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Written Answers to Questions
Tuesday 14 June 2011
Northern Ireland
Banks: Pay
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with (a) banks and (b) ministerial colleagues on the level of employee bonuses paid by banks based in Northern Ireland. [59270]
Mr Paterson: I have had no such discussions. These are not matters for which I have ministerial responsibility.
Southern Cross Healthcare
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with his ministerial colleagues on the future of Southern Cross care homes in Northern Ireland. [59269]
Mr Paterson: Care homes, care services and personal social services are devolved matters which are the responsibility of the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. To date I have not been approached by ministerial colleagues in Whitehall or Stormont to discuss the future of Southern Cross care homes, but the Minister of State, Department of Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow), informed the House on 7 June 2011, Official Report, column 6, that his Department is engaged with the devolved Administrations on this matter.
Scotland
Corporation Tax
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received any information from the Scottish Government on the (a) nature and (b) extent of their proposals for the devolution of powers in respect of the rate of corporation tax in Scotland. [59647]
Michael Moore: I met with the First Minister on 12 May to discuss the Scotland Bill. At this meeting the Scottish Government committed to provide detailed information on their proposals for devolution of powers, including corporation tax. To date, no information has been provided on any of their proposals.
Injunctions: Mass Media
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Justice on the effects of super-injunctions made under English law on the freedom of the press in Scotland. [59259]
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Michael Moore: The Attorney-General confirmed in answer to an urgent question in the House on 23 May 2011, Official Report, columns 633-644, that the Prime Minister would be asking for a Joint Committee of both Houses to be established to consider the current law in relation to privacy and the use of anonymity injunctions and super-injunctions. The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice and the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport are in the process of liaising with the Chairs of the Committees with an interest in this area and with the House authorities regarding the terms of reference, membership and timetable for the new Joint Committee.
Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Committee
Internet
Priti Patel: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, pursuant to the answer of 16 May 2011, Official Report, columns 15-16W, on security certificate, for what reasons IPSA did not notify hon. Members that the security certificate had expired. [57624]
Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply.
Letter from Scott Woolveridge, June 2011:
As acting Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking for what reasons IPSA did not notify hon. Members that the security certificate had expired.
IPSA notified MPs by email soon after we became aware the certificate had expired. The email was sent at 16.52 on 20 April. The text of the email is noted below.
Dear Member of Parliament
We have been made aware that when you access our online expenses system via certain web browsers, an error message may appear about the website's security certificate. We are working on this as a matter of urgency and the issue will be resolved very shortly.
Please be assured that there is no problem with our website's security and that if you click the Continue to website link, you will be able to access the online expenses system and enter claims as normal.
Regards
Jo Blake
Deputy Director of Operations
Culture, Media and Sport
Arts
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) whether officials in his Department have had discussions with the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) following the publication of UNCTAD's 2010 Creative Economy report; [59453]
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(2) whether officials in his Department are participating in UN Conference on Trade and Development work on improving the measurement of creative economies globally to enable international comparison. [59454]
Mr Jeremy Hunt [holding answer 13 June 2011]: Officials in my Department have noted the publication of the 2010 Creative Economy report but have not had any subsequent discussions on it with the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and are not directly participating in its improvement work. However, we are actively participating in a European Statistical System Network aiming to establish a more consistent way of measuring the cultural and creative industries. This work is now moving into its latter stages, and we anticipate that UNCTAD would consider this work in its development.
Churches: Repairs and Maintenance
Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when and in what form the proposal to withdraw tax relief on VAT for repairs to church and chapel organs was publicised. [58445]
John Penrose: In October 2010 a Departmental press notice was published that included the proposal:
http://www.culture.gov.uk/news/news_stories/7469.aspx>
The departmental website and Listed Places of Worship scheme websites were also subsequently updated:
http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/historic_environment/3332.aspx>
http://www.lpwscheme.org.uk/>
Contacts in the major denominations, heritage groups and devolved Administrations were informed of the changes.
FIFA
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what recent discussions his Department has had with the Football Association (FA) on the FA's membership of FIFA; [59751]
(2) whether his Department has made representations to FIFA on the conduct of FIFA executive committee members; [59752]
(3) what discussions he has had with the Football Association on the awarding of the right to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. [59759]
Hugh Robertson: I have regular discussions with the FA about a range of subjects and FIFA has clearly featured in these discussions. There have been no detailed discussions about the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. I support the FA's intention to remain a member of FIFA and the decision to send the result of the inquiry held by James Dingemans QC to FIFA—although this was solely a matter for the FA.
Film
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much grant in aid funding his Department provided for film-making in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12. [58043]
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Mr Jeremy Hunt: The Department gave the following amounts in grant in aid funding to support the film industry in the UK:
(a) £33.3 million;
(b) £40.963 million; and
(c) £28.268 million.
This money is used for a number of activities, including supporting film-making and the Screen Heritage UK programme.
Gambling
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 23 May 2011, Official Report, columns 349-50W, on gambling, what machines research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) assessed. [58426]
John Penrose: The Department currently does not directly commission research on gambling. In the last two years the Gambling Commission has undertaken research into a range of issues associated with gaming machines and published several independent reports. Building on the Commission's work, the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board, which now determines the strategy and priorities for research, education and treatment, has included research on gambling machines within its strategy to be implemented through the Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF). The RGF's first project on terrestrial gaming machines is due to report in the summer and will seek to identify the distribution of machines across Britain against population density and socio-economic information. RGF has recently invited tenders for its second study in this area which will explore the relationship between gaming machines features and consumer behaviour in Britain.
Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 23 May 2011, Official Report, columns 349-50W, on gambling, what meetings he has had with representatives of outside bodies where the Gambling Prevalence Survey has been discussed since 1 February 2011. [58430]
John Penrose: Officials would have discussed the prevalence study during their regular meetings with trade bodies and with faith and community groups. This includes the Gambling Commission's Community Liaison Group meeting with faith groups and others on 18 March 2011 and discussions with a wide range of the businesses represented by Business in Sport and Leisure on 21 March 2011. It would not have been possible to discuss the results of the 2010 Prevalence Study with outside organisations prior to the release of the report on 15 February 2011.
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when his Department plans to publish its response to the consultation on the regulatory future of remote gambling in Great Britain. [58613]
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John Penrose: The Government are currently considering options for reforming the regulation of remote gambling in Britain and we hope to make an announcement in due course.
Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions and on what dates his Department has had discussions with the Unitarian General Assembly on the new tranche of money under the Listed Places of Worship VAT concession scheme. [58446]
John Penrose: The Department did not have any discussions with the Unitarian General Assembly prior to the announcement of the funding being made available under the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme from 2011-12. It was not possible to have individual discussions with all faith communities potentially affected by this issue in advance of the announcement, although we managed to cover a fair proportion of them nonetheless.
Olympic Games 2012: Betting
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will ensure that the Gambling Commission's licence condition 15 applies to all betting operators taking bets prior to the London 2012 Olympic games. [58550]
John Penrose: The Gambling Commission's licence condition 15.1 applies to all British-based betting operators. Overseas based operators are bound by the requirements of their own jurisdictions.
Olympic Games 2012: Northern Ireland
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent steps he has taken to promote Northern Ireland as a venue for training camps for foreign nations participating in the London 2012 Olympics. [59399]
Hugh Robertson: The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic games (LOCOG) has offered support to Northern Ireland in promoting that as a venue for pre games training camps (PGTCs), most recently through LOCOG Board Member Jonathan Edwards' attendance at an event in the House of Lords in May 2011 to promote PGTCs in Northern Ireland to Latin American nations, I also discussed the issue directly with my Northern Ireland counterpart during my visit on 9 March 2011.
Potential PGTC venues in Northern Ireland are listed in the PGTC Guide. Agreements for use of PGTCs are made directly between a National Olympic Committee or National Paralympic Committee and the facility.
Telecommunications: Hearing Impairment
Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many items of correspondence he has received in the last 12 months from (a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public on the introduction of universal video relay services for deaf people. [58388]
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Mr Vaizey: The introduction of universal video relay services for deaf people falls under my remit as Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries. Accordingly, correspondence on this subject is handled by me rather than the Secretary of State.
The Department has received approximately 200 items of correspondence on this subject over the last 12 months. Of these, around 180 have been from hon. Members, and 20 have been from members of the public.
The Secretary of State has responded to one case personally, submitted by a right hon. Member on behalf of their constituent.
Television: Local Broadcasting
Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what consideration he has given to the merits of establishing a local television affiliate network. [59390]
Mr Vaizey [holding answer 13 June 2011]: The Department received 21 expressions of interest in response to the Local Media Action Plan from organisations interested in providing a network channel to support local TV services. A further 43 proposals were submitted for individual local services and five for services in the Devolved Nations. The Department is now considering these responses alongside the relevant technical, commercial and legal considerations and will soon be publishing an outline of our final policy proposals.
Communities and Local Government
Anti-Semitism
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his policy is on the working definition of anti-Semitism used by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights; and if he will make a statement. [59038]
Andrew Stunell: We recognise that the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights working definition of anti-Semitism is a useful tool in helping to identify anti-Semitic discourse and is used by a number of agencies for this purpose. The UK Government currently use the Macpherson definition of a racist incident which is an incident that is perceived as racist by the victim or any other person, and this would include anti-Semitism.
Energy Performance Certificates
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 7 June 2011, Official Report, column 33W, on energy performance certificates, for what reasons his Department transposed into legislation requirements in respect of holiday lets arising from the energy performance of buildings directive. [59429]
Andrew Stunell:
The energy performance of buildings directive requires that an energy performance certificate is produced on the construction, sale or rent of a
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building, including some buildings which are rented out as holiday homes. These requirements have been transposed into domestic legislation because the United Kingdom is obliged to implement European Union directives.
Housing
Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated research on the potential financial savings across central Government to accrue from (i) house building and (ii) improving housing standards; and if he will make a statement. [59411]
Andrew Stunell: My Department has not commissioned or evaluated research on the potential financial savings across central Government that accrue from house building and improving housing standards.
However, the Government recognise the importance of private house building, and renovation and repairs to housing, in supporting economic growth and jobs, both of which have a bearing on the public finances.
Housing: Construction
Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations he has received from housing developers on the effect of the time taken to (a) plan and (b) release new housing stock on (i) economic growth and (ii) the rate of house construction. [59487]
Grant Shapps: The Government have regular discussions with house builders and other key players in the housing market on a wide range of issues, as we look to find ways to increase the supply of new homes. We fully recognise the key role of house building in economic growth, and the importance of maintaining a strong pipeline to support new construction.
We are therefore committed to assisting first time buyers, reducing regulation and other burdens on house-builders, replacing top down targets on new housing with funding to support services, and accelerating the release of public sector land for new development.
Housing: Morecambe
David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what progress has been made on the Chatsworth Gardens housing project in Morecambe; what funds are available to the project; and from what sources. [59234]
Grant Shapps: Lancaster city council has acquired 46 properties out of the 73 terraced homes on the site in Morecombe that is to be used for the Chatsworth Gardens housing project. The council is working with the Homes and Communities Agency on a way to proceed with the project, including preparing a financial appraisal. These will be presented to the Cabinet in due course.
Funding for the project includes Homes and Communities Agency investment of £7.7 million. The council is considering the impact of further funding streams, including resources generated from new homes bonus projections over the next five years.
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Local Government Finance
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much central Government funding Sunderland city council has been allocated for financial years (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12, (c) 2012-13, (d) 2013-14 and (e) 2014-15. [58970]
Robert Neill: At the time of the Local Government Finance Settlement announcement on the 31 January, the Government confirmed local authority revenue spending power allocations for 2011-12 and indicative allocations for 2012-13. Spending power can broadly be defined as the amount of council tax available plus Government revenue grants and NHS funding for social care.
Information on the changes in estimated revenue spending power for Sunderland city council can be found on the DCLG website at:
http://www.local.communities.gov.uk/finance/1112/spannexas.xls
http://www.local.communities.gov.uk/finance/1112/spannexbs3.xls
Allocations for 2013-14 and 2014-15 are not yet available.
Social Rented Housing
Mrs Mensch: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) how many payments have been made under the Cash Incentive Scheme under section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972 to social housing tenants in each local authority area in each of the last five years; [59358]
(2) how much each local authority has spent on Cash Incentive Scheme payments to social housing tenants in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [59359]
Grant Shapps: Local authorities are asked to report annually on the number and value of cash incentive grants made under section 129 of the Housing Act 1988, which provides powers for local housing authorities to make available cash grants to qualifying tenants or licensees of the authority for the purchase of properties on the open market or to carry out works to provide additional accommodation.
The data, reported in section J of their Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix (HSSA) returns, are available at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/localauthorityhousing/dataforms/
Figures for the number of grants and total expenditure by each local authority on cash incentive scheme grants for 2001-02 to 2009-10 are available to download. Data on the value of these grants were not collected for 2008-09 and, therefore, are not available. Information for 2010-11 is currently being collected and will be published this autumn.
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Work and Pensions
Community Care Grants
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many community care grant applications have been made in (a) Bristol, (b) the south-west and (c) nationally in each of the past 12 months; and what proportion of such applications were successful. [58364]
Steve Webb: The information for the past 12 months is not available.
The information for the last financial year will be included in the Secretary of State's annual report on the Social Fund which will be presented to Parliament in July.
Employment
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in receipt of jobseeker's allowance subsequently entered employment in the most recent quarter for which figures are available. [59226]
Chris Grayling: The information requested on those leaving jobseeker's allowance (JSA) and moving into work is not available.
Claimants leaving JSA are not required to inform the Department of their destinations or future intentions and hence the information that is collected on this group is incomplete.
Funeral Payments
Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will consider the merits of increasing funeral payments to reflect the recent trends in funeral costs. [59563]
Steve Webb: Funeral payments provide a significant contribution towards the cost of a simple, low cost respectful funeral. The scheme meets the full costs of the cremation or burial and provides up to £700 towards other costs.
The Government accept that the other costs associated with a funeral are increasing and cannot always be met from the £700 limit. This is why we are taking powers in the Welfare Reform Bill to extend access to social fund budgeting loans to include funeral costs and maternity items. This change will provide additional support to those on low incomes at expensive times in their lives.
Industrial Health and Safety
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many successful prosecutions were made by the Health and Safety Executive for breaches of health and safety or negligence by employers that led to a workplace (a) injury, (b) fatality and (c) illness being caused or made worse in each year since 2005. [59196]
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Chris Grayling: From 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2011, the Health and Safety Executive took the following number of successful prosecutions against employers:
|
|
Non-fatal i njuries | Fatalities | Ill -health |
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to ensure that job seekers receive support and advice to access employment opportunities using public transport, cycling and walking following the closure of some Workwise programmes. [58864]
Chris Grayling: Among other normal day-to-day household expenses, the cost of reasonable travel is provided in DWP benefit payments. This includes local work search for those receiving jobseekers allowance.
From April this year, the support that Jobcentre Plus offers to claimants across all working age benefits has been improved. Jobcentre Plus managers and advisers now have more flexibility in the way they help benefit claimants, enabling a more personalised service that is better able to meet individual and local labour market needs. To help facilitate this, we have amalgamated a number of discretionary funds to create one Flexible Support Fund, which provides additional means to supplement and tailor the core back to work support available for claimants.
Jobcentre Plus advisers will consider helping with costs associated with travel to interviews outside a claimants' local travel to work area or, in some discretionary circumstances, the costs of travelling to local interviews. Advisers also have the discretion to assist claimants with travel expenses to support the transition between benefits and sustained work, e.g. travel passes for the first month of a new job. This additional support is potentially available to claimants across the country whether or not a Workwise programme is in operation.
In making decisions concerning additional financial support associated with accessing employment opportunities, Jobcentre Plus advisers will take account of individual circumstances and the relevant national and district guidelines to ensure that help represents the best value for public money.
Managing Agents: Mental Health
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many staff employed by Atos to work on contracts with his Department have a recognised mental health qualification; and if he will make a statement. [58612]
Chris Grayling: The information is not readily available and could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.
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Atos does employ health care professionals with mental health qualifications in the DWP Medical Services contract. However, there is no requirement for health care professionals who conduct assessments for benefit purposes to have mental health qualifications because entitlement to benefit is based upon the functional impairment associated with the underlying medical condition, rather than the nature of the medical condition itself.
For this reason all health care professionals who carry out assessments for benefit purposes are trained in disability assessment medicine and this includes assessment of people with mental health problems.
Pensioners: Coventry
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effect of the 2011 Budget on pensioners resident in Coventry. [59227]
Steve Webb: The impacts of the tax and benefit measures announced in the Budget are only available at an aggregate level. Lower geographical or household type disaggregation do not provide sufficiently robust results.
In the Budget 2011 the Government announced their intention to bring forward proposals to manage future changes in the state pension age more automatically, including the option of a regular independent review of longevity changes. In addition the Budget announced that the Government would look to reforming the state pension system for future pensioners so that it provides simple, contributory, flat-rate support above the level of the means tested guarantee credit.
Both of these measures are the subject of the consultation document: A state pension for the 21st century; the consultation closes on 24 June 2011. Neither of these measures will see impacts on pensioners in the short term. More detailed proposals, alongside a full impact assessment, will be published if the Government decide to proceed with reform.
Social Security Benefits
Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the number of people in receipt of an active benefit who are unable to speak English to a level which would enable them to take up employment; and if he will make a statement. [58835]
Chris Grayling: Information on the number of people on an active benefit who are unable to speak English to a level which would enable them to take up employment is not available.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills collects information on why a learner has received fee remission for any learning they undertake. These data provide some information on claimants, though they do not provide an accurate picture on the number of learners who are also benefit claimants, nor on what other learning and or benefit entitlements that person might also have. For the 2009-10 academic year, 71,000 learners studying English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) claimed fee remission as they were in receipt of an income-related benefit and 14,000 learners claimed fee
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remission as they were in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. A further 10,700 learners in 2009-10 studied ESOL through the Employability Skills Programme.
Information on participation on ESOL courses is published in a quarterly statistical first release and the latest edition, published 31 March 2011, is available online at:
http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current
Universal Credit
Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 23 May 2011, Official Report, column 46WS, on universal credit (review of passported benefits), what plans he has to publish the non-binding interim report referred to in the terms of reference of the review; [58576]
(2) whether the Social Security Advisory Committee plans to hold a public consultation as part of its review; [58577]
(3) what plans the Social Security Advisory Committee has to consult stakeholders as part of its review; [58578]
(4) whether he proposes that the Social Security Advisory Committee should (a) consult Government Departments and (b) advise on any implications of its recommendations for Government departments as part of its review. [58579]
Chris Grayling: The Committee is in the early stages of the review and will be publishing a public consultation document seeking views on passported benefits under universal credit shortly.
The Committee plans to consult with stakeholders, including other Government Departments and devolved Administrations to seek their views and may consider the implications for other Government Departments of the treatment of passported benefits under universal credit. The Committee has been asked to produce an interim report for the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by the end of September and will produce a final report in January 2012, which will be published.
Working Conditions: Temperature
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many complaints were made to the Health and Safety Executive in relation to stress due to exposure to high temperatures in the work place in each of the last six years for which figures are available. [59702]
Chris Grayling: The information requested is not collated centrally in a readily retrievable format and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on determination of the long-term and short-term physical and psychological effects on workers of exposure to workplace temperature above 30 degrees Celsius. [59757]
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Chris Grayling: In 2009 HSE commissioned an independent review into workplace temperatures, which drew on the wide range of non-Government research available. Following this review HSE conducted a survey about temperatures in workplaces, to which 2,933 completed responses were submitted. Evaluation of these and other data provided little evidence of significant numbers of illnesses, long or short term, physical or psychological, caused or exacerbated by exposure to high temperatures.
Defence
Departmental Catering
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on (a) catering and (b) refreshments since May 2010. [59556]
Mr Robathan: Catering for Ministry of Defence civilian and service personnel at UK Defence establishments is provided either through regional prime contracts administered by the Defence infrastructure organisation or through multi-activity facilities management contracts (incorporating pay as you dine arrangements), placed by relevant top level budget holders. Information on the amount spent specifically on catering within these contracts is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Similarly, costs for light refreshments in the working environment at individual sites are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. In the current financial climate staff are encouraged not to incur expenditure on refreshments except in exceptional circumstances.
For United Kingdom armed forces personnel “in barracks” (when personnel are not being fed under multi-activity facilities management contracts), and those serving on operations and overseas exercises, there is a single food supply contract with Purple Foodservice Solutions Ltd. The total value, including the cost of food, administration and transport, from May 2010 to May 2011 was £170 million. The Department has also procured operational ration packs over the same period for which the cost was £41.3 million.
Israel: Guided Weapons
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice his Department has (a) sought and (b) received on the implications of the Missile Technology Control Regime for the import of Watchkeeper unmanned aerial vehicles and associated technology from Israel. [59102]
Peter Luff: Where necessary the Ministry of Defence consults with other Government Departments on the implications that international agreements may have on our acquisition programmes. In this case there are no implications for the import of the Watchkeeper system to the United Kingdom. The Watchkeeper system is classed as a Category II system in that it does not have the ability to carry a 500 kg payload to a distance of at least 300 km. Exports of Category II systems are permitted under Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) guidelines in accordance with national export licensing arrangements.
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Israel states that it voluntarily adheres to MTCR guidelines despite not being a member. In this context it is therefore Israel’s responsibility to have made an assessment of the Watchkeeper system against MTCR controls before approving its export.
Libya: Armed Conflict
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many RAF personnel are active as part of Operation Ellamy; where each unit is based; and what the average (a) daily and (b) monthly cost of operating each such unit has been. [57703]
Nick Harvey: As of 1 June 2011 there were around 900 RAF personnel deployed overseas on Operation Ellamy. We have made use of existing overseas bases such as Cyprus and maintain a small HQ presence within NATO in Naples and Poggio as well as having a small number of liaison officers deployed to the HQs of our allies. In addition a small number of personnel are deployed to Benghazi, Libya in support of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office mission there.
The RAF personnel deployed in support of Operation Ellamy are a mixture of formed units and augmentees. The breakdown across the major deployed locations and the capabilities they are supporting as at 1 June 2011 is shown in the following table.
|
|
Capability supported | Number of RAF personnel (1) |
| (1) Rounded to the nearest 50 personnel | ||
The precise number of personnel overseas fluctuates on a daily basis for a variety of reasons, including temporary absence for training, evacuation for medical reasons, the roulement of forces, and visits, amid arid a range of other factors. We do not, therefore, publish actual figures for personnel deployed.
As I have said before, I expect the cost of the UK's involvement in NATO operations over Libya to be modest in comparison to other operations such as Afghanistan. It is still too early to give a robust estimate of the final costs of the operation. I can, however, provide initial indications of average accommodation, allowances and fuel costs for the main deployed locations, for all three services and civilians.
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The approximate average monthly cost, assessed up to 1 June 2011, for accommodation of all UK personnel at the main locations is provided in the following table. The costs for Akrotiri accommodation are the additional costs to support Ellamy personnel over and above the normal costs of accommodation at the base.
|
|
Approximate monthly accommodation costs (£) | Approximate daily accommodation costs (£) |
There are two types of personal allowance paid to service personnel in Italy. Longer separation allowance (LSA) is paid on an accrual basis for military personnel separated from their families and will continue to be paid for the duration of the operation. The recorded costs of LSA for deployed personnel in Italy is around £600,000 per month or £20,000 per day.
Local overseas allowance (LOA) is paid for personnel on operations before a complete welfare package has been set up as is currently the case in Poggio Renatico and Naples. The recorded costs of LOA for deployed personnel in Italy and Cyprus is around £50,000 per month or £1,700 per day.
Aviation fuel costs average around £1.2 million per month or £43,000 per day, although the costs vary week by week.
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date the decision to deploy Apache helicopters as part of Operation Ellamy was made; and if he will make a statement. [58702]
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) on what dates and in which settings (a) he, (b) other Ministers in his Department and (c) officials in his Department have discussed with their French counterparts the deployment of British attack helicopters in Libya; [58277]
(2) whether the deployment of UK attack helicopters in Libya has been discussed by the National Security Council since 1 April 2011; [58453]
(3) pursuant to the answer of 24 May 2011, Official Report, column 780, on Libya, what moving targets will be struck with greater precision through the use of attack helicopters; [58454]
(4) whether the decision to deploy British attack helicopters in Libya was taken at a meeting of the National Security Council. [58698]
Dr Fox:
The decision to send Apache helicopters to Libya was taken on 26 May 2011, and came after careful consideration of the tactical and strategic advantages they offered and the associated risks. The issue was
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discussed on several occasions by the National Security Council at ministerial and official level, and between the UK and international partners, including the French, before reaching a decision.
UK Apache helicopters were declared officially to NATO at midnight on 31 May 2011. I subsequently authorised the active use of our Apaches in combat missions in support of Operation Unified Protector seeing their first use on 3 June 2011.
The mix of assets contributed by the UK to Operation Unified Protector is reviewed regularly by the Ministry of Defence and wider Government. UK Apache helicopters are employed under NATO command and control. It is not possible to say in advance exactly which targets they will be used against as this is an operational matter. All targets engaged will be in support of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.
Light Dragoons Museum: Finance
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will maintain his Department's funding streams which support the Light Dragoons museum at Cannon Hall, Barnsley. [58848]
Mr Robathan: There are no plans to change the financial support for the Light Dragoons museum at Cannon Hall, Barnsley or any other regimental museums at this time.
The Army is currently conducting a study which will clarify the role of regimental museums and produce proposals for future structures. This is not a savings exercise, indeed it is an underpinning principle of the study that the protection and preservation of the Army's heritage is essential. The study is expected to report in the autumn.
Lord Ashcroft
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what security clearance Lord Ashcroft will require to enable him to act as an adviser in the review of British military bases in Cyprus. [58850]
Dr Fox: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 9 June 2011, Official Report, column 416W, to the right hon. Member for East Renfrewshire (Mr Murphy).
NATO
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what recent assessment he has made of the UK's contribution to and involvement in NATO’s Istanbul co-operation initiative; and if he will make a statement; [58873]
(2) what recent assessment he has made of the UK's contribution to and involvement in NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue. [58874]
Mr Gerald Howarth:
The United Kingdom supported fully the decision to make co-operative security with partners one of the three essential core tasks of NATO's 2010 strategic concept. In support of tackling common security challenges, we are engaged in the process of strengthening NATO's co-operation with all partners, including the Istanbul co-operation initiative nations
14 Jun 2011 : Column 687W
and the Mediterranean Dialogue nations, on the basis of a range of enhanced mechanisms agreed at the April 2011 NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting. It is encouraging that some nations involved in these initiatives are contributing to operations in Libya.
Navy: Vessels
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) (a) how many naval aviators are currently training with foreign navies, (b) with which navies they are training, (c) how many such personnel are qualified for carrier operations using catapults and traps and (d) which aircraft they are certified on; [58915]
(2) what rules of engagement apply in combat situations to Royal Navy aviators stationed on foreign aircraft carriers; [58916]
(3) when he proposes that Royal Navy aviators will be assigned to the air wing of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. [58917]
Nick Harvey: There are currently two Royal Navy pilots undertaking fast jet training with foreign navies: both are under training with the US navy. The two pilots are qualified for day catapult and arrestor carrier operations on the T/A-45 Goshawk aircraft. One further pilot has completed training and is both day and night qualified on the F/A-18E Super Hornet.
UK personnel operating with other forces would be subject to UK law, and applicable international law, at all times. We do not discuss specific rules of engagement as their disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.
Discussion between the Royal Navy and the French navy remains ongoing regarding the timing, training and placement of Royal Navy aviators into the Charles de Gaulle in support of the UK-France Letter of Intent.
SBIRS Radome
Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date each SBIRS radome at the installation at Menwith Hill is to become operational. [59108]
Nick Harvey: The Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) facilities at RAF Menwith Hill are ready for operation.
The specific operational dates are a matter for the United States, although it is likely all SBIRS facilities at the base will be operational by the end of 2011.
Justice
Approved Premises: Schools
Mr Shepherd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many approved premises are within one mile of a maintained or independent school for pupils aged 12 or under; [59564]
(2) how many approved premises are within one mile of a maintained or independent nursery school. [59565]
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Mr Blunt: Approved premises provide for enhanced supervision of certain high risk of harm offenders, particularly on release from custody, which allows them to be supervised far more closely than if they were housed in less suitable accommodation elsewhere in the community.
Details of all the schools and nurseries located within a specific radius of an approved premises are not held centrally. The information requested could only be provided by a detailed search of the geographical area of each approved premises. This would breach cost limits.
Child sex offenders are excluded from approved premises which are directly adjacent to a school or a nursery. There are 14 approved premises which exclude child sex offenders.
Custody Disputes: Children
Mark Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many representations his Department has received on the representation of the wishes of British children in custody disputes in (a) the UK and (b) other EU member states (i) between January 2005 and April 2010 and (ii) since May 2010. [59153]
Mr Djanogly: In so far as can be identified from our records, the number of items of correspondence and ministerial meetings which raised the issue of the representation of the wishes of the child in disputes regarding residence and contact were as follows:
Between January 2005 to April 2010
Letters from MPs (a) UK—2
Ministerial Meetings (b) other EU member states—1
Letters from MPs (a) UK—1
Letters from MPs (b) other EU member states—1
Letters from members of the public (a) UK—5
There was one early day motion in 2009 on the question of relocation of children outside the United Kingdom and the importance of taking into account the child's best interests and rights to have a continuing relationship with both parents.
Since June 2010 the independent Family Justice Review, chaired by David Norgrove, has been taking evidence on a range of issues around family justice, including the representation of the wishes of children in residence and contact disputes that involve them.
Legal Aid
Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much his Department spent on legal aid in Aberavon constituency in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11; and what estimate he has made of the potential effects of his proposed legal aid reforms on the level of expenditure in that area. [59421]
Mr Djanogly: The information requested is not readily available and therefore could be provided only at disproportionate cost. For example payments to criminal barristers cannot easily be broken down by the location of the barrister or client.
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It is not possible to predict with any degree of accuracy future expenditure in any given geographic area, as this will entirely depend on the nature of the cases that arise in future in that area.
Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency received legal aid in each category of assistance in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010. [59483]
Mr Djanogly: The Legal Services Commission (LSC) is responsible for administering the legal aid scheme in England and Wales.
The LSC does not record the number of people who receive legal aid, but instead records the number of ‘acts of assistance'. One individual may receive a number of separate acts of assistance, and one act of assistance can help more than one person.
The following table shows the numbers of acts of assistance delivered by legal aid providers with postcodes falling within Bexleyheath and Crayford. All acts of assistance are based on the solicitor's location, which may not reflect where the client is based. The data are only available by financial and not calendar year.
| Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency | ||||
|
|
Crime lower claims | Legal help new matter starts | Civil rep. certificates issues | Crime higher cases |
Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many applications for legal aid from residents of Islwyn constituency were granted in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [58995]
Mr Djanogly: Applications for legal aid representation are made to the Legal Services Commission. Not all applications are granted. Applications for legal aid advice are made to individual providers, and we record the number of instances of advice provided, rather than the number of applications made. The number of instances of advice provided for the last 12 months in Islwyn constituency are as set out in following the table. All applications are based on the advice provider's location, which may not reflect where the client is based.
| Legal aid volumes by constituency 2009-10 | ||||
| Constituency | Crime lower claims | Legal help new matter starts | Civil rep certificates issues | Crime higher c ases |
Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many contracts for legal aid services were awarded in Islwyn constituency in the latest period for which figures are available. [58996]
Mr Djanogly: Based on the postcode of legal aid providers recorded in the Legal Services Commission's (LSC's) systems, there are currently four active civil and two active crime providers with offices in the Islwyn constituency.
Pat Glass:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many applications for legal aid from residents in
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(a)
the north-east and
(b)
North West Durham constituency were (i) received and (ii) granted in each of the last three years. [59073]
Mr Djanogly: Applications for legal aid representation are made to the Legal Services Commission. Not all applications are granted. Applications for legal aid advice are made to individual providers, and we record the number of instances of advice provided, rather than the number of applications made.
The number of instances of advice provided for the last three years in the requested areas are as set out in the following tables. These figures are based on the advice provider's location, which may not reflect where the client is based. In respect of the north-east, the figures provided are in respect of the LSC's Newcastle region.
| Number of instances of advice provided by constituency—2007-08 | ||||
| Constituency | Crime lower claims | Legal help new matter starts | Civil rep. certificates issues | Crime higher cases |
| Number of instances of advice provided by constituency—2008-09 | ||||
| Constituency | Crime lower claims | Legal help new matter starts | Civil rep. certificates issues | Crime higher cases |
| Number of instances of advice provided by constituency—2009-10 | ||||
| Constituency | Crime lower claims | Legal help new matter starts | Civil rep. certificates issues | Crime higher cases |
Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much was spent on legal aid in the Islwyn constituency in 2009-10; and if he will estimate the likely change in the level of expenditure in that area following the implementation of his proposed legal aid reforms. [59155]
Mr Djanogly: The information requested on expenditure in 2009-10 is not readily available and therefore could be provided only at disproportionate cost. For example payments to criminal barristers cannot easily be broken down by the location of the barrister or client.
It is not possible to predict with any degree of accuracy future expenditure in any given geographic area, as this will entirely depend on the nature of the cases that arise in future in that area.
Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many applications for legal aid from people living in Aberavon constituency were granted in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11. [59422]
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Mr Djanogly: Applications for legal aid representation are made to the Legal Services Commission. Not all applications are granted. Applications for legal aid advice are made to individual providers, and we record the number of instances of advice provided, rather than the number of applications made. The number of instances of advice provided to people living in the Aberavon constituency are as set out in the following table. We do not as yet have figures for the period 2010-11 so these cover 2009-10 only.
These figures are based on the advice provider's location, which may not reflect where the client is based.
| Number of instances of advice provided by constituency, 2009-10 | ||||
| Constituency | Crime lower claims | Legal help new matter starts | Civil rep certificates issues | Crime higher cases |
Legal Aid: Disability
Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps are being taken to ensure that reductions in the legal aid budget do not affect disproportionately disabled people. [58962]
Mr Djanogly: Initial equality impact assessments (EIAs) were published alongside the consultation paper in November 2010. Updated versions of these EIAs will be published alongside the Government's response to consultation, and these will contain details of impacts on disabled people, as well as any mitigations identified.
Legal Aid: Mental Health
Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will take steps to ensure that the Legal Services Commission provides a proportionate distribution of new matter starts for mental health cases in North and South Wales. [58972]
Mr Djanogly: Wales was tendered as a single procurement area for mental health services. The Legal Services Commission (LSC) awarded matter starts based on the location of the offices of the applicant organisations and the volume of work offered from their specific offices.
A total of 2,237 mental health matter starts were awarded to provide service across all areas of Wales. The LSC therefore considers that there is a proportionate distribution of matter starts awards currently, but capacity is also regularly reviewed. If access gaps are identified the LSC can take appropriate action to address this.
Offenders: Rehabilitation
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will make an assessment of changes within the prison establishment following the introduction of third sector providers working therapeutically on prisoner rehabilitation with prisoners, their children and families; and if he will make a statement. [58927]
Mr Blunt:
As set out in the Green Paper and the Ministry of Justice Business Plan 2011-15 the Ministry of Justice and National Offender Management Service
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are committed to ensure that the commissioning of services, such as rehabilitation services involving prisoners and their children and families, is open to providers from all sectors, including those in the third sector providers.
Assessment of individual projects will be undertaken on a case-by-case basis.
Prisons: Education
Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent discussions he has had with the National Offender Management Service concerning prisoner education, including Open University opportunities. [59423]
Mr Blunt: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Ministry of Justice recently conducted a joint review of offender learning in England. The resulting report ‘Making Prisons Work: Skills for Rehabilitation’, published last month, sets out a reform plan for offender learning.
My hon Friend the Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, set out the Government's position on higher education for prisoners in England in his answer on 8 June 2011, Official Report; column 394W. The nature of the changes and how these will be implemented are currently being agreed between BIS and the Ministry of Justice.
Prisons: Televisions
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) which prisons provide communal television facilities for prisoners; [59432]
(2) if he will consider increasing the charges for in-cell televisions in prisons; [59433]
(3) how much each prison has spent on television equipment in each of the last 10 years. [59434]
Mr Blunt: As I explained in my reply to the hon. Member on 7 June 2011, Official R eport, column 161W, prisoners have access to television in-cell as part of local incentives and earned privileges schemes. Prisoners rent the televisions from the prison service for a weekly rental charge of £1 per set per week or part week. The rental charge is deducted from prisoner's earnings which average £9.60 per week. The revenue from this charge is used to purchase new and replacement televisions and the costs associated with the switch off of the analogue TV signal. There are no plans to raise this charge.
In addition to television in-cell prisoners may have access to television in communal areas. The National Offender Management Service does not record centrally which prison establishments provide communal television. However, most public sector prisons provide communal television viewing facilities. The National Offender Management Service Central Accounting System does not record separately expenditure on television equipment purchased for use in communal viewing areas. To identify these costs would require examining each establishment's payment records and this would incur a disproportionate cost.
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Probation
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many probation trust mergers or amalgamations in England and Wales are planned for (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13. [59380]
Mr Blunt: The Government are not aware at present of plans by probation trusts to amalgamate or merge during this period.
Reoffenders
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what arrangements are in place for agencies involved in the payment by results schemes in Lewisham and Croydon to co-ordinate their activities; [58963]
(2) what steps he plans to take to monitor any change in reoffending rates arising from the payment by results schemes in Lewisham and Croydon; [58964]
(3) what reduction in reoffending rates will need to be achieved in order for the agencies to receive additional resources under the payment by results schemes in Lewisham and Croydon; [58965]
(4) whether there are any restrictions placed upon the agencies involved in the payment by results schemes in Lewisham and Croydon regarding the receipt of additional funds; [58966]
(5) whether he has any plans to expand the payment by results schemes in Lewisham and Croydon to other areas; [58967]
(6) what recent assessment he has made of arrest rates over the period of the payment by results schemes in Lewisham and Croydon. [58968]
Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice announced in the Green Paper, “Breaking the Cycle”, published in December 2010, that it will test a local approach to payment by results. The aim is to encourage local statutory partners to reduce crime and reoffending, and enable them to reinvest any savings that their success realises for the justice system in further activity to prevent reoffending in their communities.
The Ministry of Justice will run pilots for two years in Manchester City region and across a number of London boroughs, including Croydon and Lewisham.
The local approach focuses on whether more effective working to reduce crime and reoffending can result in reductions in demand on the justice system. The Ministry of Justice has developed a model to measure the demand on the justice system during the pilots and make payments to the pilot areas accordingly.
Partners in the pilot boroughs are developing their delivery plans for the pilots, and have the freedom to approach the pilots according to their local needs and priorities. The London Crime Reduction Board (LCRB) is supportive of the opportunity to test this justice reinvestment approach in London. The members of the LCRB Delivery Management Group, including the Metropolitan Police Service, London Probation Trust, Greater London Authority, Metropolitan Police Authority and London councils, have agreed to support the pilot areas to unlock barriers to delivery, identify opportunities for collaboration, and share good practice.
14 Jun 2011 : Column 694W
The Ministry of Justice will evaluate the pilots to understand how they are associated with changes in demand on the criminal justice system. This will include the monitoring of reoffending and crime rates, as well as a wider range of criminal justice system data, including policing trends, and this will be finalised as part of the evaluation approach for the pilot. The Ministry of Justice has done some analysis of demand in setting up the pilots, but there are no projections moving forward.
The Ministry of Justice will use the learning from the pilots to help to inform proposals for future reforms to the system, alongside the other payment by results pilots. There are no immediate plans to expand the approach to other areas.
Education
Careers Summit
Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) if he will publish the proposed invitation list for his Department's careers summit on 15 July 2011; [59557]
(2) if he will publish the agenda for his Department's careers summit on 15 July 2011. [59558]
Mr Gibb: The invitation list and agenda for the careers summit on 15 July 2011 are currently being finalised and will be published on the Local Government Association's Communities of Practice website in due course. A forum focused on young people's careers guidance has been established to enable local authorities to share examples of good practice during the transition to new arrangements.
Discretionary Learner Support Fund: Barnsley
Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Education on what date schools and further education colleges in Barnsley will be informed of their allocation of discretionary learner support for 2011-12. [57990]
Mr Gibb: We are finalising details of the allocations for the 16-19 Bursary Fund following the consultation on the new arrangements, which closed on 20 May. The Young People's Learning Agency will issue allocations to schools, colleges and training providers shortly.
Outdoor Education
Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent representations his Department has received from the outdoor learning sector on the number of field centres available to schools. [59014]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 13 June 2011]: The Department has received no representations about the number of field centres available to schools.
The Government wants to ensure that schools have the maximum freedom to teach in the way that they judge best for their pupils, including through activities outside the classroom. We know that many schools value education outside the classroom and may choose to use field centres, usually provided by local authorities, either to support the curriculum or meet the wider needs of their pupils.
14 Jun 2011 : Column 695W
Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the number of field centres available to schools. [59015]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 13 June 2010]: The Department does not assess the adequacy of the number of field study centres available to schools. Field centres are often provided by local authorities or local charities; schools are best placed to determine how field centres can best be used to support their pupils.
Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education
Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he expects his Department's internal review of personal, social, health and economic education, including sex and relationship education, to (a) conclude and (b) have its findings published; and if he will make a statement. [59332]
Mr Gibb: We will set a deadline to complete the review of personal, social, health and economic education when the remit is published. At that stage we will also set out our plans for publishing the findings.
Schools: Construction
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many new (a) primary, (b) secondary, (c) special needs and (d) other schools were built in each of the last 10 years. [59224]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 10 June 2010]: In the last 10 years, as of May 2011, 148 new build schools procured through the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and academies programmes were built. These included secondary, pupil referral unit, all-through and post-16 schools. In addition, during this time, 33 new special educational needs schools were built.
|
|
New build mainstream schools procured via the BSF and Academies programme | New build SEN schools procured via the BSF and Academies programme |
Data received from local authorities in April 2010 showing the number of new build primary schools due to be completed by the end of May 2011 indicated a total of 118 new schools(1). As these figures are local authority estimates it would not be accurate to split them into individual years.
Prior to Partnerships for Schools being given the remit to deliver the BSF programme, there were 626 PFI schools (both primary and secondary). Some of these schools will have included an element of refurbishment (as opposed to being 100% new build). Some of the schools will have been largely refurbishments.
(1) As explained, these data were collated from local authorities in April 2010 and figures have been calculated from their estimates.
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Schools: Standards
Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many (a) primary and (b) secondary schools fall below minimum standards in each local education authority. [55917]
Mr Gibb: The number of (a) primary and (b) secondary schools that fall below the minimum standard (not including those that boycotted the 2010 SATs) per LA has been placed in the House Libraries.
Wales
Research Councils
Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what recent discussions she has had with UK research councils on steps to ensure that Welsh higher education institutions receive adequate research and development funding; and if she will make a statement; [58831]
(2) what recent discussions she has had with Ministers in the Welsh Government on steps to ensure that funding distributed by UK research councils is distributed appropriately within Wales; and if she will make a statement. [58832]
Mr David Jones: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, discusses a range of issues with the First Minister. The Secretary of State and I also regularly meet representatives of higher education institutions and other stakeholders to discuss a variety of issues, including the importance of funding for research and development in Wales. For instance, I visited the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) in August last year to see the high-quality research it carries out.
I welcome the fact that valuable assets, including IBERS, continue to receive significant funding for research from the UK research councils and additional financial support from the UK Government and the Welsh Government as well as the European Union.
Research Councils UK is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven research councils. The distribution of research funding by research councils is judged on an individual basis and funding decisions are made on the basis of an independent, expert peer review.
The Higher Education Funding Council for Wales wrote on 3 June to the heads of the higher education institutions and the principals of directly-funded further education colleges in Wales, setting out details of research capital funding totalling over £4 million that will be provided in 2011-12 to qualifying institutions. This funding is provided in part by the Department of Business Innovation and Skills and the Welsh Government.
Prime Minister
Childhood and Families Task Force
Mr Lammy:
To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Hemsworth of 8 November 2010, Official Report, column 24W, on the childhood and families task force, if he will direct the Cabinet Secretary to add the childhood and
14 Jun 2011 : Column 697W
families task force to the Cabinet Office list of Cabinet Committees; on what dates the task force has met; and whether the task force has been established for the duration of the present Parliament. [59488]
The Prime Minister: The childhood and families task force, which I chair, has met frequently since it was created in June 2010. It is not a formal Cabinet Committee. Its role is to identify and prioritise a small number of specific policy proposals that will make the biggest difference to children and families. The work of the task force is ongoing and involves Ministers and officials across Government, including from the Treasury, the Departments for Education, Business, Health and Work and Pensions.
Devolution: Scotland
Ann McKechin: To ask the Prime Minister what undertakings he gave to the First Minister of Scotland at the most recent Joint Ministerial Committee meeting in response to requests for further devolution of powers in respect of (a) borrowing, (b) the Crown Estate, (c) corporation tax, (d) excise duty, (e) broadcasting and (f) EU negotiations. [59646]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Lady to the communiqué which was released following the Joint Ministerial Committee meeting on Wednesday, 8 June 2011. This is available on the No. 10 website:
http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/latest-news/2011/06/joint-ministerial-committee-communique-64530
Energy and Climate Change
Crown Relocations
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many contracts his Department holds with Crown Relocations; and what the (a) purpose and (b) monetary value of each such contract is. [58645]
Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change does not hold any contracts with Crown Relocations.
G4S
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many contracts his Department holds with G4S; and what the (a) purpose and (b) monetary value of each such contract is. [58677]
Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change does not hold any contracts with G4S.
IBM
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many contracts his Department holds with IBM; and what the (a) purpose and (b) monetary value of each such contract is. [58691]
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Gregory Barker: Since its creation in October 2008, the Department has made payments of £187,138 to IBM in relation to the secondment to the Department of three IBM consultants to provide technical assistance on offshore renewables, carbon budgets and energy innovation work.
Office for Nuclear Regulation
Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the transfer of ministerial responsibility for the Office of Nuclear Regulation; and if he will make a statement. [58623]
Charles Hendry: I have not held any meetings with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, regarding the transfer of ministerial responsibility for the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).
The ONR was established as an agency of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on 1 April, pending legislation to create a new independent statutory body outside of the HSE to regulate the nuclear power industry. Department for Work and Pensions and Department for Energy and Climate Change officials are currently developing the detail of the planned legislation. This will encompass the governance framework for the ONR, including departmental sponsorship arrangements.
Serco
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many contracts his Department holds with Serco; and what the (a) purpose and (b) monetary value of each such contract is. [58655]
Gregory Barker: Since its creation in October 2008, the Department has made payments of £411,512 to Serco. £385,000 related to a contract to provide advice on the New Nuclear build programme. The remaining £27,000 related to various one-off services. Information is not available on the lifetime value of these contracts.
Treasury
Income Tax : Personal Allowance
Mr Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect on low-income families of the increase in the income tax personal allowance in April 2011. [58886]
Mr Gauke: In the June 2010 Budget the Government announced a £1,000 increase in the income tax personal allowance for those aged under 65, taking it from £6,475 in 2010-11 to £7,475 in 2011-12. HM Revenue and Customs estimates that this will remove over 800,000 of the lowest income taxpayers from income tax altogether and will benefit around 23 million basic rate taxpayers by an average of £160 a year in real terms. This is part of our long-term objective to increase the personal allowance to £10,000, with real terms steps in that direction every year.
14 Jun 2011 : Column 699W
Bank Levy
Paul Flynn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had on implementation of a financial transaction tax at a global level. [58945]
Mr Hoban: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr Wright) on 23 May 2011, Official Report, column 357W.
Business Growth Fund
Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much he estimates is to be made available through the business growth fund following the withdrawal of the financial contribution proposed by Santander. [58231]
Mr Prisk [holding answer 8 June 2011:I have been asked to reply.
The amount committed to the business growth fund by the banks remains £2.5 billion. The fund is fully capitalised and organised by the remaining banks, who have demonstrated their commitment to its aims and are already sourcing investment opportunities following the fund's launch on 19 May. The business growth fund is a long-term intervention, funded fully by the banks, and designed to provide finance for firms seeking growth capital—helping to fund the recovery—which fall between initiatives for small business support and those for larger companies.
Child Benefit
Guto Bebb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many recipients of child benefit were resident in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland in the latest period for which figures are available. [58975]
Mr Gauke: The latest information on the number of families receiving child benefit, by each parliamentary constituency, local authority and region is available in the HMRC snapshot publication “Child Benefit Statistics Geographical Analysis August 2010”. This can be found at:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/child_benefit/chb-geog-aug10.pdf
As of August 2010, these are the figures for the number of families in receipt of child benefit:
|
|
Number |
Additionally, these are the figures for the number of children for which child benefit is claimed for each of these regions:
|
|
Number |
14 Jun 2011 : Column 700W
Corporation Tax: Scotland
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount of revenue to be raised from corporation tax in Scotland in each of the next five years. [59704]
Mr Gauke: A UK corporation tax forecast is produced by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). The OBR does not produce a regional forecast for Scotland.
European Stability Mechanism
Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officials in his Department have been assigned to work on the creation of a permanent eurozone-only European stability mechanism. [59376]
Mr Hoban: The UK is participating in the discussions on the design of the European stability mechanism (ESM), as are all member states, in line with the conclusions of the December meeting of the European Council. Although the ESM will be established by euro area member states, issues considered in the discussions on its design may have impacts that could affect the European Union as a whole, and therefore the UK.
As a result, a range of officials are involved in this work as part of their usual responsibilities.
Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what meetings he has had with his EU counterparts to discuss a permanent eurozone-only European stability mechanism. [59377]
Mr Hoban: Treasury Ministers and officials have discussions with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery.
The UK is participating in the discussions on the design of the European stability mechanism (ESM), as are all member states, in line with the conclusions of the December neeting of the European Council. Although the ESM will be established by euro area member states, issues considered in the discussions on its design may have impacts that could affect the European Union as a whole, and therefore the UK.
National Insurance
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress he has made on his consultation on merging the operation of income tax and national insurance; and if he will make a statement. [59645]
Mr Gauke: The Budget announced that the Government will consult on the integration of the operation of income tax and national insurance contributions. A consultation document will be issued later this year.
Office of Tax Simplification
Guto Bebb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Office of Tax Simplification review of tax administration for small business includes consideration of VAT registration; and when he expects the Office of Tax Simplification to report its findings. [58976]
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Mr Gauke: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS), and I have asked the OTS to reply.
Letter from John Whiting, dated June 2011:
Guto Bebb MP has submitted a written parliamentary question about the tax administration strand of the Office of Tax Simplification's final report for the review of small business taxation. The question was:
“To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Office of Tax Simplification review of tax administration for small business includes consideration of VAT registration; and when he expects the Office of Tax Simplification to report its findings.”
The OTS's interim report on small business taxation was published on 10 March 2011. The report included a short section (paragraphs 4.61-4.66) on VAT, which did address the question of the registration threshold. Our conclusion was: “On balance we think the registration threshold should stay as it is, though it is an area that is worth further study.”
The Chancellor responded to this report in Budget 2011, and commissioned the OTS to look into tax administration in the final report on small business taxation. On 9 May 2011, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury wrote to the OTS Chairman, Rt Hon Michael Jack, outlining the Government's response and setting out priorities for the next stage of the Office's work in more detail(1).
As set out in the Exchequer Secretary's letter, the remit of the work on tax administration will require the OTS to “examine closely small businesses' experience of tax administration and their contact with HMRC at key stages of their annual cycle” and to "give specific consideration of the issues involved in starting and growing a new business." The terms of reference for this work are attached in the annex of this document.
Over the summer, the OTS will gather evidence and conduct research to determine the areas of tax administration that ought to be prioritised. The operation of VAT registration is very much within the remit, although we understand that HMRC is already working hard to improve the registration process. As highlighted in the interim report, the OTS is also interested in the administrative difficulties related to VAT and international trade that pose particular problems for small businesses.
An exact date for publication has not yet been determined, but the OTS has been asked to deliver recommendations on tax administration for small business ahead of Budget 2012. We would be happy to inform the questioner when the report is published.
I hope this is helpful, and would like to thank Mr Bebb for his interest in our work.
(1) This letter has been published on the OTS website:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/ots_xstletter_small_business_tax_review_090511.pdf
Pregnant Women: Grants
Julie Elliott: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many health in pregnancy grants were made in Sunderland Central constituency in 2009-10. [58909]
Mr Gauke: Geographical analysis of the number of people benefiting from the health in pregnancy grant has not previously been undertaken and therefore this information could be made available only at disproportionate cost.
Private Finance Initiative
Mr Meacher: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the (a) total updated value of private sector investment in private finance initiative contracts in each Department since 1990 and (b) cost to the public purse of (i) current and (ii) planned private finance initiative contracts in (A) 2010-11 and (B) each of the next five financial years. [58585]
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Danny Alexander: HM Treasury does not hold historical data on the level of private sector investment in PFI. However the capital value of signed projects may be used as an estimate. The following table lists the capital value of all UK PFI projects which have been signed since 1992.
| Department | Capital value of contracts (£ million) | Number of contracts |
The costs of signed PFI contracts for 2010-11 and the following five financial years are as follows. These are not discounted.
| Financial year | Cost (£ million) |
There were 61 PFI projects in procurement at the time of the last PFI data collection (March 2011). The cost of these across financial years will not be confirmed until the final contracts are signed. Once signed, we will collect details, including costs, in the periodic PFI data collection exercises and publish them on the HM Treasury website.
The PFI data above are provided by Departments and published on HM Treasury's website at:
www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ppp_pfi_stats.htm
The data were last updated in March 2011.
Rent a Room Scheme
Bill Esterson:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the extent to which allowances under the Rent a Room scheme
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have been aligned with increases in the level of rents; and whether he has any plans to review this scheme to ensure that it remains effective. [59554]
Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the Government's response to the consultation ‘Investment in the private rented sector’, available at:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/investment_in_the_uk_ private_rented_sector_response_summary.pdf