Written Answers to Questions
Tuesday 15 February 2011
House of Commons Commission
Real Time Energy Consumption
Simon Hughes: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether the Commission has plans to publish data on the real time energy consumption of the Commons estate online. [39492]
John Thurso: The Parliamentary Estates Directorate is looking at options for displaying real-time data on energy use online, and on display screens within buildings on the parliamentary estate. Once a preferred scheme has been identified a proposal will be submitted to the Administration Committee.
Scotland
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with (a) the Equality and Human Rights Commission, (b) the Scottish Executive and (c) voluntary organisations in Scotland on the proposed closure of the Equality and Human Rights Commission advice helpline and the termination of its grant programme. [41076]
Michael Moore: Following my appointment as Secretary of State I met Kaliani Lyle, the Equality and Human Rights Commission's Scotland Commissioner and discussed a range of matters. I will continue to meet representatives of the Commission where appropriate.
My officials are in regular contact with the Government Equalities Office in connection with the forthcoming consultation on reform of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, in light of the outcome of the Government's review of public bodies announced in October 2010.
Northern Ireland
Aviation
Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will discuss with (a) the Secretary of State for Transport and ( b) BAA the effect on air passengers travelling to and from Northern Ireland of the decision to increase passenger charges at Heathrow Airport for such travel. [41131]
Mr Paterson:
I fully understand the concerns that have been expressed about the impact on Northern Ireland of changes in charging at Heathrow. Given its significance to the travelling public in Northern Ireland who fly into Heathrow, I shall bring this matter to the
attention of the Secretary of State for Transport, the right hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond). The hon. Member may wish to do likewise in respect of BAA.
Departmental Carbon Emissions
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department spent on carbon offsetting in each of the last three years; and to which companies payments for carbon offsetting were made in each such year. [40520]
Mr Paterson: All central Government ministerial and official air travel has been offset from 1 April 2006 through the Government Carbon Offsetting Facility, in partnership with Buying Solutions, the UK Government's procurement agency.
From figures available, the Department spent the following amounts for carbon offsetting:
| £ | |
| (1) Figures currently unavailable. | |
Culture, Media and Sport
Broadband: Wales
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what further allocations of funding for superfast broadband he plans to make to Wales. [41161]
Mr Vaizey: Consideration of further allocations of funds to support projects will be made by Broadband Delivery UK following submission of broadband plans.
Departmental Information Officers
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many (a) press officers, (b) internal communications officers, (c) external communications officers, (d) communications strategy officers and (e) other positions with a communications remit were employed by (i) his Department, (ii) its agencies and (iii) each other non-departmental public body sponsored by his Department on the most recent date for which figures are available. [38957]
John Penrose [holding answer 9 February 2011]: Latest figures published on DCMS communications staff were supplied to the Cabinet Office for the OEP benchmarking for 2009-10. This information is available at:
The Department is committed to reduce its administrative budget by 50% over the period of the comprehensive spending review. That will include a reduction in its communications headcount.
Hearing Impairment
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what representations his Department has received from the deaf community in the last 12 months. [39559]
Mr Vaizey: In the last 12 months the Department has received representations from various members of the deaf community about TV licenses, subtitle and telecom services and support for people who are deaf, or hard of hearing, in film and sport.
Public Libraries
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the potential contribution of local libraries to the Government's big society initiative. [40198]
Mr Vaizey: The big society is particularly relevant to library services as the needs of the community are at the heart of their provision. We have seen the number of people volunteering in libraries increasing to deliver homework clubs, digitisation projects and 'buddy support' for people new to computers in libraries, among other things.
Libraries provide books and other services which help people learn, empower them, and make contact with other community members. Library services have a vital role in reaching out and engaging with communities, delivering the big society in which citizens have amore active role in shaping public services and what they deliver.
I hosted a roundtable on the theme of 'libraries and the big society' last month. A number of local and national government officials and civil sector partners attended the event which explored how libraries can help to achieve the big society vision.
Sign Language
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what relay services are available for users of British Sign Language. [39556]
Mr Vaizey: There is limited availability of video relay services for British Sign Language users on a commercial basis in the UK. For example, Significan't, based in the London area and Deaf Connections, based in Glasgow.
Specific arrangements which provide for disabled users of electronic communications networks are mandated under the Universal Service Order 2003 and section 67 of the Communications Act 2003 which empowers Ofcom to set General Condition 15 ("Special Measures for end-users with Disabilities") of the Consolidated Version of the General Conditions (18 March 2010) on the providers of universal telecommunications services in the UK for deaf and hard of hearing users.
These arrangements currently mandate the requirement of, for example, a text relay service and a priority fault repair service.
Officials from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are currently implementing revisions to the EU Electronic Communications Framework, including a new article 23a, in the revised Universal Services Directive (USD) which is intended to ensure equivalence in access and choice for disabled end-users.
Communities and Local Government
Community Development
Kris Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much his Department spent promoting community cohesion in each of the last three years. [40213]
Andrew Stunell: Funding for community cohesion work from 2008-09 to 2010-11 was provided to local authorities via unring-fenced Area Based Grant and to community and voluntary organisations through specific grants programmes.
The following table shows the Department's total cohesion spend for each financial year from 2008-09 to 2010-11.
| Community cohesion funding spend | |
| £ million | |
Community Development: Greater London
Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much funding London local authorities have received from his Department for community cohesion projects in each of the last three years. [40556]
Andrew Stunell: Between 2008-09 and 2010-11, around £2.2 million funding was paid to London boroughs to support work on community cohesion. This breaks down as follows:
| £000 | |
Local Government Finance: South West
Dr Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much funding per capita (a) Devon county council, (b) Cornwall county council, (c) Dorset county council and (d) Somerset county council received from his Department in 2009-10. [40154]
Robert Neill: The following table sets out the funding per capita for both the Department for Communities and Local Government funding and local government funding for the named authorities in 2009-10.
| £ | |||
| 2009-10 funding per capita | |||
| Type of authority | Local government funding | Department for Communities and Local Government funding | |
Figures for Shire counties exclude funding for district councils within their county area.
Members: Correspondence
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Don Valley of 19 January on the Working Neighbourhoods Fund. [40818]
Grant Shapps: I replied to the right hon. Member on 2 February 2011.
As this issue is of broader public interest, I have placed a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.
Home Department
Antisocial Behaviour Orders
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued by each police authority area for each (a) age group and (b) gender in each of the last 14 years. [40631]
James Brokenshire: Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) became available to courts in England and Wales from 1 April 1999 and data on orders issued are collected at Criminal Justice System (CJS) area level. CJS areas are coterminous with police force areas.
The latest published data on ASBOs covers the period 1 April 1999 to 31 December 2009. ASBO data are broken down by age groups 10 to 17 and 18 and over, and by gender. No age or gender details are available for ASBOs issued prior to 1 June 2000. The information requested is shown in the tables placed in the House Library.
Asylum: Sexuality
Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many people of each country of origin claiming asylum on the basis of their sexuality have been (a) refused and (b) granted leave to remain since July 2010; [41014]
(2) how many people claimed asylum on the basis of their sexuality in the last 12 months; and how many such applications were refused. [41015]
Damian Green: The information requested in the questions is not recorded centrally by the UK Border Agency and can only be obtained through examination of individual case records at a disproportionate cost.
Crime
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 24 January 2011, Official Report, column 55W, on crime, if she will take steps to collect crime data at (a) street and (b) ward level for each category of crime for each of the last five years. [39912]
James Brokenshire: From the end of January, communities have had access to street-level crime data and maps through the following website:
Data are also available on this website at neighbourhood level (which is often the same as ward level). The Home Office has no plans to retrospectively collect recorded crime data at street or ward level.
Home Office Statistics do give access to historical data at local authority level at:
Crime Prevention: Young People
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on the likely effect of changes to the level of grants to local authorities on funding of voluntary organisations working with young people to stop their involvement in knife and gang violence. [40235]
James Brokenshire: The coalition Government are committed to fighting knife, gang and gun related violence.
I announced on 2 February that the Home Office will provide £18 million of funding between 2011 and 2013, to prevent gang and knife related violence and youth crime. At least £14 million of that funding will be provided to voluntary organisations working with young people to stop their involvement in knife, gang and gun violence and other youth crime.
Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her Department (a) has allocated to the Positive Futures Programme in the last five years and (b) plans to allocate in the next five years. [40799]
James Brokenshire [holding answer 14 February 2011]: The total funding allocated to the Positive Futures Programme in the last five years was as follows:
| £ million | |
The Home Office has announced funding of £10 million for the Positive Futures programme over the next two financial years. Funding beyond this will be decided within the overall spending review settlement for the Home Office.
Crimes of Violence: Arrests
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests were made for a crime of violence against the person in (a) London and (b) England and Wales in each year since 2003; and how many such arrests led to a charge. [40426]
James Brokenshire: The information requested on arrests is provided in the following table.
The arrests collection held by the Home Office covers arrests for recorded crime (notifiable offences) only, broken down at a main offence group level, covering categories such as violence against the person and robbery. The collection does not include information on the outcome of an arrest, therefore it is not possible to provide statistics on the number of arrests that led to a charge.
Data on arrests for 2009-10 are due to be published in April 2011.
| 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
| Persons arrested for crimes of violence against the person, 2003-04 to 2008-09 | ||||||
Departmental Carbon Emissions
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her Department spent on carbon offsetting in each of the last three years; and to which companies payments for carbon offsetting were made in each such year. [40525]
Damian Green: The Home Office has participated in the Government Carbon Offsetting Facility to offset emissions from administrative travel since 2006. A breakdown of costs over the last three years and the companies to which payments were made, is in the following table.
Further information on the offsetting facility is available on the Department for Climate Change and Energy's website at:
HO administrative air travel offsetting data for the years requested is as follows:
| Companies | Cost of offsets (£) | |
Departmental Public Expenditure
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much Barnett consequential funding her Department has provided to each of the devolved administrations in (a) 2010-11 to date and (b) each of the last three years; and with which programmes such funding was associated. [39382]
Damian Green: In the 2010 spending review changes in the DEL budgets of the devolved administrations were determined by the Barnett formula in the normal way. The settlements for the years 2011-12 to 2014-15 were published in table 2.22 of the 2010 spending review document (Cm 7942).
Barnett consequentials relating to each of the devolved administrations for the years 2008-09 to 2010-11 are published as part of the Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses Supplementary Material on the Treasury's website under the heading House of Lords Select Committee on the Barnett Formula.
Updated tables taking account of adjustments since the publication of the 2010 edition of PESA will be published alongside the next edition of PESA later this year.
Information on the block grants paid by the territorial offices to the devolved administrations is published alongside the main and supplementary estimates.
Detention Centres: Children
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many children have been detained in immigration removal centres other than Tinsley House and Yarl's Wood since 16 December 2010; [39729]
(2) how many children have been detained in Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre since 16 December 2010. [39730]
Damian Green [holding answer 14 February 2011]: No children have been detained at Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre since 16 December 2010.
No children have been detained in immigration removal centres other than Tinsley House and Yarl's Wood since 16 December 2010.
On 16 December 2010 the Deputy Prime Minister announced a new package to deliver the Coalition Government's commitment to end the detention of children for immigration purposes and the immediate closure of the family unit to children at the Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre.
The Home Office publishes National Statistics on the number of persons detained solely under Immigration Act powers. These can be found at:
DNA: Databases
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether (a) DNA and (b) fingerprint data of those detained under the provisions of Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 but subsequently found innocent is retained. [38611]
Nick Herbert: We remain committed to ensuring an appropriate balance is struck between the powers of the state and individuals' civil liberties.
Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 is a national security border power which enables the police and UK Border Agency to combat the threat to the UK and its interests by examining individuals (that is, to stop, question and search) as they travel through the country's
ports and borders, to determine if they are involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
At present, the law permits the indefinite retention of biometric material (i.e. DNA samples, profiles and fingerprints etc.) including from those persons detained under schedule 7.
We are committed to adopting the protections of the Scottish model. In fulfilling that commitment, we have made provision for the retention of biometric material for national security (including counter-terrorism) purposes in the Protection of Freedoms Bill, which will cover material obtained from persons detained under schedule 7 of the 2000 Act.
Drugs: Misuse
Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if she will publish her Department's protocol with the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs; and if she will make a statement; [40583]
(2) what steps she is taking to educate the public on the dangers of poly substance abuse in order to reduce drug-related crime; and if she will make a statement; [40587]
(3) when she expects to receive the report from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs working party on treatment outcomes; and if she will make a statement; [40588]
(4) what steps she is taking to increase public awareness on the dangers of psychoactive drugs in order to reduce levels of drug-related crime; and if she will make a statement; [40589]
(5) what assessment she has made of the appropriateness of the role of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in producing public health messages about the dangers of drug abuse. [40590]
James Brokenshire: The Working Protocol is being prepared in concert with the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). The draft will be made available to the Police Reform and Social Responsibility (PRSR) Bill Committee and the Lords to inform their consideration of clauses 149 and 150 of the PRSR Bill. When it is finalised the Working Protocol will be placed in the House Library.
The 2010 drug strategy, published on 8 December 2010, acknowledges that poly substance abuse is increasingly the norm among drug misusers. It is one of the key reasons why it made sense to bring together the response to severe alcohol dependency and drug misuse into one strategy. We will educate the public on the dangers of poly substance abuse through the FRANK service, which since 2005 has been offering a universally accessible service for anyone wanting help, information or advice on drug issues. The service is available by phone, on the web or by email and can also put people in touch with local services in their area and send out free information materials. FRANK also provides partners (e.g. schools, youth services and charities) and local services with an effective means to engage with young people through the distribution of leaflets and classroom packs to deliver drugs education.
Schools, colleges, universities, and other education providers have a key role to play in raising awareness as they work with millions of young people and young adults at a critical time in their lives. The new drug strategy outlines how students should have ready access to the advice and support that they need as part of wider health and welfare services.
I recently wrote to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD)-see my letter of 2 February, available at:
and made reference to its forthcoming report inquiry into treatment. I understand that the ACMD has made good progress with its evidence gathering for the inquiry and I have requested an update to officials at the ACMD's April Council meeting. The timing of the delivery of the report is a matter for the ACMD, I understand from the ACMD Chair that the report should be available by the autumn.
The new drug strategy acknowledges that poly substance abuse is increasingly the norm among drug misusers. It is one of the key reasons why it made sense to bring together the response to severe alcohol dependency and drug misuse into one strategy. The FRANK service will continue to provide accurate and reliable information on the dangers of all drugs, including when more than one substance, including alcohol, is used. Schools, colleges, universities, and other education providers have a key role to play in raising awareness as they work with millions of young people and young adults at a critical time in their lives. The new drug strategy outlines how students should have ready access to the advice and support that they need as part of wider health and welfare services.
The duties of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) are set out in the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971). In discharging those duties the ACMD has a responsibility to advise Ministers on measures "...which in the opinion of the Council, ought to be taken for educating the public (and in particular the young) in the dangers of misusing such drugs, and for giving publicity to those dangers". It is entirely appropriate that the ACMD does, and will continue to, provide Ministers with advice that informs our public health messages.
Drugs: Young People
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the long-term trends in the use of (a) opiates and (b) crack cocaine by persons aged between 15 and 24. [40363]
James Brokenshire: The British Crime Survey (BCS) is used to measure trends in drug use among people aged 16 to 59 resident in households in England and Wales. There was no statistically significant change in the proportion of 16 to 24-year-olds reporting the use of either opiates or crack cocaine in the last year between the 1996 BCS and the 2009-10 BCS.
Trends in opiate and crack cocaine use among those aged 16 to 24 from the BCS are included in the following table.
| Table 1: Proportion of 16 to 24-year-olds reporting use of drugs in the last year, 1996 to 2009-10 BCS-England and Wales | |||||||||||||
| Statistically significant change | |||||||||||||
| 1996 | 1998 | 2000 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09( 1) | 1996 to 2009-10 | 2008-09 to 2009-10 | |
| (1) BCS estimates from interviews in 2008-09 have been revised based on revised LFS microdata and may vary slightly from previously published estimates. See Sections 8.3 and 9.3 of the User Guide to Home Office Crime Statistics for more information. (2) No statistically significant change. (3) A statistically significant increase. (4) Base numbers relate to any drug use. Bases for other drug measures will be similar. Between 2001-02 and 2008-09 the BCS sample included a young adult boost (see Section 9.2 of the User Guide for more information). | |||||||||||||
Electronic Surveillance
Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects to respond to her Department's public consultation on changes to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. [41069]
Nick Herbert: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced the Government's proposals in this area last month, 26 January 2011, Official Report, columns 306-26. Copies of the review findings and recommendations (Cm 8004) have been placed in the House Library.
Entry Clearances: Overseas Students
Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many students from outside the EU were granted visas to study at a higher education institution (a) awarded and (b) not awarded highly trusted status by the UK Border Agency in the most recent year for which figures are available. [40300]
Damian Green: Information about visas issued for study at all institutions of higher education is not held centrally and could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost. However, the estimated total number of student visas issued in the 12 months in 2009 to non-EEA nationals for study at universities, of which all but three hold Highly Trusted Status, was 133,000.
Notes:
1. The figures include visas issued under both (a) Tier 4 of the Points Based System and (b) the former provision in the Immigration Rules for students, where the application was lodged before 31 March 2009.
2. This information is based on a sample of Management Information. It is provisional and subject to change.
3. The data excludes dependents, sponsored students and child students.
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps her Department plans to take to reduce the number of those entering the country on a student visa who settle in the UK permanently. [40883]
Damian Green: The Government's consultation on proposals to reform the student immigration system closed on 31 January. One of the proposals in the consultation sought views on how to ensure students return overseas on completion of their courses, rather than remain in the UK for extended periods, eventually becoming eligible to apply for settlement. We are currently considering the responses we received to the consultation and will publish the findings in due course.
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effects of the new student visitor visa scheme on the capacity of language schools to provide relevant courses. [40884]
Damian Green: The new student visitor visa scheme, enabling non-EEA students to study English language for up to 11 months, was introduced on 10 January. No formal assessment has been completed. However, we will closely monitor this route and keep it under constant review.
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people entered the UK on student and student family member visas in (a) 2000 to 2009 and (b) 1990 to 1999. [40885]
Damian Green: The available statistics on the number of persons given leave to enter the United Kingdom as students, excluding EEA and Swiss nationals, 1990 to 2009, are given in the following table.
It must be noted that there are discontinuities in the time series of this data due to student dependant figures not being available prior to 2004 and the introduction of the student visitor category in 2007.
Statistics on passengers given leave to enter the United Kingdom by purpose of journey are published annually in the Home Office Statistical Bulletin, "Control of Immigration: Statistics United Kingdom". These publications are available from the Library of the House and from the Home Office Research, Development and Statistics website at:
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many student visas were granted to citizens of each non-EU country in each of the last five years. [40890]
Damian Green: A table has been placed in the House of Commons Library showing the number of student visas issued to nationals of each non-EU country in each of the years 2005-10 (January to September).
Foreign Workers
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she plans to take to ensure that routes other than the economic route contribute to the aim of reducing non-EU net migration to the UK to the tens of thousands. [40886]
Damian Green: The Government have committed to making changes across the immigration system to achieve its overall aim of reducing net migration.
We are taking action to tighten our migration system across all entry routes for non-EEA migrants-work, students and family-and to break the link between temporary routes and permanent settlement.
We have already set out our approach this year to economic migration. We will shortly announce proposals for reforming the student visa system, following consideration of responses to our recent public consultation. We will launch further consultations on settlement and the family routes later this year.
Harassment
Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many investigations into recorded incidents of harassment as defined under the provisions of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in England and Wales resulted in a conviction in each year since 1998; [39787]
(2) how many incidents of harassment as defined under the provisions of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 were reported to the police in England and Wales in each year since 1998; [39788]
(3) how many incidents of harassment reported to the police in England and Wales were recorded as crimes under the provisions of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in each year since 1998. [39789]
James Brokenshire [holding answer 10 February 2011]: Data are not collected centrally on the number of investigations or the number of offences which are reported to the police.
The Home Office collects statistics on the number of offences recorded by the police. Since 2008-09, offences recorded under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 have been grouped together in HO classification 8L 'Harassment'.
There were 48,352 offences recorded in 2008-09 and 53,029 in 2009-10. This classification also includes a small number of summary offences of harassment of a person in his home under section 42A Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 (as added to by section 126 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Prior to 2008-09, offences under this legislation were included together with Public Order Act offences and could not be separately identified.
The Ministry of Justice is responsible for the collection of data on convictions.
Harassment: Mobile Phones
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had with (a) mobile phone operators and (b) Ofcom on the handling of menacing or harassing calls made from mobile phones. [40650]
James Brokenshire: The Home Office has had no such discussions with mobile phone operators and Ofcom. Ofcom is responsible for regulating the UK telecommunications industries. This issue is, therefore, a matter for my hon. Friend, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries (Mr Vaizey).
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice and support her Department provides for those who have received menacing or harassing phone calls. [40653]
James Brokenshire: No one should have to endure menacing or threatening phone calls, whether from strangers or from people they know. There are a range of civil and criminal sanctions available to the police and other agencies to deal with it. These actions would be taken at a local level-by police forces or local agencies-and not by the Home Office directly.
Homicide: Offensive Weapons
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been convicted of a homicide by blunt instrument in each year from 1991 to 2011. [40781]
James Brokenshire: Criminal statistics data collected and published by the Ministry of Justice do not include information about the types of weapon used in homicides. Available data are collected by the Home Office from police forces in England and Wales and extracted from the Homicide Index.
The following table shows the number of suspects convicted of homicide-murder, section 2 manslaughter (diminished responsibility), other manslaughter, infanticide-for offences recorded between 1991 and 2009-10 where the apparent method of killing was (a) blunt instrument, and (b) sharp instrument. They are as at 28 September 2010 and subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. This is particularly the case for offences recorded during 2009-10 given the time it can take to bring suspects to trial.
These data are not directly comparable to the number of victims. More than one suspect may be convicted in relation to the death of a particular victim, and sometimes no suspect is ever brought to trial.
| Suspects convicted of homicide( 1) , selected methods of killing: England and Wales, 1991 to 2009-10( 2, 3) -England and Wales, recorded crime | ||
| Number | ||
| Year( 2) | Blunt instrument | Sharp instrument( 4) |
| (1) As at 28 September 2010. All figures, especially those for 2009-10, are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. (2) Data refer to the year in which police initially recorded the offence as homicide. This is not necessarily the year in which the incident took place or the year in which any court decision was made. (3) Data for 2010-11 are not yet available. (4) Includes knives and other sharp instruments. | ||
Human Trafficking
Keith Vaz:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the outcome was of the discussions with non-governmental organisations and
others on human trafficking held at her Department on 7 February 2011; and if she will make a statement. [39850]
Damian Green: The voluntary sector plays a key role in the identification of, and provision of support to, victims of human trafficking. We are strongly supportive of this role and will continue to work in partnership with voluntary organisations to reduce the incidence of human trafficking.
The meeting between Home Office officials and non-governmental organisations held on 7 February was very useful and we will be contacting NGOs about next steps in due course.
Mr Kennedy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when her Department will commence its review of the merits of opting in to the Human Trafficking Directive; and if she will make a statement. [39879]
Damian Green [holding answer 11 February 2011]: The Government decided not to opt in to the directive at the outset, but to review the position in line with the revised text. The Government are currently considering the new text and will announce a decision in due course.
Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what support her Department provides to police forces to assist investigations into human trafficking offences. [40236]
Damian Green: The investigation of criminal offences is an operational matter for police forces.
Support for the work of police forces in combating human trafficking is provided by the Serious Organised Crime Agency, of which the UK Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC) is part.
The UKHTC provides tactical advice for forces undertaking human trafficking investigations.
Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to maintain the operation of specialist policing and investigative units aimed at tackling human trafficking offences. [40237]
Damian Green: Combating human trafficking is core police business.
The UK Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC) is a specialist anti-trafficking unit and is part of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA). The Home Office funds SOCA to carry out its activities, including those of the UKHTC.
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what dates she has had meetings with voluntary organisations on human trafficking since her appointment; and what was discussed at each meeting. [40403]
Damian Green: I met with a number of voluntary organisations at the meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Human Trafficking on 14 February.
I also met with the APPG and "End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for sexual purposes" (ECPAT) on 12 July 2009. In addition,
there is regular dialogue between NGOs and officials from the Home Office, UK Border Agency and Ministry of Justice on human trafficking issues.
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what dates the inter-Ministerial group on trafficking has met since her appointment. [40404]
Damian Green: The Government recognise the importance of monitoring the progress of anti-trafficking efforts in the UK and our international obligations.
The Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group on Trafficking will meet this month. Discussions at the group will reflect ongoing developments in trafficking policy.
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the current status is of the UK action plan on human trafficking. [40637]
Damian Green: The UK action plan remains current. It will be replaced by the human trafficking strategy, which will be published in the spring.
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will publish the UK Border Agency review of the National Referral Mechanism for victims of human trafficking. [40806]
Damian Green [holding answer 14 February 2011]: An internal review of the National Referral Mechanism was completed in the second half of last year with input from external partners. I wrote to the All Party Parliamentary Group on trafficking on 21 December 2010 and outlined the main outcomes of the review. Copies of this letter will be made available in the Libraries of both Houses.
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which voluntary organisations which provide services to victims of human trafficking have met officials of her Department since 2009; and what the dates were on which such meetings took place. [40808]
Damian Green [holding answer 14 February 2011]: Principal meetings between Home Office officials and partners in the voluntary sector are listed as follows:
Other, ad-hoc meetings have been held between officials and the voluntary sector.
Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her strategy is in respect of (a) international co-operation on combating human trafficking and (b) adapting the provisions of the European directive on human trafficking. [41206]
Damian Green: The Government recognise the importance of international co-operation in tackling human trafficking and is focusing its effort through the European Union and other regional organisations such as the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
The Government decided not to opt in to the European directive on human trafficking at the outset, but to review the position in line with the revised text. We are currently considering the revised text and will announce a decision in due course.
Human Trafficking Ministerial Group
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what dates the Inter-Ministerial Group on human trafficking has met in the last year; and what the outcomes were of each such meeting. [40807]
Damian Green [holding answer 14 February 2011]: The Government recognise the importance of monitoring the progress of anti-trafficking efforts in the UK and our international obligations.
The Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group on Trafficking will meet this month. Discussions at the group will reflect ongoing developments in trafficking policy.
Human Trafficking: EU Law
Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment she has made of the merits of the UK opting into the EU Directive against human trafficking; and if she will make a statement. [40205]
Damian Green: The Government decided not to opt in to the directive at the outset, but to review the position in line with the revised text. The Government are currently considering the new text and will announce a decision in due course.
Human Trafficking: Olympic Games 2012
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport on steps to prevent an increase in the level of human trafficking during the London 2012 Olympics. [40638]
Damian Green: Home Office officials meet on a regular basis with officials across Government to review the measures in place to tackle potential threats from human trafficking at the Olympics. While evidence does not suggest that there is any increase in human trafficking linked to the Olympics at the moment, we remain vigilant.
Immigrants: English Language
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what factors she took into account in her decision to review the approved lists of English language tests for entry into the UK under (a) Tier 1, (b) Tier 2 and (c) Tier 4 of the points-based system. [39660]
Damian Green: The decision to review the approved lists of English language tests for entry into the UK under (a) Tier 1, (b) Tier 2 and (c) Tier 4 of the points-based system (PBS) was taken by the UK Border Agency.
The introduction of English language testing has been a gradual process starting with its introduction under Tier 1 (General) on 20 February 2008 and ending with roll out of English language testing in Tier 4 on 3 March 2010. The UK Border Agency judged that this milestone was an appropriate juncture at which to review the lists of acceptable tests. The review will build on the lessons learned since the inception of English language testing under PBS and will consolidate the existing lists of acceptable tests into a single list.
Local Authority Funding
Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when she plans to announce the allocations to local authorities for the Stronger Safer Communities Fund; [41016]
(2) when she plans to announce the allocations to local authorities for the Young People Substance Misuse Grant; [41017]
(3) when she plans to announce the allocations to local authorities for the Community Call to Action Grant. [41018]
James Brokenshire: The Home Office announced the allocations to local authorities for Community Safety Funding for 2011-12 in a letter to local authority chief executives on 9 February 2011. The Local Government Finance Report laid before Parliament on 31 January confirmed that there would be a Community Safety Fund totalling £56.8 million for England in 2011-12. This funding is for Resource spending and consolidates the old Stronger Safer Communities Fund (Home Office element), Young People Substance Misuse (Home Office element) and Community Call for Action. English local authorities, including the Greater London Authority, will receive this funding through the Area Based Grant. Welsh local authorities will receive a Community Safety Grant direct from the Home Office.
Mujaheddin-e-Khalq
Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her policy is on the proscription of the People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran/Mujahedin-e-Khalq. [39845]
Nick Herbert: The People's Mujahedeen Organisation of Iran was proscribed in 2001. It was deproscribed in June 2008 following the judgments of the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission and the Court of Appeal. We continue to keep this organisation under review.
Neighbourhood Watch Schemes
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Neighbourhood Watch organisations there are in each police authority area. [40999]
James Brokenshire: The Home Office does not hold information on the numbers of Neighbourhood Watch schemes or organisations there are in each police authority area.
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information her Department holds on the average life of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in each of the last 10 years. [41000]
James Brokenshire: The Home Office does not hold information on the average life of Neighbourhood Watch schemes.
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information she holds on the number of neighbourhood watch schemes in each parliamentary constituency. [41236]
James Brokenshire: The Home Office does not hold information on the numbers of Neighbourhood Watch schemes or organisations there are in each parliamentary constituency.
Offensive Weapons: Arrests
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests were made for possession of an offensive weapon in (a) the London Borough of Haringey, (b) London and (c) England and Wales in each year since 2003; and how many charges were subsequently brought. [40134]
James Brokenshire: The arrests collection held by the Home Office covers arrests for recorded crime (notifiable offences) only, broken down at a main offence group level, covering categories such as violence against the person and robbery. From these centrally reported categories it is not possible to separate arrests for specific offences.
The Home Office also holds data on arrests for possession of an offensive weapon resulting from stop and search procedures. Information can be found in the tables. These data only include those arrests resulting directly from stop and search procedures and do not include other arrests for offensive weapons, which cannot be separately identified.
Data are broken down to police force area level and cannot be separated to boroughs. London includes City of London and Metropolitan Police.
These data held by the Home Office do not include information on the outcome of these arrests, therefore it is not possible to provide statistics on the number of arrests that led to a charge.
Data on arrests arising from stop and searches for 2009-10 are due to be published in April 2011.
| Arrests for possession of offensive weapons resulting from searches of persons or vehicles under stop and search powers( 1) , 2003-04-2008-09 | ||||||
| Arrests resulting from searches under Section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 | ||||||
| 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
| Arrests resulting from searches in anticipation of violence under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 | ||||||
| 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
| Totals Section 1 and Section 60 | ||||||
| 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
| (1) The stop and search powers include section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and other legislation and section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. | ||||||
Police: Finance
Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what proportion the grant allocation to each police force authority will change in each year to 2014-15. [37717]
Mrs May [holding answer 1 February 2011]: I refer the right hon. Member to the written ministerial statement of 13 December 2010, Official Report, columns 72-80WS, which outlines provisional and indicative grant allocations to each police authority in each year over the spending review period 2014-15.
Police: Pensions
Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many members of the Police Pension Scheme there are; [40191]
(2) what proportion of (a) active and (b) deferred members of the Police Pension Scheme are aged between (i) 20 and 30, (ii) 31 and 40, (iii) 41 and 50, (iv) 51 and 55 and (v) 56 and 65; [40275]
(3) what proportion of members of the Police Pension Scheme are (a) (i) part time and (ii) full time, (b) (A) male and (B) female and (c) (1) active members, (2) deferred members and (3) pensioners. [40276]
Nick Herbert: The police pension schemes are locally administered by the relevant police authority; the Government do not hold comprehensive data on the schemes. There is some limited data on the schemes as at 31 March 2008 collected by the Government Actuary's Department. Dependent pensioners (such as a police officer's surviving spouse) are not included in the data.
According to this scheme information, as at 31 March 2008 there were 267,756 members (active, deferred and pensioners) of the police pension schemes. Of the total, 81% (215,966) were male and 19% (51,790) were female; 54% (143,626) were active members, 8% (20,086) were deferred members and 39% (104,044) were pensioner members.
The data on the age of active and deferred members are not available in the age breakdowns requested. However, the following table has the available age breakdown of active and deferred members as at 31 March 2008:
| Active members | Deferred members | ||||
| Age | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | Total |
We do not hold any data on the numbers or proportion of the membership that are part time or full time. However, we do have this data for all currently serving police officers regardless of scheme membership. (Nearly all police officers are members of one of the police pension schemes so the data are a good approximation for the figures for active scheme members.) According to Home Office Annual Data Returns 514 and 502, as at 31 March 2008 (the snapshot that corresponds with the data given above), 5% (6,529) were part time and 95% (137,399) were full time.
Prisoners: Foreign Nationals
Mr Marcus Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had on arrangements for the removal of foreign national prisoners. [40469]
Damian Green: Strict enforcement is an important element of this Government's immigration policy. We strongly believe that foreign law breakers should be removed from the UK at the earliest possible opportunity. We will seek to deport any foreign national criminal who meets our deportation criteria.
UK Border Agency: Correspondence
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2011, Official Report, column 434W, on UK Border Agency: correspondence, how many inquiries the UK Border Agency received from hon. Members by (a) letter or email and (b) telephone for each (i) parliamentary constituency, (ii) local authority area, (iii) region and (iv) sub-national area (A) in total and (B) as a proportion of the population. [40161]
Damian Green: The UK Border Agency does not keep statistics on MPs' inquiries broken down by all the categories requested and this information could be obtained only by the detailed examination of individual case records at disproportionate cost.
The Cabinet Office publishes an annual report on departmental handling of Members' correspondence including the volume of correspondence received. The report for 2010 will be published shortly. Following publication the Agency will be able to provide a breakdown by parliamentary constituency.
Visas
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to reduce the opportunities for people to switch visas when they are in the UK. [40492]
Damian Green: The Government are committed to reducing net migration and eliminating abuse of the immigration system. In our recent public consultation on the student visa system we set out proposals for tightening the route for students to switch to a work visa after the end of their course; we will announce our response to this consultation shortly. We will consider the issue of switching visas on other routes in due course and will consult on this where appropriate.
Visas: Fees and Charges
Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effects of the level of visa charges on the UK's ability to attract more tourists from (a) China and (b) India. [40895]
Damian Green: The visit visa fee is a very small proportion of the overall costs of coming to the UK as a tourist, and it is set significantly below the cost of processing applications.
We do not consider that this fee has any significant effect on the UK's ability to attract tourists. Indeed for India and China the UK Border Agency ran two separate pilot schemes between 2007 and 2009 which offered discounted visas in each country and these schemes had no impact on increasing visa applications.
The UK Border Agency regularly reviews its fees to ensure they remain competitive.
Following discussions with Department for Culture, Media and Sport, we are making provision on the UK Border Agency website for visitor visa information to be available in Chinese and Hindi, specifically because these are major and growing tourist markets.
We continue to work closely with tourist bodies, such as VisitBritain, to look at ways we can further develop the service we offer to tourists, however we need to protect the UK border while facilitating the travel of genuine tourists.
Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effects of the level of visa charges on the UK's ability to increase trade with (a) China and (b) India. [40931]
Damian Green: We are content visa fees are set without damage to UK trade, and India and China continue to be key markets for visas to the UK.
When setting fee levels, the UK Border Agency produces impact assessments of any changes. These are published in Parliament together with statutory instruments to set fee levels.
During the fee setting process, the UK Border Agency worked with officials through the Cross-Whitehall Fees Committee and ensured that the interests of those Departments that have responsibilities for UK trade, (primarily the Department for Business Innovation and Skills) are fully taken into account.
Fee levels continue to strike the right balance between maintaining secure and effective border controls, and ensuring that the fees structure does not inhibit the UK's ability to attract those migrants and visitors who make a valued contribution. It is right that those who benefit directly from the immigration system should pay to meet the costs of securing the UK's borders. This will help to support the immigration system, maintain public confidence, and ensure that migration is managed for the benefit of the UK.
Fees are set at the same level in all countries to avoid adding complexity to the fee regulations and to ensure there is equality for applicants from different countries.
War Crimes
Mr McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the countries of origin are of the individuals recommended for immigration action by the war crimes team in the UK Border Agency in the last five years. [40826]
Damian Green: Individuals recommended for immigration action by the UK Border Agency War Crimes Team between August 2005 and June 2010 originate from the following countries:
| Nationality | Action recommended | Action taken |
| Note: A form of action was recommended by the research team in 495 cases. Subsequent to a recommendation made by the UKBA War Crimes Team, the respective case owners will have considered all the relevant factors of an individual case and made the decision to take action against 360 of those people. The reasons for not acting upon a recommendation from the research team will be specific to an individual case. Figures have been derived from and/or informed by local management information and are subject to <5% error. Data has been recorded locally since 1 August 2005 and UKBA does not routinely collate immigration decisions based upon suspected involvement in war crimes or crimes against humanity. | ||
Mr McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many of the 105 individuals from Iraq recommended for immigration action by the war crimes team in the UK Border Agency are suspected of committing crimes other than under the Ba'athist regime; [40827]
(2) whether any of the 32 individuals from Zimbabwe recommended for immigration action by the war crimes team in the UK Border Agency are suspected of involvement in the seizure of farms; [40829]
(3) how many of the 105 individuals from Iraq recommended for immigration action by the war crimes team in the UK Border Agency are suspected of committing crimes under the Ba'athist regime; [40828]
(4) whether any of the 32 individuals from Zimbabwe recommended for immigration action by the war crimes team in the UK Border Agency are suspected of torture; [40830]
(5) whether any of the 75 individuals from Afghanistan recommended for immigration action by the war crimes team in the UK Border Agency are suspected of being members of the Taliban or linked militias; [40831]
(6) how many of the 39 individuals from Rwanda recommended for immigration action by the war crimes team in the UK Border Agency are suspected of committing offences in contexts other than the 1994 genocide in Rwanda; [40873]
(7) how many of the 39 individuals from Rwanda recommended for immigration action by the war crimes team in the UK Border Agency are suspected of committing crimes in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda; [40874]
(8) how many individuals recommended for immigration action by the war crimes team in the UK Border Agency are suspected of committing either torture or grave breaches of the Geneva convention; [40875]
(9) how many individuals recommended for immigration action by the war crimes team in the UK Border Agency have been prosecuted for immigration offences in the latest period for which figures are available; [40876]
(10) how many individuals recommended for immigration action by the war crimes team in the UK Border Agency remain in the UK; [40877]
(11) how many individuals recommended for immigration action by the war crimes team in the UK Border Agency have been deported in the latest period for which figures are available. [40878]
Damian Green: Providing specific numbers for the information requested could be obtained by the detailed examination of individual case records only at disproportionate cost.
We do not collate data on the types of international crime, but I can confirm around half of the UK-based suspects were recommended for immigration action because of their likely involvement in torture or war crimes. This would have included the crimes the hon. Member refers to in his question. The war crimes team is not aware of any of the suspects being prosecuted for immigration offences.
495 people were recommended for immigration action because of their suspected involvement in war crimes or crimes against humanity between August 2005 and June 2010. Subsequent to these recommendations action was taken against 360 suspects, of which; 19 were removed from the UK, 18 departed voluntarily and 75 were denied entry to the UK. Of the remaining 248 suspects; 139 were refused British citizenship and remain in country with indefinite leave to remain, 35 were refused asylum and granted discretionary leave pending removal and 74 were appealing their decision and/or awaiting further action against them.
Note:
Figures have been derived from and/or informed by local management information and are subject to <5% error. Data have been recorded locally since 1 August 2005 and UK Border Agency does not routinely collate immigration decisions based upon suspected involvement in war crimes or crimes against humanity.
Transport
Aviation: Pilots
Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) with reference to the European Aviation Safety Agency's publication OPS 1, Subpart Q, on flight time limitations for air pilots, what questions were asked to Moebus Aviation; [38893]
(2) with reference to the European Aviation Safety Agency's publication OPS 1, Subpart Q, on flight time limitations for air pilots, what scientists were involved in the Moebus project; and what the (a) professional experience and (b) fields of research were of each of those scientists; [38894]
(3) with reference to the European Aviation Safety Agency's publication OPS 1, Subpart Q, on flight time limitations for air pilots, what were the main conclusions of the consensus report by Moebus in 2008. [38895]
Mrs Villiers: Moebus Aviation carried out a study on behalf of the European Aviation Safety Agency. Their report, "Scientific and Medical Evaluation of Flight Time Limitations", is available from the EASA website:
Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the European Aviation Safety Agency's publication OPS 1, Subpart Q, on flight time limitations for air pilots, which staff of the Agency were involved in producing Subpart Q; and what the (a) experience and (b) expertise in the regulation, oversight and implementation of a flight time limitation scheme was of each staff member. [38897]
Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport does not hold this information.
Bicycles: Hire Services
Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to encourage areas outside central London to set up schemes similar to the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme. [38296]
Norman Baker [holding answer 4 February 2011]: The recently published Local Transport White Paper "Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon" outlines the Government's strategy to encourage more sustainable transport choices and includes measures to encourage active travel such as cycling.
Additionally, the Government have announced a £560,000,000 local sustainable transport fund which we anticipate will support a wide range of measures including packages that promote cycling.
I welcome the positive impact that the cycle hire scheme has had on journey patterns in central London and I would encourage local authorities to consider whether such a scheme might be appropriate for their local area.
Electric Vehicles: Northern Ireland
Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is taking steps to encourage the take-up of low emission vehicles in Northern Ireland. [38595]
Norman Baker: The nationwide Plug-In Car Grant was launched successfully on 1 January 2011 and will help both private consumers and businesses across the UK (including Northern Ireland) purchase ultra-low emission vehicles. Buyers receive a grant of 25% of the vehicle price, up to a value of £5,000.
In addition, the Secretary of State for Transport announced the outcome of the second round of Plugged-In Places funding on 14 December 2010. Five projects were successful-including Northern Ireland. £84,900 of funding, out of a total project cost of £2.4 million, has been allocated to this project which is expected to install almost 850 charging points.
European Aviation Safety Agency
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what recent representations he has received on the European Aviation Safety Agency's proposals to change flight time limitations; [38936]
(2) what representations he has received from representatives of the airline industry on the European Aviation Safety Agency's proposals to change flight time limitations for pilots. [38938]
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. I have not yet received any representations from airlines.
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans he has to respond to the European Aviation Safety Agency's notice of proposed amendment for flight time limitations; [38939]
(2) what assessment he has made of the effects on safety of the European Aviation Safety Agency's notice of proposed amendment for flight time limitations. [38940]
Mrs Villiers: The Civil Aviation Authority is currently reviewing the European Aviation Safety Agency's notice of proposed amendment to assess the effectiveness of the measures proposed. They will respond to the consultation once they have completed their review. We will seek to ensure that the final requirements maintain a high level of safety for UK airlines.
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what implications the implementation of the provisions of the European Union Bill will have for the transfer of authority over flight time limitations from the Civil Aviation Authority to the European Aviation Safety Agency. [38942]
Mrs Villiers: None. The EU already has competence in this area.
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