Former Ministers
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidelines his Department has put in place in respect of the provision of briefings to former Ministers. [44154]
Alistair Burt: Briefing is provided in accordance with the guidance set out in Volume 2 of the Directory of Civil Service Guidance, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.
Iran: Politics and Government
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of reports of pro-democracy protests in Iran; what recent discussions he has had with (a) the government of Israel, (b) the Arab League, (c) his EU counterparts and (d) the United Nations Secretary General on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [R] [47667]
Alistair Burt: In the past month, the Iranian authorities have done everything they can to try to suppress the first series of protests to take place in Iran since December 2009. They have beaten protesters and arrested hundreds—while claiming to support freedom elsewhere in the Middle East. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and I have issued statements about this outrageous hypocrisy and made clear our concern about the suppression of these legitimate protests. While we have not discussed these protests with the Government of Israel, the Arab League or the UN Secretary-General, we have had discussions with EU partners and the G8.
21 Mar 2011 : Column 820W
Iran: Terrorism
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on Iranian involvement with Islamist militants; what recent discussions he has had with (a) the government of Israel, (b) the Palestinian Authority, (c) the government of Egypt, (d) the government of Jordan, (e) his EU counterparts, (f) the Arab League and (g) the United Nations Secretary General on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [47697]
Alistair Burt: We continue to monitor closely Iranian support to Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian rejectionist groups and Iraqi militia groups. We are gravely concerned by the latest evidence that Iran continues to supply the Taliban with weaponry.
We have consistently stressed the negative impact this behaviour has on stability in the region. We regularly discuss this issue with a range of international partners.
Iraq
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department has taken to encourage the Iraqi army to allow (a) stationery, (b) beds and (c) other items into Camp Ashraf since December 2010. [47843]
Alistair Burt: The Iraqi Government have confirmed to our embassy officials that food, water and medical supplies are allowed to enter Camp Ashraf. However, we are aware of reports from camp residents that some items have not been permitted in the camp.
Our embassy in Baghdad will continue to urge the Iraqi Government to ensure that the residents of Camp Ashraf are treated in accordance with international humanitarian standards, and will raise concerns where appropriate.
Israel: Foreign Relations
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to strengthen links with Israel; what steps he plans to take on this matter in the next six months; and if he will make a statement. [R] [47686]
Alistair Burt: Israel is an important strategic partner for the UK. We have regular dialogue at both ministerial and official level on a wide range of issues, including the situation in the region, the middle east peace process and our ongoing cooperation on Iran.
I visited Israel and the Occupied Territories in January 2011 and met Foreign Minister Lieberman. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs also visited in November 2011. Defence Secretary Barak met with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State for Defence, when he visited London on 17 March 2011.
We are confirming dates for the forthcoming UK-Israel Strategic dialogue which is an opportunity for high level discussions on a wide range of foreign policy issues.
21 Mar 2011 : Column 821W
Ivory Coast: Armed Conflict
Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had on the role of the United Nations in protecting civilians in Côte d'Ivoire. [47995]
Mr Bellingham: The violence that has led to the deaths of civilians in Cote d'Ivoire is unacceptable and I urge all sides to exercise restraint. The Government are in regular contact with the UN and international partners about the ongoing crisis in Cote d'Ivoire, including on the protection of civilians. The UN must be allowed to fulfil its mandate to investigate human rights abuses without hindrance. Through our diplomatic representation in Abidjan, we are in regular contact with UN Special Representative Choi, while our missions at the UN in New York and Geneva are working closely with UN colleagues there to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. We support the proposal by the UN Commission on Human Rights to send a Commission of Inquiry to Cote d’Ivoire to investigate violence and abuses committed since the elections in November 2010. We are also in contact with President Ouattara and his Ministers and will continue to urge them to ensure forces loyal to them refrain from violence.
Japan: Tsunami
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when his Department was contacted by International Rescue Corps about the provision of support in Japan following the recent tsunami. [47969]
Mr Hague: The International Rescue Corps (IRC) first directly contacted the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) after their arrival at Tokyo Haneda airport on 15 March when they approached British embassy representatives there. The IRC had previously been in contact with the Department for International Development, who had informed the FCO of IRC’s intention to provide assistance.
On the evening of 15 March 2011, the IRC told our embassy in Tokyo that it needed a letter of support for an expressway pass. The embassy faxed this letter, as a note verbale, to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs at approximately 07:00 on 16 March 2011, and followed up with phone calls to the Ministry.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to which British aid organisations he has (a) granted and (b) refused permission to work in Japan since the tsunami. [47970]
Mr Hague: None. It is not for me to grant or refuse permission for British aid organisations to work in Japan. The Japanese Government rightly takes all decisions on the large number of offers of assistance that it has received.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what occasions International Rescue Corps has been approved by his Department to work in disaster areas. [47972]
21 Mar 2011 : Column 822W
Mr Hague: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is not the lead Department in this area of work. Since 2008, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), co-operating with the Department for International Development, has invited non-governmental organisations to become part of the UK international search and rescue group, members of which can be invited to participate in missions when required.
Lebanon: Capital Punishment
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 8 March 2011, Official Report, column 1041W on Lebanon: capital punishment, what information he has received on the fate of each individual sentenced to death for Israeli related spying activities; if he will make representations to the Government of Lebanon on each individual; and if he will make a statement. [47604]
Alistair Burt: I understand that the seven Lebanese citizens sentenced to death on charges of spying for the Government of Israel are likely to have been held by the Ministry of Defence prior to appearing before a military court. Following sentencing, prisoners are usually transferred to the civilian Roumieh prison. The Lebanese have not carried out a death sentence since 2004.
Our ambassador in Beirut has raised the issue of Lebanon's continued use of the death penalty on a number of occasions, including with the Minister of Justice, Chief of Justice and Head of the Lebanese Bar Association.
Lebanon: Politics and Government
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the situation in Lebanon; what recent discussions he has had with the government of Israel on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [47695]
Alistair Burt: Najib Mikati was asked by President Sleiman to form the next Government following the withdrawal of the opposition from the Government National of Unity on 12 January 2011. Discussions between Najib Mikati and senior Lebanese politicians are continuing.
We want to see a Government formed in accordance with Lebanon's constitution, which commands the broadest possible support of the people of Lebanon and upholds its international obligations including the Special Tribunal and an end to impunity for assassinations. It is important that any new Government are committed to restraint and the principle of non-violence as well as a sovereign and independent future for Lebanon.
We have regular discussions with the Government of Israel on the situation in the region and they are aware of our views on Lebanon.
Libya: British Nationals Abroad
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British nationals who indicated a willingness to leave Libya on flights chartered by his Department have not taken up places on such flights to date. [43888]
21 Mar 2011 : Column 823W
Alistair Burt: The Department evacuated all those who wanted to leave on Foreign and Commonwealth Office chartered flights between 23 and 28 February 2011. We are aware of around 220 British nationals remaining in Libya following the UK's evacuation. Of these, 100 have told us they wish to remain in Libya. Of the others, nearly 70 have told us that they may decide to leave at some point. We continue to work with those who have contacted us for help in order to identify options for them to leave Libya.
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 7 March 2011, Official Report, column 841W, on Libya: British nationals abroad, whether he plans to publish the report of the review of his Department's arrangements for leading the evacuation of British nationals in a crisis. [47578]
Mr Hague [holding answer 18 March 2011]: Yes.
Libya: Politics and Government
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's position is on the desertion of Libyan air force personnel to other countries. [47760]
Mr Hague: The refusal by members of Gaddafi’s own air force to commit human rights violations against the Libyan people on behalf of his regime is a further demonstration of the increasing pressure his regime is coming under, including from inside Libya. Gaddafi has lost all legitimacy to rule and must put an immediate stop to the use of armed force against civilians and hand over power without delay to a government that will recognise the aspirations of the Libyan people and be more representative and accountable.
We continue to work closely with international partners to isolate the Gaddafi regime and to ensure that anyone responsible for abuses or contemplating further crimes knows that they will be held to account.
Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of the civilian operation to evacuate UK nationals from Libya. [47997]
Alistair Burt: To date, the provisional total cost to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the civilian operation to evacuate UK nationals from Libya is around £1.8 million, but this figure will not be confirmed until all final invoices are received.
Lydia Hunt
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress he is making with the Mexican authorities in the investigation into the abduction of Lydia Hunt. [47332]
Mr Jeremy Browne:
We are in regular contact with the Mexican authorities about this case. I have raised it with Mexican Ministers and the Mexican ambassador to the UK. Our ambassador to Mexico has also raised
21 Mar 2011 : Column 824W
it at senior level. We cannot interfere in the Mexican investigation into Lydia Hunt's abduction, but hope for progress soon.
Former Ministers
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what briefings his Department has given to former Ministers in the last six months; which department conducted the briefings; and what the payband was of each official involved. [43985]
Alistair Burt: Briefing is provided in accordance with the guidance set out in Volume 2 of the Directory of Civil Service Guidance, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.
Middle East: Peace Negotiations
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most recent assessment is of the state of the Middle East peace process; what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Government of Israel, (b) the Government of Egypt, (c) the Government of Jordan, (d) his EU counterparts and (e) the United Nations Secretary General on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [R] [47684]
Alistair Burt: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), gave to the hon. Member for Leeds West (Rachel Reeves) on 15 Mar 2011, Official Report, column 148.
UK Ministers and officials regularly discuss the middle east peace process with counterparts in Israel, Egypt, Jordan and the UN. We are in regular contact with our colleagues in the EU. There was EU unity in the UK, France, Germany, and Portugal’s, vote in favour of the UN Security Council Resolution on settlements on 18 February 2011. The E3 has called for an urgent return to negotiations, to resolve all final status issues, based on clear parameters.
The Secretary of State and the Secretary of State for Defence met with Defence Minister Barak when he visited London on 17 March 2011 and discussed the peace process and developments across the middle east.
The Prime Minister last spoke to King Abdullah of Jordan on 17 March 2011. They discussed a number of regional issues. I visited Egypt between 9-11 March 2011 and discussed the middle east peace process with Foreign Minister Nabil al-Arabi. Mr al-Arabi reiterated that Egypt would stand by its international commitments and we believe that this is a positive sign of Egypt’s continued commitment to peace with Israel.
Morocco: Politics and Government
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the situation in Morocco; and if he will make a statement. [47561]
21 Mar 2011 : Column 825W
Mr Hague: There have been a number of small scale demonstrations in Morocco over recent weeks. We welcome the recent announcement by HM King Mohammed VI of planned constitutional reform and look forward to its implementation.
Muammar Gaddafi
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 8 March 2011, Official Report, column 1044W, on Muammar al-Gaddafi, whether he has received representations from the government of Venezuela on his comments that Colonel Gaddafi had travelled to that country. [47579]
Mr Hague [holding answer 18 March 2011]: Our embassy in Venezuela is in frequent contact with the Venezuelan Government on a range of issues.
Overtime
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on overtime for staff working in the private office of the Secretary of State in each of the last five years. [43938]
Alistair Burt: In financial year 2009-10 staff in the Secretary of State’s office claimed a total of £63,816 in overtime and travel time. Due to the way these payments are recorded it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the two amounts.
Due to changes in the IT system in which this information is recorded, it is not possible to provide figures for the preceding years without incurring disproportionate cost.
Pakistan: Christianity
Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Pakistan on the treatment of Christians in that country. [48012]
Alistair Burt: I raised religious freedoms, including the treatment of Christians in Pakistan, with Pakistan's former Minister for Minorities Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti in January this year. My noble Friend Lady Warsi also raised these issues with the Speaker of the Pakistan Parliament on 17 January 2011. Following Mr Bhatti's murder, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister wrote to express his condolences to President Zardari. I made a statement condemning his killing, alongside my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and my noble Friend Lady Warsi. We will continue to engage with the authorities in Pakistan on this issue.
Palestinians: Economic Situation
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the economic situation in the Palestinian Territories; what recent discussions he has had with (a) the government of Israel, (b) the Palestinian Authority, (c) the government of Egypt, (d) the government of Jordan, (e) his EU counterparts and (f) the United Nations Secretary General on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [47688]
21 Mar 2011 : Column 826W
Alistair Burt: According to International Monetary Fund figures, economic growth across the Palestinian Territories was 6.8% in 2009. The west bank's economy grew at 7.2% in 2009; however, much of this growth was derived from higher Government spending and international aid rather than from exports, which fell in that period. The west bank's economy continues to be constrained by a number of factors, including movement and access constraints on goods and people, and poor investment confidence.
Gaza's economy grew at 5.4% in 2009 from a very low base after the damage incurred in Operation Cast Lead. We are concerned that Israeli access restrictions continue to stifle sustainable economic recovery in Gaza, and we look forward to the full implementation of Israel's commitments to allow Gazan exports to international markets, and to increase the flows of goods into the territory.
UK Ministers and officials regularly discuss the economic situation in the Palestinian Territories with the Palestinian Authority, Israel, regional countries, UN agencies, other donor countries and organisations.
Somalia: Piracy
Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the potential effects of Somali piracy on UK oil supplies. [47289]
Mr Bellingham: The UK imports small quantities of oil from the Persian Gulf, so physical supplies are not directly affected by the problem of piracy off the Somali coast. However, the phenomenon is a concern because the undisrupted supply of Gulf oil to global markets helps to ensure stable oil prices, including for UK consumers. The UK imports increasing volumes of liquefied natural gas from the Gulf, which uses the same maritime routes, and UK-flagged vessels and their crews are vulnerable to the threat of piracy.
Swaziland: Politics and Government
Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had on the Commonwealth's role in the promotion of democratisation in the Kingdom of Swaziland. [48088]
Mr Bellingham: The Government are concerned at the human rights and governance situation in Swaziland, including restrictions on political parties, trade union rights, freedom of association, independence of the judicial and penal systems, gender equality and, most recently, application of the Suppression of Terrorism Act and violence perpetrated by state actors, including harm wrought against those in detention. We discuss these issues, in robust terms, with the Government of Swaziland. Our non-resident high commissioner, with her EU colleagues, met with King Mswati III on 10 March 2011, during which human rights and governance issues were raised. We also work with a range of international partners to encourage the Government of Swaziland to address these concerns. In particular, we welcome the Commonwealth's engagement over the last few years, including its observation mission for the 2008 elections, and its current work to support the drafting of the enabling legislation for the new Human Rights Council.
21 Mar 2011 : Column 827W
Yemen: Politics and Government
Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has (a) made and (b) received representations on reports of deportations of UK journalists from Yemen on 14 March 2011. [47908]
Alistair Burt: Our embassy in Sana’a was informed on 14 March 2011 that two British nationals, working as journalists, had been detained in Yemen. Our embassy in Sana’a maintained contact with them and pressed the Yemeni Government for consular access. These individuals along with nationals from another country were taken into custody and subsequently deported from Yemen having contravened the conditions of their visas. In a press release on 16 March 2011 the embassy of the Republic of Yemen in London announced that several journalists had been detained and deported for working as journalists whilst on student or tourist visas.
Communities and Local Government
Departmental Public Bodies
Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 16 March 2011, Official Report, columns 9-10WS, on the public bodies reform programme, what estimate he has made of the savings to his Department net of costs incurred in the assumption of additional departmental responsibilities to accrue from (a) the abolition of 16 public bodies within his Department’s area of responsibility and (b) the change in function of the Homes and Communities Agency. [48137]
Grant Shapps: On 16 March 2011 the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, issued a written ministerial statement updating Parliament on progress on public bodies’ reform. That statement also announced that Departments estimate cumulative administrative savings of at least £2.6 billion will flow from public bodies over the spending review period.
The Department for Communities and Local Government is not absorbing any functions from the arm’s length bodies being closed or reformed. Details of the estimated savings in the administrative budgets of individual Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) arm’s length bodies were published on the DCLG website at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/newsroom/1865652
Although technically not an arm’s length body, most of the functions of the Government Office Network have been discontinued: a limited number of functions have been transferred to Departments, including this Department.
Housing Benefit
Ms Buck:
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the proportion of properties in the central London broad rental market area that will be charging rents equal to or less than the relevant maximum level
21 Mar 2011 : Column 828W
of local housing allowance following introduction of the new limits on that allowance for houses with each number of bedrooms. [43836]
Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply.
Table 9 in our publication ‘Impacts of Housing Benefit proposals: Changes to the Local Housing Allowance to be introduced in 2011-12’:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/impacts-of-hb-proposals.pdf
sets out the proportion of private rented sector (PRS) accommodation by broad rental market area (BRMA) that is expected to fall under the new local housing allowance (LHA) limits. These limits are based on the 30th percentile rent of properties in the PRS, with absolute caps applied to control housing benefit expenditure.
Infrastructure: Planning
Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will take steps to increase the efficiency of the planning process for large infrastructure projects. [48091]
Greg Clark: I refer my hon. Friend to the written ministerial statement on 10 March 2011, Official Report, columns 72-73WS.
Jephson Housing Association Group: Expenditure
Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much money Jephson Housing Association Group has received from the public purse in (a) 2010-11 and (b) each of the last three years. [48132]
Grant Shapps: The following table shows the total amount paid to Jephson Housing Association Group through the Homes and Communities Agency’s National Affordable Housing Programme for each year from 2007-08. The figures for 2010-11 are up to the end of February.
|
|
£ million |
| (1) Figures are to the end of February 2011. Source: Homes and Communities Agency | |
Social Rented Housing: Peterborough
Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many new (a) social rented and (b) intermediate tenure properties have been completed in Peterborough constituency in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [47877]
Andrew Stunell: Official statistics on the number of social rent, intermediate rent and low cost home ownership completions in each local authority in England are available on the Department for Communities and Local Government website:
21 Mar 2011 : Column 829W
http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/affordablehousingsupply/
These figures include new build completions and acquisitions to the affordable housing tenure.
Treasury
Aggregates Levy
Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue accrued from the aggregates levy in each of the last four financial years. [47834]
Justine Greening: Revenue accrued from the aggregates levy can be found on the UK Trade Information website at:
https://www.uktradeinfo.com/index.cfm?task=bullaggr
Departmental Compensation
Richard Fuller: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much HM Revenue and Customs has spent on payments to compensate members of the public for errors made in the processing of individual cases in each of the last five years. [47381]
21 Mar 2011 : Column 830W
Mr Gauke: It is not possible to distinguish payments made to individual customers from those made to businesses. However, total payments made under HMRC’s ex-gratia financial redress policy for 2005-06; 2006-07; 2007-08; and 2008-09 are contained in the HMRC annual reports. For 2009-10 the payments made totalled £3.74 million, including a single, exceptional payment of £1.2 million.
The information is available from the HMRC website at:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/reports.htm
Departmental Procurement
Mr Raab: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost to the public purse was of the (a) procurement and (b) outsourcing function of (i) his Department and (ii) each (A) agency, (B) non-departmental public body and (C) non-ministerial Department for which he is responsible in the last financial year for which figures are available. [43957]
Justine Greening: The cost of the procurement and outsourcing functions (where there is a separate outsourcing function) for the financial year 2009-10 are:
Excise Duties: Beer
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of recent trends in the level of beer duty on the consumption of beer (a) in public houses and (b) in general in the UK. [48057]
Justine Greening: HMRC has conducted some research into the impact of price changes on alcohol consumption. From changes in duty rates the effect on prices can be estimated and, from this, the change in consumption. HMRC estimate that a 1% increase in prices results in a 0.77% decrease in the consumption of beer in on-licensed premises such as public houses and restaurants.
HMRC also estimates that a 1% increase in prices results in a 1.11% reduction in sales in the off-licensed trade.
These results are published in the technical paper:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/research/alcohol-consumption-uk.pdf
Fuels: Prices
Andrew George: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will extend to liquid petroleum gas his proposal for a pilot discount on petrol and diesel in the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the Northern Isles and the Isles of Scilly. [47297]
Justine Greening: Liquefied petroleum gas for road use is a fuel type with an existing UK-wide duty discount. The Government intend to submit a formal proposal to the European Commission for a pilot scheme that will deliver a maximum of 5p per litre duty discount on petrol and diesel in remote rural areas.
Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what discussions (a) he and (b) his officials have had with the downstream oil industry since January 2011 on proposals to introduce a fuel price stabiliser mechanism; and if he will make a statement; [47319]
(2) if he will assess for benchmarking purposes the effects of the introduction of the French fuel stabilising price mechanism introduced in 2000. [47518]
21 Mar 2011 : Column 831W
Justine Greening: The Government routinely discuss tax matters with industry stakeholders and assesses a range of factors. The Chancellor keeps all taxes under review along Budget timelines.
Public Sector Pay
Christopher Pincher: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer from what date the flat pay rise of £250 for public sector workers earning less than £21,000 per year (a) was paid in 2010-11 and (b) will be paid in 2011-12. [45585]
Danny Alexander: The June Budget announced a two-year pay freeze from 2011-12 for public sector workforces, except those earning £21,000 or less, who will receive an increase of at least £250.
The month at which this takes effect will vary according to the existing pay arrangements in each workforce. The pay year currently begins in April for the armed forces, NHS, and Prison Service, and September 2011 for teachers.
Civil service pay, below senior civil service, is delegated to Departments, and they will apply the policy according to their own pay year, which varies among Departments. Pay was frozen in 2010-11 for civil servants in Departments who had not yet agreed a legally binding pay deal, except for those earning £21,000 or less, who will receive at least £250 a year. Those civil servants will then exit the freeze ahead of other groups.
Rent a Room Scheme
Mr Brine: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the merits of raising the tax-free gross income threshold for the Rent a Room scheme. [47569]
Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Member to the Government’s response to the consultation on investment in the private rented sector, available at:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/investment_in_the_uk_ private_rented_sector_response_summary.pdf
21 Mar 2011 : Column 832W
Taxation: Compost
Mr Brine: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring forward proposals to introduce a levy on retail peat-based composts. [47769]
Justine Greening: The Government recognise the environmental benefits of the use of peat-free composting material. We are therefore committed to achieving a full transition to sustainable alternatives to peat as soon as possible, and DEFRA are currently consulting on a range of proposals to achieve this goal.
VAT: Construction
Mrs Ellman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on the application of value added tax to works connected with the retrofitting of derelict domestic properties. [48126]
Mr Gauke: The renovation and alteration of derelict domestic properties is liable to VAT at 5%, so long as the buildings have not been lived in during the two years immediately preceding commencement of the works.
Defence
Air Force: Military Bases
Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flying days were lost as a result of (a) adverse weather conditions and (b) other factors at each RAF station in each of the last five years. [45847]
Nick Harvey: The information requested is not held centrally, nor is it held uniformly by all RAF stations. A comprehensive answer could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Available information for entire days of flying lost in the last three years is included in the following table:
| Flying days lost by each RAF station | ||||||||
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 (1) | |||||
|
|
Weather | Other | Weather | Other | Weather | Other | Weather | Other |
| (1) To 28 February. (2) Not available. | ||||||||
21 Mar 2011 : Column 833W
The figure for RAF Lyneham relates to flying days lost as a result of snow only.
Weather-related reasons which can preclude non-operational flying, include low cloud base and high wind, snow and ice. Certain stations with a key operational role have an enhanced level of snow and ice clearing equipment enabling them to return to flying operations more quickly. Other reasons for lost flying days can include spilt fuel or debris on runways, bird activity, designated flight safety days, air traffic control maintenance and, last year, volcanic activity in Iceland.
Nuclear Weapons
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) reason for and (b) scope is of his Department’s collaboration in studies for the development of the US Administration’s W88 nuclear warhead. [47136]
Peter Luff: Co-operation on a broad range of nuclear issues of mutual interest to the United Kingdom and the United States take place routinely under the auspices of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement. This includes collaboration with the US on its plans for the refurbishment or replacement of non-nuclear components within their W88 nuclear warhead which could have implications for the UK’s consideration of its future warhead options.
As confirmed in the recent Trident Value for Money review, surveys have shown that our current warheads can be supported until the late 2030s and no decision will be required on its potential replacement until the next Parliament.
Somalia: Piracy
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what estimate he has made of the average number of Royal Navy ships transiting the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian sea and the Somali Basin in the latest period for which figures are available; [47605]
(2) what estimate he has made of the average number of UK nationals on Royal Navy ships transiting the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian sea and the Somali Basin in the latest period for which figures are available. [47608]
Nick Harvey: Between March 2010 and February 2011 there were 11 Royal Navy (RN) (including Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA)) ships that transited the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian sea and the Somali Basin.
Between March 2010 and February 2011 there were approximately 2,000 UK nationals, based on the seagoing complement, on RN ships (including RFA) that transited the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian sea and the Somali Basin.
Cabinet Office
Census
Tessa Munt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of the UK Census held in (a) 1981, (b) 1991 and (c) 2001 at 2011 prices; [46825]
21 Mar 2011 : Column 834W
(2) for what reasons other than population growth there has been an increase in the cost to the public purse of administration of the UK Census. [47078]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2011:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS) I have been asked to reply to your recent questions asking: (i) for an estimate of the cost to the public purse of the UK Census held in (a) 1981, (b) 1991 and (c) at 2011-adjusted prices (46825); and (ii) for what reasons other than population growth there has been an increase in the cost to the public purse of administration of the UK Census. (47078)
(i) With respect to the censuses in England and Wales the most recent estimate of costs are:
| Census | Cost (£ million) | Cost at 2011 prices (£ million) | Population (million) | Cost per person per year at 2011 prices (£) |
(ii) With respect to the 2011 Census in England and Wales, the cost increase compared with 2001 is predominantly due to: the need for developing, evaluating and operating an address register, a questionnaire tracking system, and a secure online questionnaire completion system; the development, testing and processing of a fourth page of questions per person; the additional resources to conduct the follow-up operation in the areas which are hardest to enumerate; and increased contact centre capacity and improved communications. These developments followed the several recommendations of the Treasury Select Committee, the Public Accounts Committee and other bodies following the 2001 Census,
The cost of the census in Scotland and Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the General Register Office for Scotland and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, and is a matter that is devolved to the Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly respectively.
Mike Weatherley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people (a) in England and Wales and (b) in Brighton and Hove gave their religion as Jedi in their response to the 2001 Census. [47259]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2011:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many people (a) in England and Wales and (b) in Brighton and Hove gave their religion as Jedi in their response to the 2001 Census (47259).
The web link provided shows the information requested:
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/profiles/rank/jedi.asp
Departmental Procurement
Stephen Barclay: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) how many procurement projects with a monetary value greater than (a) £10 million, (b) £50 million and (c) £100 million (i) his Department and (ii) each non-departmental public body and agency for which he is responsible was engaged upon in the latest period for which figures are available; [45547]
21 Mar 2011 : Column 835W
(2) which procurement projects engaged upon by (a) his Department and (b) each non-departmental public body and agency for which he is responsible had a designated senior responsible owner in the latest period for which figures are available; and on what date each such officer was appointed in each such case. [45548]
Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office and its non-departmental public bodies are not engaged upon any current procurement projects above the value of £10 million.
Paul Flynn: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will publish the memorandum of understanding between his Department and (a) Serco and (b) Capita. [47396]
Mr Maude: The requested MOUs contain information which is currently commercially sensitive for both Government and the suppliers in question, and I therefore will not publish them at this time.
Regulation
Gordon Banks: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what regulations his Department introduced between 9 February 2011 and 28 February 2011. [46952]
Mr Maude: No regulations have been introduced by my Department between 9 February 2011 and 28 February 2011.
Departmental Relocation
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will bring forward proposals to relocate (a) staff and (b) offices of Government Departments to East Grinstead; and if he will make a statement. [46131]
Mr Maude [holding answer 14 March 2011]: The relocation of Government staff outside of London continues to be considered among other options to deliver the savings set out at the spending review and increase the efficiency of the Government’s estate.
It is the Government’s property strategy to implement and manage a system of national property controls across the central civil and operational estate as well as setting up property vehicles (PVs) that will make savings through a more co-ordinated approach to property asset management of the central civil office estate. As a first step, the Government Property Unit will set up pilot PVs for the central London and Bristol office estate from 2011-12.
The current spending controls on Government property will result in a reduction in both the cost and size of the estate. To date, the national property controls have produced estate cost reductions of around £50 million. As the estate reduces in size, retained buildings will be utilised more intensively wherever possible. This reduction of property in London and elsewhere could see posts being relocated to areas close to London, and where there is a strong business case, to other parts of the country.
21 Mar 2011 : Column 836W
Departmental Manpower
Tessa Jowell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many staff are employed on two year fixed-term contracts in (a) his Department and (b) the Civil Service. [46428]
Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office uses fixed-term appointments in accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Principles as part of its resourcing model to fill posts expected to last for a specified period of time. The length of the fixed-term appointment varies depending on the expected length of the role being filled.
The number of staff employed on fixed-term contracts at 28 February 2011 (the latest date available) was 47.
The Cabinet Office does not hold information on the number of staff employed on fixed-term contracts in the civil service and this could be collected only at disproportionate cost.
Human Resources: Personnel
Graham Evans: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will assess the merits of sharing human resources personnel between departments for the purpose of making savings to the public purse. [47229]
Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 27 October 2010, Official Report, column 327W.
Departmental Procurement
Alun Cairns: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office whether he has set any targets for the (a) number and (b) monetary value of Crown contracts as a proportion of Government contracts. [46091]
Mr Maude [holding answer 14 March 2011]: The Efficiency and Reform Group began a programme of renegotiation with Government’s top suppliers in July last year.
The aim of this process was to agree Memoranda of Understanding between the Crown and each supplier, setting out ways in which Departments could realise a range of savings opportunities.
Crown contracts have not been agreed as part of this process.
Alun Cairns: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps he is taking to ensure that all Government departments at all levels benefit from the use of Crown contracts. [46092]
Mr Maude [holding answer 14 March 2011]: The Cabinet Office is overseeing the implementation of the Memoranda of Understanding agreed between the Crown and Government’s top suppliers as part of its centrally-led programme of renegotiation.
Officials have been working closely with central Government Departments to ensure they are able to benefit from the savings opportunities contained within the MoUs.
21 Mar 2011 : Column 837W
Obesity and Anorexia
Mr Amess: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many deaths (a) in Southend, (b) in Essex and (c) nationally were attributed to an individual being (i) overweight and (ii) underweight in each year since 2009. [45595]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2001:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many deaths (a) in Southend, (b) in Essex and (c) nationally were attributed to an individual being (i) overweight and (ii) underweight in each year since 2009. (45595)
The terms ‘overweight’ and ‘underweight’ are not normally used in the registration of deaths. Consequently, figures can only be provided for deaths recorded using the medically recognised terms ‘obesity’ and ‘malnutrition’ or ‘effects of hunger’. The number of deaths so recorded is unlikely to be a complete or accurate reflection of the actual numbers of deaths which result, directly or indirectly, from being overweight or underweight.
The tables attached provide the number of deaths where (i) obesity was the underlying cause of death (Table 1) or was mentioned on the death certificate, either as the underlying cause or as a contributory factor (Table 2), and where (ii) malnutrition was the underlying cause of death (Table 1) or malnutrition or effects of hunger were mentioned on the death certificate, either as the underlying cause or as a contributory factor (Table 2), for (a) Southend-on-Sea unitary authority, (b) Essex county and (c) England and Wales, for 2009 (the latest year available). Data for deaths registered in 2010 will be available in July 2011.
Malnutrition is rarely the underlying cause of death, as people with malnutrition or effects of hunger mentioned on their death certificate often have another serious illness, and it is this illness that is the underlying cause of death. For example they may have cancer of the digestive tract, which means they can't eat properly or can't absorb nutrients; they may have suffered from a stroke or have advanced dementia which can cause difficulties chewing and swallowing; or they may abuse alcohol and so not eat properly.
The number of deaths registered in England and Wales each year by sex, age and cause are published annually on the National Statistics website at:
www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=15096
| Table 1. Number of deaths where obesity or malnutrition was the underlying cause of death, Southend-on-Sea unitary authority, Essex county, and England and Wales, 2009 (1, 2, 3, 4) | |||
| Deaths (persons) | |||
| Cause | Southend-on-Sea | Essex | England and Wales |
| (1) Cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes E66 (obesity) and E40-E46 (malnutrition). (2 )Based on boundaries as of 2010. (3) Figures for England and Wales include deaths of non-residents. (4) Figures are for deaths registered 2009. | |||
| Table 2. Number of deaths where obesity, malnutrition or effects of hunger were mentioned on the death certificate, Southend-on-Sea unitary authority, Essex county, and England and Wales, 2009 (1, 2, 3, 4) | |||
| Deaths (persons) | |||
| Cause | Southend-on-Sea | Essex | England and Wales |
21 Mar 2011 : Column 838W
| (1) Cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes E66 (obesity), E40-E46 (malnutrition) and T73.0 (effects of hunger). Deaths were included where these causes was mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, either as the underlying cause or as a contributory factor. Effects of hunger can only ever be recorded as a contributory factor. Figures in Table 1 are therefore included in the figures in Table 2. (2 )Based on boundaries as of 2010. (3) Figures for England and Wales include deaths of non-residents. (4) Figures are for deaths registered in 2009. | |||
Public Bodies Bill
Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the potential savings to accrue from abolition of the public bodies scheduled for abolition in the Public Bodies Bill; and what method he has used to make this estimate. [47745]
Mr Maude: Departments are anticipating that cumulative administrative savings of at least £2.6 billion will flow from public bodies over the spending review period.
When reductions in programme and capital spend are taken into account, we estimate that total spending through public bodies will be reduced by at least £11 billion per year by 2014-15. If the savings for each year of the spending review are taken into account then a cumulative amount of £30 billion will no longer be spent through public bodies.
These figures are for all public bodies covered in the updated list of reforms published on 16 March 2011, including those in the Public Bodies Bill.
The methodology used was to compare projected spending in 2014-15 against a baseline of 2010-11 spend rolled forward with inflation based on the GDP deflators provided in the Office for Budget Responsibilities’ autumn forecast. The methodology is consistent with the spending review.
These figures are a collation of departmental estimates.
Energy and Climate Change
Alcoholic Drinks
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much his Department has spent on the contents of ministerial drinks cabinets since 12 May 2010. [48354]
Carbon Emissions
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he plans to respond to the recommendations of the report by the Committee on Climate Change on the fourth carbon budget. [48125]
21 Mar 2011 : Column 839W
Gregory Barker: The Climate Change Act 2008 requires Government to set the level of the fourth carbon budget in law not later than 30 June 2011. It also requires Government to lay before Parliament a report setting out proposals and policies for meeting the carbon budget as soon as is reasonably practicable after setting it in law. DECC's Business Plan stipulates this will be in October 2011.
Cold Weather Payments: Bexley
Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many people in the weather station area covering the London borough of Bexley received a cold weather payment in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010. [45449]
Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply.
The available information is given in the table.
| Estimated number of benefit units that received at least one cold weather payment for weather stations linked to postcode districts in the London borough of Bexley | ||
| Weather station | 2009-10 | 2010-11 |
| Notes: 1. The information provided is management information. Our preference is to answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics but in this case, we only have management information available. It is not quality assured to the same extent as Official/National Statistics and there are some issues with the data, for example, figures given are estimates. Actuals are not available. Estimates for 2010-11 may be revised after the end of the cold weather payment season, but will still be estimates not actuals. 2. A cold weather payment is made to an eligible customer when the average temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, 0° C or below over seven consecutive days at the weather station linked to the customer’s postcode. (When the temperature criterion is met, the weather station is said to trigger.) 3. Each of Gravesend and Heathrow weather stations is linked both to an area within the London borough of Bexley and also to an area outside the London borough of Bexley. Estimated numbers given are for the weather station as a whole, not for the part of the London borough of Bexley linked to the weather station. 4. Estimates of potential qualifiers for each weather station for 2010-11 were made at the beginning of the winter. Both Gravesend and Heathrow weather stations have already triggered this winter, so the estimated number of benefit units that received at least one cold weather payment in 2010-11 will not change during the rest of the winter. The estimates for 2010-11 may be revised once the national out-turn for the winter is known. 5. Cold weather payments are made to benefit units. A benefit unit can be a single person or a couple and can include children. 6. Some benefit units received more than one payment in a year. 7. Estimated numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100. Sources: Postcode districts in the London borough of Bexley: analysis of National Statistics Postcode Directory. Postcode district to weather station links: Department for Work and Pensions records. Records of triggers and estimates of potential qualifiers by weather station: Department for Work and Pensions records. | ||
Regulation
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what regulations his Department introduced between 9 and 28 February 2011. [47041]
21 Mar 2011 : Column 840W
Gregory Barker: No statutory instruments made by the Department came into force between 9 and 28 February 2011.
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what regulations his Department revoked between 9 to 28 February 2011. [47056]
Gregory Barker: From 9 to 28 February 2011, the Department has not revoked any statutory instruments in full.
However, the Energy Bill, introduced into the House of Lords on 8 December 2010, sets out proposals to repeal the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 (HECA) in England, Scotland and Wales. This will reduce regulatory burdens, support the Government's localism agenda and remove redundant legislation from the statute book.
DECC is committed to reducing the burden of regulation on UK business, and a series of internal and external exercises have been or are being conducted towards this aim. For example, in June 2010 my noble Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, responsible for the Department's regulatory agenda, wrote to 250 of the Department's key stakeholders asking for their views on ways to reduce DECC's regulatory burden. The response letter from Lord Marland and a summary of responses to this exercise was published in November 2010 on the DECC internet site:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/about/better_reg/better_reg.aspx
Following on from this exercise, DECC plans to repeal a number of statutory instruments as well as powers under primary legislation (in total, 28 repeals). The exact processes for making the repeals are still being explored (suitable vehicles for the repeals are being considered, and consultation with relevant parties such as the devolved Administrations needs to take place for certain policies).
Electricity: Meters
Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with (a) the European Commission and (b) his EU counterparts on progress on the cost-benefit analysis on the implementation of smart metering. [47636]
Charles Hendry: The Department has published detailed impact assessments of smart metering, most recently in July 2010. These assessments are readily available to the European Commission and other member states, although I have not had discussions with the European Commission or my EU counterparts about them. The 3(rd) Package electricity and gas directives require member states to ensure the implementation of intelligent metering systems. This implementation may be subject to economic assessment, which, if undertaken, should take place by 3 September 2012.
Feed-in Tariffs
Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will ensure that projects in receipt of funding or in development under the feed-in tariff are not subject to any changes in the level of support they receive arising from the outcome of the feed-in tariff review. [47907]
21 Mar 2011 : Column 841W
Gregory Barker: We have always said there is no intentions to act retrospectively. The proposed changes to the scheme recently announced in the consultation on the fast-track review of the FITs scheme, and any changes that arise from the comprehensive review will only apply to new entrants into the scheme.
The consultation on the fast track review proposals seeks views on timing and implementation.
Fuel Oil: Prices
Dr Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) if he will bring forward proposals to regulate the price of heating oil (a) for rural communities and (b) in general; [47802]
(2) if he will consider the merits of introducing a domestic heating oil price stabiliser for rural communities. [47803]
Charles Hendry: The OFT has launched its market study into the off-grid energy market, particularly with regards to heating oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The study will cover both consumer and competition issues. It will look at the market’s structure and the choice of suppliers, whether competition is working well for consumers, and contractual terms and fairness in supply agreements. The OFT expects to publish the study in October 2011; its findings and conclusions will help to determine whether any changes are needed to the off-grid energy market.
International Development
Democratic Republic of Congo: Overseas Aid
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans he has to assist with (a) capacity-building, (b) governance, (c) civil society and (d) conflict resolution in the Democratic Republic of Congo in advance of the parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled for later in 2011. [47344]
Mr O'Brien: Our support to the Democratic Republic of Congo elections is focused on the following areas: building the capacity of the new electoral commission; improving public understanding of the electoral process, particularly among women and first-time voters; helping the Congolese police to keep the peace before, during and after elections; promoting open debate in advance of elections through support for independent Congolese media; and funding Congolese civil society organisations working on elections-related issues through our civic education and civil society support programmes.
Departmental Hospitality
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department has spent on the contents of ministerial drinks cabinets since 12 May 2010. [48396]
21 Mar 2011 : Column 842W
Departmental Plants
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department has spent on indoor and outdoor plants and trees since his appointment. [48419]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) has not purchased any indoor or outdoor plants or trees since May 2010. A contract for the maintenance of internal plants, at a cost of £586 per month, was terminated at the end of June 2010 and has not been replaced.
Developing Countries: Natural Disasters
Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department takes to (a) retain and (b) disseminate more widely the information it holds on natural resources in developing countries. [47384]
Mr O'Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) sometimes gathers and retains information on natural resources as part of the design and support of programmes for management of natural resources in developing countries. Data on DFID programmes is placed on the DFID website.
DFID supports developing countries to evaluate their own natural resources and make this information publicly available. For example in Sierra Leone DFID is supporting establishment of an independent National Minerals Agency. As part of the EU Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan we help developing countries shed light on the problem of illegal logging and support them to publicly disclose information on related forest trade, policies and revenues. Last year we transferred to digital format the complete inventory of the Bangladesh Sunderban mangrove forest and disseminated this to a wide range of bodies in Bangladesh, including the Government. We also lodged copies of the information with selected UK universities.
Developing Countries: Remittances
Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what information his Department holds on (a) the countries that are recipients of remittances from people in the UK, (b) the monetary value of remittances from the UK to each country and (c) the number of people who send remittances abroad; [48047]
(2) what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the (i) income levels of people who send remittances from the UK and (ii) proportion of individuals' incomes that comprise remittances. [48048]
Mr Andrew Mitchell:
The Department for International Development (DFID) relies on the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for data on UK transfers. The ONS does not publish separate estimates for remittances as they are not considered to be of sufficient quality. Instead, estimates for remittances are combined with estimates for net transfers from UK charities, defined in the UK Balance of Payments (the Pink Book) as ‘other
21 Mar 2011 : Column 843W
payments by households’. In 2009, ‘other payments by households’ totalled £5.3 billion, the majority of which were remittances.
This figure covers all remittances sent from the UK and is not disaggregated by country. Transfer payments by individuals are also not recorded systematically. It is therefore not possible to identify each country that receives remittances from the UK; the value of remittances to individual countries; the number of people who send remittances abroad; or the value or their transfers or their income levels.
DFID's 2006 Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Remittance Survey:
www.dfid.gov.uk/pubs/files/ukremittancessurvey.pdf
polled 1,800 households, which had transferred money from the UK in the past 12 months. It found that the median monthly income of remitting households was £1,324. The average annual value of remittances per household was £874; equivalent to 5.5% of monthly income.
International Labour Organisation: Finance
Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which International Labour Organisation projects on (a) anti-trafficking, (b) forced labour and (c) child labour his Department funded in the last four years. [47639]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International Development (DFID) has provided a total of £17.05 million in un-earmarked funding to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) over the past four years under a central partnership agreement. That agreement lapsed in March 2010 and has not been renewed. Based on ILO reporting, around £3.5 million of this funding was directed towards “building global alliances against forced labour and human trafficking”. The central partnership agreement did not specifically target child labour issues.
In addition, DFID has funded some ILO projects and programmes at a country level and will continue to do so while I am confident that they provide value for money and effective delivery. Complete financial information on these country level programmes cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.
International Planned Parenthood Federation: Finance
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what payments his Department plans to make to the International Planned Parenthood Federation for (a) abortion, (b) family planning and (c) other reproductive health services in the next 12 months; what assessment he has made since June 2010 of the value for money of such expenditure; and if he will make a statement. [47708]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department of International Development (DFID) will provide £8.6 million to the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) in 2011-12 through a Programme Partnership Arrangement (PPA). DFID does not classify spending under the categories requested and this information cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.
21 Mar 2011 : Column 844W
It is a major priority for the UK Government to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights, including access to modern family planning methods and promoting choice for women in the developing world. The UK Government does not enter the ring on the rights and wrongs of abortion. But the fact is that nearly 70,000 women in the developing world die every year as a result of unsafe abortions—and millions more risk their lives. Giving women the power over whether and when they have children is one of my top priorities. The UK Government will not stand by and let women die needlessly in pregnancy and childbirth.
On value for money, the Government take the view that investing in reproductive health is highly cost-effective and has far reaching returns for women and girls. A copy of IPPF's PPA Evaluation, 2008-10 will be placed in the Library of the House, of which Chapter 4 covers value for money.
Marie Stopes International: Finance
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what payments his Department plans to make to Marie Stopes International for (a) abortion, (b) family planning and (c) other reproductive health services in the next 12 months; what assessment he has made since June 2010 of the value for money of such expenditure; and if he will make a statement. [47707]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department of International Development (DFID) will provide £79,296 to Marie Stopes International (MSI) in 2011-12. This is the last year of the five-year Civil Society Challenge Fund grant totalling £127,430.00 that MSI is receiving for a project to empower communities to protect and advance sexual and reproductive health for poor people in Ethiopia. In addition DFID is in discussion with MSI about a longer term partnership.
DFID does not classify spending under the categories requested and this information cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.
It is a major priority for the UK Government to improve sexual and reproductive health rights, including access to modern family planning methods and promoting women's choice, in the developing world. The UK Government do not enter the ring on the rights and wrongs of abortion. But the fact is that nearly 70,000 women in the developing world die every year as a result of unsafe abortions—and millions more risk their lives. Giving women the power over whether and when they have children is one my top priorities. The UK Government will not stand by and let women die needlessly in pregnancy and childbirth.
Overseas Aid
Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will publish the operational plans for each country receiving bilateral aid from his Department. [47564]
21 Mar 2011 : Column 845W
World Bank: Energy
Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when he next plans to discuss the World Bank energy strategy review with the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. [47888]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: We received a copy of the World Bank's Energy Sector Strategy on 16 March. Department for International Development (DFID) officials will be consulting across Whitehall to formulate a UK Government response. I meet the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on a regular basis and both of us are in close touch with officials on the strategy. Should we need to meet specifically on the strategy we will do so prior to its discussion by the World Bank's Committee on Development and Effectiveness on 11 April.
Leader of the House
e-Petitions
Richard Fuller: To ask the Leader of the House what progress has been made in the transfer of e-petitions to the Direct.gov portal. [47382]
Sir George Young: The Government have announced their intention to transfer the online petition system to the Direct.gov portal by the summer. Officials within the Cabinet Office are working on an effective verification system to ensure that petitions become a useful and mature tool for engaging with politics.
Education
Baccalaureate
20. Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will take steps to ensure that the Government’s post-16 funding allocation allows secondary schools to teach the International Baccalaureate. [47478]
Mr Hayes: We want schools and colleges to have the freedom and flexibility to choose from the best qualifications, including those such as the International Baccalaureate which offers real breadth and rigour to support the development of rounded individuals. That is why our priority for 16-19 funding has been to protect the core education programmes that equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed and to progress into higher education and employment.
Sex Education
21. Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to ensure that only age-appropriate sex education material is used in primary schools. [47479]
Mr Gibb: It is important that pupils are protected from teaching and materials which are inappropriate to their age and religious and cultural background. That is why, when providing sex education, all schools must have regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State and published in 2000.
21 Mar 2011 : Column 846W
The guidance provides information about how schools can set in place arrangements to protect pupils from inappropriate teaching and materials.
Teach First
22. Elizabeth Truss: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he plans to expand the Teach First scheme to Norfolk. [47480]
Mr Gibb: The recent schools White Paper committed us to provide funding to more than double the size of the Teach First programme. Teach First is an independent charity and it decides, in consultation with the Department, where it can best deliver its mission of reducing educational disadvantage. Teach First is currently conducting a feasibility study for its expansion, including how it might expand from its current urban-based model, to one that could include dispersed rural schools.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
23. Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has for single assessments and education, health and care plans for children with special educational needs and disabilities. [47481]
Sarah Teather: The special educational needs and disability Green Paper announced that by 2014 we will replace SEN assessments and statements with a single assessment process and Education, Health and Care Plans which will provide stronger support for children and families. We will be running pathfinders testing out the single assessment and plans from September and working with the voluntary and community sector and local authorities on this and tendering for the pathfinders in June.
Apprentices: Finance
Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what funding he has allocated to young apprenticeships in each of the next four years. [37440]
Mr Gibb: The outcomes of Professor Alison Wolf’s Review of Vocational Education, published on 3 March 2011, and the spending review settlement, will inform our decision about the future of the Young Apprenticeship programme and associated funding: an announcement will be made shortly.
We have confirmed funding for existing young apprentices in the next two financial years of £15.3 million in 2011-12 and £4 million in 2012-13: this will ensure that pupils who started a Young Apprenticeship in 2009 and 2010 are able to complete the programme.
Departmental Procurement
Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many procurement projects with a monetary value greater than (a) £10 million, (b) £50 million and (c) £100 million (i) his Department and (ii) the non-departmental public body and executive agency for which he is responsible was engaged upon in the latest period for which figures are available. [45549]
21 Mar 2011 : Column 847W
Tim Loughton: Based on information held centrally on procurement projects during the financial years 2009-10 and 2010-11 the Department was engaged on (a) seven procurement projects with a monetary value greater than £10 million; (b) five procurement projects with a monetary value greater than £50 million; and (c) five procurement projects with a monetary value greater than £100 million. Non-departmental public bodies and executive agencies were involved with two procurement projects with a monetary value greater than £10 million.
Departmental Public Consultation
Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many public consultations his Department and its predecessors have conducted in each of the last 10 years; for how long each consultation was open; how many responses were received to each consultation; and what the cost to the public purse of conducting each consultation was. [46589]
Tim Loughton: A copy of the document giving details of consultations conducted by the Department for Education and its predecessors in each of the past 10 years has been placed in the Libraries. A full summary of the cost for each consultation would be possible only at disproportionate cost.
Regulation
Nicholas Soames:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education on how many occasions his Department has
21 Mar 2011 : Column 848W
consulted representatives of small businesses on the effects of proposed new regulations since 6 May 2010. [46148]
Tim Loughton: Nearly all public consultations are put on the departmental website and anyone can respond to them. There have been 30 consultations on new regulations since 6 May 2010.
The Department does not hold centrally aggregated records of responses to consultations. However, when the results of consultation are published, they generally contain a summary of organisational responders, except where they have requested to remain confidential.
Free School Meals and Education Maintenance Allowance
Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children receive (a) free school meals and (b) education maintenance allowance in each local authority ward in (i) Peterborough constituency and (ii) North West Cambridgeshire constituency. [46957]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 17 March 2011]:Information on free school meal eligibility is shown in the tables.
The answer includes full-time pupils aged 0 to 15 and part-time pupils aged five to 15 known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals.
| Maintained nursery, maintained primary (1) , state-funded secondary (1, 2) and special (3 ) schools: school meal arrangements (4, 5) . As at January 2010. Pupils attending schools located in each ward within Peterborough parliamentary constituency | |||||||||
| Maintained nursery and primary (1) | State-funded secondary (1, 2) | Special (3) | |||||||
|
|
Number on roll (4, 5) | Number of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals (4, 5) | Percentage known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals | Number on roll (4, 5) | Number of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals (4, 5) | Percentage known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals | Number on roll (4, 5) | Number of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals (4, 5) | Percentage known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals |
| n/a = Not applicable. No schools of this type. (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Includes city technology colleges and academies. (3) Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools, excludes general hospital schools. (4) Includes sole and dual (main) registrations. (5) Pupils who have full time attendance and are aged 0 to 15, or pupils who have part time attendance and are aged 5 to 15. Age as at 31 August 2009 Source: School Census | |||||||||
21 Mar 2011 : Column 849W
21 Mar 2011 : Column 850W
| Maintained nursery (1) , maintained primary (2) , state-funded secondary (2, 3) and special (4) schools: school meal arrangements (5, 6) . As at January 2010. Pupils attending schools located in each ward within North West Cambridgeshire constituency | |||||||||
| Maintained nursery (1) and primary (2) | State-funded secondary (2, 3) | Special (4) | |||||||
|
|
Number on roll (5, 6) | Number of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals (5, 6) | Percentage known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals | Number on roll (5, 6) | Number of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals (5, 6) | Percentage known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals | Number on roll (5, 6) | Number of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals (5, 6) | Percentage known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals |
| n/a = Not applicable. No schools of this type. 1. There are no maintained nursery schools in North West Cambridgeshire parliamentary constituency. 2. Includes middle schools as deemed. 3. Includes city technology colleges and academies. 4. Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools, excludes general hospital schools. 5. Includes sole and dual (main) registrations. 6. Pupils who have full lime attendance and are aged 0 to 15, or pupils who have part time attendance and are aged 5 to 15. Age as at 31 August 2009. Source: School Census | |||||||||