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7 Feb 2011 : Column 36W—continued
Association of Chief Police Officers
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she has made an assessment of the accountability and transparency of the Association of Chief Police Officers. [36283]
Nick Herbert: As made clear in the 'Policing in the 21st Century: Reconnecting Police and the People' consultation document, the Secretary of State for the Home Department has made accountability and transparency key considerations in determining the future role of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).
ACPO itself recognises that it is has to improve these areas, which includes it being more open about its activities and how it is using the public money it receives in the most efficient way possible. This is vitally important for ACPO as its role evolves in relation to providing the professional leadership of the police service. To that end the Government are working constructively with ACPO to agree the most appropriate structure for it to succeed.
Asylum
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the maximum period of detention is for a stateless person in an immigration detention centre. [38756]
Damian Green: Immigration Act powers of detention are not time limited. However, detention must be kept to the minimum period reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was authorised and must not be unduly prolonged. The length of those periods will vary between individual cases depending on their particular circumstances. Where a person seeks to frustrate their removal from the UK their detention may be prolonged as a consequence; the courts have upheld this position.
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people classified as stateless were held in immigration detention centres on the most recent date for which figures are available. [38758]
Damian Green: As at 30 September 2010, the latest date for which National Statistics have been published, five people (figure rounded to the nearest five) classified as stateless were detained solely under Immigration Act powers, in UK Border Agency Immigration Removal Centres and Short Term Holding Facilities. The Home Office publishes National Statistics on the number of persons detained solely under Immigration Act powers on a quarterly and annual basis which are available from the Library of the House and from the Home Office's Research, Development and Statistics website at:
Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the UK Border Agency unit dealing with older unresolved asylum cases is on schedule to resolve all such cases by its target date of summer 2011. [38759]
Damian Green: The agency provides regular updates on performance, including a breakdown into grants, removals and "other" cases such as duplicates or errors, to the Home Affairs Select Committee and is next due to report in the spring.
On 1 November the agency reported to the Home Affairs Select Committee that it had concluded 334,500 cases and is on track to conclude the legacy backlog by summer 2011.
Bomb Disposal: Armed Forces
Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many people have been (a) investigated and (b) arrested on suspicion of exporting ADE-651 bomb detectors and similar devices to Afghanistan since January 2010; [38346]
(2) how many people have been (a) investigated and (b) arrested on suspicion of exporting ADE-651 bomb detectors and similar devices to Iraq since January 2010. [38349]
Nick Herbert [holding answer 4 February 2011]: The information requested is not collected centrally.
Convictions: Arrests
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been (a) arrested, (b) charged and (c) convicted following police operations using undercover officers in each of the last 10 years; and how many of these were environmental protestors. [36280]
Nick Herbert: The information requested is not collected centrally by the Home Office.
The arrests collection held by the Home Office is based on aggregated data and covers persons arrested for recorded crime (notifiable offences) only, by age group, gender, ethnicity, police force area and main offence group, for example violence against the person,
sexual offences, robbery, burglary and drugs offences. There is no information about the circumstances behind the arrests and so it is not possible to separately identify what arrests were made as a result of undercover police operations.
Data held centrally on the Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database do not include information about the circumstances behind each case other than which may be identified from a statute. It is therefore not possible to separately identify those offences proceeded against resulting from police operations using undercover police officers or how many of the defendants were environmental protestors.
Court proceedings data for 2010 are planned to be published in the spring of 2011.
Departmental Official Cars
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many ministerial cars have been used by her Department since May 2010. [36641]
Damian Green: To allow contracts entered into by the previous Government to be terminated, six ministerial cars remained allocated to the Home Office from May 2010 to September 2010. In line with the new Ministerial Code, since 6 September two cars have been allocated for ministerial use, one of which is provided by the Metropolitan police for the Home Secretary.
Departmental Press: Subscriptions
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her Department has spent on newspapers and magazines since May 2010. [37577]
Damian Green: The Home Office purchases all newspapers, periodicals and trade profession journals via a framework agreement, which is in place for Home Office headquarters and the UK Border Agency. The spend from May 2010 for headquarters is £21,952.82.
It should be noted that occasionally business areas purchase individual copies of particular newspapers or magazines to meet urgent business needs. These are funded from devolved budgets for which figures are not available, and they are therefore not included.
Departmental Public Appointments
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what public appointments she has made since her appointment; and to what payments each person so appointed is entitled; [35426]
(2) how many (a) women and (b) men have been appointed to public duties by her Department since May 2010. [35404]
Nick Herbert: Since her appointment as Home Secretary, the following appointments and reappointments have been made:
Deportation: Northern Ireland
Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are made for families resident in Northern Ireland awaiting removal for immigration reasons. [38271]
Damian Green: The UK Border Agency encourages all families to leave the UK voluntarily and offers help and support to do so. However, where they refuse we will seek to ensure return. We are currently in the process of implementing the new approach to family returns that was announced on 16 December 2010 that will apply across the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, from 1 March 2011. Full details of this new process are on the UK Border Agency website:
Detention Centres: Northern Ireland
Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements she plans to put in place for the children of adults detained in the planned immigration detention facility in Northern Ireland. [38270]
Damian Green: The UK Border Agency will always first seek to achieve voluntary departure of illegal migrant families. In those cases where it is necessary to detain a parent in an immigration removal centre who has a child in the community, the UK Border Agency will seek to facilitate contact between the parent and child, subject to the wishes of the family, and in liaison with the local authority, where appropriate.
Entry Clearances: Overseas Students
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will assess the effect on the economy of a (a) 10 per cent., (b) 50 per cent. and (c) 100 per cent. reduction in the number of international students studying in England. [38101]
Damian Green [holding answer 3 February 2011]: A consultation on the student immigration system closed on 31 January. The consultation sought the views of all respondents on the effect of the proposals. The results of the consultation and an impact assessment will be published in due course.
Extradition
Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people are held in the UK awaiting extradition to (a) EU countries and (b) non-EU countries. [37490]
Nick Herbert: The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for Scotland are the designated UK authorities responsible for processing European arrest warrants (EAWs). The EAW governs extradition arrangements between member states of the EU.
As of 31 January 2011, according to SOCA records, there are 215 people remanded in custody in the United Kingdom at varying stages of the EAW extradition process.
55 people are currently in detention pursuant to extradition requests received by the Home Office from non-EU countries. This figure includes England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It does not include extradition requests made directly to Scotland.
Lorraine Fullbrook: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost to her Department in each cost category was of responding to requests for extradition in each year since 2006. [37689]
Nick Herbert:
Many agencies and Departments are involved in the extradition process. These include HM Courts Service, the Metropolitan police service, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Home Office. It is not possible to provide a complete or accurate breakdown
of the costs borne specifically by the Home Office or to distinguish the cost of responding to extradition requests made to the UK apart from those made by the UK.
There are a number of categories of costs incurred by the Department including the staffing and other costs of the Home Office Extradition Section; the staffing and other costs of obtaining legal advice on extradition requests; and the costs to the wider Home Office, including those involved in border control and counter-terrorism. In each agency and category, extradition requests made to the United Kingdom form part of the overall and larger judicial co-operation work load, and it is not possible with any accuracy or without disproportionate cost to stipulate the cost of responding to requests made to the United Kingdom.
Lorraine Fullbrook: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many requests for extradition from the UK in (a) 2006, (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009 and (e) 2010 (i) were granted, (ii) were denied and (iii) remain outstanding. [37692]
Nick Herbert: The following table gives the year in which the person concerned was actually extradited or the request denied; the request for their extradition may have been made in a previous year. These do not include figures for Scotland.
It is not possible to provide figures for the number of outstanding cases for each year. However, there are currently 73 extradition requests under the 2003 Extradition Act which have not been completed.
The figures do not include requests received from countries with which the UK does not have extradition relations.
Miscellaneous refers to a number of reasons, including, a warrant not being issued; the person being arrested in another country and the death of the subject of a request.
| Incoming requests | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
Identity Cards: Lost Property
Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many foreign workers' identity cards have been lost while in transit between the office of the UK Border Agency and the individual in the last year for which figures are available. [38213]
Damian Green: In 2010, of the 213,000 Biometric Residence Permits issued, eight were lost in transit and 21 were signed for by someone at the address but not passed to the intended recipient. All 29 permits were subsequently cancelled.
Industrial Health and Safety
Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress her Department has made on reviewing the health and safety regulations for which it is responsible since her appointment. [36973]
Nick Herbert: The Home Office's Health and Safety Team monitors and reviews the Department's health and safety policy by audit and inspection to ensure compliance against legislation set by the Health and Safety Executive.
A review of health and safety regulations, as they relate to policing, has been progressed as part of Lord Young's review of the operation of health and safety laws and the growth of the compensation culture. His report was published on 15 October 2010 and we have agreed in principle with his recommendation that police officers should not be at risk of investigation or prosecution under health and safety legislation when engaged in the course of their duties if they put themselves at risk as a result of committing a heroic act. We have agreed to work with the Health and Safety Executive, the Association of Chief Police Officers, and the Crown Prosecution Service to consider further guidance to put this principle in to effect.
Judiciary: Equality
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Justice on the training offered to immigration judges on gender and equality issues; and if she will make a statement. [38146]
Damian Green: The Secretary of State for the Home Department has regular meetings with the Secretary of State for Justice to discuss matters of shared interest. These discussion have not focussed specifically on the training offered to immigration judges on gender and equality issues.
Members: Correspondence
Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she plans to reply to the letter of (a) 23 November, (b) 20 December and (c) 21 December 2010 regarding the comprehensive spending review. [35836]
Nick Herbert [holding answer 24 January 2011]: I refer my hon. Friend to my letter of 30 January 2011. A copy will be placed in the House Library.
Amber Rudd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she plans to reply to the letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions of 15 October 2010 transferred to her Department by the Ministerial Correspondence Unit (ref POS(31)11222/0049). [36473]
Nick Herbert: I wrote to my hon. Friend on 30 January 2011. A copy will be placed in the House Library.
Passports
Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the (a) procedure and (b) time frame is for activating a residency permit in a passport which grants temporary or permanent right of abode in the UK. [38180]
Damian Green: All immigration permits issued in the UK are immediately activated upon issuance whether they grant temporary or permanent settlement. Visas which are issued overseas are usually activated upon issue although there is a discretion for the commencement date to be delayed by up to three months from the date of issue.
Police: Complaints
Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will review the provisions of Police Reform Act 2002 relating to the body which hears complaints from former police officers for the purposes of ensuring independence and transparency. [37534]
Nick Herbert: I have no current plans to do so.
It is open to former police officers or members of police staff to make a complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) in the same way as any other member of the public, except where any allegation relates to conduct which took place while they were still a serving member of a police force, and occurred when they were on duty, or relates to the conduct of another member of the same police force.
Police: Finance
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she expects the review by Tom Winsor into pay and conditions in the police service to result in cost savings for the purposes of reducing financial pressures on police authorities. [37029]
Nick Herbert: The review's full terms of reference have been placed in the House of Commons Library.
Police: Retirement
Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will review the use of rule A19 to require experienced police officers to retire involuntarily from police services. [38583]
Nick Herbert: The use of regulation A19 is a matter for individual chief officers, working with their police authorities. There are no plans to review regulation A19 specifically. Tom Winsor is leading an independent review of remuneration and conditions of service for police officers and staff. He has indicated that, as part of the review, he will be looking at the ways that officers currently leave the service.
Police: Tasers
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information her Department holds on the (a) number of X12 Tasers and (b) quantity of ammunition for such devices held by each police force. [37615]
Nick Herbert: No X12 Tasers or ammunition are currently held by police forces in England and Wales for operational use. The X12 Taser is not approved for police use in England and Wales.
Pro-Tect Systems Ltd's authority to supply Taser was withdrawn on 28 September 2010. Northamptonshire police, the force area where Pro-Tect are based, removed the seven X12 Tasers and ammunition held by Pro-Tect. These are currently held by Northamptonshire police awaiting destruction.
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason her Department has ceased regular publication of statistics on police use of Taser weapons; when data from the fourth quarter of 2009 and from 2010 will be published; whether routine publication will resume; and if she will take steps to provide timely and informative statistics in future publications. [37972]
Nick Herbert [holding answer 3 February 2011]: The next set of figures on the reported and recorded uses of Taser by police forces in England and Wales since introduction in April 2004 up to 31 March 2010 are being validated and will be published in the spring.
The Government are committed both to transparency on the use of Taser and to reducing data burdens on police forces and is currently reviewing the future collection and publication of Taser statistics.
Police: Training
Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans she has for future arrangements for police training; and if she will make a statement; [37203]
(2) what recent discussions she has had with the police on future arrangements for police training. [37208]
Nick Herbert: I meet regularly with police representative bodies to discuss matters of interest, including the professional development of the police service.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department has asked Chief Constable Peter Neyroud to review police leadership and training.
Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans she has for the future of Hendon Police Training Centre; and if she will make a statement; [37204]
(2) what assessment she has made of the implications of the closure of Hendon Police Training Centre for the quality of policing in the future. [37209]
Nick Herbert: Plans for the future of Hendon Police Training Centre are a matter for the Metropolitan police service and the Metropolitan police authority.
Special Constables
Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many special constables there were in each police authority area in (a) 1995, (b) 2000, (c) 2005 and (d) 2010. [37206]
Nick Herbert: The requested information is given in the following table.
The latest provisional police service strength statistics relate to 30 September 2010 and were published on 27 January 2011 .They are available at:
Full annual statistics for 31 March 2011 are expected to be published in July 2011.
Terrorism: Bail
Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her policy is on the granting of pre-charge bail to terror suspects. [37323]
Nick Herbert:
The policy on granting pre-charge bail to terror suspects, and pre-charge detention more generally, is set out in the findings from the review of counter-terrorism and security powers which were published on 26 January
2011. A copy has been placed in the House Library and is available on the Home Office website. The review found that pre-charge police bail was unlikely to be a substitute for extended pre-charge detention. While the review considered that there could be merit in granting bail to terrorist suspects before charge, there would be risks for public safety in releasing terrorist suspects when the nature and extent of their involvement in terrorism was still being investigated. We are not, therefore, intending to enable bail to be granted to terrorist suspects before charge.
UK Border Agency: Manpower
Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people the UK Border Agency employed in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11; and what forecast she has made of the equivalent figure in each of the next four years. [38051]
Damian Green: The number of people that the UK Border Agency employed in 2008-09 and 2009-10 is set out in the following table:
| End of financial year | Employees who are full-time equivalent (FTE), civil servants | Workforce including agency workers and others such as loans from other Government Departments and those who are engaged locally overseas (FTE) |
| (1) This figure is higher than the previous year, following Machinery of Government changes, which joined together part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office known as UK Visas as well as the Detection part of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs to make the UK Border Agency. The transfers of workforce to UKBA were; (a) 4,705 from HM Revenue and Customs and (b) 2,254 from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. | ||
The forecast for (c) is that there will be a workforce of around 23,200 (FTE) staff in the agency at the end of the year 2010-11 and by 31 March 2015 we expect there to be around 18,000 staff working for the agency. This means a reduction of around 5,200 posts from 31 March 2011.
A detailed breakdown of staff numbers year on year is not yet available.
International Development
Africa: Roads
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking to encourage better road safety on African roads; and if he will make a statement. [38135]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: Approximately 1.3 million people are killed and 50 million injured in road accidents each year, 85% from low and middle income countries. This means that road accidents kill more people annually than malaria and just less than TB. Ministers will shortly be considering UK policy on this area.
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking to encourage investment in Africa's North-South Corridor road network; and if he will make a statement. [38136]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The COMESA-EAC-SADC (the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA), East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC)) Tripartite, representing 26 countries, is leading the promotion and co-ordination of investment along the North-South Corridor (NSC).
The UK is supporting investment in the NSC through the TradeMark Southern Africa Programme which works directly with the Tripartite. The Department for International Development (DFID) is contributing £100 million up until 2014, for the construction and improvement of roads and to support the establishment of an infrastructure project preparation and implementation unit to oversee and accelerate infrastructure investment and projects. This unit and DFID's wider efforts will be instrumental in leveraging further financial investment in the NSC from the wider international community.
In addition to our support to the NSC, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr O'Brien) launched the £78 million TradeMark East Africa programme on 1 February, which will support infrastructure development and trade facilitation across East Africa.
Africa's North-South Corridor Road Network
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the state of Africa's North-South Corridor road network; and if he will make a statement. [38134]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The latest assessment of the state of Africa's North South Corridor (NSC) road network in 2010 found that of the total 8,599 kilometre road network: 28% or 2,403 kilometre of roads are in good condition and require nothing more than routine maintenance; 60% or 5,156 kilometre of roads will be in good condition for the next two to five years, but will require upgrading or rehabilitation design to start in the short to medium term; and 12% or 1,041 kilometre of roads require immediate rehabilitation or upgrading.
The UK is supporting investment in the NSC through the TradeMark Southern Africa Programme, contributing £100 million up until 2014. In addition to our support to the NSC, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Mr O'Brien), launched the £78 million TradeMark East Africa programme on 1 February 2011, which will support infrastructure development and trade facilitation across East Africa.
New Framework for Results, Choices for Women: Planned Pregnancies
Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development with reference to his Department's New Framework for Results, Choices for Women: planned pregnancies, safe births and healthy newborns, what mechanism his Department plans to put in place to reach the poorest 40 per cent. of women in the countries where it has programmes. [38173]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: No single mechanism, instrument or approach alone is sufficient to reach the poorest women; action across the four pillars of the Framework for Results is necessary. Country offices are currently in the process of developing programmes to meet this plan and will identify the most appropriate mechanisms for reaching the poorest women in the context in which they are working.
Ensuring that the poorest are benefiting is essential. That is why we will be monitoring regularly to confirm we are achieving the right results.
World Trade Organisation
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the World Trade Organisation's initiative on aid for trade; and if he will make a statement. [38137]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The World Trade Organisation's (WTO) initiative on aid for trade has made good progress, both in raising awareness about the support the poorest countries need to trade more effectively, and by encouraging the integration of trade into the national development strategies of developing countries. While donors have increased aid for trade support substantially over the last five years, what is needed now is a stronger focus on achieving results on the ground. The Government's trade policy unit will be supporting WTO and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to prepare for the Global Aid for Trade Review in July 2011. This will be a key opportunity to assess progress to date and agree how to pursue a more rigorous approach to achieving results in the future.
Church Commissioners
Church of England: Pay
Mr Frank Field: To ask the hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, pursuant to the answer of 31 January 2011, Official Report, column 505W, on Church of England: employment, what the policy of the Church Commissioners is on the payment of a living wage to salaried or waged employees of (a) the Church of England and (b) Church of England parishes who are not clergy. [38601]
Tony Baldry: Employees of the seven Church of England National Church Institutions (NCI's) include all staff working at Lambeth Palace, Lambeth Palace Library, Bishopthorpe Palace in York, the Archbishops Council, the Pensions Board, the National Society for Promoting Religious Education and the Church Commissioners. All salaried and waged employees working for the above institutions on full-time, part-time and casual contracts working for the NCI's earn not less than £9.95 per hour as of 1 July 2010. This rate was negotiated with the relevant trade union representatives as part of the standard salary review procedures of the NCI's. The NCI's are not responsible for the setting of pay scales for the individual dioceses of the Church of England and each diocese therefore sets their own local rates negotiated when appropriate with recognised union representatives.
Transport
A11: Repairs and Maintenance
Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what date he expects work to begin on improvements to the A11. [37434]
Mike Penning: The Secretary of State's statement of 26 October 2010, Official Report, columns 177-79, on Investment in Highway and Local Transport Schemes identified the A11 Fiveways to Thetford scheme as one on which the Highways Agency would start works before 2015, subject to the completion of statutory processes.
Aviation
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received on disruption of air travel; and if he will make a statement. [37260]
Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport has received 128 items of correspondence in relation to the effects of December's severe weather on air travel.
Aviation: EC Action
Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what representations he has received on the European Aviation Safety Agency's proposals to standardise flight time limitations across the EU; [37353]
(2) whether he plans to commission studies into the likely effects on UK airspace safety of the European
Aviation Safety Agency's proposals to standardise flight time limitations across the EU. [37381]
Mrs Villiers: I have received a number of letters from MPs and pilots who are concerned about the proposals contained in the consultation document issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency.
The Civil Aviation Authority is currently reviewing the proposals and we will seek to ensure that the final requirements maintain a high level of safety for UK airlines.
Aviation: Safety
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment he has made of the extent to which pilot fatigue affects aviation safety; and if he will make a statement. [37409]
Mrs Villiers [holding answer 1 February 2011]: It is recognised that pilot fatigue can impact on aviation safety. UK airlines are therefore required to have robust flight time limitation schemes to prevent the onset of fatigue. These have to be approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.
The CAA reviews all available information, including newly available research, on the effects of fatigue in aviation and maintains an advisory group with its stakeholders to discuss the effect of crew fatigue on aviation safety.
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the likely effects on travel safety of implementation of the European Aviation Safety Agency's recent proposals for legislation; and if he will make a statement. [37410]
Mrs Villiers [holding answer 1 February 2011]: The European Aviation Safety Agency has published draft legislation for consultation. The Civil Aviation Authority is currently reviewing the proposals and we will seek to ensure that the final requirements maintain a high level of safety for UK airlines.
Big Society Initiative
Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department has taken as part of the Government's big society initiative since May 2010. [37895]
Norman Baker: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 3 February 2011, Official Report, columns 876-77W.
Biofuels: Garages and Petrol Stations
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the potential effect of greater use on rural petrol stations of biodiesel made from used cooking oil. [37878]
Norman Baker:
Biofuel use in transport fuels is mandated through the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO). The RTFO requires the percentage of biofuel supplied,
by obligated transport fuel suppliers, to increase from 3.5% this year to 5% in 2014-15. Details on the RTFO are available at:
I have commissioned work to assess the capacity of the UK's transport infrastructure for biofuels, and research into the cost effective deployment of biofuels through to 2050. Both of these reports will consider biofuel use in rural petrol stations and the second will also specifically consider the availability of used cooking oil biodiesel. Both research projects are due to complete this spring and will be published on the Department's website.
Crossrail: Public Appointments
Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what timetable he has set for the appointment of a new chief executive for Crossrail. [35200]
Mrs Villiers: Finding Rob Holden's successor is a matter for Crossrail Ltd, but we have been assured that the proper process to identify a successor is in hand.
Mr Holden has given six months' notice of his departure from Crossrail Ltd and is therefore expected to remain in post until early summer. My understanding is that the Board of Crossrail Ltd hopes to have appointed a successor prior to Mr Holden's departure.
Cycling
Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the number of commuters who cycle to work. [38552]
Norman Baker: The Office for National Statistics' Labour Force Survey estimates the number of people usually travelling to work by cycle in Great Britain in October-December 2009 as 704,000. This represents 3% of all adults in employment.
Departmental Carbon Emissions
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent steps his Department has taken to reduce its carbon emissions to meet the target of reducing central Government carbon emissions by 10% by June 2011. [36609]
Norman Baker: The Department for Transport is committed to achieving the 10% carbon reduction target announced by the Prime Minister on 14 May 2010, and I have had discussions with relevant officials to progress this. I will be having further such discussions shortly.
The Department has developed, revised and published, through the Efficiency and Reform Group's Centre of Expertise in Sustainable Procurement, a plan that aims to deliver the savings required by the target. The latest data on performance, to the end of November, are publicly available on the data.gov.uk website:
Performance data are reported monthly, within four weeks of the month end. The next data release (to the end of December 2010) will be available by the end of January 2011, and similarly published on the data.gov.uk website.
Details on the reduction projects the Department for Transport is implementing or considering for implementation is also available on the data.gov.uk website:
This work programme will lead to reductions in our emissions from electricity, gas and fuel oil used on our office estate over the target period.
In addition to those initiatives listed the Department is looking at ways of maximising the shutdown of its offices over the upcoming bank holiday weekends. This follows a similar exercise undertaken over the Christmas period which resulted in a saving of 31% (43 tonnes of CO2) over a similar period in December in the Department's offices at Marsham street. We also continue to work with our facilities management providers to identify any further opportunities to make carbon savings within the target window. It is also our intention to use Climate Week to trial different ways of controlling the heating and cooling of our main buildings, to demonstrate what savings can be made if we change the way buildings are operated. Any additional initiatives will concentrate primarily on behavioural change due to the close proximity of the target end date.
Departmental Communication
Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he has undertaken to reduce jargon and promote plain English in Departmental communications. [35789]
Norman Baker: The Department for Transport and its agencies make every effort to reduce jargon and to use plain English in their communications. The central Department has published advice for staff on plain English drafting, and five of our agencies also publish their own guidelines. The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency has gained the Plain English Crystal mark of approval on more than 100 of its forms.
Departmental Pay
Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information his Department holds on the number of sub-contracted staff servicing his Department who were not paid at a rate equivalent to or above the London living wage in the latest period for which figures are available. [34809]
Norman Baker: I regret that this information can be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Departmental Working Conditions
Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his Department's policy is on (a) the space provided per employee, (b) home working and (c) hot desking; how many employees it has on average per desk; and how much space on average there is per employee. [34598]
Norman Baker: The information is as follows:
(a) The Department's policy is to meet the current space standard of 10 square metres per person.
(b) The Department's home working policy as stated in the Staff Handbook is as follows:
You may apply to work at home on a regular basis (for at least one working day per week, with provision of ICT and/or furniture by the Department.
Where it has been agreed that you will work at home on a regular basis Human Resources will issue a variation to your individual contract of employment (see Part A of this Staff Handbook-Chapter 1-Introduction). This contract variation will state:
1. the location at which you will be 'regularly working at home';
2. the days of the week you will 'regularly work at home';
3. the office which will be regarded as the place of work for your post were you not home working.
For pay purposes, your place of work will be the office where your post would be located if you were not home working.
The Department is committed to promoting alternatives to travel within the Department and a cross Government, increase the use of ICT to reduce or move the need to travel. This includes encouraging the take-up of home working, which has the potential to benefit both staff and employers through improved work-life balance and increased productivity.
(c) The Department for Transport has exercised a lease break on approximately one third of its main London Headquarters building and that part of the building will cease to be occupied by the Department from the end of 2012. Currently one desk is provided per person in an open plan environment. This will still be the case following the current staff reorganisation and restack of the adoption of non-territorial working.
As reported in the State of the Estate report the Department for Transport reported occupancy, excluding operational properties, of 12.7 square metres per person in 2008-09. Data for 2009-10, including average desks per employee, are currently being collated.
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency: Ophthalmology
Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many opticians in Christchurch constituency have applied to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency for authorisation to provide services in connection with vehicle licensing; how many such applications were (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful; and for what reasons each application which was unsuccessful was rejected. [38433]
Mike Penning [holding answer 4 February 2011]: Information relating to the number of opticians that have applied to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to carry out visual field testing is not recorded.
There are currently 15 opticians in the county of Dorset, three of which are in Christchurch, registered to carry out visual field testing on behalf of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. Five other practices in the Dorset area are on the waiting list. No figures are available regarding the number of opticians who have applied but were unsuccessful.
Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what opticians in Christchurch constituency are authorised by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to provide services in connection with vehicle licensing. [38434]
Mike Penning [holding answer 4 February 2011]: There are 15 opticians in the county of Dorset who are registered to carry out visual field testing on behalf of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. Three opticians are situated in Christchurch and are shown as follows:
1. Howie and Tickner Opticians
2. Raxworthy (Christchurch ) Ltd.
3. Ron Johnsen Optometrist
1. Robert Frith Optometrists, Shaftesbury
2. Robert Frith Optometrists, Gillingham
3. M J B and J Jones Optometrists, Blandford Forum
4. Ferndown Medical Centre, Ferndown
5. Christine H Webster Opticians, Wareham
6. G B Hayden, Lyme Regis
7. Andrew Care Opticians, Dorchester
8. Eyestyle Centre Opticians, Ferndown
9. Optique 200 Opticians, Wimborne
10. Peacock and Murphy Opticians, Verwood
11. Eyestyle Centre Opticians, Shaftesbury
12. Specsavers Opticians, Bridport.
Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria the Driver and Vehicles Licensing Agency applies in selecting opticians to carry out eye tests for the purposes of driver licensing; and whether the Agency has assessed any optician as unable to meet such criteria. [38488]
Mike Penning [holding answer 4 February 2011]: Prior to being selected practices must demonstrate they have the necessary equipment (binocular Humphrey, Dicon and Medmont perimeters, each measuring 120 points, and Henson perimeter measuring 112 points) and are able to carry out an Esterman binocular visual field test within the specified timescale.
Opticians are not registered if they do not have the acceptable equipment or cannot meet the specified time scale. Information relating to the number of opticians not able to meet the criteria is not recorded.
Electric Vehicles: Marketing
John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has to promote the use of hybrid vehicles. [37670]
Norman Baker: The recent spending review announced that the Government have made provision of over £400 million for measures to promote the uptake of ultra-low carbon vehicle, including hybrid technologies. These measures include support for consumer incentives, development of recharging infrastructure, and a programme of research and development work.
First Capital Connect: Franchises
Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which franchise obligations First Capital Connect was found to have contravened in September 2009. [37001]
Mrs Villiers
[holding answer 31 January 2011]: As a matter of course, Department for Transport officials monitor compliance under the terms of the franchise
agreement to which First Capital Connect are party. In September 2009, First Capital Connect were found to be in contravention of its obligations in respect of its obligation to install ticket vending machines at Blackfriars station and its obligation in respect of its annual updated business plan.
Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the agreed management provisions for franchise performance during each four-week period of First Capital Connect's rail franchise. [37008]
Mrs Villiers [holding answer 31 January 2011]: The Department for Transport places copies of the franchise agreements on its website:
Schedule 13 of the National Rail franchise terms sets out the management information requirements for First Capital Connect along with the frequency of reporting. Schedule 11, Paragraph 4 sets out the agreed management provisions relating to each four weekly railway period.
Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received from customers of rail services operated under the First Capital Connect rail franchise. [37270]
Mrs Villiers: The Department has received 51 items of correspondence from First Capital Connect customers since the beginning of December 2010. These have been either directly from customers of First Capital Connect or via their Members of Parliament.
Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what provisions of its franchise agreement First Capital Connect had contravened by September 2009. [37382]
Mrs Villiers: As a matter of course, Department for Transport Officials monitor compliance under the terms of the franchise agreement to which First Capital Connect are party. In September 2009, First Capital Connect were found to be in contravention of its obligations in respect of its obligation to install ticket vending machines at Blackfriars station and its obligation in respect of its annual updated business plan.
Heathrow Airport: Night Flying
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what criteria will be used in the review of restrictions on night flights at Heathrow Airport after October 2012; [37553]
(2) what timetable he has set for the consultation on restrictions on night flights at Heathrow Airport after October 2012. [37556]
Mrs Villiers: An announcement about proposals for post 2012 arrangements will be made in due course. Any proposals will be subject to public consultation.
There have been strict controls on night flights at Heathrow for many years. This recognises that noise from aircraft at night is widely regarded as the least acceptable aspect of aircraft operations and a key concern
for local residents. In considering criteria for a new regime, it will be particularly important that very great care is taken to strike a fair balance between local disturbance and the economic benefits of night flights.
HM Coastguard
Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what risk assessments were carried out in respect of the proposals in his Department's document Protecting our Seas and Shores in the 21st Century: Consultation on proposals for modernising the Coastguard 2010; and if he will publish the assessments. [38943]
Mike Penning: HM Coastguard is an emergency service; sensitivity to operational risk is at the forefront of its approach.
The assessment of risk is an integral part of all policy development. In developing these proposals the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has at all stages assessed every element against the systemic risks to delivery of our national coastguard service.
A risk assessment covering the overall UK delivery operation will be published later this week.
London and Southeastern Railway: Fares
Sir John Stanley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether Southeastern's rail fare increases for 2011 were approved by Ministers; and if he will make a statement. [37743]
Mrs Villiers [holding answer 4 February 2011]: The increases applied by Southeastern to its regulated rail fares in January 2011 complied with the relevant provisions of the franchise agreement, the terms of which were set in 2005 by the previous Government.
Motor Vehicles: Insurance
Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he (a) has had and (b) plans to have with the motor insurance industry on the (i) availability and (ii) cost of motor insurance to younger drivers. [37683]
Mike Penning: I am keen to explore developing new insurance products which offer discounts to those newly qualified drivers who have chosen enhanced training or who are happy to accept restrictions from their insurer (for example no night time driving or "pay as you go" initiatives). I have raised this with the insurance industry and I am seeking to arrange an early meeting to discuss the issues in detail.
National Air Traffic Services
Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much revenue he expects to receive from the sale of the Government's remaining share of National Air Traffic Services. [37002]
Mrs Villiers
[holding answer 31 January 2011]: No decision has yet been made as to whether to sell all, part or none of the Government's shareholding in NATS. It
was announced in the spending review (October 2010) that decisions on how and whether to proceed with a sale will be taken by Budget 2011.
We are currently in discussions with other shareholders over future ownership of NATS. If a decision is made to sell Government shares, the value will depend on the market conditions and decisions of other shareholders. No formal valuations have been prepared and indicative valuations can not be disclosed on the grounds of commercial sensitivity.
Railways: Weather
Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps he plans to take to ensure that rail services are not disrupted in the event of severe weather; [36000]
(2) what steps he plans to take to ensure that train operating companies are prepared for severe weather. [36001]
Mrs Villiers: Officials within the Department for Transport closely monitor the performance of train operating companies, including during periods of severe weather. When disruption takes place, train operating companies maintain regular contact with the Department. Train operators and Network Rail work together to plan for disruptive events, including bad weather. This includes discussions about which key services to prioritise and setting emergency timetables to be deployed if required.
Sea Rescue: Closures
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has undertaken an impact assessment of the proposed closure of the Coastguard Centres in Stornoway, Shetland, Clyde or Forth. [38423]
Mike Penning [holding answer 4 February 2011]: Each aspect of the reforms detailed in the consultation document "Protecting our Seas and Shores in the 21st Century" issued on 16 December 2010 was reviewed in relation to their impact on our ability to provide UK search and rescue (SAR) co-ordination. It was concluded that location is not key factor.
The factors that were considered in determining the proposed location of coastguard centres are set out on pages 20-23 of the consultation document which is available in the Libraries of the House and on the Maritime and Coastguard Agency website:
Transport
Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to encourage active travel. [37718]
Norman Baker [holding answer 1 February 2011]: The Government are keen to promote sustainable travel initiatives, including cycling and walking. The recent White Paper (Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon) includes specific measures to encourage active travel. We anticipate that the recently announced 'Local Sustainable Transport Fund' will support a wide range of measures, including packages that support the promotion of walking and cycling.
We have also allocated £11 million for Bikeability training in schools in 2011-12 and are committed to funding Bikeability training for the remainder of the Parliament. In addition, in 2011-12 we are funding £13 million for Links to Schools, Bike Club, Bike IT and walking to school initiatives.
Transport: Scotland
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the Minister for Transport in the Scottish Government; and what matters were discussed. [36354]
Mr Philip Hammond: I spoke with the Minister for Transport in the Scottish Government regularly during December 2010 as part of the Ministerial Resilience Committee to discuss the response to the severe weather. The last meeting was on 23 December 2010. My ministerial colleagues have also discussed a range of issues including high-speed rail and road safety with the Minister for Transport in the Scottish Government.
Education
School Standards
18. Stephen Metcalfe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent assessment he has made of school standards in South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency. [38235]
Mr Gibb: In 2010, at key stage 2, 73% of pupils in South Basildon and East Thurrock achieved level 4 or above in English and maths combined, compared with 73% in England. In 2010, at key stage 4, 51.4% of pupils in maintained schools in South Basildon and East Thurrock achieved five or more GCSEs at grade A* to C, including English and maths, compared with 55.2% in maintained schools in England as a whole.
Pupil Funding
19. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the average level of funding per pupil in (a) Cambridgeshire and (b) England will be in 2011-12. [38236]
Sarah Teather: For 2011-12, Cambridgeshire will receive a guaranteed unit of funding per pupil of £4,643.51. The average guaranteed unit of funding per pupil for England will be £5,082.53.
We have kept the 2010-11 per pupil funding for each local authority in England and then added the per pupil level of grants that they received on top of this. The combined amount is the new guaranteed unit of funding for each local authority for 2011-12.
Building Schools for the Future
21. Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent assessment he has made of the status of the Building Schools for the Future programme in Liverpool. [38240]
Mr Gibb: We have stopped the wasteful Building Schools for the Future programme, including 25 projects in Liverpool. Five Liverpool schools are continue to receive BSF capital investment. Capital has been allocated to two academy projects.
After the capital review reports in a few weeks time, we will establish the approach to capital spending on schools for April 2012 onwards. Maintained schools capital allocations for 2011-12 were announced on 13 December.
Teacher Protection
22. Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to protect teachers from false allegations made by pupils. [38241]
Mr Gibb: The Education Bill introduces reporting restrictions to prevent the publication of information that would identify teachers when allegations are made by or on behalf of a pupil until they are charged with a criminal offence. We will also revise guidance to highlight the fundamental importance of eradicating unnecessary delays in investigations, clarify that suspending teachers should never be an automatic response and emphasising the support that teachers are entitled to expect when facing such action.
Standards: Secondary Schools
23. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to improve standards of achievement in secondary schools. [38242]
Mr Gibb: The Schools White Paper set out our plans to raise standards in education, including a real focus on raising standards of behaviour in our schools. We are also encouraging more high quality graduates into teaching, particularly in the shortage subjects of mathematics and science. We are reforming the National Curriculum and qualifications to ensure that children gain the knowledge they need to progress further. And we are promoting school autonomy, with more schools taking up the advantages of Academy status and the creation of more free schools.
Academies
Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of his Department's capacity to oversee the governance of academies. [38234]
Mr Gibb: Academies are publicly funded independent schools and are required to ensure that they have sound governance procedures in place. We are satisfied that the Department has the capacity in place to oversee this.
Social Work: Children
Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what progress is being made in reducing the burden of administration in social work with children. [38239]
Tim Loughton: The coalition Government are committed to freeing up more time for social workers to use their professional judgment to help children. This is an important focus of Professor Munro's review of child protection. Her interim report, published on 1 February 2011, proposes areas for potential reform to allow professionals to re-focus on the needs of the child rather than bureaucratic compliance. I welcome this and look forward to her final recommendations in April to which we will respond.
Booked Up Scheme
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children have received books from the Booked Up scheme in (a) England, (b) West Midlands and (c) Dudley Borough in each year since 2004. [33044]
Sarah Teather [holding answer 12 January 2011]: The number of children who received books from the Booked Up scheme is as follows:
| Booked Up scheme | |||
| England | West midlands | Dudley borough | |
| (1) No packs given before 2007 | |||
Bookstart Scheme
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children have received books from the Bookstart scheme in (a) England, (b) West Midlands and (c) Dudley borough in each year since 2004. [33043]
Sarah Teather [holding answer 12 January 2011]: The number of children who have received books from the Bookstart scheme are as follows:
| Bookstart | |||
| England | West Midlands | Dudley borough | |
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 29 November 2010, Official Report, column 513W, on the Bookstart programme: finance, how much funding he has allocated to Bookstart for 2011-12. [36559]
Sarah Teather: Following the joint public statement issued with Booktrust on 26 December, the Department for Education has been working with Booktrust on developing a new book gifting programme. A decision will be made soon on the funding that will be allocated to Bookstart for the 2011-12 financial year.
Booktime Scheme
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children have received books from the Booktime scheme in (a) England, (b) West Midlands and (c) Dudley borough in each year since 2007. [33042]
Sarah Teather [holding answer 12 January 2011]: The number of children who have received books from the Booktime scheme are given as follows:
| Booktime | |||
| England | West Midlands | Dudley borough | |
CAFCASS: Finance
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the outturn budget for the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service in England (a) was in each year from 2007-08 to 2010-11 and (b) is expected to be for 2011-12. [33796]
Tim Loughton: The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service's (CAFCASS's) funded expenditure for each year from 2007-08 to 2009-10 was:
| Expenditure (£ million) | |
These figures comprise CAFCASS's grant in aid funding from the Department and additional funding for specific activities. In this spending review period (2008-11), this additional funding has been for Contact Point and Family Contact Services.
CAFCASS's allocated programme resource budget for 2010-11 is £140.7 million, including a one-off allocation of £10 million for service improvement and funding for Contact Point and Family Contact Services. CAFCASS's budget for 2011-12 has not yet been finalised.
Departmental Manpower
Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many officials his Department has appointed on a fixed-term contract since 7 May 2010. [16788]
Tim Loughton: The Department for Education was established on 12 May 2010. The Department has appointed 14 staff on fixed-term contracts since that time.
Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the (a) names and (b) salaries are of each senior civil servant who has (i) joined, (ii) moved posts within and (iii) left his Department since May 2010. [35370]
Tim Loughton [holding answer 21 January 2011]: Information for Department's senior civil service (SCS) since May 2010 is set out in the following tables:
| SCS joiners | |
| Name (directorate only for individuals in the SCS below director level) | Gross basic salary |
| (1) Seconded from the Welsh Assembly. | |
| SCS transfers within the Department | |
| Name (directorate only for individuals in the SCS below director level) | Gross basic salary |
| (1) Seconded from the Welsh Assembly. | |
| SCS leavers | |
| Name (directorate only for individuals in the SCS below director level) | Gross basic salary |
Education Maintenance Allowance
John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the effects of the operation of the education maintenance allowance on the number of young people from deprived backgrounds undertaking further education. [32998]
Mr Gibb: Department for Education analysis, based on the evidence from evaluation of the education maintenance allowance (EMA) pilots which ran from 1999 to 2004 in England, indicated that:
around 18,000 young people participated in education at 16 in 2004/05 because of EMA-8% of the total number of 16 year old EMA recipients; and
around 16,000 young people participated at 17 in 200506 because of EMA-9% of the total number of EMA recipients.
These findings support and are consistent with the findings from more recent research which suggests that around 90% of recipients would have stayed on after 16 even if they had not received EMA. We are replacing EMA with an enhanced learner support fund.
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he expects to announce the funding for the replacement to education maintenance allowance (EMA); and what alternatives to EMA he is considering. [34253]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 17 January 2011]: We plan to announce the allocations for the new funds in early spring.
We are replacing EMA with an enhanced learner support fund. We will take account of the views of schools, colleges and training organisations, and the advice of the right hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes), as Advocate for Access to Education, regarding arrangements for the new fund.
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