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30 Oct 2008 : Column 1184W—continued
Mr. Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much each regional development agency has received from the Regional Development Programme for England since the inception of the 2000 to 2006 programme, broken down by programme year. [229482]
Huw Irranca-Davies: The 2000-06 England Rural Development Programme was delivered by the then DEFRA Rural Development Service and, as such, no funding under that programme was allocated to regional development agencies (RDAs). Since 1 October 2006, RDAs have taken over delivery of the legacy spend on ERDP schemes which closed to new applicants in 2006.
Mr. Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which projects have received Rural Development Programme for England funding since 1 January 2007, broken down by regional development agency. [229483]
Huw Irranca-Davies: The number of projects funded under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) since 1 January 2007 includes both new projects and programmes approved by regional development agencies, as well as projects that were the legacy of the previous England Rural Development Programme, thus amounting to over 1,000 projects.
Details of all projects receiving funding through rural development programmes will be published annually on the DEFRA website, and those projects funded from 1 January 2007 to 15 October 2007 (linked to the European Community's financial year) can be found at
Satellites
Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what use his Department makes of data obtained from earth observation satellites; and what payment is made for such data, where applicable. [230461]
Huw Irranca-Davies: DEFRA and its delivery bodies use high resolution satellite data for the verification of agricultural subsidy claims under the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS). The data used are supplied directly by the European Commission so there is no cost to the Department.
DEFRA also uses satellite data as part of the UK Countryside Survey in order to produce a national Land Cover Map. The Land Cover Map is a partnership project between DEFRA, the Natural Environment Research Council and the devolved Administrations. Some of the satellite data for the Land Cover Map are provided free of charge by the European Commission. DEFRA and partners have agreed a budget of £110,000 for the purchase of additional data.
Satellite derived data are also used on an ad-hoc basis in various research projects funded by DEFRA. DEFRA does not hold data centrally on the costs of the satellite data used within these research projects.
Smuggling: Wildlife
Mr. David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to combat the illegal trade in wildlife over the internet. [231134]
Huw Irranca-Davies: In the UK, the Government are working with the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), HM Revenue and Customs and the police to establish the extent of trade taking place over the internet that is illegal, and to find effective ways to tackle this. The issue is one of five priority areas for consideration by the NWCU as part of its delivery of obligations to assist the Government to apply the requirements of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Additionally, DEFRA has been working with the trade, website owners, enforcement experts and other stakeholders to establish a Code of Practice for internet providers and users.
The issue, however, transcends borders and we believe a global approach is required. The UK was instrumental in proposing that CITES convenes a special workshop to consider the issue, and provided funds for this to occur. I am pleased to report that this meeting will take place next February in Canada. The workshop will review what is known about the scale and nature of illegal internet trade in wildlife globally and then consider ways to tackle illegal activity there. In addition to providing financial support to the workshop we have also contributed evidence of our current knowledge of illegal wildlife trade over the internet.
South West Water Authority
Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 29 September 2008, Official Report, column 2423W, on the South West Water Authority, (1) whether regions other than the South West maintain residual water authorities; [229423]
(2) what residual matters relating to the South West Water Authority have yet to be resolved; and if he will make a statement. [229424]
Jane Kennedy [holding answer 23 October 2008]: The South West water authority is the only remaining residual water authority in England and Wales.
The only residual matter preventing the winding up of the South West water authority is the incident which occurred at the Lowermoor Water Treatment Works in July 1988. The authority will not be wound up until the Government are satisfied that any outstanding matters relating to that incident have been resolved.
Water Supply
Mr. Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Government are taking to create a national water grid within the UK. [227917]
Jane Kennedy: A good deal of water is already transferred within water companies' areas of operation to give individual companies greater flexibility to meet local shortages. Longer distance links have long been established between, for example, Wales and the West Midlands and South East Lancashire, the Lake District and Lancashire, and from the Fenland watercourses to Essex.
The idea of a national grid system for water was discussed at the Secretary of State's Water Meeting during summer 2006 attended by representatives from across the water industry.
There was unanimous agreement that a national water grid was not feasible due to its disproportionate and unjustified cost, both for the environment and for water bills, compared with its possible benefits.
This view is underpinned in the Environment Agency report ‘Do we need large-scale water transfers for south-east England?', which was published in September 2006. The report found no evidence for the need for such large-scale transfer and was considered to be more expensive and environmentally damaging than the measures already in the south-east water companies' water resources plans.
The Environment Agency, in consultation with Ofwat, is able to propose to a water company that it enters into a bulk supply agreement with another water company, where it is necessary to secure the proper use of water resources.
Treasury
Financial Markets
10. Mr. Geoffrey Robinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the effect of turbulence in the financial markets on the economy. [231523]
Mr. Timms: The Government will update their forecasts for the UK and world economies in the forthcoming pre-Budget report as normal, based on all relevant factors.
Public Borrowing
11. Mr. Swayne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much he plans to increase public borrowing over the next 12 months. [231524]
Yvette Cooper: The Chancellor of the Exchequer will provide an update on the Government’s fiscal position, including forecasts for the public finances, in the autumn pre-Budget report.
15. Mr. Brazier: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the likely impact of recession on Government borrowing. [231530]
Yvette Cooper: The Chancellor of the Exchequer will provide an update on the Government's economic and fiscal forecasts in the autumn pre-Budget report.
Banking System
12. Harry Cohen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will commission an independent inquiry into the causes of the recent turbulence in the banking system. [231526]
Ian Pearson:
The on-going turbulence has affected financial markets around the world and requires an international response. In April this year the Financial Stability Forum provided the G7 with a detailed report on the causes of the crisis and a comprehensive set of recommendations for strengthening the financial system
for the future. Going forwards, the FSF should continue to play a central role in shaping the international response to the crisis.
Bank Recapitalisation
13. Lyn Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the policies of banks which have been recapitalised with public funds on providing credit to small businesses. [231528]
16. Mr. Love: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the policies of banks which have been recapitalised with public funds on providing credit to small businesses. [231531]
Ian Pearson: The measures that the Government announced on 8 and 13 of October included agreements with the banks who used the Bank Reconstruction Fund that over the next three years they would maintain the availability and active marketing of competitively-priced lending to small businesses at 2007 levels.
Small Businesses
14. Mr. Carswell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring forward measures to reduce the burden of tax on small businesses. [231529]
Ian Pearson: The Government have acted in recent weeks to provide support to small businesses, including aiming to make payments to small businesses within 10 days. The measures that the Government announced on 8 and 13 October included agreements with the banks who used the Bank Reconstruction Fund that over the next three years they would maintain the availability and active marketing of competitively priced lending to small businesses at 2007 levels.
The Government keeps all taxes under review and considers fiscal measures as part of the PBR and Budget process.
Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent fiscal steps he has taken to assist small businesses in the current economic situation. [231515]
Mr. Timms: In addition to the measures set out in the 2008 Enterprise Strategy, Government have announced a package to help smaller businesses including:
£350 million to support smaller employers to train their workforces;
A target to pay suppliers as soon as possible and within 10 days;
Free “Health Checks” for businesses through Business Link;
Provision of new finance guides produced by the Institute of Credit Management.
Repossessions
17. Damian Green: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects on the housing market of the repossession policies of those banks in public ownership. [231533]
Yvette Cooper: On 8 October this year the Government announced a package of measures to support stability of the financial system, protect ordinary consumers and businesses, and to safeguard the interests of the taxpayer.
As part of their investment, the Government agreed a range of commitments with the banks supported by the recapitalisation scheme.
These include agreements to help individuals struggling with their mortgage payments stay in their homes.
Government Expenditure
18. Andrew Selous: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to reduce unnecessary expenditure across Government. [231534]
Yvette Cooper: Having already secured more than £23 billion of efficiency gains through the Gershon Efficiency Programme, Departments and local authorities are currently working to deliver a further £30 billion package of cash-releasing savings, releasing resources for investment in our core public services.
The Operational Efficiency Programme and Public Value Programme, launched earlier this year, are exploring the scope for further savings to ensure taxpayers receive maximum value for money.
Comprehensive Spending Review
Mr. Allen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that the potential for early intervention is taken into account across all spending decisions in the next Comprehensive Spending Review; and if he will make a statement. [231519]
Yvette Cooper: The Treasury prioritise a diverse range of policy pressures at each Spending Review. In the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review, and subsequently (for example in the Children’s Plan), Government have expanded investment in early intervention. This includes further investment in Children’s Centres and the free early education offer, and on initiative such as Family Nurse Partnerships; Family Intervention Projects; and Targeted Youth Support.
Bank Services: Small Businesses
Dr. Palmer: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the policies on providing credit to small businesses of banks which have been recapitalised with public funds. [231514]
Ian Pearson: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer my right hon. Friend the Chancellor gave the hon. Member for Islwyn (Mr. Touhig) on the Floor of the House earlier today.
Banks
Mr. Bone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what day he expects the share subscriptions and share placings relating to the £9 billion preference shares and the £28 billion of ordinary shares in HBOS plc, Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc and Lloyds TSB Group plc by the Commissioners of Her Majesty’s Treasury to be completed. [231532]
Ian Pearson: The firms are currently finalising their timetable for the shareholder approval and subsequent share issue.
Corporation Tax: Small Businesses
Justine Greening: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) when his most recent estimate of the predicted additional Exchequer revenue from the phased increase of the small companies rate of corporation tax is for (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10; [231770]
(2) what estimate he has made of the additional Exchequer revenue likely to accrue from the phased increase of the small companies rate of corporation tax from 19 per cent. to 22 per cent. in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09 and (c) 2009-10. [231771]
Mr. Timms: In line with the Code for Fiscal Stability, at Budget 2007 the Government published the impact on Exchequer revenues of the increase in the small companies rate for the years 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10. These can be found in Table 1.2 of the Budget 2007 document.
The forecasts of receipts of corporation tax will be updated in the pre-Budget report.
Justine Greening: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate his Department has made of the number of companies paying the small companies rate of corporation tax which paid annual corporation tax payments in the range of (a) £0 to £10,000, (b) £10,001 to £20,000, (c) £20,001 to £30,000, (d) £30,001 to £40,000, (e) £40,001 to £50,000 and (f) £50,001 and above in each of the last four years; [231772]
(2) what estimate his Department has made of the number of companies paying the small companies rate of corporation tax which are expected to pay annual corporation tax payments to the Treasury in the range of (a) £0 to £10,000, (b) £10,001 to £20,000, (c) £20,001 to £30,000, (d) £30,001 to £40,000, (e) £40,001 to £50,000 and (f) £50,001 and above in (i) 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10 and (iii) 2010-11. [231773]
Mr. Timms: Published National Statistics showing the total number of companies paying at the Small Companies’ Rate are available for 1998-99 to 2005-06:
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