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Written Answers to Questions
Monday 4 April 2011
Scotland
Departmental Official Cars
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in his Department last used a ministerial car while travelling in an official capacity; and how many times (i) he and (ii) each other Minister in his Department has travelled to their constituency in a ministerial car since May 2010. [50201]
Michael Moore: The Scotland Office contract with Government Car Service was terminated in January 2011 at my request. In line with the practice of the previous Administration, a private car hire company is used for any official travel in Scotland.
Departmental Public Transport
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in his Department last travelled by (i) London underground and (ii) public bus services on Government business; how many times (A) he and (B) each other Minister in his Department has travelled by each such form of transport on Government business since May 2010; and if he will make a statement. [50081]
Michael Moore: The Scotland Office does not keep a record of individual journeys taken by Ministers on public transport.
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of his ministerial team have been issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) monthly and (ii) annual travel card valid on London Transport and paid for by his Department for use while travelling on Government business. [50178]
Michael Moore: Scotland Office Ministers have not been issued with an Oyster card or a London Transport travel card.
Departmental Travel
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department has spent on ministerial travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) bus, (d) commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft since May 2010. [50210]
Michael Moore: The information requested is provided in the following table. Please note that since January 2011 the Scotland Office no longer has a contract with Government Car Service.
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| May 2010 to February 2011 | |
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£ |
House of Commons Commission
Motions: Audio Recordings
Mr Amess: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2010, Official Report, column 960W, on Motions: audio recordings, what progress the House of Commons Commission has made on placing on the parliamentary website a sound recording of the debate held on a motion of no confidence in the Government on 28 March 1979; and if he will make a statement. [50240]
John Thurso: The 1979 audio recording of the debate held on a motion of no confidence in the Government on 28 March 1979 has been published on the Living Heritage page on the Parliament website.
Security: Parliament
Nicholas Soames: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many passes to enter the Palace of Westminster have been issued in each category since May 2010; how many of these were issued to hon. Members’ staff acting (a) as secretaries, (b) as research assistants and (c) in other capacities; and what estimate the Commission has made of the number of research assistants in possession of a valid pass at the latest date for which figures are available. [50113]
John Thurso: The number of passes issued in each category since May 2010 are in Table A. The number of passes issued to hon. Members’ staff acting (a) as secretaries, (b) as research assistants and (c) in other capacities are in Table B; those currently on issue in these categories are shown in Table C.
All figures given for passes issued since May 2010 include those that have been replaced because they have been lost or stolen, temporary passes issued because passes have been left elsewhere and routine renewals of passes.
| Table A : Number of passes issued since May 2010 | ||
| Pass category | Number issued since May 2010 | Current valid passes on issue |
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| Table B: Members staff passes issued since May 2010 | |
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Number |
| Table C: Members staff passes currently on issue (March 2011) | |
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Number |
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Defence
Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the deployment of helicopters to Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [50295]
Nick Harvey: Helicopters make an essential contribution to current operations in Afghanistan. The Government will continue to ensure that deployed helicopter numbers and flying hours meet our operational requirements.
Air Force: Manpower
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the potential effects on the economy of reductions in Royal Air Force service personnel. [50292]
Mr Robathan: In November 2010 following the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) the Ministry of Defence conducted a sustainability appraisal into the effects of the decisions taken. Further work is ongoing to identify the impact of manpower reductions as well as the rationalisation of Defence estates and equipment on the local economy and employment. This work is not specific to the numbers of RAF service personnel.
Infrastructure Security and Resilience Advisory Council
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who sits on the Infrastructure Security and Resilience Advisory Council; how many times it has met since its inception; what the agenda items were for each such meeting; and what powers the Council has. [43972]
Nick Herbert: I have been asked to reply.
The Government are committed to ensuring that dialogue with industry is effective and comprehensive and so better addresses the risks of disruption to national infrastructure. Examples of work in this area include meetings of an advisory body representing industry and regulators. This has supported the work that has led to the publication for consultation on 1 March of the guide to improving resilience to natural hazards and the recent discussions with industry on the risks posed in the area of cyber security. The Infrastructure Security and Resilience Advisory Council has not yet been set up and the Government are using existing arrangements with industry to consider the establishment of a senior umbrella group with advisory functions in this area.
Military Aircraft: France
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions his Department has had with the French Government on using the Breguet Atlantique maritime patrol aircraft; [49904]
(2) whether the French Government has offered his Department use of the Breguet Atlantique maritime patrol aircraft. [49905]
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Peter Luff: Ministry of Defence officials have regular discussions with their French counterparts on a wide range of issues, including anti-submarine warfare capability. We have no plans to use the Breguet Atlantique maritime patrol aircraft.
Storm Shadow Missile
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of one Storm Shadow missile; and what assessment he has made of the value for money of the Storm Shadow missile. [49247]
Peter Luff [holding answer 28 March 2011]: Storm Shadow provides the UK with a unique capability for precision strike against high-value hardened targets such as command bunkers without exposing aircraft and crews to high threat levels. The missile was procured in co-operation with France following an international competition. Storm Shadow missiles which were contracted for in 1997 are now held on the Ministry of Defence's balance sheet at a value of some £790,000 per missile. This figure includes the costs of producing an integrated weapon system and not just the purchase cost of the missile. In addition, a further £160 million was incurred by the UK in development costs.
The Ministry of Defence now takes a portfolio approach to procuring complex weapons. This was launched in April 2010 and will secure significant efficiencies across the breadth of the complex weapons portfolio over the next 10 years and beyond and is designed to meet the UK's military requirements and safeguard our sovereign capability.
Strategic Defence and Security Review
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken in response to the recommendations of his Department’s report, “SDSR: Lessons Identified”; and if he will make a statement. [50293]
Dr Fox: The Government will draw on the experience of the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) to inform the next SDSR.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
British Antarctic Territory
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials from his Department are currently based in the British Antarctic Territory. [51248]
Mr Bellingham: There are no Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff based in the British Antarctic Territory.
Cote d'Ivoire: Politics and Government
Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Cote d'Ivoire. [50234]
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Mr Bellingham: The political crisis and security situation in Cote d'lvoire is increasingly concerning as former President Laurent Gbagbo refuses to cede power to the rightful winner of last year's poll, President Alassane Ouattara. The impact on the lives of innocent civilians is particularly disturbing. The Government continue to monitor the situation closely, including military advances being made by President Ouattara's forces, and calls on all sides to exercise restraint.
I welcome United Nations Security Council Resolution 1975, which reinforces and reaffirms the resolve of the United Nations and the African Union to see a swift resolution to the crisis.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs spoke to President Ouattara on 21 March to express support for his position as legitimate Head of State.
Cote d'Ivoire: United Nations
Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his UN counterpart on disturbances in Cote d'Ivoire; and if he will make a statement. [50235]
Mr Bellingham: The situation in Cote d'lvoire remains volatile and deeply worrying. The Government are in regular contact with UN counterparts through their diplomatic missions in New York, Geneva and Abidjan. I welcome United Nations Security Council Resolution 1975 which reinforces and reaffirms the resolve of the United Nations and the African Union to see a swift resolution to the crisis.
We have supported the UN Human Rights Council's recent resolution calling for a commission of inquiry into human rights abuses and we are also supporting a proposed UN Security Council Resolution currently under discussion. More widely, the Government continue to support the African Union's leadership in seeking a swift and peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Mr O'Brien) answered an urgent question on the humanitarian response to the crisis in Cote d'lvoire on 31 March 2011, Official Repor t, columns 519-25.
Former Ministers
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 21 March 2011, Official Report, column 819W, on former Ministers, whether his Department monitors records of the briefings given to former Ministers. [50674]
Iran: Politics and Government
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what (a) reports he has received and (b) representations he has made to the government of Iraq on the treatment of human rights campaigners in Al Sulaimaniyah; and if he will make a statement. [50372]
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Alistair Burt: We do not have any specific information on the treatment of human rights campaigners in Sulaimaniyah. However, we are aware of reports of intimidation and violence being committed against journalists and protestors during recent demonstrations across Iraq, including the Kurdistan region. Following the demonstrations, I released the following statement on 10 March 2011:
“We have been following events in Iraq closely. We are concerned at a number of reports of harassment of protestors, including political groups associated with the protests, and of violence against journalists and media offices across Iraq. We call on the Iraqi and Kurdish authorities to investigate these incidents and to protect the right to freedom of expression and assembly”.
Our embassy officials in Baghdad regularly discuss human rights issues with senior members of the Iraqi Government, and raise concerns when appropriate.
Iran: Radar
Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions he has had with his (a) Israeli, (b) Palestinian and (c) Syrian counterpart on reports that British-made Kelvin Hughes SharpEye radars were intercepted by Israeli forces on board the vessel Victoria in March 2011; [49583]
(2) what assessment he has made of the discovery of Kelvin Hughes SharpEye radars on board the vessel Victoria in March 2011; whether this represents a violation of the terms of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions in respect of Iran; and if he will make a statement. [49584]
Alistair Burt: Government officials have held discussions with Israeli officials on this matter; at this time we have not had any discussions regarding the shipment with Syrian or Palestinian counterparts. We are continuing to look into this matter to ascertain whether any further action is necessary, if the items in question are found to be in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.
Israel: Embassies
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much funding has been allocated to the refurbishment of the British embassy in Israel; what assessment was made of the need for such expenditure; and when he expects embassy staff to return to the refurbished premises. [50418]
Mr Lidington: In September 2010 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Board and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs approved the funding of £18.998 million for refurbishment of our embassy in Israel.
A full business case was prepared for the project which highlighted that our embassy building in Tel Aviv falls short of necessary health and safety and environmental standards and fitness for purpose. We looked at alternative options and concluded the chosen solution was the most effective and that it represented the best value for money.
Staff will return to the embassy in July 2012.
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Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost to the public purse is of relocating and accommodating British embassy staff in Israel as a result of the decision to undertake a full refurbishment of the British embassy. [50419]
Mr Lidington: The total cost of relocating and accommodating the staff is £1.399 million. This comprises of £214,000 displacement rent (while works are carried out) and £1.185 million fitting out works and related IT/communications.
Israel: Overseas Aid
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance he has provided to the Government of Israel to prevent terrorism in Israel in each of the last three years; what assistance he plans to provide over the comprehensive spending review period; and if he will make a statement. [50231]
Alistair Burt: The UK and Israel Governments regularly discuss counter-terrorism issues. However, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not provided counter-terrorism assistance to the Government of Israel in the last three years, and there are currently no plans to provide assistance in the forthcoming spending review period.
Israel: Science
Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage links between the UK and Israel in the fields of science and technology. [49804]
Alistair Burt: In November 2010, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs launched the UK-Israel Life Sciences Council, which had its first meeting in Israel on 25 January. The Council comprises 20 top scientists from both sides, and agreed that an important area for UK/Israel scientific collaboration should be the field of regenerative medicine. This will be now become the focus of an enhanced Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange (BIRAX) fund.
Israel: Terrorism
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on (a) suicide bombings and (b) terrorist incidents in (i) Jerusalem and (ii) Tel Aviv since January 2011; how many British citizens were (A) killed, (B) seriously injured and (C) injured in each incident; what the sex and age group of each such British citizen was; what recent discussions he has had with (1) the Government of Israel, (2) the Palestinian Authority, (3) the Government of Egypt, (4) the Arab League, (5) the Government of Jordan, (6) his EU counterparts and (7) the United Nations Secretary-General on such incidents; what steps he has taken and plans to take in the next six months at the United Nations in respect of this issue; and if he will make a statement. [R] [50300]
Alistair Burt: As the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) said on 25 March 2011:
“I am extremely concerned at the escalating violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories over the past week. We have seen a surge in rockets and mortars launched at Israeli
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civilians from the Gaza strip. This is abhorrent. Three people have been injured, many more are living in fear. Six Palestinian civilians, including four children, have been killed as a result of Israeli actions in the Gaza strip. We have urged the Israeli Government to ensure everything is done to avoid further civilian casualties while calling for a complete end to attacks on Israel.
And we have seen the terrible sight—which we hoped belonged to the past—of a bomb at a bus station in Jerusalem. A British woman was killed and more than 30 injured. I condemn this attack in the strongest terms and call for those responsible to be held to account. Elsewhere, we have seen Israeli settlers opening fire on a Palestinian funeral procession, wounding two mourners. Also, another Palestinian was stabbed in an unprovoked attack.
We condemn the extremists who are instigating this violence and who are deliberately attempting to wreck the chances of peace. We call on all sides to do all that they can to prevent further loss of innocent life, to bring the perpetrators to justice and to reduce current tensions.”
Our embassy in Tel Aviv and our consulate-general in Jerusalem are in regular contact with the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority on these issues. President Abbas has condemned the terrorist bombing in Jerusalem. We are also in regular contact with EU and Arab League partners.
Libya: Foreign Nationals
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of (a) Commonwealth and (b) other foreign nationals who were evacuated from Libya by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [48877]
Alistair Burt: Over 800 foreign nationals from 54 countries were evacuated by the UK, on six Foreign and Commonwealth Office-organised charter flights plus Ministry of Defence ships and aircraft. These included Australian, Canadian and other Commonwealth nationals, as well as US nationals and those of several EU countries.
Middle East: Health Services
Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the work of (a) Israeli medical organisations and (b) joint Arab-Israeli medical projects. [49851]
Alistair Burt: My officials receive regular reports of the work of a number of Israeli and joint Arab-Israeli medical organisations, centres and charity projects and initiatives.
The UK and Israel have a wide range of joint initiatives in the field of medicine that involve Israelis from all backgrounds. This includes grants for joint scientific research and the announcement by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in November 2010 of the UK-Israel Life Sciences Council. The Council will be chaired by our ambassador, Matthew Gould, and co-chaired by Professor Raymond Dwek of Oxford university and Professor Rivka Carmi, President of Ben Gurion university.
Nightingale Island: Oil
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the effects of the oil slick at Petrel Bay, Nightingale Island; and what assistance his Department is giving to mitigate the effects of the slick. [50594]
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Mr Bellingham: The Government are extremely concerned by the situation in Tristan da Cunha, part of the British Overseas Territory of St. Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha, arising from the wreck on Nightingale Island of the motor vessel (MV) Oliva. We have been in close touch with the Tristan da Cunha authorities throughout and are ensuring that they have the advice and support they need from across Government and elsewhere.
We are receiving regular reports on the situation at Nightingale Island from the Tristan da Cunha authorities. Leaked fuel oil from the wreck of the MV Oliva has washed ashore. It has impacted on both protected wildlife and the fisheries on which the islands' economy relies. The Tristan authorities and community are working hard to help the wildlife affected by the oil. The fisheries at Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands will remain closed until testing has shown the catch to be free of any harmful effects of pollution. The longer term impacts on the wildlife and fisheries will take time to assess.
The responsibility to clean up the damage caused to this precious environment and to compensate the Tristan community for any losses they may suffer lies with the ship's owners and insurers. We are ensuring that they continue to meet this responsibility in full.
The remoteness of the site and the demanding conditions mean that this is a very difficult operation. Following the initial salvage efforts further equipment and expert personnel are now en route to the islands.
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance his Department is giving to mitigate the effects of the Petrel Bay oil slick on Nightingale Island. [50595]
Mr Bellingham: The Government are extremely concerned by the situation in Tristan da Cunha, arising from the wreck on Nightingale Island of the Motor Vessel (MV) Oliva. We have been in close touch with the Tristan da Cunha Authorities throughout and are ensuring that they have the advice and support they need from across Government and elsewhere.
The responsibility to clean up the damage caused to this precious environment and to compensate the Tristan community for any losses they may suffer lies with the wrecked ship’s owners and insurers. We are ensuring that they continue to meet this responsibility in full.
The remoteness of the site and the demanding conditions mean that this is a very difficult operation. Following the initial salvage efforts further equipment and expert personnel are now en route to the islands.
Palestinians: Politics and Government
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in the west bank; 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. [47687]
Alistair Burt:
This answer covers the situation in the west bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza. The west bank and east Jerusalem are experiencing continued Israeli
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settlement construction, which is illegal under international law. Israel's refusal to halt construction is a serious obstacle to peace. We are pushing hard for a resumption of negotiations to resolve final status issues based on clear parameters supported by the international community.
In Gaza, while we welcomed the limited steps Israel has taken to facilitate the entry of ordinary consumer goods, the continued restrictions on access for dual-use items and the ban on nearly all exports continue to hamper reconstruction and economic revival. This benefits Hamas both financially and politically, while ensuring that ordinary Gazans remain poor and without hope for the future. We do not believe this is in Israel's interests.
Hamas remains committed to the use of violence to achieve its political goals, most recently witnessed in its use of force against peaceful demonstrators in Gaza and in the barrage of over 50 rockets fired at Israel on 19 March 2011.
Ministers and officials discuss the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories on a regular basis with key partners including Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Jordan, the EU and the UN. The Secretary of State discussed these issues with President Abbas on 8 March 2011 and Ehud Barak on 17 March 2011.
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Gaza; what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Government of Israel, (b) the Palestinian Authority, (c) the Government of Egypt, (d) the Arab League, (e) the Government of Jordan, (f) his EU counterparts and (g) the United Nations Secretary-General on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [47690]
Alistair Burt: This answer covers the situation in the west bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza. The west bank and east Jerusalem are experiencing continued Israeli settlement construction, which is illegal under international law. Israel's refusal to halt construction is a serious obstacle to peace. We are pushing hard for a resumption of negotiations to resolve final status issues based on clear parameters supported by the international community.
In Gaza, while we welcomed the limited steps Israel has taken to facilitate the entry of ordinary consumer goods, the continued restrictions on access for dual-use items and the ban on nearly all exports continue to hamper reconstruction and economic revival. This benefits Hamas both financially and politically, while ensuring that ordinary Gazans remain poor and without hope for the future. We do not believe this is in Israel's interests.
Hamas remains committed to the use of violence to achieve its political goals, most recently witnessed in its use of force against peaceful demonstrators in Gaza and in the barrage of over 50 rockets fired at Israel on 19 March 2011.
Ministers and officials discuss the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories on a regular basis with key partners including Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Jordan, the EU and the UN. The Secretary of State discussed these issues with President Abbas on 8 March 2011 and Ehud Barak on 17 March 2011.
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Somaliland
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff of his Department are based in Somaliland. [50415]
Mr Lidington: There are no Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff based in Somaliland.
Syria: Politics and Government
Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Syria. [51013]
Alistair Burt: As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary said on 31 March 2011, we continue to watch the evolving situation in Syria closely, and are deeply concerned by continuing deaths and violence in Deraa and Latakia. We call on the Syrian Government to uphold their responsibility to protect protesters and to respect the right of peaceful protest and free speech. We call for restraint, particularly from the Syrian security forces.
We note the announcement of committees to study repeal of the Emergency Law, and to review the 1962 census that resulted in many Kurds in Syria being excluded from Syrian citizenship. We believe it is important for the Syrian Government to address the legitimate demands of the Syrian people. We call for serious political reforms to be brought forward and implemented without delay.
Turks and Caicos Islands
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials from his Department are based in the Turks and Caicos Islands. [51242]
Mr Bellingham: I refer my hon. Friend to the response from the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Hague) to the right hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South (Mr Alexander) on 17 February 2011, Official Report, columns 993-97W.
Western Sahara: United Nations
Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to meet the UN Special Envoy to Western Sahara. [50147]
Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) has no plans to meet Ambassador Christopher Ross, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy to Western Sahara.
The Minister of State, my noble Friend Lord Howell met Ambassador Ross on 22 June 2010. They discussed the issues of human rights, natural resources and efforts to find a political solution to the conflict. I spoke to Ambassador Ross on 31 March 2011 in advance of the publication of the UN Secretary-General's annual report on the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, and of a visit to the region.
Officials at our mission in New York are also in regular contact with Ambassador Ross and his staff.
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Leader of the House
Departmental Travel
Maria Eagle: To ask the Leader of the House (1) whether he is issued with an Oyster card paid for by the Office of the Leader of the House for the purposes of travelling on official business; [50139]
(2) whether he is issued with an annual or monthly travel card valid on London Transport and paid for by the Office of the Leader of the House for the purposes of travelling on official business; [50140]
(3) what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in his Department last used a ministerial car while travelling in an official capacity; and how many times (i) he and (ii) each other Minister in his Department has travelled to their constituency in a ministerial car since May 2010; [50203]
(4) how much his Office has spent on ministerial travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) bus, (d) commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft since May 2010; [50216]
(5) what date he last travelled by London underground while on Government business; and how many times he has travelled by London underground while on Government business since May 2010; [50274]
(6) what date he last travelled by public bus while on Government business; and how many times he has travelled by public bus while on Government business since May 2010. [50275]
Sir George Young: Section 10 of the Ministerial Code provides guidance on travel for Ministers and makes clear that Ministers must ensure that they always make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements.
The contract entered into by the previous Administration providing for an allocated ministerial car for Ministers in the Office of the Leader of the House of Commons was terminated in May 2010. I last used a ministerial car on 17 January 2011 and the Deputy Leader of the House last used a ministerial car on 7 February 2011. Neither I, nor the Deputy Leader of the House have ever used a ministerial car to travel to or from our constituencies.
My office does not issue its Ministers with an Oyster card or an annual or monthly travel card.
The Office of the Leader of the House of Commons has spent £313.33 on ministerial car travel since May 2010; including £137.02 incurred by the previous Administration. The Office has incurred £388 on the cost of ministerial train travel in the same period. No costs have been incurred for ministerial travel by bus, commercial aircraft or private aircraft.
When travelling in the course of Government business, both my Deputy and I predominantly travel by bicycle or walk. No separate record is maintained of when I have travelled by London underground or public bus in the course of Government business. On the occasions that I have done so, including on the last occasion I travelled by London underground on Government business on 24 March, no cost has been incurred to the Office.
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Culture, Media and Sport
BBC: Northern Ireland
Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent discussions (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the future funding of the BBC. [49900]
Mr Vaizey: There have been no discussions. The BBC's Charter and Agreement place obligations on the BBC with regard to the nations and regions of the UK.
Broadband: Rural Areas
Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with broadband providers on reducing surcharges to users of broadband services in rural areas. [49931]
Mr Vaizey: I have had no such discussions. Tariff regimes of private telecoms service providers are commercial decisions and are not regulated by Government.
Museums and Galleries: Finance
Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council on entry prices for non-national museums and galleries in receipt of funding from his Department. [49677]
Mr Vaizey: Neither the Secretary of State nor I have had any recent discussions with the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council about admission prices for the non-national museums and galleries currently in receipt of Department funding.
Sports: Clubs
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions his Department has had with the Department for Communities and Local Government on the effects on sports clubs of withdrawal of discretionary rate relief. [50598]
Hugh Robertson: In early 2010, the Department held discussions with the Department for Communities and Local Government about the withdrawal of discretionary rate relief. The granting of discretionary rate relief is ultimately a decision for the local authority. However, the Government believe they have an important role to play in supporting not-for-profit organisations, recognising the public benefit that they give to their local community. We would expect local authorities to take full account of the central Government funding support for discretionary rate relief in making their decisions.
Certain sports clubs may also be eligible for small business rates relief which we have doubled until 30 September 2012, Eligible organisations with rateable values below £6,000 will pay no rates for that period.
The Government have also included in the Localism Bill the necessary provisions for discretionary business rates discounts so that local authorities will be able to respond to local circumstances by reducing business rates bills.
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School Sports
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the effects of charging VAT on construction costs incurred by schools which open sports facilities out of hours. [50602]
Hugh Robertson: This issue was highlighted in the Sport and Recreation Alliance's recently published the “Red Card to Red Tape” regulatory burdens review which I commissioned. We are currently considering this issue alongside the report as a whole.
Television: Licensing
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will bring forward proposals to allow venues that currently do not have a television licence to receive one at no charge solely for the purposes of showing via a television receiver the broadcast of the royal wedding on 29 April 2011. [50455]
Mr Vaizey: There are no plans to introduce any concessionary television licences for the royal wedding.
Theatre: Tickets
Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many free theatre tickets have been provided to people under 26 resident in (a) the south-west and (b) England under his Department's scheme since 2008. [50494]
Mr Vaizey: In February 2009, Arts Council England launched “A Night Less Ordinary” in association with Metro. The scheme offers free theatre tickets to anyone under 26 at more than 200 venues throughout England.
(a) The total number of tickets offered in the south-west region is 23,032. Of these, a total of 19,125 were taken up. These figures cover February 2009 to November 2010.
(b) The total number of tickets offered in total through the programme is 444,329. Of these, a total of 317,456 tickets were taken up. These figures cover February 2009 to November 2010.
The scheme ended on 31 March 2011. Final statistics will be published on the Arts Council website on 12 May 2011.
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Environment
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to publish her Department's White Paper on the natural environment. [49853]
Richard Benyon: Following the hugely positive response to the consultation, including discussion documents and online survey, we are now taking account of these views and look forward to sharing the Natural Environment White Paper shortly.
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Foxes: Urban Areas
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions her Department has had with local authorities on urban foxes. [50557]
Richard Benyon: No such discussions have taken place on this issue recently.
Local authorities have powers under the Local Government Act 2000 to take action to control foxes where they feel it is appropriate.
Hydrofluorocarbons
Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effects of implementing the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in respect of the production and use of hydrofluorocarbons on the heat pump industry; and on what date she expects hydrofluorocarbons to be phased out from the heat pump industry. [50328]
Richard Benyon: The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer does not currently cover fluorinated greenhouse gases (F gases) such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). F gases form part of the basket of gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol. Proposals have been put forward to use the Montreal Protocol to phase down the production and use of HFCs and this would affect all types of equipment, not just heat pumps. The UK Government are supportive in principle of an international phase-down of production and consumption of HFCs and will continue to push for the development of one at upcoming Montreal Protocol and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meetings. As part of this, further detailed analysis of impacts will be conducted.
There are no plans to phase out HFCs. The proposals put forward to the Montreal Protocol are based on progressively phasing down (rather than phasing out) production and consumption of HFCs over time, while allowing continued HFC use for important equipment or where there are no suitable alternatives. Refrigerant choice in equipment would, therefore, be affected by any progressive cap on HFC availability.
Sewers
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has for the timetable for the transfer of ownership of private sewers and lateral drains to sewerage undertakers following the passage of proposed legislation. [50278]
Richard Benyon: It is proposed that transfer should take place on 1 October 2011. We hope to seek parliamentary approval of the regulations this spring, in order to effect the transfer.
Water Charges: South West England
Alison Seabeck:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of water bill payers in the south-west who will receive reduced bills as a result of
4 Apr 2011 : Column 581W
implementation of the Government’s proposals in the Budget; and for how many years such reductions will apply. [50118]
Richard Benyon: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 31 March 2011, Official Report, column 466W, to the hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy).
Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to paragraph 1.156 of Budget 2011, HC 836, how much her Department plans to spend from the public purse on reducing water bills for customers in the south-west; from what date this money will be made available; how many people in each demographic group will be eligible for such payments; and from which of her Department’s budgets the expenditure will be drawn. [50380]
Richard Benyon: The Government will consult shortly on proposals to address water affordability across England, including the south-west. This will include reforms to the existing WaterSure scheme, the approach to company social tariffs and options for additional Government spending to provide further support. Additional funding will be provided to DEFRA as necessary to deliver this policy, taking into account practical and affordability considerations.
Water Supply: Billing
Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether funding for the implementation of proposals to support households (a) who face water affordability pressures and (b) in areas with particularly high water bills will be from within her Department's existing allocation for the comprehensive spending review period. [50106]
Richard Benyon: The Government pledged in the Budget that we will consult shortly on proposals to support households which face water affordability pressures, and those in areas with particularly high water bills. Proposals include reforms to the existing WaterSure scheme, the approach to company social tariffs and options for additional Government spending to provide further support.
Additional funding will be provided to DEFRA as necessary to deliver this policy, taking into account practical and affordability considerations.
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has made an estimate of the number of households in the south-west which will be affected by the measures in respect of water bills announced in the 2011 Budget in the next four financial years. [50315]
Richard Benyon: The Government pledged in the Budget that we will consult shortly on proposals to support households which face water affordability pressures, and those in areas with particularly high water bills, such as the south-west. This will include reforms to the existing WaterSure scheme, the approach to company social tariffs and options for additional Government spending to provide further support. Different options will benefit different numbers of households in the south-west.
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Water: White Paper
Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to publish her Department's Water White Paper. [49206]
Richard Benyon [holding answer 28 March 2011]: We anticipate publishing the Water White Paper in the autumn.
Wales
Departmental Mobile Phones
Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many officials in her Department are provided with mobile communication devices; and how much her Department spent on mobile telephones and related data services in the last year for which figures are available. [51429]
Mr David Jones: From April 2009 to the end of March 2010, the last full audited financial year for which figures are available, the Wales Office spent £11,388.06 on mobile phones and related data services for 31 officials.
Departmental Official Cars
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date (a) she and (b) each other Minister in her Department last used a ministerial car while travelling in an official capacity; and how many times (i) she and (ii) each other Minister in her Department has travelled to their constituency in a ministerial car since May 2010. [50200]
Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, the right hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan) and I shared the ministerial car today as we often do while travelling in an official capacity. The other information requested is not collected centrally and to do so would incur disproportionate cost.
Section 10 of the Ministerial Code provides guidance on travel for Ministers and makes clear that Ministers must ensure that they always make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements.
Departmental Public Transport
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date (a) she and (b) each other Minister in her Department last travelled by (i) London underground and (ii) public bus services on Government business; how many times (A) she and (B) each other Minister in her Department has travelled by each such form of transport on Government business since May 2010; and if she will make a statement. [50080]
Mr David Jones: This information is not collected centrally.
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many of her ministerial team have been issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) monthly and (ii) annual travel card valid on London Transport and paid for by her Department for use while travelling on Government business. [50177]
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Departmental Training
Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much her Department spent on staff training in the last year for which figures are available. [51411]
Mr David Jones: From April 2009 to end of March 2010, the last full audited financial year for which figures are available, the Wales Office spent £31,055 on staff training.
Departmental Travel
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much her Department has spent on ministerial travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) bus, (d) commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft since May 2010. [50209]
Mr David Jones: From May 2010 to February 2011, the date to which information is available, the Wales Office spent:
(a) £167,588
(b) £5,002.70
(c) Nil
(d) £275.32
(e) Nil.
Legislative Competence Order Process
Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had on the continuation of the legislative competence order process in non-devolved policy areas. [50544]
Mrs Gillan: The National Assembly for Wales's enhanced law-making powers come into force on 5 May. From that date Part 3 of the Government of Wales Act 2006, under which legislative competence orders are made, ceases to have effect.
However if, in future, the Government and the Welsh Assembly Government agreed that further powers should be devolved to the Assembly, an order could be brought forward under s.109 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 for approval by Parliament and the Assembly.
Northern Ireland
Departmental Public Transport
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of his ministerial team have been issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) monthly and (ii) annual travel card valid on London Transport and paid for by his Department for use while travelling on Government business. [50179]
Mr Paterson: No one in my ministerial team has been issued with either an Oyster card or monthly/annual travel cards.
4 Apr 2011 : Column 584W
Departmental Travel
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) on what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in his Department last travelled by (i) London underground and (ii) public bus services on Government business; how many times (A) he and (B) each other Minister in his Department has travelled by each such form of transport on Government business since May 2010; and if he will make a statement; [50082]
(2) on what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in his Department last used a ministerial car while travelling in an official capacity; and how many times (i) he and (ii) each other Minister in his Department has travelled to their constituency in a ministerial car since May 2010. [50202]
Mr Paterson: When travelling in Great Britain, I have the same arrangements as the Secretaries of State who served in the previous Government.
The Minister of State, the right hon. Member for East Devon (Mr Swire) and I use cars provided by the Government Car and Dispatch Agency as and when necessary for official ministerial business (under guidelines provided by the Cabinet Office).
On becoming Secretary of State I decided not to travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland on a routine basis by private jet, which had been previous practice, thus saving the taxpayer large sums of money.
Decisions about ministerial travel are taken in line with section 10 of the Ministerial Code.
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department has spent on ministerial travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) bus, (d) commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft since May 2010. [50211]
Mr Paterson: The cost of ministerial travel for my Department since May 2010 are as follows:
|
|
£ |
On becoming Secretary of State I decided not to travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland on a routine basis by private jet, which had been previous practice, thus saving the taxpayer large sums of money.
Decisions about ministerial travel are taken in line with section 10 of the Ministerial Code.
Attorney-General
Departmental Official Cars
Maria Eagle: To ask the Attorney-General on what date he last used a ministerial car while travelling in an official capacity; and how many times he has travelled to his constituency in a ministerial car since May 2010. [50184]
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The Attorney-General: Exact records are not maintained on my day-to-day usage of ministerial cars; however, I can confirm that I do make regular use of the ministerial car allocated to my Department.
The car has never been used for journeys between Westminster and my constituency.
Departmental Public Transport
Maria Eagle: To ask the Attorney-General on what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in the Law Officers’ Departments last travelled by (i) London underground and (ii) public bus services on Government business; how many times (A) he and (B) each other Minister in the Law Officers’ Departments has travelled by each such form of transport on Government business since May 2010; and if he will make a statement. [50092]
The Attorney-General: The Law Officer’s do make use of public transport in London on government business but such journeys are not routinely recorded and it is therefore not possible to provide this information.
Maria Eagle: To ask the Attorney-General whether he has been issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) monthly and (ii) annual travel card valid on London Transport and paid for by the Law Officers' Departments for use while travelling on Government business. [50181]
The Solicitor-General: Neither of the Law Officers has been issued with any form of travel card.
Departmental Travel
Maria Eagle: To ask the Attorney-General how much the Law Officers’ Departments have spent on ministerial travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) bus, (d) commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft since May 2010. [50218]
The Attorney-General: Travel by Ministers is undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code.
| Ministerial travel since 1 May 2010 | |
|
|
£ |
Spend is based on all invoices paid to date and not necessarily costs incurred to date.
Human Trafficking: Prostitution
Mr Bone: To ask the Attorney-General what guidance is provided to the Crown Prosecution Service on the prosecution of men who use prostitutes who subsequently report to the police that such people might have been trafficked. [51006]
4 Apr 2011 : Column 586W
The Attorney-General: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) issued guidance to prosecutors in March 2010, before the offence of paying for the sexual services of a prostitute subjected to force, threats or any other form of coercion or deception came into effect on 1 April 2010.
The guidance defines the meaning of each of the elements of the offence. It also provides guidance on charging practice and outlines the reasons for the introduction of the offence, which is to address the demand for prostitution services and reduce all forms of commercial sexual exploitation. The offence is wider than criminalising those who use prostitutes who may have been trafficked, as it also includes those who use all prostitutes who may be exploited, but who have not been trafficked. There is no specific guidance on the prosecution of men who have reported to the police that the prostitute has been trafficked.
Public Order
Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Attorney-General if he will direct the Crown Prosecution Service to apply for remand in custody in the case of those charged with public order offences following the disturbances in central London on 26 March 2011. [50142]
The Attorney-General: The decision whether to apply for a remand in custody, in the case of those charged with public order offences following the disturbances in central London on 26 March 2011, will be taken by the Crown Prosecution Service on a case-by-case basis. Remands in custody will only be sought where grounds under the Bail Act 1976 exist to support such an action.
Home Department
Antisocial Behaviour Orders
Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders were (a) granted and (b) breached in the criminal justice area covering Poole in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [50520]
James Brokenshire: Poole is in the Dorset Criminal Justice System (CJS) area, and 2009 is the latest year for which figures on antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) are available. In that year, 16 ASBOs were issued in the Dorset CJS area and 10 ASBOs issued in Dorset were proved in court to have been breached for the first time.
An ASBO can be issued in one CJS area and breached in another. ASBOs may also be breached more than once, and in more than one year. As a result, while the latter figure represents instances when an ASBO was breached for the first time in 2009, some of these may be breaches of ASBOs issued in previous years.
Cannabis
Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what health risks associated to the use of skunk cannabis her Department has identified; and if she will make a statement. [50030]
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James Brokenshire: The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), the Government's independent expert drug advisers, has assessed the evidence on the health harms of cannabis, including the risks to young people.
In its latest report, “Cannabis: Classification and Public Health (2008)”, the ACMD found that cannabis has a number of acute and chronic health effects and that prolonged use can induce dependence.
It also found a probable but weak causal link between psychotic illness, such as schizophrenia, and cannabis use. It further stated that whether this would become stronger with the wider use of higher potency cannabis (sinsemilla—sometimes referred to as “skunk”) was uncertain. There has been no decisive new research since the 2008 ACMD report.
The ACMD publishes its reports on the Home Office website available via the following link:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/acmd/
Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average THC content of seized skunk cannabis was in the latest period for which figures are available; what the average THC content of cannabis seizures was (a) five, (b) 10 and (c) 20 years ago; and if she will make a statement. [50071]
James Brokenshire: The latest data from the Forensic Science Service Ltd (FSS) show that the average tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of mature flowering tops from plants, otherwise known as sinsemilla, seized and submitted to the FSS from the 1 January 2008 to the present day was 14.0%. By comparison, during the same period, the average THC content of traditional imported cannabis and cannabis resin was 12.5% and 5.5% respectively.
Information on average THC levels of cannabis available in the UK prior to 2008 is available in the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs 2008 report “Cannabis: Classification and Public Health”, which can be found on the Home Office website via the following link:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/acmd/reports-research/
This summarises data available at that time, including FSS data from 1995 to 2007 and data from the Home Office's Cannabis Potency Study 2008, published by the Home Office Scientific Development Branch. Information on average THC levels of cannabis prior to 1995 is not available.
Crimes of Violence
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information her Department holds on the number of persons convicted of offences of (a) murder of and (b) actual bodily harm against a woman in England and Wales in each year since 1998 who had previously stalked or harassed the victim. [49856]
James Brokenshire: The requested data relating to actual bodily harm convictions are not collected by either the Ministry of Justice or Home Office.
Available data relate to offences recorded as homicide by police forces in England and Wales between 2007-08
4 Apr 2011 : Column 588W
and 2009-10, and have been extracted from the Home Office’s Homicide Index. The following table shows the number of female homicide victims, where court proceedings have resulted in at least one person being convicted of murder and the victim had previously been harassed or stalked by one (or more) of the suspects. Data on whether homicide victims had previously been, harassed or stalked have only been collected since April 2007.
| Offences (1) currently recorded by the police as homicide of a female resulting in murder conviction where victim was previously stalked/harassed: England and Wales, 2007-08 to 2009-10 (2) | |
| Year (2) | Number |
| (1) As at 28 September 2010; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. (2) Offences are shown according to the year in which they were initially recorded as homicide. This is not necessarily the year in which the incident took place or the year in which any court decision was made. | |
The data 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 the years presented given the time it can take to bring suspects to trial. It should also be noted that the data do not relate to the number of suspects convicted, and that the victim may not necessarily have been harassed or stalked by the person convicted of murder.
Criminal Records Bureau: Poole
Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many residents of Poole constituency were subject to more than one Criminal Records Bureau check in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [50521]
Lynne Featherstone: The information is not available in the absence of the particular constituency post codes. The Criminal Records Bureau can provide the information requested if you write to the chief executive with the constituency postcodes that apply.
DNA: Databases
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many successful matches there have been between DNA profiles taken and crime scenes and DNA profiles stored on the National DNA Database in each of the last five years. [50012]
James Brokenshire: The table shows the number of matches on the National DNA Database (NDNAD) where one or more DNA subject sample profiles were matched with a DNA crime scene profile for each of the last five years. The figures do not include matches as a result of one-off speculative searches of the NDNAD or from comparing DNA profiles in a forensic laboratory. One-off speculative searches and DNA profile comparisons are used mainly in the investigation of serious crimes such as murder and rape.
The match figures provided are for all UK police forces.
4 Apr 2011 : Column 589W
The data provided are management information and have not been formally assessed for compliance with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.
| Table 1: Number of NDNAD matches where one or more DNA subject profiles matched with a DNA crime scene in each year from 2005-06 to 2009-10 | |
|
|
Number of NDNAD matches |
| Note: The figures do not include matches as a result of one-off speculative searches of the NDNAD or from comparing DNA profiles in a forensic laboratory. | |
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many searches of the National DNA Database there have been in each of the last five years. [50013]
James Brokenshire: Each new subject or crime scene sample profile loaded to the national DNA database (NDNAD) is routinely searched against all other subject and crime scene sample profiles on the database.
In addition, speculative searches of crime scene profiles against the NDNAD are carried out as a specialist service without loading the crime scene profile to the NDNAD. There are two types of speculative searches: premium and standard.
The following table shows the number of routine searches on the loading of a subject profile, crime scene profiles and premium and standard speculative searches on the NDNAD for each of the last five years. The figures provided are for all UK forces.
The data provided are management information and have not been formally assessed for compliance with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.
| Number of searches of the NDNAD by type in each year from 2005-06 to 2009-10 | ||||
|
|
Crime scene profiles loaded and searched | Subject profiles loaded and searched | Premium speculative searches | Standard speculative searches |
| (1) Data are only available from December 2005 to March 2006. | ||||
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the running cost of the National DNA Database was in each of the last five years. [50014]
James Brokenshire: The costs of operating the National DNA Database (NDNAD) in the last five years are shown in the following table. It is not possible to break these figures down into capital and running costs. The costs shown in successive years are not comparable because of changes in the roles of the Forensic Science Service, Home Office and the National Police Improvement Agency (NPIA) over the period.
4 Apr 2011 : Column 590W
| Table 1: Operating costs of the NDNAD in each year from 2005-06 to 2009-10 | |||
| £ | |||
|
|
|
Costs | Total |
| (1) Indicates a brace. | |||
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions the National DNA Database was inaccessible owing to system error in each of the last five years. [50017]
James Brokenshire: The following table shows the number of occasions in the last four years on which the national DNA database was inaccessible, other than as part of planned maintenance. These occasions may have resulted either from system error or from any other event which resulted in the entire system being unavailable. Information is not available for the period before 2007. On these occasions, no significant degradation in service to the police was experienced and no police investigation was compromised.
| Number of occasions when the NDNAD was inaccessible in each year from 2007-08 to 2010-11 | |
|
|
Number |
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans she has for the DNA samples and exhibits on the National DNA Database following the winding-down of the Forensic Science Service. [50104]
James Brokenshire: The Forensic Science Service (FSS) and other forensic science providers derive DNA profiles from biological samples taken by the police and submit them to the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) for loading onto the National DNA Database (NDNAD). It is the profiles on the NDNAD that are the primary focus of the provisions of the Protection of Freedoms Bill. Consideration is currently being given to the destruction of profiling records held by all forensic suppliers. The NPIA is already working on proposals for the implementation of the Bill should it be given Royal Assent in early 2012.
Domestic Violence
Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much she has allocated for assistance to victims of domestic violence in each financial year from 2011-12 to 2014-15. [47726]
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Lynne Featherstone: For the next four years the Home Office has committed over £28 million of funding for specialist services to tackle violence against women and girls.
For domestic violence this includes funding:
Towards the national helplines including the National Domestic Violence helpline, the Men's Advice Line and Broken Rainbow
To support Independent Domestic Violence Advisers and Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARACs) nationally
To invest in the training and quality assurance process for MARACs and IDVAs
To contribute to the running of the joint Home Office/Foreign and Commonwealth Office Forced Marriage Unit.
Drugs
Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her policy is on implementation of the recommendations of the Third Report of the Home Affairs Committee, Session 2001-02, on “The Government's drug policy: is it working?” HC 318; and if she will make a statement. [50687]
James Brokenshire: The Government's policy on drugs has been clearly articulated in the new Drug Strategy which was published in December 2010.
Fraud: Elections
Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were arrested on suspicion of having committed electoral offences in England and Wales in each year since 2005. [50425]
Nick Herbert: The information requested is not collected centrally.
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 information requested on arrests for the specific offence mentioned cannot be separately identified from the arrests collection.
Homicide
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many murders there have been for which there has been no conviction in each of the last 30 years. [49496]
James Brokenshire: Available data are collected by the Home Office from police forces in England and Wales, and have been extracted from the Homicide Index. The following table shows the number of offences recorded as homicide—murder, manslaughter, infanticide —between 1980 and 2009-10 for which no one has been convicted. It is not possible to separately identify those offences recorded as murder.
Data 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 2008-09 and 2009-10 given the time it can take to bring suspects to trial.
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The data include cases for which: the principal suspect committed suicide or died before proceedings could be initiated or before proceedings could be concluded; the suspect was found to be insane; all suspects were acquitted and police investigations are continuing; and, no suspects have been charged.
| Offences (1) currently recorded by the police as homicide (2) not resulting in conviction (3) : England and Wales, 1980 to 2009-10 (4) | |||
|
|
Total offences | Offences with no conviction (3) | Proportion (%) |
| (1) As at 28 September 2010; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. (2) Offences recorded as murder, manslaughter or infanticide. (3) includes cases with outcome of: court proceedings pending; suspect found by court to be insane, suspect died/committed suicide before proceedings were initiated or could be concluded; all suspects acquitted; no suspects charged. (4) Offences are shown according to the year in which they were initially recorded as homicide. This is not necessarily the year in which the incident took place or the year in which any court decision was made. (5) Includes 172 victims of Dr Harold Shipman. | |||
Metropolitan Police Authority: Finance
Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effect of changes to funding allocation to the Metropolitan Police Authority budget on (a) police numbers and (b) Safer Neighbourhood teams in the London borough of Southwark. [47304]
Nick Herbert [holding answer 21 March 2011]: The vast majority of funding that the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) receives from central Government is allocated using the Police Allocation Formula (PAF), which allocates funding based on the relative need of forces. It is only right that decisions about how these resources are used are made locally and so no central Government assessment has been undertaken.
4 Apr 2011 : Column 593W
However, on 10 February the Mayor of London announced in his budget statement that he was proposing to increase funding for the Met by £42 million and that this additional funding would be used to recruit police officers and protect Safer Neighbourhood teams.
Police: Forensic Science
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information she holds on the level of spending by each police force on providing their own forensic science support in each of the last three years; and what estimate she has made of levels of such expenditure in 2011-12. [50146]
James Brokenshire: Data collected by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) in its Police Objective Analysis (POA) suggest that total spend on investigative support (excluding external forensics) by 43 forces was approximately £250 million in 2009-10. This figure is estimated to be closer to £260 million for 2010-11 but actuals are not yet available. POAs were first collated in 2009-10 so comparable information is not available prior to this; nor is 2011-12 estimated data available.
Investigative support includes scenes of crime officers, fingerprint and DNA bureaus, photography/image recovery and any other forensics services.
Police: Olympic Games 2012
Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effect of potential changes to police numbers over the next two years on arrangements for policing the London 2012 Olympics. [49527]
Nick Herbert: By improving efficiency, driving out waste, and increasing productivity, the service can make the savings required while protecting its frontline policing capacity, including in relation to the London 2012 Olympics.
The Government will make up to £600 million available, if required, for additional policing and wider security for London 2012. At this stage, with 16 months before the Games begin, we estimate that it should be possible to deliver the core cross-Government safety and security programme for about £475 million. We will continue to keep security planning and policing for the Games under review, but we are satisfied that sufficient funding has been made available to deliver the security programme in full.
Remand in Custody
Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people charged in connection with disturbances in central London on 26 March 2011 have been remanded in custody. [50141]
Nick Herbert: The Home Office does not hold this information. As of 30 March, 149 individuals have been charged with offences resulting from the disorder on 26 March.
4 Apr 2011 : Column 594W
Work and Pensions
Children: Poverty
Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on what dates he consulted the Child Poverty Commission in accordance with the Child Poverty Act 2010 in advance of proposals to publish a Child Poverty Strategy; and if he will make a statement. [50108]
Maria Miller: We have not yet established the Child Poverty Commission.
We believe the Commission must have a remit which will allow it to hold Government to account and drive progress towards reducing child poverty. We cannot justify establishing an independent commission which does not perform these functions effectively. This is why we have chosen to consult with our stakeholders and to carefully consider how the Commission should be taken forward, rather than rushing to set it up.
Meeting the requirements of the Child Poverty Act 2010 would have meant that a Child Poverty Commission was established for a very short time before replacing it with a new Commission that reflected a different approach from that provided for in the previous legislation. This would have utilised resources and effort that we think can be more properly and efficiently employed in establishing the new and more effective Commission.
Our plans for establishing a Commission will be set out in the Child Poverty Strategy, to be published shortly.