne and (c) the Wear in each of the last
five years; [10421]
(2) what responsibility the Environment Agency has
for the clearance of debris from the River Tees; which
other (a) parts of her Department and (b) bodies
sponsored by her Department have responsibility for
debris clearance from rivers; and if she will make a
statement. [11113]
Richard Benyon: The following table shows the total
cost to the Environment Agency for debris removal
within the river catchments of the Tyne, Wear and Tees.
This includes the cost of this activity on the main river
and its major tributaries.
The costs indicated are associated with routine
maintenance activities and do not include emergency
response costs, such as emergency debris removal from
trash screens and culverts.
717W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Under the Water Resources Act 1991, the Environment
Agency has the power, in connection with main rivers,
to cleanse, repair or otherwise maintain any existing
watercourse or drainage work.
The Environment Agency exercises this permissive
power where it deems it necessary to remove debris
from a main river for the purpose of alleviating the risk
of flooding. The River Tees is classified as a main river
and therefore falls within the jurisdiction of the
Environment Agency.
River catchment summary for debris removal
River catchment 2006-07 2007-08
Tyne 29,931.10 30,233.43
Tees 29,804.86 30,105.92
Wear 36,691.85 37,062.48
Total 96,427.81 97,401.82
Task Force on Farming Regulations
Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects
the Task Force on Farming Regulations to publish its
terms of reference; and if she will make a statement.
[7292]
Mr Paice: The terms of reference for the Task Force
on Farming Regulation were published on 9 July and
can be found at:
http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/files/2010/07/090709-farmreview-
tor.pdf
Thames Water: Water Supply
Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much water
was lost through leakage within the Thames Water
supply area in the latest period for which figures are
available. [11507]
Richard Benyon: Total leakage reported from the
Thames Water supply area for the period 2008-09 was
700 million litres per day. This represents a rate of 195.3
litres per property per day, or 22.2 cubic metres per
kilometre of mains pipe per day.
Waste Management
Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the reason
is for the time taken to publish the terms of reference
for her Department’s waste review. [10469]
Richard Benyon: The waste policy review is a cross-
departmental review, and the terms are subject to discussions
between Government Departments. We anticipate that
the terms will be published very shortly.
Waste: Renewable Energy
Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy
is on amending the Environmental Permitting
Written Answers 718W
DEFRA sponsors British Waterways, the Environment
Agency and the Broads Authority, the three main navigation
bodies which manage two-thirds of navigable inland
waterways in England and Wales. These bodies maintain
the waterways and are responsible for keeping them
clear for navigation purposes.
£
2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 5 year total
30,538.82 31,321.87 31,961.09 153,986.30
30,410.02 31,189.76 31,826.29 153,336.85
37,436.84 38,396.76 39,180.37 188,768.30
98,385.68 100,908.39 102,967.75 496,091.45
(England and Wales) Regulations 2010 to recognise the
concept of end of waste fuel. [9370]
Richard Benyon: Consultation will begin shortly on
amendments to the Environmental Permitting (England
and Wales) Regulations 2010. These amendments would
remove the distinction between fuels which, although
manufactured from waste, are deemed by the competent
authority (the Environment Agency) to have ceased to
be waste before combustion, and “virgin” fuels not
derived from waste.
Wildlife: Crime
Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions
she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home
Department on the potential contribution of the
proposed border police force to the (a) enforcement of
the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species conference agreements on trade in wildlife and
(b) reducing smuggling and illegal trade in wildlife.
[10887]
Richard Benyon: Home Office Ministers, who lead on
this, are developing a model in consultation with other
departments, including DEFRA, which will deliver the
coalition agreement commitment.
ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE
Electoral Register
Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South
West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on
the Electoral Commission whether the Electoral
Commission holds information on the number of local
authorities which hold Plain English Campaign awards
for their electoral registration forms. [10779]
Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me
that it does not hold this information. The format of
the annual canvass form for electoral registration is
currently prescribed in legislation.
719W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
However, the Commission does provide guidance to
electoral registration officers that plain English should
be used when designing those forms not prescribed in
legislation, including rolling registration forms.
The Commission further informs me that it sets
performance standards for electoral registration officers
in Great Britain. These include a standard about accessibility
and communication of information which aims to ensure
that electoral registration officers effectively communicate
electoral registration information to all electors.
Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South
West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on
the Electoral Commission, what assessment the
Electoral Commission has made of the merits of
informing hon. Members of the under-performance of
electoral administration officers in local authorities in
their constituencies. [10781]
Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me
that it believes it is very important for hon. Members to
be informed about the performance of electoral
administration officers. When each annual assessment
of performance for electoral registration officers and
returning officers is published, the Commission writes
to hon. Members directing them to information on its
website where they can review the individual performance
of every authority in Great Britain.
The first set of published electoral registration officer
performance data was placed in the House of Commons
Library in May 2009, and since then all sets of data
have been published on the Commission’s website alongside
information about the performance of electoral registration
officers and returning officers.
Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South
West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on
the Electoral Commission what guidance the Electoral
Commission provides to electoral registration officers
on carrying out their duties. [10821]
Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me
that it issues guidance to Electoral Registration Officers
on their statutory duties, which is available to download
from its website:
www.electoralcommission.org.uk
The commission further informs me that it publishes
performance standards for Electoral Registration Officers
in Great Britain and works with those who have fallen
below the standards to improve their performance. The
commission also provides a range of resources for Electoral
Registration Officers to assist them in planning and
conducting voter registration activities.
Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South
West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on
the Electoral Commission, what eligibility criteria
apply to those seeking employment as electoral
registration staff; and what mechanisms are in place for
the training of such staff. [10852]
Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me
that the appointment of electoral registration officers in
Great Britain is the responsibility of local authorities.
In Northern Ireland the Chief Electoral Officer is the
electoral registration officer for each constituency, and
Written Answers 720W
is responsible for appointing staff to assist him in his
statutory duties. There are no eligibility criteria set out
in law.
The Commission further informs me that it has issued
guidance to electoral registration officers that all staff
involved in registration should be fully trained in the
relevant aspects of the registration process. The Commission
also publishes performance standards for electoral
registration officers in Great Britain, including a
performance standard on training which aims to ensure
that they have provided appropriate training for staff to
deliver the rolling registration and annual canvass processes.
Electorate: Ethnic Groups
Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South
West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on
the Electoral Commission what recent estimate the
Electoral Commission has made of the proportion of
UK citizens from (a) white, (b) Bangladeshi, (c)
Pakistani, (d) African and (e) Afro Caribbean ethnic
backgrounds who are eligible to vote. [10780]
Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me
that with a small number of exceptions, such as those
serving a sentence in prison or convicted of an electoral
offence, all UK citizens over the age of 18 living in the
UK are eligible to vote.
The Commission further informs me that the most
recent national estimates for registration levels across
England and Wales were published in its 2005 report,
‘Understanding Electoral Registration’, which was based
on data from 2000. The report included the following
estimates of non-registration.
Group Percentage non-registered
White 6
Bangladeshi 1
6
Pakistani 8
Black African 37
Black Caribbean 9
1
Small base size.
Members: Correspondence
Ian Lucas: To ask the hon. Member for South West
Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the
Electoral Commission if the Chair of the Electoral
Commission will publish in unredacted form a copy of
her letter of 26 May 2010 to the Secretary of State for
Wales. [10805]
Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me
that it has placed a copy of the letter in the House of
Commons Library.
National Assembly for Wales
Ian Lucas: To ask the hon. Member for South West
Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the
Electoral Commission if the Electoral Commission will
publish its advice to the Wales Office on the form of
the question to be put on the extension of powers of
the National Assembly for Wales. [10804]
Mr Streeter: The commission informs me that it will
make public its views in response to the consultation by
721W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State for Wales
is also required to lay before Parliament a report stating
any views that Electoral Commission has expressed on
the intelligibility of the referendum question. A copy of
the report must also be sent to the First Minister for
laying before the National Assembly for Wales.
National Assembly for Wales: Referendums
Ian Lucas: To ask the hon. Member for South West
Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the
Electoral Commission, when the Electoral
Commission will begin its consultation on the content
of the question for the referendum extending the
powers of the National Assembly for Wales; and for
how long this consultation is expected to last. [10802]
Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me
that it was consulted by the Secretary of State for Wales
on the wording of the proposed referendum question
on 24 June 2010.
The Commission began its assessment of the question
on 24 June, when it wrote to interested groups to invite
their views on the question.
The Commission’s assessment process will take around
10 weeks to complete.
Ian Lucas: To ask the hon. Member for South West
Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the
Electoral Commission, whom the Electoral
Commission plans to consult on the content of the
question to be put in the referendum relating to the
extension of powers of the National Assembly for
Wales. [10803]
Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me
that it wrote on 24 June to interested groups—including
political parties in Wales and potential campaigners—to
invite their views on the proposed referendum question.
The Commission is also carrying out research with
the public in Wales, and seeking advice on the wording
of the proposed question from experts on accessibility
and plain language.
TREASURY
Air Passenger Duty
Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer
what assessment he has made of the appropriateness of
the level of air passenger duty in respect of journeys to
(a) the Caribbean and (b) the US. [10364]
Justine Greening: The existing air passenger duty
rates, and scheduled 1 November 2010 increases, were
set and legislated for by the previous Government.
The Budget announced that the Government will
explore changes to the aviation tax system, including
switching from a per-passenger to a per-plane duty,
which could encourage fuller planes. Major changes
will be subject to consultation.
Written Answers 722W
Banks: Taxation
Andrew George: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect on
(a) banks and (b) the banking sector of the measures
proposed in the June 2010 Budget in respect of (i) the
banking levy, (ii) changes to corporation tax, (iii) the
rise in the rate of value added tax and (iv) other
relevant measures. [7682]
Mr Gauke: The cost to the Exchequer from the
reduction in the main rate of corporation tax for financial
sector companies is £0.1 billion in 2011-12, £0.2 billion
in 2012-13, £0.3 billion in 2013-14 and £0.4 billion in
2014-15. There is a negligible impact in 2010-11. The
financial sector covers companies classified as ’Banking
and Finance’, ’Insurance and Pension funds’ and ’Auxiliary
Financial Services’.
The yield from the bank levy is estimated to be £1.15
billion in 2011-12, £2.32 billion in 2012-13, £2.5 billion
in 2013-14 and £2.4 billion in 2014-15.
A robust estimate of the impact of the rise in the
standard rate of VAT on the financial services sector is
not available. Such estimates are subject to wide margins
of error in terms of behavioural responses.
The key assumptions applied in all major policy
costings announced in Budget 2010 are set out in the
following document:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/junebudget_costings.pdf
Child Benefit: Armed Forces
Thomas Docherty: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect
on the families of service personnel who are in receipt
of child benefit of the measures in the June 2010
Budget. [9646]
Justine Greening [holding answer 19 July 2010]: The
families of service personnel will receive child benefit if
they meet the relevant conditions. As announced at
Budget, the Government will freeze child benefit for
three years to help fund significant above indexation
increases in the child tax credit. The child tax credit will
increase by £150 above indexation in 2011-12 and by
£60 above indexation in 2012-13. As a result of this, the
Budget will have no measurable negative impact on
child poverty over the next two years.
Child Tax Credit
Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer how many families resident in Dundee East
constituency will be affected by changes to the child tax
credit due to come into effect in April 2011; and what
estimate he has made of the likely average change in
the level of child tax credit. [10533]
Mr MacNeil: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer how many families resident in Na
h-Eileanan an Iar constituency will be affected by
changes to child tax credit due to come into effect in
April 2011; and what estimate he has made of the likely
average change in the level of child tax credit. [10523]
723W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Angus Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer how many families resident in Moray
constituency will be affected by changes to child tax
credit due to come into effect in April 2011; and what
estimate he has made of the likely average change in
the level of child tax credit. [10543]
Mr Weir: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer
how many families resident in Angus constituency will
be affected by changes to child tax credits due to come
into effect in April 2011; and what estimate he has
made of the likely average change in the level of child
tax credit. [10526]
Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer how many families resident in Perth and
North Perthshire constituency will be affected by
changes to child tax credit due to come into effect in
April 2011; and what estimate he has made of the likely
average change in the level of child tax credit. [10535]
Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given
on 28 June 2010, Official Report, column 461W.
Information on the average change in child tax credit
within each constituency is available only at disproportionate
cost.
Child Trust Fund and Saving Gateway
Kate Green: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer
whether a race equality impact assessment has been
carried out on (a) the discontinuation of the Child
Trust Fund and (b) the decision not to extend the
Savings Gateway. [10403]
Mr Hoban: The Government announced on 24 May
that they will reduce and then stop Government payments
to Child Trust Funds. The Government also announced
at the Budget that the Saving Gateway will not be
introduced. Both measures will help to reduce the budget
deficit.
Assessments of the race and other impacts of both
measures will be published once primary legislation is
brought forward to implement them.
Consumer Price Index
Annette Brooke: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with
representatives of the Bank of England on proposals to
include housing costs in the Consumer Price Index
measure of inflation. [11488]
Justine Greening: The Chancellor meets the Governor
of the Bank of England regularly to discuss a range of
policy and operational issues. As was the case with
previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s
practice to provide details of all such discussions.
Departmental Accountancy
Derek Twigg: To ask Mr Chancellor of the
Exchequer pursuant to the Answer of 14 July 2010,
Official Report, column 715W, on departmental
accountancy, what the monetary value was of each of
the projects listed. [10968]
Written Answers 724W
Justine Greening: The information requested is not
held centrally and could not be provided within the
disproportionate cost threshold.
Departmental Lighting
Graham Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer how much (a) his Department and (b) its
agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on
light bulbs in each year since 1997. [7617]
Justine Greening: The information requested is as
follows:
HM Treasury
A full PFI refurbishment of the Treasury’s building
was completed in 2002. The cost of any light bulbs since
that date have been included in the annual unitary
payment made to the PFI provider and is not separately
recorded. As a result of the introduction of a new
accounting system in 2002-03, provision of information
prior to that date could be provided only at disproportionate
cost.
Debt Management Office and the Asset Protection Agency
Spending on light bulbs is not separately identifiable
within their accounting systems and cannot be provided
within the disproportionate costs threshold.
The Royal Mint Advisory Committee
The Royal Mint Advisory Committee has not incurred
any spending on light bulbs.
Departmental Manpower
Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer
what proportion of officials in the Office for Budget
Responsibility were previously employed by his
Department. [6668]
Justine Greening: The interim Office for Budget
Responsibility has an eight-person secretariat of economists
and public finance experts. The members of the secretariat
are HM Treasury employees, redeployed from within
the Department.
Departmental Marketing
Graham Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer how much his (a) Department and (b) its
agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on
logo design in each year since 1997. [7473]
Justine Greening: Neither the Treasury nor its agencies
or non-departmental public body have any record of
spending on logos since 2002-03. Information prior to
that date is not available due to the introduction of a
new accounting system at that time.
EC Budget
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer when he last reviewed the mechanisms for
provision by the Government of matched funding for
EU funding committed to programmes in the UK; and
if he will make a statement. [8186]
725W Written Answers
Justine Greening: The emergency Budget set the overall
path for the public finances to 2015-16. Departmental
allocations will be set at the Spending Review, after
which we will be in a position to make spending decisions
including for match funding for EU Structural Funds.
The Spending Review will be published on 20 October
and will cover the four-year period from April 2011 to
March 2015.
Employment Tribunals Service: Legal Costs
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer what estimate he has made of the likely
costs to departments in the next 12 months of
defending cases in employment tribunals arising from
the discussions of terms and conditions of contracts of
employment through procedures other than those
recognised for that purpose by management and trades
unions. [9474]
Mr Maude: I have been asked to reply.
This information is not held centrally. The funding
and management of Employment Tribunal claims is a
matter for individual Departments.
EU Budget
Mr Clappison: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer what assessment he has made of the draft
EU budget for 2011; and if he will make a statement.
[10740]
Justine Greening: The Government are very concerned
by the proposed increase of 5.8%, or ¤7 billion, in
payment appropriations in the European Commission’s
draft EU budget for 2011. This level of increase is
seriously out of step with the tough decisions being
taken on fiscal consolidation by EU member state
governments. The Government have repeatedly called
for the EU budget in 2011 to be kept at cash levels
equivalent to 2010, and will continue to work hard
towards this goal.
Fraud: Alcoholic Drinks
Angela Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to
co-ordinate Government policy on the level of alcohol
fraud and its relationship to the overall level of serious
organised crime. [10836]
Justine Greening: HMRC published latest estimates
of the level of spirits fraud in ″Measuring Tax Gaps
2009″ which is available in the House of Commons
Library and is available at
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/measuring-tax-gaps.htm.
Policy on tackling serious organised crime is coordinated
across law enforcement agencies through the Organised
Crime Partnership Board, which considers individual
threats such as alcohol duty fraud in relation to the
overall level of criminality.
Government Departments: MITIE
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer
which Government departments hold contracts with
Management Incentive Through Investment Equity
26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 726W
(MITIE) Group plc; what the annual cost has been of
each Government contract with MITIE Group plc in
each year since 1990; what the length of each contract
was; and which Department held each contract. [11142]
Mr Maude: I have been asked to reply.
Data on MITIE’s contracts with central Government
for each year since 1990 are not available centrally.
From 1 January 2011, the Government will publish
details of all new contracts with their suppliers.
Mortgages: Income Support
Simon Hart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer
what estimate he has made of the likely effect of the
proposed reduction in the level of income support
mortgage interest on (a) the number of home
repossessions and (b) the level of homelessness. [9948]
Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply.
We will continue to work closely with lenders and
debt advice agencies to ensure repossession is only ever
a last resort. The Council of Mortgage Lenders has told
the Department that it expects lenders to continue to
exercise forbearance where it is fair to do so for the
borrower, and the borrower has a chance of paying off
any arrears in the future. The Council of Mortgage
Lenders thinks that where arrears levels increase for
some borrowers as a result of the change in the standard
interest rate this does not translate into an immediate
possession risk.
The Department does not capture information on
reasons for ending a benefit claim, including support
for mortgage interest, so does not capture the number
of claimants who no longer receive support for mortgage
interest payments because their property has been
repossessed.
The Department is in the process of developing a
model to estimate the impact of changes to support for
mortgage interest on the number of repossessions. However
any estimates will always be limited since detailed case-
by-case information, such as arrears at the start of a
claim, is not collected by the Department.
The Department does not hold data to estimate of
the level of homelessness as a result of this change.
Office for Budget Responsibility: Public Appointments
Mr Allen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if
he will ensure that the Treasury Select Committee plays
a role in the appointment of the new chair of the Office
for Budget Responsibility. [10607]
Justine Greening: The Chancellor intends to provide
in legislation for the Treasury Select Committee (TSC)
to have the power of veto over the appointment of the
Chair of the Office of Budget Responsibility. Before the
legislation is passed, the Chancellor proposes that the
TSC conduct a pre-appointment hearing of the proposed
candidate and has committed to not appointing a candidate
judged unsuitable by the TSC.
727W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Pensions: Index Linking
Mary Creagh: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer if he will estimate the effect on the level of
tax revenue of adopting the consumer price index as
the basis for indexation of pensions. [9231]
Mr Hoban [holding answer 19 July 2010]: No estimates
are available on the tax revenue effects of adopting the
consumer price index as a basis for indexation of pensions.
Public Expenditure
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2010,
Official Report, column 658W, on public expenditure:
Wales, what savings are being sought from each of the
other devolved Administrations. [10068]
Danny Alexander: The savings from the Scottish Executive
amount to £372.0 million, and from the Northern Ireland
Executive £141.1 million.
The devolved Administrations are able to defer their
share of the £6.2 billion cuts to 2011-12 if they wish.
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 12 July 2010,
Official Report, column 541W, on public expenditure:
Wales, if he will publish table 9.2 of the Public
Expenditure Statistical Analyses, July 2010 in a form
including figures relating to end year flexibility and
reserve claims for Wales and Northern Ireland. [10249]
Danny Alexander: The country and regional analysis
tables in Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses have
been prepared consistent with plans as at Winter
Supplementary Estimates, as explained in the PESA
publication, and there are no plans to revise the figures
until PESA 2011.
Public Expenditure: Wales
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2010,
Official Report, column 658W, on public expenditure:
Wales, for what reasons a Barnett consequential was
initially applied to Wales before savings relating to the
Olympics were confirmed. [10069]
Danny Alexander: At the time of the 26 May
announcement, the savings in respect of the Olympics
programme had not been confirmed. The Barnett formula
was therefore initially applied to all the DCMS savings,
rather than the DCMS savings excluding the Olympics
savings, which was done once the Olympics savings were
confirmed.
Public Sector: Wales
Owen Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer
if he will commission research to assess the effect on
Wales of public sector job losses in the next five years.
[9597]
Danny Alexander: Spending plans will be published
in the autumn. In devolved areas of spending in Wales
it will be for the Welsh Assembly Government to make
their own decisions on how it will allocate its block
budget.
Written Answers 728W
Radio Frequencies
Bob Russell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer
what estimate he has made on (a) the revenue from the
800 MHz spectrum auctions and (b) the replacement
cost for programme making and special events
equipment that currently operates in the 800 MHz
band. [7665]
Danny Alexander: It is not commercially sensible for
the Government to make public their expectations of
the outcome of a competitive auction process.
Representatives of programme making and special
events users estimate that the cost of replacing equipment
that is currently licensed for use in the 600MHz and
800MHz spectrum bands to be £73 million.
Regional Planning and Development: Tees Valley
James Wharton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer
if he will bring forward proposals to designate the Tees
Valley as an accelerated development zone. [10342]
Danny Alexander: June’s emergency Budget announced
that the Government will publish a White Paper later in
the summer setting out plans for a new approach to
sub-national growth. Accelerated development zones
will be considered alongside other proposals as part of
this process. Treasury officials are working with
representatives from local authorities within the Tees
Valley area as they develop proposals to form a local
enterprise partnership and consider suitable funding
mechanisms to support economic growth. The Government
cannot take decisions in relation to individual accelerated
development zone project proposals until they have
adopted a position on the wider policy proposal.
Saving Gateway
Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer
(1) what statistical research on the effectiveness of the
Savings Gateway Scheme he has (a) commissioned and
(b) evaluated; and if he will place in the Library a copy
of each such item of evidence.; [10365]
(2) what recent assessment he has made of the
effectiveness of the Saving Gateway scheme in
increasing the level of saving. [10473]
Mr Hoban: The Government announced at the Budget
that, to help reduce the deficit, the Saving Gateway
would not be introduced nationally.
The Saving Gateway has previously been piloted twice.
Both pilots were independently evaluated, and reports
of these evaluations have been published. Follow up
research on the second pilot has also been carried out,
and has also been published. These documents can all
be found at:
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.hm-
treasury.gov.uk/saving_gateway.htm
Taxation: Bingo
Luciana Berger: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer for what reasons gross profits tax on bingo
clubs is set at 20 per cent. [10620]
729W Written Answers
Justine Greening: The rate of bingo duty was reduced
from 22 per cent. to 20 per cent. at the March 2010
Budget.
All taxes, including gambling taxes, are kept under
review.
Luciana Berger: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer for what reasons gross profits tax on high
street bookmakers and UK licensed online bingo
websites is set at 15 per cent. [10621]
Justine Greening: The existing rates of general betting
duty and remote gaming duty were set by the previous
Government. The June 2010 Budget left all rates unchanged.
All taxes, including gambling taxes, are kept under
review.
Taxation: Bookmakers
Mr Lammy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer
what estimate he has made of the revenue accruing to
the Exchequer from tax on the bookmaking industry in
each year since 2000. [10985]
Justine Greening: Companies in the bookmaking industry
are liable to various tax regimes, mainly to betting duty,
corporation tax and VAT. From these, only betting duty
receipts relate directly to the betting industry. They are
published and are available at:
https://www.uktradeinfo.com/index.cfm?task=bullbett
The yearly receipts from the betting duties since 2000
have been as follows:
Calendar year General and pool betting duties receipts
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
VAT and corporation tax are not broken down
sufficiently to provide information relating to the
bookmaking sector explicitly.
Taxation: Environment Protection
Mr Sanders: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer
pursuant to the answer of 7 July 2010, Official Report,
column 340W, on taxation: carbon emissions, whether
an environmental impact assessment will be
undertaken as part of the comprehensive Spending
Review; and if he will make a statement. [11021]
Justine Greening: The spending review will include an
assessment of the environmental impact of spending
review decisions.
Terrorism: Finance
Patrick Mercer: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer (1) pursuant to the written ministerial
26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 730W
statement of 15 July 2010, Official Report, columns
36-7WS, on the Terrorist Asset-Freezing Bill, if he will
publish details on the public consultation exercise that
took place in advance of the publication of the Bill;
[10096]
(2) what steps he intends to take to ensure that state
benefits awarded to spouses will not be used for
terrorist purposes. [10100]
Mr Hoban: The public consultation exercise on draft
terrorist asset freezing legislation opened on 18 March
2010 and concluded on 18 June 2010.
Copies of the consultation and the Government’s
response can be found in the Library and on HM
Treasury’s website:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/consult_terrorist
_assetfreezing_bill.htm
The Government are committed to ensuring that
persons subject to an asset freeze are not able to access
funds for terrorist purposes. It is a criminal offence for a
spouse, or any other person, to provide funds to someone
subject to an asset freeze without a licence from the
Treasury. The Treasury has written to spouses reminding
them of the restrictions.
The Government investigate any potential breach of
an asset freeze, and are committed to robust enforcement
in any case where breaches are detected. These controls
will ensure that asset freezing remains effective in preventing
terrorist finance.
VAT: Churches
Luciana Berger: To ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer if he will extend the Listed Places of
520,134 Worship Grants Scheme beyond March 2011. [8970]
500,443
309,661 John Penrose: I have been asked to reply as this is a
373,112 heritage issue which falls under my remit.
449,596 The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has
459,214 played a significant role in supporting repairs to places
379,767 of worship and I am aware that a decision regarding the
418,459 scheme’s future would be appreciated by all involved.
412,098 However, this decision can only be taken as part of the
353,347 wider discussions about Government spending priorities
in the next spending round.
The Government will hold a full spending review
reporting this autumn, following a fully consultative
process involving all tiers of government and the private
sector.
VAT: Helmets
Mrs Main: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if
he will bring forward proposals to zero-rate motorcycle
crash helmet replacement visors for value added tax.
[10200]
Mr Gauke: Motorcycle crash helmets are zero-rated
for VAT. However, the zero rate does not extend to
visors or any other components or accessories supplied
separately.
The agreements with our EU partners under which
we are allowed to maintain our existing zero rates
preclude us from extending their scope, or introducing
new ones.
731W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
CABINET OFFICE
British-Irish Council
Mark Durkan: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
Office which Minister has lead responsibility for the
British-Irish Council. [9615]
Mr Maude: My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime
Minister has the lead responsibility within the UK
Government for the British-Irish Council.
Census
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Minister for the
Cabinet Office what consultation his Department has
undertaken on the future of the Census. [11804]
Mr Maude: I have not undertaken any consultation
on the future of the census. The development of alternatives
to the census is the responsibility of the Office for
National Statistics. They are taking this work forward
through the Beyond 2011 project and will lead any
future consultation.
Charity Commission: Public Consultation
Amber Rudd: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
Office (1) what target time the Charity Commission
sets for consideration of the outcome of a public
consultation; [10912]
(2) whether the Charity Commission has taken a
decision on its public consultation on the Hastings and
St Leonard’s Foreshore Charitable Trust which closed
on 11 January 2010; when the decision will be
announced; and if he will make a statement. [10913]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the
responsibility of the Charity Commission for England
and Wales. I have asked the commission to reply.
Letter from Andrew Hind, dated 22 July 2010:
As the Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, I have
been asked to respond to your written Parliamentary Question on
what target time the Charity Commission sets for consideration
of the outcome of a public consultation [10912].
The Commission has discretion, and in some cases is legally
bound, to publicise its intention to make certain schemes and
orders under the Charities Act 1993 (as amended by the Charities
Act 2006). Representations received in response to public notice
of draft schemes and orders are considered under the Commission’s
published Decision Review procedure. The Commission has made
a commitment to complete all decision reviews of scheme and
order representations within three months of the end of the
period of notice, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
I hope this is helpful.
Letter from Andrew Hind, dated 22 July 2010:
As the Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, I have
been asked to respond to your written Parliamentary Question on
whether the Charity Commission has taken a decision on its
public consultation on the Hastings and St Leonard’s Foreshore
Charitable Trust which closed on 11 January 2010; when the
decision will be announced; and if the Minister will make a
statement [10913].
The Commission has conducted a formal review of our original
proposed decision following the receipt of representations from
members of the public regarding a draft scheme. Representatives
of the Commission met with the trustees’ representative and
representatives of the Hastings Borough Council and the Commission
has pursued questions through correspondence. The Commission
Written Answers 732W
has given its full consideration to the trustees’ request to return
the trusteeship back to the Council and to all the representations
received. The Commission has taken its formal decision and is in
the final stage of preparing it for publication. We expect to
publish this within the next two weeks.
I hope this is helpful.
Civil Servants: Liverpool
Mrs Ellman: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
Office what recent assessment he has made of the
contribution of the work of civil servants based in
Liverpool to public services in (a) that city and (b) the
UK. [9477]
Mr Maude [holding answer 19 July 2010]: Civil servants
deliver crucial services direct to the public across the
UK. Civil servants in Liverpool, as in all regions, work
in a wide range of areas that touch on everyone’s
day-to-day lives such as education, health, taxation and
benefits.
Civil Servants: Redundancy Pay
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Minister for the
Cabinet Office if he will ensure that his review of the
Civil Service Compensation Scheme promotes
protection for compensation arrangements for lower-
paid workers in the public sector. [9968]
Mr Maude: I wrote to Paul Noon, Chairman of the
Council of Civil Service Unions on 6 July 2010 inviting
the unions to begin talks on a future compensation
scheme with my officials. One key area for discussion is
to what extent the future scheme can provide
proportionately better terms for the lower paid.
Gregg McClymont: To ask the Minister for the
Cabinet Office (1) when he expects to announce details
of the protection to be afforded to low-paid civil
servants under the revised Civil Service Compensation
Scheme; [10920]
(2) what recent progress he has made in negotiations
with civil service unions on changes to the Civil Service
Compensation Scheme. [10921]
Mr Maude: I wrote to Paul Noon, chairman of the
Council of Civil Service Unions on 6 July 2010 inviting
the unions to begin talks on a future compensation
scheme with my officials. One key area for discussion is
to what extent the future scheme can provide
proportionately better terms for the lower paid. I have
since met the unions once and my officials have had
further meetings with them.
Mary Creagh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
Office how many civil servants in each Department
received as a redundancy settlement equivalent to or
greater than six years salary in each of the last three
years. [10963]
Mr Maude: The information requested can be provided
only at disproportionate cost. I refer the hon. Member
to the reply given to the hon. Member for West Bromwich
East (Mr Watson) on 21 July 2010, Official Report,
column 375W.
733W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 734W

Civil Servants: Retirement (b) The number of payments made to suppliers by

the Cabinet Office’s agency for financial year 2009-10
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet are as follows:
Office pursuant to the answer of 15 June 2010, Official
Period Number of payments
Report, columns 19-20W, on senior civil servants: pensions,
how many staff paid a lump sum on leaving the Civil (i) Within 30 days 33,899
Service are now employed (a) directly as consultants (ii) Over 30 days 914
and (b) as non-executive directors in Government (iii) Over 60 days 278
Departments and non-departmental government bodies; (iv) Over 90 days 205
and what the posts are of each. [11650]
(c) The number of compliant invoice payments made
Mr Maude: This information could be obtained only to suppliers by the Cabinet Office’s non-departmental
at a disproportionate cost. public bodies for financial year 2009-10 are as follows:
Departmental Billing Period Number of payments

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet (i) Within 30 days 1,572
Office what percentage of payments made by his (ii) Over 30 days 53
Department to (a) small and medium-sized enterprise (iii) Over 60 days 4
suppliers and (b) all suppliers were made (i) within 10 (iv) Over 90 days 6
days of receipt of invoice and (ii) on the agreed payment
terms in the last three months for which information is
Departmental Official Hospitality
available. [11161]

Mr Maude: The information is as follows:
(a) The information is available only at disproportionate
costs.
(b) The Cabinet Office is fully committed to the
Prompt Payment Code and aims to pay all compliant
invoices as soon as possible. However, the agreed contractual
payment terms are normally for payment within 30 days
of receipt of a compliant invoice.
The percentage of compliant invoices from all suppliers
which were paid within 10 and 30 days of receipt is as
follows:
Percentage
2010 Within 10 days Within 30 days
April 91.7
May 97.3
June 97.6
Philip Davies: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
Office how many payments to suppliers were made by
(a) his Department, (b) its agency and (c) its
non-departmental public bodies (i) within 30 days, (ii)
over 30 days, (iii) over 60 days and (iv) over 90 days
from the date of invoice in the last 12 months. [11199]
Mr Maude: The information requested is as follows:
(a) The number of compliant invoice payments made
to suppliers by the Department for financial year 2009-10
are as follows:
Period Number of payments
(i) Within 30 days
(ii) Over 30 days
(iii) Over 60 days
(iv) Over 90 days
Ian Austin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office
how much his Department spent on hospitality for
events hosted by each Minister in his Department in
(a) May and (b) June 2010. [10105]
Mr Maude: Details of expenditure in 2010-11 will
only be available when the Department’s resource accounts
are fully audited and laid before Parliament. This is
expected to be before the 2011 summer recess.
Electoral Register
Mr Evennett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
Office how many people were registered to vote in (a)
99.6 Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency, (b) the London
99.8 borough of Bexley, (c) Greater London, (d) England,
99.7 (e) Scotland, (f) Wales and (g) Northern Ireland in
each of the last five years for which figures are available.
[9586]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the
responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have
asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2010:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I
have been asked to reply to your question asking how many people
were registered to vote in (a) Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency,
(b) the London Borough of Bexley, (c) Greater London, (d)
England, (e) Scotland, (f) Wales and (g) Northern Ireland in each
of the last five years for which figures are available (9586).
The attached table shows the number of people registered to
21,796 vote in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency, the London
168 Borough of Bexley, Greater London, England, Scotland, Wales
31 and Northern Ireland in local government and parliamentary
4 elections. The figures provided are from 1 December 2005 to
1 December 2009, which are the latest available.

Number of people registered to vote in local government and parliamentary elections England

2005 2006 20073

Local Government Parliamentary Local Government Parliamentary Local Government Parliamentary

Electors Electors1 Electors Electors2 Electors Electors2

England 37,655,524 37,151,991 38,223,259 37,588,775 38,594,720 37,817,466

735W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 736W

Number of people registered to vote in local government and parliamentary elections England
2005 2006 20073
Local Government Parliamentary Local Government Parliamentary Local Government Parliamentary
Electors Electors1 Electors Electors2 Electors Electors2

Greater London 5,302,465 5,055,033 5,394,405 5,103,642 5,483,584 5,135,276

Bexley 171,226 169,760 172,667 170,775 173,979 171,646
Bexleyheath and Crayford 64,832 64,445 65,319 64,823 65,828 65,221

Wales 2,247,130 2,236,808 2,256,120 2,241,479 2,273,586 2,252,880

Scotland 3,884,464 3,861,207 3,902,706 3,872,901 3,926,262 3,887,571

Northern Ireland 1,156,991 1,153,409 1,075,078 1,070,265 1,125,935 1,20,343

20083,2 20093
Local Government Local Government
Electors Parliamentary Electors Electors Parliamentary Electors4

England 38,795,341 37,912,549 39,086,135 38,129,082

Greater London 5,537,622 5,145,575 5,604,025 5,186,985

Bexley 172,086 169,504 173,748 170,905
Bexleyheath and Crayford 65,249 64,562 65,600 64,791

Wales 2,279,779 2,261,769 2,280,240 2,261,269

Scotland 3,930,244 3,885,148 3,919,219 3,869,700

Northern Ireland 1,142,513 1,134,983 1,170,296 1,160,757

1
Figures for Scotland are based on the boundaries that came into effect on 10 February 2005.
2
Figures for Wales are based on the boundaries that were in place prior to the National Assembly for Wales elections in May 2007.
3
Some local authorities in England and Wales were unable to provide data, therefore previous years’ data were used.
4
Figures for England and Wales are based on the boundaries that came into place at the general election in May 2010.
Source:
Office for National Statistics, General Register Office for Scotland, and Electoral Office for Northern Ireland.

Mr Evennett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
Office what estimate he has made of the number of
nationals of other EU member states in (a) Bexleyheath
and Crayford constituency, (b) the London borough of
Bexley, (c) Greater London and (d) England who are
registered to vote and are not eligible to vote in general
elections. [9587]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the
responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have
asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2010:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I
have been asked to reply to your question asking what estimate
has been made of the number of nationals of other EU member
states in (a) Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency, (b) the
London Borough of Bexley, (c) Greater London and (d) England
who are registered to vote and are not eligible to vote in general
elections (9587).
The table shows the number of nationals of other EU states
(excluding British, Irish, Cypriot and Maltese nationals) in Bexleyheath
and Crayford constituency, the London Borough of Bexley, Greater
London and England who are registered to vote in local and
European elections as at 1 December 2009. These are the latest
figures available. European citizens are not eligible to vote in
parliamentary or general elections. In this context, it is assumed
other EU states mean those other than Britain, Ireland, Cyprus
or Malta. Cypriots and Maltese citizens are eligible to vote in
local, European and general elections due to their Commonwealth
status.
Members of other EU member states registered to vote, 20091
Area Number
England 964,376
Greater London 419,359
Bexley 2,886
Bexleyheath and Crayford 823
1
Figures are based on the constituencies that came into effect at the
general election in May 2010.
Source:
Office for National Statistics.
Mr Evennett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
Office what estimate he has made of the number of
non-EU nationals in (a) Bexleyheath and Crayford
constituency, (b) the London borough of Bexley, (c)
Greater London and (d) England who are registered to
vote in (i) general and (ii) local elections. [9588]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the
responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have
asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2010:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I
have been asked to reply to your question asking what estimate he
has made of the number of non-EU nationals in (a) Bexleyheath
and Crayford constituency, (b) the London Borough of Bexley,
(c) Greater London and (d) England who are registered to vote in
(i) general and (ii) local elections (9588).
ONS does not hold data on non-EU nationals who are registered
to vote.
737W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Mr Brady: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office
what recent estimate he has made of the number of
citizens of (a) Commonwealth countries and (b) the
Republic of Ireland on the electoral register in the UK.
[11153]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the
responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have
asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2010:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, 1
have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking
what recent estimate he has made of the number of citizens of (a)
Commonwealth countries and (b) the Republic of Ireland on the
electoral register. (11153)
ONS docs not hold specific data on the number of Commonwealth
citizens or Republic of Ireland citizens registered to vote.
Electoral Register: Greater London
Nick de Bois: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
Office what estimate he has made of the number of
non-EU nationals in (a) Enfield North constituency,
(b) the London borough of Enfield and (c) Greater
London who are registered to vote in (i) general and (ii)
local elections. [9957]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the
responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have
asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2010:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I
have been asked to reply to your question asking what estimate he
has made of the number of non-EU nationals in (a) Enfield
North constituency, (b) the London Borough of Enfield, and (c)
Greater London who are registered to vote in (i) general and (ii)
local elections (9957).
ONS does not hold data on non-EU nationals who are registered
to vote.
Nick de Bois: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
Office what estimate he has made of the number of
nationals of other EU member states in (a) Enfield
North constituency, (b) the London borough of
Enfield and (c) Greater London who are registered to
vote and not eligible to vote in general elections. [9958]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the
responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have
asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2010:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I
have been asked to reply to your question asking what estimate
has been made of the number of nationals of other EU member
states in (a) Enfield North constituency, (b) the London Borough
of Enfield and (c) Greater London who are registered to vote and
are not eligible to vote in general elections (9958).
The table shows the number of nationals of other EU states
(excluding British, Irish, Cypriot and Maltese nationals) in Enfield
North constituency, the London Borough of Enfield and Greater
London who are registered to vote in local and European elections
as at 1 December 2009. These are the latest figures available.
European citizens are not eligible to vote in parliamentary or
general elections. In this context it is assumed other EU states
mean those other than Britain, Ireland, Cyprus or Malta. Cypriots
and Maltese citizens are eligible to vote in local, European and
general elections due to their Commonwealth status.
Written Answers 738W
Members of other EU member states registered to vote
Area 20091
Greater London 419,359
Enfield 11,634
Enfield North 3,253
1
Figures are based on the constituencies that came into effect at the
general election in May 2010.
Source:
Office for National Statistics
Government Departments: Carbon Emissions
Gregg McClymont: To ask the Minister for the
Cabinet Office what his Department’s responsibilities
are for the implementation of the Government’s
commitment to a 10% year-on-year reduction in the
level of carbon dioxide emissions from the central
government estate in the next 12 months. [9649]
Mr Maude: The Centre of Expertise in Sustainable
Procurement (CESP) within the Office of Government
Commerce (OGC) has recently moved from Treasury to
join the Efficiency Reform Group (ERG) part of the
Cabinet Office following a machinery of government
change. The CESP within ERG is responsible for setting
departmental allocation of the pan-government 10%
reduction in emissions as well as; tracking, reporting
and monitoring the in-year delivery of this reduction
commitment across Government.
In terms of carbon reduction, the Cabinet Office’s
responsibilities in the next 12 months are to make a 10%
reduction and a further 1% contingency reduction in its
estate based carbon emissions.
Government Departments: Construction
Mrs McGuire: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
Office pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2010, Official
Report, column 671W, on Office of Government
Commerce common minimum standards for
construction, if he will publish the Office of
Government Commerce initial review into Common
Minimum Standards. [10035]
Mr Maude: The initial review of the Common Minimum
Standards referred to in the answer of 13 July 2010,
Official Report, column 671W, relates to work undertaken
by the Construction Category team of the Office of
Government Commerce (OGC) to determine the work
necessary to update the CMS. This informal assessment
exercise led to the plan to fully update the existing CMS
document later this year (2010-11).
I should clarify that the review of the content of
CMS has yet to begin, so there is no further documentation
to publish at this stage, however, a revised CMS will be
published following the completion of the necessary
revisions.
Life Expectancy: Bexley
Mr Evennett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
Office what recent estimate has been made of the
average life expectancy for (a) men and (b) women in
each ward in the London borough of Bexley. [9585]
739W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 740W

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the
responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have
asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated 16 July 2010:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I
have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what
recent estimate has been made of the average life expectancy for
(a) men and (b) women in each ward in the London Borough of
Bexley. (9585)
ONS does not routinely calculate life expectancies for individual
local authority wards. However, period life expectancy figures for
1999-2003 based on 2001 Census Standard Table wards in England
and Wales were published as experimental statistics in June 2006.
Experimental statistics—which are in a testing or consultation
phase and are not fully developed—should be treated with caution.
Life expectancies for wards can be based on very small numbers
of deaths and small populations. They may therefore be subject to
large variations even when aggregated over five years, as shown by
the width of the ‘95% confidence interval’ in the tables. More
information about these statistics can be found here:
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/product.asp?vlnk=14466
The table attached provides life expectancy figures at birth for
all wards in the London borough of Bexley for (a) males and (b)
females, for the five year period 1999-2003, based on these experimental
statistics.

Table 1: Life expectancy at birth for males, by ward in the London borough of Bexley, 1999-20031,2
Ward Life expectancy at birth (years) 95% confidence interval3 Communal establishment indicator4

Barnehurst 78 (76-79) 0
Belvedere 78 (76-79) 0
Blackfen and Lamorbey 79 (77-80) 0
Blendon and Penhill 79 (78-81) 0
Brampton 79 (77-80) 0
Christchurch 77 (75-78) 3
Colyers 74 (73-76) 2
Cray Meadows 77 (76-79) 1
Crayford 77 (75-79) 0
Danson Park 78 (76-80) 1
East Wickham 78 (77-80) 1
Erith 76 (74-77) 0
Falconwood and Welling 78 (77-80) 0
Lesnes Abbey 77 (75-79) 2
Longlands 78 (76-79) 5
North End 73 (71-75) 0
Northumberland Heath 78 (76-79) 0
Sidcup 75 (73-77) 4
St Mary’s 79 (77-80) 2
St Michael’s 78 (77-80) 0
Thamesmead East 75 (73-77) 3
1
Period life expectancy at birth is an estimate of the average number of years a newborn baby would survive if he or she experienced the area’s
age-specific mortality rates for that time period throughout his or her life. The figure reflects mortality among those living in the area in each
time period, rather than mortality among those born in each area. It is not therefore the number of years a baby born in the area in each time
period could actually expect to live, both because the death rates of the area are likely to change in the future and because many of those born
in the area will live elsewhere for at least some part of their lives.
2
Five year averages, based on deaths registered in each year, and experimental ward population estimates based on the 2001 Census. The ward
names and boundaries used are 2001 Census Standard Table wards.
3
Confidence intervals (CIs) are a measure of the statistical precision of an estimate and show the range of uncertainty around the estimated
figure. Calculations based on small numbers of events are often subject to random fluctuations. As a general rule, if the confidence interval
around one figure overlaps with the interval around another, we cannot say with certainty that there is more than a chance difference between
the two figures.
4
The presence of medical and care communal establishments, such as nursing homes and hospices, can artificially depress the average life
expectancy of the ward in which they are located. To aid interpretation of the figures, this indicator shows the proportion of the population of
each ward, aged 65 and over, who were resident in such establishments in 2001. For this purpose, all wards in England and Wales (not only the
wards in these boroughs) were divided into six groups which are numbered from 0 to 5:
‘0’ means that none of the over-65 population lived in medical and care communal establishments;
‘1’ means that the proportion of the over-65 population in such establishments was in the lowest fifth of all wards;
‘5’ means that the proportion of the over-65 population in such establishments was in the highest fifth of all wards.
Table 2: Life expectancy at birth for females, by ward in the London borough of Bexley, 1999-20031,2
Ward Life expectancy at birth (years) 95% confidence interval3 Communal establishment indicator4

Barnehurst 83 (81-84) 0
Belvedere 80 (79-82) 0
Blackfen and Lamorbey 83 (81-84) 0
Blendon and Penhill 82 (81-84) 0
Brampton 84 (83-85) 0
Christchurch 80 (78-81) 3
Colyers 80 (78-81) 2
Cray Meadows 81 (79-83) 1
Crayford 83 (81-85) 0
Danson Park 81 (80-83) 2
East Wickham 81 (80-83) 2
741W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 742W

Table 2: Life expectancy at birth for females, by ward in the London borough of Bexley, 1999-20031,2
Ward Life expectancy at birth (years) 95% confidence interval3 Communal establishment indicator4

Erith 80 (78-82) 2
Falconwood and Welling 82 (80-83) 0
Lesnes Abbey 82 (81-83) 2
Longlands 81 (80-83) 4
North End 79 (77-81) 0
Northumberland Heath 81 (79-83) 0
Sidcup 80 (78-81) 5
St Mary’s 83 (81-84) 2
St Michael’s 83 (81-84) 0
Thamesmead East 79 (78-81) 4
1
Period life expectancy at birth is an estimate of the average number of years a newborn baby would survive if he or she experienced the area’s
age-specific mortality rates for that time period throughout his or her life. The figure reflects mortality among those living in the area in each
time period, rather than mortality among those born in each area. It is not therefore the number of years a baby born in the area in each time
period could actually expect to live, both because the death rates of the area are likely to change in the future and because many of those born
in the area will live elsewhere for at least some part of their lives.
2
Five year averages, based on deaths registered in each year, and experimental ward population estimates based on the 2001 Census. The ward
names and boundaries used are 2001 Census Standard Table wards.
3
Confidence intervals (CIs) are a measure of the statistical precision of an estimate and show the range of uncertainty around the estimated
figure. Calculations based on small numbers of events are often subject to random fluctuations. As a general rule, if the confidence interval
around one figure overlaps with the interval around another, we cannot say with certainty that there is more than a chance difference between
the two figures.
4
The presence of medical and care communal establishments, such as nursing homes and hospices, can artificially depress the average life
expectancy of the ward in which they are located. To aid interpretation of the figures, this indicator shows the proportion of the population of
each ward, aged 65 and over, who were resident in such establishments in 2001. For this purpose, all wards in England and Wales (not only the
wards in these boroughs) were divided into six groups which are numbered from 0 to 5:
‘0’ means that none of the over-65 population lived in medical and care communal establishments;
‘1’ means that the proportion of the over-65 population in such establishments was in the lowest fifth of all wards;
‘5’ means that the proportion of the over-65 population in such establishments was in the highest fifth of all wards.

Lone Parents: Hornchurch Lone Parents: Liverpool

Luciana Berger: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Luciana Berger: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
Office how many lone parents there are in Hornchurch Office how many lone parents there are in Liverpool,
and Upminster constituency. [9880] Wavertree constituency. [9686]

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the

responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have
asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2010:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I
have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question
asking how many lone parents there are in Hornchurch and
Upminster. (9880)
The number and type of families in the UK can be estimated
using the Annual Population Survey (APS). Estimates are provided
for lone parent families which include at least one child aged
under 16.
The latest available figures are for 2008 and are shown in the
table below. These are based on the 2008 parliamentary constituency
boundaries. Hornchurch constituency, as constituted in 2008,
consisted of 8 electoral wards, while Upminster constituency
consisted of 7 electoral wards. However the 2010 parliamentary
constituency ‘Hornchurch and Upminster’ consists of 8 wards
drawn from both former constituencies. The breakdown of the
data available is not sufficiently detailed to determine whether the
newly constituted parliamentary constituency contains the same
estimated number of lone parents as the two 2008 constituencies.
Number of lone parent families—with
Geographical area at least one child under 16 (Thousand)
Hornchurch constituency (2008)
Upminster constituency (2008)
Hornchurch and Upminster
constituency (current)
n/a = Not available
Source:
APS January to December 2008
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the
responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have
asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated 16 July 2010:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I
have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question
asking how many lone parents there are in Liverpool, Wavertree
constituency. (9686)
The number and type of families in the UK can be estimated
using the Annual Population Survey (APS). Estimates are provided
for lone parent families which include at least one child aged
under 16.
The latest available figure is for 2008 and is shown in the table
below. This is based on the 2008 parliamentary constituency
boundary. Liverpool, Wavertree constituency, as constituted in
2008, consisted of 14 electoral wards, eight fewer than the current
constituency. The breakdown of the data available is not sufficiently
detailed to determine whether the newly constituted parliamentary
constituency contains the same estimated number of lone parents
as the 2008 constituency.
Number of lone parent families with at
Geographical area least one child under 16 (Thousand)1
Liverpool, Wavertree 4
2
constituency (2008)
2 1
As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject to a
n/a margin of uncertainty and are therefore presented rounded to the
nearest thousand.
Source:
APS January to December 2008
743W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 744W

Migration: Bedfordshire Annual statistics on business births, deaths and survival are
available from the ONS release on Business Demography at:
Nadine Dorries: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet www.statistics.gov.uk
Office what estimate his Department has made of the The table below contains the latest statistics available on enterprise
change to the level of the population of Bedfordshire births in 2008 for Mid Bedfordshire constituency and the county
(a) directly and (b) indirectly attributable to migration of Bedfordshire.
in each year since 1990. [9727] Count of enterprise birth in 2008 for the county of Bedfordshire and
Mid Bedfordshire constituency
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Number
responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Bedfordshire county 1,950
asked the authority to reply.
Mid Bedfordshire 520
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2010:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I
have been asked to reply to your question asking what estimate
his Department has made of the change to the level of the
Non-departmental Public Bodies
population of Bedfordshire (a) directly and (b) indirectly attributable
to migration in each year since 1990 (9727) Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office
The table shows the volume of population change in Bedfordshire pursuant to the answer of 14 July 2010, Official Report,
directly attributable to migration in each year since mid-1991. column 801W, on non-departmental public bodies,
Figures are not available below national level prior to 1991.
when he expects to announce the number of non-
ONS does not have the necessary information to provide an departmental public bodies to be abolished. [10183]
estimate of the volume of population change indirectly attributable
to migration.
Population change due to net migration and other changes,
Mr Amess: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office
Bedfordshire, mid-1991 to mid-2009 what progress has been made on the abolition of
Net migration and other changes non-departmental public bodies; and if he will make a
statement. [10557]
1991-92 500
1992-93 -1,600 Mr Maude: The Government are committed to reducing
1993-94 -600 the number of public bodies to increase accountability
1994-95 200 and reduce costs. To this end, I am working with
1995-96 1,300 Departments to assess the public bodies that fall within
1996-97 1,400 their areas of responsibility against three tests: do they
1997-98 900 perform a technical function; do they require political
1998-99 4,100 impartiality; or do they act independently to establish
1999-2000 2,500 facts. We expect to publish the outcome of this assessment
2000-01 2,600 by the autumn.
2001-02 3,700
2002-03 3,200 Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office
2003-04 2,400 pursuant to the answer of 14 July 2010, Official Report,
2004-05 1,800 column 801W, on non-departmental public bodies,
2005-06 1,600 whether he plans to issue guidance to those non-
2006-07 1,500 departmental public bodies that are to be abolished on
2007-08 2,000 expenditure by them on lobbying activities. [10184]
2008-09 200
Note: Mr Maude: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I
‘Other changes’ includes changes in the population due to changes in gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrogate and
the number of armed forces (both foreign and home) and their
dependents resident in the UK. Knaresborough (Andrew Jones) earlier.
Source:
Office for National Statistics.
New Businesses: Bedfordshire Non-departmental Public Bodies: Finance

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
Office how many new businesses were started in (a)
Mid Bedfordshire constituency and (b) the county of
Bedfordshire in 2009-10. [9728]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the
responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have
asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated 16 July 2010:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I
have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question
concerning how many new businesses were started in (a) Mid
Bedfordshire constituency and (b) the county of Bedfordshire in
2009-10. [9728]
Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office
how much in cash reserves is held by each of his
Department’s non-departmental public bodies; and
how much each such body spent in the latest year for
which information is available. [10659]
Mr Maude: The total cash held by Capacity Builders
(UK) Ltd as at 31 March 2010 amounted to £1,920,768.
The total cash held by the Commission for the Compact
Ltd as at 31 March 2010 amounted to £293,165.
Details of 2009-10 spend for both executive non-
departmental public bodies can be found in their individual
Annual Report and Accounts 2009-10.
745W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 746W

Population Estimated and projected population density of UK and constituent

countries for selected years, 2009 to 2108
Persons/sq km
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 2009 2010 2031 2056 2108
Office what recent advice he has received on the (a)
accuracy of, (b) cost of and (c) practical Wales 145 145 160 170 186
arrangements for using methods other than the Scotland 67 67 71 71 71
national census to measure the UK’s population. Northern 132 133 148 153 147
[9679] Ireland
Note:
Mr Maude: The UK Statistics Authority is responsible Population densities for 2009 are derived from mid-year population
estimates, whilst those for 2010 onwards are derived from the 2008-based
for carrying out the census in England and Wales. The national population projections. All densities have been calculated
board of the authority has expressed the view that the assuming constant land area for the UK and its constituent countries
2011 census should be the last conduction on the traditional into the future.
basis. Through the ‘Beyond 2011’ project the authority Source:
has been considering alternative ways of obtaining Office for National Statistics. General Register Office for Scotland
and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency
information that has been traditionally gathered via a National population projections are produced for up to 100 years
census. ahead, but only published for up to 75 years ahead, and are
The current advice from the ONS is clear. Census available from the Office for National Statistics website at:
alternatives are not sufficiently developed to provide http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlink-8519
now the information required to meet essential UK and However, long-term projections should be treated with great
EU requirements. It is therefore important that the caution. Population projections become increasingly uncertain
census goes ahead in England and Wales on 27 March the further they are carried forward, particularly for smaller
2011. ONS must do all it can to ensure it is a success. geographic areas.
Eurostat publishes estimates of population densities for all EU
Mr Clappison: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet countries up to 2007 (see table tps00003 under main demographic
indicators at:
Office what the most recent projections made by the
Office for National Statistics are of population http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/
population/data/main_tables
densities in (a) the UK, (b) England, (c) Scotland,
(d) Wales and (e) Northern Ireland for (i) the earliest
date for which such projections have been made, (ii) Public Bodies: Lobbying
2031, (iii) 2056 and (iv) the most distant date for which
such projections have been made; what estimate has Andrew Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet
been made of the population density of each such area Office if he will issue guidance to Government
in 2010; and if he will rank the UK in terms of the Departments on the retention and use of lobbying
2010 population density of each EU member state, companies by publicly-funded bodies for the provision
giving the population density for each member state. of lobbying and support services to campaign for
[10595] increased funding. [9460]

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the
responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have
asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2010:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I
have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question
to the Minister for the Cabinet Office, asking what the most
recent projections made by the Office for National Statistics are
of population densities in (a) the UK, (b) England, (c) Scotland,
(d) Wales and (e) Northern Ireland for (i) the earliest date for
which such projections have been made, (ii) 2031, (iii) 2056 and
(iv) the most distant date for which such projections have been
made; what estimate has been made of the population density of
each such area in 2010; and if he will rank the UK in terms of the
2010 population density of each KU member state, giving the
population density for each member state. (10595)
Projected population densities can be calculated for any year
from the published projected total population for that year and
the relevant land area. The estimated population density for
mid-2009 and projected population densities derived from the
2008 population base for the years 2010, 2031, 2056 and 2108 are
given in the table below.
Estimated and projected population density of UK and constituent
countries for selected years, 2009 to 2108
Persons/sq km
2009 2010 2031 2056 2108
United 255 257 293 323 381
Kingdom
England 398 401 461 516 622
Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office publication, “Public
Bodies: A Guide for Departments”, states that it is an
improper use of public funds for non-departmental
public bodies to employ PR or other consultants to
lobby Parliament or Government Departments in order
to obtain higher funding. This guidance is available at
www.civilservice.gov.uk/about/resources/public-bodies.aspx
and copies are available in the Library of the House.
ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Carbon Emissions: Research
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has
made of the proposals for future research and
development of low carbon energy technologies in the
Committee on Climate Change’s report on Building a
low-carbon economy. [10940]
Gregory Barker: The Committee on Climate Change’s
report: ″Building a Low Carbon Economy—the UK’s
Innovation Challenge″, was commissioned under the
previous Government. We value the Committee’s work
and will consider the findings carefully alongside the
spending review process.
747W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Departmental Billing
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what information his
Department holds on the time taken by contractors
employed by it to pay the invoices of their sub-
contractors under prompt payment arrangements; and
if he will make a statement. [9256]
Gregory Barker: The Department does not hold any
central information on the time taken by contractors
(tier one suppliers) to pay their sub-contractors (tier
two suppliers). However, we are working closely with
tier one suppliers to ensure that tier two suppliers
receive payment promptly by:
reviewing payment performance as part of the standard contract
management process;
ensuring tier one suppliers include in the relevant contract a
provision which requires the tier one supplier to pay the tier
two supplier within 30 days; and
enabling tier two suppliers to report any concerns they feel
have not been adequately addressed direct to the Department
or via the Office of Government Commerce’s supplier feedback
process.
We remain committed to paying invoices within five
working days and continue to work closely with our
suppliers to ensure that the benefits are felt by all in the
supply chain.
Departmental Contracts
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made
of the monetary value of the contracts between his
Department and private sector companies which will
be cancelled under his Department’s planned spending
reductions. [10168]
Gregory Barker: The full range of contracts with the
Department of Energy and Climate Change are currently
under review. At the present time there is no estimate
available as to the value of contracts that may be
cancelled or re-negotiated.
Departmental Correspondence
Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what instructions have
been issued by the private office of each Minister in his
Department on the preparation of briefing, speeches
and replies to official correspondence. [9659]
Gregory Barker: The private offices maintain guidance
on the departmental intranet which provides general
advice for officials working with Ministers.
Departmental ICT
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change how much (a) his
Department and (b) its non-departmental public
bodies spent on information and communication
technology in each year since its inception. [R] [7338]
Gregory Barker: DECC only became a legal entity on
5 March 2009, and therefore in 2008-09 the core ICT
services for DECC were still supplied and funded by
DEFRA and BIS. DECC’s total annual ICT expenditure
for 2008-09 therefore was only £205,000. The 2008-09
ICT expenditure for non-departmental public bodies
was £10.14 million.
Written Answers 748W
DECC’s total annual ICT expenditure for 2009-10
was £8.44 million. This expenditure includes the cost of
setting up and rolling out a new ICT system for the
Department. The 2009-10 ICT expenditure for non-
departmental public bodies was £12.42 million. The
non-departmental public bodies covered by this figure
are; the Coal Authority, Nuclear Decommissioning
Authority, Civil Nuclear Police Authority and Committee
on Climate Change.
Departmental Speeches
Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change which (a) (i) civil servants
and (ii) special advisers in his Department and (b)
other individuals are employed to write speeches for
each Minister in his Department. [7297]
Gregory Barker: One civil servant is employed to
write speeches for Ministers. Civil servants from across
the Department are also involved as part of their duties
in drafting ministerial speeches. Special advisers will
also input on occasion.
Departmental Travel
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change which (a) Ministers and
(b) officials in his Department have been driven by the
Government Car Service since the Government took
office; and how much each of these persons has
received in expenses for use of taxis, buses and
underground trains in that period. [7978]
Gregory Barker: I refer the hon. Member to the
answer I gave on 24 June 2010, Official Report, column
344W, to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East
(Mr Watson).
In addition, the Government publish on a quarterly
basis, the expenses incurred by the most senior officials
which includes use of Government car service and
other travel expenses.
Energy: Housing
Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change with which representatives
of industrial sectors his Department has had
discussions on the energy efficiency measures to be
included in the Green Deal. [10323]
Gregory Barker: Discussions have taken place with a
number of leading organisations in the retail, installation,
energy and finance sectors to discuss the broad scope of
the Green Deal. These discussions will continue as we
develop the detailed policy, including those measures
that can be included as part of the Green Deal offer.
Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change (1) what assessment he has
made of the potential contribution of the installation
of thermostats in homes to homes obtaining insulation
and other energy efficiency measures under proposed
pay-as-you-save schemes; [10626]
(2) what requirement for the installation of
thermostats he intends to make in homes participating
in proposed pay-as-you-save insulation schemes. [10661]
749W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Gregory Barker: Installations such as heating controls
and thermostats, are important for helping households
to control their overall energy use. The Green Deal will
allow people to install certain energy efficiency measures
in their homes, which can be paid for through their
energy bill savings. We will be setting out the measures
that qualify for the Green Deal in secondary legislation
once the forthcoming Energy Bill has received Assent.
Energy: Prices
Mr McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change (1) whether penalties
apply to energy suppliers for breaches of standards of
conduct in respect of energy tariffs; [11609]
(2) if he will discuss with Ofgem the transparency of
the process whereby wholesale energy prices are used to
calculate domestic energy prices; [11612]
(3) if he will take steps to increase the level of
transparency in energy pricing in the (a) wholesale and
(b) retail energy markets; [11613]
(4) if his Department will undertake research on the
link between wholesale and retail energy prices; [11614]
(5) what criteria his Department uses to assess the
extent to which the wholesale cost of energy reflects the
cost of its generation; [11615]
(6) what mechanism his Department uses to estimate
the link between (a) wholesale and (b) domestic
energy prices; [11616]
(7) by what mechanism his Department assesses
whether energy suppliers are adhering to the standards
of conduct in respect of energy tariffs. [11617]
Charles Hendry: Following its Energy Market Supply
Probe, Ofgem introduced new standards of conduct
which provide a guide to customers about the level of
service they can expect from an energy supplier.
These standards are not enforceable against energy
suppliers but are supported by obligations in licences
and under consumer protection law, and form part of
the wider context for possible Ofgem enforcement action.
Ofgem will take the standards into account when it
decides whether to investigate potential licence breaches
by suppliers and, where relevant, as part of Ofgem
consideration of consumer detriment for the purposes
of suspected breaches of licence conditions and proposals
for licence modifications leading to further regulatory
rules.
Wholesale energy costs account for around 60% of a
domestic customer’s energy bill and are a major
consideration in suppliers’ retail pricing decisions. The
relationship between wholesale costs and retail prices is
complex, hence the importance of transparency. In the
2008 pre-Budget report, Ofgem were asked to produce a
quarterly update on the link between wholesale and
retail energy prices precisely in order to increase levels
of pricing transparency. The latest report showed the
major suppliers have cut their prices in response to
falling wholesale prices and that margins were lower
than in the previous quarter. Ofgem has said that if
suppliers stopped competing on price or domestic prices
did not respond to a sustained fall in wholesale prices, it
would look closely at the market.
Written Answers 750W
Competition is vital to keeping bills as low as possible.
Ofgem continues working to reduce barriers to entering
the retail market and will publish a report on wholesale
market liquidity in summer 2010.
Mr McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what criteria are used to
determine whether consumers are being charged fairly
for domestic energy. [11619]
Charles Hendry: Ofgem, the independent sector regulator
is responsible for ensuring that consumers are treated
fairly by their energy suppliers.
Following its probe into retail energy markets in 2008
Ofgem took steps to prohibit unfair and excessive price
differences between different groups of consumers (e.g.
unjustified premiums for pre payment meters). Ofgem
have recently reported that price differentials are now
largely in line with differences in costs, but will continue
to monitor this.
Environment Protection: Low Incomes
Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State
for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he
has made of the effect on those on low incomes of
measures to tackle climate change. [10102]
Gregory Barker: The Analytical Annex of the Low
Carbon Transition Plan (LCTP) from July 2009 included
the last published estimates of the distributional implications
of climate change and energy policies on energy bills.
As noted in the LCTP lower income households face a
lower absolute increase in their energy bills however,
they typically spend a greater share of their income on
energy bills. By 2020, energy bills as a percentage of
income are estimated to increase from an average of
12.7% to 14.2% for households in the bottom income
decile. For more details see the Analytical Annex of the
LCTP available at:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/publications/Default.aspx?
term=low%20carbon%20transition%20plan&tags=&urn=
&fromDate=&toDate=&alpha=
The Government recognise the need to help more of
the most vulnerable to keep their homes warm at an
affordable cost. A significant number of fuel poor and
vulnerable households have already received support to
upgrade the thermal performance of their dwelling
through policies such as Warm Front and CERT. In
bringing forward our proposals for a Green Deal, we
will ensure that we will help more of the most vulnerable
households on the lowest incomes.
Environmental Projects
Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change if he will commission a
review of the procurement of power purchase agreements
in order to examine the ability of small environmental
projects in development to tender for Government contracts.
[10503]
Mr Maude: I have been asked to reply.
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) offer a new and
innovative method of purchasing electricity for the
public sector. They provide opportunities to generate
cost savings and facilitate new energy generation, supporting
smaller renewable energy generators.
751W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Initial investigations into the opportunities offered
by PPAs have already been undertaken, with future
work to be taken forward by the Efficiency and Reform
Group as part of this Government’s commitment to
centralise the procurement of commodity goods and
services across Government.
Farmers: Carbon Trust
Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy
and Climate Change whether farmers continue to be
eligible for interest-free loans from the Carbon Trust.
[10608]
Gregory Barker: Farmers in England are eligible to
apply for Carbon Trust administered interest free energy
efficiency loans of up to £20,000.
Fuel Poverty
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what targets his Department
has set for reducing the level of fuel poverty; and what
assessment he has made of the contribution of the
Warm Front scheme to his Department’s objectives.
[9935]
Gregory Barker: We will continue to look at ways in
which we can make further progress towards the fuel
poverty goals and remain committed to doing all that is
reasonably practicable to eradicate fuel poverty in ail
households in England by 2016.
Government are totally committed to helping those
households that are in fuel poverty. We recognise the
need to help more of the most vulnerable to keep their
homes warm at an affordable cost.
Warm Front is key to tackling fuel poverty in private
sector households and has assisted over 2.1 million
vulnerable households, across England, since its inception
in June 2000.
Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy
and Climate Change what steps are being taken by his
Department to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016. [10257]
Gregory Barker: Government recently announced the
extension of a more ambitious and targeted Carbon
Emissions Reduction Target to December 2012, paving
the way for the Green Deal. This extension will require
a significant and urgent increase in home energy insulation.
Through the extension we are requiring a greater focus
on helping low income households than ever before.
This will result in the investment of over £400 million in
the most vulnerable GB homes.
Approximately 175,000 households are expected to
be provided measures which can provide a long term
solution to fuel poverty. Many more will receive measures
which will protect them from falling into fuel poverty.
The Warm Front Scheme is key to tackling fuel
poverty and has assisted over 2.1 million vulnerable
households, across England, since its inception in June
2000.
We have the powers to introduce mandated social
price support through the Energy Act 2010 and, subject
to the outcome of the spending review and consultation,
we intend to introduce the first scheme in 2011.
Written Answers 752W
Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made
of the number and proportion of households in (a)
Bedford constituency, (b) the East of England and (c)
England and Wales which are in fuel poverty. [11279]
Gregory Barker: In 2006, the most recent year for
which sub-regional figures are available, there were around
3,000 (8%) fuel poor households in the Bedford constituency.
In 2007, there were 253,000 (11%) fuel poor households
in the East of England and 2.8 million (13%) fuel poor
households in England. The latest figure from the Welsh
Assembly Government shows a projected figure of around
243,000 (20%) households in fuel poverty in 2006.
National Concessionary Fuel Office
Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what plans his
Department has for the future (a) administration and
(b) funding of the National Concessionary Fuel
Office. [11123]
Charles Hendry: The Department has no current
plans to change the existing arrangements of the National
Concessionary Fuel Scheme (NCFS).
Oil: Scotland
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what discussions his
Department has had with the chief executive of Cairn
Energy since July 2009 on its plans to drill for oil off
the coast of Scotland; and if he will publish the
minutes of those meetings. [11913]
Charles Hendry: None. Cairn Energy hold no UK
petroleum licences.
Renewable Energy
Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy
and Climate Change what assessment he has made of
the effect on the UK bioliquids sector of the Ofgem
ruling of March 2009 on eligibility for the Renewables
Obligation of fuel from bioliquids produced with
methods involving methanol from natural gas; and
what representations his Department has received on
the matter. [10398]
Charles Hendry: Following Ofgem’s March 2009 ruling
the Department has received representations from a
number of companies regarding bioliquids produced
with methods involving methanol from natural gas. We
are currently in the process of amending the renewables
obligation order to incorporate the sustainability criteria
for bioliquids in compliance with the renewable energy
directive. This will include consulting on allowing bioliquids
used for electricity generation where they are derived
from fossil fuel, such as biodiesel, which meet the
sustainability criteria to be included in the renewables
obligation.
Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy
and Climate Change (1) what consideration he has
given to the merits of amending the Renewables
Obligation to allow partial certification of renewable
energy produced using small amounts of material
derived from fossil fuel; [10399]
753W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
(2) what consideration he has made of the merits of
amending the provisions of the Renewables Obligation
in respect of bioliquids produced from waste oils which
contain traces of methanol or other recycle fossil fuels
to reflect the comparable provisions in the Renewable
Transport Fuel Obligation. [10400]
Charles Hendry: We are currently in the process of
amending the renewables obligation order to incorporate
the sustainability criteria for bioliquids in compliance
with the renewable energy directive. This will include
consulting on allowing bioliquids used for electricity
generation where they are derived from fossil fuel, such
as biodiesel, which meet the sustainability criteria to be
included in the renewables obligation.
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy
and Climate Change when he plans to publish
information on the energy generated from renewable
resources in 2009; and if he will make a statement.
[10951]
Gregory Barker: Statistics on renewable electricity,
heat and biofuels during 2009 were contained in a
special feature article within the June 2010 edition of
Energy Trends, which is available on the Department’s
website:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/publications/
trends/trends.aspx
and in the Libraries of the House. More detailed
information will be published on 29 July 2010 within
Chapter 7 of the Digest of UK Energy Statistics, which
will also be available both on the website and in the
Libraries of the House.
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what funding his Department
has allocated to assist environmental businesses operating
in the photovoltaic market. [11248]
Charles Hendry: The main grant programmes for
electrical microgeneration, including the low carbon
buildings programme (LCBP) have now ceased and
have been replaced by the feed-in tariff (FIT’s), where
those who produce their own electricity will receive
payments for the electricity they produce and any electricity
that they feed back into the ‘grid’. Since the scheme has
only been running three months it is too early to identify
trends in take-up.
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to
encourage individual investment in photovoltaic solar
panel installations. [11250]
Charles Hendry: Since April this year the main vehicle
for supporting investment in solar photovoltaics is the
Feed-in Tariff, which is available for a range of small
scale low carbon technologies, including PV. The
Government are also consulting on a new Microgeneration
Strategy, which will aim to tackle non-financial barriers
to development of the microgeneration market, including
solar photovoltaics.
Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what assessment his
Department has made of the merits of generation of
electricity by solar panels on domestic homes. [11400]
Written Answers 754W
Charles Hendry: The Government recognise that solar
panels have an important part to play in helping to
reduce carbon emissions in homes, and increase the
deployment of renewables in the UK.
Solar panels are supported through the Feed In Tariffs
(FITs) scheme, which was introduced on 1 April 2010.
This is a financial support scheme for eligible low
carbon electricity technologies aimed at small-scale
installations (maximum capacity of 5 Megawatts). The
merits of providing support to solar PV panels and
other technologies were assessed in the Impact Assessment
published at the time the scheme was launched. Further
information is available at:
www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/Consultations/
Renewable%20Electricity%20Financial%20Incentives/
1_20100204103559_e_@@_FITsImpactAssessmentaccompanying
GovernmentResponse.pdf
Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy
and Climate Change whether he plans to assess the
merits of including electricity from (a) anaerobic
digestion, (b) hydropower and (c) geothermal power
in his Department’s feed-in tariff scheme. [9536]
Gregory Barker: FITs for small-scale low-carbon
electricity are intended primarily to support the widespread
deployment of proven technologies now and up to
2020, rather than to support development of unproven
technologies. Since the scheme’s launch on 1 April,
tariffs have only been offered to those technologies
which we consider can be deployed at scale in the short
term. These include anaerobic digestion and hydropower
but do not currently include geothermal power.
The FITs scheme will be subject to periodic review
which will include consideration of the eligibility of
different technologies. We are continually collecting
data which, as we learn more, will be fed into the review
process.
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what plans he has for the
future of the feed-in tariff scheme for photo voltaic
solar panels; and what assessment he has made of the
contribution of that scheme to his Department’s
objective on (a) reducing reliance on carbon-based
fuels and (b) encouraging microgeneration. [11245]
Charles Hendry: The feed-in tariffs (FITs) scheme,
which was introduced on 1 April 2010, sets tariffs for
new photovoltaic (PV) out to 2020, with payments to
generators for 25 years. From 2012 the tariffs will
reduce automatically each year for new installations.
We will undertake periodic reviews of FITs, which
will provide opportunities to assess how the scheme is
working in practice and to make changes if these are
necessary.
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change whether he has had
discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on
changing the tax treatment of revenue from feed-in
tariffs. [11246]
Charles Hendry: The tax treatment of income from
feed-in tariffs is a matter for my right hon. Friend the
755W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Chancellor of the Exchequer. Officials of the Department
are in regular contact with officials of HM Treasury on
this issue.
Renewable Energy: Regional Development Agencies
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy
and Climate Change how much funding his
Department provided to regional development agencies
for the purpose of developing renewable energies in
each of the last three years. [9703]
Gregory Barker: Regional development agencies (RDAs)
are funded via a single budget made up of contributions
from funding Departments. DECC’s contribution to
the budget in 2009-10 was £45.824 million. Prior to this
contributions were made by DECC’s predecessor
Departments. RDAs set their own priorities so none of
DECC’s funding was provided specifically for developing
renewable energies.
Renewable Heat Incentive
Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what percentage of
renewable energy generation he has informed the EU
will be provided by the implementation of the
Renewable Heat Incentive under the terms of Article 4
of the Renewable Energy Directive 2009. [10627]
Gregory Barker: The Government are committed to
increasing the amount of renewable heat in the UK; this
is a crucial part of ensuring we meet our renewables
targets, cutting carbon and ensuring energy security.
The UK National Renewable Energy Action Plan contained
projections for renewable energy based on the lead
scenario for meeting the 2020 target. If markets and
technologies develop along the lines of this scenario
then we would expect the share of heat generation from
renewable sources to increase to around 12% by 2020.
The Renewable Heat Incentive proposals, which were
published for consultation under the previous
administration earlier this year, were aimed at achieving
this increase.
We are still looking at the renewable heat incentive
(RHI) proposals, including the impact of the costs,
particularly given the financial constraints we must
work within and the potential impact that funding
options could have on vulnerable people. We want to
provide certainty and clarity as quickly as possible, but
must make sure that we make the right decision. We will
look to make an announcement on the future of the
proposed scheme as soon as possible.
David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change when he expects to
announce his decision on the Renewable Heat
Incentive; and if he will make a statement. [10855]
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy
and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 19 July
2010, Official Report, column 78W, on renewable
energy: feed-in tariffs, when he expects to make an
announcement on the Renewable Heat Incentive; and if
he will make a statement. [10976]
Written Answers 756W
Gregory Barker: I refer my hon. Friends to the answer
I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks
(Michael Fallon) on 15 June 2010, Official Report,
columns 367-68W.
Wales
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change if he will make an
assessment of the likely effects on Wales of his
Department’s planned spending reductions. [8989]
Gregory Barker: I refer the hon. Member to the
answer I gave him on 29 June 2010, Official Report,
column 496W. Since then, the Department has decided
how savings will be made on its national Environmental
Transformation Fund and Low Carbon Investment
Funding. This will not result in the loss of programmes
that were targeted specifically at Wales.
Wind Power
Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State
for Energy and Climate Change if he will bring forward
proposals to end the Renewables Obligation scheme for
onshore wind. [11242]
Charles Hendry: We are committed to the full
establishment of feed-in tariff systems in electricity—as
well as the maintenance of banded ROCs. We will make
any changes to the support mechanism for renewables
in the context of the wider work on electricity market
reform, and in a way that preserves investor confidence.
Windows: Energy
Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change what plans his
Department has to increase the number of households
installing energy efficient windows. [10321]
Gregory Barker: Issues relating to the glazing industry
are a matter primarily for my right hon. Friend the
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.
In some circumstances, glazing is an eligible measure
under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target and the
Community Energy Saving Programme, which runs until
the end of 2012. These are currently the principle schemes
for delivering household energy efficiency in Great Britain.
The Government are currently developing the Green
Deal programme, which will allow people to install
certain energy efficiency measures in their homes with
no up-front costs, which can be paid for through their
energy bill savings. We will be setting out the measures
that qualify for the Green Deal in secondary legislation
once the forthcoming Energy Bill has received Assent.
WORK AND PENSIONS
Access to Work
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what his plans are for future levels
of funding for the Access to Work programme. [10643]
Chris Grayling: Access to Work provides financial
help towards the extra costs faced by people with a
disability in work, where this goes beyond what would
757W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 758W

be reasonable for an employer to meet. Access to Work Credit Unions

supported 32,120 disabled people during 2008-09. Official
Statistics for 2009-10 will be published on 27 July.
The Government are reviewing current welfare to
work programmes, including Access to Work, to ensure
disabled people are given the right support to get a job
and remain in employment. We are committed to ensuring
disabled people are given the right support they need to
get a job and remain in employment.
The coalition agreement announced
‘We will reform Access to Work, so disabled people can apply for
jobs with funding already secured for any adaptations and equipment
they will need’
We are developing plans for delivering this commitment
and further details will be announced in due course.
Allied Steel and Wire: Pensions
Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what steps he has taken in respect
of the pensions of former employees of Allied Steel
and Wire. [10765]
Steve Webb: Allied Steel and Wire (ASW) Cardiff
qualified for the Financial Assistance Scheme on 24
October 2005 and ASW Sheerness qualified for the FAS
on 26 October 2005.
I met campaigners including Community, Unite, GMB
and a member of the ASW scheme on 14 July to discuss
the Financial Assistance Scheme.
Child Tax Credit: Aberdeenshire
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions how many families resident in Banff and
Buchan constituency will be affected by changes to
child tax credit due to come into effect in April 2011;
and what estimate he has made of the likely average
change in the level of child tax credit. [10540]
Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply.
I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 28 June
2010, Official Report, column 461W.
Information on the average change in child tax credit
within each constituency is available only at disproportionate
cost.
Council Tax Benefits
Miss Begg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions (1) when his Department plans to rename
council tax benefit as council tax rebate; [4540]
(2) what progress his Department has made towards
renaming council tax benefit as council tax rebate.
[4541]
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what plans he has for the future
funding of credit unions; and if he will make a
statement. [10436]
Steve Webb: Existing arrangements for funding credit
unions through the Department for Work and Pensions
are due to end on 31 March 2011. No firm plans beyond
that date have been agreed.
Departmental Buildings
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how much (a) his Department and
its predecessors and (b) its agencies and non-
departmental public bodies spent on office
refurbishment in each year since 1997. [7356]
Chris Grayling: In 1998 the Department entered into
a 20 year PFI contract for the provision of fully serviced
accommodation for the Department for which the
Department pays an all inclusive unitary charge.
Refurbishment is one of the services provided but the
cost of it cannot be disaggregated from the unitary
charge.
Some refurbishments are not covered by the unitary
charge and are funded separately as capital expenditure,
which would include major projects, and the fit out of
new buildings. Expenditure increased from 2002 when
the Department embarked on a major programme funded
by the Treasury to improve the services delivered to the
public, including those provided by Jobcentre Plus, the
Pension, Disability and Carers Service and Debt
Management Services. Expenditure increased in 2009-10
because of the Department’s response to the economic
downturn. The Department and its predecessors’
expenditure on these major refurbishment projects is set
out in the following table. To separate the costs prior to
2008-09 could be achieved only at a disproportionate
cost.
£ million
1997-98 52.4
1998-99 14.6
1999-2000 23.3
2000-01 23.7
2001-02 77.8
2002-03 170.0
2003-04 282.3
2004-05 117.3
2005-06 278.9
2006-07 162.2
2007-08 48.2

Steve Webb: We cannot commit to a timetable for £ million

implementation until we have fully assessed the precise Pension,
costs and impact of this change. We are engaging with Disability
local authorities and their IT suppliers in work to and Carers Jobcentre
establish the particular delivery implications and associated Corporate Service Plus Total
costs for local authorities. Similar work is being carried 2008-09 14.6 0.7 7.3 22.6
out within Jobcentre Plus and the Pension, Disability 2009-10 5.7 1.8 49.4 56.9
and Carers Service where there are major implications
for IT systems which link to local authorities’ systems Refurbishment costs for NDPBs not covered by the
and play a crucial role in supporting benefit claims. PFI contract are as follows:
759W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 760W

£
Child Personal
Maintenance and Health and Pension Accounts The Pensions
Enforcement Safety Independent Protection Delivery Advisory The Pensions
Commission Executive Living Fund Fund Authority Service Regulator

1997-98 — — — — — — —
1998-99 — — — — — — —
199-2000 — — — — — — —
2000-01 — — — — — — —
2001-02 — — — — — — —
2002-03 — 5,263,000 — — — — —
2003-04 — 1,636,000 — — — — —
2004-05 — 2,627,000 — — — — —
2005-06 — 1,261,000 — — — — 1,387,931
2006-07 — 4,229,000 — — — — —
2007-08 — 2,512,000 — — — — —
2008-09 — 5,935,000 — — 246,000 — —
2009-10 — 4,823,000 — — 34,000 — —

Disability
Disability Living Industrial
Pension Employment Allowance Injuries Social Security
Pensions Protection Fund Advisory Advisory Equality Advisory Advisory
Ombudsman Ombudsman Committee Board 2025 Council Committee

1997-98 — — — — — — —
1998-99 — — — — — — —
199-2000 — — — — — — —
2000-01 — — — — — — —
2001-02 — — — — — — —
2002-03 — — — — — — —
2003-04 — — — — — — —
2004-05 — — — — — — —
2005-06 — — — — — — —
2006-07 — — — — — — —
2007-08 — — — — — — —
2008-09 — — — — — — —
2009-10 — — — — — — —

NDPBs operate individual arrangements and the above

Spend (£)
figures are for NDPBs excluding the Pensions Protection
Fund (PPF). I will let the hon. Member have information 2006-07 2,264
on refurbishment spend for PPF for the following: 2007-08 15,368
Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, 2008-09 10,016
Independent Living Fund, Pension Protection Fund, 2009-10 16,374
Personal Accounts Delivery Authority, The Pensions
Advisory Service, The Pensions Regulator, Pensions
Ombudsman, Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman, Spend on televisions by the Department’s NDPBs is
Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board, Disability as follows:
Employment Advisory Committee, Equality 2025,
Industrial Injuries Advisory Council and Social Security £
Advisory Committee as soon as possible. Personal The
Accounts Pensions The
Departmental Electronic Equipment Independent Delivery Advisory Pensions
Living Fund Authority Service Regulator

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for 1997-98 — — — —

Work and Pensions how much (a) his Department and 1998-99 — — — —
its predecessors and (b) its agencies and non- 1999-00 — — — —
departmental public bodies spent on televisions in each 2000-01 — — — —
year since 1997. [7506] 2001-02 — — — —
2002-03 — — — —
Chris Grayling: The Department’s spend (including 2003-04 — — — —
agencies) on televisions is provided in the following 2004-05 — — — —
table. Cost information prior to 2006-07 and separating 2005-06 — — — —
the data between the Department and its agencies could 2006-07 — — 700 —
only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
761W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 762W

Departmental ICT
£
Personal The
Accounts Pensions The
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Independent Delivery Advisory Pensions Work and Pensions how much (a) his Department and
Living Fund Authority Service Regulator its predecessors and (b) its agencies and non-
departmental public bodies spent on information and
2007-08 — — — 10,344 communication technology in each year since 1997.
2008-09 — — — 3,035 [7337]
2009-10 992 306 — 8,267
Chris Grayling: Table 1 summarises information and
communication technology expenditure with external
Available information for the Pensions Protection suppliers. Information prior to 2005-06 for the Department,
Fund will be provided as soon as possible. NDPBs not its predecessors and agencies, and prior to 2002-03 for
listed have either not incurred any expenditure or the the Health and Safety Executive, can be provided only
information is not available. at disproportionate cost.

Table 1
£ million
2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

DWP — — — 452 254 201 175 273

JCP — — — 270 513 470 468 483
PDCS — — — 178 214 185 188 170
CSA1 — — — 135 105 135 — —
CMEC2 — — — — — — 156 151
Health and Safety 21 22 28 28 26 24 25 25
Executive3
1
CSA ceased to operate in 2008-09.
2
CMEC began operations in 2008-09.
3
Reported expenditure for the Health and Safety Executive excludes telephony.
Abbreviations:
DWP—Department for Work and Pensions
JCP—Jobcentre Plus (Agency)
PDCS—Pension, Disability and Carers Service (Agency)
CSA—Child Support Agency (Agency)
CMEC—Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (Crown Non Departmental Body)
Notes:
1. Figures for 2009-10 are provisional.
2. The 2009-10 accounts are based on International Financial Reporting Standards. Prior years were prepared on a UK GAAP basis.

Table 2 summarises Non Departmental Public Bodies with external suppliers. Information prior to 2005-06
information and communication technology expenditure can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Table 2
£ million
Body 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Independent Living Fund1 0.279 0.273 0.299 0.475 0.786

2
Pension Protection Fund — 1.061 1.312 2.644 3.533
Personal Accounts Delivery Authority3 — — — 0.114 1.027
Remploy Ltd4 2.945 2.753 4.747 3.756 6.989
The Pensions Advisory Service 0.066 0.209 0.418 0.356 0.486
The Pensions Regulator 1.750 2.604 2.432 3.080 2.938

Pensions Ombudsman5 — — 0.216 0.229 0.254

Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman5

Disability Employment Advisory 0 0 0 0 0

Committee6
Disability Living Allowance Advisory 0 0 0 0 0
Board
Equality 20257 — 0 0.007 0 0
Industrial Injuries Advisory Council 0 0 0 0 0
763W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 764W

Table 2
£ million
Body 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Social Security Advisory Committee8 0 0 0 0.003 0

1
Source: Independent Living Fund. Figures for external IT costs include: IT Hardware purchase, IT Software Purchases, Hardware additions,
Bespoke software additions, Commercial Software additions, IT Technical support, Software licensing, Software Services, Business Continuity,
Information security, Website services and Equipment servicing.
2
2008-09 includes £0.825 million capital expenditure 2009-10 includes £1.384 million capital expenditure.
3
Excludes telephone services and telephone equipment received for nil consideration (valued at £10,000).
4
Data at this level is only available on Remploy accounting systems for the last five years. 2009-10 figures include £2,082,948 ICT spending for
FND1. Increases in 2004-05 and 2009-10 reflect IT capital expenditure to upgrade desktop systems and IT hardware including servers.
5
Both bodies are supported by the same organisation.
6
DEAC is not supplied with information and communication technology.
7
Data at this level is only available on Remploy accounting systems for the last five years.
8
The majority of the SSAC’s I&CT is provided by the DWP.

The following bodies were sponsored by the Department
and its predecessors during the period for which information
is requested. These bodies have either been closed or
replaced by a successor body as shown:
Pensions Compensation Board was replaced by the Pension
Protection Fund in April 2005;
Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority ceased on 5 April
2005, its work is now done by The Pensions Regulator;
The Appeals Service moved to the Department of Constitutional
Affairs (now the Ministry of Justice) on 1 April 2006;
Disability Rights Commissioner was subsumed into the
Commission for Equality and Human Rights in September 2007;
National Employment Panel ceased on 31 March 2008. Its
functions have been incorporated into the UK Commission for
Employment and Skills from 1 April 2008;
Working Ventures UK closed down on 30 September 2009.
Departmental Internet
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how much (a) his Department and
its predecessors and (b) its agencies and non-
departmental public bodies spent on website design in
each year since 1997. [7607]
Chris Grayling: Since 1997 the following has been
spent on website design:
Website Cost (£000)
2008-09 and DWP corporate
2009-10
The Department’s corporate website was redesigned
during 2008-09 and 2009-10 as part of a decision that
customer-facing content should move to Directgov and
employer-facing content to Business Link. The cost
shown represents the external design cost for the redesigned
website. The Department’s own in-house digital media
team also worked on the redesign but it is not possible
to extract and quantify costs as most staff work across
more than one role and website.
Website Cost (£000)
2007-08 ODI
During 2007-08 the Office for Disability Issues ran a
project to redesign its website as part of improvement
work using customer feedback and research. The cost
shown represents the cost of external design work.
Website design costs are not available for previous
years for the Department or its predecessors. We are
working with Cabinet Office to implement a standardised
method for quantifying website costs across the
Department’s agencies and non-departmental public
bodies in response to recommendations from the Public
Accounts Committee. These costs will be available from
April 2011 onwards.
Departmental Lighting
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how much (a) his Department and
its predecessors and (b) its agencies and non-
departmental public bodies spent on light bulbs in each
year since 1997. [7626]
Chris Grayling: In 1998 the Department entered into
a 20 year PFI contract for the provision of fully serviced
accommodation for which the Department pays an all
inclusive unitary charge. Building maintenance is one of
the services provided and the provision of light bulbs is
included within this. The cost of light bulbs cannot be
disaggregated from the unitary charge.
For those non-departmental public bodies not covered
by the PFI contract, specific information on the spend
on light bulbs is not available.
Departmental Marketing
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
118.5 Work and Pensions how much his (a) Department and
its predecessors and (b) its agencies and non-
departmental public bodies spent on logo design in
each year since 1997. [7482]
Chris Grayling: Under the previous Administration,
the Department and its agencies spent £2,970 plus VAT
in 2009-10 on logo design. Further information is not
held centrally and could be obtained only at
disproportionate cost.
Departmental Official Hospitality
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
98 Work and Pensions how much (a) his Department and
its predecessors and (b) its agencies and non-
departmental public bodies spent on hospitality in each
year since 1997. [7444]
Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions
was formed in June 2001 from the Department of
Social Security (DSS), the Employment Service (ES)
765W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 766W

and some parts of the Department for Education and
Employment (DFEE) and no information is available
before that time.
All expenditure on hospitality is made in accordance
with published departmental guidance on financial
procedures and propriety, based on principles set out in
Managing Public Money and the Treasury Handbook
on Regularity and Propriety.
The information requested is shown in the following
table:
Total (£)
Chris Grayling: The overall remuneration for civil
servants working within the Department is published as
an annex in the Resource Accounts. The Resource
Accounts for 2009-10 are not due to be laid before
Parliament until 26 July 2010. Until the report has been
agreed the figures contained may still be subject to
change therefore I am unable to provide validated figures
at this time.
A copy of the Resource Accounts will be placed in
the Library on publication.
Departmental Security

2001-02 155,000 Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for

2002-03 259,997 Work and Pensions how much (a) his Department and
2003-04 135,567 its predecessors (b) its agencies and non-departmental
2004-05 91,259 public bodies spent on security in each year since 1997.
2005-06 133,979 [7374]
2006-07 196,892
2007-08 50,267 Chris Grayling: In 1998 the Department entered into
2008-09 116,652 a 20 year PFI contract for the provision of fully serviced
200-101 24,544 accommodation for which the Department pays an all
1
Figures for 2009-10 are provisional. inclusive unitary charge. Security is one of the services
provided but the cost of it cannot be disaggregated
from the unitary charge.
Departmental Pay In addition customer care officers are employed at
many Jobcentre Plus offices and one element of their
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Work role is security related. The cost of the security element
and Pensions how much was paid in remuneration in cannot be disaggregated from the overall cost.
total to civil servants in his Department in 2009-10. Security costs for NDPBs not covered by the PFI
[10001] contract are as follows:

£
Personal
Child Maintenance Health and Accounts The Pensions
and Enforcement Safety Independent Pension Delivery Advisory The Pensions
Commission Executive Living Fund Protection Fund Authority Service Regulator

1997-98 — — — — — — —
1998-99 — — — — — — —
1999-2000 — — — — — — —
2000-01 — — — — — — —
2001-02 — — — — — — —
2002-03 — — — — — — —
2003-04 — — — — — — —
2004-05 — — — — — — —
2005-06 — 604,590 — — — — —
2006-07 — 963,403 — — — — —
2007-08 — 1,187,156 — — — — 52,470
2008-09 — 1,254,855 — — 103,000 — 57,691
2009-10 — 1,039,842 — — 116,000 — 58,853

Disability Industrial
Pension Employment Disability Living Injuries Social Security
Pensions Protection Fund Advisory Allowance Advisory Advisory
Ombudsman Ombudsman Committee Advisory Board Equality 2025 Council Committee

1997-98 — — — — — — —
1998-99 — — — — — — —
1999-2000 — — — — — — —
2000-01 — — — — — — —
2001-02 — — — — — — —
2002-03 — — — — — — —
2003-04 — — — — — — —
2004-05 — — — — — — —
2005-06 — — — — — — —
2006-07 — — — — — — —
767W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 768W

Disability Industrial
Pension Employment Disability Living Injuries Social Security
Pensions Protection Fund Advisory Allowance Advisory Advisory
Ombudsman Ombudsman Committee Advisory Board Equality 2025 Council Committee

2007-08 — — — — — — —
2008-09 — — — — — — —
2009-10 — — — — — — —

In relation to security of data, the information requested following on stationery (i.e. desk top items, computer
is not collated centrally and could be provided only at consumables and cut sheet paper):
disproportionate cost. May 2008 - March 2009 = £14,139,461
Departmental Stationery April 2009 - March 2010 = £16,505,496

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how much (a) his Department and
its predecessors and (b) its agencies and non-
departmental public bodies spent on stationery in each
year since 1997. [7463]
Chris Grayling: The Department including the Child
Maintenance Enforcement Commission has spent the
April 2010 - June 2010 = £3,080,678
Prior to May 2008 spend was through a variety of
commercial contracts and details can be obtained only
at disproportionate cost.
The following table details stationery spend for non
departmental public bodies and arms length bodies
associated with DWP:

£
Body 1997-2004 2004-05 200-06 200-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Health and Safety — 458,885 377,359 302,746 291,668 334,920 292,820

Executive
Independent Living — — 32,120 36,863 46,401 52,407 58,310
Fund
Personal Accounts — — — — 4,000 49,000 84,000
Delivery Authority
Remploy Ltd — 700,099 596,613 613,796 737,467 617,081 715,765
The Pensions Advisory — 8,242 7,718 12,413 9,898 10,574 13,079
Service
The Pensions — — 279,609 142,062 134,477 126,371 152,382
Regulator
The Pensions — — — — — — —
Ombudsman / Pension
Protection Fund
Ombudsman
Disability Living — — — — — — —
Allowance Advisory
Board
Disability — — — — — — —
Employment Advisory
Committee
Equality 2025 — — — 34 307 186 319
Industrial Injuries — — — — — — —
Advisory Council
Social Security — — — — 3,240 2,834 6,407
Advisory Committee

The following bodies were sponsored by the Department
and its predecessors during the period for which information
is requested. These bodies have either been closed or
replaced by a successor body as shown:
Pensions Compensation Board was replaced by the Pension
Protection Fund in April 2005;
Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority ceased on 5 April
2005, its work is now done by The Pensions Regulator;
The Appeals Service moved to the Department of Constitutional
Affairs (now the Ministry of Justice) on 1 April 2006;
Disability Rights Commissioner was subsumed into the
Commission for Equality and Human Rights in September 2007;
National Employment Panel ceased on 31 March 2008. Its
functions have been incorporated into the UK Commission for
Employment and Skills from 1 April 2008;
Working Ventures UK closed down on 30 September 2009.
NDPBs operate individual arrangements and I will
let the hon. Member have information in relation to
spend on stationery for the Pension Protection Fund as
soon as possible.
Departmental Training
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how much (a) his Department and
its predecessors and (b) its agencies and non-
departmental public bodies spent on employee
awaydays in each year since 1997. [7318]
Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions,
its agencies and non-departmental public bodies does
not have a separate or identifiable account code in
769W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 770W

departmental finance records to distinguish expenditure
on staff away days. Details of such expenditure could
be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Spending on staff away days is incurred in accordance
with published departmental guidance on financial
procedures and propriety, which is based on the principles
set out in Managing Public Money and the Treasury
handbook on Regularity and Propriety.
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how much his (a) Department and
its predecessors and (b) its agencies and non-
departmental public bodies spent on employee training
in each year since 1997. [7648]
Chris Grayling: Until 2006-07 the Department and its
Agencies did not report training expenditure separately.
Annual expenditure for subsequent years is as follows:
£ million
2006-07 64.5
2007-08 65.0
2008-09 62.0
2009-10 73.0
The figures shown include expenditure for the
Department and its Agencies as follows:
2006-07: DWP, Jobcentre Plus, Pension Service, Disability and
Carers Service and Child Support Agency
2007-08: DWP, Jobcentre Plus, Pension Service, Disability and
Carers Service Child Support Agency
2008-09: DWP, Jobcentre Plus, Pension Disability and Carers
Service
2009-10: DWP, Jobcentre Plus, Pension Disability and Carers
Service
No data is available for the Rent Service, the Health
and Safety Executive, Directgov and the Child Maintenance
and Enforcement Commission. Increased expenditure
in 2009-10 was largely due to the need to provide
training to some 16,000 additional staff recruited by
Jobcentre Plus to manage increased workloads caused
by the economic downturn.
Departmental Travel
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how much his (a) Department and
its predecessors and (b) its agencies and non-
departmental public bodies has spent on travel for
employees in each year since 1997. [7425]
Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions
has spent the following on business travel, inclusive of
air, rail, ferry, hotels, conference venues, vehicles, car
parking, taxis and coach travel invoices by various
suppliers:
Expenditure (£ million)
2005-06 40.6
2006-07 56.2
2007-08 49.8
2008-09 63.5
2009-10 67.1
Please note no figures are available prior to 2005-06,
and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
The figures above exclude reimbursement of staff
expense claims related to travel.
Travel spend for non-departmental public bodies and
arms length bodies are as follows:

£000
Body 1997-2004 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Child Maintenance and — — — — — 7,500 4,000

Enforcement Commission
Health and Safety — 6,877 7,532 7,027 6,040 7,096 7,594
Executive
Independent Living Fund — — — — 15 28 50
Personal Accounts Delivery — — — — 18 378 332
Authority
The Pensions Advisory — 15 28 35 27 36 26
Service
The Pensions Regulator — — 198 228 201 171 237
Pensions Ombudsman — — — — 7 6 6
1 1 1
Pension Protection Fund — — — — — — —
Ombudsman
Disability Employment 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Advisory Committee
1
Indicates a brace.

The following bodies were sponsored by the Department
for Work and Pensions and its predecessors during the
period for which information is requested. These bodies
have either been closed or replaced by a successor body
shown as follows:
Pensions Compensation Board was replaced by the Pension
Protection Fund in April 2005;
Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority ceased on 5 April
2005, its work is now done by the Pensions Regulator;
The Appeals Service moved to the Department of Constitutional
Affairs (now the Ministry of Justice) on 1 April 2006;
Disability Rights Commissioner was subsumed into the
Commission for Equality and Human Rights in September 2007;
National Employment Panel ceased on 31 March 2008. Its
functions have been incorporated into the UK Commission for
Employment and Skills from 1 April 2008;
Working Ventures UK closed down on 30 September 2009.
I will let the hon. Member have information in relation
to the Pensions Protection Fund as soon as possible.
771W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 772W

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions which (a) Ministers and (b) officials in
his Department have been driven by the Government
Car Service since the Government took office; and how
much each of these persons has received in expenses for
use of taxis, buses and underground trains in that
period. [7989]
Chris Grayling: I refer the hon. Member to the written
answer which I gave to the hon. Member for West
Bromwich East (Mr Watson) on 21 June 2010, Official
Report, column 70W.
DWP Ministers and the Permanent Secretary make
use of the Government Car Service within the normal
rules set out in the Ministerial Code and the Department’s
rules on official travel. Other senior officials may use
the Government Car Service from time to time for
official travel in accordance with departmental rules.
Details of other expenditure on official travel senior
officials, is published on a quarterly basis.
I used the Department’s contracted taxi service, Addison
Lee, for an official journey on 19 May when no Government
car was available. The charge to the Department, including
VAT, was £64.33. Information relating to June is not yet
available.
In addition I have a £10.00 Oyster card purchased for
official journeys by public transport.
Departmental Utilities
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how much (a) his Department and
its predecessors and (b) its agencies and non-
departmental public bodies spent on (i) electricity, (ii)
water, (iii) heating and (iv) telephone services in each
year since 1997. [7588]
Chris Grayling: The following table gives cost details
of utilities and telephone services for the Department
(including its agencies, and the Child Maintenance and
Enforcement Commission), since its first full operational
year in 2001-02, and for its predecessors.
Utilities (electricity, water, heating) cost information
for the former Department of Social Security and the
former Employment Service for 1998-99 and previous
years is no longer maintained centrally. Cost data for
water prior to 2001-02, and telephone service information
prior to 2005-06 are also unavailable.
Telephony costs are for DWP and all its agencies and
covers all telephony services, and advanced telephony,
Contact Centre telephony, IP telephony, data services,
equipment room management, cable management, video
conferencing and mobile phones.

£000
(iv) Telephone
(i) Electricity (ii)Water (iii) Heating services
Gas Oil

1998-99 — — — — —
1999-2000 12,679 — 3,170 439 —
2000-01 10,875 — 3,663 555 —
2001-02 12,658 1,476 3,323 416 —
2002-03 13,869 1,404 4,764 418 —
2003-04 15,076 1,333 4,932 410 —
2004-05 17,343 1,266 6,614 545 —
2005-06 20,868 1,204 8,192 564 210,000
2006-07 24,409 1,243 7,853 413 236,000
2007-08 22,576 1,286 6,299 484 213,000
2008-09 27,631 1,255 8,374 472 210,000
2009-10 21,431 1,282 6,330 362 199,000

The following table provides information for the Health

and Safety Executive (including the Health and Safety
laboratory) since the beginning of DWP’s sponsorship
in 2002-03.

£000
(i) Electricity (ii)Water (iii) Heating (iv) Telephone services

2002-03 782 270 303 1,316

2003-04 815 276 276 1,078
2004-05 1,063 316 387 1,115
2005-06 1,308 338 508 953
2006-07 1,707 401 643 873
2007-08 1,580 310 474 911
2008-09 2,039 221 708 1,047
2009-10 2,106 112 537 1,209
773W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 774W

The following table provides information for The

Pensions Regulator—information is only available for
the past five years.

£000
(i) Electricity (ii)Water (iii) Heating (iv) Telephone services

2005-06 65 11 18 112
2006-07 131 28 29 117
2007-08 131 2 2 93
2008-09 146 13 15 87
2009-10 157 23 5 92

The following table provides information on costs for

utilities for PADA since 2007-08.

£000
(i) Electricity (ii) Water (iii) Heating (iv) Telephone services

2007-08 9 1 2 6
2008-09 109 12 25 76
2009-10 118 20 37 117

The following table provides information on costs for With reference to the cost of administering the current
telephone services attributable directly to the NDPBs disability living allowance system, such information
listed. Costs for electricity, water and heating are included that is available is presented in the following.
within the overall figures for DWP (as they are based as
minor occupiers of main DWP buildings). 2009-10 March YTD
expenditure (£ million)
£
Disability living allowance claims 142.1
Pension The
Disability living allowance— 21.4
Protection Pensions Independent
maintenance of existing claims
Equality Fund Advisory Living
2025 Ombudsman Service Fund Total disability living allowance 163.4
Notes:
2004-05 — — 31,326 — 1. The table of costs for DLA includes the total costs for
2005-06 — — 30,616 17,860 administering DLA new claims and maintenance of existing claims,
2006-07 39 - 37,331 17,309 including any share of the corporate DWP costs.
2. The costs include any further requests for medical evidence,
2007-08 723 15,162 28,659 10,580 including from GPs or from the contracted medical services
2008-09 862 12,439 35,417 25,257 provider.
2009-10 772 10,084 72,145 28,330 3. Figures are rounded to one decimal point.
Source:
I will let the hon. Member have information on the Department for Work and Pensions—Activity Based Management
utilities and telephony service costs for the Pensions System—PDCS Management Information Statistics
Protection Fund as soon as possible.
Disability Living Allowance: Fraud
Disability Living Allowance
Phil Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
Phil Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the cost to
and Pensions (1) what estimate he has made of the cost the public purse of (a) fraud and (b) incorrect
of implementing his proposal to introduce a medical payments relating to disability living allowance in each
assessment for the disability living allowance; [8647] of the last 10 years. [8750]
(2) what estimate he has made of the cost of
assessing eligibility for disability living allowance on Chris Grayling: Consistent figures for overpayments
the basis of a medical assessment; and what his most due to fraud and error on disability living allowance are
recent estimate is of the cost of the current form-based only available from 2004-05.
system. [8648] The information is shown in the following table.
Estimated overpayments due to fraud and error on disability living
Maria Miller: The emergency Budget made the allowance: From 2004-05 to 2009-10
commitment to reform disability living allowance to £ million
ensure it supports those people who are most in need Fraud Customer error Official error
and remains financially sustainable. As part of these
reforms, we will introduce a more objective assessment 2004-05 40 50 60
from 2013-14, and will consider carefully how this 2005-06 40 50 70
could improve the existing process for customers and 2006-07 40 60 70
the impact on administrative costs. 2007-08 50 60 80
775W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Estimated overpayments due to fraud and error on disability living
allowance: From 2004-05 to 2009-10
£ million
Fraud Customer error Official error
2008-09 50 70 80
2009- 60 70 90
101
1
Preliminary estimates.
Note:
Estimates are rounded to the nearest £10 million.
Source:
National Statistics: Fraud and Error in the Benefit System (various
publications)
Employers’ Liability
Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions if he will publish the response to the
Government’s consultation on the establishment of an
employers’ liability insurance bureau. [11189]
Chris Grayling: The public consultation closed on 5
May 2010. We are currently considering the replies we
received and we will publish our response to the consultation
in due course.
Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions whether he plans to establish an
employers’ liability insurance bureau. [11278]
Chris Grayling: An employers’ liability insurance bureau
is one of the options set out in the DWP consultation
document, ‘Accessing Compensation—Supporting people
who need to trace Employers’ Liability Insurance’. We
are currently considering all of the replies we received
to the consultation, and we will publish our response in
due course.
Employment Schemes
Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions if he will take steps to increase his
Department’s assistance for British citizens whose first
language is not English to find employment. [10245]
Chris Grayling: For those seeking work, Jobcentre
Plus can direct those where poor English language skills
are a barrier to employment to English for Speakers of
Other Languages (ESOL) provision through the
Employability Skills Programme (ESP), where customers
are referred to Further Education providers for further
in-depth assessment and training if appropriate.
As we move to implement the new Work Programme,
the effectiveness of the different ESOL models employed
by providers will offer valuable lessons and help to
shape future ESOL provision.
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what steps his Department is
taking to assist people who wish to move from
part-time to full-time employment. [10842]
Chris Grayling: The Government’s objective is to
encourage a dynamic and flexible labour market in
which more people can find employment, whether full
or part-time, that meets their particular needs and
circumstances. Key to this will be the measures set out
in the Budget to secure a sustained, private sector-led,
Written Answers 776W
recovery in the economy and employment, through
tackling the deficit, improving competitiveness and
supporting business by cutting regulation and taxes.
The Government are also exploring ways to ensure that
people on benefit keep more of their earnings when
they move into work or increase the hours they work.
In addition, the Next Step service (our new universal
integrated adult careers service which starts from August)
will offer advice to individuals on how to progress in
their careers. This would include helping them overcome
barriers to working full-time, such as accessing child
care, or where their skills were a barrier to gaining
full-time work, how they could get the necessary skills
through training or development activities.
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions (1) what steps he plans to take to assist
people who are on benefits back into employment;
[11018]
(2) what steps he plans to take to assist long-term
unemployed people back into employment. [11019]
Chris Grayling: We have announced plans for radical
reforms of the welfare to work system and the
implementation of the Work Programme. The Work
Programme will be an integrated package of support
providing people with personalised back-to-work help
based on need and not the benefit they claim. No final
decisions have been taken on which customers will be
supported by the Work Programme but we expect long-term
unemployed people to be among those eligible.
We are also looking to make radical changes to the
benefit system to make it much simpler, and to make the
financial gains from moving into work stronger and
more transparent.
We are determined to move quickly and are aiming to
have the Work Programme in place nationally by the
summer of 2011. Alongside the core Work Programme
a series of individual support measures will be introduced
to get Britain working, including Work Clubs and help
with moving into self-employment.
Employment: Wales
Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to place
jobseekers in employment in (a) Clwyd South and (b)
Wales. [8663]
Chris Grayling: The Government have announced
their plans for radical reforms of the welfare to work
system and the implementation of the Work Programme.
The Work Programme will be an integrated package of
support providing personalised help for people on out
of work benefits, based on need rather than benefit
claimed.
Once implemented, the Work Programme will supersede
much of the complicated raft of national programmes
currently on offer and these will be phased out. The
support currently provided by programmes such as
Flexible New Deal will be folded into the Work Programme
as soon as possible.
The core Work Programme will be delivered by
contractors drawn from the private, public and voluntary
sectors, as well as social enterprises. We will offer these
providers stronger incentives to work with the harder to
777W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
help, paying them out of the additional benefits they
realise as a result of placing people into work.
The scope and shape of the Work Programme, including
details such as when customers move to the Work
Programme, is still under discussion but we expect that
the majority of benefit claimants will be able to access
the Work Programme at some stage in their claim. We
will make further announcements in due course.
We are determined to move quickly and are aiming to
have the Work Programme in place nationally by the
summer of 2011. We will announce further details to
the design and implementation as the Work Programme
progresses.
Alongside the core Work Programme, a series of
individual support measures will be introduced to get
Britain working such as:
Work for Yourself, giving access to business mentors and
start-up loans;
Work Clubs, to give unemployed people a place to share skills
and experiences;
Service Academies, which will offer specialised pre-employment
training and work placements; and
Work Together, to encourage and facilitate volunteering.
Further support is also being planned for young
people, including work experience opportunities with
small businesses and sole traders, more apprenticeships
and more further education places.
Until the Work Programme is implemented, the
Government will ensure appropriate support is in place.
Employment: Young People
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions what steps he plans to take to provide (a)
training and (b) employment opportunities for young
people unemployed for more than six months in the
West Midlands. [10071]
Chris Grayling: The Government have announced
plans for the radical reform of the welfare to work
system, and for the introduction of the Work Programme.
The Work Programme will be an integrated package of
support providing personalised help for people who
find themselves out of work, based on need and not
benefit claimed. The final shape and scope of the Work
Programme has not yet been decided, but we expect
that many young people will receive support through it
at some stage in their benefit claim.
We aim to have the Work Programme in place nationally
by the summer of 2011. Until the Work Programme is
implemented, the Government will ensure support is in
place.
We are also planning further support for young people,
including intensive work experience, more apprenticeships
and more further education places.
Energy
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions when his Department expects to
begin data-sharing with energy suppliers. [6948]
Steve Webb: The Energy Rebate Scheme will deliver a
one off £80 rebate this year on electricity bills to eligible
persons.
Written Answers 778W
The Department for Work and Pensions has carried
out a data matching exercise to help the six major
electricity suppliers identify which of their customers
belong to the group of eligible people, so that they may
receive a rebate on their electricity account.
A person will be eligible for a rebate if, on 26 March
2010, they or their partner were aged 70 or over and
receiving the guarantee credit element of pension credit
(not the savings credit) and were responsible for paying
the electricity bill where they live and were not on a
social or discounted tariff from their electricity supplier.
Electricity suppliers are currently adding the rebate
to customers’ accounts.
Funerals: West Midlands
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions what the average monetary value of
funeral payments made to applicants in (a) the West
Midlands and (b) Dudley Borough has been since
2005. [9698]
Steve Webb: I refer the hon. Member to the written
answer I gave him on 20 July 2010, Official Report,
column 275W.
Future Jobs Fund
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions (1) on which date his Department’s
evaluation of the Future Jobs Fund was commissioned;
[10710]
(2) how many officials of his Department are
employed in the evaluation of the Future Jobs Fund;
and what the budget for the evaluation is. [10716]
Chris Grayling: We are currently planning an evaluation
strategy for Young Person’s Guarantee. This is likely to
include qualitative research and estimates of impact of
the programme. The evaluation will be commissioned in
due course.
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions how many bids his Department has
received for assistance under the Future Jobs Fund
since 24 May 2010. [10715]
Chris Grayling: The Department has received one bid
since 24 May 2010.
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 9 June 2010,
Official Report, column 161W, on the Future Jobs
Fund, if he will take steps to collect information on the
Future Jobs Fund at constituency level. [10822]
Chris Grayling: The constituency data have not been
collected as they are not essential to the smooth running
or evaluation of the Future Jobs Fund. As such this
information could be obtained only at disproportionate
cost. We are currently considering alternative data sources
which may allow constituency level breakdowns subject
to data quality and large enough volumes.
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how many people have secured
779W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Future Jobs Fund employment in (a) Perth and
Kinross local authority area, (b) Clackmannanshire
and (c) Ochil and South Perthshire. [11356]
Chris Grayling: This information is not available.
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 14 June 2010
to the hon. Member for Glasgow South West, Official
Report, column 278W, on the Future Jobs Fund, what
representations he has received on his proposals for the
Future Jobs Fund since the date of that Answer.
[11446]
Chris Grayling: Since 14 June I have not received a
significant number of representations to continue the
Future Jobs Fund.
Future Jobs Fund: Scotland
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the
number of dependants participants in the Future Jobs
Fund in Scotland have; and if he will make a statement.
[8909]
Chris Grayling: The information is not available. No
information is kept on the dependants of people who
obtain jobs through funding from the Future Jobs
Fund.
Housing Benefit
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of
the effects of proposed changes to housing benefit on
homelessness in Sunderland. [7921]
John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions whether his Department has made an
assessment of the likely effects of reductions in levels of
housing benefit on the incidence of homelessness levels
in each of the next five years; and if he will make a
statement. [7948]
Steve Webb: We are working closely with the Department
for Communities and Local Government and the devolved
administrations to assess the impacts of the proposed
changes to housing benefit, including looking at ways
to minimise any risk of adverse impacts on local authorities’
homelessness prevention strategies.
Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of
State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has
made of the extent of over-occupation in social sector
housing in City of Durham constituency in households
where the main tenant is in receipt of housing benefit.
[8464]
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the
extent of over-occupation in social sector housing in
Liverpool, Wavertree constituency where the main
tenant is in receipt of housing benefit. [9795]
Written Answers 780W
Steve Webb: The information is not available. The
Department for Work and Pensions does not collect
information on dwelling size for all housing benefit
recipients.
The English Housing Survey in 2008-09 showed that
258,000 (6.7%) of all social rented households and
164,000 (5.4%) of all private rented households in England
were over-occupied as measured by the bedroom standard.
The “bedroom standard” is essentially the difference
between the number of bedrooms needed to avoid
undesirable sharing (given the number and ages of
household members and their relationships to each
other) and the number of bedrooms actually available
to the household.
Source:
Figures on over-occupation are taken from ‘Table 6: Overcrowding
and under-occupation by tenure’ from the English Housing Survey,
2008-09
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions what proportion of housing benefit
recipients in (a) England and (b) Doncaster receive a
higher sum in benefit payments than the level of rent
they pay; and what estimate he has made of the average
level of excess weekly benefit received by such people in
the latest period for which figures are available. [9207]
Steve Webb: The information requested is not available
at sub-national level.
In August 2009 in Great Britain, among customers
receiving housing benefit under the local housing allowance
arrangements, 44% had an excess of £11 per week on
average. This relates to excesses caused by a customer’s
contractual rent being lower than the appropriate local
housing allowance rate.
Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how many families are living in
properties where housing benefit payments exceed (a)
£1,000 per week and (b) £2,000 per week in (i) the
London borough of Camden, (ii) the London borough
of Brent, (iii) the Greater London area and (iv) the
UK. [10201]
Steve Webb: At April 2010, for all families in receipt
of housing benefit, living in properties in both the
private and social rented sectors, our records show that:
In the London borough of Camden, there were:
Fewer than five customers in receipt of housing benefit over
£1,000 per week; and no customers in receipt of housing benefit
over £2,000 per week.
In the London borough of Brent, there were:
No customers in receipt of housing benefit over £1,000 per
week; and no customers in receipt of housing benefit over £2,000
per week.
In the Greater London area, there were:
90 customers in receipt of housing benefit over £1,000 per
week; and no customers in receipt of housing benefit over £2,000
per week.
In the UK, there were:
90 customers in receipt of housing benefit over £1,000 per
week; and no customers in receipt of housing benefit over £2,000
per week.
Note:
All figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 recipients.
781W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Source:
Single Housing Benefit Extract.
Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what (a) public and (b) private
sector organisations were consulted on proposed
reductions to housing benefit before those proposals
were announced. [10248]
Steve Webb: The Department has not consulted on
these specific changes although it has consulted on
proposals to reform the housing benefit system to make
it fairer, more affordable, and to improve work incentives.
The consultation commenced on 15 December 2009
and concluded on 22 February 2010. 381 responses
were received to the consultation.
Of these respondents, 147 were public sector
organisations (central and local government or
parliamentary bodies) and 208 were from private rented
sector organisations or individuals.
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how many households in Moray
constituency received housing benefit overpayments
between 2007-08 and 2009-10; and how much on
average was required to be paid back. [10443]
Mr MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions how many households in Na h-Eileanan
an Iar constituency received housing benefit
overpayments between 2007-08 and 2009-10; and what
the average overpayment was. [10522]
Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and
Pensions how many households in Angus constituency
received housing benefit overpayments between
2007-08 and 2009-10; and what the average
overpayment was. [10527]
Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how many households in Dundee
East constituency received housing benefit
overpayments between 2007-08 and 2009-10; and what
the average overpayment was. [10530]
Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions how many households in Perth and
North Perthshire constituency received housing benefit
overpayments between 2007-08 and 2009-10; and what
the average overpayment was. [10537]
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions how many households in Banff and
Buchan constituency received housing benefit
overpayments between 2007-08 and 2009-10; and what
the average overpayment was. [10541]
Steve Webb: The information requested is not available.
Housing Benefit: Disability
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of
the effect of the implementation of his proposals for
housing benefit reform on people with disabilities.
[10273]
Written Answers 782W
Steve Webb: We published an impact assessment for
the housing benefit changes that will affect the calculation
of local housing allowance rates on 23 July 2010.
We are developing the detailed policy design of the
other housing benefit changes announced in the Budget.
We shall publish impact assessments to accompany the
relevant legislation when introduced in Parliament and
are investigating the scope for publishing sooner.
Housing Benefit: Greater London
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the number
of non-dependants living in households where the
main occupier is in receipt of housing benefit in
Hornchurch and Upminster constituency. [10031]
Steve Webb: The information is not available.
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the extent of
over occupation in social sector housing in Hornchurch
and Upminster constituency where the main tenant is
in receipt of housing benefit. [10042]
Steve Webb: The information is not available. The
Department for Work and Pensions does not collect
information on dwelling size for all housing benefit
recipients.
The English Housing Survey in 2008-09 showed that
258,000 (6.7%) of all social rented households and
164,000 (5.4%) of all private rented households in England
were over-occupied as measured by the bedroom standard.
The “bedroom standard” is essentially the difference
between the number of bedrooms needed to avoid
undesirable sharing (given the number and ages of
household members and their relationships to each
other) and the number of bedrooms actually available
to the household.
Source:
Figures on over-occupation are taken from Table 6: Overcrowding
and under-occupation by tenure from the English Housing Survey,
2008-09.
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the number
of social sector tenants in Hornchurch and Upminster
constituency whose housing benefit payments will be
reduced from their current levels in each year from
2011-12 to 2014-15; what his estimate is of the average
reduction in benefit of such people; what estimate has
been made of the impact of such reductions on the
local authority’s housing revenue; and what assessment
has been made of the effect on new build in the social
sector. [10043]
Steve Webb: I refer the hon. Member to the written
answer I gave the hon. Member for West Lancashire,
(Rosie Cooper), on 8 July, Official Report, columns
435-437W.
Housing Benefit: Liverpool
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how many (a) pensioners, (b)
people of working age in work, (c) unemployed people
783W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 784W

of working age, (d) social sector tenants and (e) themselves. The reports are made to the relevant enforcing
private sector tenants resident in Liverpool, Wavertree authority: HSE, local authorities, and the Office of Rail
constituency are in receipt of housing benefit. [9783] Regulation (ORR).

Steve Webb: The information is not available at the The following table provides the figures from RIDDOR
constituency level. regarding fatal injuries to members of the public for the
period 2005-06 to 2009-10. On average about three-
The available information on Housing Benefit recipients quarters of such incidents in each of the last five years
is published at: relate to deaths resulting from suicides and trespass on
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/hb_ctb/ railways that are reported to ORR. These figures have
hbctb_release_jul10.xls remained reasonably constant since the requirement to
An exercise is being undertaken to add other geographical report such incidents was introduced under RIDDOR
areas to the housing benefit data: this will include ‘95 in 1996-97.
parliamentary constituencies. It is hoped this exercise Fatal injuries to members of the public reported to all enforcing
will be completed by early 2011. authorities under RIDDOR, 2005-06 to 2009/101
Fatal
Housing Benefit: Worcestershire injuries
reported to Suicides/ Other fatal Total
HSE and trespass injuries number of
Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for local reported to reported to fatal
Work and Pensions how many individuals resident in authorities ORR ORR injuries
West Worcestershire and in receipt of housing benefits
(a) are on the housing waiting list for accommodation 2005-06 85 283 33 401
with more bedrooms than their current 2006-07 88 298 29 415
accommodation and (b) occupy accommodation with 2007-08 70 279 22 371
more bedrooms than residents. [4449] 2008-09 101 298 26 425
2009-101 70 306 17 393
Steve Webb: Information on housing waiting lists and 1
Provisional.
occupancy rates in West Worcestershire is a matter for
my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities
and Local Government. Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how many deaths from
Incapacity Benefit: Scotland occupational illnesses there were in each year from
1997 to 2009. [10517]
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the
number of claimants of (a) incapacity benefit and (b)
Chris Grayling: No single source of information provides
employment and support allowance in Scotland at the
a count of the total number of people that have died
end of (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013.
each year from an occupational illness. For some causes
[8908]
of death, occupational cases are clinically indistinguishable
from those due to other factors. For these causes numbers
Chris Grayling: The information is not available:
have to be estimated rather than counted, and year-on-year
DWP only forecasts claimant numbers for Great Britain,
figures are not available.
and not at devolved Administration or regional level.
Research commissioned by HSE estimates that 8,019
Industrial Health and Safety: Death cancer deaths in Great Britain in 2005 were attributable
to exposures to carcinogens at work, and it is likely that
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for a similar number would have occurred in each of the
Work and Pensions what his most recent estimate is of other years from 1997. This estimate includes deaths
the probability of a person being killed at work. from the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma.
[10442]
Using other international research, it is also estimated
Chris Grayling: The provisional figure for the number that there are currently approximately 4,000 deaths in
of workers fatally injured in the workplace in 2009-10 is Great Britain each year from Chronic Obstructive
151, which is a record low. This equates to a probability Pulmonary Disease (COPD) due to past occupational
of 0.000005. exposures to dusts, gases, vapours and fumes. Again, it
is likely that a similar number would have occurred in
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for each of the other years from 1997.
Work and Pensions how many deaths there were of Numbers of deaths each year in Great Britain from
members of the public from workplace accidents in 1997 to 2007 (the latest year for which data are available)
each year from 2005-06 to 2009-10. [10514] due to the small group of diseases that can be regarded
as occupational on the basis of the cause of death alone
Chris Grayling: The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases are provided in the following table.
and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)
1995 place a legal duty on employers and duty holders Most of the occupational diseases that cause death
to report fatal injuries to members of the public that are usually take many years to develop following occupational
killed as a result of an accident that is connected to a exposures. Estimates of current deaths therefore largely
work activity, i.e. the deceased person was not at work reflect past industrial conditions.
785W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 786W

Deaths due to occupational lung diseases, 1997 to 2007

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
1 2 2
Mesothelioma 1,367 1,541 1,615 1,633 1,861 1,867 1,887 1,978 2,046 2,058 2,156
Asbestosis3 191 165 171 186 233 234 235 268 301 2
327 2
314
Pneumoconiosis other than 230 268 321 279 240 271 231 214 194 167 149
asbestosis
Byssinosis 5 5 6 4 2 0 3 4 3 5 2
Farmer’s lung and other 5 8 9 7 7 6 7 5 13 10 5
occupational allergic alveolitis 5
Total 1,798 1,987 2,122 2,109 2,343 2,378 2,363 2,469 2,557 2,567 2,626
1
Death certificates that mention mesothelioma.
2
Provisional.
3
Death certificates that mention asbestosis excluding those that also mention mesothelioma.

Industrial Injuries Injury notifications received under RIDDOR are routinely

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions how many (a) fatalities, (b) major
accidents and (c) major injuries were reported under
the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous
Occurrences Regulations 1995 in (i) Wansbeck
constituency, (ii) Northumberland and (iii) the UK in
the last 12 months. [10211]
Chris Grayling: The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases
and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)
1995 places a legal duty on employers and duty holders
to report fatal and defined major injuries arising from
work activity. There is no legal requirement under RIDDOR
for the reporting of major accidents. The data collected
under RIDDOR for non-fatal injuries are subject to the
drawback that there is considerable underreporting.
It is not possible to accurately identify incidents
reported under RIDDOR within parliamentary boundaries.
allocated to the local authority (LA) administrative
boundary of where the incident occurred. Statistics that
HSE produce on a geographic basis are thus based
according to this allocation, and not by parliamentary
constituency.
The only way to identify incidents by parliamentary
constituency is via the postcode of where the incident
happened; unfortunately, data may not be fully accurate
at such level of detail. An examination of those records
within the constituency of Wansbeck where a valid
postcode exists shows that, in general, about 75% are
within the former LA of Wansbeck and 25% within the
former LA of Castle Morpeth.
The most recent full-year for which geographical
figures are available from RIDDOR for fatal injuries
and reported major injuries is 2008-09. The following
table provides the figures within the former local authorities
of Wansbeck and Castle Morpeth, the county of
Northumberland, and Great Britain.

Fatal injuries to workers and members of the public, and reported major injuries to workers, 2008-091
Wansbeck Castle Morpeth Northumberland Great Britain

Fatal injuries to workers and members of the — — 3 595

public
Non-fatal major injuries to workers 20 34 162 28 692
1
Provisional

Industrial Injuries: Deaths
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how many workplace fatalities
there have been in each year since 2006. [11232]
Chris Grayling: The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases
and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)
1995 places a legal duty on employers and duty holders
to report all fatal injuries arising out of or in connection
with work. The reports are made to the relevant enforcing
authority; HSE, local authorities, and the Office of Rail
Regulation (ORR).
The following table provides the figures from RIDDOR
for the period 2005-06 to 2009-10. On average about
three-quarters of fatal injuries to members of the public
in each of the last five years relate to deaths resulting
from suicides and trespass on railways that are reported
to ORR. These figures have remained reasonably constant
since the requirement to report such incidents was
introduced under RIDDOR 1995 in 1996-97.

Fatal injuries reported to all enforcing authorities under RIDDOR, 2005-06 to 2009-10

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-101

Workers2 217 247 233 178 151

Members of the public 401 415 371 425 393

Total fatalities 618 662 604 603 544

1
Provisional.
2
The term ‘workers’ includes employees and the self-employed combined.
787W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Local Housing Allowance: Greater London
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the number
of private sector tenants in Hornchurch and Upminster
constituency whose local housing allowance will be
reduced from its current level in each year from
2011-12 to 2014-15; and what his estimate is of the
average amount of reduction per week for such a
tenant in each of those years. [9988]
Steve Webb: I refer the hon. Member to the written
answer I gave the hon. Member for West Lancashire
(Rosie Cooper) on 12 July 2010, Official Report, columns
519-20W.
Lone Parents
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions whether the Government’s
proposals for requiring lone parents to seek work when
their youngest child reaches school age will apply to
parents of children with disabilities. [10252]
Maria Miller: We recognise the difficulties that lone
parents caring for disabled children may encounter if
they were required to seek work.
Regulations provide that lone parents on income
support with a child aged seven to 15 who have a child
receiving the middle or higher care component of disability
living allowance are exempt from the lone parent changes
and are not required to claim jobseeker’s allowance or
seek work.
Members: Correspondence
Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions when he expects to respond to the letter
of 16 June 2010 from the hon. Member for Basildon
and Billericay on his constituent Mr D. Randall.
[11342]
Steve Webb: As the issues raised are for my right hon.
Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the hon. Member’s
letter has been passed to HM Treasury for reply. I
apologise for the delay in doing so.
Mesothelioma: Death
Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how many deaths from
mesothelioma there have been in Mid Dorset and
North Poole constituency in the last five years. [10422]
Chris Grayling: The total number of mesothelioma
deaths where the last residence of the deceased is recorded
as being within the parliamentary constituency of Mid
Dorset and North Poole between 2003 and 2007 (the
latest year for which data are available) is 15.
Source:
HSE, British Mesothelioma Register.
Occupational Pensions
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what steps he plans to take to help
reinvigorate occupational pensions and to encourage
companies to offer high-quality pensions to all their
employees; and if he will make a statement. [10840]
Written Answers 788W
Steve Webb: We plan to reinvigorate pension saving
by introducing automatic enrolment into work place
pensions from 2012. We have initiated a thorough and
speedy review of auto-enrolment to make sure we get
the details right. In addition, we shall take suitable
opportunities to simplify the rules and regulations relating
to pensions, as promised in the coalition agreement.
Pension Service
Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions how many cases were raised with the
Pensions Service by each hon. Member between May
2005 and May 2010. [3269]
Steve Webb: The information is not available in the
format requested. Such information as is available is in
the table. The table has been placed in the House of
Commons Library.
The information available covers the period 1 October
2009 to 31 May 2010.
Pensioners: Poverty
Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions what steps he plans to take to reduce the
level of pensioner poverty in Bexleyheath and
Crayford. [6236]
Steve Webb: We will restore the earnings link for the
basic state pension from April 2011, with a ’triple
guarantee’ that the basic state pension will increase by
the highest of earnings, prices or 2.5%. In 2011, if the
basic state pension is increased by more than earnings
under the triple guarantee we intend that, as a minimum,
all single pension credit recipients will benefit from the
full cash value of this increase.
We will also protect key benefits for older people such
as the winter fuel payment, free television licences, free
bus travel, and free eye tests and prescriptions.
We want to ensure that older people receive the help
that they are entitled to. We aim to simplify the benefit
system and as a first step we will be looking to conduct
a research study into the feasibility of using existing
data to help to improve the take-up of pension credit.
We will help prevent people from falling into poverty
in later life by simplifying the rules and regulations
relating to pensions to help reinvigorate occupational
pensions. We will encourage companies to offer high-quality
pensions to all employees and will work with businesses
and the industry to support auto enrolment.
Pensions: Consumer Price Index
Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what recent representations he has
received on the use of the consumer price index to
calculate final salary pensions. [10795]
Steve Webb: I would refer the hon. Member to my
answer of 19 July 2010, Official Report, column 118W.
789W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Pregnant Women: Grants
Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how many households were in
receipt of the Sure Start maternity grant for a second
child in (a) Stockport and (b) Tameside in the latest
year for which figures are available. [4998]
Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions how many Sure State maternity
grants were made to mothers for their second or
subsequent child in (a) Bishop Auckland and (b)
Blackpool North and Cleveleys constituency in 2009-
10. [5232]
Steve Webb: A total of 274,000 Sure Start Maternity
Grants were awarded in Great Britain in 2009-10. The
exact number of awards for a second or subsequent
maternity is not available, but is estimated to be 52% of
all awards, around 143,000.
The number of awards made in 2009-10 is available
by Government Office Region or Jobcentre Plus Social
Fund budget area only, not by local authority or
constituency.
Note:
Both numbers have been rounded to the nearest 1,000.
Source for total number of awards:
Department for Work and Pensions Social Fund Policy,
Budget and Management Information System.
Social Security Benefits: Disability
Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State
for Work and Pensions how many people in
Peterborough constituency receive (a) incapacity
benefit and (b) employment and support allowance.
[11293]
Chris Grayling: The information requested is as follows:
Incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and employment
support allowance claimants in Peterborough parliamentary
constituency: November 2009
Number
IB/SDA 4,540
ESA 980
Notes:
1. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance
(ESA) from October 2008.
2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
3. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May
2010.
4. IB/SDA ‘Claimants’ include people in receipt of benefit and also
those who fail the contributions conditions but receive a national
insurance credit, i.e. ‘credits only cases’.
Source:
Source: DWP Information Directorate Work and Pensions Longitudinal
Study 100% data.
State Retirement Pensions
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of
the effects on pensioners of his Department’s recent
decision to link state pensions to earnings. [7232]
Steve Webb: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I
gave on 20 July 2010, Official Report, column 257W.
Written Answers 790W
Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions what estimate he made of the level
of the basic state pension under the Government’s
triple guarantee in each year from 2011-12 to 2014-15.
[8121]
Steve Webb: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I
gave on 20 July 2010, Official Report, column 257W.
Vocational Guidance
Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to
assist education leavers to obtain work. [9567]
Chris Grayling: I refer the hon. Member to the answer
given on 19 July 2010, Official Report, column 11, to my
hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, Southgate (Mr
Burrowes).
Wearside First Credit
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions whether the funding provided by
his Department to Wearside First Credit Union will be
renewed after October 2010; and if he will make a
statement. [10437]
Steve Webb: Wearside First Credit Union has a growth
fund contract with the Department for Work and Pensions
that is due to end on 31 March 2011. There are no
current plans to change this arrangement.
Work Capability Assessment: Autism
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions what assessment he has made of (a) the
effectiveness of the work capability assessment (WCA)
for people with autism and (b) the effects of
implementation of the proposals in the recent internal
review of WCA on people with autism. [11489]
Chris Grayling: The WCA is function-based rather
than condition-based. The medical assessment is based
on the severity of functional limitation caused by a
condition; not on the basis of the condition itself,
because different people may be affected in different
ways by the same condition.
The WCA was developed in close consultation with
experts and specialist disability groups, including the
National Autistic Society. The National Autistic Society
was also involved in a recent department-led review of
the operation of the WCA, on whose recommendation
we are implementing changes to the WCA. As part of
the review, experts analysed a randomly chosen sample
of cases, covering a wide range of conditions.
The review reported in March 2010 and concluded
that, generally, the WCA is accurately identifying individuals
for the correct benefit.
Their conclusions and recommendations were based
on expert analysis of a range of cases, considering the
impact of revising the descriptors. The main effect of
these changes is to take greater account of the way in
which individuals use aids of adaptation to mitigate the
functional effects of a health condition or disability.
791W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
The changes will also widen the support group for
individuals with certain communication problems and
severe disability due to cognitive impairment or mental
disorder.
TRANSPORT
Accidents: Finance
Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport how much funding has been allocated by his
Department for in-depth accident investigation studies
in 2010-11. [10834]
Mr Philip Hammond: The Department for Transport
has three dedicated accident investigation branches for
air, maritime and rail safety incidents.
Each of these branches exist solely for the purposes
of accident investigations within their respective transport
modes and therefore their entire 10-11 budget (which
includes pay costs for staff, office running costs and
capital investment costs) is £18.338 million is allocated
for these purposes.
In addition, the Department plays a major role in
reporting on road accident investigations. There is no
central Department for Transport funding allocated to
in-depth road accident investigations in 2010-11. However
all fatal accidents are investigated by specialist police
accident investigators.
Barking-Gospel Oak Railway Line: Electrification
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what consideration he has given to the
inclusion of the Barking to Gospel Oak line in the
railway electrification programme; and if he will make
a statement. [9770]
Mrs Villiers: This scheme was one of a number
assessed in Network Rail’s Network Route Utilisation
Strategy concerning electrification which was published
in October 2009. This can be found at:
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/
browseDirectory.aspx?dir=\RUS%20Documents\Route%20
Utilisation%20Strategies\Network\Working%20Group%204%20-%
20Electrification%20Strategy&pageid=4449&root=\RUS%20
Documents\Route%20Utilisation%20Strategies
Government support rail electrification as it helps to
reduce carbon emission and cut running costs. It is
keeping the case for further electrification under review
subject to rolling stock considerations, value for money
and affordability. However, our priority is tackling the
fiscal deficit and Ministers will consider the full range
of proposed transport projects in parallel with the
spending review process to ascertain what is affordable.
Biofuels
Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what recent assessment his Department has
made of the contribution to the Government’s
environmental objectives of waste-derived biofuels
produced using recycled methanol. [10391]
Written Answers 792W
Norman Baker: The Renewable Fuels Agency (RFA)
collects information on the origins and sustainable
performance of biofuels supplied under the Renewable
Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO). Currently methanol
is used in the UK in the production process for Fatty
Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) Biodiesel. However the
RFA do not hold information on the proportion of this
methanol that is recycled.
More generally, work within Government is looking
at the potential renewable energy production and
greenhouse gas consequences derived from treating a
variety of waste streams with different technologies.
This includes the production of transport fuels from
waste.
Blue Badge Scheme
Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what recent representations he has received
on alleged (a) abuse and (b) misuse of the Blue Badge
scheme for disabled drivers. [10065]
Norman Baker: The previous Government published
a consultation document on 22 March 2010 that proposed
detailed amendments to legislation to tackle abuse and
deal with misuse. The Department for Transport has
received 240 responses to the consultation from local
authorities, members of the public, and groups representing
disabled people and parking enforcement agencies. We
are presently analysing the responses to the consultation
exercise before deciding how to take matters forward.
The Department has also received correspondence from
members of the public who are concerned about misuse
and I have met with the chair of the Disabled Persons
Transport Advisory Committee to discuss these issues.
Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport how many blue badges were issued by each
local authority in (a) 1996-97, (b) 2001-02, (c)
2005-06 and (d) 2008-09. [10066]
Norman Baker: The information requested has been
placed in the Libraries of the House.
Bus Services: Concessions
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport whether (a) he, (b) other Ministers in his
Department and (c) senior officials in his Department
have had discussions with Ministers or officials of the
Treasury on savings to be derived from the
concessionary local bus travel scheme. [10574]
Norman Baker [holding answer 22 July 2010]: A
number of discussions have taken place between senior
officials and Ministers of the Department for Transport
and HM Treasury in respect of the spending review
about all areas of the Department’s spending.
Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what recent discussions he has had with
local authorities on the provision of free travel for
pensioners. [11000]
Norman Baker: Department for Transport Ministers
regularly meet local authorities—including the Local
Government Association and the Passenger Transport
Executive Group—to discuss transport issues, including
the concessionary travel scheme.
793W Written Answers
Cars: Households
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport how many households own (a) one and (b)
more than one car. [11273]
Mike Penning: The following table gives estimated car
ownership figures for households in Great Britain in
2008 based on data from the National Travel Survey.
Household car availability: Great Britain, 2008
Number of cars
None
One
Two or more
All households
These data and that for earlier years can be found in
Table 2.2 of the Transport Statistics Bulletin - National
Travel Survey 2008 at the following link:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/adobepdf/162469/221412/221531/
223955/32274311/NTS2008.pdf
Data for 2009 will be published on the Department
for Transport website on 29 July 2010.
Crossrail: Finance
Dr Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport
what private sector funding was provided towards the
cost of Crossrail in 2009-10. [11768]
Mrs Villiers: The Crossrail funding package includes
contributions from business with specific agreements in
place with Canary Wharf Group (for £150 million),
City of London (for £350 million), BAA (for £230
million), and Berkeley Homes Group (to construct the
Woolwich Station box) as well as wider contributions
being made through Business Rate Supplements, the
planned Community Infrastructure Levy and Section
106 developer contributions.
Construction of the Canary Wharf Crossrail station
is currently under way and good progress is being made.
It is envisaged, on the current rate of construction, that
the £150 million Canary Wharf Group contribution to
Crossrail will have been put in to the project by June
2011. The other contributions are subject to conditions
being met which are set out in the specific agreements.
The detailed profile of expenditure by private sector
contributors is commercially confidential.
Dartford-Thurrock Crossing
Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport how many vehicles used the Dartford-
Thurrock crossing between 2100 on Friday (a) 25 June
and 0500 on Monday 28 June, (b) 2 July and 0500 on
Monday 5 July, (c) 9 July and 0500 on Monday 12 July
and (d) 16 July and 0500 on Monday 19 July 2010.
[11235]
Mike Penning: The numbers of vehicles using the
Dartford-Thurrock crossing between 9 pm Friday and 5
an Monday on the weekends of 25-28 June, 2-5 July,
9-12 July and 16-19 July 2010 are as follows:
26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 794W
Northbound Southbound
25 to 28 June 2010 145,987 147,924
2 to 5 July 2010 154,141 153,890
9 to 12 July 2010 150,360 166,275
16 to 19 July 2010 148,573 168,588
Departmental Civil Servants
% Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport how many employees of his Department
25 attended Civil Service Live in (a) 2008, (b) 2009 and
43 (c) 2010; and what estimate he has made of the (i)
32 employee working hours taken up by and (ii) cost to his
100 Department of such attendance in each such year.
[9048]
Norman Baker: Civil Service Live events are owned
and managed by the private company Dods (the publishers
of Civil Service World), who bear all of the financial
risks.
The overall delegate numbers for Civil Service Live in
2008, 2009 and 2010 were approximately 6,000, 8,000
and 7,700 respectively. Delegate registration is managed
centrally by Dods. Departments do not keep a detailed
record of every member of staff that attends and so we
are unable to estimate the number of working hours
taken up.
Civil servants do not pay to attend Civil Service Live
events. There will have been some travel and subsistence
costs for delegates, which will be paid for by individual
departments. Civil servants attending the event will
have followed the travel and subsistence guidelines set
by their departments.
Departmental Contracts
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what the monetary value is of his
Department’s contracts with its suppliers which (a) are
under review and (b) have been cancelled under his
Department’s plans to achieve cost savings. [11408]
Mr Philip Hammond: I refer the hon. Member to my
answer of 21 July 2010, Official Report, column 339W.
Departmental Internet
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport how much (a) his Department and its
predecessors and (b) its agencies and non-
departmental public bodies spent on website design in
each year since 1997. [7606]
Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has
measured website design and build costs in line with the
guidance issued by the Central Office of Information
(COI), “Measuring website costs (TG128)” since the
2009-10 financial year. These design and build costs
were reported in the COI 2009-10 web performance
management framework (web PMF) and are listed as
follows.
795W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 796W

Department for Transport website design and build costs 2009-10
Website
www.businesslink.gov.uk/
freightbestpractice
www.businesslink.gov.uk/
vanbestpractice
www.dft.gov.uk
www.direct.gov.uk/sharp
www.direct.gov.uk/talesoftheroad
www.transportdirect.info 2
1,092,000
1
Includes the cost of DDA compliance
2
Includes the cost of technical testing
In line with TG128, Transport executive agencies and
non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are currently
measuring their website design and build costs for reporting
in the 2010-11 web PMF.
The itemised cost for website design and build for the
Department, executive agencies and NDPBs for the
period between 1997 and 2009-10 are not available
centrally and can not be calculated without incurring
disproportionate costs.
Going forward, the Department is seeking to reduce
website design costs by increasingly designing websites
in-house. Where it is necessary to outsource website
design, the Department will be seeking the best value
for money and, where possible, collaborating or negotiating
to achieve savings.
Departmental Public Expenditure
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport whether his Department has passed to the
Treasury its submission detailing proposals for
Cost (£) departmental spending cuts of (a) 25% and (b) 40%;
and whether he plans to publish such submissions.
8,000
[10573]
1
17,000
Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 22 July 2010]:
198,000 My Department has made a submission to the Treasury
87,000 in response to its request for illustrative scenarios of a
116,000 25% reduction and of further possible reductions beyond
25% in departmental budgets. I do not intend to publish
details of these scenarios as they are subject to the
spending review, due to conclude in the autumn.
Departmental Stationery
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport how much (a) his Department and its
predecessors and (b) its agencies and non-
departmental public bodies spent on stationery in each
year since 1997. [7462]
Norman Baker: The Department for Transport was
formed in May 2002. The Vehicle and Operator Services
Agency was formed in April 2003. The British Transport
Police Authority was established in July 2004 as an
executive non-departmental public body of the Department.
Passenger Focus was formed in July 2005. The Renewable
Fuels Agency was fully operational from February 2008.
The figures provided by the Department and each of
its agencies and non-departmental public bodies for
stationery spend in each year since the formation of the
Department are as follows:

£
2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

DFT(c) 4,947 234,622 326,389 291,146 244,212 327,574 352,077 478,932

DSA n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 301,389 374,502 323,446
DVLA 267,000 609,000 332,000 337,000 266,000 984,000 1,304,000 1,216,000
GCDA 29,923 32,472 31,054 32,798 34,656 30,079 40,632 15,715
HA n/a 398,322 292,080 211,772 281,305 260,940 181,575 186,553
MCA 159,359 175,091 161,265 115,354 108,468 101,339 110,989 107,511
VCA 18,720 19,966 25,993 23,135 25,357 26,950 26,846 25,054
VOSA — 831,712 802,918 815,046 783,689 755,933 743,732 686,145
BTP — — — 737,667 475,747 461,973 551,845 619,572
NLB 28,061 26,431 31,614 45,448 37,832 39,941 27,745 20,957
PF — — — 5,065 9,658 8,445 8,838 9,865
RFA — — — — — 1,368 2,325 2,719
RH 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500
THLS 62,649 73,580 62840 67,821 62,656 43,507 63,985 45,797
Key:
DFT(c)—Department for Transport (Centre)
DSA—Driving Standards Agency
DVLA—Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
GCDA—Government Car and Despatch Agency
HA—Highways Agency
MCA—Maritime and Coastguard Agency
VCA—Vehicle Certification Agency
VOSA—Vehicle and Operator Services Agency
BTP—British Transport Police
NLB—Northern Lighthouse Board
PF—Passenger Focus
RFA—Renewable Fuels Agency
RH—Railway Heritage
THLS—Trinity House Lighthouse Service

The Department for Transport (Centre) has only following machinery of government changes in May
been able to provide a partial answer for the year 2002. The Driving Standards Agency is currently
2002-03, because of a move to a new accounting system experiencing a problem with its accounting software,
797W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 798W

and cannot provide figures for the years prior to 2007-08.
The Highways Agency holds financial information for
the seven previous complete financial years in accordance
with statutory retention periods. Railway Heritage has
provided estimated figures.
In 2007 the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
changed to a new accounting system which accumulated
the items which were previously accounted for separately
as stationery and printed forms. An analysis of these
accounts suggests that the difference in levels of expenditure
year on year was caused by this accumulation. The
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency estimates the current
spend on the initial stationery definition at between
£275,000 and £325,000. To extract this data in the
required format would involve interrogating numerous
line items within these accounts and could be provided
only at disproportionate cost.
Trinity House is funded from the General Lighthouse
Fund, and therefore does not rely on government funding
for its operations.
The Department for Transport branch that sponsor
Cycling England have said that this information can be
provided only at disproportionate cost so figures for
Cycling England are not included in the table.
Departmental Travel
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport how much his (a) Department and its
predecessors and (b) its agencies and non-
departmental public bodies has spent on travel for
employees in each year since 1997. [7424]
Norman Baker: The table contains the available travel
cost figures for the Department for Transport and its
agencies. The central Department is only able to provide
figures solely for travel from 2006-07 onwards. Figures
for 2004-05 and 2005-06 are for both travel and subsistence.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) can only provide
figures from 2007-08, and Maritime and Coastguard
Agency (MCA) from 2005-06. Information for earlier
years could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
The figures for Vehicle and Operator Services Agency
(VOSA) contain both travel and subsistence. Information
for travel alone could be provided only at disproportionate
cost.
The Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA)
cannot separate travel from other expenditure, and could
provide the information only at disproportionate cost.

Department for Transport travel costs 2003-04 to 2009-10

£
2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

DfT(c) n/a 5,394,782 5,026,551 3,572,860 3,180,383 3,942,790 3,866,478

MCA — — 2,019,040 1,983,040 2,126,362 2,264,267 2,125,000
HA 3,241,959 4,349,028 4,693,411 4,905,988 4,847,336 5,295,914 4,937,599
DSA — — — — 4,596,151 4,015,815 2,714,351
DVLA 630,320 654,675 851,489 1,721,644 1,230,642 1,480,501 1,201,869
VOSA 6,825,000 6,675,000 7,160,000 6,866,000 7,001,000 7,828,000 6,419,000
VCA 359,559 356,747 449,100 368,547 391,837 459,987 459,987
n/a = Not available.

Driving: Eyesight Driving: Licensing

Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what estimate his Department has made of
the number of people who drive with vision below the
required legal standard; and if he will make a
statement. [11449]
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport whether there were any cases of motorcycle
entitlement being removed from a driving licence sent
to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency for renewal
or replacement in the last 12 months. [10380]

Mike Penning: No regular estimate is made of the

number of people who drive with uncorrected vision of
below the required standard. In the most recent period
for which figures are available (2006-07) 13 drivers were
notified to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency by
police during a six-month period after failing a roadside
vision test.
Driving: Licences
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport whether he plans to review procedures for
application for Category F driving licences and the
regulations on the use of such licences. [11328]
Mike Penning: There are no plans to review the
application procedures for Category F, also known as
agricultural tractor, driving licences or the regulations
on the use of such licences.
Mike Penning [holding answer 22 July 2010]: The
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is not aware of
any case in the last 12 months in which a motorcycle
entitlement has been removed from a driver’s record
and licence.
The Agency has a programme of continuous data
quality checks in place to monitor the accuracy of its
records.
At present, some 2,364 records which contain a
motorcycle entitlement are under examination as part
of this work.
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what the average time taken for the Driver
and Vehicle Licensing Agency to cancel a driving
licence reported stolen in (a) the UK and (b) abroad
was in the latest period for which figures are available;
and if he will make a statement. [11046]
799W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 800W

Mike Penning: The issue of a new driving licence will
immediately invalidate/cancel any earlier licences.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency aims to
process all postal duplicate applications, i.e. applications
to replace lost/stolen/defaced licences, within 15 working
days of receipt at the Agency. Applications for a duplicate
licence made over the phone are processed immediately.
The average processing time for on-line application is 48
hours.
East Coast Main Line: Finance
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what assessment he has made of the costs
involved in paying for East Coast Main Line staff to
travel from Glasgow to Edinburgh on (a) a weekly, (b)
a monthly and (c) an annual basis following the
decision to reduce the number of East Coast Main
Line services starting and terminating in Glasgow.
[11877]
Mrs Villiers: The Government have made no specific
assessment of additional staff travelling costs arising
from the proposed timetable change between Edinburgh
and Glasgow. This is a matter for East Coast and the
Department for Transport has noted that the costs are
included within East Coast’s overall costs for provision
of the revised pattern of services.
East Coast Main Line: Personnel
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport if he will estimate the number of employees
who will have their place of work transferred from
Glasgow to Edinburgh as a result of the decision to
reduce East Coast Main Line services beginning or
ending at Glasgow. [11878]
ensure all drivers meet the vision standards contained
in the EC Directive on Driving Licences 2006/126/EC
as amended in 2009; and if he will make a statement.
[11450]
Mike Penning: The Secretary of State for Transport’s
Honorary Medical Advisory Panel on Driving and
Visual Disorders and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing
Agency have been considering how the changes to the
vision standards contained in the EC Directive on Driving
Licences 2006/126/EC should be applied in the UK.
We intend to issue a public consultation on the proposals
before making any changes.
Heysham Port
David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport (1) what infrastructure transport projects are
being planned to support the Port of Heysham; [9530]
(2) what economic impact assessment he has made of
the costs to the economy of Lancashire of postponing
the M6 (Heysham) Link project. [9531]
Norman Baker: The Heysham to M6 link road, being
promoted by Lancashire county council, would improve
access to the port of Heysham. As with other such
schemes, the Government can give no assurances that
they can fund this scheme until the outcome of the
Spending Review is known.
No economic impact assessment has been made of
the costs to the economy of Lancashire of postponing
the Heysham to M6 link road project.
M4

Mrs Villiers: Any changes in the place of work of any
of East Coast’s employees arising from the proposed
May 2011 timetable changes are a matter for East Coast
to determine through the rail industry’s normal processes.
EC Directive on Driving Licences
Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what steps his Department plans to take to
Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport how many miles of carriageway on the M4
are under repair. [11749]
Mike Penning: The following table sets out how many
miles of carriageway on the M4, for which the Highways
Agency has responsibility, have traffic management in
place for the week 19 July to 25 July 2010:

Location Direction Type Date range Length in miles

Woodlands St Mary Westbound Resurfacing, concrete barrier installation, 19 to 22 July 2.49

drainage upgrade, bridge repair and installation
of SPECs and CCTV cameras.
Westbound As above 22 to 25 July 0.93
Eastbound As above 19 to 22 July 3.11

Eastbound As above 22 to 25 July 1.93

Junctions 8/9 to 10 Westbound Hard shoulder strengthening and lane 1 20 July 1.24
resurfacing
Westbound As above 21 to 22 July 4.60

Junctions 8/9 to 10 Eastbound As above 21 to 22 July 3.23

Pier Protection to Woodlane Overbridge Westbound Refurbishment of bridge piers 19 to 25 July 2.42
Eastbound As above 2.55
801W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 802W

Location Direction Type Date range Length in miles

Junctions 16 to 17 Westbound Lane 1 closure for delivery of materials 19 to 21 July 1.24

Westbound Lane closures for bridge work 20 to 22 July 1.74
Westbound Lane 3 closure for barrier repair 22 July 0.74
Eastbound Lane 1 closure for delivery of materials 19 to 20 July 0.93
Eastbound Lane closures for bridge work 23 to 25 July 1.48

Second Severn Crossing Eastbound Hard shoulder, lane 1 and lane 2 closures for 19 to 23 July 2.29
repairs to secondary dampers

Junctions 16-15 Eastbound Hard shoulder closure for cable diversion 20 to 21 July 1.05

Junctions 17-18 Westbound Hard shoulder closure for barrier repair 20 July 0.31
Westbound Lane 3 closure for barrier repair 21 July 0.31

Total 32.59

The Highways Agency plans works on the strategic
road network to limit disruption to traffic flow and will
therefore undertake a variety of works within the confines
of traffic management.
Motorcycles: Helmets
Official Cars: House of Commons
Mr Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport
what representations he has received from hon.
Members on the running of car engines of ministerial
cars while they are waiting in the precincts of the
House; and if he will make a statement. [11061]

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what recent representations he has received
on compulsory wearing of helmets by those riding
quad bikes; and if he will make a statement. [10915]
Mike Penning: None. There are no plans to make the
wearing of helmets compulsory for quad bikes but we
continue to keep the position under review. There are a
number of factors that are taken into consideration
such as the level of use, the safety of riders in a collision
and the proportionality of the costs of any regulation
versus the safety impacts. The Highway Code advises
that riders and passengers of tricycles and quadricycles
should wear a protective helmet (rule 83).
Network Rail: Finance
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport
what factors he plans to take into account in
determining the level of the annual Network Rail
grant. [9182]
Mrs Villiers: The level of grant required for Network
Rail to carry out its activities is determined by the
independent Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) as part
of the five-yearly periodic review process. The ORR has
published the level of grant and the factors taken into
account in its document ‘Periodic Review 2008—
Determination of Network Rail’s outputs and funding
for 2009-14’. They include the high level outputs specified
by the Secretary of State and the public funds available
to deliver those outputs.
The ORR has set Network Rail a target to achieve at
least a 21% improvement in operating, maintenance
and renewals efficiency between 2009-10 and 2013-14.
Mike Penning: No representations have been received
from hon. Members on the running of car engines of
ministerial cars while waiting in the precincts of the
House. The Government Car and Despatch Agency
issues regular reminders to its drivers not to engage in
this practice.
Port of Teesside
Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what plans he has for the future of the Port
of Teesside. [11150]
Mike Penning: The port of Teesside (Teesport) is
owned and operated by a private company, PD Ports.
I understand the company’s new owner has earmarked
funding for the first phase of an expansion that would
raise the terminal handing capacity from the current
235,000 teu (20 foot equivalent units) to 450,000 teu.
Public Transport: EU Action
Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what assessment he has made of the likely
effects of the European Commission’s draft regulation
on the rights of passengers in bus and coach transport
on public transport costs and fares in England; and if
he will make a statement. [10853]
Norman Baker: The Department for Transport produced
a post-consultation impact assessment on the European
Commission’s draft regulation on the rights of passengers
in bus and coach transport in December 2009. Copies
are available in the Libraries of the House. This indicated
that the proposal would be likely to place a significant
cost on the industry which could be passed on to
passengers through higher fares.
803W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
During negotiations significant changes to the original
proposal were made by the Transport Council of Ministers
which should reduce the cost to industry, but the text
has to be agreed with the European Parliament which
has opposed some of these changes. The impact assessment
will be updated once the text is finalised.
Railway Network
Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2010,
Official Report, column 722W, on railways, which
proposed improvements to the rail strategic network he
is examining prior to the comprehensive spending
review. [10830]
Mrs Villiers: As part of the spending review process,
the Government are examining the full range of transport
expenditure.
Railways: Construction
Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what account was taken of the High Speed
North proposals in determining the design and route
for a national high speed rail network. [9740]
Mr Philip Hammond: In preparing their report and
recommendations to Government, HS2 Ltd considered
a range of potential network configurations, including
a ‘reverse E’, which is similar to the High Speed North
proposal. The Government expect to publish further
detail on their strategy for a national high speed network
prior to public consultation in the new year.
Railways: Overcrowding
Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what recent assessment he has made of levels
of overcrowding on commuter rail services into
London along (a) the Midland Mainline and (b) the
Thameslink route. [11307]
Mrs Villiers: Information relating to overcrowding
for commuter rail services at each station along the
Midland Mainline and Thameslink routes is not available.
The information requested is currently published annually
in aggregated form by the Office for Rail Regulation
within its ‘National Rail Trends Yearbook’. The latest
published data relate to passenger journeys in 2008-09.
Chapter 7 of the latest update of ‘National Rail
Trends’ contains these data and is available on the ORR
website at:
http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.2026
Railways: Passengers
David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what plans he has to consult passengers on
routes and stops proposed through future rail franchise
agreements. [11208]
Mrs Villiers: When developing the base specification
for new rail franchises, the Department for Transport
routinely consults passengers on a variety of issues,
including services patterns.
Written Answers 804W
On 22 July, we launched the document ″Reforming
Rail Franchising″ which seeks stakeholder views on the
future direction of the policy. While it does not propose
any specific changes to the existing consultation
arrangements, I envisage it may generate proposals for
improvements which we would consider in due course.
Railways: Todmorden
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what recent assessment he has made of the
potential effects on (a) the economy and (b) journey
times of the proposed Todmorden Curve rail project.
[8540]
Mrs Villiers: The Todmorden Curve rail project is
being promoted by Burnley borough council and Lancashire
county council. It is for those bodies to carry out an
assessment of the economic benefits arising from this
scheme and the introduction of a new service between
Burnley and Manchester. It is estimated that the journey
time for the new service would be approximately 47
minutes.
Road Traffic
Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what steps his Department plans to take to
reduce congestion on the most congested A-roads.
[11403]
Mike Penning: The Government believe that a
functioning, effective road network is crucial to Britain’s
economic growth prospects. However, the single most
pressing problem facing the nation is reducing the deficit.
We therefore wish to focus on sweating the existing
asset, and making sure that the road network is being
used efficiently and effectively.
For A roads which are trunk roads, the Department
for Transport already delivers a wide range of measures
to tackle congestion through the Highways Agency.
This includes managing incidents and events more
effectively, targeted capacity improvements, reducing
delays from road works and delivering better information
services to drivers to help them make better choices on
how and when they travel.
Tackling congestion on A roads which are not trunk
roads is the responsibility of the relevant local highway
authority who can address congestion as part of their
Local Transport Plans. Measures to tackle congestion
may include improving alternatives to car travel as well
as general improvements to road capacity and traffic
management. Schemes include bus lanes, traffic calming,
cycle routes, pedestrian crossings, urban traffic control,
park and ride, junction improvements, better information
and working with employers and schools on travel plans
to promote non-car travel.
Roads: Repairs and Maintenance
Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport whether he plans to review the regional
funding allocations for highway schemes made in 2005.
[2534]
Norman Baker: Until the conclusion of the spending
review this autumn the Department can give no assurances
805W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 806W

that highway schemes, or any other schemes, prioritised Speed Limits

under the previous Government’s Regional Funding
Allocations (RFA) process will be funded to the previously Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for
published levels. Transport if he will bring forward proposals to reduce
the national speed limit. [5469]
Roads: Safety
Mike Penning: The Department for Transport keeps
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for all speed limits under constant review to ensure they
Transport what changes to his Department’s funding remain appropriate. There are no current plans to reduce
to Nottinghamshire county council for road safety are the national speed limit as we believe it offers the best
proposed for 2010-11. [6900] balance between issues of safety, the environment and
the economy.
Mike Penning [holding answer 8 July 2010]: The
following changes have been made to planned DFT Think Brand
grant payments for 2010-11 related to road safety for
Nottinghamshire county council.
Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for
£000 Transport how much his Department spent on its
Original Changes to Currently evaluation of the effectiveness of the Think brand in
Funding stream for planned planned planned each of the last five years; and if he will place in the
2010-11 payments payments payments Library a copy of the reports of that evaluation.
[11897]
Road safety revenue 1,586 -422 1,164
(part of area based
grant) Mike Penning: In the last five years, the Department
Road safety capital 353 -353 0 for Transport has undertaken two reviews for the THINK!
grant road safety brand, one in 2006-07 and one in 2009-10.
Integrated transport 10,660 -2,665 7,995 Costs are as follows (exclusive of VAT) and a copy of
grant each of the reports has been placed in the Libraries of
the House.
We have undertaken the reductions in planned funding
in a way which maximises local authorities’ flexibility to Project Cost (ex VAT) (£)
reshape their budgets according to their local priorities
and where their efficiencies can be found. The Government THINK! brand review
do not expect there to be a direct correlation between 2006-07 72,000
grant reductions and local authority budget changes. 2009-10 30,150
Road safety should remain a high priority and local
authorities should continue to resource it with funds Transport: South Yorkshire
reallocated as a result of identifying efficiency savings
in other areas.
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for
Seas and Oceans: Death Transport what reductions in his Department’s
transport-related grant expenditure in South Yorkshire
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for are planned in 2010-11. [8557]
Transport how many deaths in the workplace took
place at sea in each year from 1997 to 2009. [10515] Norman Baker [holding answer 15 July 2010]: The
Government have made clear that their most urgent
Mike Penning: The accidental deaths of workers on, priority is to tackle the UK’s record deficit. To help
or overboard from, UK commercial vessels (including achieve this, on 10 June the Department for Communities
fishing vessels) from 1997 to 2009 are reportable to the and Local Government announced £1.166 billion of
Marine Accident Investigation Branch. These were as savings from grants to local authorities in 2010-11.
follows: Details of all transport grant reductions to local authorities
are available on the Department for Communities and
Number
Local Government website at:
1997 38 http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/
1998 31 localgovernmentfinance/
1999 13 The Department for Transport spends funds on the
2000 35 strategic road network through the Highways Agency.
2001 13 The Highways Agency’s reporting systems do not record
2002 15 actual expenditure for local authority areas; expenditure
2003 14 is recorded by project and activity. Estimates are compiled
2004 16 for regional expenditure to supplement data reported in
2005 11
the Department’s annual report.
2006 22 The Department for Transport provides funding for
2007 22 Network Rail to maintain or enhance the rail network,
2008 13 including railway stations. As part of the Government’s
2009 19 in-year efficiency savings announced on 24 May, Network
Total 262
Rail has agreed to pay the Department £100 million in
2010-11.
807W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Wrexham-Bidston Railway Line: Electrification
Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for
Transport what recent assessment he has made of the
potential effects on the economy of the electrification
of the Wrexham to Bidston rail line. [9943]
Mrs Villiers: We support further electrification of the
rail network. The Government believe that a modern
transport infrastructure is essential for a dynamic and
entrepreneurial economy, as well as to improve well-being
and quality of life. However, the deficit reduction
programme must take precedence and plans for rail
infrastructure will depend on decisions to be made in
the comprehensive spending review.
Officials are being kept informed on work being done
by Merseytravel and the Welsh Assembly Government
on proposals for electrification on the Wrexham to
Bidston line.
EDUCATION
Academies: Ealing Central and Acton
Angie Bray: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education how many expressions of interest in
academy status have been received from schools in
Ealing Central and Acton constituency. [7873]
Mr Gibb: We have received three expressions of interest
in converting to academy status from schools in the
Ealing Central and Acton constituency.
Academies: Finance
Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education what assessment he has made of the
accuracy of figures provided by his Department’s
academy funding ready reckoner. [5583]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 6 July 2010]: The academy
funding ready reckoner is intended to give maintained
schools an indication of the level of funding they would
receive as an academy, compared to their current funding.
The main change in funding that an academy would see
is a grant to cover the cost of local authority central
services that the academy will now be responsible for
funding itself. These amounts are based on data from
statutory financial statements, published by every local
authority, which are thoroughly checked by the Department
for inconsistencies and anomalies. Local authorities are
given the opportunity to review and confirm the accuracy
of the figures they provide.
Academies: Special Educational Needs
Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education if he will make it his policy that children
with special educational needs are not excluded from
academies on either a fixed term or a permanent basis
when behavioural difficulties related to their special
educational needs arise. [7006]
Written Answers 808W
Mr Gibb: The duties and responsibilities of academies
in respect of exclusions are, and will remain, the same
as those of maintained schools.
Building Schools for the Future Programme
Ed Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education
what assessment his Department has made of the
effects on (a) academic and (b) behavioural standards
in schools of the provision of new school buildings and
facilities under the (i) Building Schools for the Future
and (ii) Primary Capital Programme. [1202]
Mr Gibb: The Department in 2006 commissioned
PricewaterhouseCoopers to undertake an independent
evaluation of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF)
programme. This runs for a total of six years to support
the longitudinal evaluation of the impact of investment
in school buildings on educational achievement. Three
annual reports have been published, the most recent in
March 2010.
The latest evaluation included that, to date, BSF has
had little statistically significant impact on pupils’ attitudes
and behaviour, and that it is overall too early to measure
impact on attainment or whether the programme is
providing value for money. This echoes the finding of
the National Audit Office in its 2009 report “The Building
Schools for the Future Programme” which highlighted
how the programme had initially over-optimistic
expectations on delivery; how estimates of the overall
cost of the programme have increased substantially;
and how the cost of setting up local education partnerships
has been too high for the first authorities.
No assessment on the Primary Capital Programme
has been made at this stage.
Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member
for Birmingham, Northfield of 14 June 2010, Official
Report, column 306W, what records his Department
holds of advice given to Birmingham City Council by
officials in the Department for Children, Schools and
Families on the applicability to the City of
Birmingham of the funding envelope applied to the
most recent invitations to bid under the Building
Schools for the Future programme. [3217]
Mr Gibb: On 5 July, the Department announced that
Building Schools for the Future projects which have
reached financial close will continue, together with repeat
projects which have outline business case approval prior
to 1 January 2010. Sample schemes in projects that have
reached close of dialogue are under further consideration.
All projects which have not reached close of dialogue
will stop with immediate effect. This will have an impact
on Birmingham’s BSF projects.
Partnerships for Schools (PfS), as the delivery agent
for Building Schools for the Future (BSF), was responsible
for managing the process of inviting local authorities to
submit applications to local authorities to join the
programme.
PfS holds records of the response to Birmingham city
council’s Readiness to Deliver (RtD) application which
was made in September 2009. Local authorities have
been required to demonstrate that they are ‘ready to
deliver’ before being invited to join the BSF programme,
809W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
and the RtD covers in summary form the education
strategy, the procurement strategy and the project
governance arrangements.
The records held comprise an action note of a meeting
on 8 December 2009 between PfS and Birmingham city
council. The action note highlights the advice that
Birmingham needed to revise the project scope to reflect
a funding envelope of circa. £100 million. The subsequent
invitation to Birmingham city council to resubmit their
documentation, which was sent on 23 December 2009,
referred the authority to PfS guidance which included
information on funding allocation.
Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education pursuant to the oral statement of 5 July
2010, Official Report, columns 47-73, whether Dyke
House Sports and Technology College in Hartlepool
will be permitted to continue its capital build
programme according to its proposed timetable. [7212]
Mr Gibb: On 5 July, the Department announced that
BSF projects that have reached financial close will
continue, together with repeat projects which have outline
business case (OBC) approval prior to 1 January 2010.
Sample schemes in projects that have reached close of
dialogue are under further consideration. All projects
that have not reached close of dialogue will stop with
immediate effect.
Since Dyke House sports and technology college is a
sample school further consideration will be given shortly.
Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education if he will meet the principal-designate of
Brompton Academy, Gillingham to discuss the
Academy’s future building programme. [8623]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 15 July 2010]: On 5 July,
the Department announced that Building Schools for
the Future projects that have reached financial close
will continue, together with repeat projects which have
outline business case (OBC) approval prior to 1 January
2010. Sample schemes in projects that have reached
close of dialogue are under further consideration. All
projects that have not reached close of dialogue will
stop with immediate effect.
The Secretary of State also announced on 5 July that
he would consider the case of some academy projects in
the pipeline on a case by case basis. Brompton academy
falls in this category. Officials have already been in
touch with the sponsor and they have been invited to
provide information about their specific capital needs.
We aim to let sponsors know the outcome of our review
before the summer recess.
Building Schools for the Future Programme: Hyndburn
Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education what plans he has to improve the quality of
school buildings in Hyndburn constituency. [836]
Mr Gibb: The Department is reviewing all areas of
capital spending. In light of current methods of allocating
capital, its purpose is to ensure that future capital
investment represents good value for money and strongly
supports the Government’s ambitions to reduce the
deficit, raise standards and tackle disadvantage.
Written Answers 810W
Business: Curriculum
Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education if he will take steps to include the
development of entrepreneurial skills in the national
curriculum. [9503]
Mr Gibb: Although it is not part of the statutory
national curriculum, guidance on enterprise education
is included in the non-statutory programmes of study
for personal, social, health and economic education
(PSHE) at key stages 3 and 4, within the context of
work-related learning. The existing primary national
curriculum handbook also contains non-statutory guidance
on promoting aspects of the school curriculum such as
enterprise education.
The Government have made clear that they intend to
restore the national curriculum to its original purpose:
a core national entitlement organised around subject
disciplines. A slimmed down national curriculum will
provide greater freedom for schools to build on the core
statutory requirements and for teachers to use their
professional judgment on how to teach. We will be
announcing further details of our plans in due course.
Care Homes: Standards
Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education when he expects to publish his conclusions
from his predecessor Department’s consultation on the
draft minimum standards for children’s homes; and if
he will make a statement. [9905]
Tim Loughton [holding answer 21 July 2010]: The
intention is to publish revised national minimum standards
for children’s homes, fostering service providers and
adoption services together, with a summary of conclusions
reached in the light of the consultation on the draft
standards, in November 2010.
Connexions Service
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education how many young people in (a) the West
Midlands, (b) Dudley borough and (c) Dudley North
constituency have used the Connexions service in each
of the last five years for which figures are available.
[8208]
Mr Gibb: The following table shows how many young
people in the West Midlands region and in Dudley local
authority had significant contact with the Connexions
Service in the years requested.
Interventions with young people by the Connexions Service, April 2006
to March 20101
West Midlands region Dudley
2006/07 336,532 16,853
2007/08 290,530 15,143
2008/09 286,009 17,343
2009/10 254,406 16,614
1 Prior to April 2006 data unavailable at local authority level.
This information cannot be broken down by
parliamentary constituency.
Significant contact is recorded as an ‘intervention’,
and includes one-to-one contact and telephone, e-mail
811W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 812W

and text message contact of an individual nature. It
excludes bulk mail and publicity information. In addition
to recorded interventions, young people may receive
advice from local Connexions services in many other
ways; for example through group sessions, exhibitions
and publications, Careers libraries and One-Stop-Shops,
as well as from Connexions Direct (nationally available
since February 2004) via the telephone, web chat facility,
e-mail or text message.
Departmental Manpower
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education how much his Department has spent on
human resources in each year since 1997. [5110]
Tim Loughton: The Department for Education was
established on 12 May 2010.
Information on the cost of the human resource function
for the Department is submitted to the Operational
Efficiencies Programme (OEP) benchmarking survey.
The cost of the human resources function in the former
Department for Education and Skills was £8,534,000 in
2008/09. Costs for 2009/10 are currently being drawn up
but will show a reduction. OEP benchmarking survey is
due to be published by Treasury in October 2010.
The publication of human resource function costs
before 2008/09 was not a formal requirement and, therefore,
information was not collected centrally and could be
obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Departmental Marketing
public bodies, costs for both logo and website design
cannot be provided for other years without incurring
disproportionate cost.
Departmental Training
Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education what training has been provided for
Ministers in his Department since the formation of the
present administration; and at what cost. [6436]
Tim Loughton: I refer the hon. Member to the answer
given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the
Cabinet Office on 3 June 2010, Official Report, column
52W.
Department for Education Ministers have attended
ministerial induction events which are funded by the
National School of Government through its Core Learning
Programme. There is no separate charge to this Department.
Departmental Travel
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education how much his (a) Department and its
predecessors and (b) its non-departmental public
bodies spent on travel for employees in each year since
1997. [7427]
Tim Loughton: The following table shows how much
the Department for Education and its non-departmental
public bodies spent on travel for its employees in each
year since 1997.

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Business travel (£)
Education (1) how much his (a) Department and its
predecessors and (b) its non-departmental public 1996/97 2,501,545
bodies spent on logo design in each year since 1997; 1997/98 2,637,672
[7484] 1998/99 2,995,843
1999/2000 3,762,955
(2) how much (a) his Department and its
2000/01 4,703,604
predecessors and (b) its non-departmental public
bodies spent on website design in each year since 1997. 2001/02 5,150,470
[7609] 2002/03 5,287,937
2003/04 8,534,956
Tim Loughton: The Department’s expenditure on 2004/05 8,607,197
logo design is outlined as follows: 2005/06 9,061,644
2006/07 9,594,155
£ 2007/08 10,219,214
2008/09 11,936,467
2010 5,250
2009/10 11,644,576
2008 5,460
Notes:
2007 325 1. Business travel. NDPB spend is included in each years figures from
2003/04.
The Department’s website is continuously updated 2. In 2009/10 the split on business travel was DFE £4,121,466, NDPBs
and modifications are also made on the design from £7,423,110.
time to time. The most recent redesign and implementation
of the Department’s website, in May 2010, cost £6,345. Education Maintenance Allowance
Website designs and costs in previous years are outlined
as follows: Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education how much was spent on (a) regular
£ education maintenance allowance (EMA) payments
and (b) the twice-yearly EMA bonus payments in
2009 5,278 academic year (i) 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10. [9156]
2008 2,111
1
2007 — Mr Gibb: This is a matter for the Young People’s
1
No cost. Learning Agency (YPLA) who operate the Education
As the Department does not hold central records for Maintenance Allowance for the Department for Education.
each of the years since 1997, nor for its non-departmental Peter Lauener the YPLA’s Chief Executive, will write
813W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 814W

to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby with the
information requested and a copy of his reply will be
placed in the Libraries.
Free School Meals: Cornwall
Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education what recent assessment he has made of the
take-up of free school meals in (a) Cornwall and (b)
St Austell and Newquay constituency. [8629]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 15 July 2010]: Information
on the number of pupils taking free school meals on the
day of the census, together with the number of pupils
known to be eligible for free school meals, is shown in
the following table for Cornwall local authority and St
Austell and Newquay parliamentary constituency.

Maintained nursery, maintained primary1 and state-funded secondary1,2 schools: School meal arrangements as at January 2010
Maintained nursery and primary1 State-funded secondary1,2
Number
of pupils
Number known Number Number of
of pupils to be Percentage of pupils pupils known Percentage
taking eligible known to be taking to be eligible known to be
free Percentage for free eligible for free Percentage for free eligible for
Number school taking free school free school Number school taking free school free school
on roll3 meals4 school meals meals3,5 meals on roll3 meals4 school meals meals3,5 meals

Cornwall local 37,630 4,180 11.1 4,890 13.0 31,960 2,510 7.9 3,280 10.3
authority
St Austell and 6,650 770 11.6 920 13.8 5,900 480 8.1 610 10.4
Newquay
parliamentary
constituency
1
Includes middle schools as deemed.
2
Includes city technology colleges and academies.
3
Includes full and part time pupils who are sole or dual (main) registrations. Includes boarders.
4
Number of pupils taking a free school meal on the day of the census.
5
Those eligible may choose not to take up their offer of a free school meal for various reasons eg through preference or through non-attendance on the day. Pupils are
counted as eligible only if they meet the eligibility criteria and make a claim.
Source:
School Census

Free Schools Mr Gibb: The information available to answer this

Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education (1) what sources of advice and information
are available to parents who are considering
establishing a free school; [7769]
question is provided in the following tables. Parliamentary
constituency data for years 1997/98 to 2003/04 can be
provided only at disproportionate cost.
(a) Number of pupils in the West Midlands achieving five or more
A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent 1996/97-2008/091,2

(2) how many contracts New Schools Network has Number of Percentage of
pupils achieving pupils achieving
been awarded in the last 12 months. [7689]
5 + A*-C grades 5 + A*-C grades
Total number of at GCSE or at GCSE or
Mr Gibb: Advice and information on establishing a pupils equivalent equivalent
free school is available on the Department for Education’s
website at: 1996/97 61,498 24,733 40.2
www.education.gov.uk/freeschools 1997/98 60,913 25,138 41.3
Those considering developing a proposal are advised to 1998/99 62,020 26,972 43.5
contact the New Schools Network (NSN) in the first 1999/ 61,288 27,441 44.8
instance. NSN is able to provide guidance on developing 2000
a proposal for submission to the Department. The
2000/01 63,945 29,262 45.8
contact details for the NSN are also listed on the
Department’s website. 2001/02 63,881 30,742 48.1
The Department has not entered into any contracts 2002/03 65,293 32,797 50.2
with the New Schools Network in the last 12 months. 2003/04 66,779 33,967 50.9
However, on 18 June 2010 the Department agreed to
enter into a £500,000 grant agreement with NSN to 2004/05 66,240 36,001 54.3
provide support for groups wanting to find out more 2005/06 67,742 38,232 56.4
about setting-up a free school. 2006/07 68,658 40,734 59.3
2007/08 67,466 43,263 64.1
GCSE: West Midlands 2008/09 64,883 45,461 70.1
1
Figures for 2004/05-2008/09 are for pupils at the end of Key Stage
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 4.Figures for 1996/97-2003/04 are for pupils aged 15 on 31 August.
2
how many pupils in (a) the West Midlands, (b) Dudley Includes pupils attending all maintained schools including Academies,
City Technology Colleges and special schools
borough and (c) Dudley North constituency obtained Source:
five A* to C grades at GCSE in each year since 1997. School Achievement and Attainment tables and National Pupil Database
[8143] (Final data)
815W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 816W

(b) Number of pupils in Dudley Borough achieving five or more A*-C Higher Education: Admissions
grades at GCSE or equivalent 1996/97-2008/091,2
Number of Percentage of
pupils achieving pupils achieving Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for
5 + A*-C grades 5 + A*-C grades Education how many students from (a) Staffordshire
Total number of at GCSE or at GCSE or and (b) Tamworth applied for university entry in 2009.
pupils equivalent equivalent [11871]
1996/97 3,639 1,548 42.5
1997/98 3,660 1,620 44.3
Mr Willetts: I have been asked to reply.
1998/99 3,695 1,760 47.6 The information is in the following table:
1999/ 3,673 1,776 48.4 Applicants to full-time undergraduate courses in UK institutions from
2000 Staffordshire and Tamworth in 2009, based on information from the
2000/01 3,951 1,963 49.7 Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
2001/02 4,008 2,073 51.7 Number of applicants
2002/03 3,961 2,016 50.9
Staffordshire constituencies 8,677
2003/04 3,985 2,044 51.3
(of which from) Tamworth 695
2004/05 4,077 2,182 53.5
Source:
2005/06 4,070 2,273 55.8 UCAS.
2006/07 4,136 2,353 56.9 The constituencies included in Staffordshire are Burton,
2007/08 4,202 2,566 61.1 Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Newcastle-under-Lyme, South
2008/09 3,965 2,644 66.7 Staffordshire, Stafford, Staffordshire Moorlands, Stoke-
1
Figures for 2004/05-2008/09 are for pupils at the end of Key Stage on-Trent Central, Stoke-on-Trent North, Stoke-on-Trent
4.Figures for 1996/97 -2003/04 are for pupils aged 15 on 31 August. South, Stone and Tamworth, and based on the boundaries
2
Includes pupils attending all maintained schools including Academies,
City Technology Colleges and special schools. in 2009.
Source: Local History: Curriculum
School Achievement and Attainment tables and National Pupil Database
(Final data)
David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for
(c) Number of pupils in Dudley North Parliamentary Constituency Education what steps are being taken to encourage the
achieving five or more A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent 1996/97
and 2004/05-2008/091,2 teaching of local history in schools. [9525]
Number of Percentage of
pupils achieving pupils achieving Mr Gibb: We intend to review the national curriculum
5 + A*-C 5 + A*-C and we will announce the detail of the process for the
grades at grades at review in due course. We will restore the national curriculum
Total number of GCSE or GCSE or to its original purpose—a core national entitlement
pupils equivalent equivalent
organised around subject disciplines and we will consult
1996/97 1,049 392 37.4 widely on it. History is a vital part of young peoples’
2004/05 1,148 578 50.3 education and will be covered in the consultation.
2005/06 1,125 573 50.9 National Curriculum Tests
2006/07 1,168 601 51.5
2007/08 1,179 680 57.7
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for
2008/09 1,126 728 64.7
1
Education what steps Ofsted plans to take to assess the
Figures for 2004/05-2008/09 are for pupils at the end of Key Stage
4.Figures for 1996/97 are for pupils aged 15 on the 31 August.
performance of schools which did not take part in
2
Includes pupils attending all maintained schools including Academies, standard assessment tests in 2009-10. [7224]
City Technology Colleges and special schools
Source: Mr Gibb: This is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief
School Achievement and Attainment tables and National Pupil Database Inspector, Christine Gilbert has written to my hon.
(Final data)
Friend and a copy of her reply has been placed in the
Libraries.
Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 12 July 2010:
Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as
Headteachers: Pay
Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, for response.
The boycott of Key Stage 2 Standard Assessment Tests (SATs)
Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for will have little or no impact on inspection at this stage and this
Education which head teachers in which schools had a position is set out in guidance issued to schools and inspectors in
remuneration package of over £120,000 in 2009-10; and the June 2010 version of our journal “Schools and Inspection”,
what the remuneration package was of each. [9333] available online at
www.ofsted.gov.uk
Mr Gibb: In maintained schools teachers are employed During inspections of those schools which participated in the
either by the local authority or the Governing body at boycott, inspectors cannot take account of the provisional Key
the school, and therefore the Department does not hold Stage 2 SAT results which have, in the past, been available. These
details of individual remuneration packages. provisional results often provide a useful starting point for inspectors’
discussions with schools, and judgements about pupils’ attainment,
Since 31 March 2010, information on teachers employed pending publication of the validated results in the autumn term.
by local authorities earning £150,000 or more in the However, inspectors can still follow the broad principles set
2009-10 financial year is required to be published in out in our “Evaluation schedule for schools” and supplementary
their accounts. guidance. In reaching an overall view about attainment, inspectors
817W Written Answers
will continue to exercise professional judgement in weighing all
the evidence they have gathered and setting this against the
credibility and accuracy of the school’s teacher assessment data.
Ofsted and Department for Education officials are currently
assessing whether the absence of data for the schools which
participated in the boycott will affect the validity of contextual
value-added measures or distort national benchmarks for attainment
thresholds. A critical factor relates to whether the historic performance
of schools which boycotted the tests is broadly representative of
schools as a whole. For example, if there was a predominance of
weaker schools, the national picture of attainment for 2010 might
be artificially inflated by their absence from the statistics.
These are critical issues which require careful consideration
before we issue further guidance for the autumn term 2010. The
autumn term guidance will deal with the impact of the boycott on
attainment and progress data in RAISEonline and its use by
inspectors. In addition, It will continue to steer inspectors to
exercise professional judgement in weighing all the evidence they
have gathered.
A copy of this reply has been sent to Nick Gibb MP, Minister
of State for Schools, and will be placed in the library of both
Houses.
Ofsted
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education what plans he has for the reform of Ofsted;
and if he will make a statement. [9063]
Mr Gibb: The Government plan to streamline and
refocus Ofsted inspection, and introduce greater
proportionality into the inspection arrangements. School
inspection will in future be centred on core areas around
teaching and learning, and outstanding schools will be
freed from routine inspection, subject to them maintaining
their performance and the confidence of parents. Similar
freedoms are proposed for colleges. Further detail on
this programme of reform will be announced in due
course.
Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education
Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education when he plans to announce his policy on
personal, social, health and economic education.
[10381]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 22 July 2010]: We are
considering our plans for PSHE and will make an
announcement in due course.
Physics: Teachers
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education if he will make it his policy to increase the
incentives for physics graduates to enter the teaching
profession. [9631]
Mr Gibb: We accept that there is a continuing need to
increase the number of physics teachers and it is our
policy intention to attract more physics and other science
graduates into the profession. We are therefore reviewing
the routes into teaching and the incentives offered to
well qualified people who want to teach physics or one
of the other science disciplines. We are considering a
scheme to repay the student loans of science and
mathematics teachers. We have also announced plans to
double the number of participants in the successful
scheme Teach First so that more schools may benefit
26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 818W
from the talents of the country’s best graduates. Three-
quarters of Teach First participants teach the most
demanding shortage subjects, including science. Further
initiatives will be announced when we are in a position
to do so.
School Improvement Partners
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education what assessment he has made of the role of
school improvement partners. [9061]
Mr Gibb: The Department is considering the role of
School Improvement Partners in the context of the
overall school improvement system. This is one of the
areas to be discussed by the new advisory group focusing
on the role of local authorities announced by the Secretary
of State on 8 July.
Schools: Cricket
John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education how much his Department has allocated to
(a) all schools, (b) non-selective state schools, (c)
selective state schools and (d) independent schools for
cricket in the last 12 months. [11133]
Mr Gibb: The Department does not allocate money
to schools specifically for cricket. Cricket taught as part
of the national curriculum will be funded through
schools’ core funding. Over the last five years, the
Department for Culture, Media and Sport has allocated
£1.5 million to the ECB to develop and improve links
between schools and local cricket clubs as part of the
school-club links programme. All maintained schools in
England are currently part of the national network of
school sport partnerships and are able to benefit from
these links. Independent schools may join these partnerships
on a cost neutral cost basis.
Schools: Employment Tribunals Service
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education what estimate he has made of his
Department’s expenditure on employment tribunal
claims arising from schools opting out of national pay
and terms and conditions arrangements in each of the
next three years. [6071]
Mr Gibb: The Department for Education is not the
employer of members of the school work force and
accordingly it has made no estimate for expenditure on
employment tribunal claims in schools.
Schools: ICT
Mrs Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education what his policy is on the contribution of
ICT and broadband technologies to improving the
quality of education and attainment standards. [7547]
Mr Gibb: The Department recognises the role that
technology can play to support good teaching and
deliver improvements in attainment. However, we have
made it clear that we think schools are best placed to
make decisions about how to use the resources available
to them to support the needs of their pupils.
819W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 820W

Mrs Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education what assessment he has made of the effect
on levels of attainment in schools of ending the
Harnessing Technology Grant. [9461]
Mr Gibb: The Harnessing Technology Grant is being
reduced by 50% in the current financial year. ICT
infrastructure is now well-embedded in schools—for
example all schools now have broadband internet
connections. We believe that technology, combined with
good teaching, will continue to help to improve levels of
attainment. We have made it clear, however, that we
want schools and local authorities to take their own
decisions on the best use of technology in their particular
circumstances.
Schools: Musical Instruments
schools have been forwarded to his Department by
Nottinghamshire County Council in each of the last
three years. [6628]
Sarah Teather [holding answer 7 July 2010]: There
have been no complaints about racism in schools directed
to this Department from Nottinghamshire county council
within the past three years.
Schools: Standards
Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education (1) what plans his Department has for the
future of National Challenge trusts for schools; [7762]
(2) whether his Department plans to award trust
status to Arrow Vale High School, Worcester. [7763]

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education what steps his Department is taking to
ensure that every school child has an opportunity to
learn a musical instrument. [9526]
Mr Gibb: A solid, knowledge-based music education
is important, and so is learning a musical instrument.
We recognise that there are limitations on how far
classroom teachers can be expected to provide instrumental
tuition and are looking at how provision can be shaped
in future in the context of an inevitably tight financial
settlement.
Schools: Racism
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education how many complaints about racism in
Mr Gibb: We have not yet made a decision on the
future of National Challenge Trusts. An announcement
will be made in due course.
Secondary Education: Standards
Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education what recent assessment he has made of
secondary school educational standards in (a) South
Northamptonshire and (b) England. [8535]
Mr Gibb: The number and percentage of pupils at the
end of Key Stage 4 in (a) South Northamptonshire and
(b) England, achieving 5 or more A*-C grades at
GCSE or equivalent including English and mathematics
GCSEs in the year 2008/09 is provided in the following
table.

Number of pupils1,2 in (a) South Northamptonshire3 and (b) England4 achieving 5 or more A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent including English
and mathematics GCSEs in 2008/09
Number of pupils1 achieving 5 or more Percentage of pupils1 achieving 5 or more
A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent
including English and mathematics including English and mathematics
Number of pupils1 GCSEs GCSEs

South Northamptonshire 1,319 708 53.7

Parliamentary Constituency3
England4 578,840 293,443 50.7
1
Pupils at the end of Key Stage 4. 2 Includes pupils attending all maintained schools including academies, city technology colleges and special
schools. 3 Regional figures do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. 4 England figures include pupils recently arrived from overseas.
Source: National Pupil Database (Final Data).

Teach First Mr Gibb: Teach First have had a presence in the

David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education how much funding his Department
allocated to the Teach First programme between its
inception and May 2010. [8759]
Mr Gibb: The Department has allocated a total of
£51.24 million to the Teach First programme between
its inception in 2002 and March 2011, which includes
the extra £4 million announced by the Secretary of State
on 5 July to facilitate a further expansion of Teach First.
Teach First: North West
David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education how much of the grant for the Teach First
programme announced on 7 July 2010 will be disbursed
in the North West; and if he will make a statement.
[8758]
North West since 2005. Of the 560 starting the programme
in 2010-11, 63 have been recruited from the North West.
The new funding announced by the Secretary of State
on 5 July is largely intended to pave the way for further
expansion into areas not already served by Teach First,
including the North East, South West and East of
England.
Teachers: Pay
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education (1) what proportion of schools had (a)
applied for and (b) received permission not to pay
teachers according to the School Teachers’ Pay and
Conditions Document as at 25 May 2010; [10600]
(2) how many (a) school governing bodies and (b)
local authorities have (i) applied for and (ii) received
permission not to pay teachers according to the School
821W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document under the
provisions of section 2 of the Education Act 2002.
[10601]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 22 July 2010]: Since the
provisions of section 2 of the Education Act 2002 (the
Powers to Facilitate Innovation) were introduced, the
Department has received three applications of which
one was from a governing body, and two were from
local authorities, requesting amendments to teachers’
pay and conditions. None of these applications resulted
in the Secretary of State making an order under these
powers. There are some 23,000 maintained schools in
England.
Written Questions: Government Responses
Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education when he expects to reply to question 3217,
on the Building Schools for the Future programme in
Birmingham, tabled on 14 June 2010. [9309]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 19 July 2010]: A response
has been issued today.
Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education when he plans to answer question 7212,
tabled on 6 July 2010, on Building Schools for the
Future and Dyke House. [11357]
Mr Gibb: A response will be sent to the hon. Member
today.
Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education when he plans to answer question 7689,
tabled on 7 July 2010, on the New Schools Network.
[11358]
Mr Gibb: A response will be sent to the hon. Member
today.
Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for
Education when he plans to answer question 7769,
tabled on 7 July 2010, on information and advice to
parents on free schools. [11359]
Mr Gibb: A response will be sent to the hon. Member
today.
HEALTH
Alcoholic Drinks: Advertising
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health what recent assessment his Department has
made of the effectiveness of restrictions on alcohol
advertising in cinemas; and if he will make a statement.
[10349]
Mr Vaizey: I have been asked to reply, as advertising
in cinemas falls under my remit as Minister for Culture,
Communications and Creative Industries.
Cinema advertising in the UK is strictly controlled
through industry self-regulation, enforced by the Advertising
Standards Authority. This regulatory system, which is
Written Answers 822W
independent of Government and ultimately responsible
for setting the standards in advertising, regularly reviews
the effectiveness of the alcohol advertising rules.
The regulation of alcohol advertising must be robust
and based on best evidence. If new evidence emerged
which clearly highlighted major problems in relation to
consumer harm or protection of the vulnerable caused
by alcohol advertising, then the regulators would need
to consider this fully and take appropriate action.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Cumbria
John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health (1) how much funding has been allocated to
caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease in (a)
Cumbria and (b) Carlisle constituency for the next 12
months. [10759]
(2) how many people in (a) Cumbria and (b)
Carlisle constituency have been diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s disease. [10760]
Mr Burstow: The Department currently allocates funding
directly to primary care trusts (PCTs). PCT allocations
are not broken down by policy area. PCTs make decisions
on investment in health care for their communities,
taking into account both local and national priorities.
In 2010-11, Cumbria Teaching PCT received a revenue
allocation of £826.9 million. Data on the number of
people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is not collected
centrally. However, the Quality and Outcomes Framework
includes a disease register for patients who have been
diagnosed with any form of dementia (including Alzheimer’s
disease). The latest available figures are for 2008-09.
There were .3,114 patients on the dementia register in
Cumbria PCT in 2008-09. The figures are organised by
practice and aggregated into PCT and strategic health
authority. It is therefore not possible to give figures for
Carlisle constituency.
Notes:
1. QOF: QOF is the national Quality and Outcomes Framework,
introduced as part of the new General Medical Services (GMS)
contract on 1 April 2004. Participation by practices in the QOF is
voluntary, though participation rates are very high, with most
Personal Medical Services (PMS) practices also taking part.
2. The published QOF information was derived from the Quality
Management Analysis System (QMAS), a national system developed
by NHS Connecting for Health.
3. QMAS uses data from general practices to calculate individual
practices’ QOF achievement. QMAS is a national IT system
developed by NHS Connecting for Health to support the QOF.
The Quality Management Analysis System captures the number
of patients on the various disease registers for each practice.
CJD
Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
what testing of the relatives of individuals affected by
variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease his Department
undertakes. [10942]
Anne Milton: The Department does not undertake
any such testing.
There is no blood or other test currently available for
routine variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease testing of
asymptomatic individuals.
823W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 824W

Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Health United Kingdom definite and probable vCJD deaths 1995 to 2010
what recent estimate his Department has made of the Number Genotype Genotype
time taken for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease to deaths known unknown MM MV VV
incubate. [10945] 2005 5 5 0 5 0 0
2006 5 5 0 5 0 0
Anne Milton: The incubation period for variant 2007 5 5 0 5 0 0
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) is unknown and may 2008 1 1 0 1 0 0
vary due to factors such as route of transmission and 2009 3 3 0 3 0 0
genotype of patient. For the majority of cases where 2010 2 2 0 2 0 0
consumption of meat or meat products is presumed to
Total 169 151 18 151 0 0
be the route of infection the minimum incubation period
is likely to be five years, with a mean period of around
10-12 years and the maximum, as in other human Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, may extend what definition of (a) probable and (b) possible his
over decades. Of the three clinical cases of vCJD presumed Department uses in the identification of variant
to be associated with blood transfusion the incubation Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease cases. [11007]
periods are estimated to be between six and nine years.
Anne Milton: The Department uses the internationally
Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) recognised World Health Organisation diagnostic criteria
how many cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease for case classification, research protocols and official
affecting the MV gene type have been reported in (a) statistics. These are publicly available at:
Scotland, (b) Wales, (c) England and (d) Northern www.who.int/entity/zoonoses/diseases/Creutzfeldt.pdf
Ireland since 1996; [11005]
(2) how many cases of (a) definite, (b) probable and Consumer Groups
(c) possible variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease of the
MV gene type have been recorded since 1996; [11006] Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
(3) how many deaths from variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob what consumer groups he has met since his
disease among people with (a) MM variations, (b) appointment. [10209]
MV variations and (c) VV variations there have been
since 1996. [11008] Mr Simon Burns: There have been no meetings between
the Secretary of State for Health and consumer groups
Anne Milton: There have been no definite or probable since his appointment.
cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in
patients with a MV genotype. A single possible case of Dementia
vCJD in a patient with a MV genotype was reported in
2008 in Scotland. This case is recorded in the 17th
Annual Report of the National Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Surveillance Unit published in November 2009 and Health what recent representations he has received on
publicly available at: introducing a statutory minimum level of dementia
awareness training for those working with older people;
www.cjd.ed.ac.uk/report17.htm
and if he will make a statement. [9971]
The 17th Annual Report records that of the four patients with
a final classification of possible vCJD, three were of the MM
genotype and only one of MV genotype.
Mr Burstow: No such representations have been received.
Objective 13 of the National Dementia Strategy calls
The MV case has also been described in a publication: for an informed and effective work force for people with
“Variant CJD in an individual heterozygous for PRNP dementia, to be achieved by effective basic training and
codon 129 Kaski D, Mead S, Hyare H, Cooper S, continuous professional and vocational development.
Jampana R, Overell J, Knight R, Collinge J, Rudge The Department has recently received the results of a
Lancet 2009. 374:212. mapping exercise identifying the current extent of accredited
The National Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease Surveillance dementia education and training, and where there are
Unit has provided the following information about gaps. This evidence is being considered by a work force
deaths from vCJD: advisory group chaired by the National Clinical Director
United Kingdom definite and probable vCJD deaths 1995 to 2010 for Dementia, Professor Alistair Burns, and including a
Number Genotype Genotype range of key stakeholders.
deaths known unknown MM MV VV
Departmental Buildings
1995 3 3 0 3 0 0
1996 10 10 0 10 0 0
1997 10 10 0 10 0 0 Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
1998 18 18 0 18 0 0 Health how much (a) his Department and (b) its
1999 15 15 0 15 0 0 agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on
2000 28 25 3 25 0 0 office refurbishment in each year since 1997. [7359]
2001 20 18 2 18 0 0
2002 17 15 2 15 0 0 Mr Simon Burns: Information on the spend on office
2003 18 8 10 8 0 0 refurbishment is only available for the Department from
2004 9 8 1 8 0 0
April 1998 and NHS Connecting for Health from 2005.
This expenditure was as follows:
825W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 826W

Comprehensive information on hospitality for NHS

Expenditure on office
April to March each year refurbishment (£) Connecting for Health and a number of our other
bodies and executive agencies is not held centrally and
1998- 99 1,271,733 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Limited
1999- 2000 1,453,483 information is available from 2002 to 2010 for the
2000- 01 652,456 Appointments Commission, Care Quality Commission,
2001- 02 555,000 Health Protection Agency and the Medicines and Health
2002- 03 788,000 Regulatory Authority. Total expenditure on hospitality
2003- 04 1,113,565 by these organisations is shown in the following table:
2004- 05 963,974
2005- 06 5,673,368 Expenditure on hospitality (£)
2006- 07 3,718,976
2002-03 2,000
2007- 08 2,704,610
2003-03 1,000
2008- 09 4,262,629
2004-05 129,000
2009- 10 5,270,612
2005-06 186,000
2006-07 188,000
Comprehensive information on refurbishment
2007-08 282,000
expenditure from all of the Department’s non-departmental
2008-09 351,000
bodies and executive agencies is not held centrally, and
could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Limited 2009-10 429,000
information from 2001 to 2010 has been obtained from
the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence, General Departmental Utilities
Social Care Council, Care Quality Commission, Health
Protection Agency, Medicines and Healthcare products
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for
Regulatory Agency, Appointments Commission. Total
Health how much (a) his Department and (b) its
expenditure for refurbishment for these bodies was as
non-departmental public bodies spent on (i) electricity,
follows:
(ii) water, (iii) heating and (iv) telephone services in
April to March each year Expenditure on refurbishment (£)
each year since 1997. [7591]

2001- 02 32,000 Mr Simon Burns: Information on electricity, water

2002- 03 2,930,000 and heating expenditure in the Department is not available
2003- 04 267,000 before 1999. Information on telephone services expenditure
2004- 05 215,000 in the Department is not available before 2000.
2005- 06 6,847,000 Information for electricity, water and heating expenditure
2006- 07 3,132,000 is collected centrally for a number of the Department’s
2007- 08 4,566,000 buildings, which are managed, centrally by the Department
2008- 09 5,113,000 and NHS Connecting for Health (Connecting for Health
2009- 10 4,072,000 was formed in 2005). The figures include Richmond
House, Skipton House, Wellington House, Hannibal
House (building vacated September 2005), and Eileen
Departmental Official Hospitality House (building vacated July 2005), Hexagon House,
Prospect House, Vantage House, 1 Whitehall, Princes
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Exchange and 8 and 9 Hi Tech Village. Costs for other
Health how much (a) his Department and (b) its buildings are not held centrally and could be obtained
agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on only at disproportionate cost.
hospitality in each year since 1997. [7447] Expenditure on electricity, water and heating from
1999 to 2010 and on telephone services from 2000 to
Mr Simon Burns: Information on hospitality in the 2010 for the Department (including NHS Connecting
Department is not available before 2004. for Health) was as follows:
Hospitality expenditure is recorded in relation to
£
catering provided for meetings and events. The Department
Telephone
orders the majority of hospitality through the central Electricity Water Heating services
catering contract, which is used for Richmond House,
Skipton House, Wellington House and New Kings Beam 1999-2000 682,983 32,607 57,184 1
—
House but excludes Quarry House. Hospitality expenditure 2000-01 613,563 32,222 78,807 2,743,708
from 2004 to 2010 for the Department is as follows: 2001-02 632,791 29,010 67,097 2,904,362
2002-03 602,320 34,685 86,367 3,287,264
Expenditure on hospitality (£) 2003-04 631,337 28,131 78,989 4,645,502
2004-05 754,096 24,081 115,470 4,430,289
2004-05 550,746
2005-06 954,523 43,144 174,364 4,932,848
2005-06 607,598
2006-07 993,195 40,364 149,917 4,714,896
2006-07 580,360
2007-08 1,099,407 35,142 110,240 4,087,360
2007-08 650,513
2008-09 1,577,017 40,333 148,151 4,370,110
2008-09 616,202
2009-10 1,256,179 45,500 156,977 3,405,017
2009-10 310,942 1
Not available.
827W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 828W

Comprehensive information on electricity, water, heating Foetal Tissue

and telephone services from all of the Department’s
non-departmental bodies and executive agencies is not Mr Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for
held centrally and could be provided only at Health what organisation is responsible for overseeing
disproportionate cost. Limited information from 2001 the transferral of foetal tissue from clinics to
to 2010 has been obtained from the General Social Care researchers; what official reports have been published
Council, Care Quality Commission, Health Protection on this subject in the last five years; and if he will make
Agency, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory a statement. [10405]
Agency, Monitor, Appointments Commission and the
Human Tissue Authority. Total expenditure for electricity,
water, heating and telephone services for these bodies is Anne Milton: Responsibility for transferring foetal
as follows: tissue to researchers lies with the organisation that
supplies the tissue to the researcher. No official reports
Telephone have been published on this subject in the last five years.
Electricity Water Heating services
1 1
Mr Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for
2001-02 1,000 — — 79,000
1
Health how many foetal tissue banks are in operation;
2002-03 21,000 20,000 — 191,000
what commercial arrangements exist between clinics
1
2003-04 2,000 20,000 — 245,000 and foetal tissue banks or those conducting research;
1 1
2004-05 18,000 — — 213,000 and if he will make a statement. [10406]
1 1
2005-06 12,000 — — 215,000
1 1
2006-07 35,000 — — 254,000 Anne Milton: Information on the number of foetal
1 1
2007-08 57,000 — — 300,000 tissue banks in operation, or on the arrangements between
1 1
2008-09 4,000 — — 307,000 clinics and foetal tissue banks or those conducting
2009-10 424,000 36,000 6,000 988,000 research, is not collected centrally.
1
Not available.
The Human Tissue Act 2004 requires that the storage
of human tissue for research, and other “scheduled
Direct Payments purposes” is licensed. The regulator responsible for
licensing is the Human Tissue Authority (HTA). However,
the HTA does not have a category of “foetal tissue
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for bank” and so could not give reliable figures for foetal
Health what his plans are for the future of direct tissue banks in operation. It has published a series of
payments; and how much funding will be made Codes of Practice on key activities involving human
available to local authorities to enable them to make tissue, including consent (Code of Practice 1) and research
such payments in 2010-11. [10616] (Code of Practice 9).

Mr Burstow: It is this Government’s policy to extend
the greater roll out of personal budgets, including direct
payments, to give people and their carers more control
and purchasing power.
Direct payments are paid in lieu of local authority
services, there is therefore no separate budget for direct
payments and individual local authorities would make
such payments from their core funding. In light of
demographic changes, we would expect an increasing
number of people receiving social care to choose to
receive a personal budget in the form of a direct payment.
Euthanasia
Mr Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health how many research projects are underway
nationally involving foetal tissue; how much public
money is being spent on these projects; and if he will
make a statement. [10408]
Anne Milton: This information is not collected centrally.
Food
John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health with which food and food-related companies
and trade associations (a) he and (b) other Ministers
in his Department have had discussions since taking
office. [10971]

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health

pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2010, Official Report,
columns 889-90W, on the Patient (Assisted Dying) Bill,
if he place in the Library a copy of each document in
his Department’s file on (a) the Patient (Assisted
Dying) Bill [Lords] of Session 2002-03 and (b) the
Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill [Lords]; and
if he will make a statement. [10612]
Anne Milton: I have asked departmental officials to
retrieve and examine the documentation requested by
my hon. Friend the Member for Southend West (Mr
Amess). Once this has been done I will write to my hon.
Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library.
Anne Milton: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of
State for Health met with Unilever on 21 July 2010.
Food Standards Agency
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health what the staff (a) turnover and (b) absentee
rate was at each office of the Food Standards Agency
in each of the last five years. [9711]
Anne Milton: The staff turnover rate for staff located
at each office of the Food Standards Agency (FSA)
over the last three financial years was as follows:
829W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 830W

money and has reduced gross cost in the last three years
Percentage
by 11% (£24 million) from £221 million in 2007-08 to
Northern
London Scotland Wales Ireland £197 million in 2009-10.
This has been driven primarily by modernisation of
2009-10 11.0 3.7 2.8 0.0
the FSA’s executive agency, the Meat Hygiene Service
2008-09 12.0 12.1 11.1 2.9 (MHS) implemented over the last three years, reducing
2007-08 10.8 9.3 2.7 14.6 MHS’s expenditure by 22% (£19 million) from £87
million to £68 million and headcount by 23% (426)
The absentee rate for staff located at each office of from 1,860 to 1,434. The FSA has also undergone a
the FSA over the last three financial years was as significant internal restructuring to improve effectiveness
follows: and delivered savings of £5 million.
Northern The MHS was dissolved and merged with the FSA to
London Scotland Wales Ireland create a more effective and efficient FSA Operations
Group in April 2010. This is expected to save more than
2009-10 4.9 5.5 7.2 7.3 £2 million per year ongoing.
2008-09 6.9 8.2 7.1 8.6
2007-08 5.0 11.7 2.4 5.9 Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for
Notes: Health how many food incidents were dealt with by the
1. The response provided is in relation to the FSA. The table does not
include staff numbers for the Meat Hygiene Service, an Executive Food Standards Agency in each of the last five years.
agency of the FSA. [10393]
2. The information provided is based on Cabinet Office reporting
requirements, and reflects the data provided by the agency for the last Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for
three financial years. ’Absentee rate’ is calculated on the basis of
average working days lost (AWDL) per employee, as per Cabinet
Health how many food incidents were dealt with by the
Office reporting requirements. Data prior to 2007-08 were calculated Food Standards Agency in each of the last five years.
on a calendar days’ lost basis, and the equivalent AWDL rates could [10411]
not be produced within the timeframe for response.
Anne Milton: The number of food incidents dealt
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health with by the Food Standards Agency in each of the last
how many staff in his Department working on five years is as follows:
nutrition have experience of working in the food
industry on nutritional matters. [10208] Number of incidents

Anne Milton: The information requested is not held.
Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health (1) how many meetings with Food Standards
Agency officials he has had since his appointment;
[10237]
(2) what meetings he has had with Board members of
the Food Standards Agency since his appointment.
[10238]
Anne Milton: I met with the following members of
the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on Monday 19 July:
Lord Rooker (chairman);
Tim Smith (chief executive);
Margaret Gilmour (FSA executive board member); and
Chrissie Tsampazi (private secretary).
A visit to the FSA to meet staff has also been
arranged.
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health what efficiency savings were made by the Food
Standards Agency in each of the last three years.
[10392]
Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health what efficiency savings have been made by the
Food Standards Agency in the last three years for
which figures are available. [10410]
Anne Milton: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has
made significant steps towards improving value for
2005 966
2006 1,343
2007 1,312
2008 1,398
2009 1,208
Further details of incidents dealt with by the agency
over the last five years can be obtained from the “Annual
Report of Incidents”, which is available from the agency’s
website at:
www.food.gov.uk/foodindustry/incidents/monitorprevent/
reportsreviews/
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health what assistance the Food Standards Agency
provides to local authority food safety enforcement
work. [10394]
Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health what support the Food Standards Agency gives
to local authority food safety enforcement work.
[10412]
Anne Milton: The Food Standards Agency (FSA)
provides grant funding to local authorities (LAs) to
assist targeted food safety enforcement work. This includes
the imported food and feed sampling programmes; the
“fighting fund” to assist LAs in their work tackling
significant food fraud; funding for LAs for preparatory
work necessary for the successful local launch of the
national “Food Hygiene Rating Scheme” (FHRS); and
funding for Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB) to
support small caterers and retailers to comply with the
requirement for a food safety management system.
831W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
The FSA assists LAs through delivery of training to
enforcement officers to update their knowledge and
skills and to facilitate consistent enforcement. This includes
training courses for the implementation of SFBB; for
LAs adopting the FHRS; for enforcement officers dealing
with food fraud investigations; for imported food law
enforcement; auditing of food safety management systems
in food premises; and food and feed standards enforcement.
The FSA also provides assistance to LAs in the form
of guidance and advice on food law enforcement and a
number of online resources. Additional assistance is
available to LAs from the Food Fraud Advisory Unit
that provides an advisory resource for LAs carrying out
investigations into food fraud.
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health (1) what the location is of each Food Standards
Agency office in the UK; and how many staff work at
each office; [10396]
(2) what proportion of the staff of the Food
Standards Agency take part in front-line food safety
operations. [10397]
Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health (1) at what locations staff of the Food
Standards Agency are employed; [10413]
(2) how many and what proportion of staff of the
Food Standards Agency are involved in front line food
safety operations. [10414]
Anne Milton: For the financial year 2009-10, the
Food Standards Agency (FSA) employed 1,741 staff,
including staff working for the Meat Hygiene Service
(MHS), an executive agency of the FSA, which was
integrated into the FSA in April 2010. 814 of the staff
worked in front-line food safety operations, this equating
to 46.8% of the total staff employed by the FSA. The
front-line staff predominantly carry out food safety
inspections and enforcement in approved meat premises.
The average number of staff located at each FSA
office, including those based at the time MHS office in
York, was as follows:
2009-10
FSA office Average number of staff
London
Aberdeen
Cardiff
Belfast
York
John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health what assessment he has made of the use of
scientific evidence by the Food Standards Agency in
formulating policy on (a) food safety and (b)
nutrition. [10969]
Anne Milton: The Department has not assessed the
use of science by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in
developing policy but recognise that science is at the
core of the agency’s business. The Government’s Chief
Scientific Adviser has assessed the use of science by the
FSA, and in a review published in April 2009, considered
the agency’s use of science to be good and that it has
come to decisions which are largely supported by the
scientific community. The review also felt that further
improvements could be made.
Written Answers 832W
John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health if he will adopt for his Department the practice
of the Food Standards Agency to make all policy
decisions in meetings open to the public. [10970]
Anne Milton: The Department does not have the
same status as the Food Standards Agency (FSA). We
do not hold board meetings in the way that the FSA
does as a non-ministerial government department.
John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health what the policy of the Food Standards Agency
is on the voluntary approach to improving the
nutritional benefit of processed foods. [10972]
Anne Milton: The Food Standards Agency (FSA)
promotes the importance of eating a healthy balanced
diet. Processed foods can form part of a healthy balanced
diet and it is the overall balance of the diet which is
more important than the nutrient content of individual
foods. A varied diet containing relatively low levels of
salt and saturated fat, which includes plenty of fruit and
vegetables and starchy foods, should provide all the
nutrients that a healthy individual requires.
The FSA has been working with the food industry to
voluntarily encourage reformulation of products to reduce
the levels of salt, saturated fat, sugar and portion size
providing consumers with a wide range of healthier
options.
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health which functions of the Food Standards Agency
he plans to transfer to (a) the Department of Health,
(b) the Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs and (c) another Government Department or
agency. [11608]
Anne Milton: I refer the right hon. Member to the
written ministerial statement made by my right hon.
Friend the Prime Minister on 20 July 2010, Official
Report, column 12WS.
Food: Advertising
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for
625
Health what recent representations his Department has
75
received on the marketing, advertising and promotion
of food and drink high in fat, salt or sugar in
35
non-broadcast media. [10350]
38
154 Anne Milton: None.
Food: Labelling
Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2010, Official
Report, column 704W, on food labelling, what steps he
plans to take to encourage industry to voluntarily
declare the trans fat content of food products. [10336]
Anne Milton: Voluntary action by the food industry
to reformulate food products and remove hydrogenated
vegetable oils and fats from foods is reducing average
dietary intake of trans fatty acids. The Government will
support provisions in the proposed food labelling legislation
currently under negotiation in Europe which would
allow industry to voluntarily label their products to
reflect their efforts in reducing trans fat content.
833W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
General Practitioners
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
pursuant to the oral statement of 12 July 2010, Official
Report, columns 661-63, on the NHS White Paper,
what conditions there will be on borrowing by GP
consortia. [10163]
Mr Simon Burns: The White Paper, “Equity and
Excellence: Liberating the NHS” published on 12 July
2010, has set out our proposals for transforming the
quality of commissioning by devolving decision-making
to local consortia of general practitioner (GP) practices.
“Liberating the NHS: Commissioning for patients”
published on 22 July sets out further information on the
intended arrangements for GP commissioning, providing
the basis for fuller engagement with primary care
professionals and the public. The details of the financial
regime will be worked up as part of the consultation
process.
Dr Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
what proportion of doctors working in GP practices in
England are partners in the practice where they work.
[10450]
Mr Simon Burns: As at 30 September 2009, there
were 35,719 general practitioners (GPs) (excluding GP
registrars and retainers) in England. Of these, 28,607
(79.6%) were partners in the practice they worked in.
Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
who will have responsibility for ensuring the (a)
comprehensive provision and (b) consistency of
standards of mental health services under his proposals
to transfer responsibility for NHS commissioning to
GPs. [10910]
Mr Burstow: The White Paper, “Equity and Excellence:
Liberating the NHS”, published on 12 July, sets out our
intention to devolve power and responsibility for
commissioning services to local consortia of general
practitioner (GP) practices. To support GP consortia in
their commissioning decisions, we will also create an
independent NHS Commissioning Board.
“Liberating the NHS: Commissioning for patients”
published on 22 July provides further information on
the intended arrangements for GP commissioning and
the role of the NHS Commissioning Board. GP consortia
will be responsible for commissioning the majority of
NHS services, including mental health, for patients.
However, with the local authority also taking a convening
role, leading the joint strategic needs assessment and
promoting joined up commissioning, this will provide
the opportunity for local areas to further integrate
mental health services.
The NHS Commissioning Board will provide a
framework to support GP consortia in commissioning
services, including setting commissioning guidelines on
the basis of clinically approved quality standards developed
with advice from NICE. The board will also be responsible
for holding consortia to account for the outcomes they
achieve as commissioners.
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
whether he has estimated the number of GPs presently
Written Answers 834W
engaged in direct care of patients who will be required
to work full-time on the delivery of his proposed new
consortia for commissioning; and if he will make a
statement. [10964]
Mr Simon Burns: The White Paper “Equity and
Excellence: Liberating the NHS” sets out our proposals
to devolve power and responsibility for commissioning
services to local consortia of general practitioner (GP)
practices.
“Liberating the NHS: Commissioning for patients”
published on 22 July, provides further details on the
intended arrangements for GP commissioning, providing
the basis for fuller consultation and engagement with
primary care professionals, patients and the public.
Under the proposed model not all GPs have to be
actively involved in every aspect of commissioning.
Their predominant focus will continue to be on providing
high quality primary care to their patients. It is likely to
be a smaller group of primary care practitioners who
will lead the consortium and play an active role in the
clinical design of local services.
GP consortia will have the freedom to decide what
commissioning activities they undertake for themselves
and for what activities (such as demographic analysis,
contract negotiation, performance monitoring and aspects
of financial management) they may choose to buy in
support from external organisations, including local
authorities, private and voluntary sector bodies.
Health Services: Standards
Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health pursuant to the answer of 15 June 2010, Official
Report, column 408W, on NHS standards, for what
reason there are no plans to publish the world class
commissioning datasets nationally. [10006]
Mr Simon Burns: The data used in the world class
commissioning assurance process was drawn from existing
sources. There are no plans to bring these sources
together for national publication.
The White Paper, “Equity and Excellence: Liberating
the NHS” published on 12 July 2010, has also set out
our proposals for transforming the quality of
commissioning by devolving decision-making to local
consortia of general practitioner practices.
Health Services: Wales
Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health what the implications are for Wales of the
proposals relating to non-devolved healthcare matters
contained in the NHS White Paper. [10764]
Mr Simon Burns: The NHS White Paper “Equity and
excellence: Liberating the NHS” applies only to the
national health service in England.
Devolved Administrations and the Wales Office/Scotland
Office/Northern Ireland Office are being consulted where
the policies in the Bill have incidental or consequential
implications for the devolved areas (for example, changes
to Arms Length Bodies with remits which extend beyond
England).
835W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 836W

Hearing Impairment (2) how many hospitalisations involving knife

Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
if he will take steps to increase public awareness of
hearing damage arising from listening to (a) music at
live events and (b) personal audio and other media
devices. [10957]
Mr Burstow: The Department, advised by the Health
Protection Agency, keeps under review the risks to
health which may be attributed to various kinds of
noise. We have no plans at present for an information
campaign on the risks to the hearing posed by the use of
personal music players but I will ask officials to talk to
the Royal National Institute for Deaf People and to the
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to explore
options.
Hospitals: Admissions
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
(1) how many hospitalisations involving gun wounds
there were in (a) the London borough of Lambeth,
(b) London and (c) England in (i) each year from
2005 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 so far; [10719]
wounds there were in (a) the London borough of
Lambeth, (b) London and (c) England in (i) each year
from 2005 to 2009 and (ii) 2010 so far; [10720]
(3) how many hospitalisations of individuals living
in Streatham constituency involving knife wounds (a)
there were in each year from 2005 to 2009 and (b)
there have been in 2010; [10721]
(4) how many hospitalisations of individuals living
in Streatham constituency involving gun wounds (a)
there were in each year from 2005 to 2009 and (b)
there have been in 2010. [10722]
Anne Milton: The number of finished admission episodes
where the external cause codes were knife wound and
gunshot wound have been provided. This information
has been broken down by England, London SHA and
Lambeth primary care trust of residence, 2005-06 to
2008- 09 and 2009-10 April to February provisional
data. We have provided you with data for assaults as
well as other hospitalisations by knife and gun wound
(see clinical codes footnote for clarification of ICD-10
external cause codes used).
We are unable to provide data on hospitalisation in
the London borough of Lambeth or for individuals
living in Streatham constituency area as we do not hold
information at these geographic levels.

Number of finished admission episodes1 where the external cause code was knife wound or gunshot wound2, in England, London SHA and Lambeth
PCT of residence3, 2005-06 to 2008-09 and 2009-10 April to February provisional data4, activity in English NHS hospitals and English NHS
commissioned activity in the independent sector

England

Knife wound (assault) Gun wound (assault) Knife wound (other) Gun wound (other)

2009-10 (April to February)4 4,303 199 11,884 826

2008-09 4,914 199 12,381 921

2007-08 5,239 222 11,899 959

2006-07 5,720 229 11,513 1,086

2005-06 5,496 225 11,052 1,008

London SHA5

Knife wound (assault) Gun wound (assault) Knife wound (other) Gun wound (other)

2009-10 (April to February)4 1,099 77 1,467 144

2008-09 1,050 54 1,381 137

2007-08 1,267 64 1,447 146

2006-07 1,395 52 1,417 157

2005-06 1,381 76 1,380 178

Lambeth PCT5
Knife wound (assault) Gun wound (assault) Knife wound (other) Gun wound (other)

2009-10 (April to February)4 70 8 56 18

2008-09 58 6 31 9
2007-08 86 * 49 13
2006-07 85 7 60 15
837W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 838W

Lambeth PCT5
Knife wound (assault) Gun wound (assault) Knife wound (other) Gun wound (other)

2005-06 67 11 52 12
1
Finished admission episodes
A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FAEs are
counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have
more than one admission within the year.
2
Cause code
A supplementary code that indicates the nature of any external cause of injury, poisoning or other adverse effects. Only the first external cause
code which is coded within the episode is counted in HES. Codes in italics are those used to define assault.
Knife wound:
W26 Contact with knife, sword or dagger
X78 Intentional self-harm by sharp object
X99 Assault by sharp object
Y28 Contact with sharp object, undetermined intent
The above four codes identifies ‘any’ sharp object, and therefore includes (but is not limited to) knife.
Gunshot wounds:
W32 Handgun discharge
W33 Rifle, shotgun and larger firearm discharge
W34 Discharge from other and unspecified firearms
X72 Intentional self-harm by handgun discharge
X73 Intentional self-harm by rifle, shotgun and larger firearm discharge
X74 Intentional self-harm by other and unspecified firearm discharge
X93 Assault by handgun discharge
X94 Assault by rifle, shotgun and larger firearm discharge
X95 Assault by other and unspecified firearm discharge
Y22 Handgun discharge, undetermined intent
Y23 Rifle, shotgun and larger firearm discharge, undetermined intent
Y24 Other and unspecified firearm discharge, undetermined intent
Y35.0 Legal intervention involving firearm discharge
3
SHA/PCT of residence
The strategic health authority (SHA) or primary care trust (PCT) containing the patient’s normal home address. This does not necessarily
reflect where the patient was treated as they may have travelled to another SHA/PCT for treatment.
4
Provisional data
The data is provisional and may be incomplete or contain errors for which no adjustments have yet been made. Counts produced from
provisional data are likely to be lower than those generated for the same period in the final dataset. It is also probable that clinical data are not
complete, which may in particular affect the last two months of any given period. There may also be errors due to coding inconsistencies that
have not yet been investigated and corrected.
5
NHS Re-organisation
In July 2006, the NHS reorganised strategic health authorities (SHA) and primary care trusts (PCT) in England from 28 SHAs into 10, and
from 303 PCTs into 152. As a result, data from 2006-07 onwards is not directly comparable with previous years. We mapped the current
London SHA to the following SHAs prior to 2006-07: North Central London, North East London, North West London, South East London
and South West London. Lambeth PCT remained the same during the PCT changes.
Data quality
Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts (PCTs) in England and
from some independent sector organisations for activity commissioned by the English NHS. The NHS Information Centre for health and
social care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies.
While this brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings remain.
Small numbers
To protect patient confidentiality, figures between 1 and 5 have been replaced with “*” (an asterisk). Where it was still possible to identify
numbers from the total, an additional number (the next smallest) has been replaced.
Activity included
Activity in English NHS hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector
Source:
Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), the NHS Information Centre for health and social care.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for IVF

Health what estimate he has made of the proportion of
staff time at accident and emergency departments in
each strategic health authority area spent on treating
victims of domestic violence; and what estimate he has
made of the cost to the NHS of such activity in each of
the last 10 years. [11782]
Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not collect
this information centrally; with no estimate being made
on the proportion of staff time spent or the cost of
accident and emergency departments treating victims of
domestic violence.
The way in which the national health service manages
the treatment of its patients, including victims of domestic
violence, is a local operational matter. What is important
is that high quality urgent and emergency care services
are provided that are both clinically appropriate and
responsive to the needs of the patient.
Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health (1) what plans he has for the future level of
provision of IVF treatment by the NHS under his
proposals for changes to the structure of the NHS;
[10355]
(2) what plans he has for the determination of
criteria for the provision of IVF treatment by the NHS
under his proposals for changes to the structure of the
NHS; [10356]
(3) how many patients have received NHS funding
for IVF and IUI treatment in the Dartford, Gravesham
and Swanley area in each of the last five years; and
how many of those patients received funding for more
than one course of treatment. [10357]
839W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Anne Milton: It is for local commissioners, currently
primary care trusts, to determine how best to meet the
health needs of their local population. In respect of in
vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other fertility treatments
and services, there are no plans to move away from local
determination in the future.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
(NICE) provides guidelines for the national health service
on treatments that should be funded. The NICE fertility
guidelines recommend that women aged between 23
and 39, if they fulfil the criteria, should be offered three
cycles of IVF treatment funded by the NHS. NICE has
just commenced a review of these guidelines and it is
intended that the review will be completed in October
2012.
In June 2009, the Department published a commissioning
aid to help the NHS to assess need locally for fertility
treatment, learn about infertility treatment techniques
and monitor uptake of services. The Department also
supported the patient interest group, Infertility Network
UK, to develop standardised access criteria as a guide
for those commissioning NHS fertility services.
Information is not collected centrally on the number
of patients who have received NHS funded fertility
treatments in the Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley
areas.
Kidney Patients
Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health (1) how many kidney disease patients are
receiving home dialysis in (a) England and (b) South
Swindon; [10769]
(2) what estimate he has made of the cost of (a)
home and (b) hospital dialysis for kidney disease
patients in the latest period for which figures are
available. [11013]
Mr Simon Burns: The average annual cost of hospital
haemodialysis, calculated from reference costs published
in July 2009, is £28,860, peritoneal dialysis £20,805 and
home haemodialysis £17,264. This assumes that people
on home haemodialysis receive four sessions of dialysis
per week compared with thrice weekly dialysis in hospital.
Information about the number of kidney disease
patients who are receiving home dialysis is not available
in the format requested. Data collected by the UK
Renal Registry show that in December 2008 there were
3,564 people in England on peritoneal dialysis at home
and 441 people in England on home haemodialysis. In
the Swindon primary care trust area there were 19
people on peritoneal dialysis and one person on home
haemodialysis.
Maternity Services: Standards
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State
for Health what steps his Department is taking to
improve standards of post-natal care. [10761]
Anne Milton: The Department has supported four
Royal Colleges (the Royal College of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists, Royal College of Midwives, Royal College
of Paediatrics and Child Health and Royal College of
Anaesthetists) to develop a single integrated set of
clinical standards covering the care pathway from pre-
pregnancy to parenthood (June 2008). This gives the
commissioners specific standards to use to negotiate
Written Answers 840W
service provision and helps to ensure the development
of high quality maternity care, including postnatal care.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
has published clinical guidelines on postnatal care which
sets out the core care that women and babies should be
offered during the first six to eight weeks after the birth.
Every mother and baby will have an individual plan of
care which may include additional care to that in the
core guidance.
The Government aim to offer a better experience for
women and their partners, with more scope to them to
exercise choice across wider range of settings and services
and with wider options through the crucial ante and
post-natal periods. The Government are working to
provide a real choice in maternity services, enabling
women-centred care, and an experience that is as normal
as possible and provides parents with confidence about
the transition to parenthood.
White Paper ‘Equity and excellence: Liberating the
NHS’ sets out Government’s strategy for the national
health service—with intention to create an NHS which
is much more responsive to patients, achieves better
outcomes with increased autonomy and clear accountability
at every level. With regard to maternity Government
will extend maternity choice (although recognising that
not all choices will be appropriate or safe for all women)
and help make safe, informed choices throughout pregnancy
and childbirth by developing new provider networks.
We recognise the important role that health visitors
can play in the early years and announced in the coalition
agreement that we will fund an extra 4,200 Sure Start
health visitors. Health visitors provide the link between
Sure Start children’s centres and the NHS. They will
need to work across general practice and children’s
centres, working closely with maternity services and
other agencies concerned with children and families.
Medical Records: Databases
Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health pursuant to the answer of 12 July 2010, Official
Report, column 481W, on NHS: databases, if he will
collect data on the number of occasions on which
information relating to a patient has been requested by
a doctor other than the doctor with whom the patient
is registered as part of the summary care records
scheme. [10758]
Mr Simon Burns: We have no current plans to do so.
Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health what evidence he took into account in his
assessment of the need for a centralised summary care
records database. [10796]
Mr Simon Burns: We believe there is a need for both
patients and clinicians to be able to access patient
records in an electronic form. This is part of our thinking
about making information transparent and available,
while involving patients in decisions about their health
care. The experience in Scotland, which has had an
electronic summary similar to the summary care record
(SCR) operating for a number of years, shows the
continuing benefits it provides to patients receiving
emergency and out-of-hours care.
841W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
However, effective use of the SCR depends on patients
and doctors feeling an ownership of the records. We
believe the current processes that are in place need to be
reviewed to ensure that both the information that patients
receive, and the process by which they opt-out, are as
clear and simple as possible. In addition, should patients
choose to opt-out they must be able to do so as early in
the process as is feasible. Foremost in our minds is the
need to ensure the security of the data contained in the
record.
We intend to review the content of the record and
consider whether we can improve the process whereby
patients can opt-out. Strategic health authorities have
been informed that no further information letters should
be sent out to patients about the SCR until after the
review has concluded.
Mental Health Services
Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health whether his proposals to increase provision for
psychological therapies will include therapies for
people affected by severe mental illness; and if he will
make a statement. [10751]
Mr Burstow: The Government set out in “The Coalition:
our programme for government” a commitment to ensure
greater access to talking therapies to reduce long-term
costs for the national health service. This is a clear
public health priority for us and we are currently working
to identify how best to take it forward.
Revised National Institute for Health and Clinical
Excellence (NICE) guidance on schizophrenia was
published in March 2009. This outlines the best way to
treat and manage adults with schizophrenia in primary
and secondary care. The guidance recommends that
treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy should
be offered to all people with schizophrenia.
Psychological therapies can be a key element of the
treatment of people with severe and enduring mental
health conditions, particularly when these conditions
are experienced alongside depression and anxiety disorders.
In these cases, the delivery of cognitive behavioural
therapy and other NICE-compliant therapies is the
recommended treatment.
Services for these clients are largely provided by
psychology departments in specialist mental health trusts.
The implementation of Improving access to Psychological
Therapies services for people in community settings
with mild to moderate conditions can reduce the number
of referrals to specialist mental health trusts and enable
them to focus on providing services to those with severe
and enduring mental illness.
General practitioners or consultant psychiatrists can
prescribe any medicine or treatment which they consider
to be necessary for treating NHS patients, including
NICE-approved treatments, provided that the local primary
care trust or NHS trust agree to supply it on the NHS.
Clinicians are responsible for deciding on the most
appropriate form of treatment for their patients, and in
doing so they are expected to take NICE guidance fully
into account. The Department does not become involved
in making clinical decisions.
Written Answers 842W
Muscular Dystrophy
Diana R. Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health (1) if he will assess the effects of implementing
the recommendations set out in International
Standards of Care for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
on NHS patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy;
[10360]
(2) what steps his Department takes to ensure the
provision of care to (a) children and (b) young men
with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; what recent assessment
he has made of the effectiveness of such provision; what
information his Department for bench-marking purposes
holds on the provision of such services in Denmark;
and if he will publish a national framework on standards
of care provision for those with Duchenne muscular
dystrophy. [10376]
Mr Burstow: It is the responsibility of health and care
professionals, working in conjunction with patients and
their families, to arrange the most appropriate health
and social care for those living with Duchenne muscular
dystrophy (DMD). The National Service Framework
for Long-term Conditions (the NSF) provides an overview
how this care should be provided. The 11 Quality
Requirements of the NSF are compatible with more
condition specific standards of care, such as the
international TREAT-NMD recommendations for DMD.
We have made no assessment of the effectiveness of the
provision of care for those with DMD.
We have no plans to publish a national strategy for
the care of DMD. The NSF’s Quality Requirements
apply equally to DMD as they do for any other
neuromuscular condition. The NSF covers all aspects
of care from assessment, through diagnosis, information/
education, treatment and support, to end of life decisions
and palliative care. We have no plans to assess the
effects of implementing the recommendations set out in
international standards of care for those living with DMD.
Diana R. Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health whether he plans to provide ring-fenced
funding for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy
to the MDEX consortium. [10375]
Mr Burstow: The usual practice of the Department’s
National Institute for Health Research and of the Medical
Research Council (MRC) is not to ring-fence funds for
expenditure on particular topics: research proposals in
all areas compete for the funding available. Both
organisations welcome applications for support into
any aspect of human health and these are subject to
peer review and judged in open competition, with awards
being made on the basis of the scientific quality of the
proposals submitted.
The researchers who lead the consortium have received
funding from the Department and the MRC. They are
aware of the public funding routes open to them and
how to apply for support for any proposals for further
research.
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State
for Health (1) whether interested parties will be included
in the process to produce interventional procedures
guidance by the National Institute for Health and Clinical
Excellence; [10176]
843W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
(2) what mechanism is in place for the National
Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to develop
guidance on interventional procedures. [10181]
Mr Simon Burns: The information requested can be
found in the National Institute for Health and Clinical
Excellence’s (NICE) interventional procedures methods
and process guides, which are available on the NICE
website at:
Methods guide:
www.nice.org.uk/media/70C/85/
IPMethodGuideforweb180607.pdf
Process guide:
www.nice.org.uk/media/1E0/17/
IPProgrammeProcessGuideJan09.pdf
Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State
for Health (1) on how many interventional procedures
the National Institute for Health and Clinical
Excellence have published guidance as a (a) novel and
(b) reviewed procedure; [10177]
(2) how many times guidance by the National
Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on
interventional procedures has been challenged by
resolution requests to date; [10178]
(3) what percentage of resolution requests from the
development of the National Institute for Health and
Clinical Excellence (NICE) interventional procedures
guidance have asked NICE for a complete reassessment
of the procedure; [10179]
(4) whether a mechanism is in place for the peer
review of overview documents produced by the
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
intellectual property programme teams; [10180]
(5) how much time on average members of the
Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee spent
on analysing the overview document prior to drafting
provisional recommendations in the latest period for
which figures are available. [10182]
Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is not
held by the Department. I have asked the chief executive
of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
to write to the hon. Member with this information.
Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State
for Health (1) by what mechanisms draft guidance
already published by the National Institute for Health
and Clinical Excellence Medical Technology Advisory
Committee will be amended to take into account the
consultation on process and methods guides for the
evaluation pathway due to end on 10 September 2010;
[10434]
(2) whether his Department had discussions with the
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
on the Medical Technology Advisory Committee’s
publication of draft guidance before the consultation
on process and methods guides for the evaluation
pathway has been completed. [10435]
Mr Simon Burns: The operation of the National
Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence’s (NICE)
Medical Technology Advisory Committee, its draft medical
technologies guidance and its consultation on its methods
and processes guides, are matters for NICE.
Written Answers 844W
The Department understands that the draft medical
technologies guidance currently out for public consultation
will be revised by NICE in light of comments received.
The final methods and processes guides will be finalised
following a separate consultation, which is also currently
taking place.
If any major inconsistencies were to emerge as a
result of these two consultation exercises, NICE has the
option to review the draft medical technologies guidance.
NICE’S board will be responsible for the final sign-off
of the methods and processes guides and is ultimately
responsible for signing off medical technologies guidance.
NHS Commissioning Board
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
what the selection process will be for the members of
the NHS Commissioning Board. [9871]
Mr Simon Burns: We intend to introduce legislation
to establish the NHS Commissioning Board later this
year. The Health Bill will set out further details about
the membership of the Board and the process for making
appointments.
NHS Foundation Trusts: Membership
Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health whether foundation trust board members may
be appointed on an unpaid basis; and if he will make a
statement. [10775]
Mr Simon Burns: Under schedule 7, paragraph 18 of
the National Health Service Act 2006 it is for each NHS
foundation trust (NHSFT) to determine the remuneration
for each of the members of its board of directors, both
executive and non-executive. Therefore it may be the
case that an NHSFT may agree to appoint an unpaid
director.
NHS: Essex
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
what the salary bill for (a) administrative staff and (b)
managers in each NHS trust in Essex was in each year
since 1997; and what proportion of the total salary bill
in each trust that figure represents. [10156]
Anne Milton: This information has been placed in the
Library. The Department holds accounts information
at organisation level for seven years, therefore 2002-03
is the earliest period for which figures are available.
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
what the debt of each NHS trust in Essex is. [10157]
Anne Milton: Information on the total amount owed
by national health service trusts in Essex in respect of
bank overdrafts, current and long-term loans, obligations
under finance leases and private finance initiative (PFI)
arrangements, is shown in the following table.
Debt as at 31 March 2008-09
NHS trust (£000)
Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS 8,040
Trust
845W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Debt as at 31 March 2008-09
NHS trust (£000)
Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS 8,208
Trust
Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS — consultation process.
Trust1
1
Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust became a foundation trust on 1
May 2008, consequently any debt held by the trust will be reported in
the accounts of the new foundation trust.
Note:
‘Debt’ can be interpreted in a number of ways in relation to the
finances of NHS trusts. We have interpreted ‘debt’ to mean the total
amount reported by each NHS trust in their balance sheet in respect
of bank overdrafts, loans, finance leases and PFI arrangements.
These are the items most readily identified with the term ‘debt’ in
accounting terminology.
Source:
NHS Trust audited summarisation schedules 2008-09.
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
what administrative and management costs each NHS
trust in Essex incurred in each year since 1997; and
what proportion of each trust’s total expenditure on
such costs this figure represents. [10161]
Anne Milton: The information requested has been
placed in the Library. The Department holds accounts
information at organisation level for seven years, therefore
2002-03 is the earliest period for which figures are
available.
NHS: Finance
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
what steps he is taking to achieve the proposed £20
billion efficiency savings in the NHS. [9870]
Mr Simon Burns: “Equity and Excellence: Liberating
the NHS” (Cm 7881) set out our commitment of releasing
up to £20 billion of efficiency savings by 2014, which
will be reinvested to support improvements in quality
and outcomes. The Department is working with national
health service organisations through the Quality, Innovation,
Productivity and Prevention initiative to identify how
efficiencies can be driven and services redesigned to
achieve the twin aims of improved quality and efficiency.
In order to divert more resources to the front-line,
NHS management costs will be reduced by more than
45%. The costs of bureaucracy will be further reduced
by radically reducing the NHS functions of the Department
and reducing the number of its arms length bodies by at
least one third.
Work has also started on implementing efficiency
improvements in front-line care, for example by improving
care for stroke patients, the ‘productive ward’ programme,
increased self-care and the use of new technologies for
people with long-term conditions.
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
pursuant to the oral statement of 12 July 2010, Official
Report, columns 661-63, on the NHS White Paper,
what plans he has for the debt held by (a) strategic
health authorities and (b) primary care trusts. [10160]
Mr Simon Burns: The White Paper, “Equity and
Excellence: Liberating the NHS” published on 12 July
2010, has set out the Government’s proposals for
transforming the quality of commissioning by devolving
Written Answers 846W
decision-making to local consortia of general practitioner
practices. “Liberating the NHS: Commissioning for
patients”published on 22 July, provides further information
on the intended arrangements; and the details of the
financial regime will be worked up in light of the
NHS: Public Sector
Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
what account he took in formulating his proposals to
change NHS commissioning of the likely effects on the
prospects for delivery of the Total Place programme of
the implementation of those proposals. [10909]
Mr Simon Burns: On 22 July the Government published
two documents: ‘Liberating the NHS: Commissioning
for Patients’, and ‘Liberating the NHS: Local Democratic
Legitimacy in Health’, setting out our proposals in
more detail. These will provide the basis for fuller
consultation and engagement with primary care
professionals, including general practitioners (GPs), patients
and the public. We will then bring forward legislation in
the forthcoming Health Bill.
We anticipate that local authorities will have a lead
role in determining the strategy and allocation of any
local application of Total Place concepts under the new
arrangements.
Working alongside other partners, in particular GPs,
local authorities will have a new role contributing to
effective joint action to promote the health and well-being
of local communities.
In addition to taking these steps to ensure that integrated
working is at the heart of a local service delivery, the
Government will work with the Local Government
Association to understand the potential benefits of
place-based budgets through the spending review period.
Nutrition: Pregnant Women
Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
(1) whether his Department has received advice from
the Government chief scientific adviser on the effect on
lifetime mental and physical health of maternal
nutrition in the last 12 months; [11155]
(2) whether his Department has received advice from
the Government chief scientific adviser on the effect on
lifetime mental and physical health of maternal
nutrition in the last 12 months. [11156]
Anne Milton: The Department has not received advice
from the Government chief scientific adviser on the
effect on lifetime mental and physical health of maternal
nutrition in the last 12 months.
Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
if he will discuss with the Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions the adequacy of out-of-work benefits in
providing for a healthy diet for women (a) before and
(b) during pregnancy. [11157]
Anne Milton: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of
State for Health regularly meets with his ministerial
colleagues to discuss a variety of issues.
The Department has an existing statutory scheme,
Healthy Start, that offers a means-tested nutritional
847W Written Answers
safety net to pregnant women and very young children
in very low income unemployed families in a way that
encourages breastfeeding and healthy eating. Healthy
Start provides vouchers that can be put towards the cost
of milk, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and infant formula
milk at any participating retailer. Babies supported by
the scheme get two £3.10 vouchers per week, and pregnant
women and other children under four get one £3.10
voucher a week.
Palliative Care
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for
Health what recent assessment his Department has
made of the quality of palliative care in England.
[10351]
Mr Burstow: The Department is due to publish the
second End of Life Care Strategy annual report from
Professor Sir Mike Richards, National Clinical Director
for End of Life Care. The report will acknowledge the
progress made to date since publication of the strategy
in 2008 as well as highlighting the challenges ahead to
help improve end of life care for all adults in England.
Pregnancy: Death
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
how many women aged (a) 14 to 16, (b) 17 to 21, (c)
22 to 24, (d) 25 to 30, (e) 31 to 35 and (f) 36 to 40
years old died from pregnancy-related diseases in each
year since 1980. [10550]
Anne Milton: This information is not available centrally
in the form requested. The following table sets out
registered deaths in the United Kingdom with the
underlying cause classified as maternal deaths.
Registered deaths with underlying cause given as a maternal death
(ICD9 630-676, ICD10 000-099)
Triennium
1985 to 1987
1988 to 1990
1991 to 1993
1994 to 1996
1997 to 1999
2000 to 2002
2003 to 2005
2006 to 2008
Note:
The figures were produced by the Centre for Maternal and Child
Enquiries (CMACE) in its triennial publication ‘Saving Mothers
Lives’ (previously known as ‘Why Mothers Die’). The conditions
included ICD9 630-679 and ICD10 000-099, codes which are
“complications of pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium”.
Source:
Office for National Statistics, General Register Office for Scotland,
Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
Prescriptions: Fees and Charges
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
whether the Government plan to make changes to the
criteria for eligibility for free prescriptions following
the report from Professor Gilmore; and if he will make
a statement. [11503]
Mr Simon Burns: Decisions on any future changes to
the system of prescription charges and exemptions in
26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 848W
England would need to be taken in the context of the
next spending review, which is due to report in the
autumn. In the meantime, there are no plans to make
any changes to the current list of conditions which are
exempt from prescription charges.
Primary Care Trusts
Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
who will have responsibility for (a) strategic planning
in the NHS and (b) reducing health inequalities under
his proposals to end primary care trusts. [10922]
Mr Simon Burns: The White Paper “Equity and
Excellence: Liberating the NHS” published on 12 July,
set out the Government’s plans for devolving power and
responsibility for commissioning national health service
services. The majority of NHS services will be commissioned
in future by local general practitioners’ (GP) consortia,
which will be held to account by an independent NHS
Commissioning Board.
Strategic planning will take place at a number of
levels. The White Paper states that the Secretary of
State will maintain responsibility for setting the legislative
and policy framework, including developing and publishing
national service strategies that will enable the roles of
NHS, public health and social care services to be better
co-ordinated. The NHS Commissioning Board will develop
commissioning guidelines which promote joint working
across health, public health and social care, to support
GP consortia in commissioning services locally.
Local authorities will lead the joint strategic needs
assessment locally, to ensure coherent and co-ordinated
commissioning strategies, working together with
commissioners of NHS services. Groups of GP consortia
will have the freedom to pool their resources to fund
services for their collective populations, and to commission
in partnership with local authorities to meet common
Number objectives.
174 The NHS Commissioning Board will have a duty to
171 promote equality and tackle inequalities in healthcare
150 access and outcomes. GP consortia will also have a duty
158
to promote equality. The new public health service will
128
also have an important role through the ring-fenced
public health budget, to include a new “health premium”
136
designed to promote action to improve population-wide
149
health and reduce health inequalities.
155
Self-harm
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
(1) if he will take steps to ensure that the websites of
(a) his Department and (b) NHS Direct include
accessible, accurate and user-friendly information for
(i) service users, (ii) carers, (iii) family members and (iv)
professionals on the (A) signs and symptoms of those
who exhibit evidence of self-harm and (B) signs of risk
of self-harm in the future; and if he will make a
statement; [10645]
(2) if he will take steps to ensure that the websites of
(a) his Department and (b) NHS Direct include
accessible, accurate and user-friendly information for
(i) service users, (ii) carers, (iii) family members and (iv)
professionals on the (A) signs and (B) prevention of
suicide; and if he will make a statement; [10646]
849W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Mr Burstow: All information available on:
www.dh.gov.uk
meets with the requirements for accessibility set by the
Central Office of Information. All public sector websites
must conform to these guidelines from the point of
publication. More information on this is available at:
http://coi.gov.uk/guidance.php?page=131
The advice that NHS Direct provides through its web
and telephone services complies with National Institute
for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines on suicide
and self-harm. NHS Direct involves patient groups,
service users, health care professionals and third sector
organisations such as the Princess Trust for Carers in
the development and regular review of its services.
Also, all front-line NHS Direct staff are also trained to
recognise the signs and symptoms of depression, self
harm and suicide.
NHS Choices:
www.nhs.uk
dedicates significant sections of the website to providing
citizens with information on both suicide and self-harm.
All information is presented with accessibility in mind
and is national health service accredited as evidence
based.
Streptococcus: Babies
Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
what steps he plans to take to prevent group B
streptococcal infections in newborn babies. [10322]
Anne Milton: The Royal College of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists (RCOG) has a Green-top guideline,
Prevention of Early onset Group B Streptococcal Disease,
which provides guidance for obstetricians midwives and
neonatologists on the prevention of early-onset neonatal
group S streptococcal (GBS) disease. RCOG also produced
parallel patient information, Preventing GBS infection
in newborn babies (information for you), for women
and their families who are expecting a baby or are
planning to get pregnant. Advice from that guidance
features on the NHS Choices website and in the Pregnancy
book, currently given out to all pregnant women in
England.
Suicide
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
(1) what estimate he has made of the number of people
who have presented at hospital accident and emergency
departments having attempted suicide and who have
been able to access clinically trained psychiatric staff at
the accident and emergency department; and if he will
make a statement; [10649]
(2) what mechanism is in place to ensure that the risk
assessment of those who present at hospital accident
and emergency departments as a result of attempted
suicide is (a) evidence-based and (b) clinically
approved; and if he will make a statement; [10650]
(3) what mechanism is in place to ensure that the risk
assessment of those who present at hospital accident
and emergency departments as a result of self-harm is
(a) evidence-based and (b) clinically approved; and if
he will make a statement. [10651]
Written Answers 850W
Mr Burstow: The National Health Service Information
Centre for health and social care’s current mandated
method of capturing treatments or investigations during
an accident and emergency (A&E) attendance is the use
of the code list stored in the Accident and Emergency
Attendance Commissioning Dataset. This is a list of
numbers associated to a particular treatment or
investigation. Diagnosis, investigation, and treatment
data in A&E is not sufficiently complete to perform
analysis yet.
Primary care trusts have a responsibility to ensure
that appropriate services are provided to their populations,
including mental health services. Providing appropriate
resources to meet local demand and ensuring that risk
assessments are made of those who present at A&E as a
result of self-harm or suicide attempts is therefore a
matter for the NHS to manage locally.
Clinical and non-clinical staff who have contact with
people who self-harm or attempt suicide in any setting
should be provided with appropriate training to equip
them to understand and care for people who have
self-harmed or attempted suicide.
The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence
guideline on self-harm covers:
the care people who harm themselves can expect to receive
from health care professionals in hospital and out of hospital;
the information they can expect to receive;
what they can expect from treatment; and
what kinds of services best help people who harm themselves.
These guidelines are issued to clinical staff.
Swine Flu
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health
(1) what assessment he has made of the
appropriateness of the decision to implement a mass
vaccination policy to protect against influenza
A(H1N1); [9828]
(2) what assessment he has made of the
proportionality of the measures taken by his
Department in response to the perceived level of risks
from influenza A(H1N1); [9829]
(3) what steps he plans to take to increase levels of
public understanding about the characteristics of
pandemics; [9830]
(4) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness
of his Department’s communications with the public
and the press on the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic.
[9831]
Anne Milton: I understand that the decision to implement
a mass vaccination strategy was taken in accordance
with the best available scientific advice provided by the
Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies and the
Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
The four nations commissioned an independent review
into the United Kingdom response to the 2009 influenza
pandemic, chaired by Dame Deidre Hine, which issued
its report on 1 July 2010. Dame Deirdre concluded that
the preparations for a pandemic were “soundly based in
terms of value for money” and the response to swine flu
was “proportionate and effective”. This publication can
be found at:
www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ukresilience/ccs/news/100701-flu-
pandemic-review.aspx
851W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Dame Deidre also reviewed the effectiveness of the
Government’s communications and concluded that there
was
“strong evidence that the government’s communication strategy
was successful in building public awareness of pandemic influenza”.
It did however recommend that we explore increasing
public awareness of the characteristics of a pandemic.
The Department and Cabinet Office are currently
reviewing the National Framework for responding to
an influenza pandemic (2007), and the Government will
take these recommendations into consideration in planning
for the future to ensure that we remain one of the best
prepared countries in the world for any future pandemic.
BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS
Advanced Manufacturing Park
Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Business,
Innovation and Skills who will have responsibility for
the funding of the Advanced Manufacturing Park after
the abolition of Yorkshire Forward. [10911]
Mr Prisk: The future of Yorkshire Forward’s stake in
the Advanced Manufacturing Park will be considered
alongside other RDA commitments and assets as part
of a transition plan leading up to the RDA’s abolition.
The forthcoming spending review will inform future
funding allocations.
Agriculture: Research
Mr Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what research projects
on (a) soil science, (b) traditional plant breeding, (c)
crop agronomy, (d) plant physiology, (e) plant
pathology, (f) environmental microbiology, (g) weed
science, (h) entomology, (i) crop irrigation, (j)
nitrogen fixation, (k) soil phosphorous, (l) soil
erosion, (m) pollinating insects and (n) integrated pest
management have been funded by (i) each research
council and (ii) the Science and Technology Facilities
Council since 1997; what the (A) research topic, (B)
start date, (C) cost and (D) project code was of each
such project; which the lead institution was in each
case; and what such projects have been completed to
date. [8038]
Mr Willetts: The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences
Research Council (BBSRC) has undertaken research
into areas (a) to (n), but the cost of collating all of the
information in the form requested would be
disproportionate.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
has funded two projects on integrated pest management.
Copies of the details have been placed in the Library.
The Medical Research Council (MRC) funded a project
on soil science. We will place details of the project
funded by the MRC in the Libraries of the House.
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
has funded 13 projects, copies of the details have been
placed in the Library. In addition NERC allocated £6
million to the Global Nitrogen Enrichment programme
(GANE), funded jointly with SEERAD and the
Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs
(DEFRA), which may have included research in this
area.
Written Answers 852W
NERC has also provided funding for soil erosion via
its research centre the British Geological Survey (BGS),
copies of the details have been placed in the Library.
In addition NERC has supported insect pollination
via the Insect Pollinators Initiative, which is supported
by BBSRC, DEFRA, the Scottish Government and the
Wellcome Trust with a total budget of up to £10 million
(this includes BBSRC £2.55 million, NERC £1.55 million,
Scottish Government £0.55 million, Wellcome Trust
£2.5 million and DEFRA £2.55 million).
http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/opportunities/2009/insect-
pollinators-initiative.aspx
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC),
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
(EPSRC) and Science and Technology Facilities Council
(STFC) did not fund any projects of the type listed.
Apprentices: Employment
Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he made
of the proportion of former apprentices who found
employment within a year of completing an
apprenticeship in the latest period for which figures are
available. [11227]
Mr Hayes: An apprenticeship is a work-based programme
and an apprentice must have a job or a work placement
as a condition of completing their apprenticeship
framework. Many will already be in permanent employment
prior to the end of their apprenticeship. Management
information on the subsequent employment of apprentices
is not available.
We collect information about the destinations of learners
in to learning and employment through the Framework
for Excellence (FfE), which will provide prospective
learners and employers with performance information
to help inform the choices they make about learning
and training. We intend to include learner destination
information at provider level when we publish FfE data
as official statistics later this year.
Apprentices: Per Capita Costs
Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what the average cost
to the public purse was of an apprenticeship place in
the latest period for which figures are available. [11225]
Mr Hayes: The Department for Business, Innovation
and Skills and the Department for Education allocate
funding to the Skills Funding Agency for the provision
of apprenticeships in England. Spending on 16-18 and
adult apprenticeships for 2008-09 financial years is given
in the following table.
Apprenticeship expenditure 2008-09—England
£ million
16-18 apprenticeships 630
19+ apprenticeships 347
Total 977
Source:
LSC Annual Report and Accounts for 2008-09.
It is not possible to provide a meaningful average cost
to the public purse of an apprenticeship. The public
cost of delivering an apprenticeship varies significantly
853W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
depending on the industry in which the apprenticeship
framework is being delivered; length of stay on the
programme; whether the framework is at Level 2 or 3;
and whether the participant is in the 16-18, 19-25 or
25+ age group.
For example the SFA estimate that it costs £2,749 to
deliver a Level 2 adult apprenticeship framework in
Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools and £4,083
to deliver the Level 3 equivalent framework. Between
industries the difference in estimated costs can be more
marked. SFA estimate that the cost of delivering a Level
3 adult apprenticeship in clock and watch repair is
£13,409 but the cost of an adult apprenticeship at the
same level in business and administration is £3,327.
Business: Government Assistance
Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses in
Bedford constituency have received loans from the
Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme in the last 12
months. [11427]
Mr Prisk: The Enterprise Finance Guarantee came
into operation in January 2009. As of 21 July 2010, in
the Bedford constituency 16 businesses have drawn
down loans totalling £1.22 million.
Business: Regulation
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills if he will introduce a
one in, two out policy to reduce the number of
regulations on business. [8360]
Mr Prisk: The Government are introducing a One-in,
One-out rule to cap the cost of regulation to business.
I am satisfied that the One-in, One-out rule as it
currently stands will start to bring about the radical
change required to the culture of regulation in Whitehall.
While regulation is necessary to protect consumers,
employees and the environment, Government should
ensure that all regulation is proportionate and targeted.
Cairn Energy
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has
had with the government of Greenland on the plans of
Cairn Energy or its subsidiary Capricorn Oil Limited
to drill for oil off the coast of Greenland. [11903]
Mr Prisk: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of
State has had no discussions with the Government of
Greenland on this matter.
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions his
Department has had with the chief executive of (a)
Cairn Energy and (b) other representatives of Cairn
Energy or its subsidiary Capricorn Ltd on its plans to
drill for oil off the coast of Greenland since July 2009;
and if he will publish the minutes of those meetings.
[11914]
Mr Prisk: The body within the Department for Business,
Innovation and Skills that deals with the UK oil and
Written Answers 854W
gas industry and its international interests is the energy
team of UK Trade and Investment, which has had no
discussions with Cairn Energy or Capricorn Ltd on this
matter in the period since July 2009.
Copyright: Music
Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to
bring forward proposals to extend the period for which
musicians may receive royalties for their recordings.
[9890]
Mr Davey: Policy responsibility for Intellectual Property
rests with the Department for Business Innovation and
Skills. The lengths of copyright term (which determines
the period over which musicians receive royalties), are
harmonised across the EU, and the Government has no
plans to put forward its own proposals.
Corus: Resignations
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer
of 8 July 2010, Official Report, columns 522-3, what
communications (a) he and (b) his Department has
had with (i) Tata Steel Europe and (ii) Corus Europe
consequent on the resignation of Kirby Adams as
Chief Executive of Corus. [9453]
Mr Prisk: There has been no specific contact with
Corus and Tata Steel Europe regarding the announcement
that Kirby Adams will be stepping down from his role
as chief executive. The Department has a constructive
working relationship with Corus and Tata Steel Europe
which I am sure will continue under Mr Adams’ successor,
Dr Karl-Ulrich Kohler when he takes up post on 1
October 2010.
Credit: Regulation
Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills if he will commission
research into the effects of imposing a cap on the rate
of interest chargeable by lenders in the pawnbroking,
payday loans and home credit markets. [10725]
Mr Davey: The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has
recently completed a review of high cost credit products,
including pawnbroking, payday loans and home collected
credit. As part of this review, the OFT considered the
possible introduction of price controls for high-cost
credit. The review concluded that price controls would
not be a suitable solution to the concerns that the OFT
identified in the sector.
I recently announced a joint BIS and HM Treasury
review of consumer credit and personal insolvency and
this Department will be issuing a formal call for evidence
following the summer recess. Among other things, the
call for evidence will give industry and consumer groups
the opportunity to provide evidence on how they think
the findings and recommendations of the OFT review
should be taken forward, including their findings on
interest rate caps.
855W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 856W

Departmental Billing
Financial year £ million

Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what information his
Department holds on the time taken by contractors
employed by it to pay the invoices of their sub-
contractors under prompt payment arrangements; and
if he will make a statement. [9245]
Mr Davey: The Department does not hold any central
information on the time taken by contractors (tier one
suppliers) to pay their sub-contractors (tier two suppliers).
However, we are working closely with tier one suppliers
to ensure that tier two suppliers receive payment promptly
by:
reviewing payment performance as part of the standard contract
management process;
ensuring tier one suppliers include in the relevant contract a
provision which requires the tier one supplier to pay the tier
two supplier within 30 days; and
enabling tier two suppliers to report any concerns they feel
have not been adequately addressed direct to the Department
or via the Office of Government Commerce’s supplier feedback
process.
BIS remains committed to pay its own invoices within
five working days and continues to work closely with its
suppliers to ensure that the benefits are felt by all in the
supply chain.
Departmental Consultants
2009/10 38.9
Notes:
1. No information is available for the year 1997/98.
2. Before the award of the PFI contract in 1999, central records of IT
expenditure included only central corporate infrastructure.
3. There was a change in the Department’s accounting system during
2003/04.
4. The information from 2004/05 to 2009/10 has been taken from the
Department’s annual accounts and includes UKTI.
5. There were a number of machinery of government changes from
2005 which distort direct comparisons year on year.
I have approached the chief executives of the Insolvency
Service, Companies House, the National Measurement
Office, the Intellectual Property Office and the Skills
Funding Agency and they will respond to my hon.
Friend directly.
Information for the non-departmental public bodies
is not held centrally and could be provided only at
disproportionate cost.
Letter from Peter Mason, dated 12 July 2010:
I am responding in respect of the National Measurement
Office to your Parliamentary Question tabled on 6 July 2010, to
the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and
Skills asking about expenditure on information and communication
technology in each year since 1997.
Information on such expenditure prior to 2001 is not readily
available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
Since 2001, the National Measurement Office and its predecessor,
the National Weights and Measures Laboratory, spent the following
on information and communication technology:

Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Spend on ICT (£)

Business, Innovation and Skills what budget his 2001 95,415.65
Department has allocated for consultancy in 2010-11.
2002 109,519.53
[5930]
2003 85,959.87
2004 252,016.83
Mr Davey: The Department for Business, Innovation
2005 167,968.77
and Skills has allocated a budget of £7,359,000 for
2006 218,189.33
consultancy in 2010-11.
2007 224,804.39
2008 316,009.21
Departmental ICT 2009 262,490.74

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Letter from Geoff Russell, dated 13 July 2010:
Business, Innovation and Skills how much (a) his I am replying on behalf of the Skills Funding Agency to your
Department and its predecessors and (b) its agencies Parliamentary Question tabled on 6 July (UIN 7330), to the
and non-departmental public bodies spent on Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, concerning
information and communication technology in each spend on information and communication technology in the
year since 1997. [7330] Department and its agencies.
The Skills Funding Agency was set up as an agency of BIS on
1 April 2010. Since that date we have spent £4,718,000 on information
Mr Davey: The ICT expenditure for the Department and communication technology costs.
can be summarised as follows:
Letter from John Alty, dated 8 July 2010:
Financial year £ million I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office
to your Parliamentary Question tabled 06th July 2010, to the
1998/99 12.1 Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and
1999/2000 15.0 Skills.
2000/01 30.0 The Intellectual Property Office spent the following amounts
2001/02 32.0 on information and communication technology.
2002/03 41.0
2003/04 41.9 £000
2004/05 42.2
2009/10 2,061
2005/06 44.0
2008/09 3,113
2006/07 43.4
2007/08 2,778
2007/08 41.1
2006/07 2,389
2008/09 40.0
857W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 858W

£000 £

2005/06 2,417 2005/06 267,191

2004/05 1,849 2006/07 136,536
2003/04 3,155 2007/08 48,380
2002/03 2,040 2008/09 91,679
2001/02 1,928 2009/10 98,344
2000/01 3,115 April 2010 to June 2010 14,560
1999/2000 3,094
Figures for earlier years are not available in the timescales.
I have approached the chief executives of the Insolvency
Service, Companies House, the National Measurement
Letter from Stephen Speed, dated 14 July 2010: Office, the Intellectual Property Office and the Skills
The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation Funding Agency and they will respond to my hon.
and Skills has asked me to reply to your question how much (a) its Friend directly.
agencies and non-departmental public bodies has spent on information Information on the Department’s non-departmental
and communication technology in each year since 1997.
public bodies is not held centrally and to provide it
The Insolvency Service Executive Agency of the Department would incur disproportionate cost.
for Business, Innovation and Skills has no accounting records on
this expenditure for the years 1997 to 2003, as these records are Letter from John Alty, dated 23 July 2010:
kept for 7 years. I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office
The expenditure for the financial years 2003/04 to 2009/10 are to your Parliamentary Question tabled 06th July 2010, to the
shown in the table below: Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and
Skills.
Financial year ICT spend (£) While the IPO does provide refreshments at some meetings
there has been no formal hospitality spend in the period.
2003-04 6,860,581
Letter from Gareth Jones, dated 16 July 2010:
2004-05 12,033,183
2005-06 11,986,483 I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary
Question tabled 6 July 2010, UIN 7437 to the Secretary of State
2006-07 13,611,697
for Business, Innovation and Skills.
2007-08 20,683,042
Companies House’s financial records do not go back as far as
2008-09 28,072,769
1997. In each year for which figures are available Companies
2009-10 25,411,213 House spent the following on hospitality:
Letter from Gareth Jones: Hospitality (£)
I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary
Question tabled on 6 July 2010, UIN 7330 to the Secretary of 2002/03 1,756
State for Business, Innovation and Skills. 2003/04 1,861
Companies House’s financial records do not go back as far as 2004/05 1,963
1997. The amount Companies House has spent on Information 2005/06 2,507
and Communication Technology for each year for which figures
2006/07 2,218
are available are as follows:
2007/08 2,369
Year £ 2008/09 1,926
2009/10 1,501
2009/10 9,702,020
2008/09 9,228,630 Letter from Stephen Speed, dated 7 July 2010:
2007/08 8,567,584 The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation
2006/07 6,117,779 and Skills has asked me to reply to your question how much (a)
2005/06 6,605,290 his Department and its predecessors and (b) its agencies and
non-departmental public bodies spent on hospitality in each year
These figures exclude capital expenditure. since 1997.
Departmental Official Hospitality The Insolvency Service Executive Agency of the Department
for Business, Innovation and Skills spent the following amounts
on hospitality since 1997 as reported in The Insolvency Service
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Annual Report and Accounts for the relevant financial year:
Business, Innovation and Skills how much (a) his
Department and its predecessors and (b) its agencies Amount (£000)
and non-departmental public bodies spent on
hospitality in each year since 1997. [7437] 1997/98 8
1998/99 11
Mr Davey: For the Department, information for the 1999/2000 13
financial years 2002/03 and earlier can be provided only 2000/01 12
at a disproportionate cost. However, the information 2001/02 10
for financial years 2003/04 onwards is as follows: 2002/03 7
2003/04 7
£ 2004/05 6
1
2005/06 14
2003/04 45,269
2006/07 4
2004/05 171,457
2007/08 0
859W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 860W

Amount (£000) £000

2008/09 9 Waste Electrical and Electronic 10

2009/10 2
0 Equipment Advisory Body (WAB)
1
The figures for 2005/06 were restated to include the merged costs of British Shipbuilders Corporation 13
Companies Investigation Branch. Figures from 2005/2006 onwards
include both The Insolvency Service and Companies Investigation All four bodies have a UK based remit. SABIP’s
Branch. work programme will be integrated into the Intellectual
2
Draft unaudited Property Office (IPO) and continuing functions of the
Letter from Peter Mason, dated 12 July 2010: bother bodies will transfer to BIS. We do not therefore
I am responding in respect of the National Measurement expect the closures to have any impact which is specific
Office to your Parliamentary Question tabled on 6 July 2010, to to Wales.
the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and
Skills asking about expenditure on hospitality in each year since Departmental Secondment
1997.
Information on such expenditure prior to January 2001 is not
readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for
cost. Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to
The National Measurement Office and its predecessor, the take to increase the number of officials seconded from
National Weights and Measures Laboratory spent the following his Department to the EU institutions. [9286]
on hospitality, primarily meals and refreshments for visitors to
our offices in Teddington: Mr Davey: As part of the Government’s drive to
enhance the UK’s representation and voice in the EU
£ institutions, work is underway to develop a more strategic
approach to the use of secondments of UK civil servants
2001 4,917.85
to posts in the EU institutions, where UK experience
2002 5,605.06 and insight can add real value. We aim to ensure that
2003 6,404.66 these secondments are joined up across Government
2004 2,840.90 and appropriately targeted so that our good people are
2005 1,827.34 sent to strategically important positions. Short-term
2006 2,958.77 secondees from Government to the EU are an important
2007 8,670.72 source of immediate advice, and of long-term EU expertise
2008 9,696.59 back in Whitehall. Departments will look to help staff
2009 21,826.69 prepare for secondments, keep in touch while they are
The substantially high figure in 2009 reflects the fact that away and fully use their skills and experience when they
responsibility for the National Measurement System and its get back.
extensive network of advisory groups transferred to the Agency Supporting secondments is a valuable investment
in April of that year. that can pay dividends, so it is important to ensure that
UK secondees are placed in positions that matter in
Letter from Geoff Russell, dated 13 July 2010:
terms of UK priorities. Where opportunities become
I am replying on behalf of the Skills Funding Agency to your available in UK priority areas, then consideration will
Parliamentary Question tabled on 6 July (UIN 7437), to the
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, concerning
be given to providing a UK secondee.
spend on hospitality in the Department and its agencies. BIS usually has between six and 10 secondees in the
The Skills Funding Agency was set up as an agency of BIS on institutions at any one time. Our centrally-managed EU
1 April 2010. Since that date we have not spent any money on secondment programme focuses on BIS priority areas
hospitality. and sending the best candidates as opposed to the total
number of secondees. Another consideration is that
Departmental Public Bodies that EU secondments vary in cost according the grade
of the secondee, length of secondment and whether the
institutions provide living allowances.
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the written
ministerial statement of 19 July 2010, Official Report, EU Grants and Loans
column 1WS, on public bodies, what estimate he has
made of the cost savings arising from the abolition of Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for
each body listed in the Statement; and what assessment Business, Innovation and Skills what mechanisms he
he has made of the effect on Wales of each such proposes for the allocation of EU structural funding
abolition. [11260] following the abolition of regional development
agencies. [10754]
Mr Davey: Once the closures announced by the Secretary
of State on 19 July have taken place, estimated annual Mr Prisk: The decision on the new arrangements for
cost savings will be: regional co-ordination of English ERDF following the
abolition of the Regional Development Agencies is still
£000 under consideration by the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government, as his Department
Strategic Advisory Board for Intellectual 300
Property Policy (SABIP) is the Managing Authority for ERDF programmes in
SITPRO (Simplifying Internal Trade) 280
England. No other Structural Funds programmes are
affected by the abolition.
861W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
EU Law
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate the
cost to British businesses of compliance with
regulations arising from EU obligations in June 2010.
[11301]
Mr Prisk: No estimate exists which would provide a
figure for the overall cost of EU regulations to British
business in June 2010. To calculate the costs would
involve disproportionate expenditure.
Farepak
Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills when he plans to
publish the report of the (a) administrators and (b)
investigators in respect of the collapse of Farepak.
[10786]
Mr Davey: It is assumed that the ‘administrators’
report’ refers to the statutory disqualification return
filed under the Company Directors Disqualification
Act 1986 by the administrators.
When a company goes into administration, insolvent
liquidation or administrative receivership, the responsible
insolvency practitioner has a duty under the Company
Directors Disqualification Act 1986 to report confidentially,
via a ‘D Return’, to my right hon. Friend the Secretary
of State on the conduct of the directors. This is a
statutory obligation in every company and the fact that
an insolvency practitioner submits a report on a company’s
director(s) does not necessarily mean that misconduct is
alleged. However if misconduct is alleged, the Insolvency
Service, on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary
of State, then has a discretionary power to seek the
director’s disqualification where it is believed to be in
the public interest.
The administrators filed the D Returns for the Farepak
group of companies in March 2007.
D Returns are not published as part of the information
contained therein is information about the conduct of
directors which is personal data. Disclosure of the
personal data of directors of a company would contravene
the first Data Protection Principle. In addition, in some
cases, prejudice to an investigation is likely to result
from disclosure.
The investigation into Farepak was conducted under
section 447 of the Companies Act, and carried out by
staff of Companies Investigation Branch of BIS.
Information obtained under section 447 cannot be disclosed
except where the statute expressly permits it and, unlike
with the section 432 inspection, there is no provision for
publication of reports. The report is very long and
detailed. Counsel has been considering the report and
supporting information. If any proceedings are initiated
as a result of the report, they must remain confidential
until they reach court.
Financial Services
Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Business,
Innovation and Skills which organisations officials of
his Department have met to discuss regulation of the
debt management sector since 6 May 2010. [11471]
Written Answers 862W
Mr Davey: My officials speak to a wide range of
interested parties as part of conducting the business of
government. However, since 6 May, those officials have
not met any organisations specifically to discuss the
regulation of the debt management sector.
Foreign Investment: EU Action
Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has
made of the likely effects of the implementation of the
proposals in the European Commission’s
Communication towards a comprehensive European
international investment policy and its proposal for a
regulation establishing transitional arrangements for
bilateral investment agreements between Member
States and third countries on the ability of the UK to
negotiate and conduct bilateral investment agreements;
and if he will make a statement. [10854]
Mr Davey: The European Commission’s communication
‘Towards a comprehensive European international
investment policy’ is a non-binding document which
sets out the European Commission’s intentions for
future international investment policy. The aims set out
in the communication are positive, especially those of
providing investors with legal certainty and of prioritising
negotiations with the countries they list. The regulation
establishing transitional arrangements for bilateral
investment agreements between member states and third
countries enables member states to negotiate and conclude
bilateral investment agreements. The UK Government
are committed to ensuring legal certainty for investors
and will work with the European Union to this end.
Graduates: Employment
Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he made
of the proportion of graduates who found employment
within a year of graduation in the latest period for
which figures are available. [11226]
Mr Willetts: All UK and EU domiciled graduates are
surveyed on their destinations, including employment
circumstances six months after graduating; therefore
data is available for six months after graduation, but
not one year. The latest available data is for the 2008/09
cohort of graduates.
Of the 2008/09 cohort of full-time first degree graduates,
68.4% were in employment six months after graduating,
including those in a combination of work and study.
Of those that were not employed, 17.2% were in
further study only, 9.2% were assumed to be unemployed,
3.9% were not available for employment and 1.3% were
classified as “other”.
Notes:
1. “Assumed to be unemployed” includes anyone due to start a
job within the next month and not in full-time study, or anyone
who is unemployed and looking for employment but not in
full-time study.
2. “Not available for employment” includes those permanently
unable to work or retired, taking time out to travel, or temporarily
sick or looking after family and not in study.
3. “Other” includes those graduates who are not employed but
not looking for employment, further study or training, or something
else but not in further study.
863W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 864W

Source: Statistics Agency (HESA) via the Destinations of Leavers

Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey
collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
Figures used do not include graduates who do not respond to the
survey, or those whose response is an explicit refusal to answer the
survey.
Graduates: Public Sector
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills how many graduates
entered employment in the public sector in each year
since 2003. [11194]
Mr Willetts: Information on the type of employment
graduates enter is collected by the Higher Education
from Higher Education (DLHE) survey. However, the
way in which employment information is recorded does
not allow for a split between public and private sector
employment.
The best estimate we can make on the proportion of
graduates entering public sector employment is based
on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes
from those who enter occupations we would expect to
have high levels of public employment e.g. public
administration and defence, education, and health and
social work (though note that these will include some
private sector employment as well). The proportion
entering these professions since 2003 are shown in the
following table.

Proportion of full-time first degree graduates entering employment in the UK who are employed in the public sector1, 2003/04 to 2008/09
2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09

Number entering public sector1 45,335 46,030 44,980 46,910 51,575 50,930
employment
Proportion of graduates in UK 35.1 35.5 34.7 35.4 38.6 38.5
employment in public sector1 (%)
1
Defined as those in SIC categories: public administration and defence, education and health and social work.
Note:
Figures are rounded to the nearest five in line with HESA’s publishing conventions.
Source:
Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey 2003/04 to 2008/09 published by HESA.

Higher Education and Student Finance Independent
Review
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills on what date the
Independent Review of Higher Education Funding
and Student Finance ceased to receive submissions of
evidence. [10988]
Mr Willetts: The review’s Call for Proposals was
closed on 14 May. My noble Lord, Lord Browne of
Madingley, who is chairing the review, has informed me
that the review’s Advisory Forum has continued to
meet on a regular basis.
Higher Education: Admissions
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has
made of the effect on social mobility of (a) the
number of funded places available in universities in
England in 2010 and (b) the number of university
applications made through UCAS. [10979]
Mr Willetts: Evidence shows that there is a strong
link between higher education and social mobility. Those
with higher level qualifications are more likely to be in
work and less likely to be unemployed than those qualified
at lower levels. No assessment has been made of the
effect on social mobility of the number of funded
university places or applicants in England in 2010.
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills which 20 universities
admitted the most students (a) aged 25 years or more
at the point of admission and (b) from black and
minority ethnic backgrounds in the latest period for
which figures are available. [11010]
Mr Willetts: The 20 higher education institutions
with the highest proportion of UK-domiciled
undergraduate entrants (a) aged 25 years or over and
(b) from black and minority ethnic backgrounds are
provided separately in the following tables:
Figures are provided for the 2008/09 academic year
and are taken from the Higher Education Statistics
Agency Student Record. Data for the 2009/10 academic
year will become available from January 2011.

Table 1: English higher education institutions with the highest proportion of UK-domiciled undergraduate entrants1 aged 25 or over, academic year 2008/09
Institution Proportion aged 25+ (%)

Institute of Education 92.6

Birkbeck College 81.6
Open University 78.5
Thames Valley University 66.6
The City University 64.7
University of Teesside 64.5
Harper Adams University College 63.3
University of Sunderland 63.3
University of Bolton 61.5
University of Warwick 60.6
Edge Hill University 59.0
Anglia Ruskin University 58.3
865W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 866W

Table 1: English higher education institutions with the highest proportion of UK-domiciled undergraduate entrants1 aged 25 or over, academic year 2008/09
Institution Proportion aged 25+ (%)

London South Bank University 57.3

Canterbury Christ Church University 56.2
St Georges Hospital Medical School 56.2
University Campus Suffolk 55.3
Buckinghamshire New University 55.0
University of Bedfordshire 52.5
University of Greenwich 50.2
University of Huddersfield 50.1
1
Covers entrants to full-time and part-time undergraduate courses. Note:
Percentages are based on a HESA Standard Registration Population and are rounded to one decimal place.
Source:
Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record.

Table 2: English higher education institutions with the highest proportion of Table 1: Higher education institutions with the highest proportion of young1
UK-domiciled undergraduate entrants1 from minority ethnic backgrounds2, UK-domiciled full-time undergraduate entrants from low participation
academic year 2008/09 neighbourhoods, English higher education institutions, academic year 2008/09
Proportion from minority ethnic Percentage from low
Institution backgrounds (%) Institution participation neighbourhoods

The School of Pharmacy 77.8 The University of Teesside 28.6

Brunel University 65.8 The University of Sunderland 26.9
Queen Mary and Westfield College 64.8 Newman University College 23.9
University of East London 64.7 The University of Bolton 23.8
University of Buckingham 59.2 Edge Hill University 22.5
London South Bank University 58.7 The University of Wolverhampton 22.3
Middlesex University 57.0 Staffordshire University 21.7
University of Bradford 56.6 The University of Salford 21.0
Aston University 54.9 Leeds Trinity University College(#2) 20.8
University of Westminster 53.2 University of Derby 20.7
Kingston University 52.7 University Campus Suffolk 20.7
London Metropolitan University 52.2 Bishop Grosseteste University College 20.2
London School of Economics and 50.2 Lincoln
Political Science Liverpool Hope University 19.6
Thames Valley University 49.3 Sheffield Hallam University 18.8
St Georges Hospital Medical School 47.1 Liverpool John Moores University 17.7
The School of Oriental and African 46.0 The University of Bradford 17.6
Studies The University of Essex 17.5
Kings College London 45.6 The University of Hull 17.4
Roehampton University 45.1 The University of Huddersfield 17.2
University of Hertfordshire 44.8
Anglia Ruskin University 16.8
The City University 43.2
Canterbury Christ Church University 16.8
1
Covers all-aged entrants to full-time and part-time undergraduate courses. 2 1
Minority ethnic backgrounds includes students whose ethnicity was classified Refers to entrants aged under 21.
as black, Asian, mixed or other. Percentages are based on students with known Note:
ethnicity and exclude those entrants whose ethnicity information was classified Percentages are given to one decimal place.
as unknown, refused or missing. Note: Percentages are based on a HESA Source:
Standard Registration Population and are rounded to one decimal place. Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA): Performance indicators in higher
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record. education in the UK, 2008/09.
Table 2: Higher education institutions with the highest proportion of young1
UK-domiciled full-time undergraduate entrants from state school or college,
English higher education institutions, academic year 2008/09
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Percentage from state school
Business, Innovation and Skills which 20 universities Institution or college
admitted the most undergraduates from (a) low-
participation neighbourhoods and (b) state schools in University College Plymouth St Mark and St 100.0
John
the latest period for which figures are available. [11050]
The University of Bolton 99.7
University College Birmingham 99.6
Mr Willetts: The 20 higher education institutions University Campus Suffolk 99.6
with the highest proportion of young UK-domiciled The University of Wolverhampton 99.5
full-time undergraduate entrants from (a) low participation The University of Teesside 99.2
neighbourhoods and (b) state school or college are University of Bedfordshire 98.9
provided in the following tables. Figures are provided Edge Hill University 98.9
for the 2008/09 academic year and are taken from the Middlesex University 98.9
Higher Education Statistics Agency’s Performance London South Bank University 98.8
Indicators in Higher Education. Further information is Newman University College 98.7
available at the following link: Thames Valley University 98.6
The University of Huddersfield 98.4
http://www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php/content/category/2/32/141/
The University of East London 98.3
Performance Indicators for the 2009/10 academic Liverpool Hope University 98.3
year should become available from April 2011. The University of Sunderland 98.2
867W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 868W

Table 2: Higher education institutions with the highest proportion of young1 decision to refocus it on the highest quality proposals.
UK-domiciled full-time undergraduate entrants from state school or college,
English higher education institutions, academic year 2008/09 The bids made to the fund were for significantly fewer
Percentage from state school than 20,000 places and were of variable quality. It is for
Institution or college universities to decide who to accept for the additional
8,000 full-time and 2,000 part-time places provided by
The University of Salford 98.1
the UMF, not the Government.
Writtle College 98.1
Bishop Grosseteste University College 98.0
However, the Higher Education Funding Council for
Lincoln England (HEFCE) carried out a full sector impact
University of Cumbria 98.0 assessment on 28 May 2010. The relevant sections on
The University of Greenwich 98.0 equality and diversity are reproduced here. The full
Staffordshire University 98.0 document is available on the HEFCE website at:
1
Refers to entrants aged under 21. http://www.hefce.ac.uk/finance/fundinghe/places/
Note: UMF_SIA.pdf
Percentages are given to one decimal place.
Source: No.7 (of the report) Which of the various groups protected
Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA): Performance indicators in higher by equality legislation are likely to be affected by this
education in the UK, 2008/09
policy/initiative/project, and how?
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for By increasing provision in areas where there is clear
Business, Innovation and Skills how many students evidence of demand, it will widen overall access to such
obtained a university place through the UCAS clearing courses. It will support HEIs in delivering their own
process in each year since 2006. [11195] equality and diversity (E&D) strategies by increasing
the volume of provision they have available, especially
Mr Willetts: The information is in the following table. in supporting those groups protected by equality legislation
which have historically been considered to be
Entrants from all domiciles to full-time undergraduate courses at UK underrepresented in the subject areas covered by the
institutions obtaining a place through the UCAS clearing process,
2006/07 to 2009/10 process, such as women. Analysis of current recruitment
Number
data by HEFCE has shown that the relatively small
additional numbers of new entrants (10,000) will not
2006 38,032 have a significant impact on the make-up of the typical
2007 38,858 student body.
2008 43,890 No. 8 (of the report) What evidence have you used to
2009 47,673 ascertain whether there will be an impact (or not) on
Source: these groups?
UCAS.
In order to calculate the 10,000 new entrants, in each
Higher Education: Finance HEFCE-funded institution we have identified populations
of fundable undergraduates who commenced a programme
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for of study in 2008-09. The current sector profiles in
Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has respect of the E&D groups have been calculated based
made of the effect of reductions in the higher on these populations. Note that none of these students
education budget on (a) the international activities of will be directly affected by the policy.
UK universities and (b) the contribution of such Assuming that the new entrants recruited will be
activities to UK foreign exchange earnings. [10981] similar to those students recruited in 2008-09, the E&D
profiles of the 10,000 new entrants have been modelled.
Mr Willetts: The Department has several bilateral Note that this modelling is based on proposals received
education programmes with countries such as China and accounts for the institution, mode, level and price
and India and a multilateral programme involving a group of the proposed new entrants. The current E&D
variety of countries. These programmes help to support profiles have been compared to those of the 10,000 new
the UK’s educational institutions to engage internationally. entrants:
They are not exclusively about higher education, although
this is a major element. The programmes are funded Proportion of
Proportion of 10,000 new
until March 2011. Decisions on future funding will be 2008-09 entrant Entrants
taken in the Spending Review. The latest available estimate Equality and diversity population population
of the value of international higher education activity group (percentage) (percentage)
to the UK economy is £5.3 billion according to ″The
Known to receive 3.3 4.0
impact of universities on the UK″, a report published disabled students’
by Universities UK in November 2009. allowance (DSA)
Male 46.0 48.8
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Black minority ethnic 18.6 19.6
Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer From low participation 11.4 12.1
of 7 July 2010, Official Report, column 320W, on neighbourhood
higher education: finance, whether he has undertaken Aged 21 to 25 6.5 7.6
an equality impact assessment on the proposed Aged 25 and over 14.7 17.8
reduction in the university modernisation fund. [11037]
No. 9 (of the report) Which negative impacts have been
Mr Willetts: The Department has not undertaken an identified during the development of this policy/project/
impact assessment of either the original decision to set initiative, and what actions have been taken to mitigate
up the University Modernisation Fund (UMF) or the the effect?
869W Written Answers
The impact of this initiative on the make-up of the
student body is not likely to be significant: section 8
shows relatively minor differences in the proportion of
the populations that each E&D group represents.
Positive impacts might be expected among some groups,
such as those known to receive DSA or from a low
participation neighbourhood. Given the size of the
differences, and the range of other external factors that
might contribute to any variation in these proportions,
negative impacts will be limited. Within the relatively
short timescales demanded of this initiative, it would
not be possible to mitigate these minor effects.
No. 10 (of the report) What actions will be taken to
ensure that this policy/project/initiative promotes both
equality and diversity?
We are generally reassured that student recruitment
policies are robust, but in light of our duty to promote
E&D, we should take all reasonable steps to remind
HEIs of their duties under the legislation.
Higher Education: Student Numbers
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate his
Department has made of total student numbers in
universities in the academic year 2011-12. [11193]
Mr Willetts: The coalition Government are funding
1,190,000 full-time equivalent places in 2010-11, including
the 10,000 places announced as part of the University
Modernisation Fund. No funding decisions have been
made for 2011-12; these will take place following the
Spending Review this autumn.
Institute for Learning
Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment
Table 1: Insolvencies in England and Wales1
Compulsory Creditors’ voluntary
liquidation liquidation
2005 132 80
3 2
2006 109 73
20074 75 56
2008 170 163
2009 147 214
1
Number of bars (for 2007-09) and licensed premises (for 2005-06).
3
2 Not Available at this level of detail. Data only available for Q1-Q3 2006 due to a change in industry classification.
4
Data only available for Q3-Q4 2007 due to a change in industry classification.
The Insolvency Trade Classification (ITC) was used
to classify trading-related bankruptcies (and company
liquidations) until end September 2006. More recently,
the Standard Industry Classification 2003 has been in
use and there have been associated changes to the
method used to identify traders among bankrupts and
company liquidations by industry. From September
2006 until June 2007 there is no information available
by industry. The period covered should not, therefore,
be treated as a consistent time series.
Loans: Regulation
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to
26 JULY 2010 Written Answers 870W
he has made of the performance of the Institute for
Learning against its objectives. [10884]
Mr Hayes: The Institute for Learning (IfL) is an
independent professional body set up in 2002 by teachers
in FE for teachers in FE, and in partnership with
unions and employer membership bodies, with the aim
of raising the standards of professional practice in
post-compulsory education and training in England. It
is governed by a national council consisting of elected
members and representation from key national stakeholders.
As such it is for them, rather than BIS, to judge IfL’s
performance.
IfL members said in the most recent independently
conducted satisfaction survey that 92% assess IfL’s
benefits from “fair to excellent”, with 61% saying “good
or excellent”.
Licensed Premises: Bankruptcy
Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills how many licensed
premises and bars in (a) Bexleyheath and Crayford
constituency, (b) the London borough of Bexley and
(c) Greater London were declared bankrupt in each of
the last five years. [11173]
Mr Davey: Official corporate insolvency statistics are
not currently available broken down by geographical
region. Table 1 shows the number of bars (for 2007-09)
and licensed premises (for 2005-06) that were declared
insolvent in the whole of England and Wales for each of
the last five years.
Statistics for personal insolvencies, including
bankruptcies, are available to local authority level on
The Insolvency Service website. However, sufficient detail
to identify bankruptcies where the debts are primarily
the result of trading, by industry and region, is not
readily available.
Trading-related Company voluntary
bankruptcy orders Receivership Administration arrangement
2 2 2
514 — — —
2 2
388 — — —
220 3 9 4
657 7 44 23
543 11 48 16
bring forward proposals for regulation of interest rates
charged by lenders on consumer finance. [11120]
Mr Davey: I recently announced a joint BIS and HM
Treasury review of consumer credit and personal insolvency
and this Department will be issuing a formal call for
evidence following the summer recess. The review will
provide a framework within which to consider coalition
commitments on consumer credit such as our proposals
on interest rate caps on credit and store cards.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) recently considered
the possible introduction of price controls on interest
rates on products such as pawnbroking, payday loans
and home collected credit as part of its review of high
cost consumer finance products. The review concluded
871W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
that price controls would not be a suitable solution to
the concerns the OFT identified.
Our call for evidence will give industry and consumer
groups the opportunity to provide evidence on how
they think the findings of the OFT review should be
taken forward, including those on interest rates.
Local Enterprise Partnerships
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what contribution he
expects local economic partnerships to make to
attracting inward investment. [9313]
Mr Prisk [holding answer 19 July 2010]: The information
requested is as follows:
“The Government has said that RDAs responsibilities for
inward investment from overseas will come to the national level.
There will remain a need for delivery of support at a local level to
potential and existing foreign direct investors.
UKTI is considering, in the context of the current spending
review, how local knowledge and relationships will best be accessed.
The Government will take into account inputs from a range of
interested parties including, wherever possible, local enterprise
partnerships themselves: they will have views on what they may
wish or be able to contribute to the delivery process.”
Members: Correspondence
Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business,
Innovation and Skills when he plans to respond to the
letter from the hon. Member for Basildon and
Billericay of 16 June 2010 on his constituent Mr Ervine
Okuboh. [7774]
Mr Prisk [holding answer 12 July 2010]: The Secretary
of State for Business, Innovation and Skills replied on
20 July 2010.
Motorsport and Aerospace
Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer
of 20 July 2010, Official Report, column 298W, on
motorsport and aerospace, what steps he plans to take
to put into effect the policy commitments made in the
Government response to the Business, Innovation and
Skills Select Committee’s Sixth Report of Session
2009-10, HC 173, Full speed ahead: maintaining UK
excellence in motorsport and aerospace, Cm 7867. [R]
[11218]
Mr Prisk: On 13 July, “A Strategy for Sustainable
Growth” was published which will be developed further
during the summer. We will be looking to ensure that
our approach to specific sectors such as automotive and
aerospace reflects our overall strategy. At the Farnborough
International Airshow on 19 July, the Secretary of State
announced that he will chair regular meetings with
aerospace business leaders to focus on major strategic
issues facing the aerospace sector. This will set the
direction for action by a wider business/government
Aerospace Growth Partnership group to be chaired by
myself, involving ADS (the industry trade association)
and representatives from across the UK aerospace supply
chain. Together these groups will play a key role in
meeting our objective of creating the conditions for
growth and innovation within the aerospace sector. In
Written Answers 872W
developing the agenda to be addressed by these groups,
we will take account of the recommendations made in
the Select Committee’s report.
In addition, I have met representatives of the motorsport
industry recently and discussed how best to engage with
that sector. This is an ongoing process but my initial
view remains that the Automotive Council is the best
way for Government to engage with the motorsport
industry as a whole. We will be working closely with key
UK automotive companies through the Automotive
Council to stimulate new technologies and build stronger
supply chains.
Northwest Regional Development Agency: Wirral
Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has
made of the effect of the decision to end the North
West Development Agency on projects in Wirral South
which have been allocated funding by that agency in
2010-11. [7673]
Mr Prisk: The regional development agencies have
been given allocations for 2010-11 and subject to the
continuing affordability of their overall programme
they will be seeking to deliver those grants which have
been approved by their boards for this financial year.
Older Workers
Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment has
been made of the ability of the (a) public, (b) private
and (c) voluntary sector to adapt to having an older
workforce; and if he will make a statement. [10491]
Mr Davey: It is clear that people are living longer and
healthier lives. Against the backdrop of this demographic
change, the Government want to help and encourage
people to work for longer in all sectors and to remove
any unnecessary barriers to them doing so. It is the
Government’s view that older workers bring with them
a wealth of talent and experience as employees and
entrepreneurs. They have a vital contribution to make
to our economic recovery and long-term prosperity. In
line with the Coalition Agreement, the Government will
be consulting shortly on phasing out the default retirement
age and we will publish an impact assessment alongside
that consultation.
One NorthEast
James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills how much One
NorthEast spent in (a) the Tees Valley, (b) Tyne and
Wear, (c) Northumberland and (d) County Durham
in each year since its establishment. [11820]
Mr Prisk: The Department allocates budgets to regional
development agencies (RDAs). The RDAs determine
how to spend their budgets, subject to the terms of the
Accountability and Financial Framework and their
delegated financial authorities. RDAs’ investments have
been guided by the Regional Economic Strategy and
their corporate plans. The Department does not hold
873W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
details of spending on individual projects and initiatives
supported by the RDAs within their delegated financial
authorities.
James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills how many employees
of One NorthEast are resident in (a) the Tees Valley
and (b) Tyne and Wear. [11821]
Mr Prisk: The Department does not hold information
about the residency of employees of regional development
agencies.
Overseas Trade: Kazakhstan
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what steps UK Trade
and Investment is taking to explore the potential for
trade with Kazakhstan in the (a) energy, (b) education
and (c) financial services sector. [8898]
Mr Prisk: There are a range of opportunities for UK
companies in Kazakhstan. The main areas that UK
Trade & Investment is focussing on are energy, education
and the financial services sector.
In energy UK Trade & Investment is working with
major international operating companies including to
develop opportunities for UK supply chain companies
in the oil and gas sector. Additionally through the
Kazakh British Trade and Industry Council UKTI is
bringing together UK expertise in the nuclear power
sector to respond to opportunities for developing new
power generation capability.
In education UKTI has helped facilitate approximately
37 agreements between Kazakh colleges and UK colleges.
These have helped promote awareness of UK capabilities
in the vocational training sector.
UKTI has worked with TVET UK who signed an
agreement with Samruk Kazyna to supply technical
skills to their new corporate university. With UKTI
support, TVET UK is delivering a programme to train
volunteers for the Asian Winter Games.
The UK is working with the Small Business Federation
in Kazakhstan over training for this sector. There are
ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Tourism about
support for their training needs.
Through the Kazakh British Trade and Industry
Council, UKTI is assisting the British Council with the
establishment of stronger services in the English language
sector.
In financial services UKTI supported and facilitated
the visit by the Lord Mayor of London to Kazakhstan
in July 2009, which itself followed up a previous Lord
Mayor’s visit in 2007. As part of the follow-up to this
visit, UKTI is currently working with the Law Society
of England and Wales to hold an event (seminar and
trade visit), with a focus on commercial arbitration and
public-private partnerships (PPP), during the first half
of 2011.
UKTI is also assisting the Regional Financial Centre
Almaty (RFCA) with their training needs. One college
will begin to pilot foundation degrees in financial services
shortly in association with the RFCA Academy, as a
result of being on the Lord Mayor’s visit last year.
Written Answers 874W
Public Sector: Redundancy
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to
introduce a programme of retraining for public sector
workers made redundant as a result of reductions in
departmental expenditure limits. [4704]
Mr Davey [holding answer 28 June 2010]: Each
Department is responsible for developing appropriate
training for their own staff. BIS offers pre-retirement
courses and more general support, including CV writing
and interview skills, for staff who are considering exiting
the Department on voluntary or compulsory terms.
Regional Development Agencies
Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what criteria were
used in reaching the decision to allocate budget
reductions for 2010-11 between each regional
development agency; and if he will make a statement;
[10641]
(2) what (a) statistics, (b) analysis and (c) other
evidence were used in reaching his recent decision to
treat the East Midlands Development Agency in the
same category as the regional development agencies in
the south and east of England in deciding on
reductions in its budget for 2010-11. [10642]
Mr Prisk [holding answer 22 July 2010]: The recent
programme budget reductions for the regional development
agencies in 2010-11 were informed by the distribution
of budgets agreed at the start of the comprehensive
spending review (CSR) 2007. However those agencies
(East of England, East Midlands, South East and South
West Regional Development Agencies) whose regions
have seen the greatest growth in their economy over
recent years have been asked to absorb a slightly higher
share of the cuts. Additionally, the administrative budget
was reduced by 10% for all RDAs.
Regional Development Agencies: Lobbying
Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer
of 15 June 2010, Official Report, column 391W, on
regional development agencies, what consultants were
hired by each regional development agency to (a)
lobby and (b) communicate with parliamentary
candidates in the period up to the general election; and
at what cost. [11143]
Mr Prisk: In the 12 months up to the May 2010
general election purdah period, regional development
agencies responded to prospective parliamentary candidates’
requests for information and meetings on RDA activity
and role within the region where they were made.
In response to part (a) of the question no RDA has
employed any consultants to lobby parliamentary
candidates.
In response to part (b) of the question, as the hon.
Member for Burton will be aware, Advantage West
Midlands did approach a number of prospective
parliamentary candidates before the 2010 general election
to ascertain their view of regional economic development,
875W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
functions carried out by regional development agencies
and their thoughts on the future implementation of
economic development and regeneration. This was an
information gathering exercise designed to help AWM
gauge local opinion as part of AWM’s normal stakeholder
relations process. At no time were these meetings used,
or intended to be used, for lobbying on behalf of
AWM. AWM engaged the services of one consultant at
a cost of £850 to undertake this work.
Regional Development Agencies: Operating Costs
James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what the (a)
administrative and (b) overhead costs of each regional
development agency were in each year since 2005.
[11817]
Mr Prisk: The information requested is available in
the annual reports and accounts published by the individual
RDAs and deposited annually in the Libraries of the
House.
South West Regional Development Agency
George Eustice: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how many South
West Regional Development Agency staff work
primarily on projects located in Cornwall; [11762]
(2) how many staff South West Regional
Development Agency employed in the latest period for
which figures are available; [11763]
(3) how many South West Regional Development
Agency staff were working primarily on projects
related to Plymouth in the latest period for which
figures are available. [11765]
Mr Prisk: I will answer these in order.
As at 30 June 2010 315.5 FTE staff were employed by
the South West RDA.
As at 30 June 2010 40 staff (35.6 FTE) were working
primarily on projects in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
As at 30 June 2010 11 staff (11 FTE) were working
primarily on projects in Plymouth.
In addition 11 (10.4 FTE) staff deal with projects for
Plymouth, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. The Agency
also employs staff within its central teams who work on
projects across the south west region which involve
projects in Cornwall, for example Combined Universities
for Cornwall and Business Link and projects in Plymouth,
for example Peninsular Research Institute for Marine
Renewable Energy. This has the benefit of economies of
scale through resource and expertise management. It is
not possible to provide a breakdown of these figures.
These frontline staff are supported by back-office staff
in Finance, HR, IT, Corporate Affairs etc.
George Eustice: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of the
South West Regional Development Agency’s budget
for 2009-10 was spent in Cornwall and the Isles of
Scilly. [11764]
Mr Prisk: The Department allocates budgets to Regional
Development Agencies. The Agencies determine which
Written Answers 876W
projects to support, subject to the terms of the
Accountability and Financial Framework and their
delegated financial authorities. RDAs’ investments have
been guided by the Regional Economic Strategy and
their Corporate Plans. The Department does not hold
details of all assistance given by RDAs within their
delegated financial authorities.
Student Loans Company
Mrs Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for
the future of the Student Loans Company; and if he
will make a statement. [11327]
Mr Willetts: Lord Browne’s Independent Review of
Higher Education Funding and Student Funding is
looking at all aspects of student finance. It will report in
the autumn.
Student Loans Company: Darlington
Mrs Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills how many people are
employed by the Student Loans Company in
Darlington. [11325]
Mr Willetts: The SLC informs me that as at 22 July
2010, it employs 688 staff in Darlington (613 permanent
and 75 temporary). This equates to 667 FTEs; all
temporary staff are full time and of the permanent
staff, 546 are full time and 67 part time.
Students: Finance
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Business,
Innovation and Skills what discussions his Department
has had with (a) the Chancellor of the Exchequer, (b)
the National Union of Students, (c) the Universities
and Colleges Union, (d) the Russell Group and (e)
other universities on (i) a supplementary tax on graduates
and (ii) raising the cap on tuition fees. [11316]
Mr Willetts: Ministers and officials in this Department
regularly meet their counterparts in other Government
Departments and higher education stakeholders for
discussions and advice on a range of issues including
general discussions about university funding.
The Independent Review of Higher Education Funding
and Student Finance, led by Lord Browne, has been
tasked with making recommendations to Government
on the future of fees policy and financial support for
students in England. The review will consider how to
ensure a properly funded university sector in a way
which is more financially sustainable than the current
system, and it is looking at a wide range of options. It
will report in the autumn.
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Business,
Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the
range of potential revenues which would accrue to
universities in England from (a) a supplementary tax
on graduates and (b) raising the cap on tuition fees.
[11318]
Mr Willetts: The Independent Review of Higher
Education Funding and Student Finance, led by Lord
877W Written Answers 26 JULY 2010
Browne, has been tasked with making recommendations
to Government on the future of fees policy and financial
support for students in England. The review will consider
how to ensure a properly funded university sector in a
way which is more financially sustainable than the
current system, and it is looking at a wide range of
options. It will report in the autumn.
Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has
made of the effects on higher education in Scotland of
raising the cap on tuition fees in England. [11560]
Mr Willetts: The Independent Review of Higher
Education Funding and Student Finance, led by Lord
Browne, has been tasked with making recommendations
to Government on the future of fees policy and financial
support for students in England. The review will consider
how to ensure a properly funded university sector in a
way which is more financially sustainable than the
current system. It will report in the autumn.
Written Answers 878W
UK Trade and Investment: Afghanistan
Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of
State for Business, Innovation and Skills what
assessment he has made of the merits of assigning a
representative of UK Trade and Investment to
Afghanistan. [9965]
Mr Prisk: UKTI recognise the opportunities that
exist in Afghanistan, and support activities where
appropriate. Representation within markets reflects business
demand. Presently, the requests received by UKTI for
assistance in connection with Afghanistan are limited
and ad hoc. UKTI has been exploring private-sector
interest in the idea of providing a secondee for an
in-market scoping exercise, but so far it has been muted.
UKTI will continue to monitor and review the scale
of opportunities and level of demand for some form of
in-market presence in this market, and to calibrate this
with competing demands for resources from other markets.
 ORAL ANSWERS
Monday 26 July 2010
Col. No.
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT..................................... 693
2012 Olympics (North-west) .................................. 703
BBC Accounts ....................................................... 700
Coventry Market.................................................... 702
Creative Partnerships ............................................. 700
Digital Economy Act 2010 ..................................... 698
Impartiality Rules (Television News) ..................... 693
Licence Fee ............................................................ 704
Licensing Act 2003................................................. 702
Media Ownership (Regulation) .............................. 699
Sports Participation ............................................... 694
Superfast Broadband (Cornwall) ........................... 703
Superfast Broadband (Isle of Wight) ..................... 704
Television Licence Fee............................................ 696
Topical Questions .................................................. 705
WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS
Monday 26 July 2010
Col. No.
BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS........................ 51WS
Consultation on Business Finance Issues ............... 51WS
Regional Development Agencies (Board
Members)........................................................... 51WS
COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ............ 57WS
Fire Service College (Key Performance Indicators
2010-11 .............................................................. 57WS
Removing Planning Barriers (Schools)................... 58WS
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT..................................... 59WS
Department’s Arm’s Length Bodies....................... 59WS
DEFENCE ........................................................................... 61WS
Exercise Joint Warrior 4-15 October 2010 .............. 61WS
EDUCATION ...................................................................... 61WS
School Funding...................................................... 61WS
ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE................................ 62WS
Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (Regulations
Amendment) ...................................................... 62WS
HEALTH ............................................................................. 63WS
Evidence Check: Homeopathy (Government
Response) .......................................................... 63WS
Healthier Food Mark and Government Buying
Standards (Food) ............................................... 66WS
NHS White Paper (Supporting Information) ......... 63WS
Office of the Health Professions Adjudicator......... 65WS
HOME DEPARTMENT ..................................................... 66WS
English Language Requirement (Migrant
Spouses)............................................................. 66WS
Independent Police Complaints Commission
(Annual Report 2009-10) ................................... 67WS
PETITIONS
Monday 26 July 2010
Col. No.
HEALTH ............................................................................. 9P
Intensive Care (West Sussex) .................................. 9P
HOME DEPARTMENT ..................................................... 9P
Anti-Social Behaviour (Croydon)........................... 9P
Col. No.
HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION ........................ 712
Early-day Motions ................................................. 712
Running Costs ....................................................... 714
Parliamentary IT Equipment ................................. 708
Parliamentary Recording Unit ............................... 711
LEADER OF THE HOUSE................................................ 709
Early-day Motions ................................................. 709
Policy Announcements........................................... 710
Pre-legislative Scrutiny ........................................... 711
1GOAL For All Campaign .................................... 835
Blandford Community Hospital (Dorset) .............. 836
Free Swimming (Wakefield) ................................... 835
Taxibus Services (Plymouth) .................................. 834
Wind Farm (Puriton, Somerset)............................. 836
Col. No.
HOME DEPARTMENT—continued
National DNA Ethics Group (Third Annual
Report) .............................................................. 67WS
UK Border Agency (Annual Report and Accounts
2009-10) ............................................................. 68WS
JUSTICE ............................................................................. 68WS
Civil Litigation Funding Arrangements ................. 68WS
Judicial Appointments ........................................... 68WS
LEADER OF THE HOUSE................................................ 70WS
Senior Salaries Review Body Report ...................... 70WS
NORTHERN IRELAND ..................................................... 71WS
Billy Wright Inquiry............................................... 71WS
Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland
(Report 2009-10) ................................................ 72WS
TRANSPORT...................................................................... 72WS
High Speed 2 (Exceptional Hardship Scheme) ....... 73WS
Interim Report on Salt Supply and Use ................. 72WS
Marine Aids to Navigation .................................... 75WS
Renewable Fuels Agency (Annual Report and
Accounts 2009-10) ............................................. 76WS
TREASURY......................................................................... 53WS
Counter-Terrorist Asset-Freezing Regime .............. 56WS
ECOFIN................................................................ 53WS
Financial Regulation.............................................. 55WS
G20 Framework for Strong, Sustainable and
Balanced Growth ............................................... 56WS
IMF Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust ............ 57WS
WORK AND PENSIONS.................................................... 76WS
Accounting for the Delivery of Welfare ................. 76WS
Independent Living Fund ...................................... 77WS
Col. No.
HOME DEPARTMENT—continued
Cosmetics Testing on Animals ............................... 10P
Human Trafficking ................................................ 10P
Policing (Croydon) ................................................. 11P
 WRITTEN ANSWERS
Monday 26 July 2010

Col. No. Col. No.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL .................................................... 656W CABINET OFFICE—continued
Crown Prosecution Service: Somerset .................... 656W Lone Parents: Hornchurch..................................... 741W
Departmental Internet ........................................... 656W Lone Parents: Liverpool......................................... 742W
Departmental Pay .................................................. 657W Migration: Bedfordshire......................................... 743W
Departmental Public Expenditure.......................... 657W New Businesses: Bedfordshire ................................ 743W
Green Energy (Definition and Promotion) Act Non-departmental Public Bodies ........................... 744W
2009 ................................................................... 658W Non-departmental Public Bodies: Finance............. 744W
Prosecutions: Expenditure ..................................... 658W Population ............................................................. 745W
Public Bodies: Lobbying ........................................ 746W
BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS........................ 851W
Advanced Manufacturing Park .............................. 851W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ............ 621W
Agriculture: Research............................................. 851W Affordable Housing: Greater London .................... 621W
Apprentices: Employment...................................... 852W Central Heating: Building Regulations................... 622W
Apprentices: Per Capita Costs................................ 852W Council Housing .................................................... 622W
Business: Government Assistance .......................... 853W Council Tax: Exemptions ....................................... 623W
Business: Regulation .............................................. 853W Departmental Billing ............................................. 623W
Cairn Energy.......................................................... 853W Departmental Internet ........................................... 623W
Copyright: Music ................................................... 854W Departmental Lost Property .................................. 624W
Corus: Resignations ............................................... 854W Departmental Marketing ....................................... 625W
Credit: Regulation.................................................. 854W Departmental Official Cars .................................... 625W
Departmental Billing ............................................. 855W Departmental Travel .............................................. 625W
Departmental Consultants ..................................... 855W Disadvantaged: Hyndburn ..................................... 625W
Departmental ICT ................................................. 855W East of England Faiths Council: Finance .............. 626W
Departmental Official Hospitality.......................... 857W Fires....................................................................... 627W
Departmental Public Bodies .................................. 859W Government Office for the North West .................. 627W
Departmental Secondment .................................... 860W Homelessness ......................................................... 627W
EU Grants and Loans............................................ 860W Homelessness: Bexley............................................. 628W
EU Law.................................................................. 861W Homelessness: Young People ................................. 628W
Farepak.................................................................. 861W Housing: Construction........................................... 629W
Financial Services .................................................. 861W Housing: Dorset..................................................... 629W
Foreign Investment: EU Action ............................. 862W Local Government: Lobbying ................................ 630W
Graduates: Employment ........................................ 862W Local Government Services: Tees Valley ................ 629W
Graduates: Public Sector........................................ 863W Migration Impacts Fund........................................ 630W
Higher Education: Admissions .............................. 863W Multiple Occupation: Licensing ............................. 630W
Higher Education and Student Finance Non-domestic Rates............................................... 630W
Independent Review........................................... 863W Planning Permission: Appeals................................ 633W
Higher Education: Finance .................................... 867W Private Rented Housing ......................................... 634W
Higher Education: Student Numbers ..................... 869W Travellers: Caravan Sites ........................................ 634W
Institute for Learning............................................. 869W Working Neighbourhoods Fund ............................ 634W
Licensed Premises: Bankruptcy.............................. 870W
Loans: Regulation.................................................. 869W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT .................................... 601W
Local Enterprise Partnerships ................................ 871W Arts: Finance ......................................................... 601W
Members: Correspondence .................................... 871W BBC’s Accounts ..................................................... 601W
Motorsport and Aerospace .................................... 871W Betting ................................................................... 601W
Northwest Regional Development Agency: Betting Shops: Greater London ............................. 602W
Wirral ................................................................ 872W Big Lottery Fund: Scotland ................................... 602W
Older Workers........................................................ 872W Big Lottery Fund: Voluntary Organisations........... 602W
One NorthEast....................................................... 872W Bolton and Quinn .................................................. 603W
Overseas Trade: Kazakhstan .................................. 873W Broadband: West Yorkshire ................................... 603W
Public Sector: Redundancy .................................... 874W Departmental Billing ............................................. 604W
Regional Development Agencies............................ 874W Departmental Degrees ........................................... 604W
Regional Development Agencies: Lobbying........... 874W Departmental Official Cars .................................... 604W
Regional Development Agencies: Operating Departmental Operating Costs .............................. 605W
Costs.................................................................. 875W Football ................................................................. 605W
South West Regional Development Agency ........... 875W Gambling ............................................................... 605W
Student Loans Company ....................................... 876W Gambling: Licensing .............................................. 606W
Student Loans Company: Darlington .................... 876W Gaming Machines.................................................. 606W
Students: Finance .................................................. 876W Horserace Totalisator Board: Manpower ............... 606W
UK Trade and Investment: Afghanistan ................ 878W Local Broadcasting: West Yorkshire ...................... 607W
London Olympics .................................................. 601W
CABINET OFFICE ............................................................. 731W London Review of Books ...................................... 607W
British-Irish Council .............................................. 731W National Lottery: Scotland .................................... 607W
Census ................................................................... 731W Olympic Games 2012: VAT .................................... 607W
Charity Commission: Public Consultation ............. 731W Performing Arts ..................................................... 608W
Civil Servants: Liverpool........................................ 732W Theatre................................................................... 608W
Civil Servants: Redundancy Pay............................. 732W Theatre: Government Assistance............................ 608W
Civil Servants: Retirement...................................... 733W
Departmental Billing ............................................. 733W DEFENCE ........................................................................... 614W
Departmental Official Hospitality.......................... 734W Afghanistan: Armed Forces ................................... 614W
Electoral Register................................................... 734W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations .................. 614W
Electoral Register: Greater London ....................... 737W Apache Helicopters................................................ 616W
Government Departments: Carbon Emissions....... 738W Armed Forces: Housing ......................................... 617W
Government Departments: Construction............... 738W Caribbean: Warships .............................................. 618W
Life Expectancy: Bexley ......................................... 738W Departmental Fire Services .................................... 618W
 Col. No. Col. No.
DEFENCE—continued ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—continued
Departmental ICT ................................................. 619W Fuel Poverty........................................................... 751W
Merlin Helicopters ................................................. 619W National Concessionary Fuel Office ...................... 752W
Military Aid ........................................................... 619W Oil: Scotland .......................................................... 752W
Nuclear Submarines: Accidents ............................. 620W Renewable Energy .................................................. 752W
Nuclear Weapons: Finance .................................... 620W Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs ......................... 754W
Rescue Services: Helicopters .................................. 620W Renewable Energy: Regional Development
Strategic Defence and Security Review .................. 621W Agencies............................................................. 755W
Trident ................................................................... 621W Renewable Heat Incentive ...................................... 755W
United Arab Emirates ............................................ 621W Wales ..................................................................... 756W
Wind Power ........................................................... 756W
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER............................................ 678W Windows: Energy ................................................... 756W
Constituencies........................................................ 678W
Constituencies: River Mersey................................. 679W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS .......... 698W
Electoral Systems: Referendums ............................ 680W Agriculture: Environment Protection ..................... 698W
Electoral Systems: Reform ..................................... 680W Air Pollution .......................................................... 698W
Members ................................................................ 681W Bears: Conservation ............................................... 699W
Political Parties: Finance........................................ 681W British Waterways: Compensation ......................... 699W
Referendums .......................................................... 681W Coastal Erosion ..................................................... 699W
Common Agricultural Policy ................................. 700W
EDUCATION ...................................................................... 807W Dangerous Dogs .................................................... 700W
Academies: Ealing Central and Acton................... 807W Departmental Billing ............................................. 700W
Academies: Finance ............................................... 807W Departmental Buildings ......................................... 701W
Academies: Special Educational Needs .................. 807W Departmental Catering .......................................... 702W
Building Schools for the Future Programme .......... 808W Departmental Contracts ........................................ 703W
Building Schools for the Future Programme: Departmental ICT ................................................. 703W
Hyndburn .......................................................... 809W Departmental Official Cars .................................... 704W
Business: Curriculum ............................................. 810W Departmental Official Hospitality.......................... 704W
Care Homes: Standards ......................................... 810W Departmental Pay .................................................. 705W
Connexions Service ................................................ 810W Departmental Secondment .................................... 706W
Departmental Manpower....................................... 811W Departmental Stationery........................................ 706W
Departmental Marketing ....................................... 811W Departmental Training .......................................... 707W
Departmental Training .......................................... 812W Departmental Travel .............................................. 707W
Departmental Travel .............................................. 812W Departmental Utilities ........................................... 710W
Education Maintenance Allowance........................ 812W Fisheries: EC Grants and Loans ............................ 713W
Free School Meals: Cornwall ................................. 813W Fishing Limits........................................................ 713W
Free Schools........................................................... 813W Flood Control ........................................................ 714W
GCSE: West Midlands ........................................... 813W Food: Procurement ................................................ 714W
Headteachers: Pay.................................................. 815W Incinerators: Shrewsbury ....................................... 715W
Higher Education: Admissions .............................. 816W Inshore Fisheries.................................................... 715W
Local History: Curriculum..................................... 816W Packaging: Waste Management ............................. 716W
National Curriculum Tests..................................... 816W Primates: Ownership .............................................. 716W
Ofsted .................................................................... 817W Reservoirs: Abingdon............................................. 716W
Personal, Social, Health and Economic Rivers: North East ................................................. 716W
Education .......................................................... 817W Task Force on Farming Regulations ...................... 717W
Physics: Teachers.................................................... 817W Thames Water: Water Supply ................................. 717W
School Improvement Partners ................................ 818W Waste Management................................................ 717W
Schools: Cricket ..................................................... 818W Waste: Renewable Energy ...................................... 717W
Schools: Employment Tribunals Service ................ 818W Wildlife: Crime....................................................... 718W
Schools: ICT .......................................................... 818W
Schools: Musical Instruments ................................ 819W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ............... 671W
Schools: Racism ..................................................... 819W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations .................. 671W
Schools: Standards................................................. 820W Afghanistan: Politics and Government .................. 672W
Secondary Education: Standards ........................... 820W British Nationals Abroad: Capital Punishment...... 672W
Teach First ............................................................. 819W Departmental Communication .............................. 672W
Teach First: North West......................................... 819W Departmental Pay .................................................. 673W
Teachers: Pay ......................................................... 820W Departmental Private Education............................ 673W
Written Questions: Government Responses ........... 821W EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and
Security Policy ................................................... 673W
ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE.................. 718W European Parliament Members: Finance ............... 674W
Electoral Register................................................... 718W European Parliament Members: Germany............. 674W
Electorate: Ethnic Groups...................................... 720W European Parliament: Publications ........................ 675W
Members: Correspondence .................................... 720W Gambia: Capital Punishment................................. 675W
National Assembly for Wales ................................. 720W India: Mining......................................................... 675W
National Assembly for Wales: Referendums .......... 721W Israel ...................................................................... 676W
Nigeria: Politics and Government .......................... 676W
ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ............................... 746W Palestinians: International Assistance .................... 677W
Carbon Emissions: Research ................................. 746W Somalia: Politics and Government ......................... 677W
Departmental Billing ............................................. 747W Uzbekistan: Sterilisation ........................................ 678W
Departmental Contracts ........................................ 747W
Departmental Correspondence .............................. 747W HEALTH ............................................................................. 821W
Departmental ICT ................................................. 747W Alcoholic Drinks: Advertising ............................... 821W
Departmental Speeches.......................................... 748W Alzheimer’s Disease: Cumbria................................ 822W
Departmental Travel .............................................. 748W CJD ....................................................................... 822W
Energy: Housing .................................................... 748W Consumer Groups.................................................. 824W
Energy: Prices ........................................................ 749W Dementia ............................................................... 824W
Environment Protection: Low Incomes .................. 750W Departmental Buildings ......................................... 824W
Environmental Projects .......................................... 750W Departmental Official Hospitality.......................... 825W
Farmers: Carbon Trust .......................................... 751W Departmental Utilities ........................................... 826W
 Col. No.
HEALTH—continued
Direct Payments..................................................... 827W
Euthanasia ............................................................. 827W
Foetal Tissue .......................................................... 828W
Food ...................................................................... 828W
Food: Advertising .................................................. 832W
Food: Labelling...................................................... 832W
Food Standards Agency ......................................... 828W
General Practitioners ............................................. 833W
Health Services: Standards..................................... 834W
Health Services: Wales ........................................... 834W
Hearing Impairment .............................................. 835W
Hospitals: Admissions ........................................... 835W
IVF ........................................................................ 838W
Kidney Patients...................................................... 839W
Maternity Services: Standards................................ 839W
Medical Records: Databases .................................. 840W
Mental Health Services .......................................... 841W
Muscular Dystrophy .............................................. 842W
National Institute for Health and Clinical
Excellence .......................................................... 842W
NHS Commissioning Board .................................. 844W
NHS: Essex ............................................................ 844W
NHS: Finance ........................................................ 845W
NHS Foundation Trusts: Membership ................... 844W
NHS: Public Sector ................................................ 846W
Nutrition: Pregnant Women................................... 846W
Palliative Care ........................................................ 847W
Pregnancy: Death................................................... 847W
Prescriptions: Fees and Charges............................. 847W
Primary Care Trusts ............................................... 848W
Self-harm ............................................................... 848W
Streptococcus: Babies............................................. 849W
Suicide ................................................................... 849W
Swine Flu ............................................................... 850W
HOME DEPARTMENT ..................................................... 635W
Animal Experiments .............................................. 635W
Animal Experiments: Licensing ............................. 635W
Asylum .................................................................. 636W
Asylum: Deportation ............................................. 637W
British Nationality ................................................. 637W
British Nationality: Citizenship.............................. 638W
Citizenship ............................................................. 638W
Crime ..................................................................... 639W
Detainees: Torture.................................................. 639W
English Language .................................................. 640W
Entry Clearances.................................................... 640W
Entry Clearances: Married People ......................... 642W
Entry Clearances: Overseas Students ..................... 642W
Entry Clearances: Skilled Workers ......................... 642W
Foreign Nationals: Licences ................................... 643W
Human Trafficking ................................................ 645W
Illegal Immigrants: Employment............................ 646W
Immigrants: English Language .............................. 646W
Immigration ........................................................... 646W
Immigration: Hungary ........................................... 647W
Immigration: Work Permits ................................... 647W
Members: Correspondence .................................... 651W
Police: Finance....................................................... 652W
UK Border Agency: Expenditure........................... 653W
UK Border Agency: Immigration Appeals............. 654W
UK Border Agency International Group ............... 652W
Visas: Married People ............................................ 653W
Visas: Northern Ireland ......................................... 654W
Visas: Pakistan ....................................................... 655W
Work Permits ......................................................... 656W
HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION ....................... 660W
Palace of Westminster and 7 Millbank: Wifi .......... 660W
Procurement Policy ................................................ 660W
Select Committees: Audio Recordings.................... 660W
Television: Subtitles ............................................... 662W
INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY STANDARDS
AUTHORITY COMMITTEE ........................................ 698W
Members: Correspondence .................................... 698W
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT .............................. 663W
Afghanistan: Overseas Aid .................................... 663W
Col. No.
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—continued
Afghanistan: Reconstruction ................................. 663W
Africa: Children ..................................................... 663W
Cabinet Committees............................................... 664W
Departmental Manpower....................................... 664W
Departmental Official Hospitality.......................... 664W
Departmental Operating Costs .............................. 664W
Departmental Pay .................................................. 665W
Departmental Private Education............................ 665W
Departmental Public Expenditure.......................... 665W
Departmental Travel .............................................. 666W
Developing Countries: HIV Infection .................... 666W
Developing Countries: Maternity Services ............. 666W
Developing Countries: Schools .............................. 667W
Development Innovation Fund .............................. 667W
International Assistance......................................... 668W
International Assistance: Hunger........................... 668W
Nigeria: International Assistance ........................... 668W
Overseas Aid .......................................................... 669W
Vendata Resources ................................................. 669W
Water Supply ......................................................... 669W
JUSTICE ............................................................................. 682W
Art Works .............................................................. 682W
Claims Standards Council: Codes of Practice ........ 683W
Convictions ............................................................ 684W
Corruption: Legislation ......................................... 685W
Debt Collection...................................................... 686W
Departmental Operating Costs .............................. 687W
Departmental Pay .................................................. 688W
Domestic Violence: Children.................................. 688W
Fines: Surcharges ................................................... 688W
Immigration: Asylum............................................. 688W
Magistrates Courts: Closures ................................. 689W
Miscarriages of Justice........................................... 689W
Money Laundering: Convictions............................ 689W
Prison Sentences .................................................... 690W
Prison: Wales ......................................................... 691W
Prisoners: Drugs .................................................... 692W
Prisoners: Legal Aid............................................... 692W
Prisoners: Sentencing ............................................. 693W
Prisons: Crimes of Violence ................................... 693W
Prisons: Drugs ....................................................... 695W
Prisons: Visits......................................................... 695W
Secure Training Centres: Children.......................... 695W
Shoplifting: Unpaid Fines...................................... 696W
Unpaid Fines ......................................................... 696W
LEADER OF THE HOUSE ............................................... 670W
Members: Work Experience ................................... 670W
Opposition: Finance .............................................. 670W
Oral Questions ....................................................... 670W
Parliamentary Questions........................................ 670W
Pre-legislative Scrutiny ........................................... 670W
NORTHERN IRELAND ..................................................... 682W
Departmental Billing ............................................. 682W
Trade Unions ......................................................... 682W
PRIME MINISTER ............................................................ 658W
Departmental Communication .............................. 658W
EU Budget ............................................................. 659W
Israel ...................................................................... 659W
Ministerial Policy Advisers..................................... 659W
Slovenia: World War Two....................................... 659W
USA....................................................................... 659W
SCOTLAND ........................................................................ 608W
Departmental Billing ............................................. 608W
Electricity: Meters.................................................. 609W
Graduates: Taxation .............................................. 609W
Housing Benefit ..................................................... 609W
Merchant Shipping ................................................ 609W
Minimum Wage ..................................................... 610W
TRANSPORT...................................................................... 791W
Accidents: Finance................................................. 791W
Barking-Gospel Oak Railway Line:
Electrification .................................................... 791W
Biofuels .................................................................. 791W
 Col. No. Col. No.
TRANSPORT—continued TREASURY—continued
Blue Badge Scheme ................................................ 792W VAT: Helmets......................................................... 730W
Bus Services: Concessions ...................................... 792W
Cars: Households................................................... 793W WALES ................................................................................ 612W
Crossrail: Finance .................................................. 793W Departmental Billing ............................................. 612W
Dartford-Thurrock Crossing.................................. 793W Job Creation........................................................... 612W
Departmental Civil Servants .................................. 794W Public Expenditure: Cuts ....................................... 613W
Departmental Contracts ........................................ 794W Trade Unions ......................................................... 613W
Departmental Internet ........................................... 794W
WOMEN AND EQUALITIES ............................................ 610W
Departmental Public Expenditure.......................... 795W
Access to Work ...................................................... 610W
Departmental Stationery........................................ 796W
Departmental Operating Costs .............................. 610W
Departmental Travel .............................................. 798W
Departmental Pay .................................................. 611W
Driving: Eyesight ................................................... 797W
EC Law .................................................................. 611W
Driving: Licences ................................................... 797W
Equalities and Human Rights Commission:
Driving: Licensing.................................................. 798W
Manpower ......................................................... 611W
East Coast Main Line: Finance.............................. 799W
Maternity Leave ..................................................... 611W
East Coast Main Line: Personnel........................... 799W
Women’s National Commission ............................. 611W
EC Directive on Driving Licences .......................... 799W
Heysham Port ........................................................ 800W WORK AND PENSIONS.................................................... 756W
M4 ......................................................................... 800W Access to Work ...................................................... 756W
Motorcycles: Helmets ............................................ 801W Allied Steel and Wire: Pensions.............................. 757W
Network Rail: Finance........................................... 801W Child Tax Credit: Aberdeenshire............................ 757W
Official Cars: House of Commons ......................... 802W Council Tax Benefits .............................................. 757W
Port of Teesside...................................................... 802W Credit Unions ........................................................ 758W
Public Transport: EU Action ................................. 802W Departmental Buildings ......................................... 758W
Railway Network ................................................... 803W Departmental Electronic Equipment ..................... 759W
Railways: Construction .......................................... 803W Departmental ICT ................................................. 762W
Railways: Overcrowding......................................... 803W Departmental Internet ........................................... 763W
Railways: Passengers .............................................. 803W Departmental Lighting .......................................... 764W
Railways: Todmorden ............................................ 804W Departmental Marketing ....................................... 764W
Road Traffic ........................................................... 804W Departmental Official Hospitality.......................... 764W
Roads: Repairs and Maintenance........................... 804W Departmental Pay .................................................. 765W
Roads: Safety ......................................................... 805W Departmental Security ........................................... 766W
Seas and Oceans: Death ......................................... 805W Departmental Stationery........................................ 767W
Speed Limits .......................................................... 806W Departmental Training .......................................... 768W
Think Brand .......................................................... 806W Departmental Travel .............................................. 770W
Transport: South Yorkshire.................................... 806W Departmental Utilities ........................................... 772W
Wrexham-Bidston Railway Line: Electrification .... 807W Disability Living Allowance ................................... 773W
Disability Living Allowance: Fraud ....................... 774W
TREASURY......................................................................... 721W Employers’ Liability............................................... 775W
Air Passenger Duty................................................ 721W Employment Schemes ............................................ 775W
Banks: Taxation ..................................................... 722W Employment: Wales ............................................... 776W
Child Benefit: Armed Forces.................................. 722W Employment: Young People ................................... 777W
Child Tax Credit .................................................... 722W Energy.................................................................... 777W
Child Trust Fund and Saving Gateway................... 723W Funerals: West Midlands ....................................... 778W
Consumer Price Index............................................ 723W Future Jobs Fund................................................... 778W
Departmental Accountancy ................................... 723W Future Jobs Fund: Scotland................................... 779W
Departmental Lighting .......................................... 724W Housing Benefit ..................................................... 779W
Departmental Manpower....................................... 724W Housing Benefit: Disability .................................... 781W
Departmental Marketing ....................................... 724W Housing Benefit: Greater London.......................... 782W
EC Budget ............................................................. 724W Housing Benefit: Liverpool .................................... 782W
Employment Tribunals Service: Legal Costs .......... 725W Housing Benefit: Worcestershire ............................ 783W
EU Budget ............................................................. 725W Incapacity Benefit: Scotland .................................. 783W
Fraud: Alcoholic Drinks ........................................ 725W Industrial Health and Safety: Death ...................... 783W
Government Departments: MITIE ........................ 725W Industrial Injuries .................................................. 785W
Mortgages: Income Support .................................. 726W Industrial Injuries: Deaths ..................................... 785W
Office for Budget Responsibility: Public Local Housing Allowance: Greater London .......... 787W
Appointments .................................................... 726W Lone Parents .......................................................... 787W
Pensions: Index Linking......................................... 727W Members: Correspondence .................................... 787W
Public Expenditure................................................. 727W Mesothelioma: Death............................................. 787W
Public Expenditure: Wales ..................................... 727W Occupational Pensions ........................................... 787W
Public Sector: Wales............................................... 727W Pension Service ...................................................... 788W
Radio Frequencies ................................................. 728W Pensioners: Poverty ................................................ 788W
Regional Planning and Development: Tees Valley.. 728W Pensions: Consumer Price Index ............................ 788W
Saving Gateway...................................................... 728W Pregnant Women: Grants....................................... 789W
Taxation: Bingo ..................................................... 728W Social Security Benefits: Disability......................... 789W
Taxation: Bookmakers ........................................... 729W State Retirement Pensions ...................................... 789W
Taxation: Environment Protection ......................... 729W Vocational Guidance.............................................. 790W
Terrorism: Finance................................................. 729W Wearside First Credit ............................................. 790W
VAT: Churches ....................................................... 730W Work Capability Assessment: Autism..................... 790W
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Volume 514 Monday
No. 38 26 July 2010

CONTENTS
Monday 26 July 2010

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 693] [see index inside back page]
Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport
Leader of the House
House of Commons Commission

Ian Tomlinson [Col. 715]

Answer to urgent question—(Attorney-General)

Policing in the 21st Century [Col. 723]

Statement—(Mrs May)

Local Referendums [Col. 741]

Recall of Elected Representatives [Col. 741]
Bills presented, and read the First time

Academies Bill [Lords] [Col. 742]

Considered in Committee; amended; read the Third time and passed

Petitions [Col. 834]

Hospital Car Parking Charges (Hereford) [Col. 837]

Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 51WS]

Petitions [Col. 9P]

Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 601W] [see index inside back page]