Energy
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he has made of progress towards a single market in energy. [72296]
Charles Hendry: The third package of EU energy market liberalisation has established a framework for agreeing detailed cross-border technical codes. These will facilitate the linking of gas and electricity markets across national borders and provide practical impetus to the creation of a single EU energy market, consistent with the target of 2014 set by the European Council. Progress is being made on developing these codes; the first is likely to be agreed early next year.
Energy: Prices
Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what representations he has received from energy consumers on charges in energy bills to underwrite decarbonisation. [72539]
Charles Hendry: DECC Ministers and officials receive written responses to consultations, meet with consumer groups and respond to correspondence from consumers, domestic and business, on a regular basis relating to the costs associated with implementing its decarbonisation programmes.
Quarterly lists of DECC Ministers' meetings that involve outside interested parties are published on the DECC website:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/accesstoinform/registers/ministermtgs/ministermtgs.aspx
Fuel Poverty
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he plans to take to prevent households falling into fuel poverty as a result of the introduction of a floor price for carbon; what estimate he has made of the likely change in the number of households in fuel poverty consequent upon such introduction; and if he will make a statement. [R] [72227]
Gregory Barker: The Government recognise that the carbon price floor will marginally increase consumer bills. The estimated impacts of a carbon price floor on fuel poverty were set out in an impact assessment that was published alongside the Carbon Price Floor Consultation in December 2010. These estimates suggested that a price floor targeting £30/tCO2 would result in an additional 50,000-90,000 fuel poor households in England in 2020.
Government are committed to supporting vulnerable consumers and tackling fuel poverty and are putting in place a range of policies to contribute towards these aims. These include the introduction of the Warm Home Discount to assist more of the most vulnerable households with their energy bills and introducing the Green Deal
10 Oct 2011 : Column 33W
from 2012 so that households can improve their energy efficiency at no upfront cost, repaying through their savings on energy bills.
Alongside this, the Energy Company Obligation will provide additional support to where it is most needed, including for the poorest and most vulnerable and for hard to treat homes. The carbon price floor consultation document and impact assessment can be found at:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/consult_carbon _price_support.htm
Methane: Arctic
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the most recent estimate is of the rate of Arctic methane release; what factors his Department has identified as contributing to such a release rate; and what assessment his Department has made of the (a) historic and (b) potential effects on the environment of such a rate of release. [72156]
Gregory Barker: Recent research suggests that the rate of methane release from the high northern latitudes that include the Arctic is around 10 million to 40 million tonnes per year, approximately 2% to 8% of total global methane emissions and 5% to 20% of natural methane emissions.
As temperatures increase, the main factors contributing to this Arctic release rate are emissions from wetlands (which are the predominant source), melting permafrost, and methane hydrates beneath the Arctic ocean. Emissions from methane hydrates are, however, considered to be relatively very small and are most uncertain.
Research indicates that the increase in atmospheric methane concentrations since pre-industrial times, and their related temperature effects, have been caused by anthropogenic emissions and not by changes in natural emissions from high northern latitudes or other sources. Future methane releases from Arctic permafrost and wetlands are highly uncertain but are currently projected to increase as temperatures rise, thereby amplifying global warming and its potential impacts on ecosystems and societies.
Microgeneration Certification Scheme
Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the effects of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme on small companies operating as energy installers in Wales. [71708]
Gregory Barker: The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a UK-wide scheme with coverage in Wales. The overall number of MCS installer companies is 3,269 companies in the UK, of which 124 are based in Wales. A breakdown is provided as follows of the number of installer companies for each technology for the period 2010-11:
|
|
Number |
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The Welsh Government (WG) have been taking forward a number of measures through the Energy Saving Trust. They support the Supply Chain Development Programme which helps Welsh installers to achieve MCS certification and aim to equips them with the tools, techniques and business connections to help them to compete for microgeneration contracts. They have provided interest-free loans for certification fees, subsidised QMS training, signposting to WG training and development and one to one guidance. The programme has also addressed the need to unlock the supply chain of a Welsh labour force working on Welsh homes. A number of events and seminars have been held across Wales to promote the scheme. As a result, a 254% rise in the number of certificated installers in Wales has occurred since 1 August 2010.
Nuclear Power Stations
Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his Department has considered the feasibility of constructing in the UK floating nuclear power stations similar to the MH-1A. [72602]
Charles Hendry: Ultimately it is for the industry to consider and propose what type of reactors they may wish to operate in the UK, the designs of which would be subject to independent regulatory assessment and acceptance. To date, no potential operator has put forward proposals for a floating plant in the UK.
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the Committee on Climate Change Renewable Energy Review, May 2011, page 40, what work his Department has done on uncertainties in respect of the (a) costs, (b) site availability, (c) long-term fuel supply and waste disposal and (d) public acceptability of nuclear power. [72674]
Charles Hendry: On page 40 of the Renewable Energy Review the Committee on Climate Change give its view that:
“nuclear power should be part of the energy mix assuming safety concerns can be addressed, but that full reliance would be inappropriate”
The Government believe in having a diverse mix of all types of power generation so as to ensure that we are not dependent on any one type of generation or one source of fuel or power. This helps to ensure security of supply. Nuclear power is a low carbon proven technology which should be part of that energy mix.
The Government have carried out two public consultations on the Nuclear National Policy statement. The Government responses to these consultations summarise points made by the public and the Government's view on costs, suitability of sites and waste disposal and are available here:
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Response to the 2010-11 consultation:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/meeting-energy-demand/consents-planning/nps2011/1945-govt-resp-consultation-on-nps.pdf
Response to the 2009-10 consultation:
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110302182042/https://www.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk/docs/GovernmentResponsetoConsultation-October2010.pdf
Nuclear Power Stations: Accidents
Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his Department's assessment is of the risk of a disaster similar to (a) Fukushima and (b) Chernobyl happening in (i) the UK and (ii) the countries of the former Soviet Union. [72285]
Charles Hendry: The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, my right hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Chris Huhne), asked the UK Chief Nuclear Inspector, Dr Mike Weightman, to provide a report to the Government on the implications of the unprecedented events in Japan and the lessons to be learned for the UK nuclear industry. This interim report was presented on 18 May 2011.
Dr Weightman's interim report gives a clear indication that the UK's current safety regime remains robust and therefore, so far as is reasonably practicable, the levels of protection currently in place are appropriate compared to the level of risk to ensure safety at the UK's nuclear power plants.
Dr Weightman is currently finalising his report and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is working with industry on the UK input into the EU stress tests. Their progress reports, submitted on 15 September, showed that thus far operators and the ONR have failed to find any fundamental weaknesses at the UK's nuclear power plants.
The UK is currently actively participating in the efforts of the IAEA to strengthen the international nuclear safety framework with a view to raising standards of safety and thereby reducing the risk of a nuclear accident. However, in the event of a nuclear-related accident in another country, the UK has in place measures to respond to such an accident and would invoke its overseas nuclear accident plan.
Nuclear Power Stations: Safety
Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his Department made a comparison of the safety of British nuclear reactors and (a) VVER-440, (b) VVER-1000, (c) Atucha, (d) HIFAR and (e) Fukushima models. [72286]
Charles Hendry: The Office for Nuclear Regulation is the UK’s nuclear safety and security regulator.
In undertaking this work it adheres to the principle of continuous improvement, taking into account experience and lessons learned from the operation of other nuclear plants and regulatory regimes across the world.
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Offshore Industry: Carbon Capture
Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on investment in carbon capture and storage technologies in redundant offshore oil and gas fields. [72755]
Charles Hendry: The re-use of redundant offshore oil and gas facilities, where this is feasible and cost-effective, is one option for the permanent storage of carbon dioxide as part of carbon capture and storage. The Government introduced measures as part of the Energy Bill 2011 to facilitate the conversion of offshore oil and gas facilities to carbon dioxide storage. Additionally the CCS demonstration programme will facilitate the development of offshore storage opportunities, including the use of redundant oil and gas facilities where appropriate.
Renewable Energy
John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what proportion of the UK's energy requirement was met from (a) wind power, (b) solar power, (c) wave power and (d) other renewable energy sources in (i) 2009 and (ii) 2010. [70831]
Charles Hendry: The following table shows the proportion of primary energy supply, and electricity generation, met by wind power, solar power, wave power, and other renewable energy sources, in 2009 and 2010.
| Percentage of primary energy supply | Percentage of electricity generation | |||
|
|
2009 | 2010 | 2009 | 2010 |
| (1) Excluding non-biodegradable wastes. | ||||
Primary energy supply data from tables DUKES 1.1 and 1.2, available at:
http://decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/source/total/total.aspx
Primary renewable energy supply data from table DUKES 7.6, available at:
http://decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/source/renewables/renewables.aspx
Total electricity generation data from table DUKES 5.6, available at:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/energy_stats/source/electricity/electricity.aspx
Renewable electricity generation data from table DUKES 7.4, available at:
http://decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/source/renewables/renewables.aspx
Solar Power: Feed-in Tariffs
Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what information his Department holds on the (a) number and (b) average annual load factors of solar photovoltaic installations in receipt of feed-in tariffs that are situated (i) north of 57 degrees latitude and (ii) north of 58 degrees latitude. [72304]
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Gregory Barker: The latitude of FIT installations is not recorded on the central register. The number of installations in the local authorities which lie on the latitudes mentioned are given in the following table. DECC uses an average load factor for photovoltaic installations across the UK as a whole, and this cannot currently be broken down on a regional basis. More specific load factor estimates may be available commercially.
| Local authority | Number of photovoltaic installations confirmed onto F I Ts register as at 31 August 2011 |
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on what dates he informed representatives of the solar industry of proposed changes to support for solar feed-in tariff project extensions built within 12 months of the review start date of August 2011; and when he expects such changes to take effect. [71797]
Gregory Barker: Proposed changes to the rules on extensions under the feed-in tariffs (FITs) scheme were set out in a consultation which was published on 27 July 2011. On the same day stakeholders, including representatives of the solar industry, were notified of the consultation.
The consultation closed on 31 August and the decision document was published on 27 September with changes to be implemented 18 October 2011.
Timber: Imports
Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what information his Department holds on the proportion of wood co-fired with coal in electricity generating plants that has been imported. [72302]
Charles Hendry: DECC does not hold information on the proportion of wood co-fired with coal in electricity generating plant sourced from outside the UK.
In 2010, 822,000 tonnes of oil equivalent (ktoe) of biomass (which includes wood) was co-fired with fossil fuels (mainly coal), while 753,000 ktoe of biomass was imported for all energy use, including co-firing.
Source:
Digest of UK Energy Statistics, 2011, tables 7.6 and 7.1, available at:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/energy_stats/source/renewables/renewables.aspx
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Warm Front Scheme
Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many households have had their applications accepted by the Warm Front scheme since the change to eligibility criteria in April 2011. [72505]
Gregory Barker: The Warm Front scheme has received and accepted 27,374 eligible applications from 14 April to 14 September 2011.
Wind Power
Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on how many days in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011 wind farm operators were given constraint payments from non-generation. [72538]
Charles Hendry: Wind farm operators received constraint payments on the following number of days:
(a) 2010: three days, which involved overall constraint payments of £176,788 to a total of three different wind farms;
(b) 2011: 37 days (up to and including 14 September), which involved overall constraint payments of £6,959,915 to a total of 17 different wind farms.
National Grid takes thousands of actions every day to balance the system, including through the balancing mechanism where generators will make monetary bids and offers to alter their output. Nearly all of these actions relate to conventional (non-renewable) generation. This is a competitive market where National Grid will always pick the most cost-effective way to deliver what is required.
Mr Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to reduce the level of constraint payments to wind farm operators; and if he will make a statement. [72043]
Charles Hendry: Reducing or increasing the output of generators is a normal part of National Grid's role to balance supply and demand, and it will pick the most cost effective way to deliver what is required. However, the recent requirement to use wind farms in order to manage the system has raised questions as to whether the current market-wide balancing arrangements for wind are appropriate. National Grid has launched a consultation to seek views on the issues involved.
In the short-term, the Secretary of State is proposing to introduce a licence condition to tackle problems that can occur in the balancing market when normal competition is distorted by bottlenecks on the transmission system. Ofgem and DECC have been working closely together to develop this licence condition, which the Secretary of State is able to introduce under powers conferred by the Energy Act 2010. DECC will be consulting on the licence condition shortly, with a view to introducing it in 2012.
Wind Power: Planning Permission
Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will publish the responses of English local planning authorities to the questionnaires in section 5.4 of the Parsons Brinckerhoff report for his Department entitled Update of Shadow Flicker Evidence Base. [72066]
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Charles Hendry: There are no plans to publish the responses of English local planning authorities to the questionnaires for the report on the Shadow Flicker Evidence Base. The questionnaires were completed on the understanding that the information within would be treated as strictly confidential and not to be passed to third parties or published.
The summary of responses can be found in the report. Responses were received from the following local planning authorities:
1. South Gloucestershire Council
2. Gloucester City Council
3. Tendring District Council
4. Barnsley Metropolitan Council
5. Lancaster City Council
6. Rossendale Borough Council
7. Uttlesford District Council
8. Charnwood Borough Council
9. Sheffield City Council
10. Warrington Borough Council
11. Northern Ireland Planning Service
12. City and County of Swansea
13. Orkney Islands Council.
Women and Equalities
Equal Pay
Alison McGovern: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what assessment the Government has made of the potential costs and benefits of introducing compulsory gender pay audits for larger companies in the last 12 months. [72379]
Lynne Featherstone: In the Modern Workplaces consultation published in May 2011, Government proposed that employers who are found at an employment tribunal to have discriminated because of sex in contractual or non-contractual pay should be made to conduct a pay audit.
The accompanying impact assessment included an initial estimate of the average cost of an equal pay audit as £8,800 but recognised that costs would vary significantly with the size and complexity of an employer's business. Benefits include, for example, making sure there is maximum use of employee's capacity and demonstrating fairness to employees.
In addition to the proposal in Modern Workplaces, Government are actively promoting voluntary, business-led approach to analysis and publication of equality data through the new "Think, Act, Report" initiative.
Equality: Age
Mr Marsden: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities (1) what preparations the Government Equalities Office has made for communication to the public on commencement of the anti-age discrimination regulations arising from the Equality Act 2010; [72512]
(2) when the Government plan to bring into force a commencement order for the anti-age discrimination regulations arising from the Equality Act 2010. [72513]
10 Oct 2011 : Column 40W
Lynne Featherstone: We are currently considering the responses to the public consultation on exceptions to the proposed ban on age discrimination in the provision of services and public functions which took place earlier this year. We will announce how we intend to proceed in the Government's published response to the consultation in due course.
Marriage
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Glasgow North East of 28 June 2011, Official Report, column 703W, on marriage, when the Government Equalities Office expects to begin its consultation on reform of marriage and civil partnership law. [72623]
Lynne Featherstone: We announced on 17 September that we will publish a formal, Government consultation document in March 2012 which will consider options on equal civil marriage. This would allow us to make any legislative changes before the end of this Parliament.
We are clear that this will only cover civil marriage—not religious marriage. Between now and the publication of the consultation, we will be meeting with a wide range of people with an interest in this issue, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and religious and non-religious organisations, to help shape the formal consultation document.
Defence
EU Defence Headquarters
12. Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had on the proposal to establish an EU defence headquarters. [72910]
Dr Fox: NATO remains the cornerstone of UK defence. I have always been clear that the UK opposes the creation of a permanent EU operational military headquarters. It would be a duplication of existing capability provided by NATO, would permanently disassociate the EU from NATO and would be an unnecessary use of resources.
The Minister for International Security Strategy, my hon. Friend the Member for Aldershot (Mr Howarth), emphasised our position at the Informal Meeting of EU Ministers of Defence in Poland on 22-23 September 2011. I will continue to take every opportunity to reinforce this message with our European and NATO partners.
Civilian Jobs
16. Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the change has been in the number of civilian jobs in his Department since May 2010. [72914]
Mr Robathan: Defence statistics show that, on a full-time equivalent basis, there were 85,850 civilian employees in the Ministry of Defence on 1 April 2010.
As at 1 July 2011—the latest date for which information is available—this total had reduced to 81,150. These figures therefore show a reduction of 4,700 full-time equivalent employees over that 15-month period.
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Reserve Forces
18. Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to improve the capabilities of the reserve forces. [72916]
Mr Robathan: In his oral statement on 18 July 2011, Official Report, columns 643-645, the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox), confirmed a package of investment amounting to more than £2.8 billion over 10 years, of which £400 million will be within the life of this Parliament. This package has been designed to enhance the capability of the reserve forces and consequently increase their trained strength following the recommendations of the Future Reserves Independent Commission.
NATO Transformation
20. Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent progress has been made on NATO transformation. [72918]
Dr Fox: A continual process of reform and transformation is vital for the health of any organisation. NATO is no different and the UK is playing a leading role in ensuring our alliance remains fit for purpose. In June, Defence Ministers agreed to a more streamlined and more effective command structure including the UK keeping the maritime component command at Northwood. We are working to put the new command structure in place as soon as possible.
British Army Training Unit Suffield
21. Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the memorandum of understanding between his Department and the Department of National Defence of Canada concerning the British Army Training Unit Suffield is due to be renegotiated. [72920]
Nick Harvey: The memorandum of understanding between the MOD and the Department of National Defence of Canada concerning the British Army Training Unit Suffield is open-ended and may be renegotiated at any time with the mutual consent of both parties.
Afghanistan
22. Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [72921]
Dr Fox: The 2010 ISAF troop surge has brought significant security gains to the south of Afghanistan in 2011. However, the insurgency is resilient and remains a nationwide threat, as the recent attacks in Kabul have demonstrated.
I am encouraged by the continued progress being made by the Afghan National Security Forces who increasingly demonstrate their competence, whether in response to high-profile attacks in Kabul, in joint operations with ISAF, or in areas where security transition has begun.
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Military Covenant
23. Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to strengthen the military covenant. [72922]
Mr Robathan: On 16 May 2011, the Government published the new armed forces covenant, and announced a series of measures to strengthen the covenant, building on those already included in the coalition programme for government. We have also launched the armed forces community covenant to encourage activities which help to integrate the armed forces community into local life.
Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations
Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many UK troops will remain in Afghanistan beyond 2015 to provide military training and assistance. [72597]
Nick Harvey: As the Prime Minister announced to the House on 6 July 2011, Official Report, columns 1511-1514, by the end of 2014 there will be nothing like the number of British troops which are in Afghanistan now and they will not be serving in a combat role. However, the UK will continue to have a military relationship with Afghanistan after 2014. The UK will continue to train Afghan security forces and we will provide the lead at a new Afghan National Army Officer Academy from 2013. At this stage it is too early to comment on the exact number of troops who will be deployed in these non-combat roles from 2015 and beyond.
Alix Partners
Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department reached its agreement with Alix Partners; what estimate he has made of the savings accruing to his Department as a result of the agreement since it came into force; what the average daily rate paid to external consultants by his Department is; how much his Department has paid to individual Alix Partners consultants in consultancy fees since May 2010; how many (a) Alix Partners and (b) other consultants have qualified for a success fee from his Department since May 2010; and on how many occasions Alix Partners consultants qualified for such a success fee since May 2010. [72204]
Peter Luff: Alix Partners were appointed on 15 November 2010 to support the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to renegotiate contracts in order to deliver savings as a result of decisions taken in the strategic defence and security review (SDSR). The MOD did not have the highly specialised skills required to undertake this work in the timescales. The savings the Department will accrue will depend on a number of issues, the detail of which I am withholding as their disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.
The average daily rate for each Alix Partners consultant is £3,950, and the Department has paid a total of £5.5 million under the contract so far. 12 Alix Partners consultants have qualified for the payment of an additional “success fee” under the contract on two occasions.
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Information about the total number of all other consultants who have qualified for a success fee from the Department since May 2010 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
The contract with Alix Partners has already proven its value and, without prejudice to our commercial negotiation, I can confirm that it has helped to save the Department hundreds of millions of pounds.
Armed Forces: Craigiehall
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which personnel in which units are based at Craigiehall; and how many (a) Army and (b) civilian personnel there are in each unit. [72583]
Mr Robathan: We do not comment on individual personnel. The units based in Craigiehall and the numbers of Army and civilian personnel in each unit are shown in the following table:
|
|
Army | Civilian |
This is based on the latest available numbers for Army and civilian personnel.
Armed Forces: Edinburgh
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of service family accommodation at (a) Redford and (b) Dreghorn Barracks will be used in each of the next five years; and which personnel are expected to be housed at each site during this period. [72584]
Mr Robathan: 87% of service family accommodation (SFA) at Redford and Dreghorn Barracks is currently being used to house service personnel and their families.
It is too early to say at this time what the exact future usage or requirement for SFA in Edinburgh may be, although it is likely that all current housing stock across the Edinburgh area will be needed to meet an ongoing requirement to house entitled service families.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who will fulfil the (a) duties as Governor of Edinburgh Castle and in respect of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and (b) other additional and ceremonial roles previously carried out by the General Officer Commanding 2nd Division after the 2nd Division Headquarters move to Aldershot in 2012; and where the person who takes over these roles will be based. [72585]
10 Oct 2011 : Column 44W
Nick Harvey: Comprehensive planning work is now under way to draw up plans for the timing and sequencing of the changes in the Army as set out in the Defence Transformation statement made by the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox) on 18 July 2011, Official Report, columns 643-45W.
It is too early to say who will fulfil the duties as Governor of Edinburgh Castle or the other duties mentioned but our plans will ensure that these duties will be serviced by a 2-star Army officer, who will be based in Scotland.
For clarification, HQ 2nd Division will not move to Aldershot in 2012. As announced by the Secretary of State for Defence on 18 July 2011, Official Report, columns 66-70WS, 2nd Division will disband in 2012 along with HQ 4th Division at Aldershot and HQ 5th Division at Shrewsbury, upon the creation of a single 2-star support command, to be known as HQ Support Command, which will be based in Aldershot.
Armed Forces: Military Decorations
Ms Gisela Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons UK military personnel may be awarded EU service medals; and whether they are allowed to wear them. [70857]
Mr Robathan: The involvement of the United Kingdom’s armed forces in operations around the world may give rise to the award of a European Union service medal.
There are four European medals which have been approved for UK armed forces personnel who meet the relevant criteria. These are:
WEU Mission (Yugoslavia), which has been approved for wear.
European Community Monitoring Mission (Yugoslavia), which has been approved for wear.
European Security Forces: Congo, which has not been approved for wear.
European Security and Defence Policy Service Medal for Operation ALTHEA (Bosnia and Herzegovina), which has been approved for wear (with the exception of the Planning and Support version).
Each new offer of such a medal requires a proposal by the Ministry of Defence, the support of the Committee on the Grant of Honours Decorations and Medals (known as the HD Committee), and the approval of the Sovereign. In general, proposals should demonstrate that those on the operation have endured a period of risk and rigour. However, proposals that would result in “double medalling”, which is the simultaneous qualification for a United Kingdom medal and an international organisation’s medal, are not supported.
Armed Forces: Yorkshire and the Humber
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people were recruited to the armed forces through armed forces career offices in the Yorkshire and Humberside area in each year since 2001. [71493]
Mr Robathan:
The following tables provide the number of entrants from recruitment centres in the Yorkshire and Humberside area. These give an indication of the
10 Oct 2011 : Column 45W
numbers recruited from that area but do not provide a comprehensive picture of where these individuals may reside as they may not always apply to join the Services through their nearest career office or may choose other means by which to apply.
Royal Navy and Royal Marine officers are primarily recruited via regional officer careers liaison centres, each of which covers a large area of the UK. Prior to 2009-10 they were not recruited through armed forces career offices. The recruitment data for Army officers are based on data related to the location of the schools
10 Oct 2011 : Column 46W
and universities from which officers are recruited together with the small number recruited via careers offices. Army officer entrant figures before 2007-08 were collected on a different basis than currently and are not included.
Figures are not available for all years requested as over time various IT systems have been used which are not now compatible with current systems.
In the following tables these abbreviations are used:
AFCO—Armed Forces Career Office
ACIO—Army Career Information Office.
| Royal Navy and Royal Marine other rank entrants | ||||||||
|
|
2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 |
| Army Officers | ||||
|
|
2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 |
| Army other ranks | ||||||||||
|
|
2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 |
| RAF Officer and other ranks entrants | ||||||||
|
|
2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 |
Armed Forces: Young People
Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the armed forces were under the age of 18 in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11. [72820]
Mr Robathan: The following table provides information on the total strength of the armed forces as at 1 April each year and the proportion of that strength under the age of 18 years.
|
|
Total strength | Proportion under 18 years (Percentage) |
Challenger Tanks
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to his Department's Business Plan 2011-2015, how much has been saved in (a) Resource DEL, (b) Capital DEL, (c) annually managed expenditure and (d) in total from the reduction of holdings of Challenger 2 main battle tanks by 40%. [71299]
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Dr Fox [holding answer 12 September 2011]: Reflecting a reduction in Challenger 2 numbers and track activity, the savings over the next four years are expected to be:
| £ million | ||||
|
|
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 |
| (1) Less than 5. | ||||
They do not include any savings in depreciation or the costs of writing the assets down, which cannot be calculated until the future of the surplus equipment has been determined.
All figures are planning assumptions and are rounded to the nearest £5 million; the Capital DEL element of the savings is less than £5 million in total over the four-year period.
Chinook Helicopters
Gordon Birtwistle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the contract cost for his Department’s order for Chinook helicopters is associated with a follow-up five-year service agreement. [72112]
Peter Luff: The details of the initial five-year service arrangements for the new Chinooks have yet to be finalised but, based on experience of similar arrangements, we expect the initial support package following entry into service to be some 10% of the approximate £1 billion total value of the procurement.
Gordon Birtwistle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any British manufacturers were invited to tender for the order for Chinook helicopters. [72113]
Peter Luff: In the Chinook new buy decision, all available procurement options were considered, including open competition. Based on the key criteria of value for money to the UK taxpayer and confidence in delivery of the project with lowest risk to schedule and cost, it was decided in accordance with EU Competition Law, to pursue a single source procurement with Boeing.
As well as formal arrangements in place between UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and Boeing on UK industrial participation, we have successfully encouraged Boeing to make full use of the UK supply base on the Chinook new buy contract where this has no adverse impact on the programme schedule and continues to provide value for money.
We estimate that over the next 10 years the UK economy will benefit by some £350 million as a direct result of this contract.
Departmental Air Travel
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which travel management companies his Department uses for the purchase of airline tickets; [72685]
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(2) what (a) contractual obligations and (b) other processes his Department uses in respect of travel management companies to ensure the best value is achieved when purchasing airline tickets. [72699]
Peter Luff: The Defence travel contract, which includes providing airline tickets for use by Ministry of Defence (MOD) personnel, was awarded to the Hogg Robinson Group in 2007. The company has negotiated rates with 28 airlines covering 432 domestic and international routes.
No other arrangements are in place for the provision of MOD air travel and personnel are mandated to use the contract which allows discounted air fares to be provided with lower administration costs than if individuals were to book direct through commercial travel companies. Where negotiated rates have been agreed, the contract also offers other benefits including the provision of more favourable terms and conditions of travel, increased baggage allowances and flight cancellations without incurring additional costs. This has resulted in considerable savings being achieved across the MOD. In financial year 2010-11 around £60 million was saved on air travel.
Departmental Public Expenditure
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what financial savings are expected to be made in (a) Resource DEL, (b) Capital DEL, (c) annually-managed expenditure and (d) in total from reducing the non-deployable regional administrative structure; and over what period those savings are expected to be made. [71281]
Dr Fox: As a result of the restructuring of the Army's non-deployable regional administrative structure, we expect to save some £20 million in Resource DEL each year on an enduring basis from 2013-14.
Research and Development
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's definition is of (a) research and development budget and (b) science and technology budget. [72518]
Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) uses the internationally recognised Frascati definition of research and development as covering three elements: pure or basic research, which generates new knowledge for its own sake; applied research, in which knowledge generation is directed towards a specific practical aim; and development where such knowledge is applied to a new service, device or product.
The term science and technology programme refers to the MOD research programme under the Department's chief scientific adviser.
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's research and development budget was in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and what the budget will be in each year of the comprehensive spending review period. [72519]
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Peter Luff: Ministry of Defence (MOD) research and development expenditure is published in “UK Defence Statistics 2011” (Table 1.7), which is available at the following website:
http://www.dasa.mod.uk/modintranet/UKDS/UKDS2011/c1/table107.php
The most recently published figures for net MOD research and development spending across MOD, inclusive of non-recoverable VAT at current prices are as follows:
| Financial year | Research and development expenditure (£ million) |
There is no fixed forward budget for research and development because development expenditure is mostly part of the equipment programme applied as needed against the development requirements of individual projects.
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's science and technology budget was in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and what the budget will be in each year of the comprehensive spending review period. [72520]
Peter Luff: Expenditures from the centralised Ministry of Defence (MOD) science and technology programme under the Department's chief scientific adviser, and the total net research expenditure by the MOD, for each of the past five years (inclusive of non-recoverable VAT at current prices) are:
| Financial year | Total MOD research expenditure (£ million) | Of which, science and technology programme expenditure (£ million) |
The current planned budget for the centralised MOD science and technology programme under the Department's Chief Scientific Adviser, reflecting Defence planning round (PR11), for each year of the comprehensive review period (rounded to the nearest £5 million) is shown in the following table:
| Financial year | Science and technology programme planned budget (£ million1) |
| (1) Nearest £5 million | |
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The Department is conducting its routine annual planning round (PR 12), which will conclude in spring 2012, and may result in changes in the figures. However, as I have previously said to the House, the MOD's science and technology budget will rise in cash terms over the comprehensive spending review period.
Chief Scientific Adviser
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the resource budget allocation was for the office of his Department's chief scientific adviser in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [72459]
Peter Luff: The running costs for. the office of the Ministry of Defence's chief scientific adviser (CSA) in each of the last five years, comprising CSA and the immediate administrative support staff is as follows:
| Financial year | Cost (£000) |
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the salary, including benefits, was of his Department's chief scientific adviser in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and how many individuals have held the post in the last five years. [72460]
Peter Luff: Two individuals have held the post of chief scientific adviser in the Ministry of Defence in the past five years:
Professor Sir Roy Anderson FRS FMedSci: October 2004 to September 2007
Professor Sir Mark Welland FRS FREng: April 2008 to date.
From October 2007 to March 2008 Professor Anderson continued to provide advice to the Department on scientific issues as required.
Details of their salaries and benefits are published in the Department's Annual Resource Accounts which are available at following website:
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/AnnualReports/
A copy of the document is available in the Library of the House.
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many full-time equivalent staff were employed in the office of his Department's chief scientific adviser in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and on what date the office was established. [72461]
Peter Luff: The number of full-time equivalent (FTE) staff in the immediate outer office of the chief scientific adviser (CSA) for the Ministry of Defence (MOD), comprising CSA and the immediate administrative support staff, in each of the last five years is as follows:
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| Financial year | Number of staff (FTE) |
The MOD had a chief scientific adviser when the Department was established in 1964.
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on requiring his Department's (a) agencies and non-departmental public bodies and (b) contractors to have a written code of practice or protocol relating to the provision, conduct and quality assurance of scientific evidence and advice. [72462]
Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence is committed to handling science and engineering advice in accordance with the Government chief scientific adviser's “Guidelines on the use of science and engineering advice in policy making”.
EU Defence Policy
Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of previous experience of participating in (a) EU military structures and (b) the EU Defence Agency; and what recent assessment he has made of the Government’s ability to influence the direction of EU military policies. [72260]
Mr Gerald Howarth: NATO remains the cornerstone of UK defence. Participation in the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations—and their access to wider economic, legal and diplomatic tools—should support or complement this primary role of NATO in meeting European defence and security requirements.
Following our last assessment of the European Defence Agency (EDA) in autumn 2010, we decided that the UK would continue to participate in the EDA for a period of two years (until autumn 2012), at which time we want to see if UK membership in the EDA brings sufficient benefits to warrant Britain’s continued membership.
Through our participation in the Common Security and Defence Policy, the UK has helped to influence the development of EU military policies. We secured a freeze in the EDA’s defence budget, led opposition to the establishment of an EU operational HQ and shifted the debate within the EU on developing capability, not structures, and on more robust anti-piracy measures.
Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the introduction of qualified majority voting in EU defence matters. [72261]
Mr Gerald Howarth: There are three areas where qualified majority voting can be applied to decision making: for certain decisions relating to Permanent Structured Co-operation (PESCO); the decision making powers of the European Defence Agency Steering Board; and establishing procedures for a start-up fund. These were agreed by the previous Government under the introduction of the Lisbon treaty, the ratification of which the Conservative party opposed.
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The UK's policy is that qualified majority voting should not be used in any other areas and we would oppose any moves to expand qualified majority voting on defence matters.
Dr Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the criteria are for an EU member state to take part in Permanent Structured Co-operation. [R] [72305]
Mr Gerald Howarth: The provisions on Permanent Structured Co-operation (PESCO) were introduced by the Lisbon treaty and the criteria can be found in articles 42(6) and 46 and protocol (No. 10) to the treaties. The Lisbon treaty was ratified by the previous Government.
EU Defence Policy: Offices
Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with non-EU members of NATO about the proposal to the EU High Representative by France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Poland that the EU should establish an EU military operational headquarters; and what representations he has received from (a) the US, (b) Canada, (c) Turkey and (d) Norway on this proposal. [72258]
Mr Gerald Howarth: I have always been clear that the UK opposes the creation of a permanent EU operational military headquarters and continue to be so in my discussions with NATO and European partners including at the recent informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers last month. I have not received any formal representations from non-EU members of NATO on this subject.
Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the total resources required to establish an effective EU military operational headquarters. [72259]
Mr Gerald Howarth: While the Ministry of Defence has not conducted a formal assessment, we believe that neither has the EU. The establishment and development of a new EU institution and associated subordinate command functions would add substantial costs over existing structures. The UK opposes a permanent EU operational headquarters (OHQ) for reasons other than cost alone. We have been clear that establishment of a permanent OHQ would be a duplication of existing capability provided by NATO, would permanently disassociate the EU from NATO and would be an unnecessary use of resources.
Mr Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the creation of a permanent EU operational headquarters; and if he will make a statement. [72311]
Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the proposal to the EU High Representative by France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Poland that the EU should establish an EU military operational headquarters without UK support by means of the structured co-operation mechanism established by the Treaty of Lisbon; what his policy is on participation in such an EU military operational headquarters; and what representations he plans to make to his EU counterparts on this issue. [72257]
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Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the creation of a Permanent EU operational headquarters; and if he will make a statement. [72743]
Dr Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the creation of a permanent EU operational headquarters; and if he will make a statement. [R] [72306]
Mr Gerald Howarth: NATO remains the cornerstone of UK defence.
We see no justification for a permanent EU military operational headquarters (OHQ) and would oppose it, whether there is an attempt to create it by Permanent Structured Co-operation (PESCO) or other means. We have been clear that the establishment of a permanent OHQ would be a duplication of existing capability provided by NATO, would permanently disassociate the EU from NATO and would be an unnecessary waste of resources.
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary rejected the case for the establishment of an OHQ at the Foreign Affairs Council on 18 July 2011, a position I repeated emphatically at the informal meeting of Ministers of Defence in Wroclaw, Poland on 22-23 September 2011. The UK will continue to reinforce this message with our European partners at every opportunity.
Helicopters: Technology
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the Brownout Landing Aid System Technology for installation on armed forces helicopters. [72349]
Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to minimising the risk to our personnel when helicopters have to land with limited visibility. This is a matter not simply of new equipment, but also of ensuring that we have the right training, tactics, techniques and procedures in place.
Through our research programme run by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), we maintain close links with industry to monitor technologies in this area, including the Brownout Landing Aid System Technology (BLAST) programme. We are closely monitoring the development of BLAST, as well as other industrial solutions and assessing them all against our requirement. No decisions have been made on the most effective technical approach to mitigating the risks to helicopters from limited visibility landing.
HMS Protector
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what work was planned to be carried out on HMS Protector before it was taken over by the Royal Navy; and what work was subsequently carried out that had not been anticipated. [72618]
Peter Luff:
Work planned to be carried out by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on HMS Protector started after the signing of the lease and is to be completed before her first deployment later this year. This work included the fitting of: hydrographic systems; secure
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military communications including satellite television; force protection; petrol stowage; mounts for two rigid hull inflatable boats; and an enhanced navigation system.
The small amount of additional work completed by the MOD covers the fitting of a small craft davit and a high definition radar, and the re-designing of military communications equipment to adapt it for use by HMS Protector.
HMS Protector is on schedule to deploy for the first time around the end of the year.
Military Bases: Edinburgh
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any valuations have been carried out of United Kingdom Land Command sites at (a) Redford Barracks, (b) Dreghorn Barracks and (c) Craigiehall in the last 10 years. [72586]
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence values its estate on a rolling five year programme for asset purposes. The latest asset valuations can be found in the National Asset Register, published by the Stationary Office on the following website:
http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm70/7022/7022.pdf
A copy is available in the Library of the House.
The Department does not routinely assess the current market value of all its estate because the estimated receipts will depend on market conditions and other factors at the time of sale. However, the indicative market values of these sites was reviewed in March 2011 as part of the ongoing basing review.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 6 September 2011, Official Report, column 89W, on military bases: Edinburgh, what annual costs are associated with the private finance initiative agreement with Bannockburn Homes Ltd used to fund some service family accommodation for Redford and Dreghorn Barracks; and whether these costs change for any period in which the accommodation is unused. [72588]
Mr Robathan: In order to accommodate entitled service personnel based across Edinburgh, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) leases 103 service family accommodation (SFA) properties under a private finance initiative with Bannockburn Homes Ltd at an annual cost in 2010-11 of £2.2 million for rent and services.
This cost does not vary if properties are unoccupied. The MOD maintains a small management margin of void SFA properties in order to ensure that homes are available for families when required.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what listed buildings in each category there are at (a) Craigiehall, (b) Redford Barracks and (c) Dreghorn Barracks. [72599]
Mr Robathan: The requested information is as shown in the following table:
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| Building description | Listing category |
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of maps of the Defence Estate lands in Edinburgh which his Department proposes to sell. [72600]
Mr Robathan: Copies of plans showing the extent of the Ministry of Defence landholdings at Craigiehall, Redford and Dreghorn Barracks will be placed in the Library of the House.
The precise boundary of the land to be disposed of will be determined nearer to the time of any sale.
Military Bases: Kirknewton
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 6 September 2011, Official Report, columns 1151-52W, on military bases, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the location for the tank training ground for the proposed new Multi-Role Brigade at Kirknewton; and whether a site has been identified. [72587]
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is currently investigating options put forward by the Scottish Government for the location of the proposed new training area. The MOD will continue to consult with the Scottish Government as we work through these options, but it is too early to confirm any further details of our exact requirements.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the amount of additional traffic movement that will be generated by the proposed new base at Kirknewton, taking into account deliveries, commuting of personnel remaining in service family accommodation at Redford and Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh, movements of personnel living at the base, and all other traffic. [72598]
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Mr Robathan: Comprehensive planning work is now under way to draw up detailed plans for the future of Kirknewton, which will include an assessment of the likely effect on local transport. This will involve the appropriate and necessary engagement with partners such as the Scottish Government, West Lothian council and the relevant other Government Departments and agencies. We have a shared interest in managing local issues, such as transport, as effectively as we can for the benefit of both the local community and for our own personnel.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answers of 6 September 2011, Official Report, columns 844-45W, on RAF Kirknewton, when in 2012 the further ecological survey into water quality at Kirknewton, West Lothian, will take place; when his Department's Land Quality Assessment programme for 2011-12 will take place; and if he will place in the Library copies of each report when they are completed. [72603]
Mr Robathan: The Defence Infrastructure Organisation plans to carry out a further ecological survey at Kirknewton in February 2012, in order to enable a direct comparison with the findings of the initial survey. The exact timings will, however, be dependent upon factors such as the weather.
The current phase of the Ministry of Defence estate-wide Land Quality Assessment (LQA) programme runs from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012. In the case of RAF Kirknewton the phase two LQA is scheduled to start in November 2011 and will involve an intrusive investigation. The exact timings of the LQA will also be dependent upon factors such as the weather.
Copies of both reports will be placed in the Library of the House once they are completed.
Radar: Wind Power
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent progress has been made in the search for potential mitigation solutions to prevent radar clutter and aircraft obscuration caused by turbines; and if he will make a statement. [72246]
Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has reached agreement with wind energy developers to provide Lockheed Martin TPS77 air defence radars as mitigation against specific wind farm radar interference concerns.
The MOD is continuing to work with the wind energy industry and the Department of Energy and Climate Change to assess other potential mitigation solutions for air defence, air traffic control and precision approach radars.
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether NATO has issued guidance on acceptable levels of interference by wind farms with air defence radar. [72248]
Peter Luff: NATO has not issued guidance on acceptable levels of interference by wind farms with air defence radar. Acceptable levels are assessed on a site-by-site basis, and will be influenced by the technical characteristics of the affected radar system and the strategic importance of the airspace near the wind farm.
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Transport
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the (a) radar additional study and (b) data transport study have completed; and when he plans to place copies in the Library. [72247]
Peter Luff: Both studies have completed and redacted copies have been placed in the Library of the House.
Unmanned Air Vehicles: Ammunition
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what munitions can be carried by the Watchkeeper 450 unmanned air system. [72350]
Peter Luff: None. The current design of the Watchkeeper unmanned air system precludes the carrying of munitions.
Scotland
Scotland Bill 2010-12
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many times the joint Exchequer Group to consider the implementation of the Scotland Bill has met since its formation; and when it will next meet. [72007]
Michael Moore: The Joint Exchequer Committee met for the first time on 27 September 2011, and it is intended that it will meet at least biannually.
Taxation: Scotland
Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many times the High Level Implementation Group that advises on the practical implications of implementing the Calman Commission's taxation proposals has met since its formation; and when it will next meet. [72008]
Michael Moore: The High Level Implementation Group met on 26 July and 4 November 2010, and 28 February 2011. It will meet again in late October.
Northern Ireland
Aviation
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what (a) contractual obligations and (b) other processes his Department uses in respect of travel management companies to ensure the best value is achieved when purchasing airline tickets. [72709]
Mr Paterson:
The Northern Ireland Office has a contract with a travel management company which is expected to ensure best value for money when purchasing
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airline tickets, balancing cost effectiveness against the individual requirements of each request. We monitor expenditure on tickets on a continuous basis at the initial order stage and routinely check subsequent invoices for accuracy. We hold twice-yearly meetings with the travel company in order to review the effectiveness of existing route deals and ticket spend.
In addition, staff are encouraged to book flights well in advance of travel whenever possible, to take advantage of lower fares; to avoid changing flights unless there is a pressing business need to do so; and are required to travel economy at all times unless there is a clear business need to do otherwise.
Legal Opinion: Costs
Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average hourly rate paid was to external (a) solicitors and (b) barristers engaged by his Department in 2010-11; what guidance his Department uses in commissioning external legal advice; and if he will publish (i) the names of each external (A) solicitor and (B) barrister engaged by his Department in 2010-11 and (ii) the sums paid in each case. [72573]
Mr Paterson: The Northern Ireland Office does not have an in-house legal team. It receives legal support from a range of Government bodies, including the Crown Solicitor's Office for Northern Ireland, the Treasury Solicitor's Office, the Home Office Legal Advisor's Branch, and the Departmental Solicitor's Office. The Northern Ireland Office does not commission external legal advice itself, but in acting on behalf of the Department, these bodies will from time to time engage counsel.
Security
Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) Ministers in the (i) Scottish and (ii) Welsh Government on security issues since May 2010. [72169]
Mr Paterson: Since May 2010, I have had a number of discussions with Cabinet colleagues on Northern Ireland-related security issues. This has included discussions in Cabinet and in the National Security Council. I have had no formal meetings to discuss security issues with Ministers in the Scottish and Welsh Assembly Governments during that time.
Inquiries
Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department has spent on inquiries into events in Northern Ireland in each year since 2001. [72173]
Mr Paterson: The total costs of the four Northern Ireland public inquiries, in each year since 2001 are set out in the following table:
| £ | ||||
|
|
Bloody Sunday Inquiry (1) (end May 2010) | Robert Hamill Inquiry (end February 2011) | Rosemary Nelson Inquiry (end May 2011) | Billy Wright Inquiry (end August 2010) |
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| (1) The Bloody Sunday Inquiry was established in 1998 and was funded by the Northern Ireland Office. Costs in relation to the inquiry were also incurred by the Ministry of Defence. The total cost of the inquiry to the NIO since its establishment in 1998 was £155.6 million. In addition, the MOD incurred a total of £35.6 million. The total cost of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry was therefore £191.2 million. | ||||
Legal Opinion: Costs
Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department has spent on payments to lawyers in relation to inquiries held on events in Northern Ireland in each year since 2001. [72172]
Mr Paterson: The legal costs of the four Northern Ireland public inquiries, in each year since 2001 are set out in the following table:
| £ | ||||
|
|
Bloody Sunday Inquiry (1) (end May 2010) | Robert Hamill Inquiry (end February 2011) | Rosemary Nelson Inquiry (end May 2011) | Billy Wright Inquiry (end August 2010) |
| (1) The Bloody Sunday Inquiry was established in 1998 and was funded by the Northern Ireland Office. Costs in relation to the inquiry were also incurred by the Ministry of Defence. The legal costs incurred by the inquiry since its establishment in 1998 were £67.6 million. In addition, the Ministry of Defence incurred £32.6 million in legal costs. The total legal cost of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry was therefore £100.2 million. | ||||