Written Answers to Questions
Wednesday 3 November 2010
Transport
Anglian Prince Tugboat
Mr MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what impact assessment his Department conducted prior to taking its decision to remove the service provided by the Stornoway base in relation to the removal of the Anglian Prince tugboat. [20296]
Mike Penning: Prior to taking the decision to discontinue the provision of publicly funded emergency towing vessels (ETV), the Department for Transport undertook an assessment of the changes that have taken place in the maritime environment, together with a consideration of the frequency with which ETVs have been tasked to assist vessels that have got into difficulty.
The Government believes this is properly a matter for commercial shipowners and the insurers, using the services of commercial towing vessels.
Accordingly, the Government have judged that the risk in not renewing the ETV contract from September 2011 is acceptable in the light of the need to reduce the fiscal deficit.
Mr MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport where the nearest to Na h-Eileanan an Iar Maritime and Coastal Authority funded tug will be based after the removal of the Stornoway-based Anglian Prince tugboat service; and if he will make a statement. [20297]
Mike Penning: As part of the strategy for reducing the fiscal deficit the Government have decided that it is no longer appropriate to maintain provision of publicly funded Emergency Towing Vessels (ETV).
The current contract for ETVs expires in September 2011, following which MCA funding for ETVs will be withdrawn.
Commercial tugs operate in a variety of locations around the UK and the Government would expect shipowners and insurers to make use of them.
Departmental Secondment
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff his Department has appointed on secondment since 7 May 2010; and from what organisation each such member of staff has been seconded. [16267]
Norman Baker: Since 19 May 2010 the Department for Transport has been subject to a recruitment freeze. However, since 7 May 2010, due to a business critical need in developing transport policy, Department for Transport has appointed three secondees. These individuals were appointed at no cost to the Department.
It is the policy of the Cabinet Office to withhold data which could identify an individual. Because the number of secondees is below five, I am unable to provide information on the organisations they have come from.
Driving: Licensing
John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will direct the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency not to initiate proceedings in respect of the late licensing penalty demand issued to Ms Maxine Bennett, a constituent of the hon. Member for Birmingham, Yardley, in respect of the vehicle with registration mark N182 JUG. [21183]
Mike Penning: I am satisfied with the actions taken by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
National Express: Correspondence
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of each item of correspondence between his Department and National Express on (a) the Greater Anglia franchise, (b) rail fares on that franchise, (c) timetable changes on that franchise and (d) the National Station Improvement Programme for stations covered by that franchise since 2008. [18815]
Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport is in daily contact with National Express East Anglia (NXEA) and as such the volume of correspondence is extremely high. Much of this correspondence is commercially sensitive to NXEA and/or the Department and would not be appropriate to be placed in the public domain. The task of sorting documentation that can be released means that the information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Passenger Ships: Liverpool
Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with Liverpool City Council on the provision of a cruise line turn-around facility in Liverpool. [20917]
Mike Penning [holding answer 1 November 2010]: The Secretary of State and I have had no discussions with Liverpool city council on this matter. I am considering a recent proposal presented by Liverpool city council requesting that the grant condition of allowing only port of call use at the facility is relaxed so that the city cruise terminal is able to operate turnaround cruise.
Railways: Kent
Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what capital projects he expects to begin on railway lines in (a) Kent and (b) Maidstone and the Weald constituency before 2015. [21593]
Mrs Villiers: As set out in the spending review on 20 October, the Government are still finalising their position regarding a number of rail projects. An announcement will be made shortly.
Waterloo Station
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what recent consideration he has given to the (a) sale and (b) transfer of Waterloo International Terminal to Network Rail; and if he will make a statement; [21807]
(2) if he will take steps to ensure the future use of all Waterloo International Terminal platforms for rail services; [21808]
(3) what plans he has for the future use of Waterloo International Terminal; and if he will make a statement. [21810]
Mrs Villiers: As set out in the spending review on 20 October 2010, Government are still finalising their position regarding a number of rail projects. An announcement is expected to be made shortly.
Scotland
Aviation: Security
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has assessed the effect of airport security measures required by the Department for Transport on the competitiveness of airports in Scotland. [21345]
Michael Moore: The Department for Transport is working towards developing a new regulatory system for aviation security-one where the Government concentrates on setting the security outcomes that need to be achieved, giving operators the freedom to devise the security processes needed to deliver them. That will allow airports to deliver more efficient and passenger-friendly security processes without compromising passenger security.
As the Home Secretary stated in Parliament on 1 November, in the light of the incident at Nottingham East Midlands Airport, additional measures have been put in place in the immediate term. Discussions are in progress on appropriate measures for the longer term.
Departmental Redundancy
Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how much funding to meet staff redundancy costs was identified in his Department's settlement letter in respect of the comprehensive spending review; [21547]
(2) what estimate he has made of the number of redundancies in his Department arising from the spending reductions proposed in the comprehensive spending review; [21548]
(3) what estimate he has made of the costs to his Department of staff redundancy in each of the next four years. [21549]
David Mundell: The Scotland Office does not employ staff directly. All of its staff are on secondment from other public bodies, mainly the Ministry of Justice and the Scottish Government. Redundancy issues are a matter for these parent bodies.
Green Investment Bank
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last discussed the operation of the proposed Green Investment Bank with the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. [21344]
Michael Moore: The operation of the Green Investment Bank is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable). I have regular discussions with him and Cabinet colleagues on a range of matters, including on the Green Investment Bank.
Housing Benefit
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next plans to meet the Confederation of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss the likely effect on local authorities in Scotland of the proposed cap on housing benefit. [21348]
Michael Moore: I am in regular contact with a range of stakeholders on matters concerning housing benefit. As was the case under the previous administration, it is not the Government's practice to divulge Ministers' diary schedules.
Human Rights
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has discussed with the Scottish Executive the application of the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998 in respect of the judgment of the Supreme Court in Cadder v. Her Majesty's Advocate (Scotland). [21346]
Michael Moore: The Secretary of State for Justice and I both engaged with the Scottish Government on the issues raised by this case. The Scottish Government introduced emergency legislation on 26 October and the Bill received Royal Assent on 29 October.
Universities Scotland
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has discussed with Universities Scotland the effect on Universities Scotland of the Browne review of higher education funding in England. [21347]
Michael Moore: I met representatives from Universities Scotland prior to the publication of Lord Browne's report on 12 October and I am in regular contact with a range of stakeholders on matters concerning higher education in Scotland.
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Bridleways: Horse Riding
Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on (a) horse rider access to bridleways and (b) future numbers of bridleways. [20990]
Richard Benyon: DEFRA is keen for horse riders to be able to access more off-road riding to take them away from busy roads. We will use a big society approach, using innovative ways of creating improved bridleway networks, including statutory, permissive and paid access. DEFRA supports equestrian access organisations working strategically with local highway authorities and landowners to deliver real benefits to horse riders.
EC Law
Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the likely savings to her Department of not operating the sampling plan proposed in article 16 of Council Regulation (EC) 1224/2009. [21587]
Richard Benyon: The United Kingdom does not currently carry out sampling plans of the activity of the under 10 metre fleet, nor will we be establishing the sampling plans required by Article 16.2 of Council Regulation 1224/2009. We shall instead continue to monitor the activity of the under 10 metre fleet as a whole, on the basis of sales notes, making use of the derogation available in Article 16.4 of that regulation.
Because of this, we have not considered it necessary to estimate the likely costs to the Department, or to the Marine Management Organisation, of carrying out these sampling plans.
Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to require all operators of vessels in the under- 10 metre fleet to complete a log book; whether such plans derive from the requirements of Council Regulation (EC) 1224/2009; and what information her Department holds on the implementation of such requirements in other EU member states. [21588]
Richard Benyon: I currently have no plans to require operators of under 10 metre vessels to complete a logbook beyond those that have already been announced. There is no requirement in Council Regulation 1224/2009 for such operators to complete logbooks. However, in the detailed implanting rules currently under negotiation in Brussels, the Commission has included a provision requiring the masters of all under 10 metre vessels to complete monthly catch reports.
Food: Labelling
Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what timetable her Department has set for discussions with the food industry on labelling and point of sale information on methods of preparation of meat. [21281]
Mr Paice: No specific timetable has been set for discussions with the food industry on the use of labelling or point of sale information to provide information on methods of preparation, including method of slaughter, of meat. This is a complex and sensitive issue and addressing current concerns, while respecting the religious freedoms of the communities involved, will require very careful consideration. I will be using the regular contact I will have with retail and catering organisations over the coming months to explore these issues further.
Forestry Commission
Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much of the Forestry Commission woodland estate is held as (a) freehold and (b) leasehold; and if she will make a statement. [21329]
Mr Paice: As at 31 March 2010 the Forestry Commission public forest estate in England comprised 198,298 hectares of freehold land and 57,692 hectares of leasehold land. The majority of this is woodland, but it also includes associated open habitats, some agricultural land and land used for quarries, car parks and built development.
Livestock: Slaughterhouses
Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has made a recent assessment of the merits of making mandatory pre-stunning prior to slaughter for farm animals entering the food chain. [20687]
Mr Paice: The UK Government would prefer to see all farm animals stunned before slaughter but accepts the rights of religious communities to eat meat slaughtered in accordance with their religious beliefs. We have not made a recent assessment of the merits of making mandatory pre-stunning prior to slaughter for farm animals entering the food chain. Current and future EU regulations give member states rights to exercise discretion over pre-cut stunning when related to religious slaughter. The UK restricts the practice of slaughter without stunning to slaughterhouses.
Mushrooms
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effects on the competitive position of the mushroom composting regulations of her recent changes to the regulatory regime affecting the industry. [21074]
Mr Paice [holding answer 1 November 2010]: DEFRA is aware of two mushroom farms which both grow mushrooms and make compost for their own use. These were previously eligible for registering an exemption under waste legislation, but since the introduction of the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010 operators of all on-farm mushroom composting operations must apply for an environmental permit by 1 October 2011. DEFRA is not aware of any competition concerns resulting from this change.
National Parks: Finance
Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to ensure transparent arrangements for financial reporting by national parks' authorities. [21280]
Richard Benyon: The National Park Authorities and the Broads Authority operate within a framework of local authority legislation. Each authority is required to submit an annual account and report on the exercise and performance of its functions to DEFRA as soon as possible after the end of the financial year.
The Audit Commission is responsible for the external audit arrangements for the authorities, and in addition each authority is required to maintain adequate and effective internal audit arrangements carried out in accordance with the standards and guidance issued by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. The annual report, accounts and audit statements are public documents.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has announced plans to disband the Audit Commission. The intention is to have new arrangements in place for auditing England's local public bodies, including the National Park Authorities, by 2012-13.
Slaughterhouses: Inspections
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what restrictions there are on (a) meat hygiene inspectors and (b) abattoir workers assisting such inspectors on taking samples of meat for inspection while on medication; and if she will make a statement; [21388]
(2) for what reason veterinary officers and meat hygiene inspectors are not allowed to sample meat for inspection while they are on medication. [21389]
Anne Milton: I have been asked to reply.
Under Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidance for the collection of samples from licensed slaughterhouses (with respect to sampling undertaken for the veterinary residue National Surveillance Scheme) sampling officers are instructed not to carry out any sampling during the treatment period for the following types of medication:
| Type of medication | Active ingredients | May be used in the treatment of: |
In order to maintain continuity of sample collection, traceability and to prevent any cross-contamination it is expected that sampling collection is carried out by authorised FSA staff only.
The aim of the National Surveillance Scheme is to detect whether unauthorised veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) are being used in food producing animals and
that the conditions attached to authorised VMPs are being observed. This programme helps to ensure that consumers are protected against potentially harmful residues of veterinary medicines.
Where samples are found to contain residues of VMPs above the permitted maximum residue limit, or where residues of unauthorised substances have been detected, follow up action is required. This will involve an on-farm investigation and, potentially, legal proceedings.
Due to the sensitivity involved in laboratory analytical methods, and the potential of those compounds identified above to cause problems with results, sampling officers are instructed not to carry out sampling during the treatment period.
Swimming Pools
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to increase the number of inland bathing water locations under the requirements of the European Bathing Water Directives. [21357]
Richard Benyon: There are 415 bathing waters in England designated under the directive, nine of which are inland sites. DEFRA annually asks local authorities, non-governmental organisations, swimming associations and the public to review existing designations and suggest possible new inland and coastal bathing waters.
Designation of bathing waters in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the relevant devolved Administration.
Northern Ireland
Departmental Redundancy
Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much funding to meet staff redundancy costs was identified in his Department's settlement letter in respect of the comprehensive spending review. [21544]
Mr Paterson: The Department's settlement letter in respect of the 2010 spending review did not identify funding to meet staff redundancy costs. The Department does not at this stage anticipate redundancies across the spending review period.
Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the number of redundancies arising from the spending reductions proposed in the comprehensive spending review in respect of (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies. [21545]
Mr Paterson: The Department does not at this stage anticipate redundancies as a result of its spending reductions proposed in the spending review. It is currently working with its arm's length bodies to manage the outcomes of the spending review.
Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the costs to his Department of staff redundancy in each of the next four years. [21546]
Mr Paterson: The Department does not at this stage anticipate redundancies across the spending review period.
Attorney-General
Daniel Ubani
Stephen Barclay: To ask the Attorney-General what steps the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has taken to assess the compatibility of the actions of the German authorities in the case of Dr Daniel Ubani with the requirements of the European Arrest Warrant procedure; and if he will deliver to (a) the family of David Gray and (b) the hon. Member for North East Cambridgeshire a copy of each paper the CPS examined in the course of that assessment. [21010]
The Solicitor-General [holding answer 1 November 2010]: The European Union Framework Decision which provides for the European Arrest Warrant does not create legal requirements about where an individual should be tried where two or more countries have concurrent jurisdiction over the same case. The actions of the German authorities in this case were governed by German law. Eurojust has published guidelines about the factors that should be taken into account when deciding which jurisdiction should prosecute in such cases, but these are not legally binding.
The answer provided to your earlier question by the Attorney-General on 28 October 2010, Official Report, column 389W, explains the assessment made by the CPS and the confidentiality which attached to the Eurojust meeting.
Wales
Comprehensive Spending Review
14. Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the likely effects on policing in Wales of implementation of the outcomes of the comprehensive spending review. [20337]
Mr David Jones: Both my right hon. Friend and I have had regular discussions with Cabinet and ministerial colleagues on matters affecting policing and law and order in Wales and regularly meet with the Welsh Chief Constables, ACPO Cymru and the Welsh police authorities.
Broadband
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions she has had with Ministerial colleagues on a superfast broadband pilot project in Wales. [20026]
Mr David Jones:
My right hon. Friend and I have regular meetings with ministerial colleagues on issues affecting Wales, including broadband. I met with my hon. Friend, the Minister responsible for culture, communications and creative industries on 26 October to discuss this matter further. I am also a member of the cross-Government Ministerial Group on Broadband
which will ensure that we take a joined-up approach to the delivery of the coalition Government's broadband policy and projects.
In relation to the superfast broadband pilot projects, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Hunt) said in his recent answer to you on 25 October 2010, Official Report, column 8, we hope that it will be possible to extend some of the benefits of the Herefordshire pilot into Wales. There will also be further announcements before the end of the year on how the Government plan to roll out broadband to the whole country.
In the meantime, my officials and I continue to work in order to bring the full benefits of superfast broadband to Wales.
Coal: Industry
Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Assembly Government on the future of the coal industry in Wales; and if she will make a statement. [20922]
Mr David Jones: My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with Welsh Assembly Government Ministers on a range of issues affecting Wales.
We are committed to a future for clean coal in Wales and support the plans for an open cast operation at Tower Colliery near Hirwaun.
We are also committed to continuing to work with Tata and the Welsh Assembly Government to take forward a new deep mine on the Port Talbot Steelworks site that would make the plant almost self sufficient in terms of coking coal.
Iron and Steel: Industry
Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Assembly Government on the future of the steel industry in Wales; and if she will make a statement. [20920]
Mr David Jones: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have regular discussions with Welsh Assembly Government Ministers on a range of issues affecting Wales including the steel industry.
The steel industry makes a very important contribution to the Welsh economy and remains a key employer.
We welcome Tata's investment of £185 million at the Port Talbot steelworks and we continue to work with Tata and the Welsh Assembly Government to take forward the company's plans for a deep mine on the Port Talbot site which could create hundreds more much needed jobs.
Renewable Energy
Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Assembly Government on renewable energy sources in Wales; and if she will make a statement. [20923]
Mr David Jones: My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with Welsh Assembly Government Ministers on a range of issues affecting Wales including renewable energy sources.
Wales has an abundance of natural sources of renewable energy and we are committed to working with the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure that these are used to their full potential.
S4C
Mr David: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what meetings she had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport to discuss the future of S4C before 20 October 2010. [19829]
Mr David Jones: My right hon. Friend had several meetings with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Hunt) prior to 20 October regarding S4C and I have similarly had a number of meetings with my hon. Friend the Minister responsible for culture, communications and creative industries to discuss this matter. We are committed to a sustainable future of Welsh language broadcasting and will continue to have regular meetings in the future.
S4C's settlement is fair and broadly proportionate to the cuts that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is being asked to make; it is not as challenging as some other public bodies are having to face.
Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had with (a) S4C, (b) the Welsh Assembly Government, (c) BBC Wales and (d) civil society organisations on the future of Welsh language broadcasting; and if she will make a statement. [20060]
Mr David Jones: My right hon. Friend and I have had numerous meetings relating to the financial future of S4C with various stakeholders. These include several meetings with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Hunt) and a number of meetings with my hon. Friend the Minister responsible for culture, communications and creative industries. We have also had regular conversations with S4C regarding this matter; and my right hon. Friend has discussed the issue with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of the Welsh Assembly Government during their bilateral meetings. We will continue to have such meetings regularly in the future.
Following the CSR announcement, I can confirm that my right hon. Friend has had conversations with S4C and both the director of BBC Wales and the outgoing BBC trustee for Wales. I will shortly be meeting with Cymdeithas yr laith Gymraeg more formally to discuss this issue after having a brief discussion with them in July.
Communities and Local Government
Building Regulations
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will take steps to increase the extent to which the provisions of Part M of the building regulations are complied with by those extending existing properties; and if he will make a statement. [20823]
Andrew Stunell: Part M does not apply to an extension of, or a material alteration of, a dwelling. However, an extension of a dwelling, or a material alteration of a dwelling, must not make the building less satisfactory in relation to Part M than it was before.
In considering the case for any change to the requirements of Part M we would need to review the practicalities, costs and benefits in detail. While I want to ensure that building regulations are proportionate and remain fit-for-purpose the Government are also committed to reducing regulation, including a one-in-one-out approach to managing costs.
I initiated a review over the summer to consider options for changes to the building regulations including Part M (Access to and use of buildings); to identify what may be needed in ensuring they continue to operate effectively and to deliver ever better levels of compliance in the future.
The review of building regulations typically operates on a three-year cycle to help the construction industry prepare for change and make it easier for designers, builders and owners to comply.
Having sought views from a wide range of interested parties, and taking account of the responses to the Your Freedom and my Department's Cutting Red Tape websites, my officials are now analysing the responses and I am aiming to make a statement on this around the end of the year with a plan to fully consult in late 2011 on a set of detailed proposals for change in 2013.
Council Tax Benefits
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he has for the role of the (a) upper tier and (b) second-tier authorities in (i) designing and (ii) administering council tax benefit under the proposed new arrangements. [21416]
Robert Neill: The Government are working to develop the new arrangements including the administrative implications.
Departmental Freedom of Information
Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 his Department has received since his appointment; what proportion of those requests resulted in a further request for an internal departmental review; and if he will make a statement. [21322]
Robert Neill: In the period from 12 May 2010 to 29 October 2010 the Department for Communities and Local Government received 350 requests for information. In the same period the Department received 17 requests for internal reviews of its handling of requests, a proportion of just under 5%.
In the corresponding period for 2009, the figures were 292 requests and 16 requests for internal review, a proportion of 5.5%.
European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company
Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to oral evidence taken by the Communities and Local Government Committee on 13 September 2010, HC 453-i, Q109, if he will place in the Library a copy of the invoice from EADS in respect of costs incurred in the course of its appearance before the Committee. [21415]
Robert Neill [holding answer 2 November 2010]: The Department for Communities and Local Government's (DCLG's) contract with EADS includes the provision of a fixed amount of consultancy support for use by DCLG, regional entities and the fire and rescue service (FRS). This support may be used by DCLG, at its discretion, either for core project activities or to support individual FRSs. EADS wrote to DCLG in June 2010 with a detailed list of activities assigned to the contractually agreed consultancy support resource. Within this, EADS had assigned 20 consultant days worth of effort, at an average daily rate of £600 in relation to preparation for and appearance at the Select Committee Inquiry hearing in February 2010. DCLG has not authorised any effort associated with this activity to be assigned consultancy support and does not agree that it falls within the scope of core project activities. It is wholly inappropriate to use taxpayers' money in this way and we have refused to pay it. A copy of this list has been placed in the Library of the House.
European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company: Secondment
Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to his oral evidence to the Communities and Local Government Committee on 13 September 2010, HC 453-i, Q109, what explanation he has received from EADS for its decision to locate seconded staff in temporary accommodation; what assessment he has made of the effect of that decision on the timetable for completing the contract; and if he will make a statement. [21336]
Robert Neill [holding answer 2 November 2010]: My officials were told that the move was necessary to enable EADS to relocate their teams to help deliver the project more efficiently. We have seen no evidence that the project is being delivered more efficiently as a result. Indeed, the move, which also involved removing access to the areas where the EADS teams work, has reduced my officials' visibility of the solution and our ability to provide the fire and rescue service with the assurance they need. Inevitably this has had a negative impact on the relationship between the Department for Communities and Local Government and EADS. It is much to be regretted.
I have made it clear to EADS that, as the main contractor, they are required to deliver the system to time as well as cost and quality.
Government Office Network
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will commission an equality impact assessment before making an announcement on the future of the Government Office Network. [19113]
Greg Clark [holding answer 27 October 2010]: Further to my answers to the hon. Members for North Ayrshire and Arran (Katy Clark) and for Coventry South (Mr Cunningham) on 27 July 2010, Official Report, column 1038 and 8 September 2010, Official Report, column 531W respectively, equality issues have been considered and are being taken into account in the closure process. An equality impact assessment was commissioned and will take account of, inform and reflect the decisions on the closure of the Government office network as these are made. These include decisions on which functions will continue, and the arrangements for staff transfer, redeployment and release. Once the EqIA is complete a copy will be published through the normal channels and made available in both Libraries.
Government Office Network: Closures
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent estimate he has made of the savings which will accrue to the Exchequer consequent on the closure of the Government Office Network. [19111]
Greg Clark: [holding answer 27 October 2010]: We anticipate that abolishing the GO Network will provide substantial savings to the Exchequer over the next four years. The precise figure will be determined following decisions that are taken on staff transfer and redeployment, following discussions with all interested parties. These are savings that will help to protect front line services.
Homelessness
Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many families with children applied as homeless to each English local authority in each year since 2005; and in respect of how many such families a duty was accepted. [21037]
Grant Shapps: Summary information about English local housing authorities' actions under the homelessness legislation (part 7 of the Housing Act 1996) is collected at local authority level, and published by the Department in the quarterly Statistical Release on Statutory Homelessness, available both in the Library of the House and via the DCLG website:
Information is collected on the number of households accepted as owed a main homelessness duty whose primary reason for priority need was the presence of children or a pregnant woman. A table showing this information for each local authority area in England in each year since 2005 has been placed in the Library of the House.
Information is not collected on the makeup of households making applications for homelessness assistance that are not accepted.
Housing Revenue Accounts
Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether present levels of uplifts on allowances will be retained under his proposed changes to the Housing Revenue Account. [21366]
Andrew Stunell: Under the present annual housing revenue account subsidy system allowances have been increased in line with the GDP deflator.
On 5 October my right hon. Friend, the Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant Shapps) stated that this present system was no longer fit for purpose and announced his intention to replace it with a system of self-financing through the Localism Bill. The spending review reaffirmed this commitment and stated that a key role for DCLG will be
"reforming the council housing finance system so local authorities have greater control over their own finances, and can reinvest to meet local housing need".
We will publish further details on the self-financing settlement shortly.
Rented Housing: Peterborough
Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the density of dwellings per hectare was in respect of (a) private and (b) social rented sector housing built in Peterborough city council area in each year since 2001; and if he will make a statement. [21166]
Andrew Stunell: Land Use Change Statistics provides information on the density of new residential development but there is no breakdown available of density by tenure.
For information on the density of all new housing in Peterborough I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 19 October 2010, Official Report, columns 660-61W.
Shops: Disability
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will take steps to ensure owners of large chain stores are compliant with their obligations under the Building Regulations with respect to accessibility for people with disabilities. [21186]
Andrew Stunell: Part M (Access to and use of buildings) of the Building Regulations sets out requirements in relation to access and use, as well as provision of sanitary conveniences in buildings other than dwellings, including shops and retail outlets. The Building Regulations apply only where building work occurs, typically being the erection, extension or material alteration of a building, and are not retrospective. These requirements are supported by guidance in Approved Document M which sets out ways in which compliance can be demonstrated in the most common of circumstances.
With all building work, meeting the requirements of the Building Regulations is the responsibility of the person carrying out the building work and, if they are not the same person, the owner of the building. Failure to comply with the relevant rules will result in the owner being liable for any remedial action.
The responsibility for checking the Building Regulations have been met falls to Building Control Bodies-either from the local authority or the private sector as an approved inspector. The guidance contained in Approved Document M supports the building control service and others who use the system in their efforts to ensure compliance.
We are not currently aware of any evidence that indicates significant issues with compliance in this specific area. If evidence of problems with compliance with any part of the Building Regulations emerges, we will consider the case for action-by Government or others.
Social Rented Housing
Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many lettings of (a) one, (b) two, (c) three and (d) four bedroom homes were built in the social rented sector in the latest year for which figures are available; and how many such homes were (i) tenant transfers and (ii) let to homeless households. [20997]
Andrew Stunell: Information on the number of households receiving social housing is collected through the Continuous Recording of Letting form (CORE). Historically CORE has collected information only from registered social landlords, though a number of local authorities are now also providing information through this process.
Information is collected on whether a property is a first let, i.e. new build, conversion, rehabilitation or acquired property. Separate figures for newly built properties are not available. This information is collected for general needs housing only.
The following table gives the number of general needs first lets in 2008-09 as reported by registered social landlords: by number of bedrooms, by new or existing tenants, and by homelessness status. These figures exclude first lets by local authorities.
| Of which | Of which | |||||
| Number of bedrooms | First lets( 1) | New tenant | Tenant transfer | Statutory homeless | Other homeless | Not homeless |
| - =( )less than 10. (1) The number of first lets within 2008-09 is not necessarily the same as the total completions of homes for social renting during the same period-because of the time lag between building completions and first occupation.qa Source: CORE letting returns (weighted). | ||||||
Further information on social lettings is published in the live tables at the following link:
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) whether his proposals for increased rents for new social tenants will include existing social tenants who move within the social rented sector; [21417]
(2) whether the proposed new form of social tenure with rents set at 80 per cent. of market level will be available to local authorities who retained their housing stock. [21419]
Grant Shapps: Existing tenants of local authorities and housing associations will retain their current tenancy and rent arrangements. We will publish more detail on the new 'affordable rent' tenure shortly.
Social Rented Housing: Peterborough
Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the average weekly social rent per household was for properties managed by registered social landlords in Peterborough city council area in each year since 2001; and if he will make a statement. [21177]
Andrew Stunell: Information is available per unit rather than per household. The average weekly rent per unit is available for general needs self-contained units owned and/or managed by registered social landlords. The average weekly rent as at 31 March each year from 1997 to 2010, in each local authority, each region, and in England, is published on the Department for Communities and Local Government website in Table 704. The link for this table is as follows:
Social Rented Housing: Rents
Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the average rent paid by tenants in the social rented sector is for (a) one-bed, (b) two-bed, (c) three-bed and (d) four-bed properties in each local authority in England; and if he will make a statement. [20999]
Andrew Stunell: Local authority rents information is collected on the DCLG Housing Revenue Account system in the Second Subsidy Claim Form. Information relates to estimated average actual rents per week charged on flats and houses for 2010-11 excluding service charges. The average may change over the year due to, for instance, stock disposals. Local authorities are asked to include rents information for flats and houses-this may include general needs and/or supported needs housing, housing for older people/sheltered housing, and may include dwellings that are self-contained or otherwise.
Registered social landlord rents information is collected by the Tenant Services Authority on their annual Regulatory and Statistical Return survey. Data are collected as at 31 March 2010. Data are from registered social landlords that completed the long version of the Regulatory and Statistical Return and made a valid return, which in general includes those registered social landlords that own or manage 1,000 or more dwellings and/or bed spaces, including shared ownership dwellings. Data refer to general needs self-contained units only and service charges are excluded.
A table has been placed in the Library of the House.
Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) in which local authority areas the average social rent is more than (a) 90% (b) 80% and (c) 70% of the market rate; [21364]
(2) what datasets his Department uses in its (a) national, (b) regional and (c) local assessment of market rents. [21365]
Grant Shapps: We will publish more information about the new affordable rent tenure shortly, including our proposals on rents.
Supporting People Programme
Mr Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what funding he plans to allocate to the Supporting People programme in each year between 2011 and 2015. [21607]
Andrew Stunell: The Supporting People programme national allocation (England) for the current financial year and each year of the spending review are:
| Supporting People | |
| £ million | |
Wind Power: Planning Permission
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) how many planning consents have been granted for wind farms not yet developed; [21262]
(2) what guidance his Department issues to planning authorities on taking into account prevailing wind speeds in determining planning applications for wind farms. [21263]
Robert Neill: According to the Renewable Energy Planning Database hosted by the Department of Energy and Climate Change there are 99 proposals for onshore wind farms in England which have been granted planning approval but have not yet become operational. The capacity of projects awaiting construction currently would represent an increase of nearly 80% in England's energy capacity from wind farms.
Planning Policy Statement 22 on Renewable Energy advises that local planning authorities should not make assumptions about the technical and commercial feasibility of renewable energy projects and should not reject planning applications simply because the level of output is small. The supplement to Planning Policy Statement 1 on Climate Change also advises that planning authorities should not question the energy justification for why a proposal for renewable energy development must be sited in a particular location.
Work and Pensions
Council Tax Benefits
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the likely variation in the effects on different areas of proposed reductions in funding for council tax benefit. [21418]
Steve Webb: The Government are working to develop the new arrangements including the detailed administrative implications for local authorities which have yet to be determined.
Disability Living Allowance
Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 19 October 2010, Official Report, column 646W, on social security benefits: Stirling, whether a household which includes a child in receipt of disability living allowance will be subject to the £26,000 cap. [20201]
Maria Miller: In recognition of disabled people's additional needs, all households with a disability living allowance claimant will be exempted from the benefits cap.
Disability Living Allowance: Care Homes
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many people in residential care received the mobility component of the disability living allowance in each parliamentary constituency in the most recent period for which figures are available; [19510]
(2) how many people in residential care who are in receipt of the disability living allowance received the (a) higher and (b) lower rate of the mobility component in each parliamentary constituency in the most recent period for which figures are available; [19511]
(3) how many people in residential care who are in receipt of the mobility component of the disability living allowance were under the age of 18 in each parliamentary constituency in the most recent period for which figures are available. [19512]
Maria Miller: Reliable estimates of disability living allowance claimants in residential care homes are not available other than on a Great Britain wide basis. We estimate that approximately 60,000 people who claim DLA and live in residential care will be affected by this measure in Great Britain.
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department has conducted an impact assessment of the potential effects of the removal of the mobility component of the disability living allowance for people in residential care. [19514]
Maria Miller: The measure to cease paying mobility component of disability living allowance to people in residential care homes will be introduced as part of the forthcoming Welfare Reform Bill. In line with the Department's commitment to transparency, an equality impact assessment for Welfare Reform Bill measures such as this will be published on DWP's website alongside the Bill in due course.
Housing Benefit: Peterborough
Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much was paid in housing benefit to individuals in Peterborough City Council area in each year from 1996-97 to 2009-10; and if he will make a statement. [21178]
Steve Webb: The information is in the table.
| Total housing benefit for Peterborough (£ million) | |
| Notes: 1. Figures are in cash terms and presented to the nearest £0.1 million/£100,000. 2. Figures include all housing benefit, whether funded by central Government or by local authorities. 3. Figures are available on the DWP website at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/h_tables_budget2010.xls Source: Local authority subsidy returns | |
Housing Benefit: Poverty
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in respect of how many households his Department expects income to fall below the 60 per cent. median poverty line as (a) a result of the (i) proposed cap on housing benefit, (ii) uprating of housing benefit with reference to the consumer price index, (iii) cap in total household benefits and (b) in total (A) nationally and (B) in Birmingham, Ladywood constituency in each of the next 10 years. [18600]
Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in respect of how many households his Department expects income to fall below the 60 per cent. median poverty line as (a) a result of the (i) proposed cap on housing benefit, (ii) uprating of housing benefit with reference to the consumer price index and (iii) cap on total household benefits and (b) in total (A) nationally and (B) in Makerfield constituency in each of the next 10 years. [19028]
Steve Webb: All of this information is not available. The information we do have is detailed as follows.
Initial estimates suggest that the housing benefit policies announced in the June 2010 Budget will not have a statistically significant impact on child poverty.
The package of measures announced in the June Budget and being introduced for the local housing allowance in 2011-12, including the removal of the £15 excess planned by the previous Administration, will achieve savings of around £1 billion by 2015-16. The other changes to housing benefit announced in the June Budget are estimated to save a further £1.1 billion in 2015-16. Overall, this represents a reduction of 9% in the total 2015-16 expenditure on housing benefit.
The reduction in housing benefit expenditure will reduce the amount customers receive from the Government towards their rent. However, the purpose of reform is to influence rent levels and housing choices, as well as to
begin to address the disincentives to work in the current system created by high rates of benefit. These factors are likely, at least in part, to mitigate the impact of these measures on poverty.
Also, the impact of the housing benefit measures should not be considered in isolation of the wider package of measures that have been announced, in particular the extra money distributed to families with children through the tax credit system.
On 23 July, the Department published a document on 'Impacts of Housing Benefit proposals: Changes to the Local Housing Allowance to be introduced in 2011-12', which includes detailed analysis of the impacts of the June Budget measures at the local authority level. A copy of the document has been placed in the Library.
Initial estimates suggest that the proposed benefit cap will not have a statistically significant effect on child poverty; the policy will affect relatively few households who already have a substantial income from benefit compared to the poverty line.
Housing Benefit: Scotland
Miss Begg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he has made a recent estimate of the number of households in (a) Aberdeen South constituency, (b) Aberdeen local authority and (c) Scotland which will be affected by the proposed increase in the age threshold for the shared room rate in housing benefit from 25 to 35 years. [19450]
Steve Webb: We will publish a document on the impacts of the proposed changes to the shared room rate in due course. This will include information at the local authority level.
Housing Benefit: Supported Housing
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the proposed increase in the age of eligibility for the single room rate of housing benefit applies to supported accommodation. [21420]
Steve Webb: The age threshold for those in the private rented sector has never applied to those tenants receiving support from a landlord which is a housing association, registered charity, voluntary organisation or a county council.
Jobcentres: Depression
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure that all jobcentre staff are trained to recognise the needs of people with depression. [20537]
Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is the responsibility of the chief executive, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what steps he is taking to ensure that all Jobcentre staff are trained to recognise the needs of people with depression. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
Jobcentre Plus policy is to develop its staff in the skills required to support a range of customers and to respect their individual needs, including those related to their health conditions. This approach ensures that they are equipped to deal with a diverse set of circumstances whilst treating customers as individuals. Jobcentre staff ensure that job goals relate to the person's abilities, and that relevant solutions are identified in order to overcome any barriers a customer might face in a particular job.
The learning programme for Jobcentre staff focuses on raising awareness of the customer's personal circumstances and the impact on their ability to move into a sustainable job. Staff are provided with guidance notes which include background information on a number of conditions, including depression, as well as guidance on the implications of health conditions on interviews and how to use questioning techniques in order to support customers. Jobcentre Plus also recognises that disabilities and health conditions can affect individuals in different ways, and will change over time.
Pensions
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects to publish the Green Paper on pensions; and if he will make a statement. [21179]
Steve Webb: We recognise that the existing pension system is complex and difficult for many to understand. We are looking to publish proposals for reform in due course.
Work Capability Assessment: Appeals
Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his most recent estimate is of the cost to the public purse of appeals proceedings against work capability assessment decisions relating to employment and support allowance in the latest period for which figures are available. [18679]
Chris Grayling: Jobcentre Plus, an agency of the Department for Work and Pensions, is only responsible for an element of the appeal process against work capability assessment decisions relating to employment and support allowance (ESA). The majority of the process is handled by the Tribunal Service, part of the Ministry of Justice.
For 2009-10, the Tribunals Service cleared 70,195 employment and support allowance appeals at an estimated cost of £20.6 million.
Within Jobcentre Plus the annual direct staff administration cost of ESA appeals for 2009-10, the latest complete financial year, was approximately £7 million.
The Government have a statutory commitment to an external independent review of the WCA every year for the first five years. The first of these reviews is currently being conducted by Professor Malcolm Harrington supported by a scrutiny group. The review is looking at the WCA in operation and is distinct from the recent Department-led review which focused on technical accuracy of the assessment.
Additionally, Jobcentre Plus and the Tribunal Service are working together on a review of the appeals process with a view to streamlining, speeding up and improving the service provided to customers.
Culture, Media and Sport
BBC: Finance
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether his Department plans to review the governance arrangements for the BBC. [19282]
Mr Vaizey [holding answer 25 October 2010]: Within the framework of the charter and agreement, the governance arrangements of the BBC are a matter for the BBC, with no provision for Government to intervene.
The Government have, however, expressed reservations about the current governance arrangements and has encouraged the Trust to explore the scope for change within this framework.
Broadband: Wales
Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport for what reasons the Llyn Peninsula was not included in the superfast broadband pilot areas announced on pages 65-66 of the Spending Review, Cm 7942. [21076]
Mr Vaizey: The location put forward by the Welsh Assembly Government for selection as a superfast broadband pilot was based on the extension of the existing FibreSpeed project. The assessment conclusion was that it provided less learning and testing opportunity for Broadband Delivery UK about different commercial approaches than the chosen locations.
Football: Females
Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much funding his Department has allocated to grassroots football schemes for each year to 2013-14; and what proportion of such funds he plans to allocate for the development of girls' and women's football in each such year. [21087]
Hugh Robertson: Through Sport England the Department is providing the funding shown in the table to the Football Association's Whole Sport plan (WSP) to support the development of grassroots football up to 2012-13. This is part of a £25.6 million funding allocation over a four year period from 2009-10. The Department will also be providing funding to The Football Foundation, which helps to deliver new and improved community sports facilities in many towns and cities across the country.
| £ million | ||
| Total WSP funding | Football foundation | |
Of the £25.6 million WSP four year funding allocation, £2.4 million will be exclusively for the development of girls and women's football. This amount was given to the Football Association as a total package to use over the four year period. A breakdown of the funding by year is not held by the Department or Sport England.
Funding for the FA beyond 2012-13 has not yet been decided.
S4C: Finance
Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will take to steps to ensure representation of the independent production sector in Wales in negotiations with the BBC Trust on S4C funding. [21151]
Mr Vaizey: Levels of funding for S4C were set out in the spending review and licence fee settlement. The views of the independent production sector in Wales will be taken into account as the partnership between S4C and the BBC Trust is developed.
Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he plans to take to ensure S4C remains operationally independent of the BBC in (a) editorial policy and (b) remit. [21152]
Mr Vaizey: The Government are committed to the future of S4C as an independent service, retaining its editorial independence. The details of the partnership between S4C and the BBC are currently being developed.
Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what arrangements he plans to make for the operational independence of S4C. [21356]
Mr Vaizey: The Government are committed to the future of S4C as an independent service. The details of the partnership between S4C and the BBC are currently being developed.
UK Sport: Finance
Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what mechanisms are in place to provide for UK Sport's accountability to his Department for its funding for (a) UK Athletics, (b) other sports' national governing bodies and (c) other sports organisations; and what steps UK Sport takes to monitor the value for money obtained from such expenditure. [20907]
Hugh Robertson: The Department's governance of UK Sport is set out in its Framework Document and Funding Agreement. Under the Funding Agreement UK Sport is accountable for the funding provided to sport national governing bodies, including UK Athletics, and other sports bodies. UK Sport reports formally to the Department on a quarterly basis, and Ministers hold an annual review with the Chair, in addition to meetings between myself and the chief executive each month.
UK Sport has formal funding agreements with all bodies it funds which report annually against agreed key performance and key governance indicators. UK Sport also monitors the cash-flow spend against budgets for funded bodies on a quarterly basis, to ensure that they only receive funding as and when required and use it for the agreed purposes. All funded bodies are required to have their accounts fully externally audited each year.
In addition, the performance of National Governing Bodies for Olympic and Paralympic sports is publicly assessed three times a year through UK Sport's "Mission 2012" performance management system.
Treasury
Assets: Financial Services
Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for the future of publicly-owned assets in the banking and financial services sector. [19903]
Mr Hoban: UK Financial Investments Ltd (UKFI) manages the Government's investments in Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Lloyds Banking Group (LBG), Northern Rock and Bradford and Bingley (B&B) on an arm's length and commercial basis within its overarching objective of creating and protecting value for the taxpayer as stakeholders. The Government have made it clear that they are not a permanent investor in UK banks and that their intention, over time, is to dispose of all the investments in an orderly way. Because any decisions need to be taken in the context of changing economic and market conditions, UKFI do not think that it is possible or desirable to state hard goals such as time that would drive the sale of the Government's shares.
The Treasury has restructured Northern Rock into two separate entities: Northern Rock plc (NR plc) and Northern Rock Asset Management (NRAM). At some point in future the Government will dispose of their stake in NR plc. Any disposal must secure the best possible return to taxpayers. This process is being led by UKFI and no timetable has been set for the disposal.
NRAM and B&B are two similar businesses comprising closed mortgage books in wind-down. NRAM and B&B are being integrated under a single Government owned holding company, UK Asset Resolution Limited (UKAR). UKAR was fully established on 1 October 2010. The Government believe that integration is the optimal solution to maximise value for money.
Air Passenger Duty
Conor Burns: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what differentials or exemptions are in place in respect of the operation of air passenger duty. [21328]
Justine Greening: Details of APD rates and exemptions are contained in Notice 550-Air passenger duty, which is available on the HMRC website:
Banks: Pay
John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions his Department has had with banking organisations on the application of a portion of their 2010-11 bonus pool towards socially acceptable projects. [21059]
Mr Hoban: HM Treasury has not discussed application of 2010-11 bonuses to social projects with the banking sector. The Government welcome all efforts whether by businesses and individuals to contribute to the wider community.
Child Benefit
Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many households will be affected by the implementation of the proposed changes to the administration of child benefit in (a) London, (b) the London Borough of Lambeth, (c) Streatham constituency and (d) the UK. [17713]
Mr Gauke: Information on household income for Child Benefit claimants is not available at parliamentary constituency level or local authority level.
The number of families in London that will be affected by the withdrawal of Child Benefit from higher-rate taxpayers from January 2013 is estimated to be around 250,000.
The number of families in the UK that will be affected by the withdrawal of Child Benefit from higher-rate taxpayers from January 2013 is estimated to be around 1.5 million.
Disabled Persons Tax Credit: Ealing
Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families in Ealing, Southall constituency are in receipt of disabled person's tax credit. [21306]
Justine Greening: The number of families with at least one disabled adult or child in the household in Ealing, Southall constituency and benefiting from one of the disability elements of tax credits, is 170.
This information is based on snapshot data on the number of families benefiting from child and working tax credits, by each parliamentary constituency. It is available in the HMRC snapshot publication 'Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics. Geographical Analyses. April 2010'. This can be found at:
Institute for Fiscal Studies
Robert Halfon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department has spent on services provided by the Institute for Fiscal Studies in the last 24 months. [20472]
Justine Greening: The Treasury spent £12,500 in 2008-09 and £16,836 in 2009-10 on services provided by the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
Pregnant Women: Grants
Joan Ruddock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many mothers resident in Lewisham, Deptford constituency received the health in pregnancy grant in each year since its inception; and what expenditure the Government has incurred on the provision of such grants to date. [21093]
Justine Greening: Geographical analysis of the number of people benefiting from the Health in Pregnancy grant has not previously been undertaken and therefore this information is available only at disproportionate cost.
Revenue and Customs: Correspondence
Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) issues to its staff on the use of its e-mail system to contact members of the public; and whether HMRC debt managers are authorised to use the HMRC e-mail system to contact (a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public. [21502]
Mr Gauke: HMRC has in place a range of guidance to staff on the use of e-mail. Some guidance relates to the whole Department and some to specific groups of staff. The high level policy is set out in HMRC's Information Management Manual which is available at:
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?nfpb=true&;_pageLabeN pageLibrary_ShowContent&id=HMCE_PRODI_023469& propertyType=document
This published guidance has however now been superseded. The Library material on the HMRC website will be updated shortly but in the meantime I have arranged for a copy of the current guidance to be placed in the Library of the House.
HMRC takes the security of personal and business information very seriously. E-mail over the open internet is inherently insecure and for this reason HMRC does not routinely conduct business with members of the public or hon. Members by e-mail.
In certain exceptional and limited circumstances, HMRC will consider doing so provided both the potential sender and recipient confirm that they clearly understand and accept the risks involved.
Individual HMRC debt managers may be authorised to use external e-mail depending on business need but are required to comply with the overall e-mail guidance and policy.
Welfare Tax Credits
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of people moving from out of work benefits into employment he expects to become recipients of the (a) basic, (b) 30 hour, (c) childcare and (d) 50 plus element of working tax credit. [20529]
Justine Greening: The information requested is not available.
International Development
Bangladesh: Climate Change
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will publish the agreement of 31 May 2010 between the UK and other European donors and the Bangladeshi government to establish the Bangladesh Climate Change Resilience Fund. [21064]
Mr Duncan:
The wish of the Government of Bangladesh is that the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 31 May 2010 is not published. We respect their wishes. The Bangladesh Climate Change Resilience Fund will
support implementation of Bangladesh's Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for 2009-18, by supporting vulnerable communities in adapting to greater climate uncertainty and changing agricultural conditions.
I will arrange for further details to be deposited in the Library of the House.
UN Women's Agency: Finance
Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much funding the Government plans to contribute to the UN women's agency in each of the next four years; and if he will make a statement. [20672]
Mr Duncan: The UK Government strongly support the establishment of the new United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, known as UN Women. This represents an important opportunity to raise the profile of gender in the UN system, close gaps in delivery at country level and make a real difference to the life of people on the ground.
The Department for International Development (DFID) is reviewing funding to all multilateral agencies as part of the ongoing Multilateral Aid Review. A decision on funding for UN Women will be made when the Review concludes early next year.
House of Commons Commission
Nurseries
Mrs Laing: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many children have been enrolled at the House of Commons nursery to date; how many children attend; what assessment has been made of the performance of the nursery in enrolling children; if the House of Commons Commission will benchmark the nursery's performance in enrolment against industry averages for start-up nurseries; and if he will make a statement. [21440]
Sir Stuart Bell: The number enrolled is 17. Seven children are already attending, and the others enrolled will all be attending by mid-February 2011. When the nursery was being planned, advice from nursery providers was that it takes several years for a new nursery to reach the target level of capacity, and the number currently enrolled in the Commons nursery is higher than was expected by this stage. The Commission understands that benchmark figures are available and will seek to obtain and publish them. The nursery at the House of Commons was completed on time and within budget.
Energy and Climate Change
Departmental Official Gifts
Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what (a) hospitality and (b) gifts officials of his Department have received from members of the British Wind Energy Association and Renewables UK in each year since its inception. [16698]
Gregory Barker: Since DECC was formed in October 2008, DECC representatives have received hospitality and gifts from British Wind Energy Association/RenewableUK, as part of their role speaking at conferences and seminars. The value of these is contained in the following table:
| £ | ||||
| British Wind Energy Association | RenewableUK | |||
| Hospitality | Gifts | Hospitality | Gifts | |
Departmental Pay
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what allowances and payments in addition to salary were available to officials in his Department and its non-departmental public bodies in each year since his Department's inception; and what the monetary value was of payments and allowances of each type in each such year. [18793]
Gregory Barker: The allowances and payments in addition to salary (excluding payments that are for the reimbursement of business related expenses) that have been available and paid to DECC staff since 1 April 2009 are detailed as follows.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) was created in October 2008 bringing together staff from Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Information prior to 1 April 2009 cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate costs.
An element of the Department of Energy and Climate Change's overall pay award is allocated to non-consolidated variable pay related to performance. These payments are used to drive high performance and form part of the pay award for members of staff who demonstrate exceptional performance, for example by exceeding targets set or meeting challenging objectives.
Allowances and other payments are used to recognise specific skills or responsibilities or to reward additional duties or costs. Each allowance has a set eligibility criteria.
Where the total number of recipients is fewer than five, we have not provided information as they could be identified which would breach their confidentiality.
| £ | ||
| Allowance | 2009-10 | 2010-11 |
| (1) Less than five recipients | ||
DECC's non-departmental public bodies have delegated authority to determine their own pay systems and allowances. The data in respect of the NDPBs are set out as follows.
| Nuclear Decommissioning Authority | ||
| £ million | ||
| Allowance/payment | October 2008-March 2009 | April 2009- April 2010 |
| Committee on Climate Change( 1) | ||
| £ | ||
| Allowance/payment | 2008-09 | 2009-10 |
| (1) Created 26 November 2008. | ||
| The Coal Authority | ||
| £ | ||
| Allowances | 2009 | 2010 |
Departmental Redundancy
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many staff of his Department have been offered enhanced early retirement packages in each of the last three years. [22035]
Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) was created in October 2008.
No DECC staff were offered enhanced early retirement packages from October 2008 to March 2009.
Less than five DECC staff were offered enhanced early retirement packages in the financial year 2009-10.
No DECC staff have been offered enhanced early retirement packages in the financial year 2010-11.
Public Expenditure
David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his Department's capital expenditure per head was in (a) London and (b) the North West in each of the last five years. [21452]
Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change capital expenditure per head in the regions of London and north-west are given in the following table:
| Department of Energy and Climate Change capital expenditure per head by regions | |||||
| £ per head | |||||
| Region | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 |
David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much and what proportion of his Department's capital expenditure was allocated to (a) London and (b) the North West in each of the last five financial years. [21462]
Gregory Barker: The capital expenditure and its proportion allocated by the Department to the regions of London and north-west are given in the following table:
| Department of Energy and Climate Change capital expenditure by regions | ||||||
| Region | Capital expenditure expressed as: | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 |
Renewable Energy
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the average cost to (a) small, (b) medium and (c) large manufacturing enterprises of obtaining 15 per cent. of their energy consumption from renewable sources. [21267]
Gregory Barker: The Secretary of State has published estimates of the average electricity bill impacts for medium-sized(1) non-domestic energy users of energy and climate change policies, including those policies necessary for reaching the 15% renewable energy target.
The introduction of feed-in tariffs for small-scale electricity is estimated to increase average bills for this group by £24,000 in 2020 and extending the RO to meet the target is estimated to increase bills by £150,000 in 2020, a combined impact of 17% (source DECC (2010) "Estimated Impacts of Energy and Climate Change Police on Energy Prices and Bills", available at:
These estimates do not take account of the potential offsetting impact from wholesale prices pushing down wholesale electricity prices, which previous modelling by Redpoint for DECC suggested could be of the order of £6/MWh on average over the period 2010-20. They also do not take account of other energy and climate change policy changes announced in the spending review 2010.
No separate assessment has been made of the bill impacts in the manufacturing sector, or of relating to small or large enterprises.
The spending review 2010 announced that the Renewable Heat Incentive would be funded through general taxation, so it will not impact on consumer gas bills.
(1) Size is defined here in terms of level of energy use.
Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the average annual sum charged by suppliers to domestic energy consumers which is attributable to the operation of renewable obligation certificates. [22002]
Charles Hendry: Ofgem, who administer the renewables obligation (RO), have estimated that for 2009-10 the cost of complying with the RO added around £12 to the annual household electricity bill.
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