Prisoners: Per Capita Costs
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the cost per (a) place and (b) prisoner was in each publicly-run prison in (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11. [76833]
Mr Blunt: The table provides overall average resource cost per place and cost per prisoner at each public sector prison for financial years 2009-10 and 2010-11 as published in the National Offender Management Service Annual Reports of 2009-10 and 2010-11 under each year’s Management Information Addendum.
Cost per place is overall resource expressed in terms of the baseline certified normal accommodation, and cost per prisoner is overall resource expressed in terms of average prisoner population.
Figures for the two years are not directly comparable due to changes in accounting treatment arising from the Government's Clear Line of Sight initiative.
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31 Oct 2011 : Column 396W
| Cost by establishment (overall resource expenditure) | ||||
| £ | ||||
| 2010-11 | 2009-10 | |||
| Establishment name | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner |
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| Notes: 1. Displayed figures are subject to rounding. 2. The unit cost measurement used is based on overall cost which includes prison related overheads met centrally by NOMS, for example, property costs including depreciation (and cost of capital for 2009-10), major maintenance, prisoner escort and custody service (relates to transporting prisoners) and central HQ overheads. This involves some estimation. 3. Data for Elmley, Standford Hill and Swaleside are reported under the Sheppey cluster; data for Parkhurst, Camphill and Albany are reported under the Isle of Wight cluster; similarly, data for Blakenhurst, Brockhill and Hewell Grange is reported together as a cluster. 4. Dover and Haslar are not included as they are Immigration Removal Centres operating under Detention Centre Rules 2001. 5. Lindholme includes Lindholme IDC as it is a split site, part Category C Training Prison and part Immigration Removal Centre. 6. The following expenditure is not included: impairment charges, including the revaluation of land and buildings (2009-10: £525 million; 2010-11: £6.9 million); Operation Safeguard (use of police cells); cost of capital on assets in the course of construction (2009-10: £22.5 million); project, operating and commissioning costs at HMPYOI Isis in 2009-10 (£2.7 million), as the establishment was not opened during the course of year; costs associated with Probation (2010-11: £l,038 million); electronic monitoring (2010-11: £112.5 million); payment to Department of Health towards Drug Rehabilitation Requirements (2010-11: £22 million). 7. For certain prisons the unit cost is not typical, because they were in the process of change, e.g. Isis (2010-11) and Bure (2009-10) were building up capacity during the respective years. | ||||
Probation
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) whether he has any plans to reduce the number of probation trusts through mergers; and if he will make a statement; [76822]
(2) whether he has any plans to transfer responsibilities for probation services in England and Wales to (a) Police and Criminal Justice Commissioners and (b) local authorities. [76823]
Mr Blunt: We are engaged in looking at the future shape of probation services in England and Wales, with the aim of improving justice outcomes. This involves looking at a range of options for service improvements and different models for delivering offender services within the community. This work is contributing to wider work we are undertaking to find further efficiencies across all justice services.
We will ensure that our proposals are aligned with our priorities for the broader justice sector—including increasing competition, taking forward payment-by-results, and changes to wider structures and accountability at local level—as well as with the Government's priority to open up public services to a range of providers, including mutuals.
We intend to announce the outcome later in the autumn.
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether he has any plans to review the facilities management contract for probation trusts. [76825]
Mr Blunt: A review of the Home Office shared estates services currently provided to the probation estate on behalf of the Ministry of Justice is under way.
Current facilities management contracts are due to expire in 2013 and options for the future delivery of estate services to probation are currently being looked at.
Probation: Advisory Services
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will assess the potential role of the (a) voluntary and (b) private sector in offering probation services advice. [77562]
Mr Blunt: Under section 4 of the Offender Management Act 2007, arrangements for probation provision that relates to the giving of advice and assistance to the courts on sentencing or other matters may only be made with a probation trust or other public body.
We are taking forward work on the nature of probation services in England and Wales and are considering various models for delivering offender services in the community. It is a wide-ranging review, which is looking at the structure of probation services and how they are commissioned and delivered. How the voluntary and private sectors can contribute to the future development of probation services will form part of that consideration. We intend to set out our preferred approach later in the autumn.
Probation: Mental Illness
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent assessment he has made of the capacity of the Probation Service to support offenders with mental health problems. [77563]
Mr Blunt: The national health service is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of offenders with mental health problems. Probation trusts work with primary care trusts to identify the level of support required by offenders with mental health needs.
The Ministry of Justice and the Home Office are working with the Department of Health to ensure that, where appropriate, offenders with mental health problems are diverted from the criminal justice system at an early
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stage. We aim to ensure that liaison and diversion services are available in police custody suites and at courts by 2014.
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will bring forward proposals to introduce comprehensive mental health training for all probation staff who work with offenders who have specific mental health needs; and if he will make a statement. [77564]
Mr Blunt: Probation staff are trained to work with a wide range of offenders who have complex needs, including mental health needs. The Offender Assessment System is a structured framework which assists offender managers to assess the risks and needs of offenders and to develop sentence- and risk-management plans that are appropriate and robust.
Identifying a possible mental health need and referring the offender for specialist assessment are a critical part of the offender management role. However, offenders with mental health needs are best managed by means of a cross-agency approach, involving mental health professionals.
Probation: Training
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what plans he has to improve professional training for probation staff. [76824]
Mr Blunt: The introduction of the Probation Qualification Framework (PQF) in 2010 provided a contemporary professional qualification pathway that includes provision for all offender facing staff delivering probation services. The PQF has been welcomed by stakeholders and is underpinned by a comprehensive Regulatory Framework, quality assured by the Probation Qualification Assurance Board. The Justice Select Committee on the Role of the Probation Service commented favourably on the PQF model in their report published earlier this year and it is therefore considered to be fit for purpose.
Post qualification professional training is a joint responsibility between NOMS and probation employers. Where appropriate, NOMS provides a central training model for local implementation e.g. in the case of accredited programmes tutor training.
Defence
Adam Werritty
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (a) who attended and (b) what topics were discussed during meetings on official business with representatives of the Sri Lankan Government at which Mr Werritty was present. [75411]
Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 18 October 2011]: I refer the hon. Member to the Cabinet Secretary's report “Allegations against the Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP” published on 18 October 2011 and available on the Cabinet Office website:
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/allegations-against-rt-hon-dr-liam-fox-mp-report-cabinet-secretary
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Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish emails between himself and Mr Adam Werritty pertaining to official business. [75413]
Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 18 October 2011]: I have neither sent nor received any emails to or from Mr Werritty.
Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what times and dates (a) he, (b) his special advisers and (c) his private office have had telephone or email contact in an official capacity with Mr Adam Werritty since his appointment. [75417]
Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 18 October 2011]: There has been no contact between Mr Werritty and me, my special advisers, or my Private Office since my appointment.
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether minutes were kept of a meeting in September 2010 between the right hon. Member for North Somerset, then Secretary of State for Defence, Mr Matthew Gould, then UK Ambassador Designate to Israel, and Mr Adam Werritty. [76611]
Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 24 October 2011]: They were not.
Armed Forces: Training
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a comparative assessment of the cost of military training programmes offered to allies by the UK and the cost of such programmes offered by (a) France, (b) the US, (c) Italy, (d) Germany and (e) Spain; and if he will make a statement. [75664]
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold data relating to the costs of equivalent training programmes offered by France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the USA. It is therefore not possible to make a cost comparison between training programmes offered by the UK and broadly equivalent programmes provided by those countries.
Where training places are made available on courses offered by our allies which are considered to be of the highest security co-operation value we have in place reciprocal training arrangements whereby training costs are waived by the respective host country. Consequently no payments are made and the cost of the course remains effectively invisible. The MOD has such reciprocal agreements with France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the USA covering one of our key courses, the Advanced Command and Staff Course run by the UK Defence Academy.
Chelsfield Ammunition Depot
Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether his Department's agent followed the full Crichel Down Rules in respect of advertising and for sale notices prior to the sale of Chelsfield Ammunition Depot; [76151]
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(2) for what reasons his Department and its agent did not obtain full planning permission for the Chelsfield Ammunition Depot site prior to its sale; [76152]
(3) what estimate his Department was given of the potential value with class B planning permission of the Chelsfield Ammunition Depot prior to its disposal; [76153]
(4) for what reasons his Department's agent did not seek a formal written response from the local planning authority prior to the sale of Chelsfield Ammunition Depot. [76154]
Mr Robathan [holding answer 21 October 2011]: The Crichel Down Rules were fully complied with. In accordance with the rules, the former owner of the Chelsfield site was identified and approached, but declined those areas that were offered back.
Given that the development potential for the site was limited, a planning application was not progressed, as to do so would not provide value for money. For similar reasons no valuation of the site with planning permission was obtained, as it was not sold with any such planning permission.
I refer my hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon), to the answer the Under-Secretary of State for Defence, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Worcestershire (Peter Luff), gave on 13 October 2011, Official R eport, column 496W.
As the sale was on an informal tender basis and no formal planning designation was sought, prospective bidders were in a position to make their own inquiries with the local planning authority as to planning potential for the site.
Defence Equipment
Mr Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date he expects to publish the White Paper on equipment, security and technology for UK Defence and Security. [76995]
Peter Luff: We intend to publish a White Paper on technology, equipment, and support for UK defence and security by the end of the year.
Dubai
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions Ministers in his Department have returned from Afghanistan via Dubai. [76189]
Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 21 October 2011]: Twice since May 2010.
Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any (a) Ministers, (b) officials and (c) special advisers in his Department use private e-mail accounts for the conduct of Government business. [73217]
Mr Philip Hammond: The Ministerial Code, the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers, and the Civil Service Code set out how Ministers, officials and special advisers should conduct Government business.
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Ex-servicemen: Training
Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether armed services personnel receive any advice on (a) education courses or training, (b) employment, (c) housing and (d) welfare benefits prior to leaving the armed services. [76659]
Mr Robathan: Yes. All service leavers are entitled to some form of resettlement advice, whatever their rank and length of service. Further support is available to eligible personnel from the Career Transition Partnership (a partnership between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Right Management) through training courses which are free from tuition fees; career transition workshops; employment and future career advice; assistance with CV writing and job preparation; vocational training; and a job-search/recruitment facility.
Specialist housing advice is provided by the Joint Service Housing Advice Office. This has been established to provide service personnel and their families with information and advice on the wide range of civilian housing options. These include: Homebuy Direct, New Home Build Buy and First Buy, for which members of the armed forces are given the highest priority.
Each Job Centre district has an armed forces champion who has up-to-date knowledge of armed forces issues in the local area and will also provide support to veterans. Welfare benefits are a matter for the Department for Work and Pensions but advice and assistance in accessing benefits is available from the MOD's Veterans Welfare Service.
Falkland Islands: Sovereignty
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in Argentina on the Falkland Islands. [77079]
Mr Philip Hammond: I have not had any discussions with my counterpart in Argentina.
Geneva Convention
Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the legal review on the L27 and L26 120mm Depleted Uranium ammunition undertaken in accordance with Article 36 in Amended Protocol 1 of the Geneva convention. [73432]
Nick Harvey: A legal review of this type was not required for munitions which entered service before the date on which the UK ratified Additional Protocol I to the Geneva conventions. However, I have instructed my officials to carry out the review.
HMS Endurance
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the earliest in-service date for HMS Endurance. [70331]
Peter Luff: No decision has yet been made on whether to repair or to dispose of HMS Endurance. A decision on the ship's future is anticipated to be made in 2012.
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HMS Protector
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the original estimated cost to the public purse was of equipping HMS Protector to fully operational status; and what recent estimate he has made of the cost of such equipping. [70329]
Peter Luff: The contract for the lease of HMS Protector, worth £26 million over three years, also includes full contractor support and some fitting or refurbishment of equipment for use by the Royal Navy. In addition to this, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has estimated that a further £3.2 million would need to be spent to fit military task equipment such as survey boats and communications equipment.
The £26 million figure will remain unchanged over the life of the initial contract and the MOD currently estimates that the fitting of military task equipment will cost £3.7 million.
Navy
Mark Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the monetary value was of (a) spare parts (stores and equipment), (b) specialist and general tools and (c) other equipment disposed of by the (i) Royal Navy, (ii) Royal Fleet Auxiliary and (iii) Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy due to surplus requirements in the last year for which figures are available. [70333]
Peter Luff: The information is not held in the format requested. The figures provided in the following table represent the net book values (the net book value is the cost of the asset minus depreciation) of equipment declared surplus in the financial year ending 31 March 2011.
The figures provided under the first two categories are not held by individual fleets (Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Fleet Air Arm).
| Asset category | Value (£ million) |
| (1) Includes spare parts (stores and equipment). (2) Includes specialist and general tools | |
Mark Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent steps his Department has taken to improve procurement procedures in the (a) Royal Navy, (b) Marines, (c) Royal Fleet Auxiliary and (d) Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. [70336]
Peter Luff: The majority of procurement for the naval service is conducted by the Ministry of Defence's specialist procurement organisations: Defence Equipment and Support, for equipment acquisition and support; and Defence Infrastructure Organisation, for provision and support of infrastructure and estates. In addition, a central team undertakes procurement for the whole Department for a number of services including medical services, consultancy and manpower substitution.
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Services and equipment not provided by the principal organisations, largely comprising soft facilities management (including but not limited to catering, retail and leisure, training and training support) and support to naval service units overseas, is procured as necessary by the Navy Command Headquarters. All procurement conducted within the Navy Command is subject to the same framework as procurement elsewhere in the Department.
Recent developments aimed at improving procurement of the services include the establishment of a team to develop and roll out a Navy Command procurement process with the objective of harmonising and simplifying procurement activity initiated throughout the naval service. This team is drawing upon experience in other parts of the Department and lessons learned in recent procurements. The Navy Command is also participating in pan-Department initiatives in respect of future hard and soft facilities management, use of pan-Department or pan-Government enabling arrangements and introducing a number of e-tools as part of an improvement programme.
Nuclear Weapons
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had on nuclear weapons policy with staff of Atlantic Bridge since May 2010. [75033]
Territorial Army
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 18 October 2011, Official Report, columns 885-86, on the Territorial Army, how much has been spent under each budget heading on the scheme enabling employers to apply for financial assistance to cover certain costs of replacing a reservist employee if they are mobilised since the inception of the scheme. [76406]
Mr Robathan: Since April 2005, the following sums have been paid to employers, as financial assistance to cover the costs of replacing reservist employees in the Territorial Army when they are mobilised. A breakdown by year is shown in the following table. All expenditure is recorded against a single budget heading entitled “Employers Financial Assistance”.
| Financial year | Amount (£) |
Trident Submarines
Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the necessity of maintaining continuous at-sea deployment by at least one UK Trident submarine for the maintenance of an effective nuclear deterrent policy. [75980]
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Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 25 October 2011]: As the Prime Minister made clear on 9 February 2011, Official Report, column 295, Continuous at Sea Deterrence (CASD) remains the backbone of our deterrence posture, ensuring a credible and capable deterrent against blackmail and acts of aggression against the UK's vital interests including her NATO allies. CASD is the UK's most enduring current operation and has been successfully delivered for over 40 years.
As announced by my predecessor, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox), on 18 May 2011, Official Report, column 351, we have approved initial gate investment in respect of the replacement programme and selected a submarine design.
As my predecessor also announced on 18 May 2011, a study is being conducted to examine alternative systems and postures in accordance with the provision in the coalition agreement.
Home Department
Firearms
Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many private protection individuals working for wealthy Russian citizens living in the UK are licensed to carry firearms or other weapons. [76116]
Nick Herbert: Section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 (as amended) makes it unlawful to manufacture, sell, transfer, purchase, acquire or possess, without the authority of the Secretary of State for the Home Department, any prohibited weapon or ammunition.
It has been the policy of successive Governments that requests for the possession and carriage of firearms for personal protection purposes are refused on the grounds that these are not an acceptable means of protection in Great Britain.
Antisocial Behaviour
Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which (a) organisations and (b) individuals her Department consulted as part of its antisocial behaviour review. [77208]
James Brokenshire: The Home Office review included informal discussions with a range of organisations and practitioners involved in tackling antisocial behaviour, representing police forces, local authorities and registered social landlords.
Arms Trade: Exports
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which (a) Ministers and (b) officials from her Department attended the recent Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition. [76649]
James Brokenshire:
I attended the Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition. Information available indicates that a total of 12 Home Office officials attended. This included the Director of Science, Engineering and
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Technology and the Director for the Home Office Centre for Applied Science and Technology alongside 10 non-SCS officials.
Arrests: Ex-servicemen
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether people who are arrested and detained in a custody suite are routinely asked whether they have been in the armed services. [77153]
Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent estimate she has made of the costs to her Department and police authorities in respect of security for the proposed badger cull. [75787]
Nick Herbert: We are in discussion with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs regarding any police response and associated costs related to badger culling.
Cannabis
Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment her Department has made of the classification of (a) cannabis and (b) high THC cannabis; and if she will make a statement. [77212]
James Brokenshire: No recent assessment on the classification of cannabis and high THC cannabis has been commissioned by the Home Office.
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs last advised the Government on cannabis: classification and public health in its report published at:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/acmd/
In line with its statutory duty under section 1(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the Advisory Council keeps under review the situation in the UK with respect to controlled drugs.
Civil Disorder
Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders were issued to those involved in public disorder during the summer. [77210]
James Brokenshire: Statistical data on antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) are collected and collated by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). The data do not detail the specific circumstances which lead to an ASBO being issued. It is therefore not possible to determine whether an ASBO was issued as a result of a defendant's participation in the recent public disorder, or for other reasons. That information could only be ascertained by reference to individual court files, which could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
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Community Policing
Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many vacancies for sergeants there are within safer neighbourhoods teams in England and Wales. [76716]
Nick Herbert [holding answer 27 October 2011]: Information on police officer vacancies is not collected centrally.
Convictions: CCTV
Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information her Department holds on the number of people who have been (a) arrested and (b) convicted as a result of CCTV evidence in each of the last five years; and what the offences were in each case. [77320]
James Brokenshire: Information on the evidence leading to arrests and convictions is not held centrally.
Crime Prevention
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the evidential basis was for the development of the domestic abuse, stalking and honour-based violence risk identification checklist. [76948]
Lynne Featherstone: The Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour based Violence (DASH) Model (2009) was developed by Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) from the good practice of previous risk assessment models. It was also informed by a comprehensive literature review, consultation with national and international academic experts and practitioners, officer/practitioner and victim focus groups and piloting in several areas.
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what (a) evidence and (b) research her Department has evaluated on the effect of the use of (i) SPECSS+ and (ii) DASH by police services on levels of domestic homicide, serious incidents and repeat victimisation. [76949]
Nick Herbert: There has been no evaluation by the Home Office of the effect of the use of (i) SPECSS+ and (ii) DASH by police services.
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police services have fully implemented the domestic abuse, stalking and honour-based violence risk identification checklist. [76993]
Lynne Featherstone: The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) agreed that the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour based Violence (DASH) Risk Identification, Assessment and Management Model could be implemented across all police services in the UK from March 2009. Although we understand that the majority of forces currently use DASH it is for individual forces to decide which risk assessment models to use and the training their officers and staff receive.
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Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are used in deciding which domestic abuse, stalking and honour-based violence crimes are referred to the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference. [76994]
Lynne Featherstone: Agencies referring cases to a Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) use an evidence based risk assessment tool to establish if the victim is at high risk of harm. The threshold for high risk is determined by each local area.
Efficiency Gains
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to deliver the efficiency gains required by HM Treasury. [77043]
Damian Green [holding answer 27 October 2011]: The Home Office is delivering efficiency gains by having the right systems and controls in place for budget allocation, robust business planning, scrutiny of spending proposals, investment decisions, monitoring and challenging discretionary spend, interventions to improve productivity and value for money in our activities, managed work force reductions and improved procurement of goods and services.
Firearms: Young People
Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children under the age of 10 were awarded a shotgun licence in each police authority in England and Wales in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [71613]
Nick Herbert [holding answer 13 September 2011]:The total number of shotgun certificates granted to children less than 10 years of age is set out in the following table. This table covers the calendar years for which the data are currently available (2008-10).
The data were extracted from the National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS) by the National Policing Improvement Agency. The NFLMS holds data on the firearms and shotgun certificates issued by police forces in England and Wales. These data are provisional, normally used for management and operational information only, and are not subject to the detailed quality checks applied to datasets used for National Statistics.
| Number of shotgun certificates issued to those aged under 10 years of age, by force (2008-10) | ||
|
|
Force | Number |
31 Oct 2011 : Column 411W
Immigrants: Detainees
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women detained for immigration purposes in 2010-11 had children living in the UK and were separated from those children during their detention. [76663]
Damian Green [holding answer 25 October 2011]:The information sought is not recorded centrally by the UK Border Agency and can be obtained through examination of individual case records only at disproportionate cost.
The UK Border Agency has a policy of not separating parents from children although it will sometimes have to deal with circumstances in which such a separation has already taken place. Separation is always in exceptional circumstances and only after full consideration has been given to possible alternatives. A key consideration is to ensure that no child is left unaccompanied by a responsible adult/carer.
In cases where a parent detained in an immigration removal centre has a child in the community, the UK Border Agency will seek to facilitate contact between the parent and child, subject to the wishes of the family, and in liaison with the local authority where appropriate.
Internet: Regulation
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport and (b) industry representatives in respect of seeking solutions in responding to offensive and criminal material online; and if she will make a statement. [77195]
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James Brokenshire: Ministers across Government, including from the Home Office and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), meet regularly with each other and with representatives of the private sector to co-ordinate a robust response to online issues facing the UK. An example of this joint working is the ministerially-chaired UK Council for Child Internet Safety, which brings together experts from a range of sectors including industry, charities, academia and law enforcement. Ministers also continue to discuss such issues with their European counterparts. The London Conference on Cyberspace, to be hosted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 1-2 November, will expand the international dimension of this work and launch a focused and inclusive dialogue to help guide the behaviour of all in cyberspace.
Organised Crime
Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects to report to the House on her work on a cross-government programme of action to deal with gang culture, as indicated in the Prime Minister’s statement of 11 August 2011, Official Report, columns 1051-55, on public disorder. [77310]
James Brokenshire: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, intends to report to the House on a cross-government programme to deal with the gang culture and serious youth violence shortly.
Police: Equality
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions she has had on gender equality on police and crime panels in (a) England and (b) Wales in the last year. [76292]
Nick Herbert: As part of the Equality Impact Assessment Report for Police and Crime Commissioners, we considered the equality implications for police and crime panels.
The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act sets out a “balanced appointment objective” that must, as far as is reasonably practicable, be met in establishing a panel. This includes securing a panel that represents ‘all parts of the relevant police force area’.
In England, it will be the responsibility of the local authorities to secure the balanced appointment objective. In Wales, the Home Secretary will work with local authorities in order to achieve this.
Police: Manpower
Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many foot patrols by police officers working (a) alone and (b) in pairs were conducted in each London borough between September 2008 and September 2011. [76717]
Nick Herbert [holding answer 27 October 2011]: Information on numbers of foot patrols is not collected centrally.
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Transport
Air Travel Organisers' Licensing Reform
Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration she has given to redrafting the draft ATOL regulations to exclude Flight Plus arrangements sold by airlines from the requirement to provide financial protection. [74087]
Mrs Villiers: The view of the Government is that the powers currently vested in my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport to make regulations on the Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) scheme do not entitle her to require airlines to provide financial protection for Flight Plus holidays.
I am currently considering all the issues raised in response to the recent consultation on proposals to reform the ATOL scheme, including any amendments to the draft ATOL regulations needed to reflect accurately the Government's position.
In response to industry concerns and to ensure that the reforms are implemented fully and effectively, I announced on 25 October that the new ATOL regulations will not now come into force on 1 January, as originally proposed. Instead I intend to implement the reforms in April 2012. I plan to announce the final decisions on the details of the reforms later in the year.
M4: Bus Lanes
John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will assess the effects of the removal of the M4 bus lane on motorists using the section of the M4 between its eastern terminus and Heathrow Airport. [76962]
Mike Penning [holding answer 27 October 2011]: The Highways Agency suspended the M4 bus lane on the M4 eastbound between junction 3 and 2 in November 2010 and is continuing to assess its effects. Interim findings suggest that there is an overall journey time saving in the order of 60 seconds for drivers travelling eastbound on the M4 between junction 4 (for Heathrow airport) and junction 1 (where the M4 terminates into the A4). Further detailed analysis and data collection is being carried out to complete a full year's review. The Agency aims to complete this work for publication in early 2012.
The suspension of the M4 bus lane should not impact on traffic using the M4 westbound between junction 2 and 3, or on the M4 Heathrow Spur from junction 4 to junction 4a (which has a dedicated bus lane) to terminals 1, 2 and 3, or from the M25 to terminals 4 and 5.
Motorways: Congestion
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the effect on motorway congestion in area 10 of the network of a reduction in the managing agent’s contractual funding. [73855]
Mike Penning:
The Highways Agency is looking to meet its spending review 2010 settlement using a new outcome-based specification with service providers. An overarching requirement is for the service providers to
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ensure the expeditious movement of traffic to ensure that these changes do not increase motorway congestion.
Motorways: Accidents
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of the cost to the economy of time taken to clear accidents from motorways after the reduction in the incident support unit service. [73826]
Mike Penning: The Highways Agency has moved to an outcome based specification which allows its service providers to innovate and choose how best to deal with clearing the accident. As part of the new outcome based specifications, performance measures are based around incident clearance times rather than incident response by the incident support unit service, bringing estimated cashable savings of £11 million per annum. There are specified clearance times for reopening the motorway and it is expected that the new specifications will bring improved incident clear up times and economic benefits by focusing the service providers on swift incident resolution.
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of incident support units in reducing delays and congestion on motorways; and if she will make a statement. [73853]
Mike Penning: The Highways Agency has reviewed the effectiveness of incident support units and established that the existing service is not providing value for money in the current economic climate. In the future it will target motorways that suffer from delay and use the most appropriate vehicles and equipment to clear accidents.
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the effect on the safety of Highways Agency traffic officers of reducing incident support unit services; and if she will make a statement. [73854]
Mike Penning: When reviewing the specification of incident support units, the Highways Agency maintained a key objective of ensuring the safety of all road users. Service providers will still be required to establish timely and appropriate traffic management to protect both road users and the traffic officer service.
Motorways: Warrington
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the effect on (a) Warrington’s economy of delays and congestion on adjacent motorways and (b) delays and congestion on motorways around Warrington of reducing the incident support unit service; and if she will make a statement. [73827]
Mike Penning: The Highways Agency is moving to an outcome-based specification which allows its service providers to innovate and choose how best to deal with clearing the scene after an incident. There are specified clearance times for reopening the motorway which should bring economic benefits, both nationally and in the north-west.
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Network Rail: Standards
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the Office of Rail Regulation’s assessment of Network Rail’s financial performance and efficiencies for 2010-11, what assessment her Department has made of Network Rail’s performance in achieving track renewal efficiencies in 2010-11. [77673]
Mrs Villiers: The Department makes no such assessment. The independent Office of Rail Regulation assesses Network Rail’s progress on a continuous basis against the efficiency targets set for each control period.
Oil: Carbon Emissions
Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what information she has received from Ministers in the Department of Energy and Climate Change on the viability of UK oil refineries if a common default value is not applied to crude oil; whether she has sought guidance from Ministerial colleagues in the Department of Energy and Climate Change in relation to her Department's forthcoming response to the consultation on the European Commission Directive on Fuel Quality; and if she will make a statement; [76075]
(2) if she will make it her policy to promote the application of a common default value to crude oil in respect of greenhouse gases when responding to the consultation on the European Commission Directive on Fuel Quality. [76076]
Norman Baker [holding answer 25 October 2011]: This Government are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including from transport fuels, and we want the Fuel Quality Directive to be a key tool to achieve this aim.
We believe that any methodology for calculating the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels used in Europe should account for the greenhouse gas emissions associated with all crude sources and should be based on robust and objective data. It must also be flexible and reviewed often enough to adapt to changes—for example so it can be updated as new evidence becomes available or reward new processes and technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
My Department has been working closely across Whitehall, including with the Department for Energy and Climate Change, to understand the economic and environmental impacts of the current EU proposal on the UK, including on refineries, and considering how the European Commission's current proposals align with our aims.
We are currently in the process of considering how the European Commission's proposals align with our aims.
Railway Signals
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment her Department has made of potential changes in staffing levels which might result from Network Rail's consultation to reduce the number of signal boxes. [76494]
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Mrs Villiers: How the signalling infrastructure is modernised and made more efficient is an operational matter for Network Rail, working to achieve the regulatory targets set by the Office of Rail Regulation.
Railways: Exhaust Emissions
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) current and (b) planned work her Department is carrying out with train operating companies to reduce the carbon emissions of the rail sector. [76492]
Mrs Villiers: The Department includes environmental objectives in rail franchise specifications. These require train operators to develop plans to measure and reduce environmental impacts including carbon emissions.
We are working closely with rail stakeholders to improve rail's energy efficiency and thus reduce carbon emissions. For example, we are supporting the roll-out of regenerative braking and energy meters on electric trains and through research into more efficient rail diesel engines. In addition, we are assessing the case for converting the Cross Country Voyager diesel train fleet so that it is able to run on electricity when operating under overhead electric lines.
Going forward, the Department will support the efforts of train operators and other industry stakeholders to develop a rail energy strategy to reduce carbon emissions and enhance rail's overall performance. This strategy, which will form a key theme within a wider rail industry technical document due for publication in September 2012, will inform future rail investment decisions; for example, on new electrification schemes and rolling stock.
Railways: Fares
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the Passenger Focus report, Ticket Retailing Website Usability, June 2011, what steps her Department is taking to improve the accessibility of the lowest priced train tickets sold via web sites. [76601]
Mrs Villiers: The Department has noted this interesting piece of work.
We have already indicated that we plan to look at ticket retailing as part of our Fares Review. However, a number of Passenger Focus's recommendations are actions rail ticket retailers could take now and we would look to them to do so, for example, by helping passengers to understand that advance tickets are for one train and one train only.
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the oral statement of 19 May 2011, Official Report, columns 520-22, on the McNulty report and West Coast Rail, whether she plans a public consultation as part of her Department's review of rail fares policy. [63964]
Mrs Villiers: The fares review will be a first step towards a simpler, fairer and more effective system. In order to ensure that it addresses the right issues and is carried out effectively, Government are currently considering the terms of reference, scope and timetable for the review, including the appropriate form of consultation.
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Railways: Job Creation
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which multiplier factor her Department's statisticians apply to direct job numbers to calculate the creation of indirect jobs in the supply chain. [76498]
Norman Baker: The Department for Transport does not issue central guidance on multiplier factors to use to estimate the creation of indirect jobs in a supply chain.
If the DfT were to use such a number it would choose one on a case-by-case basis depending on the nature of the proposal.
Roads: Snow and Ice
John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had with (a) domestic and (b) international producers of de-icing salt on their capacity to replenish national salt stocks over the course of the winter in the event of severe weather. [76799]
Norman Baker [holding answer 26 October 2011]: Departmental officials are in close liaison with domestic salt producers and have met them on a number of occasions since the end of last winter to discuss resilience preparations, including their capacity to meet customer demands. The Department for Transport continues to monitor salt stocks, so that we can identify risks early on and co-ordinate any further action as necessary. Due to the existence of the strategic national stockpile and increased level of salt stocks overall compared to previous years, no discussions have taken place with international producers.
It remains the responsibility of each individual local highway authority and transport operator to set its own winter service plan and to ensure it has the resources to deliver it, including ordering sufficient salt stocks. Local authorities and transport operators have their own contractual relationships with salt producers and we encourage them to work closely together over the winter period.
Rolling Stock
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many different classes of rolling stock she plans will operate on the railways by the end of control period (a) four and (b) five. [77674]
Mrs Villiers: The majority of rolling stock is owned by the rolling stock leasing companies. They lease trains to the train operating companies so they can operate their franchised services. With certain limited exceptions (for example relating to major rolling stock programmes linked to infrastructure investment funded by the taxpayer) this Government wish to see the industry take the lead in rolling stock decisions. Therefore, the class of rolling stock to operate on different parts of the network is generally a decision for train operators to make rather than Ministers.
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what classes of rolling stock are (a) currently operating and (b) scheduled to operate beyond their originally planned life-span; and when each such class is projected to be withdrawn. [77675]
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Mrs Villiers: The information is as follows:
(a) The classes of rolling stock currently operating are contained within table 3.2 of the Network RUS: Passenger Rolling Stock issued in September 2011. This can be found on the following website:
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browseDirectory.aspx?dir=%5 CRUS%20Documents%5CRoute%20Utilisation% 20Strategies %5CNetwork%5CWorking%20Group%203%20-%20Passenger %20Rolling%20Stock%20 and%20Depots
(b) Life extension and withdrawal of rolling stock will depend on a number of factors and will form part of the commercial negotiations between the owners of the rolling stock and the bidders for future franchises.
Rolling Stock: Procurement
Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether recent changes in the value of the euro have affected the cost to the Government of the (a) Thameslink rolling stock and (b) Intercity Express programme; and whether the (i) Government and (ii) preferred bidder bears the risk on currency fluctuations in respect of each programme. [75228]
Mrs Villiers: Elements of each of the named rolling stock procurements are priced in foreign currencies. Up to the point of financial close the risk on currency fluctuations affecting the cost of the transactions lies with the Department.
The Department performs sensitivity analysis of exchange rate movements and their repercussions on contract awards on an ongoing basis. This is to understand the likely risk of cost changes to the Government.
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on which rail franchises she proposes that carriages to be procured under the Intercity Express programme will be deployed. [77676]
Mrs Villiers: Trains to be procured under the Intercity Express programme will initially be deployed on the Greater Western and Intercity East Coast franchises.
Shipping: Accidents
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the projected change is in the number of investigators at the Marine Accident Investigation Branch over the period of the current spending review. [76549] [Official Report, 3 November 2011, Vol. 534, c. 5MC.]
Mike Penning [holding answer 24 October 2011]: Under plans to reduce its costs in line with the outcome of the October 2010 spending review, the number of MAIB investigators will be reduced from 21 to 16.
SS Gairsoppa: Salvage
James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many companies bid for the contract to salvage precious metal from the SS Gairsoppa; [73170]
(2) how her Department intends to monitor the recovery of silver from the SS Gairsoppa. [73171]
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Mike Penning: The Department for Transport (DfT) ran a competitive tender for the salvage of the SS Gairsoppa in 2009. Three salvage companies had shown an interest in making recoveries and were subsequently invited to tender. Following an assessment of the bids, Odyssey Marine Exploration was awarded the salvage contract as it offered the best rate of return to HMG.
DfT's standard salvage agreement/contract requires the contractor to allow the Department's representatives on board during a salvage operation, to monitor any recoveries and to nominate which port the salvage vessel will use to discharge the recovered items, which may be placed in a secure site and subject to further inspection by officials.
Thameslink: Rolling Stock
Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice she (a) requested and (b) received from officials on mitigating UK job losses in the event that the Thameslink Rolling Stock contract was not awarded to Bombardier Transportation between May 2010 and June 2010. [65473]
Mrs Villiers: Following the decision to establish Siemens plc and XL Trains as preferred bidder the previous Secretary of State for Transport received general handling advice, including an assessment of the possible impacts on employment associated with this decision.
The previous Secretary of State was made aware that under the previous Government's procurement approach there was no requirement for a bid to create UK jobs in the evaluation criteria contained within the ITT at the outset. This position was known to all bidders and was clear from the ITT which was published at the time.
Thameslink: Contracts
Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on which dates she has met with representatives of Bombardier since her appointment; and whether (a) she and (b) other Ministers in her Department plan to meet Bombardier to discuss the future of the company in the UK. [65896]
Mrs Villiers: All ministerial diary commitments are published on the Department for Transport's website. Ministers from the Department for Transport have no current appointments with Bombardier in our diaries to discuss this matter, though the Secretary of State for Transport has recently spoken to the president of Bombardier. I look forward to future engagement and discussion with Bombardier on various issues.
Work and Pensions
Atos Healthcare
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he has had with Atos Healthcare on the suitability of its IT system for the work capability assessment. [77570]
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Chris Grayling: The Logic integrated Medical Assessment (LiMA) is a software tool used by Atos Healthcare which supports health care professionals in carrying out assessments and providing reports to the Department. Health care practitioners remain in total control of the process and are fully responsible for the final report including justifying their advice in free text.
We have asked Professor Harrington to look at the LiMA system in detail. He will publish his findings, including any recommendations to improve the system, as part of his second independent review. This is due to be published before the end of the year.
Crime: Disability
Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent steps he has taken to tackle disability hate crimes. [74581]
Maria Miller: Hate crime, including that targeting a person's perceived disability, is an issue the Government take very seriously. We are already in the process of developing a new action plan to tackle all forms of hate crime. It will take account of the recommendations in the newly published Equality and Human Rights Commission's report ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’.
We are working closely with Ministry of Justice, Home Office, other Government Departments, disabled people and other stakeholders. Key to tackling disability hate crime is raising awareness of the problem. We are working with Radar to develop guidance.
ACPO's True Vision hate crime website was launched earlier this year, to provide an alternative to reporting directly to the police. Other work under way includes considering ways to encourage greater third party reporting, and promoting good practice in responding to hate crime at the local level.
For the first time police forces have been formally collecting data on hate crime against disabled people since April 2011. ACPO recorded hate crime figures, from regional forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland during the calendar year 2010, show an increase in reported hate crime from 1,294 in 2009 to 1,569 in 2010.