Transport: EU Action
Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of his response to the European Commission on the EU White Paper on Transport. [58018]
Mrs Villiers: The European Commission has not requested a response on the EU Transport White Paper. There will be a debate on the White Paper at the June Transport Council. I will report on the outcome of that Council to Parliament.
Transport: Finance
John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 22 November 2010, Official Report, column 32W, on transport: finance, when he intends to publish up-to-date business case information for Highways Agency major schemes; and if he will make a statement. [57885]
Mike Penning: Following the Secretary of State for Transport’s announcement in October 2010 and his commitment to publish the business case for each scheme, the business cases for each individual scheme were published on 30 December 2010 and are available to view on the Highways Agency website. The Department for Transport’s website has also published guidance to help the public understand the business cases and how they were used to make ministerial decisions.
Defence
Armed Forces: Dogs and Horses
Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average daily feed cost for (a) dogs and (b) horses in the service of the armed forces was in the most recent period for which figures are available. [57874]
Mr Robathan: The information is not held in the format requested.
Chinook Helicopters
Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of procuring the new Chinook helicopters referred to in the strategic defence and security review. [57492]
Peter Luff
[holding answer 7 June 2011]:The Ministry of Defence is currently in discussion with Boeing in preparation for the main investment decision point for the 12 new and two replacement Chinooks announced
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as part of the strategic defence and security review. The cost to the public purse will not be confirmed until the contract is signed. We will announce any significant procurement decisions to Parliament in the usual way.
Departmental Land
Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects a decision to be made on the future of his Department's base at Bordon. [57298]
Nick Harvey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 May 2011, Official Report, columns 75-76W, to the hon. Member for Vale of Glamorgan (Alun Cairns).
As a current technical training site, Bordon is one of locations under consideration by the Defence technical training change programme. However, I hope to be able to announce the future of the base at Bordon before the summer recess.
Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department expects to spend on the (a) Joint Strike Fighter Autonomic Logistics, (b) Joint Strike Fighter Autonomic Logistics Global Sustainment System, (c) Joint Strike Fighter Autonomic Logistics Information System, (d) Joint Strike Fighter Air Vehicles and (e) Joint Strike Fighter Lightning II Pilot and Maintenance Training Systems. [57711]
Peter Luff: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 May 2011, Official Report, column 392W. The total cost of the component systems of the Joint Strike Fighter will be determined when the main investment decision point is made. Publishing such details at this early stage would undermine the Department’s commercial position.
Libya: Armed Conflict
Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 24 May 2011, Official Report, column 785, on Libya, which countries have provided military advisers to assist the opposition forces. [57931]
Nick Harvey: The United Kingdom has deployed a team of military advisers to mentor the National Transitional Council, improving their ability to protect civilians and civilian populated areas. The French and Italian Governments have both stated publicly that they have deployed military advisers to Libya. The release of information pertaining to deployments by other international partners is a matter for those nations concerned.
Tornado Aircraft
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems his Department (a) plans to install and (b) has installed on the GR4 Tornado; [57876]
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(2) if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of installing the Helmet Mounted Cueing System on the GR4 Tornado. [57877]
Peter Luff: I am withholding information about the fitting of a Helmet Mounted Cueing System (HMCS) to Tornado GR4 aircraft as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces. The cost of the Tornado GR4 HMCS programme is just over £11 million.
Scotland
Crown Relocations
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many contracts his Department holds with Crown Relocations; and what the (a) purpose and (b) monetary value of each such contract is. [58635 ]
David Mundell: The Scotland Office does not hold any contracts with Crown Relocations.
EU Council of Ministers
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any agreement on enabling Scottish Government Ministers to sit on the EU Council of Ministers was reached at the meetings between the UK Government and the First Minister of Scotland on 23 and 24 May 2011. [57901]
Michael Moore: UK Government Ministers held a series of constructive meetings with the First Minister of Scotland on 23 and 24 May, at which a range of matters were discussed. As part of the United Kingdom, Scotland has strong representation at European Council meetings. The UK Government look favourably on all requests from the devolved Administrations to attend and speak at European Council meetings, where devolved matters are to be discussed.
Excise Duties: Alcoholic Drinks
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions his Department has had with (a) HM Treasury and (b) the Scottish Government on the Scottish Government’s request that the Scottish Parliament should control the level of excise duty paid on alcohol in Scotland. [57900]
Michael Moore: I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of matters affecting Scotland. At my meeting with the First Minister for Scotland on 12 May, we discussed a range of matters relating to the Scotland Bill.
Serco
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many contracts his Department holds with Serco; and what the (a) purpose and (b) monetary value of each such contract is. [58653]
David Mundell: The Scotland Office does not hold any contracts with Serco.
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International Development
Overseas Aid
10. Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made of the amount to be spent on overseas aid in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2014-15. [57748]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: UK Official Development Assistance as a proportion of gross national income will be 0.56% in 2011 and 2012. The Government are fully committed to delivering 0.7% of GNI as ODA from 2013 and will enshrine this commitment in law, in line with the coalition agreement.
Fair Trade Procurement
11. Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his Department's policy is on fair trade procurement. [57749]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) encourages the procurement of fairly traded products. For instance all tea and coffee available for sale to DFID staff in the UK are either Rain Forest Alliance or Fairtrade certified. The provision and promotion of ethical produce forms part of the specification for our catering services.
Aid Workers: Misrata
12. Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking to assist aid workers in Misrata. [57750]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: During the two month siege of Misrata by Gaddafi's forces, the UK provided essential support to humanitarian organisations. This included food, medical supplies and personnel. We also supported the evacuation of 5,000 people stranded at the port.
Climate Change
Mrs Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to mitigate the effects of climate change in developing countries. [57743]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) will support those exposed to extreme weather events—floods, droughts and famines—to prepare and protect themselves. We will also support developing countries to invest in low carbon growth while reducing poverty
EU Aid
Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of British overseas aid was channelled through EU institutions in the last year for which figures are available. [58238]
Mr O'Brien: In 2009-10 financial year, 18% of UK spend on development was channelled through European Union institutions; this amounted to £1.42 billion.
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Libya: International Assistance
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions he has had with the UN Secretary-General on post-conflict resolution planning and delivery of humanitarian aid to Libya; and if he will make a statement. [57968]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: I met the UN Secretary-General at the end of March at the London Libya Conference. I welcomed his leadership on the co-ordination of humanitarian assistance and supported his role in post-conflict planning to bring stability to Libya once a political settlement is in place.
The UK recognises that there are immediate stabilisation needs that must be addressed in the interim. We have therefore deployed a stabilisation response team to conduct an assessment of interim needs and help underpin the international stabilisation effort in Libya.
We will continue to work closely with the United Nations, including through the Secretary-General's special adviser on post-conflict planning in Libya and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator, and their teams. The UK is supporting the UN-led international effort to deliver immediate humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict, and to work towards a better future for the Libyan people.
Deputy Prime Minister
British Constitution: Wales
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he received a request from (a) members of the Welsh Government or (b) the Secretary of State for Wales between 6 May and 20 May 2011 to meet to discuss constitutional issues. [57464]
The Deputy Prime Minister: I meet the Secretary of State regularly to discuss Government business including constitutional issues. I am due to meet the First Minister at the Joint Ministerial Committee meeting on 8 June and at the British Irish Council summit in London on 20 June.
Diamond Jubilee 2012: Urban Areas
Rehman Chishti: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) how many panel members will determine the outcome of the Diamond Jubilee City Status competition; [57870]
(2) what process he plans to follow to assess entries in the Diamond Jubilee City Status competition. [57871]
Mr Harper:
As was made clear in the publicity material which accompanied the launch of the competition, responsibility for advising Her Majesty on civic honours and other royal matters rests with the Deputy Prime Minister and Lord President of the Council, assisted by the Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform. The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media
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and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), is responsible for co-ordinating the Government's involvement in the diamond jubilee. Other Ministers who will be involved as appropriate include the Secretary of State for Scotland, the right hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (Michael Moore), the Secretary of State for Wales, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Shropshire (Mr Paterson) and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles).
The contents of the applications received will be assessed 'in the round' and on their individual merits. As a royal prerogative matter relating to honours the process will remain confidential, as will Ministers' conclusions until the results are announced. The Queen's decision, made on ministerial advice, will be final and no reasons will be given for applicants' success or failure in the competitions. Local authorities will be sent brief comments on their entries when the decisions are announced.
Cabinet Office
Big Society Bank
Chris Leslie: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate his Department has made of the financial return on investment that banks lending on commercial terms through the big society bank will receive. [58233]
Mr Hurd: Four UK banks have agreed to invest £200 million into the big society bank subject to its business plan and on a commercial basis.
Now that the outline proposal for the BSB has been agreed by Government, negotiations are under way on the terms of the investment. The banks are committed to investing in a way that is compatible with the big society bank's mission is to help grow a sustainable social investment market and achieve returns against a double bottom line of social and financial impact. The exact terms of this investment have yet to be finalised.
Charitable Donations: Schools
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office with reference to the White Paper on giving, what assessment he has made of the role of the Speakers for Schools programme to play in the promotion of the policies outlined in the White Paper; and if he will make a statement. [58351]
Mr Hurd: The aim of ‘Speakers for Schools’ is to encourage inspirational, high-profile figures from a range of backgrounds to speak for free in state schools—giving them access to the sorts of networks which private schools have. In recognition that Government can do much to lead the way in this agenda, both in terms of demonstrating commitment to giving their time and by inspiring others to do the same, all members of the Cabinet have signed up to the scheme, which is non-political, and already has significant cross-party support.
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House of Commons Commission
Theft
Keith Vaz: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many thefts from the parliamentary estate have been reported in each month from May 2010 to May 2011. [57934]
John Thurso: The following table indicates the number of reported incidents involving theft on the parliamentary estate between May 2010 and May 2011:
| Number of reported thefts | |
Keith Vaz: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many cases of theft from the parliamentary estate were reported in each year since 2006; and what items were reported stolen. [57935]
John Thurso: The following table details the number of thefts reported and detail of items stolen by year. It should be noted that multiple items may have been stolen in one incident of reported theft.
| Total number of thefts reported | Detail of item reported stolen | |
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Home Department
Foreign Travel Orders
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many foreign travel orders issued to prevent a registered sex offender from travelling abroad have been issued in the last three years. [57697]
Lynne Featherstone: The number of foreign travel orders that have been issued by the police to registered sex offenders can be found in the 2009-10 Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) Annual Report which was published on 27 October 2010. The figures run from 2005-06 to 2009-10 as of 31 March 2010.
http://www.parliament.uk/deposits/depositedpapers/2011/DEP2011-0045.pdf
Human Trafficking
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people referred to the National Referral Mechanism for victims of trafficking are being accommodated in the prison estate. [57696]
Damian Green: There are currently nine people in the prison estate whose case is in the process of being considered within the National Referral Mechanism.
Crown Prosecution Service prosecutors must consider a range of circumstances to conclude whether the public interest is best served in continuing the prosecution of defendants charged with offences who might be trafficked victims. Where the potential victim of trafficking raises trafficking for the first time when in prison, it is open to their legal representative to make an application to the courts for leave to appeal conviction and sentence.
Human Trafficking: EU Law
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when her Department plans to transpose into UK law the provisions of the EU directive on human trafficking. [57698]
Damian Green: The Government will shortly be applying to the European Commission to formally opt in to the EU directive on human trafficking. If our application is accepted, we will consider the necessary legislative requirements thereafter, subject to the parliamentary timetable.
Members: Correspondence
Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when she plans to respond to the letter of 4 April 2011 from the hon. Member for Walsall North about a constituent, reference M7095/11; [53790]
(2) with reference to the interim reply of 3 May 2011, reference M7095/11, when she plans to provide a substantive response to the letter of 4 April 2011 from the hon. Member for Walsall North; [55441]
(3) pursuant to the holding replies of 3 May 2011 to question 53790 and 13 May 2011 to question 55441 on ministerial correspondence, when she plans to provide a substantive response to the letter of 4 April 2011,
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reference M7095/1, from the hon. Member for Walsall North; what the reason is for the continued delay of a substantive reply; and what the average time taken for a ministerial response to letters from hon. Members was in the latest period for which figures are available. [57734]
Nick Herbert [holding answers 3 May and 13 May 2011]: I refer the hon. Member to my letter of 31 May 2011. A copy will be placed in the House Library.
Police: Manpower
Clive Efford:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) police officers of each rank and (b) sergeants in charge of safer neighbourhood teams were in post in each (i) police authority area and (ii) London borough command area
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in (A) May 2010 and (B) May 2011; what estimate she has made of the numbers to be in those posts on 1 April 2015; and if she will make a statement. [57985]
Nick Herbert: Data relating to police officer strength by rank and to police officers predominantly employed in the neighbourhood function as at 31 March 2010 in England and Wales are given in Tables A and B respectively. Figures for Metropolitan and London city police officer strength as at 31 March 2010, by basic command unit (which in London relate to boroughs), are provided on Tables C and D respectively. The information on police officer functions and basic command units cannot centrally be broken down by rank.
The Home Office does not collect data on future estimates of police numbers.
Police personnel statistics for 31 March 2011 are expected to be published in July 2011.
| Table A: Police officer strength as at 31 March 2010, in England and Wales, by police force area and rank, England and Wales | ||||||||
| Full-time equivalents (1) | ||||||||
| Police force | ACPO rank | Chief Superintendent | Superintendent | Chief Inspector | Inspector | Sergeant | Constable | Total ranks |
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| (1) This table contain full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded to the nearest whole number. Because of rounding, there may be an apparent discrepancy between totals and the sums of the constituent items | ||||||||
| Table B: Police officers predominantly employed in neighbourhood (1, 2) functions (FTE) (3, 4) in England and Wales as at 31 March 2010 | |
| Number of police officers | |
| (1 )Staff with multiple responsibilities (or designations) are recorded under their primary role or function. The deployment of police officers is an operational matter for individual chief constables. (2 )In 2008-09 ‘Foot/Car/Beat/Patrol’ was replaced by ‘Neighbourhoods’ and ‘Response’. (3 )This table contains full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded to the nearest whole number. (4 )Available information on functions cannot be centrally broken down by rank. (5 )Data not available centrally. | |
| Table C: Police officer strength (1, 2) Metropolitan police force area, by Basic Command Unit, 31 March 2010 (1) | |
| Number of officers | |
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| (1) These figures are based on full-time equivalents that have been rounded to the nearest whole number, due to rounding there may be an apparent discrepancy between totals and the sums of constituent items. Figures include those officers on career breaks. (2) Available information on Basic Command Units cannot be centrally broken down by rank. | |
| Table D: Police officer strength (1, 2) , City of London police force area, by Basic Command Unit, 31 March 20101 | |
| Number of officers | |
Police: Termination of Employment
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 23 May 2011, Official Report, column 422W, on police: termination of employment, what regulation required police forces to issue leavers with a certificate showing (a) final rank and (b) the period of service in that force and in any other force prior to the enactment of Regulation 17 of the Police Regulations 2003. [57910]
Nick Herbert: The equivalent provision that was in effect immediately before the commencement of Regulation 17 of the Police Regulations 2003 was Regulation 19 of the Police Regulations 1995, which came into force on 8 March 1995 and was revoked by the 2003 Regulations with effect from 1 April 2003.
Public Houses: Crime
Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions police officers attended incidents at (a) pubs, (b) night clubs and (c) non-profit making private members' clubs in the last year for which figures are available. [57894]
Nick Herbert: The requested information is not collected centrally.
Road Traffic Offences: Fixed Penalties
Damian Collins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many graduated fixed penalty notices for foreign vehicles have been issued by the Central Roads Policing Department in (a) Kent and (b) Shepway district in the last 12 months. [58213]
Nick Herbert: The requested data are not collected centrally. While data on fixed penalty notices are collected and published in chapter 3 of the annual Home Office Statistical Bulletin “Police Powers and Procedures”, data that identify foreign vehicles are not part of that collection.
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Energy and Climate Change
Fossil Fuels
James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Wimbledon of 8 March 2010, Official Report, column 10W, on fossil fuels, what proportion of UK energy demand has been met from fossil fuel sources in each year since 2008. [58539]
Charles Hendry: The volume and proportion of UK energy demand met from fossil fuel sources since 2008 is shown in the following table.
| Million tonnes of oil equivalent | ||||||
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | ||||
| Volume | Proportion (percentage) | Volume | Proportion (percentage) | Volume | Proportion (percentage) | |
Figures for 2008 were revised in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics 2010 and therefore differ from those provided in the answer given on 8 March 2010, Official Report, column 10W.
Natural Gas: Exploration
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent advice he has received on the effect of hydraulic fracturing in the production of shale gas on levels of water pollution. [58321]
Charles Hendry: The UK has a long history of onshore gas exploration, the technology—including hydraulic fracturing—is understood and there is a strong regulatory safety and environmental regime in place administered by the Health and Safety Executive, local authorities and the respective environmental agencies to ensure that potential risks to safety or the environment are properly managed.
In relation to the current shale gas drilling operations I understand that the Environment Agency does not consider that these pose a risk to the environment—including to water resources.
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will review the implications of recent seismic tremors near Blackpool for his policy on onshore drilling for unconventional gas. [58306]
Charles Hendry:
Following the recent seismic tremors, the Department had discussions with the operator, Cuadrilla, and agreed that a pause in operations is appropriate so that a better understanding can be gained of the cause of the seismic events experienced in Poulton-le-Fylde. A geomechanical study is being undertaken, along with further work by the British Geological Survey
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and Keele university. The implications of this information will be reviewed before any resumption of hydraulic fracture operations is approved.
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 5 April 2011, Official Report, column 885W, on natural gas: exploration, if he will meet (a) the Health and Safety Executive and (b) the environment agencies to discuss the implications for unconventional gas extraction of recent seismic tremors reported near Blackpool. [58307]
Charles Hendry: The Department is involved in a continuous dialogue with the HSE and environment agencies in relation to unconventional gas extraction in the UK. A geomechanical study is being undertaken to look at the recent seismic tremors near Blackpool. The results of the study will be considered by the Department in consultation with the HSE and environment agencies.
Offshore Industry
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) what representations he has received from oil and gas companies on levels of production in the UK Continental Shelf in each of the next four financial years; [58422]
(2) what evidence he has received from oil and gas companies on levels of production in the UK Continental Shelf in each of the next four financial years; [58423]
(3) if he will estimate the level of imports into the United Kingdom of (a) oil and (b) gas in each of the next four financial years. [58425]
Charles Hendry: The Department regularly receives detailed field-by-field data on current and forecast production from the current operators of each field. Based on the data received, twice a year the Department produces and publishes projections of oil and gas production by calendar year; estimates are not made for financial years. Tables and charts showing the Department's latest projections are at:
https://www.og.decc.gov.uk/information/bb_updates/chapters/Section4_17.htm
The table at the end of the note includes estimates of net oil and gas imports each year.
Offshore Industry: Taxation
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether discussions at (a) ministerial and (b) official level were held between his Department and the Treasury prior to the announcement of changes to the oil and gas tax regime in the 2011 Budget. [58828]
Charles Hendry: The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, my right hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Chris Huhne), and I have regular discussions with Treasury colleagues on a range of issues, and officials have regular contacts with their opposite numbers.
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Ofgem
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 19 May 2011, Official Report, columns 26-28WS, on the Ofgem review: summary of conclusions, what consideration he has given to the merits of setting energy efficiency as a strategic goal to which Ofgem should contribute. [58376]
Charles Hendry: The content of the new Strategy and Policy Statement, including the policy outcomes that Ofgem should contribute to, will be considered as part of a formal drafting process. This will include consultation with all interested parties.
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 19 May 2011, Official Report, columns 26-28WS, on the Ofgem Review: summary of conclusions, what timetable he has set for the development of his strategic policy framework for the energy sector. [58617]
Charles Hendry: The new strategy and policy statement will require primary legislation before it can come into force. We will therefore introduce it as soon as parliamentary time allows.
Health
Care Quality Commission
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average caseload was of compliance inspectors in the Care Quality Commission as at 1 April (a) 2010 and (b) 2011. [58077]
Mr Simon Burns: The following information has been provided by the Care Quality Commission:
The average caseload was around 50 locations per compliance inspector as at 1 April 2010.
The average caseload was 62 locations per compliance inspector as at 1 April 2011.
Note:
Figures based on filled posts which is an interim position pending recruitment.
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the (a) highest and (b) lowest caseload was of a compliance inspector in the Care Quality Commission as at 1 April 2011. [58078]
Mr Simon Burns: The following information has been provided by the Care Quality Commission:
The highest of the average regional caseloads of compliance inspectors was 70 locations(1) as at 1 April 2011.
The lowest of the average regional caseloads of compliance inspectors was 56 locations(1) as at l April 2011.
Regional case loads expressed are averages. On 1 April London had an average caseload of 70 locations per inspector, which was the highest. The lowest average caseload for a region was 56 in the east midlands.
(1) Figures based on filled posts which is an interim position pending recruitment.
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John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GP practices the Care Quality Commission will be responsible for regulation of from 2012; and what estimate the Care Quality Commission has made of the number of additional registration assessors and compliance inspectors that will be required to deal with any new work. [58080]
Mr Simon Burns: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) estimates that approximately 8,500 general practitioner practices will be required to register with the Commission.
In terms of delivering its regulatory functions, the CQC is an independent body and it is therefore for the CQC to determine the staffing complement it requires in order to carry out its functions efficiently and effectively.
The following information has been provided by the CQC:
The CQC is currently reviewing its core processes with a view to refining its methods, guidance and processes in the light of experience and lessons learned from 1 April 2010 to date. The CQC therefore anticipates that some of the ways in which it regulates in respect of methods and guidance will change following completion of this review. It is not possible to estimate numbers of registration assessors and compliance inspectors that will be needed in the future until completion of this review.
The CQC's priority remains that, where it has evidence of a risk to quality and safety, it will deploy resources to react swiftly and take appropriate action.
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many days training on the new regulation methodology Care Quality Commission assessors and inspectors have received on average; and what evaluation the Care Quality Commission has made of the quality of such training. [58081]
Mr Simon Burns: The following information has been provided by the Care Quality Commission (CQC):
From April 2010 to date, compliance inspectors received an average of 22 days training. Registration assessors received an average of 17 days.
Managers have pre-training discussions with their staff to agree training objectives. Following training, the CQC's Learning and Development team receives feedback from trainers, staff and managers on the content, relevance and presentation of training.
Following training, staff take learning back into the work place as practical application. Changes and improvements to practice are monitored through performance and development review, and staff 1:1 processes. Additional support for the practical application of training is provided through peer group discussions about best practice and application and a local buddy system. Work is nationally and locally quality checked against standards.
The CQC has made improvements to the process for obtaining feedback on training through performance and development review discussions, and to identify the training gaps that exist.
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what professional support he expects the Care Quality Commission inspectors to receive from (a) dental and (b) medical advisors to assist them in inspecting dental and GP services. [58083]
Mr Simon Burns:
In terms of delivering its regulatory functions, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an independent body and it is therefore responsible for
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determining what professional support and input are required in order to undertake its functions efficiently and effectively.
The following information has been provided by the CQC:
The CQC has access to a team of national professional advisers and policy experts who work across a range of types of health and social care services. This team includes a variety of clinical and social care professionals and those with policy expertise in a variety of areas. National professional advisors include a general practitioner (GP), a surgeon, a nurse (who also covers midwifery), a radiologist, a dentist, and a social care professional.
The dental practitioner acts as an adviser for the development of training and is available for post-training advice and support.
The GP is currently involved in the planning and development of training for sector overview, registration and monitoring of compliance. Further GP involvement regarding post-training advice and support has not been determined as yet.
National professional advisers support compliance inspectors and are often involved in the planning for site visits. They also play an important role in the CQC assurance processes, including the monthly outliers panel and the Safeguarding Committee.
In the event that the CQC does not have the relevant expertise, the national professional advisors will seek to identify an external expert through contacts such as the relevant Royal Colleges.
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many site inspections the Care Quality Commission carried out in each quarter of the year to 1 April 2011; and what estimate the Care Quality Commission has made of the number of site inspections it will carry out in each quarter of 2011-12. [58084]
Mr Simon Burns: The following information has been provided by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The following table shows the number of site visits completed by the CQC in each quarter of the financial year April 2010 to March 2011. The CQC brought forward a number of inspections into quarter 1 in order to have accurate information for the registration of services under the Health and Social Care Act 2008. Site visits undertaken on a risk basis to check declarations made during the registration process may not be captured in the table.
| Period | Number of site visits |
The CQC’s methodology does not prescribe a set frequency for visits. In line with the principles of risk-based regulation, the CQC carries out visits in line with its judgment of risk when these are the most effective way of gathering information about compliance. This means the CQC targets its resources on providers where the risk is highest, while reducing the regulatory burden on providers where the risk is low.
Across its regulatory scope, the CQC has capacity to undertake 15,000 to 20,000 responsive reviews over a one-year period, the vast majority of which it anticipates to include a site visit. This does not reflect the full extent of its site visit regime.
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Site visits will therefore take place wherever necessary and it is not possible to predict the number which will take place in each quarter of the year 2011 to 2012.
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will assess the potential effects on (a) patients and (b) service users and (c) the public of the Care Quality Commission's plans to reduce the number of planned reviews it carries out. [58085]
Mr Simon Burns: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is responsible for delivering its regulatory functions and determining what reviews it needs to undertake for the purposes of carrying out these functions.
The following information has been provided by the CQC.
The CQC undertook 1,411 compliance reviews (956 planned and 455 responsive) between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011. The CQC has not announced plans to reduce the number of planned reviews.
Implementation of the new registration system has resulted in lower levels of reviews for a period as resources have been concentrated on bringing providers (particularly national health service and primary dental care providers) into the new regulatory framework.
The CQC expects general practitioner registration to have an impact on the number of reviews undertaken but anticipates having a clearer picture by the end of the current operating year (ending 31 March 2012) of the level at which reviews will settle.
The CQC's priority remains that where it has evidence of a risk compromising quality and safety, it will deploy resources to react swiftly and take appropriate action.
Health and Social Care Bill
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will visit Brighton Pavilion constituency to hear the views of members of the public on the Health and Social Care Bill at a public meeting. [57476]
Mr Simon Burns: In April 2011, the Government announced that they would take advantage of a natural break in the legislative process to ‘pause, listen, and reflect’on people's concerns with a view to bringing forward improvements to the Health and Social Care Bill.
As part of the listening exercise the health ministerial team along with members of the NHS Future Forum, have visited every region in the country to listen to views of the public, staff and patients. Members of the public have also been able to have their say via the NHS modernisation website:
http://healthandcare.dh.gov.uk/
We do not have any immediate plans to visit the Brighton area to discuss the Health and Social Care Bill in the coming weeks.
Sexual Assault
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many sexual assault referral centres there are in (a) England and (b) North Yorkshire. [58070]
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Anne Milton: There are 31 sexual assault referral centres in England. Three more are planned to open this year. A further nine are under development in a number of police force areas, including one in North Yorkshire.
Air Ambulance Services
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on support for air ambulance services. [58125]
Mr Simon Burns: The Department recognises that air ambulances play an important role in delivering emergency care, especially in rural areas and where road access is a problem. The air ambulances that operate across the country provide an effective means of ensuring better and faster access to hospitals and of supporting transfers between hospitals.
However, the Department works on the basis that NHS services are best provided and managed by commissioners and providers locally, working closely with their clinicians and key partners, with central Government intervening only when there is a clear need for national action. We believe that the local national health service is in the best position to make decisions about pre-hospital care in each area, including the use and funding of air ambulances.
Community Hospitals: Eltham
Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects the contract to build a new community hospital in Eltham to be let for tender; and if he will make a statement; [57854]
(2) what date he has set for the opening of a new community hospital in Eltham; and if he will make a statement; [57855]
(3) if he will assess the effects of staffing reductions at Greenwich Teaching Primary Care Trust on the ability of the Trust to (a) plan, monitor and develop health services in the borough and (b) progress development of a new community hospital in Eltham; and if he will make a statement. [57856]
Mr Simon Burns: It is for the local national health service to plan and provide services to meet the health needs of its local population. NHS London advises my officials that Greenwich Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) is currently working with its construction partner the Bromley, Bexley and Greenwich construction company to prepare a Stage 1 Outline Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) business case for approval both by the Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Committee and joint PCT boards in July 2011. I understand that the local NHS will be keeping the hon. Member informed of progress and is happy to answer any questions he has regarding this project.
Dental Health: Children
Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in improving children's dental health in (a) England and (b) Northamptonshire since May 2010. [58239]
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Mr Simon Burns: We are committed to introducing a new dental contract based on capitation, registration and quality, with the aim of improving oral health, especially that of children. Dental contract pilots, which will test aspects of the new contract, are about to become operational. In addition, to reinforce the benefits of the contractual changes, we are exploring how general dental practices can develop closer links to primary schools, and we have included rates of dental decay among five year old children in “Healthy Lives, Healthy People: proposals for a public health outcomes framework”. Dental practices in Northamptonshire, where there is already support on oral health promotion for children and young adults, will be well placed to take advantage of these changes.
Diabetic Specialist Nurses
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the effect on the number of diabetic specialist nurses under his proposed reforms to the NHS; [57987]
(2) how many diabetic specialist nurses were employed by the NHS in the latest period for which figures are available. [57988]
Mr Simon Burns: The current number of diabetic specialist nurses employed by the national health service is not collected centrally.
It is for local NHS organisations, with their knowledge of the health needs of their local population to train and recruit the staff needed to best meet these needs.
We do hold information on the number of qualified nursing, midwifery and health—visiting staff employed by the NHS, which is available from the NHS Information Centre for Health and Social Care annual workforce census, however the speciality requested is not collected separately.
The Centre for Workforce Intelligence has been commissioned by the Department to undertake a review of non-medical speciality training later this year. This will look at demand and supply modelling at a national level for each non-medical speciality.
On the 6 April, the Prime Minister launched the NHS Listening Exercise, one of the focuses of which was education and training. This is an opportunity to pause, listen, reflect and improve the NHS reforms. The Government will respond to this in due course.
Epilepsy: Research
Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will commission research to examine the reasons for the difference between the rate of the UK and the median rate for the EU-15 in respect of epilepsy mortality. [57397]
Paul Burstow: The Medical Research Council (MRC) is responsible for the funding of medical research in the United Kingdom. Working through its council, scientific boards, and committees, the MRC is independent in its choice of which research to support. Research proposals are stringently peer reviewed by a core of scientific experts and other external expert referees both in the UK and abroad.
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General Practitioners
Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements he plans to put in place to ensure meetings and decisions taken by GP commissioners are open and transparent to the public following the implementations of his NHS reforms. [57921]
Mr Simon Burns: Subject to the passing of the Health and Social Care Bill, and the outcome of the current listening exercise, we propose that the constitution of each commissioning consortium should set out its arrangements for decision-making and managing potential conflicts of interest. General practitioner (GP) consortia would also be required to hold an annual general meeting and this would be open to anyone.
We also propose clear statutory duties on commissioners in relation to procurement and in relation to anti-competitive behaviours. A clear set of underpinning rules and guidance would be developed to apply to GP consortia, so that they have the necessary support to make decisions that are fair and transparent and avoid any perceived conflicts of interest.
Neil Parish: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to address any inequality between urban and rural provision of medical and care services when establishing GP consortia. [58034]
Mr Simon Burns: Subject to the passing of the Health and Social Care Bill and the outcome of the current listening exercise, there will be a duty on the NHS Commissioning Board and commissioning consortia that they must in the exercise of their functions have regard to the need to reduce inequalities between patients in access to health services and in the outcomes achieved from health services.
In addition, the NHS Commissioning Board will take over responsibility for the allocation of resources from the Department. It would be for the Board to decide how best to allocate resources in a way that supports the principle of securing equivalent access to NHS services relative to the prospective burden of disease and disability.
During the transition to the Board, the Secretary of State for Health has asked the Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA), an independent committee comprising general practitioners, academics and NHS managers, to continue to oversee the formulae for the distribution of NHS resources. ACRA's work programme will include consideration of the issue of rurality in light of the move to allocations to commissioning consortia.
General Practitioners: Telephone Services
Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the level of compliance by general practitioners with his Department's guidance on the use of premium line telephone numbers for use by patients; and if he will make a statement. [57920]
Mr Simon Burns:
The Department has made no assessment of the level of compliance of the Directions regarding the use of 084 numbers in the national health
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service. It is the responsibility of primary care trusts to ensure that local practices are compliant with the Directions and guidance.
Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department provides to GPs on the use of 0844 numbers for patients seeking appointments; and if he will make a statement. [58000]
Mr Simon Burns: The Department issued guidance and directions to the national health service on 21 December 2009 which stated NHS bodies and general practitioner practices should not enter into new, renew, or extend, contracts for telephone services unless they can be satisfied that patients will not pay more than they would to make equivalent calls to a geographical number.
It is the responsibility of primary care trusts to ensure that local practices are compliant with the directions and guidance.
HealthWatch: Freedom of Information
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons local HealthWatch bodies are not to be covered by the Freedom of Information Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [58066]
Mr Simon Burns: Subject to the parliamentary process, local HealthWatch organisations will be public-facing bodies and will need to be transparent to its local communities. The Department is considering adding local HealthWatch organisations to the schedule of the Freedom of Information Act.
Hospitals: Consultants
Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to put in place arrangements to ensure NHS consultants are prevented from establishing their own companies as part of his NHS reforms. [57925]
Mr Simon Burns: We have no such plans. National health service consultants are required to adhere to a Code of Conduct for Private Practice, which includes provisions governing the relationship between NHS work and other work.
Injuries: Young People
Ms Gisela Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress he has made in implementing the draft guidance developed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on strategies to prevent unintentional injuries among children and young people aged under 15. [57712]
Anne Milton: The Department of Health is developing policies that will contribute to injury prevention. These will be developed in partnership with other Departments and organisations. For example, the Department for Education has recently announced the funding of Safe Network, a consortium including the Child Accident Prevention Trust, to provide advice and assistance on the full range of safeguarding issues, including injury prevention.
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The “Healthy Child programme: Pregnancy and the first five years of life” includes training for families on the correct use of basic safety equipment and to raise awareness of accident prevention in the home and safety in cars. A copy has already been placed in the Library.
The Department for Transport has also published a new Strategic Framework for Road Safety on 11 May 2011 which sets out the way forward for road safety over the coming years. It covers all road users including children.
James Kingsland
Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the work conducted by Dr James Kingsland for his Department is subject to a contractual agreement. [58235]
Mr Simon Burns: Dr James Kingsland has undertaken work under contract with the Department as lead for the National Clinical Commissioning Network, which has focused on practice-based commissioning and the proposed commissioning reforms.
Lung Cancer
Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many chest x-rays were requested by GPs for the purposes of diagnosis of suspected lung cancer (a) in each primary care trust and (b) in England in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what proportion of such x-rays confirmed the diagnosis. [57944]
Paul Burstow: The information requested is not centrally held. Currently the Department collects only annual data on the total numbers of x-rays undertaken, broken down by provider. As set out in “Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer”, the Department is currently working to develop a new data collection which will include the collection of data on the number of chest x-rays requested by general practitioners.
Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the 30-day mortality rate for patients with a diagnosis of lung cancer who received a major surgical resection was (a) in respect of each provider, (b) in each cancer network and (c) in each strategic health authority in the last five years for which figures are available. [57945]
Paul Burstow: The information requested is not centrally held. The National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) recently conducted a study of the 30-day mortality rates for patients with a diagnosis of bowel cancer who received a major surgical resection. Further information about the study is available on the NCIN website at:
www.ncin.org.uk/cancer_type_and_topic_specific_work/cancer_type_specific_work/postoperative_mortality.aspx
Following this analysis of the 30-day postoperative mortality for bowel cancer, the NCIN proposes to work with clinical leads across all tumour sites to see where this study can be repeated.
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National Association of Primary Care
Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effects on the National Association of Primary Care of the work of Dr James Kingsland for his Department. [58236]
Mr Simon Burns: The Department has not assessed the effects on the National Association of Primary Care of the work of Dr James Kingsland for the Department.
Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the National Association of Primary Care has received any funding from his Department in the last 18 months for which figures are available. [58237]
Mr Simon Burns: The National Association of Primary Care has received funding from the Department in the last 18 months for a range of projects and sponsorships including those aimed at improving engagement with frontline clinicians.
National Clinical Director
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will appoint a national clinical director for allied health professionals with responsibilities equivalent to those of the Director of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer. [57916]
Mr Simon Burns: The Health and Social Care Bill published on 19 January 2011 sets out details about the membership of the NHS Commissioning Board. We are using the natural break in the passage of the Health and Social Care Bill to pause, listen, reflect on, and improve national health service modernisation plans.
The Board itself will determine its own appointments but will include people with a range of skills and experience.