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Written Answers to Questions
Friday 9 September 2011
House of Commons Commission
Pay
Hugh Bayley: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, pursuant to the answer of 7 June 2011, Official Report, column 2W, on pay, what the pay figures for 2010-11 would be if the pay of staff employed by PICT were included. [69743]
John Thurso: The answer of 7 June 2011, Official Report, column 2W, gave a figure of £57 million for salaries paid to House of Commons staff in 2010-11. This was based on the draft accounts at 23 May 2011. In the final version of the House of Commons Resource Accounts (HC 1423) the equivalent figure fell to £55 million owing to later accounting adjustments. The amount paid in total salaries to staff in the House of Commons plus PICT for the financial year 2010-11 was £64 million. PICT is a joint department of both Houses and the equivalent net cost to the House of Commons is £62 million after taking account of the House of Lords contribution.
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister what records 10 Downing street keeps of (a) the (i) name and (ii) number of visitors who have entered 10 Downing street through a back entrance since 6 May 2010 and (b) the dates of such visits. [68563]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the list of official meetings by Ministers with external organisations which is published on a quarterly basis and to the list of meetings with proprietors, editors and senior media executives which was published on 15 July 2011. This is available on the Number 10 website and will be updated quarterly:
http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/pm-published-details-of-visitors-to-chequers/
I also refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes) on 20 July 2011, Official Report, column 926.
Airports: Security
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Prime Minister if he will consider the merits of placing all aviation security matters under the auspices of the Home Department. [70166]
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The Prime Minister: The Home Office lead on counter terrorism and the Department for Transport on aeroplane and airport security. Both Departments work closely with each other including through the Cabinet Office.
Appointments
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister what his last appointment was in London before Christmas 2010. [68538]
The Prime Minister: On 21 December 2010 I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others, including Cabinet. I also refer the hon. Member to the news story that was published on the Number 10 website on 22 December 201:
http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/pm-and-prince-charles-visit-injured-troops/
News Corporation
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister which the first occasion was that he discussed BSkyB with (a) Rebekah Brooks and (b) James Murdoch after 22 December 2010. [68539]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 20 July 2011, Official Report, column 935.
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister (1) whether he received advice from the (a) information and security services and (b) police in advance of employing Andy Coulson; [68542]
(2) which company the Government engaged to vet the appointment of Andy Coulson as Director of Communications at 10 Downing Street; on what date; and at what cost. [69031]
Owen Smith: To ask the Prime Minister (1) whether the company which conducted the security vetting of Mr Andy Coulson, upon his appointment as Director of Communications at 10 Downing Street, was an accredited national security vetting provider; [69021]
(2) whether (a) Mr Edward Llewelyn, (b) Mr Steve Hilton, (c) Mr Craig Oliver, (d) Mr Andrew Cooper and (e) Mr Andy Coulson were subject to (i) baseline personnel security standard vetting, (ii) a counter terrorist check, (iii) a security check and (iv) developed vetting. [69022]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Helen Goodman) on 20 July 2011, Official Report, column 939. I also refer the hon. Members to the letter sent by the Cabinet Secretary to the hon. Member for Bury South (Mr Lewis) on 22 July 2011. A copy of this is available on the Cabinet Office website:
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/andy-coulson-sir-gus-odonnells-letter-ivan-lewis-mp
Mr George Howarth:
To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to the statement of 20 July 2011, Official Report, column 939, (1) what advice he received prior
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to taking his decision to take himself out of the decision-making process in respect of the acquisition of BSkyB; and whether contacts during the course of his meetings with senior staff from News International at formal meetings or socially, constrained him from taking part in that process; [68833]
(2) for what reasons it was not appropriate for him to take a view on the proposed takeover by NewsCorp of BSkyB; what record was taken of his meetings with senior staff from News International; and if he will place a copy of such records in the Library; [68859]
The Prime Minister: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer 1 gave to the hon. Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn) on 20 July 2011, Official Report, column 939. I also refer the right hon. Member to the list of proprietors, senior executives and editors of media organisations that I have met since the general election which was published on Friday 15 July 2011. This is available on the Number 10 website
http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/pm-published-details-of-visitors-to-chequers/
and will be updated quarterly.
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish his Office's records of each communication between his (a) chief of staff, (b) political office and (c) press office and special advisers in (i) HM Treasury, (ii) the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and (iii) the Home Office in which Andy Coulson's name was part of the communication in 2011. [69035]
The Prime Minister: In carrying out their duties, on whatever the subject matter, special advisers and civil servants carry out their duties in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers and the Civil Service Code.
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister how many (a) telephone calls, (b) meetings and (c) e-mail exchanges his chief of staff has had with Andy Coulson in 2011 to date. [69036]
The Prime Minister: Andy Coulson has not visited Downing Street since his departure on 30 January 2011.
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister how many discussions (a) in person and (b) by telephone he has had with Andy Coulson since Mr Coulson resigned; on what dates; which conversations were monitored by officials of his Department; and what was discussed on each occasion. [69037]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 20 July 2011, Official Report, column 954.
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister how long Andy Coulson stayed at Chequers on his most recent visit; who else was present at Chequers at that time; and whether he discussed with Andy Coulson any issue relating to (a) the proposed News Corporation bid for BSkyB and (b) allegations of phone hacking and associated activities on that occasion. [69038]
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The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 20 July 2011, Official Report, column 950, to the hon. Member for Derby North (Chris Williamson).
Mobile Phones
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister how many mobile phones he has that are (a) wholly and (b) partially funded from the public purse. [67975]
The Prime Minister: I have access to a range of mobile communication devices.
John Yates
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister on what date his chief of staff has communicated with Assistant Commissioner John Yates since his appointment; and whom his chief of staff informed of each such communication. [68564]
The Prime Minister: My Chief of Staff has meetings and discussions with a wide range of organisations and individuals on a range of subjects. I refer the hon. Member to the statement I made on 20 July 2011, Official Report, column 920.
Lockerbie: Moussa Koussa
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Prime Minister whether Moussa Koussa was interviewed by Scottish police in respect of the Lockerbie bombing. [70982]
The Prime Minister: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to him during my statement on 5 September 2011, Official Report, column 45.
Neil Wallis
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister (1) whether his staff exchanged e-mails with Neil Wallis in (a) 2010 or (b) 2011; on what dates; and which officials were involved; [68180]
(2) whether he and his officials have met (a) Neil Wallis and (b) other representatives of Chamy Media since May 2010; [68181]
(3) what communications (a) he, (b) officials in his private office and (c) (i) press officers, (ii) other officials and (iii) special advisers in 10 Downing street have had by (A) e-mail, (B) meeting, (C) telephone call and (D) letter with Neil Wallis since his appointment; and on what dates; [68741]
(4) what occasion his chief of staff communicated with Neil Wallis by (a) e-mail, (b) personal meeting, (c) telephone and (d) letter since 6 May 2010; [68492]
(5) whether (a) he, (b) his private office staff, (c) his special advisers and (d) his press officers had (i) telephone, (ii) e-mail and (iii) face-to-face contact with Neil Wallis in (A) 2010 and (B) 2011; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the record of any such communications. [68541]
The Prime Minister:
Our records suggest Mr Wallis visited Downing street to meet Andy Coulson for a drink on 26 May 2010. Andy Coulson and my Chief of Staff attended a working dinner hosted by Commissioner
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Sir Paul Stephenson at Scotland Yard in June 2010 at which Neil Wallis was present, as has already been made clear.
Toby Perkins: To ask the Prime Minister when he was first informed that Neil Wallis was employed by the Metropolitan police. [68226]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the statement I made on 20 July 2011, Official Report, columns 920-21, and to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle (Alan Johnson), on 20 July 2011, Official Report, column 926.
News Corporation
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister (1) on what dates he has met (a) Rebekah Brooks and (b) James Murdoch in his official capacity since May 2010; [67976]
(2) on how many occasions he met Rebekah Brooks between 21 December 2010 and 5 January 2011; and (a) where and (b) on what date each such meeting took place. [68540]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the list of proprietors, senior executives and editors of media organisations that I have met since the general election which was published on 15 July 2011. This is available on the Number 10 website at:
http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/pm-published-details-of-visitors-to-chequers/
and will be updated quarterly.
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister (1) on what dates his chief of staff has (a) spoken in person and (b) communicated by (i) e-mail, (ii) text and (iii) telephone to which (A) employees, (B) advisers and (C) other representatives of (1) News Corporation and (2) News International or their media outlets since 1 December 2010; [67977]
(2) on what dates since 6 May 2010 (a) employees, (b) owners, (c) advisers and (d) other representatives of (i) News Corporation and (ii) News International or any of their media outlets have visited (A) 10 Downing street, (B) Chequers and (C) his office at the House of Commons; and who visited in each case; [67978]
(3) on what occasions his chief of staff has communicated with (a) James Murdoch, (b) Rebekah Brooks and (c) other representatives of News International and News Corporation by e-mail, personal meeting, telephone or letter. [68566]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the list of proprietors, senior executives and editors of media organisations that I have met since the general election which was published on 15 July 2011. This is available on the Number 10 website at:
http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/pm-published-details-of-visitors-to-chequers/
and will be updated quarterly.
Special advisers publish all hospitality received and will publish all meetings with senior media executives.
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Luciana Berger: To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish logs of his telephone calls with (a) James Murdoch, (b) Rupert Murdoch, (c) Rebekah Brooks and (d) Andy Coulson since he left his position as Director of Communications. [68092]
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish logs of telephone calls he has had with (a) James Murdoch, (b) Rupert Murdoch, (c) Rebekah Brooks and (d) Andy Coulson since he left his position as the Prime Minister's Director of Communications. [68298]
Ian Lucas: To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will publish logs of telephone calls between him and (a)(i) James Murdoch, (ii) Rupert Murdoch and (iii) Rebekah Brooks since his appointment and (b) Andy Coulson since the date of his resignation as Director of Communications at 10 Downing street; [68825]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Members to the list of meetings with proprietors, editors and senior media executives since May 2010 which was published on 15 July 2011. This is available on the Number 10 website
http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/pm-published-details-of-visitors-to-chequers
and will be updated quarterly. I am the first Prime Minister to publish such material, I have telephone calls with a wide variety of people.
Media: Communication
Luciana Berger: To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish the logs of telephone calls he has had with newspaper editors and proprietors since May 2010. [68178]
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish logs of telephone calls he has had with newspaper editors and proprietors since May 2010. [68299]
Ian Lucas: To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish logs of telephone calls between him and newspaper editors and proprietors since his appointment. [68824]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Members to the list of meetings with proprietors, editors and senior media executives since May 2010 which was published on 15 July 2011. This is available on the Number 10 website
http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/pm-published-details-of-visitors-to-chequers
and will be updated quarterly. I am the first Prime Minister to publish such material, I have telephone calls with a wide variety of people.
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister whether his chief of staff informed anyone in 10 Downing street of a dossier communicated to him by The Guardian newspaper; and if so whom. [68562]
The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 July 2011, Official Report, column 302-03.
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Rebekah Brooks
John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister at what time and on what date his Office published the details of his social engagement with Rebekah Brooks on 26 December 2010. [68994]
The Prime Minister: This was published on 15 July 2011.
Justice
Civil Disorder
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what effect public disorder in August 2011 in England and Wales will have on the funding of (a) probation, (b) courts and (c) prison services. [71144]
Mr Djanogly: The recent civil disorder will potentially impact the operational costs of the Ministry of Justice, including courts, probation, and prison services. As part of our regular financial and operational management we are monitoring sentencing trends and prison population against our financial and capacity plans. The full impact of the public disorder will not be known until all offenders have been sentenced by the courts.
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether public disorder in August 2011 in England and Wales will result in a review of budgets for criminal justice agencies during 2011-12 and subsequent financial years. [71145]
Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice has responsibility for the criminal justice system and my Department works closely with the Home Office and Attorney-General's Office.
As part of its regular financial and operational management, the Ministry of Justice monitors sentencing trends and prison population against the financial and capacity plans. The Department is closely monitoring the impact on its services, but the full scale of the financial implications will not be known until all offenders have been sentenced by the courts.
In relation to the police, there is no plan to review the funding settlement. Although challenging, the Home Office believes that the settlement they have reached for the police is both fair and manageable. There is no question but that the police will have the resources to do their important work.
The CPS is currently assessing the additional costs which will be incurred as a result of the recent public disorder. Investigations and prosecutions will continue over the next two years at least and the full impact will not be known until all investigations and prosecutions are concluded.
The Ministry of Justice and CPS will continue to keep the Treasury informed about the implications for their financial position.
Procurement
Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what methodology (a) his Department and (b) the non-departmental public bodies for which he is responsible used to estimate savings to the public purse made in respect of its procurement and purchasing since May 2010. [69268]
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Mr Djanogly: The information is as follows:
(a) The Ministry of Justice tracks savings in a monthly performance report. From April 2011 the methodology described at point (i) has been used to record these savings. Note that from May 2010 to April 2011 a similar methodology was used albeit the reporting of cost pressures was less refined.
(i) The procurement performance report provides a monthly forecast of in year procurement savings, cost pressures, cost avoidance and the resulting net impact on the financial year to senior managers, the MoJ Procurement Committee and the MoJ Finance Committee.
Savings are recorded by Procurement Category Leads in accordance with OGC Guidance “Procurement Efficiency and Value for Money Measurement—Efficiency Programme Guidance”. Savings are recorded against the category of spend the saving as defined by the OGC 2008 Procurement Spend Survey. Savings and changes in savings are registered through exception reports on a monthly basis and signed off by business stakeholders.
A cashable saving is defined as
“efficiencies that release financial resources whilst maintaining outputs and output quality, thereby enabling the resources that are released to be diverted to other services".
Savings are recorded as the total amount claimed excluding VAT rounded to the nearest whole pound. Cashable savings are reported as 'in year' savings (the pro rata saving enabled during the financial year in which the initiative was delivered) and 'full year effect' savings (the initiatives impact on the following financial year)
Cost pressures are recorded against MoJ categories of spend and are forecast for the 2011-12 financial year. These pressures are reported across Procurement Major Contracts, Category Management, ICT Procurement and Transport and Logistics. Cost pressures are recorded against the following 'types’ of pressure;
Inflation
Change in legislation/Policy
Supplier price increase above inflation
Other
Cost avoidance savings enabled by MoJ Procurement are calculated by comparing projected spend with counterfactual spend whereby a saving results when spend is lower than it would have been otherwise had the cost avoidance exercise had not been undertaken. Counterfactual spend is based on a 'do nothing' approach ie if the MoJ did nothing then spend would rise in line with inflation. Cost avoidance, if enabled, will be recorded against relevant forecasted cost pressures. Non-cashable savings are not recorded unless they are to negate a recorded cost pressure.
The net savings effect is provided for MoJ as a whole and by MoJ Corporate, NOMS and HMCTS business groups. The net savings effect = enabled savings + remaining forecast savings - forecast annual cost pressure + enabled cost avoidance.
(b) The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) does not hold centrally information regarding the methodology used by NDPBs to estimate savings to the public purse made in respect of its procurement and purchasing.
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This information can be obtained only at a disproportionate cost to the Department, by requesting this information from every NDPB.
Legal Aid Scheme: Asylum
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the cost of legal aid provided for asylum seekers was in each of the last eight years. [71105]
Mr Djanogly: It is not possible to disaggregate asylum spending from other immigration spending in all cases, nor is it possible to identify legal aid spending on asylum seekers in other categories of law; for example, family law and criminal law. Therefore, the figures in the following table show total legal aid spending on the immigration and asylum category of law.
|
Total in £ million cash |
NHS: Negligence
Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will estimate the level of costs payable by the Department of Health if legal aid funding were to be retained for children with catastrophic injuries as a result of alleged clinical negligence. [70266]
Mr Djanogly: According to data held by the Legal Services Commission the volume of children under the age of 18 which received legal aid for clinical negligence closed in 2010-11 was 587 and gross spend was £6,278,733. A further detailed breakdown is not available.
Youth Custody
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people were held in the youth secure estate on each night since 1 August 2011. [70125]
Mr Blunt: The table shows the number of young people held in the secure estate for children and young people on each week night for the period from 1 August 2011 to 5 September 2011.
Young people are defined as those aged 10 to 17 years of age, however some 18-year-olds remain in the secure estate for children and young people if they only have a short period of their sentence left to serve, to avoid disrupting their regimes (and are included in these figures). This data is from the Youth Justice Board (YJB) and refers to Secure Training Centres (STCs), Secure Children's Homes (SCHs), and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs). The data are drawn from the daily operational data provided by each establishment, and therefore does not include data on weekends or bank holidays. It also does not include 18 to 21-year-olds held in YOI separate units for which the YJB do not hold data.
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Table 1: Number of young people held in the secure estate for children and young people on each week night from 1 August to 5 September 2011 | |
Date | Number |
Notes: 1. 2011 YJB data referring to Secure Training Centres (STCs), Secure Children’s Homes (SCHs), and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs). The data is drawn from the daily operational data provided by each establishment, and therefore does not include data on weekends or bank holidays. It also does not include 18 to 21-year-olds held in YOI separate units for which the YJB do not hold data. 2. Young people are defined as those aged 10 to 17 years of age, however some 18-year-olds remain in the secure estate for children and young people if they only have a short period of their sentence left to serve, to avoid disrupting their regimes (and are included in these figures). |
Energy and Climate Change
Electricity Supply
Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the amount of electricity that will be generated by the Shears Mill mini-hydro scheme on the River Itchen; and how many homes he estimates the project will power. [71053]
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Gregory Barker: Information on individual hydro projects relating to applications for permits can be sought directly from the Environment Agency.
Energy Supply: Older People
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many (a) males and (b) females aged over 60 years had (i) gas supplies and (ii) electricity supplies disconnected in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [R] [71233]
Charles Hendry: Ofgem monitors and publishes information about the disconnection of gas and electricity supplies. However, the disconnection data are not collected by age or gender. The following tables show the total number of disconnections due to debt for gas and electricity in each year from 1998 to 2010.
|
1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
|
2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
Existing supply licence obligations and an industry code of practice provide protection for consumers in debt. Suppliers must not disconnect a domestic premises during October to March if they know or have reason to believe that the customer is of pensionable age and lives alone, or only lives with other pensioners or children under the age of 18.
Energy: Prices
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent representations he has received on increases in domestic electricity and gas prices; and if he will make a statement. [70698]
Charles Hendry: DECC Ministers and officials have received a number of representations on market issues.
Consumers deserve the best possible deal, which means effective competition in the marketplace. We are cutting red tape for smaller suppliers to boost competition in retail markets, while Ofgem is tackling other barriers to effective competition (such as tariff complexity and low wholesale market liquidity) in its retail market review.
Fossil Fuels
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he plans to introduce regulatory guidelines for fracking. [71098]
Charles Hendry:
The UK has a strong regulatory safety and environmental regime in place, administered by the Health and Safety Executive, the respective environmental agencies, the planning authorities and my Department, to ensure that all potential risks to safety or the environment are properly managed. Onshore gas exploration has a long history in the UK and the technologies employed—including hydraulic fracturing (fracking)—are well understood. Fracking is already
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subject to the same regulatory and environmental requirements as any other onshore drilling activity and I therefore have no current plans to introduce regulatory guidelines.
Renewable Energy: Research
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much has been spent on renewable energy research and development by (a) the Office for Renewable Energy Deployment and (b) the UK Energy Research Centre since May 2010. [70197]
Gregory Barker: In financial year 2010-11 the Office for Renewable Energy Deployment (ORED) spent £3,389,370 on renewable energy research and development (including the National Non Food Crops Centre). In the current financial year to date (April 2011 to August 2011) ORED spent £370,738 (including NNFCC).
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is responsible for spending by the UK Energy Research Council on its renewable energy research and development.
Defence
Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations
David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effects on operations in Afghanistan of the UK's participation in military action in Libya; and if he will make a statement. [70647]
Dr Fox: We are committed to success in Afghanistan, which continues to be our main effort. As part of normal Defence business, an effective balance of resources is maintained to ensure that we continue to meet operational commitments in Afghanistan and in Libya. We will continue to keep our requirements under review taking military advice, including advice from our Commanders on the ground, so that our armed forces receive the support they need for the vital work they are undertaking.
Armed Forces
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the (a) increase in provision of services which would be required and (b) cost to the public purse of implementing the Army's policy that personnel and their families should integrate as fully as possible into the local communities in which they are based. [70193]
Nick Harvey: Comprehensive planning work is now under way to draw up plans for the timing and sequencing of the Army moves. While our plans will continue to be driven by the military requirement, we will aim, where possible, to base Army personnel close to a number of units, to enable them to change post while providing greater family stability and be close enough to urban areas to allow their families to have easier access to jobs, schools, housing and other facilities.
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This detailed planning work will involve engagement with partners such as the Scottish Government, West Lothian Council and other Government Departments and agencies. It is therefore too early to confirm further details on the exact requirements and their costs.
Armed Forces: Housing
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the married quarters accommodation associated with Redford and Dreghorn Barracks will be used during any interval between the relocation of military personnel and their families from Redford and Dreghorn and the opening of the new barracks in Kirknewton. [70400]
Mr Robathan: The requirement for service family accommodation (SFA) is kept under constant review. It is assumed that there will be a continual requirement for SFA in the Edinburgh area from entitled service personnel and their families.
Army
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the final cost was of moving the Army's Northern headquarters from York to Edinburgh. [70278]
Mr Robathan: This information is not held in the format requested.
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Manpower: Wales
Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of his Department's civilian staff were (a) working and (b) based in Wales in (i) 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10 and (iii) 2010-11; and if he will make a statement. [67848]
Mr Robathan: The headcount and Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) strength of Ministry of Defence civilian personnel working in Wales are shown in the following table:
|
Headcount | FTE |
Source: DASA (Quad-Service) |
Ministerial Pay
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the ministerial salary was of each Minister in his Department in (a) January 2009, (b) January 2010 and (c) 1 May 2010. [70829]
Dr Fox [holding answer 8 September 2011]: Salaries paid to Ministers in the Ministry of Defence for the periods requested are as follows:
Ministers and position | Salary at 1 January 2009 (£) | Salary at 1 January 2010 (£) | Salary at 1 May 2010 (£) |
|
|||
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Libya: Armed Conflict
Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information his Department holds on (a) the types of weapons used by other NATO nations against targets in Libya and (b) the proportion of total weapons used represented by each type. [70223]
Nick Harvey: The UK does not comment on the operational details of allied nations' operations, which are a matter for the Governments concerned.
Libya: Security
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what support he plans to give to the National Transitional Council to support security sector reform in Libya. [70548]
Dr Fox: The United Nations leads on co-ordinating the international community's response to the post-conflict needs of Libya. If the National Transitional Council submits a formal request for assistance, the UK will work closely with international partners and donors to help meet the needs of the Libyan people.
Military Bases
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence where he expects (a) the army bomb disposal unit and (b) other units based at Craigiehall, other than the 2nd Division headquarters, to be based after the closure of Craigiehall and before any new facilities are completed. [70209]
Nick Harvey: The announcement made by the Secretary of State on 18 July 2011, Official Report, columns 643-45, set out the strategic long-term direction on the structure of the Army and its basing requirements across the United Kingdom. The announcement also confirmed the Secretary of State's aim to make the most efficient use of the Defence estate by vacating and disposing of Craigiehall by 2014-15.
Comprehensive planning work is now under way to understand the impact on Army bomb disposal and other units based at Craigiehall and to draw up plans for their re-provision.
Until this work is complete and further detail is known about the size and type of units that will be required to support the future Army lay down in Scotland, it is too soon to confirm the future locations of units currently based at Craigiehall.
Military Bases: Kirknewton
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much funding he expects to allocate under each budget heading to the new army base at Kirknewton. [70189]
Nick Harvey: Comprehensive planning work is now under way to draw up plans for the timing and sequencing of the Army moves.
Until this work is complete and further detail is known about the size and type of units that will move to Kirknewton, it is not possible to confirm budgetary requirements or allocations.
Navy
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what support his Department has given to the Royal Navy Philatelic Society in each of the last five years. [70867]
Mr Robathan: The Royal Navy Philatelic Society is an independently managed private fund. It has been closely associated with the Royal Navy by the nature of its role of promoting the philatelic hobby amongst Naval Service personnel, although not exclusively so. No Ministry of Defence support is given for the maintenance and regulation of the society.
Olympic Games 2012
Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's planned role is in the London 2012 Olympics. [70435]
Nick Harvey: The Government are committed to delivering a safe and secure 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games for all, in keeping with the Olympic culture and spirit.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport has overall responsibility for the conduct of the Games. The Secretary of State for the Home Department has overall responsibility for the security arrangements. The Ministry of Defence expects that it may provide other Government Departments with some specialist support and capabilities in niche areas. Although at a mature state of planning, the extent of that support is yet to be finalised.
RAF Kirknewton
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the results were of the ecological survey commissioned by his Department one year after the diesel leakage at RAF Kirknewton; and if he will place in the Library a copy of these results; [70203]
(2) whether a risk assessment has been carried out on the potential for damage to oil tanks buried under Kirknewton, West Lothian, by the construction of a super-barracks on the site; [70204]
(3) what the total cost was of (a) repairing the underground fuel tanks and (b) cleaning the surrounding area after the diesel leak at RAF Kirknewton in March 2010; [70205]
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(4) what costs are likely to be incurred in building the new barracks at Kirknewton, West Lothian, as a result of the presence of two redundant fuel tanks under the airfield; and for what purposes. [70206]
Mr Robathan: A copy of the ecological survey report will be placed in the Library of the House. The surveys concluded that no remedial measures are recommended as the Green Burn is recovering and there is no discernable impact further downstream or along the Goger Burn. A further survey is to be undertaken in 2012 to confirm that water quality has returned to normal and re-colonisation is complete.
The total costs arising from the removal of tanks and remediation of the surrounding ground following the pollution incident in March 2010 comprised of:
£105,274.09 to investigate and delineate the pollution and remove residual hydrocarbons from the drainage system;
£46,159 to remove the two leaking tanks, excavate and dispose of hydrocarbon contaminated soil and reinstate the ground; and
£17,554.96 to make adjustments to the drainage system.
It is too early at this time to confirm further details of any costs that may be incurred at Kirknewton, including those costs associated with the presence of any remaining redundant fuel tanks, infrastructure and the carrying out of risk assessments. Kirknewton is however scheduled for inclusion within the Ministry of Defence's Land Quality Assessment programme for the current financial year.
Home Department
Anti-slavery Day 2011
Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government is taking to mark Anti-Slavery Day 2011. [70895]
Damian Green: The Government are currently developing their plans for the day and will announce them in due course.
UK Border Agency
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff in the UK Border Agency (a) were working at each grade on 1 September 2011 and (b) are expected to be working at each grade on 1 September 2012. [70486]
Damian Green: The information for 31 August 2011—the most recent available—is set out in the following table:
Grade equivalent | Total (1) |
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(1) Figures are provided as at 31 August, the most recent download from the UK Border Agency central personnel system. Staff working abroad have been included on an estimated basis from July staffing material and other sources.. (2) Immigration Service grade equivalents given here, include comparable staff on former HM Revenue and Customs grades. Notes: 1. Locally engaged staff abroad etc. are included on the most recent reported basis (July 2011). 2. Work force excludes staff on special leave, career break and unpaid maternity leave. Because of the inclusion of figures for July, the total figure is an estimate of the end August position. |
The UK Border Agency is expected to reduce work force over the spending review period. By 31 March 2015 we expect there to be around 18,000 staff working for the agency. This means a reduction of around 5,200 posts from 31 March 2011.
A detailed breakdown of staff numbers month by month is not available.
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the value was of payments made by her Department and its agencies to external IT contractors in each year since 2009. [70577]
Damian Green: The Home Department, inclusive of its Executive agencies, has published its expenditure with external IT contractors in its annual report and accounts for the period requested.
Training
Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her Department has spent on training for Ministers since 12 May 2010. [67726]
Damian Green [holding answer 19 July 2011]: All ministerial training is funded through the National School of Government's Core Learning Programme which delivers induction and other training to Ministers. This is funded through a Government-wide centralised budget, to which the Home Office contributes.
Entry Clearances: Married People
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many spousal visa applications have been rejected since 6 April 2011 on the basis of not meeting English language requirements. [70859]
Damian Green: The number of spousal visa applications refused between 6 April 2011 and 30 June 2011 on the basis of not meeting the English language requirement is 55.
A monthly breakdown is as follows:
Month | Number refused |
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These data are based on management information. They are provisional and subject to change.
European Court of Human Rights
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions she (a) has had and (b) plans to have with the European Court of Human Rights on proposed changes to the family migration route in the UK. [70568]
Damian Green: I have had no discussions with the European Court of Human Rights on proposed changes to the family migration route, and no such discussions are planned.
Extradition
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what extradition facilities the United Kingdom has with Qatar. [70980]
Damian Green: There are currently no general extradition relations between the UK and Qatar, although this does not preclude the possibility of extradition.
The UK can also have extradition relations with parties to international conventions relating to specific very serious crimes, of which the UK is also a signatory. This is provided for within section 193 of the Extradition Act 2003. The UK and Qatar are signatories to a number of such conventions. Section 194 of the Extradition Act 2003 makes provision for the UK to consider extradition requests made to it by a territory with which no general extradition arrangements are in place.
Female Genital Mutilation
Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her policy is on returning girls to countries which are known to practise female genital mutilation. [71086]
Damian Green: All asylum applications, including those which raise female genital mutilation, are carefully considered by the UK Border Agency on their individual merits, taking into consideration up to date country information.
Asylum or Humanitarian protection will be granted where it is established that an individual adult or child faces a real risk of female genital mutilation in her own country. This will only apply in cases where the country's authorities cannot provide protection, and where there is no reasonable possibility of moving elsewhere in the country to avoid the threat.
The UK Border Agency only enforces the return of those nationals who it is satisfied are not in need of international protection, and it does not seek to enforce returns to any country unless it and the UK Courts are satisfied that it is safe to do so.
Highly Trusted Status
Ann McKechin:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many higher education
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institutions in Scotland have applied for Highly Trusted Sponsor Status; when each institution applied; and when each institution was informed of the results of its application. [70160]
Damian Green: As at 5 September 2011, 16 higher education institutions in Scotland had applied for Highly Trusted Sponsor Status. Information on the dates of application and decision for these institutions is as follows:
Sponsor | Date of application | Date notified of decision |
The figures provided are based on local statistical information and are not subject to the detailed checks that apply for National Statistics. They are provisional and subject to change.
Human Rights
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations she has received from human rights organisations concerning Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. [70569]
Damian Green: The Government are currently consulting on family migration, and the consultation discusses the operation of Article 8 and immigration control. The consultation runs until 6 October, and a list of contributors will be published thereafter.
Human Trafficking
Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government are taking to reduce the difference between the estimated number of victims of human trafficking in the UK and the number of potential victims of human trafficking identified by the National Referral Mechanism. [70906]
Damian Green:
Trafficking is by its nature a hidden crime and therefore it is difficult to get a full picture of the numbers involved. Entry to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is voluntary so we cannot force those we suspect of being victims to participate against their will. But we are committed to bringing as many victims as possible into the NRM. To do this we continue to raise awareness of trafficking with frontline partners such as the police, local authorities and health service
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and have recently increased the number of voluntary sector partners who are able to make direct referrals into the NRM. Working in partnership with the UK Border Agency's audit team and the Strategic Monitoring Group, who are responsible for overseeing the functioning of the NRM, we are also enhancing the way we identify victims of trafficking from those who are referred to us. Details of the steps we are taking can be found in the Government's Human Trafficking Strategy, published on 19 July 2011:
www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/human-trafficking-strategy
Identity and Passport Service: Redundancy
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what redundancy notice employees of the Identity and Passport Service aged over 60 years are entitled to; and if she will make a statement. [71023]
Damian Green [holding answer 9 September 2011]: All redundancy notice periods are made in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Management Code and Civil Service Compensation Scheme.
Immigration
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the change in the level of net migration arising from the proposed changes to the family migration route over the next five years. [70570]
Damian Green: The impact on net migration of the proposed changes to the family route will be set out in the impact assessment which will be published when final changes are announced following the current consultation. These will take into account advice from the independent Migration Advisory Committee on where the income threshold should be set.
Neil Wallis
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether (a) she, (b) her private office staff, (c) her special advisers and (d) press officers in her Department had (i) telephone and (ii) e-mail contact with Neil Wallis in (A) 2010 and (B) 2011. [68182]
Damian Green [holding answer 5 September 2011]: There was no communication between the Home Secretary or her special advisers and Neil Wallis in either 2010 or 2011.
No central records are held regarding communication with departmental officials and external organisations, so retrieving this information would be at disproportionate cost.
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what communications (a) she, (b) other Ministers in her Department, (c) officials in her private office and (d) (i) press officers, (ii) other officials and (iii) special advisers of her Department have had by (A) e-mail, (B) meeting, (C) telephone call and (D) letter with Neil Wallis since her appointment; and on what dates. [68740]
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Damian Green: No meetings or other types of communication have taken place between the Home Secretary, other Ministers or the special advisers and Neil Wallis.
Records relating to e-mail, meetings, telephone conversations, letters between departmental officials and external organisations are not held centrally and to collate such information would incur disproportionate cost.
Overseas Workers
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she plans to take to prevent trafficking of people following the abolition of the overseas domestic services visa; and if she will make a statement. [70811]
Damian Green: Details of the steps the Government are taking to prevent the trafficking of people can be found in its Human Trafficking Strategy, published on 19 July 2011:
www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/human-trafficking-strategy
The Government's consultation, Employment-Related Settlement, Tier 5 and Overseas Domestic Workers, published on 9 June, is open for comment until 9 September. Its proposals on overseas domestic workers include the possible abolition of the route for domestic workers who work in the private household of their employer in the UK. No decision has been made on abolition. We will consider future policy on overseas domestic workers in the light of responses to the consultation.
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether doctors working on Tier 2 visas will be exempt from the Resident Labour Market Test at further points when they have to apply for higher specialist training. [70854]
Damian Green: Doctors who have begun Speciality Training in the UK under Tier 2 are currently exempt from the Resident Labour Market Test when they apply to continue that training. We have no plans to change this.
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects to decide whether doctors who are non-EEA nationals who have trained in the UK will continue to be exempt from the Resident Labour Market Test in light of changes to Tier 2 and Tier 4 visas. [70855]
Damian Green: We have no plans to remove any Resident Labour Market Test exemptions in relation to doctors who have trained in the UK.
Visas
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many appeals for (a) Tier 1 and (b) Tier 2 visa applications have (i) been upheld and (ii) not been successful in the last 12 months for which information is available. [70455]
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Damian Green: Outside the UK, a refusal of entry clearance to a main applicant under all tiers of the points based system (PBS) does not attract a full right of appeal. Main applicants can appeal only on one or more of the following grounds:
that the decision is unlawful by virtue of Section 19B of the Race Relations Act 1976 (c.74) (discrimination by public authorities), and/or
that the decision is unlawful under Section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 (c.42) (public authority not to act contrary to Human Rights Convention) as being incompatible with the appellant's convention rights.
PBS main applicants can apply for an administrative review, which is a mechanism for reviewing refusal decisions.
PBS dependants who are refused do have full right of appeal. The following figures cover such appeals and the period August 2010 to July 2011
|
Appeals |
As there is no full right of appeal for PBS main applicants, the above numbers are mainly for PBS dependants.
In addition to the above there have been the following administrative reviews processed during this period:
Tier 1: 1,743
Tier 2: 733.
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will work with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to assess the potential effects of changes to Tier 1 and 2 visas on (a) levels of skill shortage and (b) the UK economy. [70457]
Damian Green: The Home Office and UK Border Agency work closely with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and other interested Departments on all significant changes to economic migration policy. The Migration Advisory Committee also considered the input of a limit in its report last year.
Visas: Appeals
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to simplify the visa appeals process. [70487]
Damian Green: The Government are currently consulting on the circumstances in which a family visit visa appeal should be retained and is inviting suggestions as to how the family visit visa application form and process can be improved in order to reduce the number of appeals. The consultation can be found at:
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/consultations
In the interim, we are taking steps to simplify the visa appeal process by introducing a single point of lodgement for visa appeals alongside the introduction of appeal fees. The change, which will result in all appeals being lodged at the tribunal, will remove the risk of duplication and delay in the system.
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Treasury
Bank Services: Disclosure of Information
Mr Hanson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the likely effect on tax (a) evasion and (b) avoidance of granting HM Revenue and Customs access to information on UK registered companies’ bank accounts. [70210]
Mr Hoban: No separate assessment has been made by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the exchequer benefit relating to (a) evasion or (b) avoidance arising from access to data on the existence or status of bank accounts alone.
HMRC uses a range of information as part of its work to address tax compliance risks.
Where it is considered necessary to check a company’s tax position HMRC may obtain information either from the taxpayer directly or, subject to greater safeguards, from a third party. This can include copies of banking and financial transactions from financial institutions.
Mr Hanson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on granting HM Revenue and Customs access to data on the (a) existence and (b) status of UK registered companies' bank accounts. [70211]
Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is granted access to data about UK company bank accounts under existing legislation. Firstly, HMRC receive an annual report from every UK bank and any foreign bank which operates in the UK. The bank must report details of the interest paid on company accounts open during that year for any company which has a UK address.
Secondly, HMRC may approach banks for information which is required to check a person's tax position. This includes details of bank accounts held by UK companies and may include any information in the bank's power or possession relating to open, or closed accounts, which may be reasonably required during an ongoing HMRC check or where there is a risk of serious prejudice to the assessment or collection of tax. HMRC has given a commitment that it will only issue a written notice requesting this information where approval has been given by the First Tier Tribunal.
Banks: Fraud
Richard Fuller: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many senior banking executives and directors have been investigated by (a) the Financial Services Authority and (b) the police for submitting fraudulent expenses in each of the last five years. [69334]
Mr Hoban:
The Financial Services Authority is not a fraud prosecutor; therefore the investigation of matters such as fraudulent expenses falls primarily to other enforcement agencies such as the police or the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). However, if the police or the SFO, or the FSA in the course of carrying out its regulated activities, found that a person who held an FSA controlled function had submitted a fraudulent expenses claim, the FSA would consider the matter in the light of the fit
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and proper criteria for approved persons and take appropriate action, which could include investigation and disciplinary action such as a financial penalty or prohibition.
The Home Office is responsible for collecting data on police recorded crime. However, information on the number of senior banking executives and directors that have been investigated by the police for submitting fraudulent expenses is not collected centrally.
Banks: Regulation
Jonathan Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to support improved, more standardised and more regular reporting of financial data by banks; and if he will make a statement. [69750]
Mr Hoban: The Government are making strong efforts both domestically and internationally to enhance transparency and disclosure.
Banks' financial statements must show a true and fair view; as part of this, the financial statements of listed banks must be prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. Improvements to standards governing valuation of financial instruments and off-balance sheet arrangements have been adopted and further enhancements to valuation and impairment standards are in progress.
The Basel Committee has put in place improvements to the Pillar 3 disclosures covering capital and risk management. These have been implemented in the UK through FSA rules.
The Government encourage transparent disclosures and is taking a number of actions with regards to the reporting of data by banks, as part of wider EU initiatives, including enhanced sovereign disclosures in the latest European Banking Authority (EBA) stress tests that provide greater transparency to market participants; and proposals for Capital Requirements legislation (CRD4), the European implementation of Basel 3, to require banks to publish their leverage ratio and information on liquidity from 2015.
Finally, the Government endorse the interim Financial Policy Committee (FPC) recommendation, made at the FPC meeting on 16 June 2011, for the FSA to “ensure that improved disclosure of sovereign and banking sector exposures by major UK banks becomes a permanent part of their reporting framework, and to work with the FPC to consider further extensions of disclosure in the future”.
Child Tax Credit
Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the effect on levels of child poverty attributable to the changes in payment rate for the childcare element of the child tax credit applicable from the 2011-12 financial year in each of the next four financial years. [70475]
Mr Gauke: It is the impact of the tax and benefit system as a whole that is important for child poverty.
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The Government increased the child element of the Child Tax Credit by £180 above indexation in April 2011 and will increase it by £110 above indexation in April 2012. As a result, modelled tax and benefit reforms announced since Budget 2010 may have a-small reduction in child poverty in 2011-12 and 2012-13.
Parents currently receive support to pay for childcare through the childcare element of Working Tax Credit. In addition, the Government maintained free early learning for 3 and 4 year olds, and extended 15 hours a week of free early education and care to all disadvantaged 2 year olds from 2012-13.
The new Universal Credit will replace the current complex system of means-tested working age benefits with an integrated payment over the next two Parliaments, reducing fraud and error and ensuring that work pays.
The Government are working with key stakeholders, drawing on their expertise, to establish which options will best support parents to meet the costs of childcare in the future within or alongside Universal Credit. Details of the new proposal will be set out shortly.
Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the changes in income in each decile of the population attributable to the changes in payment rate of the child care element of child tax credit in (a) each constituency, (b) each local authority area, (c) Scotland, (d) Wales, (e) England, (f) Northern Ireland and (g) the United Kingdom in (i) the 2011-12 financial year and (ii) each of the next four financial years; [70477]
(2) what estimate he has made of the average change in income attributable to the changes in payment rate of the child care element of child tax credit in each (a) constituency and (b) local authority area in (i) the 2011-12 financial year and (ii) each of the next four financial years. [70478]
Mr Gauke: It is the impact of the tax and benefit system as a whole that is important for households. At the June Budget 2010, Spending Review 2011, and most recently Budget 2011, this Government have published detailed distributional analysis of the impacts of its decisions (see for example charts A.2 and A.3 in Annex A of Budget 2011).
This analysis shows that, when looking at the cumulative impact of reforms introduced by this Government, it is clear that the top decile contributes the most to the fiscal consolidation, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of net income.
This analysis is at a UK level. It is not possible to provide the estimates requested at the other disaggregations asked for as these do not provide sufficiently robust results.
Looking at the impact of tax credit changes in 2011-12 would only show a partial effect as it is only in 2012-13 that they are fully implemented. Also, presenting analyses of tax, tax credit and benefit changes further into the future may not be representative of the impact of Government policy. In addition there is greater uncertainty associated with longer term economic forecasts which underpin the modelling.
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Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many recipients of the child care element of child tax credit there were in each (a) constituency and (b) local authority area in each of the last five financial years. [70479]
Mr Gauke: Information on the number of recipients of the child care element of working tax credit by constituency and local authority area can be found in tables 2 and 3 of the annual HMRC publication "Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics: Finalised Annual Awards—Geographical Analysis". Publications covering the last five financial years are available at:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/final-award-geog.htm
Corporation Tax: Credit Unions
Graeme Morrice: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review the current law on corporation tax as it applies to credit unions. [68841]
Mr Gauke: The Government keep all taxes under review.
The Government have committed to foster diversity, promote mutuals and create a more competitive banking industry, as set out in the coalition's programme for Government.
On 3 March the Department for Work and Pensions announced a £73 million modernisation fund to help credit unions expand their services. This is subject to a feasibility study which closes in September. An update can be found at:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/other-specialists/the-growth-fund/latest-news/
On 12 April the Treasury made the Mutual Societies (Electronic Communications) Order 2011. This allows credit unions and other mutuals to communicate with their members electronically.
I am also pleased to inform the hon. Member that on Tuesday 19 July the draft Legislative Reform (Industrial and Provident Societies and Credit Unions) Order 2011 was laid in Parliament for its final period of scrutiny. It will present many opportunities for credit unions to develop their services and expand their membership. For example, the changes in membership rules will allow for recruitment of members in new areas and for partnerships and companies to become members and invest in their local credit union.
Debit Cards: Fees and Charges
Mr Spellar: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when his Department expects to respond to the recommendations of the Office of Fair Trading on debit card surcharges. [70051]
Mr Hoban: The Government are considering the OFT's recommendations and will respond in due course.
Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation
Harriett Baldwin:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons resident in West Worcestershire constituency have (a) made claims and (b) received
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payment under the Equitable Life Compensation Scheme in each month since the scheme began. [70256]
Mr Hoban: The Scheme does not require policyholders to make a claim for payment. The Scheme will directly contact eligible policyholders in accordance with the prioritisation criteria set out in the Scheme rules, available at:
http://equitablelifepaymentscheme.independent.gov.uk/resources/elps_main_doc_final.htm.
Payments began on 30 June, and hundreds of payments have been made to date. Payment volumes will continue to be ramped up over the coming months as the Scheme's complex payment processes are refined further. The scheme does not hold a breakdown of eligible policyholders by constituency.
Financial Policy Committee
Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criteria were used in determining the appointment of members of the interim Financial Policy Committee; and what discussions there were on the criteria of the appointment of members of the Interim Financial Policy Committee prior to those appointments being made. [69625]
Mr Hoban [holding answer 7 September 2011]:The four independent members of the interim Financial Policy Committee were appointed by the Chancellor, in consultation with the Governor of the Bank of England. The Committee's membership brings an appropriate balance of expertise and experience across the range of the issues within the Committee's remit.
Income Tax: Tax Rates and Bands
Stephen Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people (a) have been and (b) are expected to be taken out of income tax bands during the Comprehensive Spending Review period. [70110]
Mr Hoban: The Government's objective is to support lower and middle income earners by raising the personal allowance to £10,000, with real terms progress towards that goal every year.
The June 2010 Budget announced a £1,000 cash increase in the personal allowance for under 65s to £7,475 in 2011-12 (£820 above the previous Government's plans), with the benefits focussed on individuals on low and middle incomes through accompanying changes to the basic rate limit and National Insurance Upper Earnings and Profit Limits.
As a result of this measure, the Government estimates that 830,000 of the lowest income taxpayers will be removed from tax altogether in 2011-12.
The 2011 Budget announced a £630 cash increase in the personal allowance for under 65s to £8,105 in 2012-13 (£240 above indexation), with an equivalent reduction in the basic rate limit to leave the higher rate threshold unchanged.
As a result of this measure, the Government estimates that 260,000 of the lowest income taxpayers will be removed from tax altogether in 2012-13.
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These estimates are based on the 2007-08 Survey of Personal Incomes, projected using economic assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget Responsibility's March 2011 economic and fiscal outlook.
Inward Investment
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent steps his Department has taken to encourage global business to invest in the UK. [71109]
Mr Hoban: The Treasury contributed to the development of policy actions for trade and inward investment within the Plan for Growth, published in March 2011. This is part of the Treasury's ongoing work to support all businesses in the UK that includes creating the most competitive tax system in the G20 and making the UK one of the best places in Europe to start, finance and grow a business.
National Insurance Contributions
Natascha Engel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many businesses (a) in North East Derbyshire constituency, (b) in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and (c) nationally have participated in the regional employer national insurance contributions holiday for new businesses since it was introduced. [70105]
Mr Hoban: As of 5 September 2011, HMRC has received 8 successful applications for the NICs holiday for businesses in North East Derbyshire constituency and 6,316 successful applications nationally.
Information about applications is not available for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire as data are not provided on a county level.
Natascha Engel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he plans to extend the national insurance contributions holiday to existing businesses with fewer than four members of staff. [70106]
Mr Gauke: The policy is designed to support new businesses in parts of the country that are most reliant on the public sector assisting them in their first year, reducing the costs of hiring staff and improving the likelihood of business survival.
The Government have considered the case for extending the NICs holiday to all existing micro businesses but believes the best use of public funds at this time is to keep the NICs holiday as a targeted scheme for those areas in most need of employment support.
National Insurance Contributions: Pensioners
Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has made an estimate of the level of revenue which could be raised from charging national insurance contributions on pensioners' incomes as a means of funding care services; and if he will make a statement. [71004]
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Mr Hoban: The Government estimates that around £500m would be raised in 2011-12 if individuals over state pension age were required to pay national insurance contributions on employment and self-employment income.
This estimate is based on the 2007-08 Survey of Personal Incomes, projected using economic assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget Responsibility's March 2011 economic and fiscal outlook and includes an estimated behavioural adjustment to reflect changes in labour supply for this age group.
National Insurance Contributions: Scotland
Anas Sarwar: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many successful applications for the national insurance holiday scheme his Department has received from businesses based in (a) Scotland, (b) the city of Glasgow and (c) each parliamentary constituency in Scotland. [71049]
Mr Hoban: As of 7 September 2011, HMRC has received 922 successful applications for the NICs holiday from businesses located in Scotland.
Information for applications from the city of Glasgow are not available as data are not provided on this level.
A breakdown of successful applications for the NICs holiday by constituency will be published in the House of Commons Library in the autumn. This will provide figures for all Glasgow, as well as Scottish, constituencies.
Northern Rock plc
Alex Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that Northern Rock employees in the North East are retained so that Northern Rock remains a regional bank. [71081]
Mr Hoban: The Government recognises the role that Northern Rock plays as an employer and provider of financial services in the North East. Prospective acquirers for Northern Rock PLC will be asked to lay out their plans for the company's headquarters and branches and also to provide a view on the impact of their acquisition on competition.
Revenue and Customs
Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reorganisations of employees and units there have been within HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) dealing with high-value taxpayers since May 2010; what estimate he has made of the change in yield received by HMRC attributable to such changes; and what the result has been in terms of the yield generated to HMRC. [70525]
Mr Hoban: The High Net Worth Unit (HNWU) was created in 2009 to deal with the personal tax affairs of about 5,000 of HMRC’s wealthiest individual customers, typically those with at least £20 million in wealth. This reorganisation was completed during early 2010-11, reflecting the experience of the operation over its first year.
Initial projections were that HMRC could achieve compliance yield of between £50 million to £100 million per year from the HNWU, once it was fully operational.
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This compares with the £25 million compliance yield typically achieved from the equivalent taxpayer group by the previous organisation.
The unit’s additional tax yield in the first year of operations (2009-10) was £85 million; in the second year (2010-11) it was £162 million.
Revenue and Customs: Finance
Mr Ward: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that the implementation of budgetary changes in HM Revenue and Customs does not adversely affect its ability to (a) collect taxes and (b) provide customer service. [71106]
Mr Hoban: HMRC will create a tax administration that is more efficient, flexible and effective by using a customer-centric approach to transform the way it delivers services, manages contact and conducts interventions. HMRC will use its understanding of customers to target resources to the areas of greatest risk, investing £900 million to tackle avoidance and evasion, attacks by organised criminals and to improve debt collection capacity. This will bring in an estimated £7 billion a year by 2014-15 in additional revenues.
It will transform PAYE through the use of real-time information in order to bring service improvements to employers and taxpayers.
Revenue and Customs: Manpower
Mr Hanson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington of 29 June 2011, Official Report, column 818W, on Revenue and Customs: labour turnover, what the age profile is of officers of Revenue and Customs carrying out compliance functions. [70155]
Mr Hoban: The age profile of officers in compliance functions is shown in the following table. The data have been taken at 31 August 2011:
Percentage | ||||||
Age group | ||||||
|
<20 | 20-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 | >60 |
Mr Hanson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington of 29 June 2011, Official Report, column 818W, on Revenue and Customs: labour turnover, how many officers of Revenue and Customs carrying out compliance functions he expects to retire in each year of the comprehensive spending review period. [70157]
Mr Hoban: At 1 April 2012 there will potentially be 9.27% of compliance officers who have exceeded or reached 60. This is based on data at 31 August 2011. As there is no longer a mandatory retirement age for the purpose of responding to this question age 60 has been used.
9 Sep 2011 : Column 860W
There are a number of factors that affect an individual’s decision to retire so it is not possible to predict. However, based on current staff numbers those reaching 60 at each year of the comprehensive spending review period are:
As at 1 April each year | Number | Percentage |