Energy: Seas and Oceans
Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on licensing sea kite energy technology. [65163]
Gregory Barker: The Government are committed to supporting the development of the marine energy industry in the UK. The “sea kite” technology being developed by companies such as Minesto UK Ltd is just one of the many leading tidal energy technologies currently being developed in the UK and it has already received £350,000 support from the Carbon Trust to develop and deploy its first prototype at sea. If sea kite technologies can be successfully developed they could allow the utilisation of lower velocity tidal energy resource which cannot be used by more conventional designs.
Environment Protection
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has made an estimate of the average rate of return on investment for a company investing in low-carbon technologies. [65443]
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Gregory Barker: A company's rate of return is often confidential and will depend on the nature and stage of investment and type of technology being invested in.
An assessment of the impact on the cost of capital for low carbon technologies was undertaken as part of the Government's commitment to transform the UK's electricity system. This information is set out in the impact assessment published alongside the electricity market reform White Paper.
The current bands set for the current Renewables Obligation were developed using assumed hurdle rates, (i.e. minimum rate of return required to invest) developed in 2007(1).
More recent assessments of hurdle rates have been undertaken as part of a report produced by Arup in June 2011(2).
Information regarding DECC's assumptions around the required rates of return under the Feed-In Tariffs scheme for different classes of investor is available in ‘Design of Feed-in Tariffs for sub-5MW electricity in Great Britain—Quantitative Analysis for DECC’(3), and for the Renewable Heat Incentive in the impact assessment published in March 2011(4).
(1) Ernst and Young (2007), Impact of banding the Renewables Obligation: Costs of Electricity Production.
(2) Arup, Review of the Generation Costs and Deployment Potential of Renewable Electricity Technologies in the UK, June 2011.
(3) (Poyry/Element Energy, July 2009; available at:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/Consultations/Renewable%20Electricity%20Financial%20Incentives/1_20090715135352_e_@@_RelateddocElementPoyryreport onquantitativeissuesinFITsdesignFINAL.pdf
(4) DECC, Renewable Heat Incentive Impact Assessment, March 2011.
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on steps to encourage research and development in low-carbon technologies by universities. [65444]
Gregory Barker: DECC Ministers regularly hold meetings with their counterparts in BIS to discuss a range of issues. The primary channel for BIS and DECC Ministers to engage on low-carbon research and development is through the Low Carbon Innovation Group. The group is co-chaired by the Minister for Universities and Science, my right hon. Friend the Member for Havant (Mr Willetts), and myself, and includes representation from Research Councils UK.
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Trades Union Congress and (b) industry groups on research and development for low-carbon technologies. [65451]
Gregory Barker: DECC publishes all meetings the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, my right hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Chris Huhne) has had with industry groups and organisations on its internet on a quarterly basis.
DECC is also a member of Energy Research Partnership. The high level forum brings together key funders of low
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carbon innovation in Government, industry and academia, plus other interested parties, to work together towards shared goals.
Housing: York
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much funding was allocated to the City of York council for capital investment in housing stock through the Decent Homes programme in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11. [65605]
Andrew Stunell: I have been asked to reply.
Government investment in council-owned housing stock was primarily provided through the housing revenue account subsidy system in the form of local authorities supported capital expenditure, arms length management organisations supported borrowing allocations and major repairs allowance. In 2009-10 the City of York was allocated £1 million in local authorities supported capital expenditure and £5.13 million in major repairs allowance. In 2010-11 the city was allocated £5.34 million in major repairs allowance.
Renewable Energy
Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the incentives are which the Government make available to energy companies to encourage the use of renewable energy. [65645]
Gregory Barker: The current financial mechanisms to incentivise renewable electricity are the renewables obligation (RO) and the feed-in tariff (FIT) scheme.
Since its introduction in 2002, the RO has succeeded in more than tripling the level of large-scale renewable electricity in the UK from 1.8% in 2002 to 7% in 2010(1). It currently supports around 6.3GW of accredited capacity and is worth around £1.4 billion to the renewable electricity industry.
The FITs scheme was launched in April 2010 to incentivise the deployment of small scale low carbon electricity generation. To date, over 44,800 FITs installations have been registered.
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is due to go ahead this year to support renewable heat.
(1) On a renewables obligation basis.
Source:
Energy Trends, June 2011
Warm Front Scheme: York
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much his Department spent on the Warm Front scheme in York in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11. [65604]
Gregory Barker: The following table shows the total Warm Front spend in York(1) in 2009-10 and 2010-11.
|
|
Spend (£) |
| (1) The figures are for the local authority of York due to the constituency changing between 2009 and 2011. | |
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Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Balkans: War Crimes
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the prosecution of persons alleged to have committed war crimes in the Balkans; and if he will make a statement. [64924]
Mr Hague: The UK is among the strongest supporters of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The tribunal's work to effectively prosecute war criminals is critical for regional reconciliation.
Most notably, we welcome, very strongly, the recent arrest and transfer to The Hague of Ratko Mladic and we support the ICTY in its effective handling of that case.
This is important for International Justice, and for the families of the victims of those terrible crimes. It is vital now, that the Serbian authorities continue to cooperate fully with the ICTY. Both in supporting the handling of existing trials—such as the notable cases of Vojislav Seselj and Radovan Karadzic. But also in continuing the search for the last ICTY remaining fugitive—Goran Hadzic.
Equally, we note the successful prosecution of Croatian General Ante Gotovina sentenced on 15 April to 24 years for war crimes. We hope that this judgement, like all ICTY judgments, will be respected, while bearing in mind the possibility of an appeal.
BBC World Service: Finance
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has allocated ring-fenced funding to the BBC World Service Hindi shortwave service. [63054]
Mr Lidington: I refer my hon. Friend to the written ministerial statement made by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), on 22 June 2011, Official Report, columns 14-16WS. In that statement, the Foreign Secretary welcomed the BBC's agreement that the World Service would be able to reinvest the reduction in their planned contribution to the BBC pension deficit to mitigate the impact on services of their budget reduction. One area they have identified as a priority for such funding is the continuation of the Hindi shortwave service. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not allocated any additional funding to the Hindi shortwave service.
Belarus: Politics and Government
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of reports of the actions of the Government of Belarus in relation to online dissent in that country. [64925]
Mr Hague:
I am appalled at the increasingly repressive approach being taken by the authorities in Belarus. Opposition and independent media websites have been subjected to increasing numbers of cyber attacks, in particular before and after the so-called "silent" protests
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which have taken place throughout Belarus in recent weeks. I and the Minister for Europe, my right hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington), have made clear repeatedly to Belarus that basic human rights and freedom of expression must be respected.
Brahmaputra River: Hydroelectric Power
Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of the effects of hydroelectric and diversionary projects on the Brahmaputra River on downstream countries. [64329]
Mr Jeremy Browne: We are aware of recent media reporting regarding hydroelectric and diversionary projects on the Brahmaputra river. However we have not received any specific reports of the effects of such projects. We understand that since 2002 India and China have signed a number of MOUs for the provision of hydrological information on the Brahmaputra river, and that the two sides have set up a joint expert level mechanism to discuss co-operation. We continue to monitor water disputes in the region, recognising that these are a potential source of tension.
British Nationals Abroad: Homicide
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what training is offered to officials in his Department to deal with the families of UK victims of murder and manslaughter abroad. [64232]
Mr Jeremy Browne: All consular staff in London and abroad undergo pass/fail training before taking up their duties. Much of this is delivered by professional external trainers and includes specific modules on death in violent and suspicious circumstances and bereavement. Staff refresh their skills through attending consular workshops held regularly at posts around the world.
Foreign Relations
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any meetings are scheduled between members of the Government acting in a private capacity and foreign Heads of State and Government. [64835]
GCHQ: Relocation
Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the (a) original estimate and (b) final cost was in real terms of the 1997 relocation of GCHQ in Cheltenham. [65636]
Mr Hague: The cost of the Government Communications Headquarter's (GCHQ) whole new accommodation programme was approximately £1.2 billion. This included the building cost, maintenance and running of the building and the provision of services over 30 years. This was in line with initial estimates.
There was a further £308 million to meet the costs of the technical transition.
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Human Rights: Internet
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of each representation he has received from human rights organisations on the issue of internet access in other countries since May 2010. [63611]
Mr Hague: This Government are committed to supporting freedom of expression on the internet and will continue to encourage states that restrict access to online media to uphold their international human rights commitments.
We do not keep a central record of all representations received, including those on the issue of internet access in other countries. However, a sub-group of my Advisory Group on Human Rights has been set up under the chairmanship of the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne), specifically to advise the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on freedom of expression on the internet. This group will hold its first meeting on 20 July, and will include representatives from relevant human rights organisations.
Human Trafficking
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what responsibility he has for contributing to Government action against human trafficking; and what recent action he has taken in this regard. [65771]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government made tackling human trafficking a priority in the coalition programme for government. The Home Department leads this work and will shortly be publishing the Government's strategy on human trafficking. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office strongly welcomes its publication and has been involved in its development. We work, often with colleagues from other Departments, with governments and others in source and transit countries to identify and prevent human trafficking, to protect its victims and to prosecute its perpetrators. We are proud that our work to date has received praise from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, and will continue to work with the Home Office and others to combat human trafficking.
Libya: Armed Conflict
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the (a) number and (b) seniority of defectors from the Gaddafi Government in Libya since the beginning of Operation Ellamy. [64914]
Mr Hague: The number of Libyans who have deserted or defected from Gaddafi's regime is steadily increasing. It is hard to give a definitive number, but recent departures include five generals and two colonels, reported along with soldiers of other ranks; the Libyan ambassadors in Rome and Berlin; and 17 members of the Libyan football team.
Since the beginning of Operation Ellamy, the Foreign Minister, Musa Kusa, the Labour Minister Ali Al-Amin Mansur and the head of the National Oil Corporation, Shukri Ghanem, are the most senior members of the
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regime to have left Gaddafi. These departures are a measure of the growing pressure on those close to Gaddafi—both from sustained military action to prevent the regime attacking its own people, and from UN and EU sanctions.
Libya: Arms Trade
Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the supplying of weapons to rebel fighters in Libya by the French Government; and if he will make a statement. [65805]
Alistair Burt [holding answer 12 July 2011]: We are aware of reports that the French Government decided to supply some weapons along with other essential supplies to the Libyan Opposition in the Jebel Nafusa resisting attacks by the Gaddafi regime. We agree the United Nations resolutions allow in certain limited circumstances weapons to be provided. The UK has focused on supplying other forms of equipment.
Libya: British Nationals Abroad
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether (a) consideration was given to and (b) a costing sought for (i) chartering a reserve aircraft and (ii) ensuring that contracts had a redundancy capacity in case of mechanical fault when chartering evacuation flights from Libya. [64922]
Mr Hague: Throughout the Libya evacuation, our top priority was the safe and quick evacuation of British nationals and other eligible persons. The UK instigated the military multinational evacuation cell, based in Malta, to co-ordinate rescue efforts throughout the crisis. Whenever we sought a charter flight to support the evacuation, our brokers would return a number of options from different air operating companies. We made a selection on the basis of seat capacity, location of aircraft and price. Once our selected charter was confirmed, the broker informed the unsuccessful bidders. Because of the way the charter market works, it is not possible to hold other flights on reserve without paying significant costs. Following the FCO Review of Consular Evacuation Procedures, which I lodged in the Library on 4 July, we are examining the most cost-effective way of securing redundancy capacity, if we need it in the future.
Palestinians: Arms Trade
Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on allegations that UK-manufactured radar systems were found by Israeli defence forces in the cargo of the ship Victoria. [65765]
Mr Lidington
[holding answer 12 July 2011]: I have received reports that UK-produced radar components were found on the ship Victoria. This is very concerning. The UK operates an extremely rigorous export licensing system which includes consideration of end users and end use. Following an investigation of the reports with
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the manufacturer in this case we are working to ensure that new measures are implemented to prevent similar allegations in future.
Palestinians: International Assistance
Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Greek Government on the Gaza aid flotilla. [65430]
Mr Lidington: Officials from our embassy in Athens have discussed the matter of the Gaza flotilla with the Greek authorities and have relayed to them the United Kingdom's position on this. Our travel advice for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories gives clear guidance against any attempt to enter Gaza by sea. We continue to advise against participating in flotillas or overland convoys to Gaza because of the risks involved.
Palestinians: Politics and Government
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on UN consideration of Palestinian statehood. [60073]
Mr Hague: The unprecedented changes of the Arab Spring make progress on the peace process more urgent than ever. President Obama has called for the parties to return to the table for negotiations based on 1967 borders with agreed swaps and security arrangements that protect Israel and respect Palestinian sovereignty. The UK backs this call.
We urge all parties to seize this moment of opportunity and return as soon as possible to direct negotiations and we have regular meetings with our EU counterparts. As I told all sides during my visit to the region on 27 June to 1 July, we do not know if there will be a resolution in September, or what it will look like—so we have not made any decisions. Instead we urge both sides to look towards the things that are necessary to get a negotiated settlement and to return to talks as soon as possible.
Sikhs: Clothing
Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received on steps to ensure appropriate respect for the wearing of the Sikh turban. [64701]
Andrew Stunell: I have been asked to reply.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister for Europe, my right hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington), on 11 July 2011, Official Report, column 125-26W.
My Department leads on engagement with faith communities and has been facilitating discussions between the Department for Transport and a range of bodies representing British Sikhs, in relation to the approach on this issue adopted at British airports.
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Syria
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department met the hon. Member for Braintree (i) before and (ii) after his meeting with President Assad of Syria in June 2011 to discuss the meeting. [64837]
Mr Hague: I have not met the Lord Commissioner of Her Majesty's Treasury, my hon. Friend the Member for Braintree (Mr Newmark), to discuss his visit to Syria. However, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), spoke briefly to the hon. Member for Braintree both before and after the visit and they have also spoken in the margins of a meeting in the House. No other Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Minister has met the hon. Member for Braintree, although following his return from Syria he has met FCO officials.
Syria: Oil
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will initiate discussions with the governments of (a) Germany, (b) Italy, (c) France and (d) the Netherlands to urge them to cease importing oil from Syria. [65575]
Alistair Burt [holding answer 12 July 2011]: The UK has been at the forefront of the international effort to introduce targeted sanctions against Syria on those responsible for and associated with violent repression in Syria.
We will, with our EU and international partners, continue to keep up the pressure on those responsible for the violence and repression.
We are in constant discussion with our EU partners about ways to increase this pressure.
Home Department
Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse
Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she has discussed with her counterparts in (a) Norway and (b) Sweden measures to reduce the level of alcohol consumption by the public. [65144]
Anne Milton: I have been asked to reply.
I met my counterpart from Norway, Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen, at an informal European Union Council of Health Ministers from 4 to 5 April 2011. At her request, we discussed the possible renewal of the derogation for Norway from the EU Audiovisual media services Directive, which has permitted Norway to continue to ban advertising of alcohol.
Departmental officials have taken part in discussions on reducing alcohol misuse and harm within the EU Commission's Committee on National Policy and Action in World Health Organization European Region discussions.
I meet many Health Ministers at EU Health Council informally and discuss a number of issues.
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Association of Chief Police Officers: Finance
Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had with the Association of Chief Police Officers on its budget for 2011-12. [63257]
Mrs May [holding answer 4 July 2011]: I hold regular discussions with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) about a range of policing issues, the role of ACPO and its budget.
Biometrics: Olympic Games 2012
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans her Department has to collect biometric data on (a) members of the public, (b) athletes and (c) officials for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games; [65293]
(2) for how long biometric data on (a) members of the public, (b) athletes and (c) officials for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held; [65294]
(3) what steps will be taken to destroy biometric data collected for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. [65295]
Damian Green: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) collects fingerprints and facial images from visa nationals as part of the business as usual process when they apply for a visa.
UKBA will continue to collect fingerprints and facial images from visa nationals during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This process will apply to members of the public who are visa nationals and wish to visit the UK to attend the games.
Olympic and Paralympic Games family members such as athletes, coaches and officials will be required to obtain accreditation for the Olympic or Paralympic Games before participating in the games, and will undergo a series of biographical security checks undertaken by the Home Office prior to being granted accreditation and receiving an Olympic or Paralympic identity and accreditation card.
As a result of commitments given in the host city contract for the games, certain visa national games family members will be able to use the Olympic and Paralympic identity and accreditation card in lieu of a visa when it is presented with a valid national passport or other acceptable travel document during games time. Consequently, they will not need to apply for a visa to enter the UK and provide their fingerprints and facial image prior to travelling to the UK.
UKBA will therefore collect the fingerprints and facial images at the UK border from visa national games family members to maintain a proportionate level of its usual security checks on this group of people during the games. The agency will only collect the fingerprints and facial image of visa national games family members that it identifies as not already possessing.
We are currently taking secondary legislation through Parliament to provide UKBA with the power to collect the fingerprints and facial images of the visa national games family members who are able to use their accreditation card in lieu of visa.
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UKBA is also seeking to collect visa national games family members fingerprints and facial images before they travel to UK to take part in the games to reduce the amount of biometrics it needs to collect at the UK border during games time. A special visit visa, for which fingerprints and facial images have to be provided, is currently available to likely games family members, and we are also seeking to collect visa national games family members fingerprints and facial images on a voluntary basis overseas prior to games time.
The fingerprints and facial images collected from visa national games family members will be stored for 10 years then destroyed. If prior to the lapse of 10 years the person becomes a British citizen their fingerprints and facial image will be destroyed. This retention period mirrors UKBA's business as usual biometrics retention policy.
Crime Prevention: Young People
Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much funding her Department plans to allocate to the Positive Futures programme in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15. [64256]
Mrs May [holding answer 7 July 2011]: The Home Office has announced its intention to provide £5 million in 2012-13 to fund the frontline delivery of Positive Futures. No decisions have been made about levels of funding beyond that.
Crime: Business
Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps her Department is taking to reduce crimes against businesses. [64414]
James Brokenshire [holding answer 7 July 2011]: The Home Office takes all crimes against businesses seriously and works with a range of organisations and partnerships to tackle business crime.
The Home Office also works closely with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Acquisitive Crime Programme Board and its sub groups to deliver across a range of crime types that affect businesses, in particular Cash and Valuables in Transit Robbery, Commercial Robbery and Metal Theft.
The Home Office co-chairs the National Retail Crime Steering Group, the national partnership to tackle crimes against retailers.
The Steering Group is delivering a work plan focused on crime priorities affecting retailers. This includes strengthening local partnerships between retailers and law enforcement agencies; taking steps to develop safe working and trading environments; supporting designing out crime techniques; and working with the criminal justice system to ensure that effective sanctions and deterrents to retail crime are available.
Deportation: Offenders
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many foreign nationals who have (a) served time in UK prisons and (b) been removed from the UK after serving time in UK prisons were (i) refused and (ii) granted entry into the UK in each of the last five years. [63855]
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Damian Green: This answer could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Entry Clearances: Russia
Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she plans to prohibit the issue of visas to Russian officials alleged to be responsible for the (a) arrest, (b) torture and (c) death of Sergei Magnitsky. [65052]
Damian Green: As the Prime Minister has made clear, the Government remain very concerned by the circumstances surrounding Mr Magnitsky's death. It is important that the Russian authorities carry out a thorough and transparent investigation, given the serious allegations that have been raised. The Government welcomed the recent publication of the conclusions of the report by the Presidential Council for Human Rights, and hopes that the official investigation into this case announced by President Medvedev in November 2009 will soon be completed.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), does have the power to exclude foreign nationals whose presence in the UK she judges would not be conducive to the public good. Furthermore, all foreign nationals seeking entry to the UK must satisfy either an entry clearance officer overseas or an immigration officer at the port of arrival that they fully meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules.
However, the duty of confidentiality means that the Government are unable to discuss the details of individual immigration cases.
Human Trafficking
Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment she has made of the principal countries of origin of victims of human trafficking into the UK. [65244]
Damian Green: The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) collects Information on a victim's nationality rather than their country of origin. An analysis of the NRM data from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2011 shows that the following are the top seven nationalities for referrals, reasonable grounds and conclusive grounds decisions:
1. Nigerian
2. Chinese
3. Vietnamese
4. Romanian
5. Czech
6. Slovak
7. UK
1. Nigerian
2. Vietnamese
3. Chinese
4. Romanian
5. Czech
6. Slovak
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7. UK
1. Romanian
2. Nigerian
3. Czech
4. UK
5. Slovak
6. Chinese
7. Vietnamese
Human Trafficking: Children
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children have been referred to the National Referral Mechanism as trafficked in the last 12 months; how many of those children have (a) seen (i) a qualified social worker and (ii) an advocate and (b) a nominated independent reviewing officer; and how many of them have lost contact with authorities before their case can be determined. [65851]
Damian Green: Between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2011 a total of 217 children believed to be trafficked were referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).
Of the 217 referrals of children to the NRM, seven absconded/went missing before a Conclusive Grounds Decision was made.
Information requested on the numbers of children who have seen a qualified social worker, an advocate and an independent reviewing officer is not centrally collected. However, all children who become looked after must be allocated a social worker and an independent reviewing officer. They should also have access to an advocate.
Identity Cards: Costs
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what costs to the public purse, in real terms, under the previous Administration, had been incurred in respect of the planned identity card scheme. [65628]
Damian Green: Between 2003 and March 2006, the Home Office spent a total of £41 million developing the policy, legislation and business case for ID cards. Responsibility for the National Identity Service (NIS) was transferred to the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) on its establishment in April 2006 and IPS spent a total of £251 million on set-up costs between April 2006 and March 2010.
Around £8 million was spent on delivering ID cards from their launch in October 2009 until the decommissioning of the NIS.
Immigration: Housing
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on the effect on social housing of any change to the habitual residence list. [65508]
Andrew Stunell: I have been asked to reply.
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The habitual residence test requires a person to demonstrate links with the United Kingdom and a sufficient degree of social and economic integration to justify eligibility for social housing. There are no plans to change the habitual residence test.
Knives: Crime
Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 5 July 2011, Official Report, column 1134W, on knives: crime, which voluntary and community organisations received funding from her Department in 2010-11 for the purposes of preventing young people's involvement in knife and gun crime. [65492]
Mrs May [holding answer 11 July 2011]:In 2010-11 the Home Office made funding available to 143 voluntary and community organisations working to prevent young people's involvement in knife and gun crime through the Community Fund. A list of the successful applicants to the fund can be found on the Home Office website.
Police Custody
Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when her Department was notified of the High Court ruling related to Greater Manchester Police vs Salford Magistrates Court. [65202]
Mrs May [holding answer 11 July 2011]: The Home Office was first notified of the oral ruling in this case on 25 May 2011. We received a written copy of the High Court Judgment from Greater Manchester Police on 17 June 2011.
Raed Salah
Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether Sheikh Raed Salah was granted an entry clearance visa in June 2011; [63856]
(2) on what date the decision was taken to exclude Sheikh Raed Salah; [63857]
(3) on what date Sheikh Raed Salah was informed that he had been excluded from the UK; and what form that notification took; [63858]
(4) whether she was informed by the UK Border Agency that Sheikh Raed Salah had not been excluded successfully. [63859]
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) (a) on what date and (b) at what time she signed the order banning Sheikh Raed Salah from the UK; [63862]
(2) what representations she received on the activities of Sheikh Raed Salah before she made the order banning him from entering the UK; and from whom each such representation was received. [63699]
Mrs May [holding answer 4 July 2011]: The Government do not routinely comment on individual exclusion cases but in this instance I have considered it important to do so, and he had already put the details of his case into the public domain.
Raed Salah was excluded from the UK on 23 June as a result of numerous statements he had made, details of
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which were obtained from a variety of sources. As an Israeli national Mr Salah does not require a visa and he managed to enter the UK. He was on the Home Office watch list and should have been refused entry as a result of my exclusion decision. Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary has investigated how this happened.
Mr Salah has been detained and the UK Border Agency is making arrangements to remove him.
Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on what date and at what time the UK Border Agency informed her Department that Sheikh Raed Salah had most recently entered the UK; [64087]
(2) on what date the UK Border Agency was informed that Sheikh Raed Salah was excluded from the UK; [64088]
(3) on what date Sheikh Raed Salah most recently entered the UK; [64089]
(4) in what country Sheikh Raed Salah was present on the date he was informed that he was excluded from the UK; [64090]
(5) on what date she was made aware that Sheikh Raed Salah was visiting the UK. [64091]
Mrs May [holding answer 5 July 2011]: The Government do not routinely comment on individual exclusion cases but in this instance I have considered it is important to do so, and he had already put the details of his case into the public domain.
Raed Salah was excluded from the UK on 23 June as a result of numerous statements he had made, details of which were obtained from a variety of sources. As an Israeli national Mr Salah does not require a visa and he managed to enter the UK. He was on the Home Office watch list and should have been refused entry as a result of my exclusion decision. Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary has investigated how this happened.
Mr Salah has been detained and the UK Border Agency is making arrangements to remove him.
Theft: Bicycles
Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether her Department is taking steps to improve the provision of security equipment for bicycles. [60971]
James Brokenshire: Police forces locally are responsible for dealing with the problem of bicycle theft. They can offer effective crime prevention advice to the public on measures to secure their belongings. Bicycle owners have an important part to play in ensuring that their bicycles are locked and secure at all times when not in their possession.
The Home Office Design and Technology Alliance worked with partners to sponsor a design challenge to encourage solutions to bike theft. The Home Office's new Forum for Innovation in Crime Prevention will continue to focus on new challenges and solutions to crime.
13 July 2011 : Column 393W
Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Committee
Members: Complaints
Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what the policy of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is on naming a complainant against an hon. Member in the published determination of the complaint. [61805]
Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Compliance Officer for IPSA, who is statutorily independent of IPSA's executive branch. I have asked him to reply.
Letter from Luke March, Com pliance Officer, dated July 2011:
As the Compliance Officer for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what the policy of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is on naming a complainant against an hon. Member in the published determination of the complaint.
There is no legal obligation on the Compliance Officer to publish the names of complainants.
Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, whether the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Compliance Officer is independent of the Authority's executive branch; for what reason the Compliance Officer conveyed to the Chairman of the Authority information relating to the number of notices of preliminary investigation which he had issued; and with how many other persons the Compliance Officer has communicated information relating to his office. [61806]
Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Compliance Officer for IPSA, who is statutorily independent of IPSA's executive branch. I have asked him to reply.
Letter from Luke March, Compliance Officer, dated July 2011 :
As the Compliance Officer for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking for what reason the Compliance Officer conveyed to the Chairman of the Authority information relating to the number of notices of preliminary investigation which he had issued; and with how many others he has communicated information relating to his office.
The Compliance Officer reports directly to the Chairman of IPSA's Board. In accordance with the Guidance to the Compliance Officer determined by IPSA under section 9A of the Parliamentary Standards Act 2009 “the Compliance Officer shall notify the MP and IPSA that a Preliminary Investigation is to be undertaken to ascertain if there is a reason for the Compliance Officer to believe that the MP may have been paid an amount under the Scheme that should not have been allowed”.
The number of investigations has also been given to the National Audit Office.
Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority what the average cost to the public purse has been of investigating each complaint made to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority to date. [61807]
13 July 2011 : Column 394W
Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Compliance Officer for IPSA, who is statutorily independent of IPSA's executive branch. I have asked him to reply.
Letter from Luke March, Compliance Officer, dated July 2011:
As the Compliance Officer for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what the average cost to the public purse has been of investigating each complaint made to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority to date.
As the recently appointed Compliance Officer, I am as yet unable to identify the precise cost of each investigation. I am, however, acutely mindful of the proportionality of our investigations, whilst recognising that I am required to act in accordance with statute.
Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority what target the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has set for (a) the issue of a notice of preliminary investigation by its Compliance Officer following (i) a public complaint and (ii) work carried out in his office, (b) concluding the investigation; and (c) conveying the result of the investigation to (A) the hon. or right hon. Member concerned and (B) the person who made the complaint. [61808]
Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Compliance Officer for IPSA, who is statutorily independent of IPSA's executive branch. I have asked him to reply.
Letter from Luke March, Compliance Officer, dated July 2011:
As the Compliance Officer for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what target the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has set for (a) the issue of a notice of preliminary investigation by its Compliance Officer following (i) a public complaint and (ii) work carried out in his office, (b) concluding the investigation; and (c) conveying the result of the investigation to (A) the hon. or right hon. Member concerned and (B) the person who made the complaint.
As the independent Compliance Officer for IPSA, I am responsible for setting my own targets
(a) (i) Each complaint is assessed on a case by case basis.
(ii) A range of targets exist for different activities carried out by my office.
(b) The target for completing an investigation is 120 days (sixty days for the preliminary investigation and sixty days for the substantive investigation).
(c) No target has been set for conveying the result of an investigation to (A) the honourable or right honourable Member concerned or (B) the person who made the complaint. However, I would endeavour to relay the result to all parties as quickly as possible.
Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority pursuant to the answer of 14 June 2011, Official Report, column 587W, on Members: complaints, on what dates the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Compliance Office issued each of the notices of preliminary investigation arising from the work carried out by its office. [61811]
13 July 2011 : Column 395W
Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Compliance Officer for IPSA, who is statutorily independent of IPSA's executive branch. I have asked him to reply.
Letter from Luke March, Compliance Officer, dated July 2011:
As the Compliance Officer for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking on what dates the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Compliance Office issued each of the notices of preliminary investigations arising from the work carried out by its office.
The first notices of preliminary investigation were issued on 13 April 2011.
Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority on what dates the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Compliance Officer (a) commenced and (b) concluded his investigations in respect of notices served following the complaints received on (i) 2 December 2010, (ii) 20 December 2010, (iii) 21 December 2010, (iv) 16 January 2011 and (v) 9 February 2011. [61812]
Mr Charles Walker: IPSA, who is statutorily independent of IPSA's executive branch. I have asked him to reply.
Letter from Luke March, Compliance Officer, dated July 2011:
As the Compliance Officer for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking on what dates the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Compliance Officer (a) commenced and (b) concluded investigations in respect of notices served following the complaints received on (i) 2 December 2010, (ii) 20 December 2010, (iii) 21 December 2010, (iv) 16 January 2011 and (v) 9 February 2011
For investigations commenced on 13 April 2011, all cases remain open with the exception of the complaint of 21 December 2010, where the preliminary investigation has concluded.
Schemes
Adam Afriyie: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what definition of public confidence the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority uses in assessing the effectiveness of its schemes. [62624]
Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply.
Letter from Andrew McDonald, dated June 2011:
As Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what definition of public confidence the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority uses in assessing the effectiveness of its schemes.
There is no established standard definition of public confidence in political science. IPSA has therefore taken the approach to interpret it as meaning in respect of our schemes, confidence amongst the population at large, as perceived subjectively by each individual, that IPSA by means of a) clear, published rules on MPs' expenses, b) IPSA's rigorous governance and processes and c) transparency around IPSA's work and MPs' expense claims, is dispersing public funds efficiently and effectively to support MPs in carrying out their parliamentary functions.
13 July 2011 : Column 396W
Work Experience
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, how many interns the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has on (a) casual and (b) fixed-term contracts. [62934]
Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply.
Letter from Andrew McDonald, dated June 2011:
As Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many interns the independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has on (a) casual and (b) fixed-term contracts.
IPSA does not employee any interns, either on a casual or on a fixed-term basis.
Treasury
Carbon Emissions
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of funds generated from the Crown Estate was spent on the development and installation of low-carbon technologies in the last year for which figures are available. [65408]
Justine Greening: During 2010-11 the Crown Estate's capital expenditure on the facilitation and implementation of low carbon technologies was nearly £20 million.
Conditions of Employment
Dr Murrison: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what uses his Department has made of the annual survey of hours and earnings data produced by the Office for National Statistics in the last three years. [65287]
Justine Greening: Officials across the Treasury make occasional use of the annual survey of hours and earnings data to inform policy development. As there is no single user of these data at the Treasury, to answer this question in full would entail disproportionate costs.
Loans: Republic of Ireland
Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of the sum to be contributed by the UK to financial stabilisation of the Republic of Ireland; and what assessment he has made of the effect on the economy of Northern Ireland of such contributions. [65213]
Mr Hoban: The international financial assistance package for Ireland agreed in December 2010 included: a €22.5 billion loan from the IMF, of which €7.2 billion has been disbursed; a €22.5 billion loan from the EFSM, of which €11.4 billion has been disbursed; a €17.5 billion loan from the EFSF, of which €3.6 billion has been disbursed; and, €5 billion of bilateral loans from the UK, Sweden and Denmark.
13 July 2011 : Column 397W
The UK's exposure breaks down as follows:
A bilateral loan of £3.227 billion is available to Ireland. The loan cannot be drawn until after the approval of the third quarterly review of Ireland's Memorandum of Understanding with the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission. The review is expected to take place in August.
The European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism (EFSM) is financed by the European Commission raising funds on capital markets, guaranteed by the EU Budget. There is no direct impact on the EU Budget from any such borrowing by the Commission. Only in the event that a beneficiary member state defaults on loan repayments would the EU Budget be adversely affected. In those circumstances, member states would be liable for a share based on their contribution to the EU Budget at that time. Contributions to the EU Budget vary over time, mainly driven by the member states’ share in the EU's Gross National Income. For this reason, it is not possible to state exactly the UK liability. As an illustrative example, based on contributions to the 2010 EU Budget, the UK's share would be approximately 14%.
It is not possible to provide an estimate of the UK's contribution to specific IMF programmes. The UK contributes funds to the IMF as a whole rather than to any country-specific IMF programme. Our ultimate exposure to any IMF lending programme would be in line with our quota shareholding, i.e. around 4.5%.
It is in our national interest that the Irish economy is successful and its banking system is stable. Ireland accounts for 6% of Britain's total exports—we export more to Ireland than to Brazil, Russia, India and China put together. By offering Ireland a bilateral loan, Britain is recognising the important economic relationship between Britain and Ireland, including between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Public Sector: Pay
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library copies of his communications to local authorities on the increase in the pay of public sector workers whose income does not exceed £21,000. [65356]
Danny Alexander [holding answer 11 July 2011]: Local Government pay is a matter for free collective bargaining between local authority employers and unions, primarily through the National Joint Council.
The Chancellor has had no communication with local authorities regarding the increase in pay of public sector workers whose income does not exceed £21,000.
VAT: Tax Rates and Bands
Steve Rotheram: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the effects on the (a) tourism, (b) heritage and (c) sporting industries of the increase in the rate of value added tax. [65715]
Mr Gauke: No specific assessment has been made of the economic impact of the VAT rate increase on these sectors.
13 July 2011 : Column 398W
Wales
Energy
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what discussions she has had with (a) the First Minister of Wales and (b) Ministers at the Department of Energy and Climate Change on devolving decision-making on consents for energy projects with a generating capacity up to 100 megawatts; and if she will publish the minutes of any such meetings; [65461]
(2) what her policy is on the devolution of decision-making on consents for electricity projects with a generating capacity up to 100 megawatts; and if she will make a statement. [65464]
Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan) and I have had a number of informal discussions with Ministers at the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the First Minister on a range of issues relating to energy policy including consents for energy projects. As these were informal discussions, no minutes were taken.
The Government shares the view of the previous administration that the system of consents for electricity projects with a generating capacity in excess of 50 megawatts should be one that minimises delay and commands investor confidence. This is most effectively achieved by a common consents regime for major infrastructure in England and Wales.
Ministerial Meetings
Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what (a) meetings and (b) other engagements (i) Ministers and (ii) special advisers in her Department had which were attended by Mr Andrew Coulson (A) between 12 May 2010 and 21 January 2011 and (B) since 21 January 2011; [65996]
(2) what (a) meetings and (b) other engagements (i) Ministers and (ii) special advisers in her Department have attended since her appointment which were also attended by (A) representatives, (B) journalists and (C) other employees of (1) News International and its subsidiary organisations including newspapers, (2) News Corporation and its subsidiary organisations and (3) BSkyB. [66009]
Mr David Jones: As has been the practice of previous Administrations information relating to internal meetings, discussions and advice is not normally discussed.
I refer the hon. Member to the Prime Minister’s statement to the House of earlier today.
Renewable Energy
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions she has had on the development of marine and tidal energy generation in Wales. [65462]
Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), and I have discussed the development of marine and tidal generation in Wales with the Minister of State for Energy, the First Minister for Wales and a variety of interested parties.
13 July 2011 : Column 399W
We believe that Wales has a vital role to play in generating marine and tidal energy, as the Government's approval of the 1.2 MW 'Deltastream' test device situated off the coast of Pembrokeshire demonstrates.
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether she has discussed with Ministers in the Department of Energy and Climate Change the development of low-carbon energy technologies in Wales; and if she will publish the minutes of any such meetings. [65463]
Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), and I have had a number of informal discussions with Ministers from the Department of Energy and Climate Change on energy policy, and in particular the development of low-carbon technologies in Wales. As these were informal discussions, no minutes were taken.
Welfare State: Reform
Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if she will discuss with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions the effect of planned welfare reforms on recipients of incapacity benefit in Wales; [65468]
(2) what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the effect on people in Wales of the Government's proposed welfare reforms. [65469]
13 July 2011 : Column 400W
Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan) has had, and will continue to have, discussions with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the right hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), on a range of measures included in our programme for welfare reform.
The Welfare Reform Bill, introduced in the Commons on 16 February 2011, proposes the most fundamental reforms to the social security system for 60 years. It will deliver a system throughout Wales and Britain that is simpler, fairer and ensures that work always pays.
Business, Innovation and Skills
Bankruptcy
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many (a) businesses and (b) individuals filed for bankruptcy in (i) York, (ii) Yorkshire and the Humber and (iii) England in each year since 1997. [65614]
Mr Davey: The Insolvency Service does not compile figures for bankruptcy petitions; statistics for orders made at this level of geography are available from 2000; the latest available figures currently are those for 2009. The additional breakdown into those bankruptcies as a result of trading debts (business bankruptcies) and those among other individuals (consumers) is only readily available from 2007. The available statistics are shown in the following table:
| Table 1: Bankruptcies in York, Yorkshire and the Humber, England: 2000-09 (1) | |||||||||
| York (Unitary Authority) | Yorkshire and the Humber (GOR) | England | |||||||
|
|
Traders | Consumers | Total | Traders | Consumers | Total | Traders | Consumers | Total |
| n/a = Not available. (1) Where bankrupt has provided a valid postcode (from 87.6% in 2000 rising to 97.1% in 2009). | |||||||||
Business: Loans
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses in York received Government guarantees on bank loans under the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (a) between May 2009 and May 2010 and (b) between May 2010 and May 2011; and what the total monetary value of the loans guaranteed was in each case. [65620]
Mr Prisk: In the period May 2009 to May 2010, there were 16 Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) loans to businesses in York with a drawn down loan value of £0.94 million. Between May 2010 and April 2011, there were 13 EFG loans to businesses in York with a drawn down value of £1.58 million. A full breakdown by each period follows:
16 EFG l oans between May 2009 and April 2010
£96,663.00
£24,000.00
£7,000.00
£83,230.00
£81,200.00
£25,250.00
£24,673.80
£20,300.00
£36,440.08
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£32,327.75
£50,500.00
£47,000.00
£12,750.00
£41,100.00
£350,000.00
£10,175.00
Total loans £0.94 million
13 EFG l oans between May 2010 and April 2011
£20,400.00
£51,000.00
£107,060.00
£850,000.00
£60,900.00
£22,000.00
£150,000.00
£10,000.00
£120,000.00
£55,550.00
£25,375.00
£30,000.00
£75,617.50
Total loans £1.58 million
Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his most recent assessment is of the level of bank lending to small and medium-sized businesses in (a) Wales and (b) Islwyn constituency. [65685]
Mr Prisk: We collect data from the four largest retail banks on lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This is published by the Bank of England in its quarterly “Trends in Lending” publication; further details can be found at:
www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/other/monetary/trendsinlending.htm
Additionally, the British Banking Association's Business Finance Taskforce has brought together leading banks to commission an independent and authoritative study of SME finance and banking relationships. The first instalment of this quarterly report was published on 11 July as the SME Finance Monitor, and can be found at:
http://www.bdrc.co.uk/business-issues/sme-finance-monitor/sme-finance-monitor-reports
Business Regulation
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many regulations his Department has introduced (a) in the six months prior to 1 September 2010 and (b) in the six months after 1 September 2010 which it has determined do not impose costs on businesses. [65404]
Mr Prisk: In the six months after 1 September 2010, 11 regulations have been introduced which do not impose costs to business.
In the six months prior to 1 September 2010, seven regulations have been introduced which do not impose costs to business.
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The Government's policy is to consider alternatives to regulation. A list of regulatory measures introduced in the first half of 2011 can be found in the Statement of New Regulation in the Libraries of the House.
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many regulations that impose costs on businesses his Department has (a) introduced and (b) removed since 1 September 2010; what the net effect on the costs on businesses of such introductions and removals was; and what regulations have been excluded from the one-in one-out system because they address (i) emergencies and (ii) systemic financial risks since 1 September 2010. [65405]
Mr Prisk: The one-in one-out regulatory management system, although announced in September, did not come into force until January 2011.
A list of regulatory measures introduced or removed in the first half of 2011 can be found in the Statement of New Regulation in the Libraries of the House.
The following regulations have been excluded from the one-in one-out system because they address emergencies. These have zero net effect to business and the economy;
The Export Control (Amendment) (No.3) Order 2011 (SI 2011//1127)
This Introduced new controls on the export to the US of certain specified human and veterinary medicinal products which can be used to execute prisoners on death row by lethal injection: thiopental sodium, pancuronium bromide, potassium chloride and sodium pentobarbital—came into force 16 April 2011
The Export Control (Amendment) Order 2011 (SI 2011/543)
The Libyan bank notes—came into force 27 February 2011
The Export Control (Libya) Order 2011 (SI 2011/825)
Provides for enforcement of certain provisions of EU sanctions against Libya—came into force 18 March 2011.
The Export Control (Syria and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2011 (SI 2011/1304)
Provides for enforcement of certain provisions of EU sanctions against Syria—came into force 25 May 2011.
Business Surveys
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when his Department next plans to undertake a small business survey; and what schedule he has put in place for small business surveys to 2015. [65909]
Mr Davey: The most recent BIS small business survey was published in May 2011 and current practice is to undertake this large scale survey every two years.
In addition BIS undertakes a range of regular surveys and other research relating to small businesses, details of which can be found at:
http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/enterprise-and-business-support/analytical-unit/research-and-evaluation
Business: York
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate the number of companies in Yorkshire and the Humber that exported goods or services to (a) other EU countries and (b) non-EU countries (i) between May 2009 and May 2010 and (ii) between May 2010 and 2011. [65678]
13 July 2011 : Column 403W
Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply.
13 July 2011 : Column 404W
The information requested is as follows:
| Number of companies exporting goods from Yorkshire and The Humber: 2009-11 | |||||||||||
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | |||||||||
|
|
Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total 2009 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total 2010 | Q1 |
| Notes: 1. Only those companies trading above the Intrastat threshold are included under ‘Exporting to EU’. Companies below this threshold do not have to make Intrastat trade declarations to HMRC. 2. All counts are based on the Regional Trade Statistics (RTS) methodology. 3. The RTS is published quarterly, Q1 is January-March; Q2 is April-June; Q3 is July-September; and Q4 is October-December. 4. The latest RTS publication is first quarter (Q1) 2011. 5. Where quarterly company counts are indicated, the figures reflect the number of companies active in that quarter. The annual total company counts do not correspond to the sum of the quarterly company counts, but to the count of unique companies active at any time during the year. Source: HM Revenue and Customs, Regional Trade Statistics (RTS) | |||||||||||
The data supplied relate only to companies that have traded in goods.
Special Advisers
Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what expenses were claimed by (a) paid and (b) unpaid special advisers working in his Department in the last 12 months. [62081]
Mr Davey: Expense claims by special advisers during the period 13 May 2010 to 31 March 2011 amount to £681.28.
The Department has no unpaid special advisers.
Departmental Offices
Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the capacity of his Department's new local offices to cover more than one administrative region in England. [65749]
Mr Prisk [holding answer 12 July 2011]: The BIS Local teams' geographic coverage is based on Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) geography. In areas which span more than one previous administrative region, the teams have dual locations in order to provide the most effective coverage within the resources allocated.
Electronic Equipment: Waste Disposal
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether electrical showers are categorised as fixed installations under the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 2002/96/EC amended by 2003/108/EC as transposed into UK regulations; and if he will make a statement. [65860]
Mr Prisk: The scope of the EC Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive has been problematic since its adoption at the end of 2002. There is no direct reference to an exemption for 'fixed installations' in the directive, but the European Commission's guidance does allow for one in its interpretation of Article 2.1.
The Department's understanding is that a simple electric shower fitted into a bathroom as a discrete or stand-alone unit would not be regarded as a fixed installation and would, therefore, be caught within the scope of the Directive and UK Regulations. A power shower that has controls in the bathroom but a remote pump and/or water heater fitted elsewhere in the building would be regarded as part of a fixed installation and, therefore, outside scope.
European negotiations on a recast of the original directive are underway and we are hoping for greater clarity on this and other scope issues once a new directive is agreed.
Enterprise Promotion
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to encourage enterprise promotion activities in disadvantaged areas. [61100]
Mr Prisk: The Government are leading a series of measures which will promote enterprise and which will be of particular help to disadvantaged areas.
In October 2010 the Government announced that the first Local Enterprise Partnerships were ready to move forward and establish their local enterprise partnership boards. The Partnerships will play a central role in determining local economic priorities and undertaking activities to drive economic growth and the creation of local jobs:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/local/localenterprisepartnerships/
In October 2010 the Government also launched the New Enterprise Allowance to support unemployed people to start their own business.
The allowance is available to Jobseekers Allowance customers who have been claiming for 26 weeks or more. Participants have access to a volunteer business mentor to provide guidance and support as they develop their business plan and through the early months of
13 July 2011 : Column 405W
trading. Once a customer can demonstrate they have a viable business proposition with the potential for growth in the future, they can access financial support.
a weekly allowance worth £1,274 over 26 weeks, paid at £65 a week for the first 13 weeks and £33 a week for a further 13 weeks, and
if they need start-up capital, they may also be able to access a loan up to £1,000 to help with their start-up costs.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/adviser/updates/new-enterprise-allowance/
In November 2010 the Government announced that we will remove barriers preventing social tenants from applying to start up a business based in their home and will work with social landlords to encourage their tenants to develop entrepreneurial skills.
In July 2011 the Government announced the launch of a new mentoring scheme, developed in partnership with the private sector, to improve access to, and stimulate the demand for, mentoring. Developing and established businesses will now have access to more knowledge and support through a brand new web portal:
www.mentorsme.co.uk
Environmental Protection
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent progress his Department has made on the green economy roadmap. [65825]
13 July 2011 : Column 406W
Mr Prisk: The green economy roadmap will now be published at the end of July. This Department has worked with the other lead Departments—Department of Energy and Climate Change and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs—to finalise the content and ensure it reflects the latest developments on major initiatives such as the Green Investment Bank and the energy market reforms package. The draft roadmap document has been discussed with a number of stakeholders, including business, and the Green Economy Council, to ensure we have a clear vision and coherent framework.
Local Enterprise Partnerships: Public Appointments
Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the name is of each local enterprise partnership in respect of which approval of the board membership has been given; what the name is of each member of each such partnership representing (a) local authorities, (b) businesses and (c) higher education; what the name is of each partnership for which approval of board membership is pending; and what the name is of each partnership which is not in a position for board membership to be approved. [65220]
Mr Prisk: The information is as follows:
Local enterprise partnership boards formally recognised by Government
Information regarding board membership can be found on each partnership's website as follows:
For the following two partnerships the board information is not available online:
|
|
Local authority representatives | Business representatives | Higher education representatives |
13 July 2011 : Column 407W
13 July 2011 : Column 408W
Local enterprise partnerships with board approvals pending with the Government:
Greater Birmingham and Solihull
The Solent
Local enterprise partnerships still developing their permanent boards:
Derby Derbyshire Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Dorset
Gloucestershire
Heart of the South West
Hertfordshire
Hull and the Humber
Kent, Greater Essex and East Sussex
Lancashire
Leicester and Leicestershire
Liverpool City Region
London
The Marches
North Eastern
South East Midlands
Tees Valley
Thames Valley Berkshire
Military Aircraft: Exports
Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions with other governments (a) he and (b) other Ministers in his Department have had on the export of (i) Hawk Mk. 128 and (ii) Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft. [64892]
Mr Prisk [holding answer 11 July 2011]: During a visit to Japan in June the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), discussed Typhoon with the Japanese Government. I was present with the Prime Minister on 28 July 2010 at the signing of the agreement to supply 57 Hawk trainer aircraft to India. Ministers from the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, and from a range of other Departments, regularly discuss Typhoon and Hawk exports, as well as other defence and security export prospects with their counterparts overseas, and will continue to do so in line with this Government's commitment to promote responsible defence exports.
Pay
Dr Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what uses his Department has made of the annual survey of hours and earnings data produced by the Office for National Statistics in the last three years. [65289]
Mr Davey: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has used ASHE for analysis of the low paid and National Minimum Wage Policy. ASHE has also been used for briefing Ministers on levels of earnings, hours worked and gender pay differences.
THQ Digital Studios
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 27 June 2011 to the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, Official Report, columns 480-1W, on THQ, what discussions UK Trade and Investment officials have had with representatives of the video games industry on the closure of THQ's Warrington studios. [64170]
Mr Prisk [holding answer 6 July 2011]: No officials from UK Trade and Investment have had any discussions with representatives of the video games industry specifically regarding the closure of THQ's Warrington studios.
UKTI and Department for Culture, Media and Sport officials have regular discussions regarding the state of the UK games industry with TIGA, the trade association representing the UK's games industry and the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE), the UK's leading videogames trade body.
Health
Abortion: Counselling
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) by what means he proposes to effect changes to the regulation of the provision of counselling for women seeking abortions; [65272]
(2) what assessment he has made of the likely impact of preventing organisations which provide abortion services from providing pregnancy counselling services. [65273]
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Anne Milton: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer given on 6 July 2011, Official Report, column 1269W, to the hon. Member for Heywood and Middleton (Jim Dobbin).
Detailed proposals on how independent abortion counselling might be implemented are still being worked up within the Department; this includes development of an impact assessment. An offer of independent counselling will be in addition to the assessment of whether there are grounds for an abortion under the Abortion Act 1967, as amended. All clinicians who provide abortion care should always undertake a discussion about the choices available to pregnant women and identify those who require more support in decision-making.
Cancer
Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent steps he is taking to reduce the incidence of cancer. [65150]
Paul Burstow: To reduce the incidence of cancer we will need to continue to tackle the risk factors. Many of these risk factors are rooted in lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, the harmful use of alcohol, drug misuse, poor diet and nutrition, being overweight and physically inactive.
Last year, the Government published “Healthy Lives, Healthy People”, which set out our strategy for improving public health. This includes the establishment of a new, dedicated, professional public health service—Public Health England—which will be set up to take action to promote public health and to encourage behaviour change to help people live healthier lives.
Following on from the public health White Paper, the Government published its Tobacco Control Plan, “Healthy Lives, Healthy People: A Tobacco Control Plan for England” in March, which sets out how tobacco control will be delivered over the next five years. New United Kingdom-wide physical activity guidelines were launched on 11 July as part of a UK Chief Medical Officers' report which details the latest evidence on the physical activity required to achieve general health benefits and prevent diseases, including some cancers. We will be publishing a document on obesity shortly after the summer. It will set out how obesity will be tackled in the new public health and national health service systems and the role of key partners. An alcohol strategy will follow later this year.
The NHS cervical screening programme continues to play an important role in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in women. The programme prevents cervical cancers by detecting and treating abnormalities which, if left undetected and untreated, may develop into cancer. Experts estimate it saves up to 4,500 lives per year. As set out in “Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer” (January 2011) we have committed to invest £60 million between 2011 and 2014 to incorporate flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) into the NHS bowel screening programme. New evidence has shown that a one-off FS screening test for bowel cancer at age 55 can reduce the incidence of bowel cancer in people attending screening by 33%. Experts estimate FS will save around 3,000 lives every year.
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Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the national clinical audit recommended in Improving Outcomes: a Strategy for Cancer will be implemented; and when the results will be published. [65231]
Paul Burstow: The Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP), which works under contract to maintain and develop the National Clinical Audit and Patient Outcome Programme, published a call for new national clinical audit topics in March 2011. The Department will consider the proposals received following advice from the National Clinical Audit Advisory Group. Further information on the call for new national clinical audits can be found on the HQIP website:
www.hqip.org.uk/new-topic-proposals-for-national-clinical-audits-process-201/
Cancer: Drugs
Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are in place for patients to continue to access medicines through the Cancer Drugs Fund once the present fund is exhausted. [65232]
Paul Burstow: We have committed £600 million to the Cancer Drugs Fund over the next three years which will help thousands more cancer patients access the drugs their clinicians believe will help them. This is a significant injection of funding for additional cancer drugs. Strategic health authorities and their clinical panels are responsible for ensuring that this additional funding is employed to best effect, and should take account of the likely costs of future treatment in their planning.
Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the transfer of funding supplied through the Cancer Drugs Fund between regions. [65233]
Paul Burstow: We expect regional strategic health authority (SHA) clinical panels to plan according to their allocated shares of the available funding. The Department will monitor SHA spend from the Cancer Drugs Fund and transfers between SHAs can be considered if a good reason arises.