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13 July 2010 : Column 686W—continued
Lone Parents: East Lothian
Fiona O'Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many lone parents there are in East Lothian constituency. [7179]
Maria Miller: In 2008, there were estimated to be 2,200 lone parents in East Lothian. This figure has been rounded to the nearest 100.
The estimate is based on the Household Annual Population Survey (HAPS). The latest available wave for the HAPS is 2008. In 2008 parliamentary constituency boundaries were different. The information given reflects the population in the current boundaries as closely as possible.
It is important to note that as with any sample survey, estimates from the HAPS are subject to a margin of uncertainty as different samples give different results. At the constituency level the group in question is very specific and the estimate is based on very small sample sizes. Therefore, the margin of uncertainty is very large for this estimate and the figure is deemed unreliable and would not be used by the Department for Work and Pensions for practical purposes.
Social Security Benefits: Arthritis
Miss Begg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to ensure that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are not able to work receive the appropriate benefit. [7132]
Chris Grayling: Employment and support allowance is paid to those who are not able to work on health or disability grounds. However, it is not paid on the basis of a specific medical condition or diagnosis. ESA is paid following assessment of an individual's capability for work. The work capability assessment (WCA) is a key aspect of ESA and is conducted by a health care professional.
Other benefits are available to support people with disabilities and health conditions, both in and out of work, including disability living allowance.
Social Security Benefits: Disability
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the status is of applications made for Independent Living Fund (ILF) support prior to the new criteria coming into force; and for what reasons the City of Edinburgh Council was not informed of the recent cancellation of all scheduled ILF assessment. [7079]
Maria Miller: The Independent Living Fund is currently unable to commit any further funding to new applicants, except those that have already received a formal offer of funding. All applications to the ILF which had not received a formal offer from the ILF by 17 June 2010 have been rejected.
The Independent Living Fund Social Work Director wrote to the directors of adult and children's social services at all local authorities, including the City of Edinburgh council, on 17 June explaining that no more applications could be accepted and that the Independent Living Fund would write to each applicant and their local authority representative letting them know this.
Fiona O'Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people receive (a) disability living allowance, (b) incapacity benefit and (c) employment and support allowance in East Lothian constituency. [7178]
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 |
| 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 | |||
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Bristol North West constituency are in receipt of (a) disability living allowance, (b) incapacity benefit and (c) employment and support allowance. [7788]
Chris Grayling: The information requested is as follows:
| Disability living allowance, incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance, and employment support allowance claimants in Bristol North West parliamentary constituency: November 2009 | |||
| Parliamentary constituency | DLA | IB/SDA | ESA |
| 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% WPLS | |||
Social Security Benefits: Fraud
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many cases reported to the National Benefit Fraud Hotline in (a) Stafford constituency, (b) Staffordshire and (c) the West Midlands have resulted in action being taken against claimants in the last three years. [5705]
Chris Grayling: The information requested is not available.
Unemployment: Wales
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effect of the proposals in Budget 2010 on levels of economic inactivity in (a) Wales and (b) Bridgend county borough council area in each of the next five years. [6103]
Chris Grayling: On 22 June the Office for Budget Responsibility published a forecast for the economy and the labour market, taking account of the Budget. This shows the number of people in work in the UK rising by 1.3 million, from 28.9 million this financial year to 30.2 million in 2015-16, with the unemployment rate falling from 8.1% of the work force to 6.1% over the same period. No specific assessment of the implications of this forecast for the labour market, including levels of economic inactivity, in Wales and Bridgend, is available.
We are introducing the Work Programme in order to provide the right support to help people who are out of work get closer to the labour market and into employment and we are reviewing benefit system incentives to assess the best ways to help people to move off benefits and into work.
In addition, we will be assessing incapacity benefit claimants through the Work Capability Assessment to make sure that the only people on incapacity benefits are those genuinely incapable of work.
Work Choice Programme
Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department has approved the Work Choice programme for implementation. [7403]
Maria Miller: We are committed to providing support for disabled people with the most complex barriers to employment, to help them get and keep a job.
The Work Choice programme is being considered alongside the introduction of the Work Programme and an announcement on the future of Work Choice will be made shortly.
Communities and Local Government
Affordable Housing
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he plans to take to increase the number of new build affordable homes in (a) England and (b) Coventry. [7732]
Andrew Stunell: We recognise that there is a continued need for affordable housing and remain committed to its provision. For example, the Coalition programme for government set out our commitment to promoting shared ownership schemes which allow first time buyers on modest incomes purchase a home. Decisions on future levels of funding for the provision of new affordable housing will be made in the spending review.
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent assessment he has made of the level of availability of affordable housing in (a) England and (b) the West Midlands. [7733]
Andrew Stunell: Statistics showing the gross new supply of affordable housing by region and by local authority area are published in Live Table 1008 on the Communities and Local Government website. The table, which includes both new-build completions as well as acquisitions, can be found at the following link:
Data are not held centrally on vacant affordable homes available for rent or sale.
Affordable Housing: Construction
Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many homes to be sold under low cost home ownership schemes were built in each local authority area in England in each of the last five years. [7253]
Andrew Stunell: The information requested for the five years up to and including 2008-09 is provided in a table which has been placed in the Library of the House.
Not all low cost home ownership is provided through new build completions as supply can also come from the acquisition and refurbishment of private sector homes. In England in 2008-09 for example, out of 22,970 homes provided for low-cost home ownership 9,220 were acquired through the purchase of existing homes.
Council Housing: Construction
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) when he expects the decision on the bid for funding for the Wood Road Local Authority New Build Scheme to be announced; and if he will make a statement; [8405]
(2) when he expects the decision on the bid for funding for the Blackthorn Road Local Authority New Build Scheme to be announced; and if he will make a statement; [8406]
(3) when he expects the decision on the bid for funding for Tenacre Lane Local Authority New Build Scheme to be announced; and if he will make a statement. [8407]
Andrew Stunell: The Homes and Communities Agency's regional teams are currently undertaking an evaluation of all projects' funding that had been put on hold including those under the local authority new build programme. Determination will be based on available resources with the aim to maximise affordable housing and achieve best value for money alongside local priorities, with completion of reviews as soon as possible.
Departmental Public Expenditure
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 5 July 2010, Official Report, columns 1-2WS, on public spending control, under which budgetary headings he expects his Department to make savings of £220 million in fiscal year 2010-11. [7518]
Grant Shapps:
The Government remain strongly committed to reducing the United Kingdom's budget deficit and the announcement by the Chief Secretary on 5 July 2010 confirmed that the Department has agreed to a £220 million reduction in its claim for End Year Flexibility this year. We have therefore been able to
confirm £390 million of End Year Flexibility this year, alongside the £170 million announced on 24 May 2010, for the provision of new social housing and other housing priorities.
This guarantee of £560 million of funding will enable the Homes and Community Agency (HCA) to meet all existing contractual commitments and will be able to progress some of those programmes that have been paused while the funding position was under review. The HCA's regional offices will be assessing which other schemes can be progressed. Moreover given public sector borrowing in 2010-11 was forecast to hit £167 billion; such levels of spending on 'borrowed money' was unsustainable-contributing to the forecast £1.4 trillion of public debt by 2014.
First Time Buyers
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he plans to take to assist first-time buyers to enter the housing market. [7734]
Andrew Stunell: The Government are committed to helping those who aspire to own their own home to do so. Freeing up lending for first-time buyers and others depends above all on the return to economic and financial stability which the Government are seeking to achieve. The Government's programme of debt reduction and commitment to abolish the structural deficit in the life of this Parliament will help to keep interest rates low and improve credit availability.
The Coalition programme for government sets out our commitment to promoting shared ownership schemes, which allow first time buyers on modest incomes purchase a home. We will also be reviewing the low cost home ownership (HomeBuy) programme as a whole in the context of the comprehensive spending review.
Housing: Broadband
John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he has made an assessment of the level of demand for housing in areas (a) with and (b) without access to fast broadband; and if he will make a statement. [7074]
Grant Shapps: The Government have made no formal assessment of the level of demand for housing in areas (a) with and (b) without access to fast broadband. However, as set out in the budget, the Government want to ensure that the UK has a world class telecommunications infrastructure, to help keep us at the forefront of economic competitiveness. A further commitment has been made that a broadband service of 2 Mpbs will be provided at community level. The Government also wish to support investment in new superfast broadband internet connections, including by enabling access to BT's and other utilities' existing infrastructure.
Housing: Construction
Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many (a) homes and (b) affordable homes were completed in each county in the East of England region in each year since 1997. [7049]
Andrew Stunell: Statistics available on the number of homes completed in each region, county and district are published on the CLG website in table 253:
Information on the number of affordable homes delivered for each local authority area, including both new-build homes and acquisitions, is published in Live Table 1008 on the Communities and Local Government website:
Local Government Finance
Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 6 July 2010, Official Report, columns 4-5WS, on regional strategies, what the implications are of his policy of providing local authorities with incentives to build new homes for levels of funding for local authorities which do not grant planning consents for new housing. [8157]
Grant Shapps: We are committed to increasing housing supply and seeing more of the homes that people want, in the places that people want them, to meet Britain's housing need. The coalition agreement set out our clear intention to provide incentives for local authorities to deliver sustainable development, including new homes and business.
The new incentives scheme will therefore reward local authorities that choose to take action to deliver housing growth. I will set out further details on incentives in due course, but local authorities will want to take account of incentives when making decisions to grant planning permission.
Local Government: Property Transfer
Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which local authorities have used their power to dispose of land at less than best consideration in each year since the power was introduced. [7251]
Robert Neill: Data on all local authority land disposals at less than best consideration are not available centrally for the period since the introduction of the legislation. The revised general disposal consent issued in 2003 required authorities seeking to make disposals with an undervalue of more than two million pounds to obtain the specific consent of the Secretary of State. The local authorities that have received a specific consent of the Secretary of State since 2003 are set out as follows.
L B Brent
Birmingham city council
Bracknell Forest borough council
Ashford borough council
Eden district council
Kirklees MBC(2)
Basingstoke and Deane borough council
Manchester city council
Uttlesford district council
LB Greenwich
Uttlesford district council
Sefton MBC (3)
Bradford MBC
Kirklees MBC
Sefton MBC
LB Lewisham
Plymouth city council
Buckinghamshire county council
Tameside MBC (2)
Richmondshire district council
LB Tower Hamlets
Stockport MBC
Brighton and Hove city council
Ipswich borough council
Kirklees
Leicester city council
LB Hackney
LB Enfield
Carlisle city council
Coventry city council
LB Newham
LB Enfield
Aylesbury Vale district council
Sefton MBC (3)
Calderdale MBC
Wiltshire council
LB Barnet(2)
Bambergh district council
Multiple Occupation: Licensing
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many houses in each local authority area were licensed under (a) mandatory, (b) additional and (c) selective licensing in each of the last five years. [5048]
Andrew Stunell: The number of mandatory licences for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) for those local authorities that have returned figures to Communities and Local Government from July 2008 to July 2010 are shown in a table which has been deposited in the Library. Figures on licensing of HMOs for earlier years and on the number of additional and selective licensed HMOs are not available centrally.
The figures are as reported by the local authority and there are concerns about their quality and robustness. Definitive numbers of licensed HMOs are available directly from the registers held by local authorities.
Planning Obligations
Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) how many social rented homes were built under section 106 agreements in each of the last five years; [7250]
(2) how many low cost home ownership homes were built under section 106 agreements in each of the last five years. [7252]
Andrew Stunell: The information requested is provided in the following table.
| Provision of affordable housing funded by developer contributions through planning obligations: England( 1) | |||||
| 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
| (1) Column totals may not sum as data rounded to nearest 10. (2) May include a small amount of local authority LCHO units not separately identified. (3) Intermediate rents are rents set above the level of social rents but below market rents and otherwise meet the definition of affordable housing. (4) Includes affordable homes sold at a discounted level in 2004-05 and 2005-06. Source: Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix returns to CLG | |||||
Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his plans are for the future use of section 106 planning powers; and if he will make a statement. [7647]
Greg Clark: We are carefully considering the future of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the related planning obligations regime (also known as s106 agreements). We will make a public announcement as soon as practicable.
Private Rented Housing: Low Incomes
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans his Department has to help low-income households in receipt of housing benefit to find accommodation in the private rented sector. [7747]
Andrew Stunell: My officials will work with local authorities and the advice sector to ensure help and advice is available to households in receipts of housing benefit to find accommodation in the private rented sector. The Department for Work and Pensions is trebling its contribution to local authorities' funding for Discretionary Housing Payments, from £20 million to £60 million. This will give authorities more flexibility to provide additional support where needed, for example to provide rent deposits to help people to move to more affordable accommodation. In addition, local authority housing options services can provide advice and support to tenants on options for moving and support renegotiating their rent where possible.
Tenant Services Authority
Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) when the decision was taken to abolish the Tenant Services Authority; [8151]
(2) for what reasons the announcement of the Minister for Housing's decision to abolish the Tenant Services Authority was made to the media and not to Parliament. [8150]
Grant Shapps: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 8 July 2010, Official Report, column 397W. The review of TSA's role and purpose is ongoing.
International Development
Afghanistan: Overseas Aid
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much of the £200 million additional funding for Afghanistan recently announced is to be allocated to humanitarian and development assistance delivered through civilian agencies and non-governmental organisations. [6767]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International Development (DFID) is currently reviewing its programme for Afghanistan. The Kabul conference, scheduled for this month, will be a key point for the Afghan Government to set out their development priorities and for the international community to set out their plans to support these. We will make specific decisions on spending and focus areas in time for this event. All of the additional spending will meet the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition for official development assistance (ODA).
Democratic Republic of Congo: Education
Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking to meet the Government's commitment to help fund free primary education in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [8351]
Mr O'Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) is working with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to strengthen the national education strategy and develop a three year plan. The central priority of the strategy is the achievement of universal primary education through the progressive reduction of school fees. The main activity currently funded by the UK is a national census of all teachers and mapping of all schools, to provide accurate data for policy, planning and reforms.
The Secretary of State for International Development has recently commissioned a review of DFID's aid programmes to determine how we can achieve better value for money for the taxpayer and accelerate progress towards the millennium development goals. DFID's programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo will be reviewed as part of this process.
Departmental
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on legal advice in each year since 1997. [7567]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) spent £442,501.95 on legal services in 2009-10. It is not possible to provide the information requested for preceding years without incurring disproportionate cost.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission is DFID's only non-departmental public body. Since 1997 it has spent £5,863 on legal services, in 2004-05.
Departmental Buildings
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on office refurbishment in each year since 1997. [7354]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) has spent the following amounts on refurbishments and security upgrades to buildings in the UK and overseas since 2002. It is not possible to provide the information requested for previous years without incurring disproportionate cost.
| Amount (£) | |
| (1) DFID's UK headquarters at Abercrombie House was refurbished in 2003. | |
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is DFID's only non-departmental public body. CSC does not have its own offices, but pays the secretariat at the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the British Council for admin services.
Departmental Electronic Equipment
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on televisions in each year since 1997. [7504]
Mr Duncan: It is not possible to provide the information requested for the Department for International Development (DFID) without incurring disproportionate cost.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), DFID's only non-departmental public body, has not purchased a television.
Departmental Expenditure
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) how much his (a) Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on employee training in each year since 1997; [7643]
(2) how much his (a) Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies has spent on travel for employees in each year since 1997. [7423]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) spent the following on staff travel and related costs since 2004-05. It is not possible to provide the information requested for preceding years without incurring disproportionate cost.
| Financial year | Amount (£ million) |
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is DFID's only non-departmental public body. CSC has no staff, but spent the following on travel for members of its board of commissioners since 1997.
| Calendar year | Amount (£) |
Departmental ICT
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on information and communication technology in each year since 1997. [7335]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) has spent the following amounts on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in 2008-09 and 2009-10. It is not possible to provide the information requested for preceding years without incurring disproportionate cost.
| Financial year | Amount (£)( 1) |
| (1) Includes day-to-day ICT services, such as licences, communications, hardware and staff costs as well as expenditure on ICT projects to provide new or enhanced services to DFID. | |
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is DFID's only non-departmental public body. CSC pays the secretariat at the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the British Council for admin services. The secretariat provides general ICT support to CSC and the cost of this support cannot be provided without
incurring disproportionate cost. Additional expenditure on ICT projects by CSC since 1997 is provided in the following table.
| Financial year | Amount (£) |
Departmental Internet
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on website design in each year since 1997. [7605]
Mr Duncan: I refer the hon. Member to the 'Government Internet Report' produced by the COI in June 2010, which includes costs of website design for the main website and the Research for Developments website during 2009-10. It is not possible to provide the information requested for preceding years without incurring disproportionate cost.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission is the Department for International Development's (DFID's) only non-departmental public body. Since 1997 CSC spent £3,000 on website design in 2002-03.
Departmental Lighting
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on light bulbs in each year since 1997. [7624]
Mr Duncan: It is not possible to provide the information requested without incurring disproportionate cost. The Department for International Development (DFID) uses low energy lighting where possible in our UK offices.
Departmental Marketing
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his (a) Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on logo design in each year since 1997. [7480]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) spent £98,000 in 2009 on designing and testing the UKaid logo. It is not possible to provide the information requested for preceding years or for our offices overseas without incurring disproportionate cost.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission is DFID's only non-departmental public body. Since 1997 CSC has spent £2,661 and £120 in 2005-06 and 2008-09 respectively on logo design.
Departmental Official Hospitality
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on hospitality in each year since 1997. [7442]
Mr Duncan: It is not possible to provide the information requested for the Department for International Development (DFID) without incurring disproportionate cost.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), DFID's only non-departmental public body, spent the following on hospitality since 1997.
| Calendar year | Amount (£) |
Departmental Security
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on security in each year since 1997. [7372]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) spent £10,939,594 million on security in the UK and overseas in 2009-10. It is not possible to provide the information requested for preceding years without incurring disproportionate cost.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is DFID's only non-departmental public body. Since 1997 CSC spent £324 on security for a student event in 2009-10.
Departmental Stationery
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on stationery in each year since 1997. [7461]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) spent the following on stationery since 2002-03. It is not possible to provide the information requested for preceding years or for our offices overseas without incurring disproportionate cost.
| Financial year | Amount (£) |
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is DFID's only non-departmental public body. CSC has
spent the following amounts on stationery since 1997. In addition CSC pays their secretariat at the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the British Council for admin services. A proportion of these fees is spent on stationery.
| Financial year | Amount (£) |
Departmental Training
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) his Department and (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on employee away days in each year since 1997. [7316]
Mr Duncan: It is not possible to provide the information requested for the Department for International Development (DFID) without incurring disproportionate cost.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, DFID's only non-departmental public body, has not spent any money on employee away days since 1997.
Departmental Utilities
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on (i) electricity, (ii) water, (iii) heating and (iv) telephone services in each year since 1997. [7586]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) spent the following amounts on electricity, water, heating and telephone services for our UK offices. We are unable to provide figures for our overseas offices without incurring disproportionate cost.
| £ | ||||
| Financial year | Electricity | Water | Heating | Telephone services |
| n/a = not available | ||||
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) is DFID's only non-departmental public body. CSC has spent the following amounts on telephone services since
1997. CSC pays the secretariat at the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the British Council for admin services.
| Financial year | Telephone services (£) |
Developing Countries: Overseas Aid
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) how much overseas development aid and assistance is planned to be provided by (a) other Government departments and (b) agencies of other Government departments in 2010-11; [6734]
(2) which (a) other Government departments and (b) agencies of other Government departments will contribute to overseas development aid and assistance in 2010-11. [6736]
Mr O'Brien: This will be set out in the spending review later this year. As laid out in 'The Coalition: our programme for government', the Government
"will stick to the rules laid down by the OECD about what spending counts as aid."
Forests: Carbon Emissions
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support his Department is giving to carbon finance mechanism pilot projects to reduce emissions from deforestation and degradation. [6928]
Mr O'Brien: The UK is contributing £15 million to the Forest Carbon Partnership Forum (FCPF), which will work in a few pilot countries to test a carbon finance mechanism through a Carbon Fund. This fund is due to be launched by the end of 2010.
Gambia: Overseas Aid
Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what development programmes in the Gambia his Department (a) is running and (b) plans to run in future years. [6899]
Mr O'Brien: The Department for International Development's (DFID's) programme in the Gambia currently focuses on support for empowering civil society organisations, building the capacity of the legal sector and basic education. The programme is due to finish in 2011.
DFID contributes to multilaterals such as the European Commission, the United Nations and regional development banks which have their own programmes in the Gambia. All UK multilateral and bilateral spending is under review.
South Africa: Football
Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking in relation to the situation in South Africa involving the clearance of unauthorised dwellings by the Red Ants in preparation for the World Cup. [6818]
Mr Bellingham: I have been asked to reply.
We are aware of recent press reports about enforced removal of South African citizens from informal settlements. We understand that there is no policy in South Africa to remove the visible signs of poverty either ahead of or during the World Cup. But the South African Government are taking steps to meet their targets to provide better housing for South Africans. Staff at our high commission in Pretoria and at our consulate general in Cape Town are following these reports closely and remain in touch with the South African Government and local non-governmental organisations focussing on housing issues.
UN Millennium Development Goals: Meetings
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of progress in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in advance of the Millennium Development Goals Review summit in September 2010. [6733]
Mr O'Brien: The UK Government supported the United Nations Development programme (UNDP) in producing "What Will it Take to Achieve the MDGs? An International Assessment". This report was published on 17 June and makes an assessment of progress based on over 50 country studies. It also sets out an integrated package of eight priorities for action to achieve the millennium development goals by 2015 which the UK Government fully supports. The report can be accessed at:
Health
Cancer: Health Education
Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what mechanisms other than the Change4Life programme his Department plans to change the (a) physical, (b) economic and (c) social environment to assist people to (i) choose a healthy diet, (ii) increase their physical activity levels and (iii) maintain a healthy weight to reduce their risk of cancer; and if he will make a statement. [7543]
Anne Milton: The Government will be publishing a White Paper on public health later this year. This will set out how to assist people in improving their health and reducing risk of disease, including cancer.
Cancer: Research
Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the Government has spent on funding (a) research and (b) education programmes on the links between cancer and (i) diet, (ii) physical activity levels and (iii) weight in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [7544]
Mr Simon Burns: The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) support a broad portfolio of research on cancer and on the effects on human health of diet, physical activity levels and weight.
The MRC Centre for Nutritional Epidemiology in Cancer Prevention and Survival was launched in 2006 with a £2.5 million award to the University of Cambridge to fund research into the impact of diet on cancer. The centre provides international leadership in research in the epidemiology and molecular origins of the dietary causes of cancer. It will build on findings from the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC) and provide compelling scientific evidence to help underpin intervention studies, public health advice and clinical guidance on treatment. Research infrastructure in England for EPIC is provided through the NIHR Clinical Research Network.
The Food Standards Agency has commissioned research investigating the role of dietary components in preventing diseases of the colon under the N12 Diet and Colonic Health research programme. Total spend over the last three years has been £957,167.
The Department has not funded any education programmes specifically on the links between cancer and diet, physical activity and weight. The focus of the 'Change for Life' programme is on supporting behaviour change relating to diet and physical activity.
Care Quality Commission: Fees and Charges
Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will require the Care Quality Commission to commence its public consultation on its future fees structure prior to 30 September 2010; [8358]
(2) which criteria will govern the fee charging structure of the Care Quality Commission in relation to charitable organisations with effect from April 2011. [8359]
Mr Simon Burns: The Care Quality Commission intends to consult on its proposals for registration fees that will apply from April 2011 in the autumn. Any final proposals for registration fees will be subject to the consent of the Secretary of State for Health.
Departmental Regulation
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which of his Department's regulations are under review; and if he will make a statement. [7151]
Mr Simon Burns: The Department is currently in the process of identifying regulations for review. The current focus is on those regulations which impact on the private sector.
Departmental Stationery
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much (a) his Department and (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on stationery in each year since 1997. [7466]
Mr Simon Burns: The Department and most of its agencies and non-departmental public bodies order the majority of their stationery requirements via the Department's central contract for stationery. The following table sets out the expenditure via the central contract in this area from April 2005 to March 2010. The figures quoted do not include the Department's spend on stationery which may be purchased in exceptional cases via another route; for example, a member of staff paying for an item of stationery required at short notice and claiming back the money spent as a business expense. There are no central records held for these types of purchases and to provide this information would be at disproportionate cost.
Information prior to April 2005 was not held centrally.
| £ | ||
| Department | Agencies and non-departmental public bodies | |
Diseases: EU Action
Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to implement the provisions of the Council Recommendation for a European Action on rare diseases (2009/C 151/02). [7108]
Anne Milton: The Department is working with the Devolved Administrations and key interest groups to develop a plan for rare disease by 2013 in line with the Council's recommendation.
Food: Labelling
Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he plans to take to enforce clearer food labelling to raise public awareness of the use of trans fats in the food industry. [6813]
Anne Milton: The Government support the provisions in the European Commission's proposed food information regulation which would allow industry to voluntarily declare the trans fat content of food products.
Negotiations are ongoing in the European Union on the food information regulations. The exact content of these is unlikely to be agreed before the end of 2011.
General Practitioners
Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the (a) maximum and (b) minimum size will be of GP commissioning boards; [7038]
(2) what estimate his Department has made of the numbers of staff of each grade who will service GP commissioning boards. [7042]
Mr Simon Burns: The White Paper, "Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS" published on the 12 July 2010, sets out our intention to devolve power and responsibility for commissioning services to local consortia of general practitioner (GP) practices. To support GP consortia in their commissioning decisions, we will also create an independent NHS Commissioning Board.
A further document setting out these proposals in more detail will be issued shortly, providing the basis for a full engagement with primary care professionals, patients and the public.
Genetically Modified Organisms
Mr Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research projects involving genetically-modified (a) food and (b) feed have been funded by the Food Standards Agency since 1997; what the (i) topic, (ii) cost, (iii) start date and (iv) project code was of each such project; who the main contractor was in each case; and which such research projects have been completed to date. [8026]
Anne Milton: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has commissioned work under three research programmes relevant to the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods. Prior to April 2000 food safety research was the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAFF). The research funded by the FSA and MAFF has included a series of projects aimed at either better understanding the consequences of the genetic modification of plants, or exploring new/improved methods for use in the safety assessment of genetically modified organisms such as metabolomics and genomics. The relevant programme codes are G01, G02 and G03 and details of the individual projects commissioned by MAFF and the FSA are available on the research pages of the FSA's website at:
The total cost of the research funded by MAFF and the FSA into issues related to GM food safety from 1999 to date is £11.2 million.
During this period the FSA has commissioned one further project on GM animal feed. This project (reference F01004) examined the fate of DNA from GM plants in dairy cattle and was carried out at the university of Reading's centre for dairy research between January 2001 and September 2003. The cost of this project was £56,759 and the final report is publicly available.
IVF and Abortion
Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on (a) IVF and (b) abortion services (i) nationally and (ii) by each primary care trust in the last 12 months. [7267]
Anne Milton: The costs of in vitro fertilisation treatment to the national health service, either nationally or by primary care trust (PCT) is not held centrally.
The cost to the NHS of abortions performed in NHS hospitals in 2008-09 was £82.1 million. The NHS funds abortions undertaken by approved independent sector places under contract to individual PCTs. Information on these contracts is commercially sensitive and is not collected centrally.
Lobbying
Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy that organisations in receipt of funding from his Department should not lobby his Department. [8167]
Mr Burstow: It is not policy that organisations in receipt of funding from the Department should refrain from lobbying the Department. Anyone, including the public, can lobby hon. Members and peers; this is part of the relationship between the state and its citizens in a democracy. The Department funds around £115 billion of resources for health and social care (in England) and we expect to discuss and debate the policies for which these funds are allocated with stakeholders and the manner in which valuable front line services are delivered.
Voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises across the country do extraordinary work every day to improve the lives of others. One of the key principles of the 'Compact on the Relations between Government and the Third Sector in England' is to recognise and support the independence of the third sector; including the right within the law to campaign, to comment on and to challenge Government policy (whatever funding relationship exists). To ensure that we can make the most of the sector's potential, an open, honest and transparent relationship with the Department is essential.
Medical Treatments
Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the (a) process and (b) timeline is for review of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines. [8047]
Mr Simon Burns: These are matters for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as an independent body. Details of the Institute's clinical guidelines review process are available at:
Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence clinical guidelines are overdue for review; and what the reason is for the time taken to complete each such review. [8049]
Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is not held by the Department. I have asked the chief executive of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to write to the hon. Member with this information.
Multiple Sclerosis: Medical Treatments
Catherine McKinnell:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to ensure that the National Institute for Health and Clinical
Excellence clinical guideline on multiple sclerosis is updated to (a) reflect the changes to the evidence base for the best care for people living with multiple sclerosis and (b) take into account all new treatments and drugs for this condition. [8048]
Mr Simon Burns: We understand that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence routinely takes such factors into account when reviewing its clinical guidelines.
National Diet and Nutrition Survey
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the contribution of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey programme to his Department's policies; and when he plans to announce his Department's future expenditure on that programme. [7197]
Anne Milton: The results of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey are used to develop nutrition policy and to inform Government advice on nutrition. The Department will be publishing a White Paper on public health later this year and the findings from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey will also be used to inform the development of this White Paper.
National Specialised Services Advisory Group
Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the remit is of the Advisory Group for National Specialised Services. [7107]
Mr Simon Burns: The role of the Advisory Group for National Specialised Services will be to advise on:
which services and technologies should be nationally commissioned;
which centres should provide them;
the annual budget for nationally commissioned services and technologies; and
the high level strategy for nationally commissioned services and technologies.
NHS Trusts: Marketing
Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much (a) Enfield Primary Care Trust and (b) Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust spent on (i) marketing and (ii) internal and external communications in each of the last five years. [7727]
Mr Simon Burns: This information is not collected centrally.
NHS: Pay
Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the highest 100 salaries of employees and officials of the National Health Service were in 2009-10. [5504]
Mr Simon Burns: National health service staff earnings estimates are published by the NHS Information Centre for health and social care. The published information covers earnings of medical staff and only those non-medical staff under Agenda for Change contractual arrangements. Reliable information on the highest 100 salaries in the NHS is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
The most recent NHS Staff Earnings survey was published by the NHS Information Centre for health and social care on 17 June 2010. A copy has been placed in the Library.
Nutrition: EU Law
Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations (a) he and (b) officials of his Department have made to the European Commission on the provision of guidance by the European Food Safety Authority to small and medium-sized businesses on submitting claims applications under Article 13.1 of the EU Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation; [7414]
(2) what assessment he has made of the likely effects of the EU Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation on (a) the UK food industry, (b) the UK natural health food products and (c) small and medium-sized businesses. [7415]
Anne Milton: Food Standards Agency (FSA) officials have continued to push the European Commission to meet the requirements in Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims to make available technical guidance and tools to assist small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the preparation and presentation of applications for assessment of health claims by the European Food Safety Authority.
An impact assessment of the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 on the United Kingdom food industry, including natural health food producers and SMEs was published in 2007. The document is available on the FSA website, at:
Patient Responsibility
Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department plans to take to meet the Government's objective of increasing patient responsibility. [8084]
Anne Milton: We will set out plans for a new public health service in a White Paper in December based on the three pillars of national strategy, local leadership and individual responsibility. To promote people's responsibility for their own health, the Government will seek to provide the right information, create the right environment to incentivise healthy options and build social momentum behind positive behaviour change.
Prescription Drugs
Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations were made by those opposed to the introduction of automatic generic substitution during his Department's consultation; and if he will make a statement; [8147]
(2) how many responses to his Department's consultation on the proposed introduction of automatic generic substitution (a) were opposed to its introduction, (b) expressed reservations and (c) were in support; [8148]
(3) how many of those who attended each of his Department's public consultation meetings on
automatic generic substitution (a) expressed concerns about the proposals, (b) were opposed and (c) were in favour. [8149]
Mr Simon Burns: Responses to the consultation are currently being considered. In accordance with the "Code of Practice on Consultation", a summary of responses and the Department's response to the consultation, including next steps, will be published in due course.
Primary Health Care
Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps his Department plans to take to encourage people to undertake self-care for minor ailments; [8085]
(2) what steps his Department has taken to make information available at GP surgeries to people on looking after their own health and wellbeing where appropriate in relation to minor ailments. [8086]
Mr Burstow: The Department fully supports a greater focus on self-care. With proper support from the national health service and health professionals such as general practitioners and pharmacists, people can take more responsibility for their own health and well-being.
Community pharmacy continues to increase access to self care for all sections of the population, but especially for people from deprived communities-being more conveniently situated in the local community and open later and longer than many other conventional health facilities. Every day community pharmacies provide advice and sell over-the-counter medicines, where appropriate, for people presenting to pharmacies for minor ailments and injuries.
The NHS Choices and NHS Direct websites include information on health and well-being to help people understand the importance of self-care and when to seek advice from health professionals This includes online symptom checkers and self-assessment tools, such as NHS MidLifeCheck and the Information Prescriptions (IP) Service which enables people to create tailored IPs on specific conditions and their treatment, management and support options.
A personalised care planning discussion with a healthcare professional encourages people with long-term conditions to self care through a process of shared decision making, goal setting and action planning. A personalised care plan pulls together all the information an individual needs to manage their own health, including signposting to further sources of advice and support. A patient information leaflet is available to help people understand self care support and what to expect from personalised care planning and their care plan.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many sexually transmitted infections were diagnosed in genito-urinary medicine clinics in England in each of the last five years; [7126]
(2) what estimate he has made of the number of sexually transmitted infections which were diagnosed at (a) Waverley Sexual Health Clinic, St Albans and (b) genito-urinary medicine clinics in Hertfordshire in each of the last five years. [7138]
Anne Milton: Information on the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosed in genitor-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics in England is published in "All new STI episodes seen at GUM clinics in the UK: 1999-2008" (Data are represented by country, gender and sexual orientation), a copy of which has been placed in the Library.
No estimate has been made on the number of STIs diagnosed at clinic level. Owing to small cell sizes and risk of deductive disclosure, clinic level data on STI diagnoses are not published. Data on STI diagnoses are not currently available by primary care trust (PCT) of residence but are available by strategic health authority (SHA). This information is published in "All new STI episodes seen at GUM clinics in England: 1999-2008" (Data are represented by SHA, gender and sexual orientation), a copy of which has been placed in the Library. The STI data are grouped in this document by the 10 SHAs, which include the East of England SHA. The data for 2009 will be published on 21 July 2010 and will be available by PCT.
Sickle Cell Diseases
Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps his Department took to mark the United Nations World Sickle Cell Day on 19 June 2010; [6727]
(2) what (a) recent steps have been taken and (b) steps he plans to take to raise public awareness of sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, with particular reference to (i) screening and (ii) reducing stigma associated with these conditions. [6728]
Mr Burstow: The Department has funded the national health service sickle cell and thalassaemia screening programme since 2001 to develop and implement a linked antenatal and newborn screening programme. Both antenatal and newborn screening has now been implemented throughout England. The profile of the conditions continues to rise due to the success of the screening programme.
One of the key aims of the programme is to raise awareness of the conditions-both among the public and health care professionals-challenge stigma and ensure that screening is acceptable to at-risk communities. The programme has rolled out an extensive programme to engage the public in areas with a high prevalence of sickle cell and thalassaemia. This has been evaluated and the programme is planning to continue and extend this work. It is also using its experience working with the public to develop materials to specifically engage men in the screening journey.
The Department does not usually take any steps to mark the United Nations World Sickle Cell Day.
Smoking
Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will (a) conduct and (b) commission research on changes to (i) the prevalence of tobacco use and (ii) the incidence of lung cancer in (A) the UK and (B) Sweden in each of the last 10 years. [8168]
Anne Milton: We have no plans to commission such research, as data of this type are already available.
Data from the United Kingdom and other European member states, including Sweden, on smoking-related mortality and premature mortality from cancer are available in the Department's publication 'Health Profile of England 2009'. A copy has been placed in the Library and is available at:
Data on smoking prevalence in Great Britain are in the Office for National Statistics publication 'General Lifestyle Survey 2008: Smoking and Drinking Among Adults, 2008'. This has already been placed in the Library and is available at:
Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Display) (England) Regulations 2010
Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will bring forward proposals to revoke the Tobacco Authority and Promotion (Display) (England) Regulations 2010. [8169]
Anne Milton: Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of death in England. Discussions are taking place across Government to decide how best to tackle this issue in the context of our focus on public health, and our priorities given the challenges facing business competition and costs.
These considerations include the policy on display of tobacco products and sales from tobacco vending machines.
West Kent Primary Care Trust: Homeopathy
Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on NHS homeopathic treatment by West Kent Primary Care Trust in each of the last five years. [6844]
Anne Milton: Data on spending on homeopathic services as a whole are not routinely collected by the Department.
The hon. Gentleman may wish to contact the Chair of West Kent Primary Care Trust directly for further information.
Prime Minister
Answers received for publication on Monday 12 July 2010
Afghanistan
Mr Spellar:
To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 29 June 2010, Official Report, column 484W, on Afghanistan, how many organisations
accepted the invitation to accompany him on this visit. [6365]
The Prime Minister: I have nothing further to add to the answer I gave on 29 June 2010, Official Report, column 484W.
Departmental Petitions
Kate Hoey: To ask the Prime Minister when the 10 Downing street e-petition system will be operational; and if he will make a statement. [6494]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the information on the No. 10 website at:
Departmental Speeches
Angela Smith: To ask the Prime Minister which (a) (i) civil servants and (ii) special advisers in his office and (b) other individuals are employed to write speeches. [7395]
The Prime Minister: Speechwriting is co-ordinated by my private office with input from others as appropriate.
Kazakhstan: Foreign Visits
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister whether he plans to visit Kazakhstan. [6623]
The Prime Minister: I have no current plans to do so.
Members: Correspondence
Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Prime Minister when he expects to reply to the letter to him dated 20 May 2010 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr D. Moody. [6341]
The Prime Minister: A reply has been sent.
New School Network
Mr Watson: To ask the Prime Minister who was invited to attend the New School Network reception held at 10 Downing street on 30 June 2010. [6466]
The Prime Minister: Information on official and charity receptions held at 10 Downing street is published by means of an annual list as soon as it is ready at the end of the financial year.
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