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6 July 2010 : Column 214W—continued

Homelessness

Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people Jobcentre Plus recorded as homeless in the last five years; and how many such people Jobcentre Plus has helped to place in employment. [5128]

Chris Grayling: The information requested is not available.

Housing Benefit

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his contribution of 28 June 2010, Official Report, column 609, what estimate he has made of the number of elderly people in receipt of housing benefit who are in properties that are deemed to be too large for their needs. [5521]

Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many of those in receipt of housing benefit occupy accommodation with more bedrooms than residents. [6502]

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.

However, the English Housing Survey in 2008-09 showed that 430,000 (11.2%) of all social rented households and 494,000 (16.1%) of all private rented households in England were under-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.

Housing Benefit: Liverpool

Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many of those resident in Liverpool are in receipt of housing benefit. [6414]


6 July 2010 : Column 215W

Steve Webb: At March 2010 there were 62,030 housing benefit claimants in the Liverpool local authority area.

Notes:

1. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month.

2. Data is rounded to the nearest 10.

3. March 2010 represents the latest data held

Source:

Single Housing Benefit Extract 100% individual level data (SHBE).

Incapacity Benefit

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what research his Department has undertaken on the number of people receiving incapacity benefit who are receiving it contrary to the benefit rules; what evidence was used to decide on the Government's target to reduce the number of incapacity benefit claimants by one-fifth; and if he will make a statement. [5354]

Chris Grayling: Information on the number of people who are receiving incapacity benefit contrary to the benefit rules is unavailable. However, the Department does provide regular estimates of the amount of benefit overpaid and underpaid as a result of fraud, official error and customer error. The latest statistics cover the period October 2008 to September 2009 and estimated for that period a total of 3.3% (£210 million) of incapacity benefit was paid out incorrectly. A full breakdown of the results can be found in the Department's publication 'Fraud and Error in the Benefit System: October 2008 to September 2009', copies of which are available in the Library.

The Government have not set a target to reduce the number of incapacity benefit claimants by one-fifth. However, we believe the current system is broken and in need of radical reform. We will reassess everyone on incapacity benefits to see if they are fit for work. Those who are capable of work will be moved onto Jobseeker's Allowance. People who need more support while they prepare for work will get that help on Employment and Support Allowance and will be placed either in the Support Group or the Work Related Activity Group.

Jobseeker's Allowance: Bishop Auckland

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made of the number of lone parents in receipt of jobseeker's allowance in (a) Bishop Auckland and (b) Blackpool North and Cleveleys constituency. [5180]

Chris Grayling: In April 2010 there were 100 lone parents claiming jobseeker's allowance in Bishop Auckland, and 110 in Blackpool North and Cleveleys.

The figures have been rounded to the nearest 5.

Jobseeker's Allowance: Lone Parents

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the number of lone parents in receipt of jobseeker's allowance in Houghton and Sunderland South constituency. [5901]


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Chris Grayling: In April 2010 there were 115 lone parents claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Houghton and Sunderland South.

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of lone parents in (a) Slough, (b) Salisbury and (c) Scarborough and Whitby constituency in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. [6011]

Chris Grayling: In April 2010 there were 155 lone parents claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Slough, 50 in Salisbury, and 65 in Scarborough and Whitby.

Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made of the number of lone parents in receipt of jobseeker's allowance in Makerfield constituency. [6049]

Chris Grayling: In April 2010 there were 85 lone parents claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Makerfield.

The figure has been rounded to the nearest five.

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of lone parents in receipt of jobseeker's allowance in Worsley and Eccles South constituency. [6091]

Chris Grayling: In April 2010 there were 140 lone parents claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Worsley and Eccles South.

The figure has been rounded to the nearest five.

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of lone parents in receipt of jobseeker's allowance in (a) Glasgow North and (b) Ealing Central and Acton constituency. [6147]

Chris Grayling: In April 2010 there were 75 lone parents claiming jobseeker's allowance in Glasgow North, and 140 in Ealing Central and Acton.

The figures have been rounded to the nearest 5.

Diana R. Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the number of lone parents in receipt of jobseeker's allowance in Kingston upon Hull North constituency. [6528]

Chris Grayling: In April 2010 there were 240 lone parents claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Kingston upon Hull North.

The figure has been rounded to the nearest five.

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the number of lone parents in receipt of jobseeker's allowance in West Lancashire constituency. [5626]


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Chris Grayling: In April 2010 there were 120 lone parents claiming jobseeker's allowance in West Lancashire.

The figure has been rounded to the nearest five.

Mesothelioma: Deaths

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many deaths from mesothelioma there have been in the West Midlands in the last five years. [5422]

Chris Grayling: The total number of mesothelioma deaths where the last residence of the deceased was recorded as being within the Government office region of the west midlands between 2003 and 2007 (the latest year for which data are available) was 713.

Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many deaths there have been from mesothelioma in (a) Bolton and (b) Greater Manchester in the last 20 years. [5672]

Chris Grayling: The total number of mesothelioma deaths where the last residence of the deceased was recorded as being within (a) the local authority of Bolton and (b) the Metropolitan County of Greater Manchester between 1988 and 2007* is set out in table 1.

Table 1. Mesothelioma deaths 1988-2007( 1)
Area Deaths

Bolton

132

Greater Manchester (Metropolitan County)

1,093

(1) 2007 is the latest year for which data are available.
Source:
HSE, British Mesothelioma Register

Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many deaths from mesothelioma there were in (a) the area of Penistone and Stockbridge constituency and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber in the last 12 months. [6396]

Chris Grayling: The information is a follows:

(a) There are no data available at the constituency level.

(b) The total number of mesothelioma deaths where the last residence of the deceased was recorded as being within the Government Office Region of Yorkshire and the Humber in 2007 (the latest year for which data are available) was 172.

New Deal Schemes: Birmingham

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which organisations which deliver the Flexible New Deal programme in Birmingham have been informed since the Government came into office that their contracts are to be changed or terminated; and what changes will be made to each contract. [5637]


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Chris Grayling: All organisations delivering flexible new deal, including those in Birmingham (Seetec and FourstaR), have been given notice that their contracts will end on 28 June 2011. Current contracts are under review, but as yet no changes have been made.

Pensions: Shipping

Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will take steps to ensure that UK seafarers working in international waters receive full pension provision. [6366]

Steve Webb: UK seafarers who work on British vessels pay class 1 national insurance on their earnings. Class 1 national insurance is also payable when UK seafarers work on board certain foreign vessels. Therefore, UK seafarers working in international waters have the same pension provision as other employees in the UK if they are liable to pay class 1 national insurance contributions. Any UK seafarer who works on a foreign vessel in circumstances where class 1 national insurance is not due, is usually able to pay voluntary class 2 or 3 national insurance contributions to provide cover for basic state pension.

Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will bring forward measures to include UK seafarers working in international waters within the scope of the Pensions Act 2008. [6367]

Steve Webb: The issue of whether to include seafarers in the employer duties in the Pensions Act 2008, which are currently under review, is a complex one. We are looking for the best way forward, and are talking with various interested parties including the trade unions, the shipping industry and other Government Departments.

Pregnant Women: Grants

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many health in pregnancy grants were made in Houghton and Sunderland South constituency in 2009-10. [5897]

Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply.

Geographical analysis of the number of people benefiting from the Health in Pregnancy grant has not previously been undertaken and therefore this information is only available at disproportionate cost.

Retirement

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what timetable he has set for implementation of his proposal to phase out the default retirement age. [6065]

Mr Davey: I have been asked to reply.

We are committed to phasing out the default retirement age. We will bring forward proposals shortly for consultation on how we will quickly phase out the default retirement age from April 2011.

Through the consultation, we want to ensure that we make changes in a way that supports individuals and employers in adapting to the new situation.


6 July 2010 : Column 219W

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he plans to bring forward proposals for financial support for those who are unable to work due to illness or disability. [5247]

Chris Grayling: The written statement laid by the Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Chris Grayling) on 29 June 2010 outlined the Government's approach to those who are unable to work due to disability and illness:

Those who are capable of work will be moved onto Jobseeker's Allowance. People who need more support while they prepare for work will get that help on Employment and Support Allowance.

The Government have also announced that they will reform Disability Living Allowance from 2013-14 to ensure support is targeted on those with the highest needs.

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Wigan constituency are in receipt of (a) incapacity benefit and (b) employment and support allowance. [5249]

Chris Grayling: The information is set out in the following table:

Incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and employment support allowance claimants in Wigan parliamentary constituency, November 2009
Parliamentary constituency IB/SDA ESA

Wigan

5,640

890

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: DWP Information Directorate 100% WPLS.

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Bishop Auckland and (b) Blackpool North and Cleveleys constituency receive (i) disability living allowance, (ii) incapacity benefit and (iii) employment and support allowance. [5277]

Chris Grayling: The information is set out in the following table:


6 July 2010 : Column 220W
Disability living allowance, incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and employment support allowance claimants in Bishop Auckland and Blackpool North and Cleveleys parliamentary constituencies, November 2009
Parliamentary constituency DLA IB/SDA ESA

Bishop Auckland

6,940

4,920

960

Blackpool North and Cleveleys

7,120

4,700

870

Notes: 1. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance (ESA) from October 2008. 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 3. Caseload for DLA show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. 4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010. 5. 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. 'credit only cases'. Source: DWP Information Directorate 100% WPLS.

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people are in receipt of (a) disability living allowance, (b) incapacity benefit and (c) employment and support allowance in West Lancashire constituency. [5649]

Chris Grayling: The information is set out as follows:

Disability living allowance, incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and employment support allowance claimants in West Lancashire parliamentary constituency: November 2009
Parliamentary constituency DLA IB/SDA ESA

West Lancashire

6,290

3,750

690

Notes:
1. Incapacity Benefit was replaced by Employment Support Allowance (ESA) from October 2008.
2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, some additional disclosure has been applied.
3. Caseload for DLA show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital.
4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010.
5. 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:
DWP Information Directorate 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people are in receipt of (a) disability living allowance, (b) incapacity benefit and (c) employment and support allowance in Stretford and Urmston constituency. [5827]

Chris Grayling: The information is provided in the following table:

Employment support allowance claimants, incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and disability living allowance, November 2009
Parliamentary constituency ESA IB/SDA DLA

Stretford and Urmston

820

4,490

6,210

Notes: 1. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance (ESA) from October 2008. 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, some additional disclosure has been applied. 3. Caseload for DLA shows the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. 4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010. 5. 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: DWP Information Directorate 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.

6 July 2010 : Column 221W

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people are in receipt of (a) disability living allowance, (b) incapacity benefit and (c) employment and support allowance in Houghton and Sunderland South constituency. [5903]

Chris Grayling: The information is provided in the following table.

Employment support allowance claimants, incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and disability living allowance: November 2009

Houghton and Sunderland South parliamentary constituency

ESA

1,030

IB/SDA

5,520

DLA

7,420

Notes:
1. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance (ESA) from October 2008.
2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, some additional disclosure has been applied.
3. Caseload for DLA show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital.
4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010.
5. 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:
DWP Information Directorate 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Worsley and Eccles South constituency receive a (a) disability living allowance, (b) incapacity benefit and (c) employment and support allowance. [5947]

Chris Grayling: The information is provided in the following table.

Employment support allowance claimants, incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and disability living allowance: November 2009

Worsley and Eccles South parliamentary constituency

ESA

940

IB/SPA

5,250

DLA

7,740

Notes:
1. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance (ESA) from October 2008.
2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, some additional disclosure has been applied.
3. Caseload for DLA shows the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and excludes people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital.
4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010.
5. 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:
DWP Information Directorate 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people are in receipt of (a) disability living allowance, (b) incapacity benefit and (c) employment support allowance in (i) Glasgow North and (ii) Ealing Central and Acton constituency. [5998]

Chris Grayling: The information is provided in the following table.


6 July 2010 : Column 222W
Employment support allowance claimants, incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and disability living allowance: November 2009
Parliamentary constituency ESA IB/SDA DLA

Glasgow North

690

3,950

4,790

Ealing Central and Acton

620

3,450

3,530

Notes:
1. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance (ESA) from October 2008.
2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, some additional disclosure has been applied.
3. Caseload for DLA show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital.
4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010.
5. 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:
DWP Information Directorate 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Slough, (b) Salisbury and (c) Scarborough and Whitby constituency were in receipt of (i) disability living allowance, (ii) incapacity benefit and (iii) employment and support allowance on the most recent date for which figures are available. [6015]

Chris Grayling: The information is provided in the following table:

Employment support allowance claimants, incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and disability living allowance: November 2009
Parliamentary constituency ESA IB/SDA DLA

Slough

880

3,770

4,310

Salisbury

400

2,220

3,090

Scarborough and Whitby

710

3,960

5,950

Notes:
1. Incapacity Benefit was replaced by Employment Support Allowance (ESA) from October 2008.
2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, some additional disclosure has been applied.
3. Caseload for DLA show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital.
4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010.
5. 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:
DWP Information Directorate 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study

Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people are in receipt of (a) disability living allowance, (b) incapacity benefit and (c) employment and support allowance in Makerfield constituency. [6055]

Chris Grayling: The information is provided in the following table:

Employment support allowance claimants, incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and disability living allowance, November 2009
Parliamentary constituency ESA IB/SDA DLA

Makerfield

860

4,940

6,800

Notes: 1. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance (ESA) from October 2008. 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, some additional disclosure has been applied. 3. Caseload for DLA show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. 4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010. 5. 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: DWP Information Directorate 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.

6 July 2010 : Column 223W

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people resident in Hampstead and Kilburn constituency are in receipt of (a) disability living allowance, (b) invalidity benefit and (c) employment and support allowance. [6489]

Chris Grayling: The information requested is as follows:

Employment support allowance claimants, incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and disability living allowance: November 2009.
Parliamentary constituency ESA IB/SDA DLA

Hampstead and Kilburn

700

4,510

4,510

Notes:
1. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance (ESA) from October 2008.
2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, some additional disclosure has been applied.
3.Caseload for DLA shows the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and excludes people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital.
4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010.
5. 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:
DWP Information Directorate Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100% data.

Diana R. Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people are in receipt of (a) disability living allowance, (b) incapacity benefit and (c) employment and support allowance in Kingston upon Hull North constituency. [6526]

Chris Grayling: The information is presented as follows:

Employment support allowance claimants, incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and disability living allowance: November 2009
Parliamentary constituency ESA IB/SDA DLA

Kingston upon Hull North

840

4,130

5,890

Notes:
1. Incapacity Benefit was replaced by Employment Support Allowance (ESA) from October 2008.
2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, some additional disclosure has been applied.
3. Caseload for DLA shows the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and excludes people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital.
4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010.
5. 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:
DWP Information Directorate Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100% data

Vacancies: Sex Establishments

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects to publish his formal response to the consultation on the acceptance and advertising of vacancies in the adult entertainment industry by Jobcentre Plus. [5562]

Chris Grayling: We will publish the coalition Government response to the consultation shortly.

Work Capability Assessment: Mental Illness

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the application of the employment support allowance's requirement for a work capability assessment to people who have a mental illness; what plans his Department has to support those with mental illness who are not able to work; and if he will make a statement. [5248]


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Chris Grayling: The Work Capability Assessment was developed in consultation with medical and other experts alongside specialist disability groups such as Mind. The scoring system is much fairer and simpler, removing a potential bias in the Personal Capability Assessment against people with mental health conditions, as opposed to limitation of physical function.

The Department undertook an internal review of the Work Capability Assessment which was published on 29 March 2010. The review found that generally the assessment accurately identifies individuals for benefit. The review made a number of recommendations for improving the Work Capability Assessment. We announced on 29 June that we will be implementing those recommendations. Additionally, the Government also have a statutory commitment to arrange an independent review of the main elements of the Work Capability Assessment every year for the first five years of operation. This review will look at the Work Capability Assessment in operation and is distinct from the department-led review which focussed on the technical accuracy of the assessment and whether it could better account for how individuals adapt to their condition. The review, announced on the 29 June, will be conducted by Professor Malcolm Harrington, acting as lead reviewer.

Support for people who have a mental illness is currently available through Jobcentre Plus Personal Advisers as well as a variety of Government funded programmes, these will be superseded by the Work Programme by summer 2011 .We will continue to support and protect the most vulnerable and disabled people who are assessed as not capable of work. People in the Support Group of Employment and Support Allowance are not required to under take work focused activity and also receive a higher rate of benefit.

Work Capability Assessment: Wigan

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many work capability assessments have been carried out in Wigan constituency in each year since they were introduced. [5250]

Chris Grayling: The information requested is not available. The available information is as follows.

Since the employment and support allowance's was introduced on 27 October 2008, the number of assessments performed at Wigan Medical Examination Centre is as follows.

Completed exams

2008

4

2009

2277

2010

1561


Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Manipur Province

17. David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of India on lifting restrictions on access to Manipur province; and if he will make a statement. [5792]


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Alistair Burt: We have not made representations to the Indian Government on this issue. Access to Manipur and other Indian states is a matter for the Government of India.

Nuclear Programme: Iran

18. Stephen Metcalfe: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the EU's policy on Iran's nuclear programme; and if he will make a statement. [5793]

Mr Hague: I am in regular close contact with key EU partners to ensure that the EU makes clear, through a strong set of autonomous sanctions, that Iran cannot ignore its international obligations. Tough EU sanctions will make clear that the EU is determined to resolve this issue through diplomatic means.

19. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the EU's policy on Iran's nuclear programme; and if he will make a statement. [5794]

Mr Hague: I am in regular close contact with key EU partners to ensure that the EU makes clear, through a strong set of autonomous sanctions, that Iran cannot ignore its international obligations. Tough EU sanctions will make clear that the EU is determined to resolve this issue through diplomatic means.

National Budgets: EU

20. Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the prospects for agreement to proposed changes to EU mechanisms for surveillance of national budgets. [5795]

Mr Lidington: Bringing together consideration of fiscal and structural policy is good for the EU, and the UK supports this. However, the Government have made it clear that the UK will not submit its budget to the EU before it has been approved by this House.

Middle East

21. Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent progress has been made in the middle east peace process; and if he will make a statement. [5796]

Alistair Burt: Recent events, including in Gaza, have highlighted the urgent need for progress towards a two state solution. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary spoke to Senator Mitchell last week about progress on proximity talks. We will continue to buttress the diplomatic initiative of President Obama's Administration and urge both sides to work for progress.

EU Budget

22. Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had at EU level on the process for limiting the size of the next EU budget; and if he will make a statement. [5797]


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Mr Lidington: We will strongly defend the UK's national interests in the forthcoming EU budget negotiations. The EU budget should only focus on those areas where it adds value, and should deliver more for less. Reform of the EU budget was last discussed formally at the December European Council. Heads of Government agreed conclusions calling on the Commission to produce a report in order for the Council to provide orientations on priorities during 2010.

United Nations Reform

23. Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on reform of the United Nations. [5798]

Mr Bellingham: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not had recent discussions with his international counterparts on reform of the United Nations. We expressed our position in the latest exchange of views between all member states on UN Security Council reform at official level last Monday, 28 June. For example, the UK continues to work for reform of the Security Council including by supporting the candidacies of Japan, India, Germany and Brazil for new permanent seats, as well as African representation.

British Citizens: Greece

24. Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements his Department has in place to manage relationships with the Greek authorities concerning the unlawful killing of British citizens on Greek soil. [5799]

Mr Lidington: I am aware of the hon. Member's deep concerns about families who have lost loved ones in such tragic circumstances. I assure her that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Greek Ministry of Justice are currently working together to find ways to strengthen the overall response to the deaths of British nationals in Greece in suspicious circumstances.

Departmental Conferences

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of his Department's expenditure on (a) organisation of and (b) attendance at conferences in each year since 1997. [6111]

Alistair Burt: The information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Mobile Phones

Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer to my hon. Friend the Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson) of 9 June 2010, Official Report, column 164W, on departmental mobile phones, what the (a) purchase cost of the handset, (b) network provider, (c) type of tariff and (d) name of the supplier is of (i) each BlackBerry device and (ii) the in-car telephone issued to Ministers in his Department. [4012]


6 July 2010 : Column 227W

Alistair Burt [holding answer 24 June 2010]: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) ministerial mobile and in-car telephony services are provided via the Office of Government Commerce Mobile Solutions (II) Framework Agreement with Vodafone. This covers five ministerial BlackBerry devices on BlackBerry Team/Flexwork tariffs, and one in-car device on a Teamwork tariff. Device purchase costs were from £50 to £325 each. Tariffs range from £3.75 to £16.50 per month. BlackBerries and phones were recovered from former Ministers and reissued within the FCO as appropriate.

Departmental NDPBs

Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the address is of the head office of each non-departmental public body for which his Department is responsible. [5717]

Alistair Burt: The head office addresses for each non-departmental public body (NDPB) of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are as follows. Further details can be found at the following website address:

Executive NDPBs

Advisory NDPBs


6 July 2010 : Column 228W

Tribunal NDPB

Departmental Official Photographs

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department has spent on official photographs of Ministers since the formation of the present administration. [6455]

Alistair Burt: All Ministers have used the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in-house photographer, part of the Audio Visual team, and photographs have been produced digitally. Therefore no costs were incurred.

Euro

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government plan to support any amendments to EU treaties which may be proposed to enable the rules governing the euro to be amended in the light of the Greek sovereign debt situation. [5821]

Mr Lidington: Any EU treaty, even one that applies just to the euro area, will need the unanimous agreement of all 27 EU member states, including the UK, which has a veto. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on Monday 21 June:

Gibraltar: Equality

Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response his Department plans to make to the European Court of Justice judgment C-186/09 on the non-implementation of equality legislation in Gibraltar. [6294]

Mr Lidington: Case C-186/09 relates to the implementation of Directive 2004/113/EC. This directive has now been implemented in Gibraltar. Transposition was notified to the Commission by means of a letter from the Government, dated 31 May 2010.

Gulf of Mexico: Oil

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most recent assessment is of the effects on relations between the UK and the US of the situation in the Gulf of Mexico. [5198]

Alistair Burt: The UK continues to have a very strong relationship with the United States of America. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister met with President Obama at the G20 summit in Toronto on 26 June, where the President referred to a partnership 'built on a rock solid foundation'. They spoke about the oil spill in
6 July 2010 : Column 229W
the Gulf of Mexico in their meeting. They acknowledged that BP understood the scale of the catastrophe, was committed to clearing up the spill and was ready to respond to legitimate compensation claims against it. They also agreed that it was important for both the UK and US that the company remains viable, stable and strong going forward.

India and Pakistan: Nuclear Weapons

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to encourage India and Pakistan to participate more fully in international negotiations on nuclear security. [5404]

Alistair Burt: Nuclear security is a policy priority for the Government. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister attended the recent G8 summit in Canada, which concluded with a clear declaration of the importance of nuclear security and a commitment from G8 leaders to continue work together for our shared peace and security, including fulfilment of commitments made at the Washington Nuclear Security summit in April, which both Pakistan and India participated. We will continue to encourage the active participation of both countries in the run up to the next Nuclear Security summit in Seoul, 2012.

Government Ministers and officials will continue to discuss nuclear security with the Governments of India and Pakistan, within the context of a broad strategy of engagement that focuses not just on security, but on developing our cultural, educational, scientific contact and commercial links.

Iraq: Christianity

Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on the treatment of Christian communities in Iraq. [6237]

Alistair Burt: Foreign and Commonwealth officials in Iraq and London regularly meet representatives of the Iraqi Christian community to hear their concerns. On 9 June 2010, I met with Canon Andrew White, vicar of St George's church in Baghdad, to discuss the situation of Christians in Iraq.

We regularly urge the Iraqi government to protect all Iraqi communities, including Christians, and to deal appropriately with those who are found responsible for any acts of violence and intimidation because of political, ethnic or religious affiliation.

Israel: Nuclear Weapons

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government will take steps to encourage the Government of Israel to declare the number, type and location of its nuclear weapons. [5470]

Alistair Burt: We are aware of the widespread assumption that Israel possesses nuclear weapons. We have always encouraged all states to be as transparent as possible about their civilian-and, where applicable, military-nuclear programmes and capabilities. We continue to call on Israel to sign up to the non-proliferation treaty as a non-nuclear weapon state.


6 July 2010 : Column 230W

Middle East: Armed Conflict

Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps his Department has taken to seek to secure access for the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit Gilad Shalit. [4919]

Alistair Burt: The UK has long called for Gilad Shalit's immediate and unconditional release. His continued captivity without any access to the International Committee of the Red Cross and with only very occasional, minimal contact with his family is utterly unacceptable.

We continue to call on Hamas to renounce violence and take immediate and concrete steps towards the Quartet principles and to free Gilad Shalit without delay. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made this clear in a public statement on 25 June on the fourth anniversary of Mr Shalit's detention.

Nuclear Test Ban: Treaties

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government plan to take to seek to persuade Annex 2 countries to (a) sign and (b) ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty; and how many staff his Department has assigned to undertake work in connection with that Treaty. [4903]

Alistair Burt: The Government will continue to take all appropriate opportunities to promote signature and ratification of the comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty (CTBT), with particular focus on the remaining nine annex 2 countries. We will also continue to support the CTBT Organisation's own efforts to promote entry into force, including through CTBT article XVI (entry into force) events.

The Government will continue to support the United States of America (US) Administration's commitment to ratify the treaty, recognising that US ratification is likely to provide an impetus for other annex 2 countries to follow suit.

My nuclear team works on CTBT, together with colleagues from the Ministry Of Defence.

Pakistan: Counter-terrorism

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which projects funded by his Department as part of counter-terrorism and counter-radicalisation programmes in Pakistan will not continue to be funded in financial year 2011-12. [5597]

Alistair Burt: The Counter Terrorism and Radicalisation programme's allocation for 2011-12 will be assessed as part of the Government-wide Spending Review to be announced in October. The allocation of resources to particular countries and projects will be based on an assessment of the threat to the UK and UK interests.

Pakistan: Foreign Relations

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the state of UK relations with Pakistan. [6162]


6 July 2010 : Column 231W

Alistair Burt: Pakistan is a key partner for the UK with whom we enjoy a strong and productive bilateral relationship. The primary vehicle for the bilateral relationship is the UK-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary visited Pakistan from 23-25 June 2010, and during the visit emphasised the Government's desire to deepen the strategic dialogue, with close co-operation in areas such as education, economic co-operation , counter-terrorism and commerce.

Palestinians: International Assistance

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate his Department has made of the number of (a) mobile telephones, (b) video cameras and (c) digital cameras confiscated by the Israeli authorities from British members of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla that have yet to be returned. [6315]

Alistair Burt: We have made no such estimate, though we have been provided with some information by some of the British nationals on the flotilla.

We have been informed by the Israeli authorities that the return of electronic and media equipment is under consideration by the Israeli Defence Forces. We will continue to press for its return and availability for use in the Inquiry, as required by those conducting it.

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assurances he has (a) sought from and (b) obtained from the Israeli government on it returning (i) contemporary notes, (ii) photographic evidence, (iii) video footage and (iv) other possessions confiscated from members of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla and accompanying journalists in their original condition. [6316]

Alistair Burt: We have raised these specific issues with Israel's ambassador to the UK. Our ambassador to Israel and other members of our Embassy in Tel Aviv have also raised the matter on a number of occasions with the Israeli authorities. It has also been raised by the EU presidency, on behalf of EU Heads of Mission, with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Although we are not legally obliged to pursue either legal action, or to seek the return of a British national's property, nor is it part of our consular assistance policy to do so, exceptionally in this case, we have asked our consular staff in Istanbul to follow up with the flotilla organisers, Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (Insani Yardim Vakfi) (IHH) who still hold over 300 pieces of unclaimed luggage, including watches, phones and cameras. Our consular staff have taken photos of everything that was seen in IHH's storage, which we will shortly be distributing to the British nationals involved so they can attempt to identify any property that is theirs.

We have been informed by the Israeli authorities that the return of electronic and media equipment is under consideration by the Israeli Defence Forces. We will continue to press for its return and availability for use in the Inquiry, as required by those conducting it.

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the significance of photographic and video evidence confiscated from members of the Gaza
6 July 2010 : Column 232W
Freedom Flotilla and accompanying journalists being made available to the Commission of Inquiry established by the government of Israel to enable that inquiry to meet international standards. [6317]

Alistair Burt: We believe the Inquiry should have access to all material which may assist it. We have not made an assessment on the significance of photographic and video evidence, which was reportedly confiscated from members of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, being made available to the Commission of Inquiry.

We have been informed by the Israeli authorities that the return of electronic and media equipment is under consideration by the Israeli Defence Forces. I discussed this issue with the British Nationals during my meeting with them on 17 June and our officials have raised this with their Israeli counterparts. We will continue to press for its return and availability for use in the Inquiry, as required by those conducting it.

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary underlined the need for the Commission to provide a full, credible, impartial and independent investigation that the international community can respect.

Russia: Trials

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Department is taking to seek to ensure respect for the rule of law and the right to a fair trial in the Russian Federation; and if he will make a statement. [5832]

Mr Lidington: We welcome President Medvedev's focus on the need to strengthen the rule of law in Russia, including his focus on tackling corruption and promoting the independence of the judiciary. Promoting the rule of law, including the independence of the judiciary, is a key element of the UK's and EU's engagement with Russia.

The rule of law underpins many of the steps the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and other Government Departments will take on Russia. The Attorney-General and Lord Chancellor discussed rule of law issues with the Russian Justice Minister during his recent visit to the UK. The annual UK/Russia bilateral human rights talks have enabled us to raise our concerns from a human rights perspective and we will do so again at the next talks planned for early 2011. We will continue to remind Russia that good governance and a rules based system are vital in building investor confidence and attracting foreign investment. A transparent and independent Russian legal system is in all our interests.

The FCO funds projects supporting the rule of law in Russia. In the last financial year, we supported 10 projects at a total cost of £602,000. In the financial year 2010-2011, we are funding nine projects costing £624,295. These projects include:


6 July 2010 : Column 233W

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department is continuing to monitor the trial of Mikhail Khodorkovsky; and if he will make a statement. [5833]

Mr Lidington: Our embassy in Moscow is watching developments in Mr Khodorkovsky's case closely, and is participating in trial monitoring with EU partners and the US. The Government underline the importance that the trial should be fair and impartial.

USA: Passports

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the US administration has notified him of the discovery of a forged British passport in the course of a recent investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation into espionage. [5831]

Alistair Burt: This is primarily a matter for the US authorities, but we are looking into any British links. We are investigating this with the US and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

Leader of the House

Departmental Official Cars

Mr Bain: To ask the Leader of the House which Ministers in his office have used an allocated ministerial car to travel between the Cabinet Office and the House of Commons on each day since 21 May 2010. [5553]

Sir George Young: Neither my hon. Friend nor I have used an allocated ministerial car to travel between the office and the House of Commons.

Business, Innovation and Skills

Business Link

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his latest assessment is of the merits of Business Link; and whether he plans to end the scheme. [6461]

Mr Prisk: Business support funded by the public sector is designed to address gaps in private provision, which lead to many businesses making sub-optimal use of external advice and guidance. The 2007 economic impact evaluation of Business Link regional services found that within a year of assisting businesses the additional growth generated amounted to £2.26 of additional value for every £1 spent on the service. The web and advisor service have also been identified as creating significant benefits to businesses through hours saved and reduced cost of regulation compliance.

The Coalition Government are committed to replacing regional development agencies with local enterprise partnerships. We are working with the regional development agencies (RDAs) to enable this transition. We are reviewing all the functions of the RDAs and we believe some of these are best led nationally, including responsibility for business support. The forthcoming White Paper on sub-national economic growth will set out our approach in more detail.


6 July 2010 : Column 234W

Business: Corruption

Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what account his Department takes of whether companies have anti-corruption procedures in place when deciding whether to provide them with financial support. [5613]

Mr Davey: While anti-corruption procedures are not a prerequisite for the provision of funding, the Department takes steps in relation to each financial support scheme to ensure that the funding provided is employed for the purposes for which it was intended. For example, under the Grant for Business Investment scheme, funding is only provided where a company can demonstrate that project costs have been properly defrayed. This includes confirmation by an independent accountant.

The Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD), states in its Mission and Principles that it aims to take account of factors beyond the purely financial, and of relevant government policies, including in respect of bribery and corruption when it is asked to support export transactions. Furthermore, it is ECGD's policy to comply with all international agreements which apply to the operations of export credit agencies, the relevant agreement on bribery and corruption being the OECD Council Recommendation on Bribery and Officially Supported Export Credits.

The Department also encourages UK companies investing overseas to apply the anti-corruption chapter of the voluntary OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises and to consider the good practice anti-bribery guidance on internal controls, ethics, and compliance adopted by the OECD in February this year.

Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) information and (b) guidance on the exclusion of companies found guilty of corruption from public tenders following the implementation of the EU Public Procurement Directive 2004/18/EC his Department has given to officials providing overseas trade and investment support for UK companies. [5614]

Mr Davey: The Government provide annual instructions, pre-posting briefings and an on-line toolkit to support officials, in overseas posts, report allegations of UK bribery and advise UK companies on how to manage the risks of overseas corruption. The Office of Government Commerce has also published guidance on their website concerning mandatory exclusion from tenders of economic operators convicted of certain offences, including participation in criminal organisations, corruption, money-laundering and fraud.

Business: Government Assistance

Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses (a) in Great Yarmouth constituency, (b) in the East of England region and (c) nationally have received equity investment from the Capital for Enterprise Fund since that scheme's inception. [6172]

Mr Prisk: The Capital for Enterprise Fund has made investments in 38 businesses with a total value of £50.8 million. No investments have been made in the east of England including Great Yarmouth.


6 July 2010 : Column 235W

Business: West Midlands

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department plans to take to increase the level of access to credit for small businesses in (a) Coventry and (b) the West Midlands. [6159]

Mr Prisk: The Government have announced a number of measures which will help small businesses access credit throughout the UK including in Coventry and the rest of the West Midlands:

In addition to these new measures Advantage West Midlands supported venture capital funds still have money to invest in growth businesses from across the region. AWM continue to make offers of support under the Grant for Business Investment.

Departmental Art Works

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Department has spent on works of art since 2007. [6131]

Mr Davey: This Department and its predecessors has not spent anything on works of art since 2007. All works of art are loaned from the Government Art Collection.

Departmental Catering

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Department and its predecessors have spent on staff restaurants in each of the last 10 years; where each such restaurant is located; what budgetary support his Department provides for each; on what date each was last refurbished; at what cost; and if he will make a statement. [5527]

Mr Davey: Since 2001, this Department and its predecessors spent the following on its staff restaurants:


6 July 2010 : Column 236W

£

2000-01

153,245

2004-05

219,102

2005-06

231,736

2007-08

15,555

2009-10

5,980


Restaurants are located in central London at 1 Victoria street and 151 Buckingham Palace road. They are run on a commercial basis by our contracted catering service provider and BIS does not therefore provide a direct subsidy. However, the contractor is not charged for the space that is occupied by the restaurants at both locations. BIS also meets the costs for any replacement 'heavy' equipment in the restaurants, e.g. ovens, freezers, dishwashers etc.

The 1 Victoria street restaurant was last refurbished in 2001 and the spend shown above for that year relates to new equipment purchased as part of the refurbishment. The refurbishment of the restaurant was part of a wider refurbishment of the Conference Centre, which adjoins the restaurant at 1 Victoria street, and it is not possible to split further refurbishment costs for the restaurant from the cost of the refurbishment of the area as a whole.

The figure for 2004-05 relates to the purchase of new equipment for the restaurant at 151 Buckingham Palace road and works to the sump.

The figure shown for 2005-06 relates to a project undertaken to enlarge the kitchen dishwasher area in the 1 Victoria street restaurant and includes the costs for new dishwashers.

The figures shown for 2007-08 and 2009-10 were for replacement equipment in the restaurant at 1 Victoria street.

Departmental Legislation

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what files on (a) the Abortion Act 1967 and (b) the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (i) 1990 and (ii) 2008 his Department has created since July 2008; and if he will make a statement. [5528]

Mr Willetts: This Department has created no files on (a) the Abortion Act 1967 and (b) the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (i) 1990 and (ii) 2008, since July 2008.

Departmental Manpower

Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many staff worked in his Department's ministerial support office on (a) 1 May 2010 and (b) 1 July 2010. [6156]

Mr Davey [holding answer 5 July 2010]: On 1 May 2010 there were 40 people in the Department's ministerial Private Offices and on 1 July 2010 there were 30.

East of England Development Agency

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what websites have been (a) operated and (b) commissioned by the East
6 July 2010 : Column 237W
of England Development Agency in each year since its establishment; how much each such website cost the Agency in each such year; what estimate has been made of the number of unique visitors to each site in each such year; what estimate has been made of the average
6 July 2010 : Column 238W
length of time each visitor spent on such websites in each such year; and if he will make a statement. [5231]

Mr Prisk: The following tables provide the details of East of England Development Agency's websites since its establishment:

Costs for websites commissioned and operated by EEDA
£
Website/domain 1999- 2000 2000 - 01 2001- 02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

www.eeda.org.uk

n/a

n/a

n/a

10,472

8,824

51,403

94,909

89,947

63,509

71,156

88,821

www.eastofengland.uk.com

n/a

n/a

n/a

25,550

11,265

1,220

1,250

0

0

0

19,500

www.takeiton.org.uk

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

12,725

28,275

1,500

www.RunningtheGauntlet.com

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1)22,600

(1)7,433

(1)37,100

-

www.BigFish.com

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1)-

(1)-

(1)-

-

www.bizgrowtheast.com

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1)-

(1)-

(1)-

-

www.cutyourcarbon.org.uk

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

30,000

20,000

www.insighteast.org.uk(2)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

50,000

47,172

34,153

77,452

46,364

35,369

15,130

www.spaceforideas.uk.com/

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

3,000

17,235

2,567

960

0

1,077

-

www.bizmapeast.co.uk/

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

26,860

900

44,090

www.landmarkeast.org.uk

-

-

-

-

12,131

13,707

11,422

1,259

1,095

1,245

945

www.erebusonline.org.uk

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,930

www.dpeast.org

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,930

n/a = Data not available
'-' = Denote that the site was not in operation (or is no longer operated by EEDA).
(1) Indicates brace
(2) Insight East was previously
www.eastofenglandobservatory.org.uk
The site uses the same content management system but the domain name has changed.
Note:
Hosting costs are included in the EEDA line but are shared across the following sites:
www.eeda.org.uk
www.eastofengland.uk.com
www.takeiton.org.uk
www.RunningtheGauntlet.com
www.BigFish.com
www.bizgrowtheast.com


6 July 2010 : Column 239W

6 July 2010 : Column 240W
Unique visitors to and average time spent on websites commissioned and operated by EEDA
Website/domain 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

www.eeda.org.uk

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

102,478

128,493

129,901

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

3m1s

2m22s

2m27s

www.eastofengland.uk.com

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

www.takeiton.org.uk

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,050

6,285

2,369

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3m9s

2m20s

2m16s

www.RunningtheGauntlet.com

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

n/a

n/a

(1)10,511

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

n/a

n/a

(2)2m40s

-

www.BigFish.com

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

n/a

n/a

(1)-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

n/a

n/a

(2)-

-

www.bizgrowtheast.com

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

n/a

n/a

(1)-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

n/a

n/a

(2)-

-

www.cutyourcarbon.org.uk

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

n/a

n/a

www.insighteast.org.uk(3)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

www.spaceforideas.uk.com/

-

-

-

-

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

-

www.bizmapeast.co.uk/

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

n/a

7,840

23,500

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

n/a

3m26s

3m31s

www.landmarkeast.org.uk

-

-

-

-

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

www.erebusonline.org.uk

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

n/a

www.dpeast.org

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

n/a

n/a = Data not available
'-' = Denotes that the site was not in operation
(1) Indicates brace
(2) Indicates brace
(3) Insight East was previously
www.eastofenglandobservatory.org.uk

Details of the websites

EEDA's website is the organisation's main point of contact with businesses, external stakeholders and the media. This site hosts statutory information, such as the regional economic strategy, EEDA's annual report and accounts and board papers, as well as up to date information on business events, contracts and tenders, and media announcements. The website is an interface through which the public are able to contact the organisation, sign up to e-briefings, or find their way to current economic intelligence and statistics.

The East of England website was set up to promote the region as a profitable place to do business and a vibrant place to live in and visit. This website is also used by the business community in the region and hosts current campaigns and information of relevance to businesses operating in the East of England.

Takeiton is a business support programme designed to help business recognise and implement business improvement through the effective use of IT. The website was designed to promote the programme of grants and specialist IT advice as well as show case best practice.

Established to promote and support a business support programme designed to help early stage SME's attract angel and VC investment.

Is an innovative online tool to help small businesses identify the support that is right for their needs. The website is being adopted by partners and local authorities and has been widely commended by businesses and business representative groups.

Cut your Carbon was a campaign that offers support and information to communities in the East of England that want to tackle climate change. The website was the primary interface between EEDA's Cut Your Carbon team and participating communities across the East of England.

Insight East (formerly the East of England Observatory) is the regional intelligence centre for the East of England. Insight East provides a range of services to help the region's decision-makers better understand the economy and factors affecting it.

The space for ideas website was created to support the East of England regional promotion campaign, focusing on supporting businesses to improve their performance while at the same time supporting the region as a great place to live and work. It contained a suite of material designed to encourage creative thinking and problem solving with materials to download and use.

Landmark East is a competition launched by EEDA to find a regional landmark for the East of England.

Established to capture business and domestic demand for next generation broadband services in the East of England. The information is provided free to commercial and public organisations to support the business case for broadband infrastructure projects. This initiative has been widely welcomed by commercial organisations and has significant support in the region.

Is an online community site established to support collaboration in the development of community and commercial broadband projects.


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