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19 July 2010 : Column 52W—continued
Attorney-General
Departmental Conferences
Robert Halfon: To ask the Attorney-General what estimate he has made of the expenditure of the Law Officers' Departments on (a) organisation of and (b) attendance at conferences in each year since 1997. [6124]
The Solicitor-General: The information requested is contained in the following table.
| £ | ||||
| Financial year | Tsol, AGO and HMCPSI( 1) | Serious Fraud Office( 2) | National Fraud Authority( 3) | Crown Prosecution Service( 4) |
| (1) It is not possible to provide separate information for the costs of (a) organising and (b) attending conferences, or information for earlier years, without incurring disproportionate cost. The figures include the costs of training events such as mandatory professional training for lawyers employed by the Department. (2) The costs for the organisation of conferences are covered in the overall costs shown above and not recorded separately, an exact breakdown could be determined only at a disproportionate cost. (3) The NFA was established in 2008. In 2009-10, a series of events including Regional Summits, Action Fraud presentations and NFA staff conferences (at external venues) were held by the NFA. The Regional Summits, a series of one day events, were held in Newcastle, Manchester and London (July 2009) and Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham and Cardiff (December 2009). Figures are based on organisational and attendance costs. Providing additional information, such as travel and subsistence, would be at a disproportionate cost. (4) Information is only recorded centrally on the costs of organising the main conferences that took place outside CPS buildings attended by civil servants, figures for attendance costs and all information before 2003-04 could be determined only at a disproportionate cost. Figures from 2006-07 also include expenditure by the Revenue and Customs Prosecution Office (RCPO), which merged with the CPS on 1 January 2010. | ||||
Departmental Travel
Graham Evans: To ask the Attorney-General how much (a) the Law Officers' Departments and (b) their agency spent on travel for their employees in each year since 1997. [7417]
The Solicitor-General: The information requested is detailed in the following table.
Terrorism: Detainees
Mr Raab: To ask the Attorney-General how many times the Crown Prosecution Service charged terrorist suspects under the threshold test in the Code for Crown Prosecutors in (a) 2007, (b) 2008 and (c) 2009; and how many times it has done so in 2010 to date. [8666]
The Solicitor-General: According to its records, the Crown Prosecution Service used the threshold test to charge 14 terrorist suspects in 2007, six terrorist suspects in 2008 and one terrorist suspect in 2009. No suspects have been charged using the threshold test in 2010 to date.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Alexander Litvinenko
Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has had recent discussions with the Government of the Russian Federation on the death of Alexander Litvinenko. [8775]
Mr Jeremy Browne: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the right hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr MacShane) of 12 July 2010, Official Report, column 516W.
Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the (a) investigation of the death of Alexander Litvinenko and (b) extradition of Andrei Lugovoi; and if he will make a statement. [8776]
Mr Jeremy Browne: Following the investigation into the death of Alexander Litvinenko, the Crown Prosecution Service on 22 May 2007 announced that it had found there is a case for Andrei Lugovoy to answer. He therefore remains liable for prosecution in the UK for the murder of Mr Litvinenko.
British Nationals Abroad: Sexual Offences
Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements are in place between the Government and foreign Governments to share information on sex offenders who are British citizens. [9693]
Mr Jeremy Browne: UK law enforcement shares properly risk-assessed information with international law enforcement agencies through Interpol, when there is a lawful need to do so. This is considered on a case-by-base basis. The responsibility for the Government's work to tackle child sex crimes lies with the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, an arm of the Serious Organised Crime Agency.
Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the role is of British embassies and consulates in the investigation and arrest of British citizens in cases of alleged offences of child sexual abuse committed overseas; and if he will make a statement. [9695]
Mr Jeremy Browne: UK law enforcement in some cases does have a presence overseas. The responsibility for the Government's work to tackle child sex crimes lies with the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre-an arm of the Special Organised Crime Agency.
British embassies and consulates have a consular role after the arrest of a British national. Full details of the assistance we offer are available at:
Burma
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his overseas counterparts on the state of democracy in Burma. [8832]
Mr Jeremy Browne: I raised Burma with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Ministers at the EU-ASEAN ministerial meeting on 26 May 2010, at which the Burmese Foreign Minister was present. I made clear that there was no prospect of planned elections being free and fair while Aung San Suu Kyi and more than 2,100 other political prisoners remained in detention, and many Opposition and ethnic groups were excluded from meaningful participation in the process. Burma was on the agenda of the G8 Summit attended by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 27 June 2010, and the Summit Communiqué underlined G8 leaders' concern at the lack of progress towards democracy in Burma. The Government will continue to raise Burma with international partners, and the issue will be high on the agenda during my forthcoming visit to south-east Asia.
Chevening Scholarships
David Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many candidates for Chevening scholarships in 2010-11 have not yet been informed of the outcome of their application. [9005]
Mr Hague: The Chevening scholarships scheme is managed through our posts around the world and so this information is not held centrally and is available only at disproportionate cost. The situation is fluid. For example, some candidates who had applied for a Chevening partnership scholarship may now be offered an award funded fully by the partner and the university. Some candidates may be offered an award if other candidates are unable to accept theirs. Posts have been keeping candidates as well informed as possible and expect all applicants to have confirmation in the next few weeks.
Colombia: Trade Unions
Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps his Department has taken to assist trade unions in Colombia. [8263]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The safety of trade unionists in Colombia remains of great concern to us. Our embassy in Colombia continues to visit those who are under threat and we make representations to the Colombian authorities in cases of violence or intimidation against trade unionists. We are also working with the UN on a research initiative to help improve trade union human rights protection and the development of positive labour relations.
Guatemala: Human Rights
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department plans to take to ensure fulfilment of the provisions of the UN resolution A/HRC/14/L.19 on enforced or involuntary disappearances, with particular reference to Guatemala. [7808]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The UK fully supports the need to protect all people from enforced disappearance and welcomes the adoption of the UN resolution, which was co-sponsored by Guatemala.
Human rights is a key priority for our embassy in Guatemala City. We strongly support the work of the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala, which works to assist Guatemala investigate violent criminal organisations believed to be responsible for widespread crime and paralysis of the country's judicial system. The UK has funded a number of projects in this area, including with the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation, which brings forensic science to the task of identifying the remains of people who disappeared during the internal armed conflict.
Hezbollah
Andrew Gwynne:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his
Department's policy of exploring contacts with Hezbollah. [8590]
Alistair Burt: Our embassy in Beirut held very limited contacts with Hezbollah politicians before May 2010. We will be reviewing this issue, along with our wider Lebanon policy, in a careful and considered manner.
Horn of Africa
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will convene a summit in London to discuss the security situation in the Horn of Africa. [8820]
Mr Bellingham: The Government are very concerned by the security situation in the Horn of Africa, particularly Somalia. International partners met in May 2010 to discuss the situation in Somalia at an international conference in Istanbul. A further conference is due to take place in Spain this autumn. The Government therefore have no plans to convene a summit in London at present.
Israel
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he (a) has taken and (b) plans to take during the next 12 months at the UN on recognition by the UN of Israel as a Jewish state; and if he will make a statement. [R] [8690]
Alistair Burt: A number of issues related to the Middle East are discussed on a monthly basis at the UN. We will continue to push for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1860 which calls for all the parties and the international community to achieve a comprehensive peace based on the vision of a region where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace with secure and recognized borders. This has consistently been the UK position and the only long-term solution to the Israeli-Arab conflict.
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to develop relations with the government of Israel since his appointment; what steps he plans to take on this matter in the next six months; and if he will make a statement. [R] [8746]
Alistair Burt: The UK is in constant touch and dialogue with the Israeli Government.
We remain determined to do everything possible to work towards a two state solution that achieves a viable and sovereign Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel, with its right to live in peace and security recognised by all its neighbours. The proximity talks that are under way are more important than ever to help pave the way towards a comprehensive peace in the region.
My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister underlined our commitment in his conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian President Abbas, and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has also made this clear in the House.
Kashmir
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to support a bilateral solution to the situation in Kashmir. [9348]
Alistair Burt: We welcome the positive steps being taken by Pakistan and India to build trust and confidence between their countries. The long standing position of the UK is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation in Kashmir, one which takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. It is not for the UK to prescribe a solution or to mediate in finding one.
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of (a) India and (b) Pakistan on Kashmir. [9349]
Alistair Burt: India and Pakistan are longstanding and important friends of the UK. We have many significant links to both countries through Indian and Pakistani diaspora communities who live in the UK. We welcome the positive steps being taken by India and Pakistan to build trust and confidence between both countries.
We regularly discuss Kashmir with both Indian and Pakistani Government officials and make clear our hope that they can make progress on the issue. But the long standing position of the UK is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation in Kashmir, one which takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. It is not for the UK to prescribe a solution or to mediate in finding one.
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the (a) economic and (b) political situation in Kashmir. [9350]
Alistair Burt: Kashmir's uncertain political future affects its economic prospects and this impacts upon investment and development opportunities on both sides of the Line of Control.
The Governments of India and Pakistan are making efforts to normalise their relations and this includes the situation in Kashmir. It is for the Governments of India and Pakistan to determine the scope of their dialogue but any solution on the issue of Kashmir should take into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. The UK continues to call for an improvement in the human rights situation on both sides of the Line of Control and for an end to external support for violence in Kashmir. Funding from the UK supports human rights, conflict prevention, and peace building efforts on both sides of the Line of Control.
Kazakhstan
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives the Government has set for UK foreign policy on Kazakhstan. [8895]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We want to strengthen our relationship with Kazakhstan. Energy security and supplies, together with the corresponding trade and investment opportunities, are particularly important. But there are many other areas where we are working to enhance co-operation. These include the financial and legal sectors, through language and vocational education links and on nuclear counter-proliferation issues. We will also continue to work closely with Kazakhstan on the broader international agenda, not least through Kazakhstan's important role this year as chairman-in-office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). We will continue to encourage and support Kazakhstan to meet the human rights and political standards to which it is committed as a member of organisations such as the UN and the OSCE.
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on steps taken by the Government of Kazakhstan to meet its commitment to implement reforms in respect of (a) media freedom, (b) religious freedom, (c) internet law and (d) human rights, democratisation and legislative reform in the first six months of its Chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. [8896]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We are encouraged that the existing parliamentary schedule in Kazakhstan includes draft legislation on accessibility to information, strengthening the role of the Ombudsman and the creation of a National Preventative Mechanism to oversee public monitoring of places of detention. But there remains considerable room for improvement including in respect of freedom of religion, expression, assembly and of the media, in particular legislation tightening state control of the internet. There is also scope for improvement in the legislation on elections, political parties and local government enacted in February 2009. We and international partners will continue to encourage the Kazakh authorities, both within and outside the framework of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, to press ahead with reforms, many of which they have identified as necessary.
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe on the upholding of democratic principles by Kazakhstan since his appointment. [8897]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The UK consistently makes clear the importance it attaches to the human dimension of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation (OSCE), including in respect of the obligations to which Kazakhstan has committed itself. I will be discussing these issues during my visit to Almaty for the informal meeting of Foreign Ministers of the OSCE on 16-17 July 2010.
Lebanon: Peacekeeping Operations
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the security situation in South Lebanon, with particular reference to (a) recent attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon patrols in the region and (b) Israeli military activity along the Lebanese border. [9066]
Alistair Burt: The security situation in southern Lebanon remains calm but fragile. We remain extremely concerned by the recent attacks against UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers on 29 June, 3 July, and 4 July. The UK joined with other Security Council members in agreeing a press statement which condemned such attacks and made clear the need for UNIFIL to be afforded the freedom of movement and security necessary to fulfil its mandate. Prior to this period however, as the UN Secretary General makes clear in his latest report (13th) on UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701, the security situation has been relatively quiet. I represented my concerns to the Lebanese Government during my visit to the region on 13-14 June 2010 and we hope for no repeat of this incident in the future.
We are aware of reports of Israeli military activity along the border with Lebanon as well as repeated violations of Lebanese airspace by Israeli overflights, which continue to occur. We call on both Israel and Lebanon to comply in full with UNSCR 1701 and to work to maintain the existing stability.
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most recent assessment is of the ability of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon to carry out its peacekeeping duties in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. [9067]
Alistair Burt: The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) plays a vital and positive role in maintaining peace and security in southern Lebanon. However it faces a number of challenges, underlined by the recent attacks on 29 June, 3 July, and 4 July against its peacekeepers.
The UK has joined with other (P5) Security Council members in agreeing a press statement which condemned such attacks and made clear the need for UNIFIL to be afforded freedom of movement and security necessary for it to fulfil its mandate.
I also represented these concerns to the Lebanese Government, during my visit to the region on 13-14 June 2010 and we hope for no repeat of this incident in the future.
Overseas Students: Scholarships
Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of British Embassy bursaries for foreign students to study in the UK in the last 12 months. [2263]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) funded four different award schemes in financial year 2009-10. The provisional outturn on each is as follows:
Chevening scholarships: £18,761,108
Chevening fellowships: £3,799,951
Marshall scholarships: £2,218,151
Commonwealth scholarships: £1,076,521.
On 29 June my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary announced the FCO had reviewed programme spend. The FCO will maintain a substantial programme of scholarships to bring future decision takers and opinion-formers to the UK, while professionalising our current
arrangements and targeting them on a smaller group of people. We will cut this year's programme by £10 million and seek (resources permitting) to sustain a smaller and more strategic programme in future years.
Palestinians
Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with (a) his US counterpart, (b) his Israeli counterpart and (c) the Palestinian Authority on measures to strengthen Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank. [8538]
Alistair Burt: Enhancing and strengthening the Palestinian Authority Security Forces (PASF) continues to remain a top priority for both the Palestinian Authority and the UK Government.
We work closely alongside the PASF and provide technical assistance aimed at improving the efficiency and professionalism of the security sector as a whole including the civilian police and emergency services; and direct classroom based training for the PASF. In addition to this the UK has separate activity supporting policing, justice and the rule of law in the Palestinian Territories.
We also work closely with the United States Security Co-ordinator (USSC) General Dayton. The USSC provides advice and guidance to support PASF efforts at reform, within the context of the Roadmap and the two-state solution.
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has (a) taken since his appointment and (b) plans to take in the next 12 months at the UN to deter Hezbollah rearmament; and if he will make a statement. [8688]
Alistair Burt: During my visit to Beirut and Damascus from 12-14 July 2010, I pressed the Governments of Syria and Lebanon to stop the re-arming of Hezbollah. We continue to support the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, and to press for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 including through using our position on the UN Security Council.
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received of stockpiling by Hezbollah of (a) weapons and (b) missiles in South Lebanon; what recent discussions he has had with the government of Lebanon on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [8689]
Alistair Burt: We are concerned by recent reports of weapons transfers to Hezbollah, including Hezbollah's own claims that it possesses significant military capabilities. We continue to monitor information from all available sources, but lack definitive figures. During my recent visit to Lebanon I raised the issue with Lebanese PM Hariri and expressed the need that UN Security Council Resolution 1701 is implemented in full, and that the issue of Hezbollah disarmament be dealt with as a priority.
Palestinians: International Assistance
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Israeli Government to pay compensation for (a) loss of property, (b) damage to property, (c) physical injuries sustained and (d) psychological damage caused to British citizens on board the Gaza Freedom Flotilla and during their subsequent detention by Israeli authorities. [8554]
Alistair Burt: We do not normally pursue any loss or theft of property either through seeking its return or through any legal claim. However, in light of the circumstances of this incident, we have exceptionally tried to assist the British nationals in seeking clarification on, and the return of, their possessions.
Should those involved wish to recover property that had allegedly been stolen, or seek compensation, we would advise the individual, or group, to appoint a local legal representative in Israel. They are best placed to advise them on the appropriate way forward in the country they are claiming in, or against. To assist them we are able to provide a list of English speaking, local lawyers based in Israel. We would of course also advise them to speak to the providers of their travel insurance.
If any British national has concerns about mistreatment while in detention we are able, with their permission, to raise it with the relevant authorities and ask for an independent investigation. I raised this with the returnees when I met them on 17 June 2010, and asked them to write to us with the details of any mistreatment.
Russia: Human Rights
Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most recent assessment is of the human rights situation in the Russian Federation. [8777]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We remain concerned about the human rights situation in Russia. While we welcome the positive agenda set out by President Medvedev and the limited reforms achieved so far, the situation on the ground has, in many areas, shown little sign of improvement. Attacks on human rights defenders and journalists, and ongoing abuses in the North Caucasus region, are of most serious concern. There is still a low success rate in investigating and prosecuting such crimes, perpetuating a climate of impunity. Democratic space, civil society, the media and freedom of assembly are constrained.
The Government will continue to work with Russia on addressing ongoing human rights issues, including through our bilateral human rights dialogue.
South Africa: Football
Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British nationals were arrested in South Africa during the period of the 2010 World Cup. [9876]
Mr Jeremy Browne: As far as we are aware there were 12 British nationals arrested in South Africa during the World Cup. However, there may have been arrests of British nationals of which we were not informed, including dual nationals.
None of the arrests were for football related violence.
Thailand: Sexual Offences
Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his Department's response was to the Thai Government's decision to deport to the UK all known sex offenders who are British citizens. [9694]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We understand that this is not a new decision. The Thai authorities are applying existing legislation more rigorously to prevent criminals convicted of serious offences entering or staying in Thailand. They are targeting all serious criminals, regardless of the country they have come from. Thailand's immigration policy and practice is a matter for the Thai authorities.
Yemen
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to visit Yemen. [9170]
Alistair Burt: For security reasons we cannot disclose the travel plans of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary. I visited Yemen in June and intend to follow up my visit with a further trip later this year.
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the recent visit to Yemen by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State. [9171]
Alistair Burt: My recent visit to Yemen on 22 to 24 June 2010, was my first trip to the region. I took the opportunity to reassure my hosts that Yemen is a priority for the new UK Government. I met President Saleh and a number of his senior Ministers. My discussions focussed on bilateral relations, the Friends of Yemen process and economic reform and were productive, friendly and encouraging.
I explained that the UK remains committed to the process of assisting Yemen to tackle the sources of instability, chief among these being the decline of Yemen's economy. The UK and others agree that negotiating an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is vital in addressing the problems facing Yemen's economy. I am pleased to learn that Yemen has now agreed to an IMF programme, which will go to the IMF board for approval later this month. It will be important to see a well-managed implementation of the programme, with support from across the international community.
I also discussed how the Friends of Yemen process could promote support for Yemen and its people and how the UK could help take forward the process launched at the meeting held in London in January 2010.
Yvonne Fletcher
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking following his meeting with his Libyan counterpart to seek to ensure that Libya grants visas to Metropolitan Police officers to visit Libya to conclude their investigation into the killing of WPC Yvonne Fletcher. [9072]
Alistair Burt: The murder of WPC Fletcher was a terrible crime and her family deserve to know the truth. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has made it clear to the Libyan Government that this issue remains one of our key objectives.
Ministers are and will continue to press the Libyan Government on allowing the Metropolitan police (MPS) to return. On 31 May 2010, the Foreign Secretary raised the WPC Fletcher case with the Libyan Foreign Minister, Musa Kusa. I also raised the issue with Libyan Europe Minister Obidi on 15 July 2010.
The FCO will provide all relevant assistance to the MPS, if required, including on applying for visas to travel to Libya when they are permitted to return to Libya.
Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Committee
Candidates: Manpower
Mr Winnick: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority how many senior officials of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) have been parliamentary candidates; and what posts each of those has held in IPSA. [9405]
Mr Charles Walker: IPSA does not systematically record this information. However, IPSA is aware that the Compliance Officer, Alan Lockwood, was a parliamentary candidate in the general election of 2005.
ICT: Expenditure
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority what the cost price to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is of the key fobs used to assist in the electronic processing of claims. [9016]
Mr Charles Walker: The price of the key fob cannot be separated from the cost of the security token, as they are purchased as one integrated device. The current cost to IPSA of the key fob and the integrated security token is £75 plus VAT, inclusive of postage and packaging. Replacement security tokens (where for example they are lost or stolen) will be charged to the MP at cost price. IPSA does not make a profit on the security tokens.
This is a reduction on the original cost of replacement tokens, which was £127.58 plus VAT. IPSA has extended its IT support contract to absorb the costs of set-up, registration and testing, meaning the supplier does not charge IPSA support costs per token when supplying replacements. The cost to IPSA and to MPs now just covers the physical device and postage and packaging.
Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
Mr Allen:
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority what
recent discussions the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has had on the date on which he will first answer questions for oral answer on the Committee's responsibilities; and if he will make a statement. [9391]
Mr Charles Walker: The Speaker's Committee for the IPSA agreed on 30 June that it would accept written questions and that it also wished to accept questions for oral answer. As the rota for oral questions is the responsibility of Ministers, the Speaker, in his role as Chair of the Committee, wrote to the Leader of the House on 5 July requesting that questions to the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee, be included in the rota for oral questions. The Committee awaits a reply.
Members' Staff: Contracts
Mr Winnick: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority what the average time taken between the receipt for approval of a proposed contract of employment of a member of staff of an hon. Member by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority and the decision by the Authority on such a contract has been to date. [9002]
Mr Charles Walker: IPSA currently responds to requests for approval of staff contracts within two working days of receipt.
Members: Correspondence
Richard Burden: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority what guidance the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority provides to its staff on when inquiries from hon. Members should be replied to (a) in writing and (b) by telephone. [9469]
Mr Charles Walker: IPSA's staff are provided with its policy on this matter, which is that IPSA aims to answer all queries which are received on the IPSA Information Line immediately over the telephone. Only where these queries are complex, give rise to advice on Members' specific circumstances that should be recorded, or give rise to issues which require further consideration, will IPSA request that the query is submitted in writing. Queries received by e-mail or letter will be answered in writing, except in cases which can be more quickly or usefully resolved by telephone.
Members: Travel
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, how many hon. Members who have correctly completed an application to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority for a travel card have not received their travel card. [9015]
Mr Charles Walker: The information requested is as follows:
148 Members have not yet collected their travel cards from the IPSA Documentation Centre in 1 Parliament street.
Five Members have supplied the required information for a travel card application. These cards have been ordered and will be available for collection imminently.
Eight Members have not yet provided IPSA with the required details to order a travel card.
Travel cards awaiting collection can be collected from the IPSA Documentation Centre at 1 Parliament street, which is open every day from 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm, until 31 July 2010.
Offices
Mr Winnick: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, on what date the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority proposes to close its office premises on the Parliamentary Estate; and what arrangements the Authority plans to make thereafter for hon. Members to meet its staff at its premises. [9003]
Mr Charles Walker: The Documentation Centre at 1 Parliament street is due to close on 30 July. After this point IPSA will aim to provide one-to-one support for Members as required, for as long as there is a demand for such a service.
Publications
Richard Burden: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority whether the rules and procedures of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority preclude the authority from funding the preparation and publication of hard-copy reports on its activities other than those providing details of how the Authority may be contacted. [9499]
Mr Charles Walker: IPSA has chosen to publish the majority of its information in e-mail and online, as this represents the best value for money for the taxpayer and is a quick and efficient way of disseminating information. Its website contains detailed information for Members to read or print off, including a variety of training presentations giving guidance on the online system. All publications can be printed off by Members' staff if they wish to read these in hard copy. In addition, its guidance to the scheme, FAQs and MP bulletins are available in hard copy from the Documentation Centre and Members' Centre.
IPSA currently intends to publish its statutory annual report in hard copy, and has published all consultations in hard copy form.
Telephone Services
Hugh Bayley: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority if the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) will make its staff available to advise hon. Members on the telephone in the evenings and at weekends during the same hours that the PICT service helpdesk is open. [9619]
Mr Charles Walker: IPSA is currently making a number of changes to the IPSA Information Line-including the recent installation of a new call handling system-which will enable it to deliver improvements to the level of service which is being provided to MPs. At present, IPSA has no plans to extend the operating hours of the IPSA Information Line.
Working Relations
Mr Winnick: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority what recent consideration the Chair and Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority have given to steps to improve working relations between the Authority and hon. Members. [9004]
Mr Charles Walker: The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) has taken and is taking significant steps to work closely with Members in delivering the new expenses scheme. In response to consultation responses and feedback from Members IPSA now offers one-to-one assistance with the online system, cash flow advances of up to £4,000 to help Members with legitimate expenses, and a contingency fund to help Members who are unable to keep within their budgets for this financial year.
IPSA is also keen to develop further the suggestion of a liaison group with the Leader of the House and other interested Members. This will help to ensure that IPSA understands the varied working patterns of Members and that Members are able to access accurate information on IPSA and the Scheme. IPSA is keen to continue to develop its relationship with Members and welcomes comments and feedback sent to:
info@parliamentarystandards.org.uk
Energy and Climate Change
Biofuels
Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) if he will consider steps to incentivise the production of bioliquids from (a) waste cooking oil and (b) other waste products; [9368]
(2) if he will make it his policy not to support the production of bioliquids from (a) virgin crops and (b) other sustainable sources. [9369]
Gregory Barker: The renewables obligation supports the use of a range of biomass, including bioliquids, for the generation of electricity. The renewable energy directive sets criteria by which the sustainability of bioliquids must be assessed and we are considering support for bioliquids within this context. We will make further announcements on these issues shortly.
Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the contribution of the bioliquids sector to employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector. [9392]
Gregory Barker: I am not aware of any specific assessment that has been made of the contribution of the bioliquids sector to employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Carbon Emissions
Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the potential financial savings to the public purse attributable to steps taken to achieve the 10 per cent. carbon reduction target for Government departments. [9332]
Gregory Barker: It is not yet possible to provide an accurate estimate of the financial savings attributable to the Government's 10% emissions reduction target given the variables which will affect the amount and cost of energy used by Government over this period, including variations in weather and the cost of energy.
Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with the (a) Sustainable Development Commission and (b) other environmental groups on monitoring progressing towards achieving a 10 per cent. year-on-year reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from the Government estate. [9616]
Gregory Barker: My officials have corresponded with staff in the Sustainable Development Commission regarding the 10% reduction target. The working group established to ensure the delivery of this emissions target includes expert representatives from the fields of sustainability and energy efficiency.
Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether the notional reductions in carbon dioxide emissions from the (a) outsourcing of Government services and (b) sale of Government buildings will be included in the target for a 10 per cent. year-on-year reduction in the level of carbon dioxide emissions from the central government estate. [9650]
Gregory Barker: The 10% emissions reduction target relates to direct emissions from the central Government office estate. While outsourcing and rationalisation of the Government estate can and will deliver towards the 10% savings, the ministerial working group established to ensure the delivery of this emissions target has indicated that is it not acceptable to deliver the savings on the basis of these alone. The aim is to deliver improvements in the way Government operate and procure, in order to reduce Government's demand for energy in a sustainable manner. The group has therefore agreed that there should be a mechanism to ensure that the target can be compared against any overall reduction in estate size or outsourcing, and Departments have been asked to provide regular data on their estate area and number of employees in addition to their emissions.
Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he intends to use carbon offsets as part of his strategy to reduce the level of carbon dioxide emissions from the central Government estate by 10 per cent. year-on-year in the next 12 months. [9651]
Gregory Barker: The Government do not intend to use carbon offsets in order to meet the 10% emissions reduction target.
Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change against which baseline year the proposed 10 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from the central Government estate will be measured. [9652]
Gregory Barker: The baseline year for the 10% Government emissions reduction target will be 2009-10. Officials will look to align that as closely as possible with the reporting year for the target which runs from 14 May 2010 to 14 May 2011.
Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme: Academies
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how new academy schools will be classified in the carbon reduction energy efficiency scheme. [9224]
Gregory Barker: Individual academies will be grouped with their Children's Services Authority (formerly termed local education authorities) for CRC participation. This applies equally to new and existing academies, and ensures that such publicly funded schools are treated in the same manner as maintained schools. It also ensures that the CRC performance of a local authority is not artificially inflated through the change in a maintained school's status to an academy.
Climate Change Convention
Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will support a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. [9772]
Gregory Barker: Although a single treaty under the UNFCCC remains our favoured outcome to the international climate change negotiations, a second commitment period of the Kyoto protocol under the right conditions could offer a solution to help move forward. We are exploring what the implications of this would be for the UK.
Cloud Seeding
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on the regulation of cloud seeding; what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on cloud seeding; and if he will make a statement. [8978]
Gregory Barker: The Department does not have a policy on the regulation of cloud seeding, which is a technique for changing the amount, type or distribution of precipitation. I have not had any discussions with ministerial colleagues on cloud seeding.
Combined Heat and Power
Mr Iain Wright:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what grants his Department provides to assist community groups to install
microrenewable energy sources on community buildings; and if he will make a statement. [7112]
Gregory Barker: The previous grants programmes for the installation of small scale renewable energy technologies have ended, including the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (which closed to new applicants in May 2010) and have been replaced by the feed-in tariff (FITs) which is a tariff scheme not a grants scheme.
The feed-in tariffs (FITs) scheme, which was introduced on 1 April this year, is a financial support scheme for eligible low carbon electricity technologies aimed at small-scale installations up to a maximum capacity of 5 megawatts (MW). The scheme currently supports new anaerobic digestion, hydro, solar photovoltaic and wind projects up to that 5 MW limit, by requiring electricity suppliers to make payments to generators based on the number of kilowatt hours they generate. The scheme will also support the first 30,000 micro combined heat and power installations with an electrical capacity of 2 kilowatts or less, as a pilot programme.
Departmental Aviation
Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what flights he has taken on official duties since his appointment; and what the purpose was of each such journey. [8718]
Gregory Barker: As set out in the Ministerial Code, Departments will publish, at least quarterly, details of all travel overseas by Ministers. Information for the first quarter will be published as soon as it is ready.
The Secretary of State took a flight to Aberdeen on 20 May 2010. The purpose of this visit was an introduction to the DECC staff based in Aberdeen, attendance at the All Energy Exhibition and a company visit. All ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code.
Departmental Buildings
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on office refurbishment in each year since its inception. [7357]
Gregory Barker: Department of Energy and Climate Change and its non-departmental bodies spend on office refurbishment was:
| £000 | ||
| FY2008-09 | FY2009-10 | |
Departmental Electronic Equipment
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on televisions in each year since its inception. [7507]
Gregory Barker: Department of Energy and Climate Change and its non-departmental bodies spend on televisions was:
| £ | ||
| FY 2008-09 | FY 2009-10 | |
Departmental Equality
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much has been spent by his Department (a) in total and (b) on staffing costs on promoting equality and diversity in each of the last three years; and how many people are employed by his Department for this purpose. [5819]
Gregory Barker: The information requested is as follows:
DECC does not record separate spending on promoting equality and diversity. These costs could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
The majority of the work on the promotion aspect of equality and diversity was focused on creating and publicising an interim equality and diversity strategy, establishing a Diversity Advisory Group, and starting consultation on a Single Equality Scheme.
Individual costs are not available, and obtaining more detailed information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Staff employed on promoting equality and diversity
For the period 3 October 2008 (when DECC was created) to 11 May 2009 there were no staff directly employed on promoting equality and diversity. This function was included in a wider shared service arrangement with the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.
From 11 May 2009 onwards this work has been included in a wider policy remit for one member of staff. Equality and diversity work in total is estimated to represent 20% of the total work, with promotion representing less than 5%.
Departmental Official Cars
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his estimate is of the mileage travelled by each Minister in his Department in a Government car in (a) May and (b) June 2010. [8314]
Gregory Barker: The Government Car and Despatch Agency do not collect data relating to the mileage travelled by individual Ministers in a Government car.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided by my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Roads and Motoring on 13 July 2010, Official Report, column 624W.
Departmental Public Expenditure
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 26 May 2010, Official Report, columns 2-3WS, on savings (2010-11), under what budgetary headings the £85 million of savings allocated to his Department will be made. [6827]
Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change from which of his Department's budget headings he plans to make the announced expenditure reductions totalling £85 million in 2010-11. [8596]
Gregory Barker: DECC will make the savings as follows:
£4.8 million from administrative costs
£20.2 million from efficiencies across the Department's delivery bodies
£34 million from low carbon technology and business support
£26 million from other efficiency savings including from support for the Regional Development Agencies.
Departmental Training
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much his (a) Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on training for its employees since its inception. [7649]
Gregory Barker: Department of Energy and Climate Change and its non-departmental bodies spend on training was:
| £000 | ||
| FY 2008-09 | FY 2009-10 | |
Departmental Travel
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much his (a) Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies has spent on travel for its employees in each year since its inception. [7426]
Gregory Barker: Department of Energy and Climate Change and its non-departmental bodies spend on travel was:
| £000 | ||
| FY2008-09 | FY2009-10 | |
Energy: Business
Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what plans his Department has to provide assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises to increase their energy efficiency. [8543]
Charles Hendry: It is intended that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be eligible for the Green Deal. The Green Deal will enable financing for energy efficiency improvements at no up-front cost to the end user, with repayments via energy bills. In the Queen's Speech we committed to legislate in a first session Energy Bill which should allow for the full Green Deal to be available in 2012.
In the meantime practical and financial support is available. DECC funds the Carbon Trust to provide advice for small businesses through a telephone advice line, specific web tools and publications. They also administer two financial support schemes which SMEs can use for energy efficient investments: an interest free loan scheme, and the enhanced capital allowance scheme, which provides businesses that invest in designated energy efficient equipment with enhanced tax relief.
Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department plans to take to assist small and medium-sized enterprises to secure finance for low carbon energy projects that have been granted planning permission. [8593]
Gregory Barker: There are a number of ways in which small and medium-sized enterprises can access financial support for low carbon energy projects.
Businesses installing combined heat and power systems benefit from climate change levy exemptions and enhanced capital allowances to help finance the capital investment and operating costs. Projects that generate renewable electricity can secure financial support for generation through the renewables obligation and feed-in tariffs.
The Carbon Trust currently supplies loans of £3,000 to £100,000 for SMEs across the UK to purchase energy efficient equipment. Repayments are linked to energy bill savings and once the loan is repaid future savings are kept by the business.
The Government are committed to increasing the amount of renewable heat in the UK; this is a crucial part of ensuring we meet our renewables targets, cutting carbon and ensuring energy security. We are currently looking at the renewable heat incentive (RHI) proposals and look to make an announcement on the future of the proposed scheme as soon as possible.
In addition, the Government have committed to encouraging community-owned renewable energy schemes where local people benefit from the power produced. We have also announced plans to set up a green investment bank to help the UK meet the low-carbon investment challenge.
Energy: Private Rented Housing
Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department plans to take to improve energy efficiency standards in the private rented property sector. [8594]
Gregory Barker: The Government announced a refocused and extended carbon emissions reduction target (CERT) on 30 June 2010, which is expected to provide benefits for at least 3.5 million households of all types by the end of 2012.
CERT will pave the way for a new Green Deal for households and business that will mark a dramatic change in how we deliver improvements in the energy efficiency of properties in the UK. Green Deal finance will enable the provision of energy efficiency measures with no upfront costs. This has the potential to overcome the cost barriers that may have prevented many landlords taking action in the past.
Energy: Subsidies
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much (a) his Department and its predecessors and (b) its non-departmental public bodies spent on subsidies for clean coal production in each year since 1997. [6213]
Charles Hendry: The Department, its predecessors and non-departmental public bodies have not provided any subsidies for clean coal production. Between 1997 and 2010 the Government spent £84.9 million on the research and development of carbon abatement technologies, including carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Fuel Poverty
Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what date he has set for the eradication of fuel poverty in England and Wales. [7728]
Gregory Barker: The Government remain committed to doing all that is reasonably practicable to eradicate fuel poverty in all households in England by 2016.
As fuel poverty is a devolved issue, the Welsh Assembly Government are responsible for progress against their current target which is to do all that is reasonably practicable to eradicate fuel poverty in Wales by 2018.
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department has taken towards the eradication of fuel poverty in 2010; what steps he plans to take in the first six months of 2011; and if he will make a statement. [8588]
Gregory Barker: Government recently announced the extension of a more ambitious and targeted Carbon Emissions Reduction Target to December 2012, paving the way for the Green Deal. This extension will require a significant and urgent increase in home energy insulation. Through the extension we are requiring a greater focus on helping low income households than ever before. This will result in the investment of over £400 million in the most vulnerable GB homes.
Approximately 175,000 households are expected to be provided measures which can provide a long-term solution to fuel poverty. Many more will receive measures which will protect them from falling into fuel poverty.
We have the powers to introduce mandated social price support through the Energy Act 2010 and, subject to the outcome of the spending review and consultation, we intend to introduce the first scheme in 2011.
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the number and proportion of households in (a) Southend West constituency, (b) Essex and (c) England and Wales which are in fuel poverty; what recent representations he has received on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [8702]
Gregory Barker: In 2006, the most recent year for which sub-regional figures are available, there were around 2,600 (7.1%) fuel poor households in the Southend West constituency, and 58,600 (8.5%) fuel poor households living in Essex.
In 2007, there were 2.8 million fuel poor households in England. The latest figure from the Welsh Assembly Government shows a projected figure of around 243,000 households in fuel poverty in 2006.
The new coalition Government are totally committed to helping the fuel poor. We welcome the useful recommendations from the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group's report and will respond to them fully. We must do more to help the most vulnerable to keep their homes warm at an affordable cost but it is clear that the old policies alone are not working effectively. We need to target assistance at those most in need, promote energy saving measures and greater competition in the energy market to ensure that falling wholesale energy prices get passed onto customers. We remain committed to doing all that is reasonably practicable to eradicate fuel poverty in all households in England by 2016.
Fuel Poverty: Staffordshire
Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many people resident in (a) Staffordshire and (b) Tamworth were classed as being in fuel poverty in each year since 2005. [9678]
Gregory Barker: Fuel poverty is measured at household level rather than at individual level.
Sub-regional figures are not available for 2005. In 2006, the most recent year for which sub-regional figures are available, there were around 56,500 fuel poor households living in the county of Staffordshire and around 4,000 fuel poor households in the Tamworth constituency.
Land Use: Forests
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on sustainability criteria for land use, land-use change and forestry projects in the Clean Development Mechanism. [8619]
Gregory Barker:
The Government are keen to ensure that land use, land-use change and forestry projects meet minimum sustainability and environmental criteria. We support requirements within the Kyoto Framework designed to ensure all projects meet local environmental assessment requirements, are subject to stakeholder
comment, and are assessed to be in accordance with sustainable development by the host country. Responsibility for assessment of sustainable development in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) rests with the host country, though projects may be reviewed by the CDM Executive Board for a failure to meet local environmental assessment requirements, or for failure to consult stakeholders.
The Government play a procedural role in approving participation in CDM projects. When approving participation in projects, the Government require confirmation that any proposed projects meet sustainable development criteria as determined by the host countries, and confirmation that the project design document- including references to environmental assessment and stakeholder comments-is correct before issuing any letter of approval. We believe enforcement of the system is primarily a matter for the UN's Clean Development Mechanism Executive Board, and the Designated Operational Entity-a third party auditor responsible for validating the claims made in the Project Design Document, though false statements made in an application to the Government can result in prosecution.
Experience with projects in the forestry sector is limited-only 16 have been registered internationally and to date the Government have provided letters of approval for four forestry projects in the Clean Development Mechanism; one each in Chile, Colombia, Moldova and India.
Projects from the forest sector are not valid for compliance within the EU ETS, and other countries (many of which have detailed additional assessment requirements) are the principal purchasers of credits from this sector. The UK Government have not purchased credits from this sector.
Marine Renewable Deployment Fund
Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what funds his Department plans to allocate to the Wave and Tidal Stream Demonstration Scheme element of the Marine Renewable Deployment Fund in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [9723]
Gregory Barker: The Government are currently considering options for marine renewable energy funding as part of the comprehensive spending review.
Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he has made of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's report Geological Disposal: Steps Towards Implementation. [8621]
Charles Hendry: The Government welcome the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's (NDA) report "Geological Disposal: Steps towards implementation". We are committed to the implementation of geological disposal for higher activity radioactive waste, through safe and secure interim storage and a geological disposal facility siting process based on voluntarism and partnership.
"Geological Disposal: Steps towards implementation" is a positive move forward; it is important that the NDA set out its work programme and management arrangements to deliver geological disposal, as well as summarising the preparatory work undertaken so far.
The technical planning work undertaken by the NDA compliments that ongoing in the wider process where Government are working with the three communities to date that have 'expressed an interest' in finding out more about what hosting a facility might involve. The option for communities to 'Express an Interest' remains open and DECC officials are available to answer questions or advise any community who wishes to seek further information.
Oil Rigs
Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he made of the effectiveness of the use of acoustic triggers on offshore rigs in his urgent review of the UK oil and gas industry. [8597]
Charles Hendry: Safety issues are not within the scope of DECC's review as they do not fall within the responsibilities of this Department. These are matters for the HSE.
The UK's Oil Spill Prevention and Response Advisory Group (whose membership includes industry, DECC and HSE) will however be considering relevant aspects of well design and control in their work to proactively identify and address cross industry issues concerning well control and oil spill response on the UKCS. This will include the effectiveness of blowout preventers and their triggering mechanisms.
Renewable Energy
Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department plans to take to encourage heavy energy users in the industrial sector to invest in on-site renewable energy generation. [8592]
Charles Hendry: There are existing financial incentives which aim to encourage on-site renewable electricity generation including the renewables obligation and the feed-in tariff. We are currently looking at these to see if there are ways of making them more effective. These schemes are not specific to heavy energy users, but are open to the whole industrial sector. We are also considering how best to support the generation of renewable heat.
Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much renewable energy is planned to be generated in the UK from offshore wind over each of the next five years. [9329]
Charles Hendry: As at 6 July 2010, over a gigawatt (GW) of offshore wind capacity has been installed. In addition:
1.5 GW is under construction;
the Government have granted consent for a further 2.6GW; and
applications have been submitted for a further 2.3GW.
Projects that could yield over 40 GW are at the "scoping stage" and have not yet submitted applications for consent.
Time scales for the development of these sites will depend on a number of factors.
The Government believe that offshore wind has an important role to play in meeting climate change targets and helping achieve energy security.
Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to develop a public communications programme to encourage participation in his Department's feed-in tariff scheme. [9535]
Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change provides information on feed-in tariffs on its website at:
which also contains links to other bodies that are helping to raise awareness of the scheme. Some of these include the Energy Savings Trust, the Carbon Trust and Ofgem.
The scheme has received extensive media coverage as well as being widely promoted by energy suppliers and those industries directly benefitting from the scheme.
The scheme has been running since 1 April and we are continually collecting data on uptake in order to feed into the review process.
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to ensure that tariffs for renewable heat are completed by April 2011. [9537]
Gregory Barker: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon) on 15 June 2010, Official Report, columns 367-68W.
Renewable Energy: Housing
Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will bring forward proposals to reduce the cost to households of installing renewable sources of energy. [7111]
Gregory Barker: The feed-in tariff provides financial support to encourage the uptake of small-scale, low carbon electricity generation.
We are also looking at the renewable heat incentive (RHI) proposals. Clearly there are benefits to the scheme, but we must also consider the impact of the costs, particularly given the financial constraints we must work within and the potential impact that funding options could have on vulnerable people. We will look to make an announcement on the future of the proposed scheme as soon as possible. The Government are committed to increasing the amount of renewable heat in the UK, this is a crucial part of ensuring we meet our renewables targets, cutting carbon and ensuring energy security.
There is further direct support from energy suppliers, made available as part of meeting their CERT obligation. Moreover, this support and the other measures we are taking should bring down the costs of these technologies through learning and economies of scale.
Our core Green Deal offer is intended to support the move to more energy efficient homes.
We expect Green Deal providers that insulate homes under the green deal will take the opportunity to offer packages under the Green Deal umbrella that include appropriate microgeneration.
Renewable Energy: Job Creation
Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the opportunities for employment arising from the renewable energy industry. [9400]
Gregory Barker: Estimates based on Innovas projections and Labour Force survey data suggest that meeting our EU 2020 renewable energy target, combined with a growing market for renewable energy could contribute to the creation of up to half a million jobs in the UK renewable energy sector by 2020.
Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme
Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he expects to announce his plans for the future of the renewable heat incentive. [8612]
Gregory Barker: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 15 June 2010, Official Report, columns 367-68W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon).
River Severn: Tidal Power
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what progress has been made on the Severn Barrage Feasibility Study. [8657]
Charles Hendry: We are currently considering the recommendations from the Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study and expect to report our conclusions shortly.
Tidal Power
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his department is taking to develop the UK Marine Renewable Strategy, with particular reference to funding for wave and tidal technologies. [9701]
Gregory Barker: We are committed to the success of the wave and tidal industry in the UK and to introducing measures to encourage marine energy technologies. We are currently considering how creating a network of Marine Energy Parks can work to push the sector forward.
The Government are currently considering options for marine renewable energy funding as part of the comprehensive spending review.
Warm Front Scheme: Essex
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much has been spent on the Warm Front programme in (a) Essex and (b) Southend-on-Sea in each year since its inception; and what recent steps his Department has taken to (i) encourage take-up of energy efficiency measures and (ii) reduce the level of fuel poverty in Southend West constituency. [8703]
Gregory Barker: The following table indicates funding spent on energy efficiency measures by the Warm Front Scheme in (a) Essex and (b) Southend-on-Sea in each year since its inception(1):
(1) The Warm Front Scheme started in 2000 however figures are only available from 2005, which is when Eaga, the Warm Front Scheme manager, took full control of the scheme.
| £ | ||
| Essex | Southend-on-Sea | |
There are a range of programmes that promote energy efficiency measures including CESP, CERT and Warm Front. We have also announced our intention to introduce the Green Deal.
CESP targets designated low income areas across Great Britain with whole house energy efficiency retrofits.
We recently announced the extension of the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target obligation on energy suppliers. Suppliers will now have to work much harder to lag lofts and walls and ensure more homes, especially low income households, receive measures that reduce fuel bills, improve thermal efficiency and cut carbon emissions.
Warm Front provides heating and energy efficiency measures and advice to vulnerable households. The following table indicates the total number of households assisted by Warm Front in the Southend West constituency in each year since its inception.
| Southend West | |
In addition, we have announced our intention to put in place the legal framework needed for a Green Deal that will provide energy efficiency improvements to homeowners at no up-front cost, with consumers repaying through the savings they make on their energy bills. This will mark a dramatic change in how we deliver improvements in the energy efficiency of properties in the UK.
Warm Front Scheme: Greater London
Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much has been spent on the Warm Front programme in (a) Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency and (b) the London borough of Bexley in each year since its inception; and what recent steps his Department has taken to (i) encourage take-up of energy efficiency measures and (ii) reduce the level of fuel poverty in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency in the last three years. [9402]
Gregory Barker: The following table indicates funding spent on energy efficiency measures by the Warm Front Scheme in (a) Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency and (b) the London borough of Bexley in each year since its inception(1);
(1) The Warm Front Scheme started in 2000 however figures are only available from 2005, which is when Eaga, the Warm Front Scheme manager, took full control of the scheme.
| Spend (£) | ||
| Bexleyheath and Crayford | London borough of Bexley | |
There are a range of programmes that promote energy efficiency measures including CESP, CERT and Warm Front. We have also announced our intention to introduce the Green Deal. CESP targets designated low income areas across Great Britain with whole house energy efficiency retrofits.
We recently announced the extension of the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target obligation on energy suppliers. Suppliers will now have to work much harder to lag lofts and walls and ensure more homes, especially low income households, receive measures that reduce fuel bills, improve thermal efficiency and cut carbon emissions.
Warm Front provides heating and energy efficiency measures and advice to vulnerable households. The following table indicates the total number of households assisted by Warm Front in the Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency in the last three years.
| Bexleyheath and Crayford | Number |
In addition, we have announced our intention to put in place the legal framework needed for a Green Deal that will provide energy efficiency improvements to homeowners at no up-front cost, with consumers repaying through the savings they make on their energy bills. This will mark a dramatic change in how we deliver improvements in the energy efficiency of properties in the UK.
Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many officials in his Department at each pay band have responsibility for the (a) formulation and (b) implementation of policy on the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000; what posts in his Department and its predecessors each such official has held; and if he will make a statement. [8686]
Gregory Barker: The Department has three officials, supported by senior management, working specifically on the Fuel Poverty Strategy and the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act. A further six officials manage the delivery of the Warm Front Scheme.
In addition, other officials work on a range of policies within the Department that impact on fuel poverty, including domestic energy efficiency, the voluntary agreement with energy suppliers, social price support and data sharing. The officials have a range of experience from working both inside and outside Government.
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the operation of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [8706]
Gregory Barker: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has regular meetings with ministerial colleagues on a wide variety of topics.
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he has made of the operation of (a) section 1 and (b) section 2 of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000; what recent representations he has received on the operation of the Act; and whether he plans (i) to amend and (ii) to repeal this Act. [8708]
Gregory Barker: The latest report by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on the steps taken to implement the fuel poverty strategy required by Section 2 of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000 was published in October 2009. A copy of the report can be found on the Department's website at:
We have received representations on the definition of fuel poverty from three parties.
There are no plans at the current time to amend or repeal this Act.
Wind Power: Ports
Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what plans he has for development of ports to support offshore wind infrastructure. [8756]
Gregory Barker: The Government are committed to the development of UK manufacturing to support the growing offshore wind sector. Funding for offshore wind ports infrastructure has not been selected for suspension or cancellation as part of the recent cost cutting exercise, but as with all public spending it is being reviewed in the context of the spending review.
Health
Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse
Dr Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has made an estimate of the likely cost to the NHS of treating alcohol-related health conditions in (a) 2015 and (b) 2020. [8879]
Anne Milton: No estimate has been made of the cost to the national health service of treating alcohol-related health conditions in 2015 and 2020. We plan to publish a White Paper on public health in the autumn, which will consider how to prevent future increases in ill health from alcohol misuse and associated costs.
Dr Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost to the NHS was of treating alcohol-related health conditions in each of the last 10 years. [8880]
Anne Milton: The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, in 2003 the annual cost of alcohol misuse to the national health service in England was quantified at £1.4 billion-£1.7 billion in 2001 prices Cabinet Office (2003), Alcohol misuse: how much does it cost? Available at:
A more recent estimate of £2.7 billion per year for 2006-07 was published in Cost of alcohol harm to the NHS, Department of Health, 2007. Available at:
Dr Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent research he has evaluated on the effects on the level of alcohol consumption of (a) price and (b) availability of alcohol. [8881]
Anne Milton: The Coalition programme for government includes a commitment to review alcohol taxation and pricing, to ensure it tackles binge drinking without unfairly penalising responsible drinkers, pubs, and important local industries. Her Majesty's Treasury and the Home Office will jointly lead the review. It will report in the autumn and will take account of recent research.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence issued public health guidance, Alcohol-use disorders: preventing the development of hazardous and harmful drinking in June. This report, which is available at:
was based on a series of effectiveness reviews, which summarise and assess the evidence from research, including research on the availability of alcohol. This will be considered by the Department over the coming months.
Anaphylaxis: Health Services
Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of treating emergency cases of anaphylaxis in NHS facilities in each of the last five years. [9311]
Mr Simon Burns: The following table shows the cost to the national health service in England of treating non-elective (unplanned) admissions for shock and anaphylaxis in the last five years for which information has been collected. Information is not separately available for anaphylaxis.
| Total cost £ million | |
| Notes: 1. Figures taken from schedule 4 (NHS trusts and primary care trusts (PCTs) combined) of the national schedules of reference costs for the financial years 2004-05 to 2008-09 published at: www.dh.gov.uk/nhscosting 2. Total costs are the number of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) and the number of excess bed days multiplied by their national average unit costs. 3. Figures are not comparable between years because: (a) 2004-04 to 2005-06 costs were collected on Healthcare Resource Group version 3.5 (HRGv3.5) and include HRG code S26 Shock and Anaphylaxis. (b) 2006-07 to 2008-09 costs were collected on Healthcare Resource Group 4 (HRG4) and include HRGs WA16W Shock and Anaphylaxis with complications or comorbidities and WA16Y Shock and Anaphylaxis without complications or comorbidities (c) 2004-05 to 2006-07 costs include non-elective in-patients and observation wards and 2007-08 to 2008-09 costs include non-elective in-patients long and short stay. 4. The diagnosis codes from the International Classification of Diseases 10(th) revision (ICD-10) classification system which group to these HRGs are: (a) T63.0 Toxic effect of snake venom (b) T63.2 Toxic effect of venom of scorpion (c) T63.4 Toxic effect of venom of other arthropods (d) T63.5 Toxic effect of contact with fish (e) T63.6 Toxic effect of contact with other marine animals (f) T63.8 Toxic effect of contact with other venomous animals (g) T63.9 Toxic effect of contact with unspecified venomous animal (h) T75.0 Effects of lightning (i) T75.4 Effects of electric current (j) T78.0 Anaphylactic shock due to adverse food reaction (k) T78.2 Anaphylactic shock, unspecified (l) T79.4 Traumatic shock (m) T80.5 Anaphylactic shock due to serum (n) T81.1 Shock during or resulting from a procedure NEC (o) T88.2 Shock due to anaesthesia (p) T88.6 Anaphylactic shock due adverse effect of correct drug or medicament properly administered | |
Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many emergency cases of anaphylaxis were treated in NHS hospitals in each of the last five years. [9312]
Mr Simon Burns: The following table shows the number of emergency admissions where the primary diagnosis was anaphylactic shock, also known as anaphylaxis. The number of admissions does not represent the number of patients as a patient may have been admitted more than once.
| Emergency finished admission episodes | |
| Source: Hospital Episode Statistics, The NHS Information Centre for health and social care | |
Anger Management Treatment
Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department has spent on anger management treatment for (a) women and (b) men in each of the last five years. [8732]
Mr Burstow: The provision and funding of local health services, including anger management, is a matter for local decision. We do not collect these figures centrally.
Ashfield Community Hospital
Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has for the future of Ashfield Community Hospital. [8659]
Mr Simon Burns: It is for Nottinghamshire county primary care trust to improve community services to ensure they provide modern, personalised, and responsive care of a consistently high quality that is equally accessible to all patients.
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