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11 Nov 2009 : Column 368W—continued
(9) how much his Department (a) has spent and (b) plans to spend on the (i) M6 junctions 18 to 17 resurfacing works, (ii) A1 Stamford heavy goods vehicles overtaking ban, (iii) M25 junction 24 link overnight safety work, (iv) M5 junctions 25 to 26 Poundisford drainage and resurfacing scheme and (v) A12 Witham major maintenance and improvement scheme; and what the total projected cost of each is; [298827]
(10) how much his Department (a) has spent and (b) plans to spend on the (i) M1 junctions 32 to 35a managed motorway scheme, (ii) A2 Kingston Bridleway bridge, (iii) A483 Pant Embankment stabilisation and carriageway repairs, (v) A13-A1089 safety improvements near Thurrock and (v) A21 Pembury Bypass slip road widening works; and what the total projected cost of each is; [298828]
(11) how much his Department (a) has spent and (b) plans to spend on the (i) A66 Bowes Interchange, (ii) A1/A69 Denton Interchange, (iii) M5 junction 29 east of Exeter improvement, (iv) M62 junctions 25 to 30 managed motorway scheme and (v) A56 lay-by improvements; and what the total projected cost of each is; [298829]
(12) how much his Department (a) has spent and (b) plans to spend on the (i) M25 north viaduct maintenance at junction 28 and the A12 Brook Street interchange, (ii) A160/A180 improvements at Immingham, (iii) A1 East Ancroft to Cat Inn scheme, (iv) A66 Cross Lanes to Lowfields scheme and (v) A66 Southorpe to Hutton Magna scheme; and what the total projected cost of each is; [298830]
(13) how much his Department (a) has spent and (b) plans to spend on the (i) A21 Riverhead Bridge refurbishment, (ii) A1 Newlands Burn otter crossing, (iii) A1 Newton Burn otter crossing, (iv) A1 Oxford to Scremerston scheme and (v) A1 River Aln wildlife crossing; and what the total projected cost of each is; [298831]
(14) how much his Department (a) has spent and (b) plans to spend on the (i) A66 Viewley Hill to Long Newton scheme, (ii) M1 junctions 28 to 31 managed motorways scheme, (iii) M4 junction 19 to 20 and M5 junctions 15 to 17 managed motorways scheme, (iv) M6 Birmingham Box Phase 3 managed motorways scheme and (v) M25 junctions 17 to 10 controlled motorway scheme; and what the total projected cost of each is; [298832]
(15) how much his Department (a) has spent and (b) plans to spend on the (i) A1 Birtley to Eighton Lodge scheme, (ii) A194(M) Whitemare Pool interchange microprocessor optimised vehicle activation scheme, (iii) A184 Whitemare Pool interchange, (iv) A66(M) Darlington Spur scheme and (v) A1 Blaydon to Kenton Bar scheme; and what the total projected cost of each is; [298833]
(16) how much his Department (a) has spent and (b) plans to spend on the (i) A50/A500 Queensway Island road marking works, (ii) A63 Castle Street improvement, (iii) A5111 Raynesway River bridge works, (iv) M60 junctions 15 to 12 lane gain and (v) A14 Kettering Bypass widening; and what the total projected cost of each is; [298834]
(17) how much his Department (a) has spent and (b) plans to spend on the (i) A1 Belford Bypass road renewal, (ii) M62 junctions 35 to 36 major road
renewal, (iii) A19/A1058 Coast Road junction improvement, (iv) A180 Croxton to Ulceby scheme and (v) A27 Southwick Tunnel 2009 closures; and what the total projected cost of each is; [298835]
(18) how much his Department (a) has spent and (b) plans to spend on (i) M11 junctions 6 to 8 improvements, (ii) M11 and A120 Stansted Generation 2 airport access, (iii) A556 Knutsford to Bowdon environmental improvement, (iv) A1(M) major maintenance at Sawtry and (v) M6 junction 32 to 33 bridge maintenance; and what the total projected cost of each is; [298836]
(19) how much his Department (a) has spent and (b) plans to spend on the (i) A27 Southerham Bridge works, (ii) M6 junctions 11A to 19 scheme, (iii) M54 to M6/M6 toll link road, (iv) M1 junction 19 scheme and (v) A1/B6387 Twyford Bridge junction improvement; and what the projected cost of each is; [298837]
(20) how much his Department (a) has spent and (b) plans to spend on the (i) M25 junctions 5 to 7 widening, (ii) M20 junction 10A scheme, (iii) A21 Kippings Cross to Lamberhurst improvement, (iv) A1 Elkesley Junctions improvement and (v) A1 Gateshead and Newcastle western bypass; and what the total projected cost of each is; [298838]
(21) how much his Department (a) has spent and (b) plans to spend on the (i) A64 York to Scarborough proposed dualling, (ii) A19/A1067 Seaton Burn junction improvements, (iii) A19 Testos junction improvements, (iv) A47 Acle Straight and (v) M25 junctions 23 to 27 widening; and what the total projected cost of each is. [298839]
Chris Mole: A table which gives the estimated costs for the schemes listed above and spend on them as at the end of October 2009 has been placed in the Libraries of the House.
For major schemes, total project costs are given as range estimates in accordance with the Highways Agency's operating procedures. Start of works and completion dates have been given for the major schemes (where appropriate) which have been used in the assumptions underpinning the range estimates. Range estimates are updated at key stages during the development of a project and will take into account any changes in start or completion dates.
The non-major schemes are a combination of routine and major maintenance projects, local network management schemes (LNMS) and Fiscal Stimulus projects. Forecasts are point estimates based on best information available and are subject to changes in priorities and affordability.
Roads: Repairs and Maintenance
Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what the benefit-cost ratios of all road schemes in the targeted programme of improvements (a) were at programme entry and (b) are at present, taking into account (i) revisions to the Approach to Transport Appraisal guidance and (ii) recent changes to the monetary cost of carbon emissions. [296881]
Chris Mole: This information is not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Thameslink
Patrick Hall: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport how many additional seats will be available for passengers travelling between Bedford and London St. Pancras International stations during the morning peak period on completion of the Thameslink programme. [299199]
Chris Mole: The Department for Transport is currently evaluating bids for the new fleet of trains that will operate on the Thameslink network. The new trains will be highly reliable and designed to provide an enhanced passenger environment, including air conditioning, state of the art passenger information, and will be fully accessible for mobility impaired passengers.
The actual number of seats on the trains will be determined when the winning bidder is confirmed, but a new 12 car train will offer at least an additional 70 seats over the usual eight car trains operating from Bedford to St. Pancras International. The new trains will have a significantly higher overall capacity compared to the existing rolling stock.
The overall additional seats offered during the peak period will be determined by the exact train service that will operate. This will be determined closer to the completion of the overall programme.
Wheelchairs
Mr. Streeter: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport whether he plans to review limitations on the size of motors in powered wheelchairs to enable children in hilly areas to use them; and if he will make a statement. [299728]
Mr. Khan: There is no statutory limit on the size of motors of powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters (referred to as invalid carriages in legislation). They are limited to specific maximum speeds and to maximum unladen weight limits when in use on the public highway.
The use of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs is covered by the Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988. These regulations divide powered mobility vehicles into two main categories. The Class 2 type can travel at speeds of up to 4 mph and is primarily intended for use on the pavement. The unladen weight should not exceed 113.4 kilograms. The Class 3 type can travel at speeds of up to 8 mph and can be used on both roads and pavements. Class 3 scooters must have the facility to be driven at no more than 4 mph when used on the footpath. The unladen weight should not exceed 150 kilograms. The regulations also subject Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles to requirements concerning their means of stopping. They further specify that in order to use a powered mobility vehicle a person must be "suffering from some physical defect or physical disability" and that a Class 3 vehicle must not be used by a person under 14 years.
Olympics
Departmental Home Working
David Simpson: To ask the Minister for the Olympics how many staff of (a) her Office and (b) the Government Olympic Executive have been authorised to work from home in the last 12 months. [297736]
Tessa Jowell: My Private Office is based in the Cabinet Office. The Cabinet Office has a home working policy in place as part of its commitment to flexible working.
The Government Olympic Executive (GOE) is part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)-reporting to me through the permanent secretary. DCMS staff are actively encouraged to work alternative working patterns, including working from home. These are mainly arranged at local line management level and DCMS does not hold comprehensive data centrally about the number of staff involved. DCMS has a new human resources information system in place, and when this is fully operational, it will record this information.
Olympic Games 2012
Jon Cruddas: To ask the Minister for the Olympics what assessment she has made of the legacy for the sport of (a) shooting at the Royal Artillery Barracks, (b) badminton at Wembley Arena and (c) rhythmic gymnastics at Wembley Arena of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. [294234]
Tessa Jowell: Government are working closely with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), with the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and with the national governing bodies to maximise all possible legacy opportunities for the sports from the games. This will include consideration being given to the relocation of assets and equipment used during the games, including shooting ranges, regardless of the location of the events.
Using the inspiration of London 2012, Sport England has recently invested £750,000 in the development of grass-roots target shooting as part of the Whole Sports Plans 2009-13. The plan will harness the interest in the sport created by the 2012 games and aims to increase participation levels.
In December 2008, Sport England awarded £20.8 million, spread over four years, to Badminton England to help more people play the game at school, club and community level as well as at the elite end of the game.
The Gymnastics England Facilities Fund opened for applications in October 2009. £2.75 million is available for capital projects to develop new gymnastic facilities or to refurbish or improve existing facilities.
The London borough of Greenwich, which will host the London 2012 shooting venue, has previously announced a £10.2 million investment into a "Greenwich 2012" Legacy Fund which will be invested partly in new sports facilities at local schools, parks and playgrounds. Proposals are well advanced to provide a legacy in gymnastics, basket ball, martial arts and an equestrian centre.
Olympic Games 2012: Business
Paul Flynn: To ask the Minister for the Olympics what representations (a) she, (b) the current Olympic Executive and (c) the Olympic Delivery Authority has received from local representatives of devolved administrations and regions on promotion of local businesses via the London 2012 Olympics. [273827]
Tessa Jowell
[holding answer 11 May 2009]: I receive frequent representations via parliamentary questions and correspondence from representatives of the nations
and regions on business opportunities associated with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. My officials in the Government Olympic Executive support me in this. Additionally, I receive representations through my 2012 visits to the English regions and the devolved Administrations.
The Government are committed to ensuring businesses across the UK benefit from the Olympics. The London 2012 Business Network was established to ensure that businesses from across the UK have access to contracts in London 2012's supply chains, and any support they need to win them.
Since its creation in 2006, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has run an ongoing programme of visits across the nations and regions on the business benefits of London 2012. It runs a programme of regional visits in partnership with the nine English regions and the three devolved Administrations to raise awareness of current and future business opportunities generated by the ODA construction programme. London 2012 is planning more regional visits for 2010 to continue to engage businesses in the games.
The ODA has also held various business events and workshops, including events in London for Welsh businesses to be briefed by its procurement team and tier one contractors.
To source all other representations received by the ODA would incur a disproportionate cost, due to the large volume of engagement they have in this area. In all, London 2012 expects to directly procure £6 billion worth of contracts, generating tens of thousands of supply chain opportunities which are benefiting businesses across the UK.
Olympic Games 2012: Human Trafficking
Mr. Bone: To ask the Minister for the Olympics what representations she has received on the possibility of an increase in human trafficking in the sex industry in relation to the London 2012 Olympics; and if she will make a statement. [298184]
Tessa Jowell: Major sporting events can be a magnet for the global sex and trafficking industry, this is wholly unacceptable and taints these events. In the past 12 months, I have had seven representations on this issue and I am determined to help deter traffickers from London 2012 by developing a plan for action based on discussions with all relevant parties.
Scotland
Departmental Data Protection
Mrs. Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his Department's information assurance procedures have been subject to an independent audit. [299382]
Ann McKechin: The Scotland Office is part of the Ministry of Justice, whose internal auditors have specifically reviewed our information assurance procedures.
Departmental Freedom of Information
Mrs. Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many staff in his Department were employed on the management of freedom of information requests submitted to his Department in each year since 2005; and how much his Department spent on the management of such requests in each such year. [299128]
Ann McKechin: Since 2005, the management of freedom of information requests submitted to the Scotland Office is undertaken by staff in conjunction with their other duties. As such, a precise breakdown of staff or costs is not available.
The Office has seen a year on year increase in the number of freedom of information requests since 2007, with 2009 already showing a 48 per cent. increase on requests submitted in 2008.
An assessment of the cost of freedom of information within Government can be found in Frontier Economics 2006 report 'Independent Review of the Freedom of Information Act'. A copy of this report is available in the House of Commons Library.
Departmental Procurement
Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether there has been any nugatory cost to his Department on procurement under tender because the tender process had been cancelled prior to the award of the contract in the last 12 months. [299356]
Ann McKechin: No such costs have been incurred.
Northern Ireland
Crime
Mr. Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what definition of cleared crimes is used by (a) the Police Service of Northern Ireland and (b) his Department for official figures. [298889]
Paul Goggins: My Department and PSNI follow the counting rules stipulated by the Home Office in defining cleared crimes. Clearances, or detections, can be either sanction or non-sanction. The following methods of clearance involve a formal sanction:
Charging or issuing a summons to an offender;
Issuing a caution to the offender;
Having the offence accepted for consideration in court;
In the case of an offender who is a juvenile, issuing an informal warning, restorative caution or prosecutorial diversion.
A non-sanction clearance can be claimed if:
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) directs no prosecution; or
The case cannot proceed because the offender has died.
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