Energy and Climate Change
Departmental Assets
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assets with a value of £250,000 or more his Department has bought since May 2010; for what purpose; and if he will make a statement. [77344]
Gregory Barker: The Department did not purchase any individual assets with a value of £250,000 or more during this period.
Departmental Public Expenditure
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he receives any external funding for (a) his ministerial office and (b) his advisers; and what the (i) source and (ii) amount is of any such funding. [77595]
Departmental Responsibilities
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change at how many events organised by (a) charities, (b) other civil society groups, (c) businesses and (d) lobbying organisations Ministers and senior officials in his Department have given speeches in each month since May 2010. [77346]
Gregory Barker: Details of keynote ministerial speeches are available on the Department's website at:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/news/categories/Speeches/Speeches.aspx
A comprehensive list of all speaking engagements undertaken by Ministers and senior officials since May 2010 is not held centrally and to assemble the information would entail disproportionate cost.
Security
Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) what level of security vetting is required for the post of (a) head of communications, (b) deputy head of communications and (c) head of press office in his Department; and if he will list each person who has held these posts since May 2010; [77875]
(2) what level of security vetting is required for (a) grade six and seven, or equivalent, press officers and (b) ministerial private secretaries in his Department. [77876]
Gregory Barker: The information regarding security vetting is publicly available in the booklet HMG Security controls, available from the Cabinet Office website at:
www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/hmg-personnel-security-controls
This booklet describes the circumstances in which a post may require the holder to be the subject of national security vetting checks.
It would not be appropriate to confirm which specific posts within a Department are the subject of vetting, as this could highlight who within a Department has access to sensitive material and be used for targeting purposes,
Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what level of security vetting is required for (a) special advisers and (b) ministerial-appointed policy advisers in his Department; and if he will list each person who has held these posts since May 2010. [77877]
Gregory Barker: The information regarding security vetting is publicly available in the booklet HMG Security controls, available from the Cabinet Office website at:
www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/hmg-personnel-security-controls
This booklet describes the circumstances in which a post may require the holder to be the subject of national security vetting checks.
It would not be appropriate to confirm which specific posts within a Department are the subject of vetting, as this could highlight who within a Department has access to sensitive material and be used for targeting purposes.
The list of special advisers is available in the Library of the House and can also be accessed on the Cabinet Office website at:
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/special-adviser-data-releases
Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what company or Government service is used to undertake security vetting at (a) counter terrorist check, (b) security check and (c) developed vetting level in his Department. [77878]
Gregory Barker: DECC complies with Cabinet Office requirements and utilises a Government approved vetting service. All DECC vetting is undertaken via a contract with FCO Services.
Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many people were in possession of a security pass for his main Departmental headquarters, including multi-site headquarters and not including staff or contractors, in each month since May 2010. [77879]
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Gregory Barker: The DECC non-staff pass system was implemented in August 2010 and figures are available as from that date. These passes are only given to security cleared civil servants from other Government Departments who have a business requirement to visit DECC regularly in the course of their duties:
|
|
Total number of passes |
Energy
Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has had any discussions on possible tariff discounts for high usage energy customers who have installed effective energy efficiency measures but are unable to reduce their usage for health or welfare reasons. [77292]
Gregory Barker: The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, my right hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Chris Huhne), and I have regular discussions with the energy companies about assistance for their vulnerable consumers. Under the new Warm Home Discount scheme suppliers are required to provide financial assistance to their low income, vulnerable consumers. The Government expects that around 2 million households will receive direct help each year of the scheme.
For those with potential to further improve the energy efficiency of their homes, support may be available through existing schemes such as the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT). CERT will continue to operate until the end of 2012, at which point it will be replaced by the Government's new Green Deal programme. We will consult shortly on the design of Green Deal, including how it can best support those most in need of help to pay their energy bills.
Energy Supply
Caroline Nokes: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to remove barriers that limit investment in energy intensive companies. [77193]
Gregory Barker:
The Department is working with the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and HM Treasury to develop a package of measures to assist those energy intensive businesses whose international competitiveness is most affected by our energy and
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climate change policies, in order to reduce the impact of Government policy on the cost of electricity for these businesses.
In developing the package we aim to ensure continuing investment and for the UK to remain competitive in international markets.
Later this year, the Government will present further details of how the industrial sector can play its role in meeting the UK's carbon budgets and contribute to delivering the 2050 carbon reduction target.
Feed-in Tariffs
Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has any plans to reduce the future rate for feed-in tariffs; what timetable he has set for any such reduction; and what the feed-in tariff rate will be in each of the next three years. [76884]
Gregory Barker: On 7 February 2011, Official Report, columns 2-3WS, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, my right hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Chris Huhne), announced the start of the first comprehensive review of the Great Britain Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) scheme.
A consultation on the first phase of the comprehensive review was launched on 31 October 2011 and proposes new tariffs for all solar photovoltaic-PV-installations with a total installed capacity of 250KW or less. Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the tariffs in the following table will be introduced from 1 April 2012 for new installations which become eligible for FITs on or after 12 December 2011. No proposals have yet been made for changes to tariff rates beyond April 2012 but this will be kept under review.
| Band (kW) | Current generation tariff (p/kWh) | Proposed generation tariff (p/kWh) |
| (1) Note that these are the current tariffs which, like all other current tariffs, will be adjusted in line with the retail price index from 1 April 2012. | ||
We have proposed introducing new multi-installation tariff rates, in the following table, for aggregated solar PV schemes, applying to new installations with an eligibility date after 1 April 2012.
| Solar PV tariff band | Multi-installation generation tariff (p/kWh) |
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| (1) Note that these are the current tariffs which, like all other current tariffs, will be adjusted in line with the retail price index from 1 April 2012. | |
We also propose prioritising energy efficiency by linking solar PV tariffs to specified minimum energy efficiency requirements from 1 April 2012, for new installations which are attached or wired to a building. A generator unable to demonstrate that the building meets these requirements will, after a transitional period, be eligible for a lower tariff of 9p/kWh instead of the standard tariff.
We are intending to consult on the second phase of the review of the scheme towards the end of the year. This will consider new tariffs for non-PV technologies from April 2012.
Green Deal Scheme
Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to ensure small and medium-sized businesses are represented in discussions on Green Deal finance. [77667]
Gregory Barker: We are in discussion with a variety of stakeholders, including a number of small and medium size businesses and also trade associations, on all aspects of the Green Deal, including how Green Deal providers might be able to access finance.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 20 October 2011, Official Report, column 1116W, on liquefied petroleum gas, what assessment he has made of (a) regional differences in the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and (b) the extent of competition in the supply of LPG within each region. [78145]
Charles Hendry: The Department does not hold data on the regional differences in the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The price of LPG is affected by a range of factors, including crude oil prices, refinery capacity, stock levels, distribution costs and increased demand for heating during winter.
The Competition Commission's 2006 investigation into domestic bulk LPG found that there were no distinct regional or local markets with prices being broadly similar in all regions of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. However, the CC did identify some features of the market that led to weak competition. As a result of its findings the CC made two orders. The Office of Fair Trading has a statutory duty to keep under review undertakings and orders following a Market Investigation Reference to the CC and consider whether these have been or are being complied with. In its recent off-grid energy market study, the OFT noted that the emerging picture on compliance with the orders is broadly positive and that the collective market shares of the big four suppliers had fallen from 90% to 85% while 10 smaller suppliers had grown their
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customer base by 10% or more since the orders were introduced. The OFT will keep compliance with the orders under review.
Motion-sensitive Lighting Systems
Joseph Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect on (a) carbon emissions and (b) energy efficiency of the introduction of mandatory motion-sensitive lighting systems in the commercial property sector. [77226]
Andrew Stunell: I have been asked to reply.
My Department has made no assessment of the potential energy and carbon saving effects of introducing mandatory motion-sensitive lighting systems. The Building Regulations already set minimum standards of energy efficiency when property owners choose to install or replace fixed lighting systems. Automatic controls including motion-sensitive lighting systems can be installed to help meet these efficiency standards. The Regulations were amended in 2010 to strengthen standards and an impact assessment supporting these regulations can be found on my Department's website.
Proven Energy: Finance
Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what support his Department has provided to Proven Energy. [77979]
Gregory Barker: DECC officials contacted Proven's senior management team when it emerged that they had technical problems with their P35-2 wind turbine. Further conversations were held with Proven and the joint receivers prior to the sale of Proven's business and assets to Kingspan Renewbles Ltd. Officials are continuing to work closely with the industry to consider the wider issues raised by the unfortunate termination of the business.
UK Safeguards Support Programme
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much (a) his Department and (b) its predecessors contributed to the UK Safeguards Support Programme in each year since 2001. [77288]
Charles Hendry: The Department and its predecessors, the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) have contributed the following amounts to the UK Safeguards Support Programme since 2001-02:
|
|
£000 |
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Treasury
Job Creation: Private Sector
18. Mark Menzies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fiscal measures he is taking to encourage job creation in the private sector. [77459]
19. Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fiscal measures he is taking to encourage job creation in the private sector. [77460]
Miss Chloe Smith: At Budget 2011 the Government put in place a wide range of measures to support this, including:
Supporting business growth by aiming to create the most competitive tax system in the G20, including cutting corporation tax in April from 28% to 26%, by 2014 it will reach 23% which represents the lowest rate in the G7; and,
Helping to ensure that it always pays to work by increasing the personal allowance by £1,000 in 2011-12.
Regional Growth Fund
20. Julie Elliott: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on funding for the Regional Growth Fund. [77462]
Danny Alexander: The Government remain committed to their aim of delivering strong, sustainable and balanced economic growth and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), and I frequently discuss such matters, including the Regional Growth Fund, with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable).
VAT
21. Ian Murray: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects on consumer confidence of the recent increase in the rate of VAT. [77463]
Mr Gauke: Sustainable public finances are essential for consumer confidence.
Decisive action taken by the Government in the comprehensive spending review and June Budget, including the increase in VAT, put the public finances and Government spending on a sustainable footing. This has prevented the turmoil seen in other countries' sovereign debt markets spreading to the UK and undermining confidence and the recovery in the private sector.
National Insurance Holiday
22. Julian Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many firms have participated in the national insurance holiday for new businesses. [77464]
Mr Gauke: As of 25 October 2011, HMRC has received 8,761 successful applications for the NICs holiday. A breakdown by constituency, information on the amounts claimed and jobs supported for the first year of the scheme will be published in a Factsheet in the House of Commons Library shortly.
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Valuation Office Agency
Jason McCartney: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department has taken to ensure a consistent approach to valuation policy is taken by all offices of the Valuation Office Agency. [77420]
Mr Gauke: The basis of valuation for both council tax and non domestic rates are set out in statute and regulations to ensure the consistency of valuation assumptions and approach. Statutory Valuation and Listing Officers, employed within the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), are accountable for valuation accuracy and consistency.
The VOA publishes its policy and guidance for council tax and non domestic rates on its website at:
http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/CouncilTax/index.html
http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/Publications/business.html#rating
Banking: Leverage Ratios
Owen Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions (a) he and (b) his officials have had with the Bank of England regarding the leverage ratios of British banks. [77265]
Mr Hoban: Treasury Ministers and officials regularly meet counterparts from the Bank of England to discuss a range of issues. It is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings and discussions.
As part of Basel III, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision agreed to introduce a non-risk based leverage ratio to constrain the build-up of leverage in the. banking sector and support the risk based capital requirements. In the EU, Basel III will be implemented through legislation on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms, which the Commission adopted proposals for on 20 July 2011.
Child Trust Funds: Children in Care
Owen Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress he has made in ensuring that looked-after children continue to receive a child trust fund. [76469]
Tim Loughton: I have been asked to reply.
Following the discontinuation of child trust funds, we have made good progress on work to ensure continued Government support for the long-term savings for looked- after children. I will be making more details available shortly.
Owen Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with Ministers in the devolved Administrations regarding child trust funds for looked-after children. [76470]
Tim Loughton: I have been asked to reply.
Officials at the Department for Education working on long-term savings for looked-after children have been in close discussion with their counterparts at the devolved Administrations. I expect to write to my counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland shortly with an outline of a proposed UK scheme and inviting their support.
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Council Tax: Valuation
Jason McCartney: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many claims to reduce council tax bandings were (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful in each of the last three years; [77224]
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(2) how many proposals for council tax rebanding have been made in the last 12 months. [77225]
Mr Gauke: Official statistics are published by the Valuation Office Agency on the number of challenges to the CT Valuation Lists and the outcomes of those challenges. The figures for England over the last three years are summarised in the following table.
| England | |||||
| Of which: | |||||
| Financial year | Total challenges settled | CT band reduced | CT band Unchanged | CT band increased | Other (1) |
| (1) Other includes challenges which result in deleted entries (e.g. demolitions), new entries (e.g. new build) and split or merged entries (e.g. conversions) on the list. | |||||
Equivalent figures for the latest two quarters in 2011-12 are shown in the following table.
| England | |||||
| Of which: | |||||
| Financial year 2011-12 | Total challenges settled | CJ band reduced | CT band unchanged | CT band increased | Other (1) |
| (1) Other includes challenges which result in deleted entries (e.g. demolitions), new entries (e.g. new build) and split or merged entries (e.g. conversions) on the list. | |||||
Published statistics also show that of the 39,000 challenges settled in the first two quarters of 2011-12, 26,600 (68%) were informal band reviews only, 10,800 (28%) were valid proposals and 1,600 (4%) were appealed to the Valuation Tribunal.
Lost Property
Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department has lost any (a) computers, (b) mobile phones, (c) BlackBerrys and (d) other IT equipment since May 2010; and if he will make a statement. [77330]
Miss Chloe Smith: The following items have been lost since 31 May 2010:
Items lost from the Department since 31 May 2010
Computers—seven of which six were stolen
Mobile Phones—one
BlackBerrys—14 of which two were stolen
Other IT Equipment—16 of which two were stolen
All the laptop computers involved in these losses were encrypted devices which are not accessible without a security token and two different passwords. The BlackBerry devices are also password protected.
No data loss occurred as no tokens or passwords were left with these items, and steps were taken to ensure that they provided no means of access to any of HM Treasury's IT systems.
Departmental Responsibilities
Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applications from employees to run services for which his Department is directly responsible he has received since May 2010; and if he will make a statement. [77598]
Miss Chloe Smith: HM Treasury has not received any such applications since May 2010.
EU Budget: Contributions
Mr Bone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the net contribution was by the UK to the EU in each year from 2005 to 2010; and what estimate he has made of the contribution in each year from 2010 to 2015. [77823]
Mr Hoban: Details of the UK's net contribution to the EU Budget for the period 2004-05 to 2009-10 are set out in Table 3.2A, page 23, of European Union Finances 2010 (Cm 7978). The latest forecast of the UK's net contributions to the EU budget for the period 2010-11 to 2015-16 is set out in Table 2.16 of the Office for Budget Responsibility's Economic and Fiscal Outlook of March 2011. This forecast will be updated in the autumn forecast.
Loans: Republic of Ireland
Mr Chope: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 17 October 2011, Official Report, column 51WS, on financial assistance (Ireland), what annual rate of interest is payable; and on what dates interest due will be paid. [76402]
Mr Hoban: The rate of interest applicable to each tranche of the bilateral loan to Ireland and the interest payment dates are set out in the Loan Agreement that I deposited in the Library of the House on 10 January 2011.
The rate of interest on each tranche of the loan is equal to the 7.5 year sterling swap rate at the time of disbursement plus a fixed margin of 229 basis points.
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Following the 21 July 2011 agreement by euro area member states to reduce the interest rates applied to loans from the euro area-only European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), notified his Irish counterpart that the UK was able to cut the interest rate applied to the bilateral loan. The new rate is yet to be agreed, but the Government will update Parliament in due course.
Following the disbursement of the first tranche of the loan on 14 October, the first interest payment is due on 15 December 2011.
Thereafter interest on each disbursed tranche of the loan is payable every six months until the maturity date of each tranche.
Local Government: Bank Services
Mr Sheerman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much is owed to local authorities in (a) West Yorkshire and (b) England by Icelandic banks. [77285]
Robert Neill: I have been asked to reply.
As at 31 December 2008, local authorities in (a) West Yorkshire and (b) England had a total of £10 million and £929.2 million respectively invested in Icelandic banks.
The UK administrators of Heritable and Kaupthing, Singer and Friedland Ltd, have published information on likely rates of return. Local authorities are in direct contact with these administrators. For the two failed banks in administration in Iceland, Glitnir and Landsbanki, the Icelandic Supreme Court has ruled that UK local authorities' claims have priority status.
Mr Sheerman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money invested in Icelandic banks has been repaid to Kirklees metropolitan council; and how much remains to be paid. [77286]
Robert Neill: I have been asked to reply.
As at 31 December 2008 Kirklees metropolitan council had a total of £1,000,000 invested in Landsbanki. No money has been repaid yet. For the two failed banks in administration in Iceland, Glitnir and Landsbanki, the Icelandic Supreme Court has ruled that UK local authorities' claims have priority status.
Minimum Wage
Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much funding for investigations into firms suspected of not adhering to minimum wage legislation was allocated within the HM Revenue and Customs budget for (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12; how much he expects to allocate in (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15; and if he will make a statement. [77332]
Mr Davey: I have been asked to reply.
HM Revenue and Customs' national minimum wage enforcement team were allocated:
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| Financial year | £ |
The funding levels for future years have yet to be allocated.
National Insurance Contributions: New Businesses
Owen Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the steps taken to increase the take-up of the national insurance holiday scheme; how much his Department has spent on steps to increase the take-up of the scheme; and if he will make a statement. [76414]
Mr Gauke: To further increase take-up, HMRC has issued around 140,000 personalised letters to all businesses that have registered for a PAYE scheme since the start of the national insurance (NICs) holiday on 22 June 2010. The letters were issued between 4 and 6 October 2011 and HMRC's regional press teams have generated local publicity in eligible regions. The cost of issuing the personalised letter is £90,000.
In addition, agents are now able to apply for the NICs holiday on behalf of their clients.
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many businesses have taken part in the Government's regional national insurance contributions holiday. [77239]
Mr Gauke [holding answer 31 October 2011]: As of 25 October 2011, HMRC has received 8,761 successful applications for the NICs holiday. A breakdown by constituency, information on the amounts claimed and jobs supported will be published in the NICs holiday factsheet in the House of Commons Library in the autumn.
Public Finance
Mr Amess: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of the size of the structural deficit. [77461]
Danny Alexander: The independent Office for Budget Responsibility's (OBR) latest estimates of the structural deficit were published in the OBR's Economic and Fiscal Outlook in March. It was estimated that the cyclically-adjusted deficit for 2011-12 will be 5.3% of GDP.
Revenue and Customs: Government Procurement Card
Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 17 October 2011, Official Report, column 702W, on Revenue and Customs: Government Procurement Card, what the (a) name of the supplier and (b) purpose and function was of the entry 2 July Catering and Catering Supplies 639.60 in 2007. [76507]
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Mr Gauke: The duties of HMRC staff cover a wide range of posts and some roles require overseas or domestic travel requiring accommodation in support of key departmental objectives—for example, fiscal crime liaison, EU policy development, enforcement of prohibition and restrictions and mutual administrative assistance.
The transaction relating to 2 July 2007 was categorised by the merchant category code as ‘Catering & Catering supplies', however checks reveal this was for overnight B&B accommodation (UK). The name of supplier is redacted because this relates to an operationally sensitive investigation, and also to protect the safety of our officers and supplier.
Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 17 October 2011, Official Report, column 702W, on Revenue and Customs: Government Procurement Card, what the (a) name of the supplier and (b) purpose and function was of the entry 4 July Restaurants and Bars 1,010.00 in 2008. [76518]
Mr Gauke: The UK hosted a meeting of Customs delegates from EU member states and heads of unit from the European Commission to negotiate the Implementing Regulations for the Modernised Customs Code (Regulation 450/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council).
During the first part of the negotiating stage, meetings were held every six weeks and hosting was rotated on an informal basis across member states. The meetings were attended by approximately 35 delegates and the UK took its turn in hosting a meeting in Felixstowe in July 2008.
It is customary for the member state hosting the meeting to also host an evening dinner, reciprocating hospitality shown by other member states. Care is always taken to ensure costs are kept to a minimum.
Revenue and Customs: Telephone Services
Jo Swinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the (a) average time to answer a call, (b) average length of a call, (c) average time spent on hold during a call and (d) proportion of calls dropped was in call centres run by HM Revenue and Customs in the last period for which figures are available. [74529]
Mr Gauke [holding answer 17 October 2011]:The information requested for the period 1-30 September 2011 is as follows:
|
|
September 2011 |
Service levels have significantly improved when compared with last year. In 2010-11, HMRC handled 58.4 million calls which is 48% of calls attempted. So far in 2011-12 (April to September), HMRC has handled over 31.3 million calls which is 71.9% of call attempts.
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Tax Avoidance: International Co-operation
Mrs Moon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to improve the transparency of multinational corporations' accounts for the purposes of ensuring that developing countries are aware of any international tax avoidance; and if he will make a statement. [77184]
Mr Gauke: The Government are engaging with the European Commission and other member states in order to emphasise our support for requirements being placed on EU extractives companies to disclose payments made to Governments, matching the standards being set in the US.
Taxation
Owen Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects of mechanisms by which UK citizens holding assets in Swiss bank accounts may avoid paying the taxes to be levied under the new rules agreed in October 2011 (a) prior to and (b) following their commencement in May 2013. [77262]
Mr Gauke: The agreement between the UK and Switzerland on co-operation in tax matters will have a strong positive effect for the UK Exchequer.
Any person failing to pay the tax will fail to benefit from the provisions of the agreement. No tax clearance will be given, and the person will still be liable to tax, interest, and significant penalties. They may also be subject to criminal investigation.
Owen Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions (a) he and (b) his officials have had with their counterparts in the Swiss Government regarding the appropriate commencement date of the agreement between the Swiss Confederation and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on co-operation in the area of taxation; and whether consideration was given in those discussions to the effects on revenues of commencement in May 2013. [77263]
Mr Gauke: The Government's aim is for the agreement between the UK and Switzerland on co-operation in tax matters to come into force on 1 January 2013. This allows for the time needed to complete parliamentary procedures in both countries.
Owen Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether UK citizens with assets in Swiss banks will be liable to pay the tax to be levied under the terms of the new agreement between the Swiss Confederation and the Government if they move those assets to branches of Swiss banks outside Switzerland and which fall outside the scope of the new agreement. [77264]
Mr Gauke: The agreement between the UK and Switzerland on co-operation in tax matters applies to investments in Switzerland.
International Development
Argentina: Overseas Aid
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid his Department has given to Argentina in each of the last 10 years. [77067]
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Mr O'Brien: No Department for International Development (DFID) bilateral aid was given to Argentina between 2001-02 and 2010-11.
Climate Change
Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether his Department plans to respond formally to the Government Office for Science's Foresight report on Migration and Global Environmental Change. [77266]
Mr O'Brien: The Department for International Development, as joint commissioner of this report with DEFRA, welcomes the Foresight Report on Migration and Global Environmental Change which is relevant to a number of issues of interest to the Department. This excellent and very detailed report is already informing our thinking, and will continue to do so. We do not however intend to respond formally to it as one of the joint commissioning Departments.
Departmental Allowances
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much members of his departmental management board have claimed in expenses since May 2010. [74945]
Mr O'Brien: Management board expenses are available on the DFID website
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/About-us/Our-organisation/Management-board/
and are published every quarter in the normal way.
Departmental Assets
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assets with a value of £250,000 or more his Department has bought since May 2010; for what purpose; and if he will make a statement. [77368]
Mr Duncan: There have been no assets bought with a value of £250,000 or more by the Department for International Development since May 2010.
Older Workers
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people his Department employs who are aged over (a) 55 and (b) 65. [77072]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development currently employs 198 staff aged over 55 and 10 staff aged over 65.
Voluntary Work
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what volunteering (a) he and (b) other Ministers in his Department have undertaken as part of the one day challenge; what the nature of the work undertaken was; on what dates it took place; and what the names were of the organisations assisted. [76235]
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Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) has long recognised the value of volunteering and the vital contribution made by volunteers to development, and to local communities and charities.
At present none of our Ministers has been directly involved with activities in association with the one day challenge.
Developing Countries: Disability
Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what work his Department is undertaking with local disabled people's organisations in partner countries to reduce discrimination against children with disabilities in education. [76887]
Mr O'Brien: DFID supports over 85 disabled people's organisations and civil society organisations to address the issues facing people with disabilities in poor countries. We are providing £1,350,000 to the Disability Rights Fund in support of its work during the period April 2010 to March 2013. This supports the participation of disabled people's organisations in the ratification, implementation and monitoring of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at country levels.
For example in Malawi, DFID has supported approximately 700,000 children with disabilities to enter education. Through DFID support, 4,200 classrooms have been constructed and 70% of these have ramp access.
Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to reduce exclusion of children with disabilities from education in developing countries. [76889]
Mr O'Brien: The coalition Government are committed to ensuring the inclusion of disabled people in development. Following a full review of all of the UK's aid spending, we recently published our priorities for the next four years in the document ‘UK Aid: Changing Lives, Delivering Results' which can be found on the DFID website:
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Documents/publications1/mar/BAR-MAR-summary-document-web.pdf
The document shows how programmes to ensure that everyone has access to education, including children with disabilities, will be given priority for UK development assistance.
For example, in Bangladesh, DFID is continuing to support the BRAC Primary Education Development Programme, with the third phase due to commence in July 2011. The main focus of this is to ensure access to education for vulnerable children including children with disability.
Developing Countries: Literacy
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent steps his Department has taken to increase adult literacy in developing countries. [77048]
Mr O'Brien:
DFID has a two strand approach to tackling adult literacy in the countries where we work: Firstly, where appropriate, the UK invests in programmes
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that combine adult literacy with vocational training, or that include a focus on the empowerment of marginalised groups and secondly, we prioritise quality basic education for all so that fewer children become illiterate adults.
An example of DFID's work in this area is our support to the Mahila Samakhya (Women Together) in India, a Government programme to promote gender equality and women's empowerment, including improving literacy and economic opportunities through better access to education.
East Africa: Droughts
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent estimate he has made of the number of people in the Horn of Africa affected by famine; what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the level of aid contributed; and if he will make a statement. [78024]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The current crisis in the Horn of Africa has affected approximately 18 million people. In Somalia, where famine has been officially declared, some 750,000 people face starvation before the end of the year unless they receive adequate humanitarian support.
Over the summer I have spoken with a number of my international counterparts about the crisis in the Horn. Specifically I have held discussions with the United Nation's Emergency Relief Coordinator, Baroness Amos, with Josette Sheeran of the World Food Programme. In addition I have also spoken with Rav Shah from the United States Agency for International Development; Ben Knapen, the Netherlands' Development Minster; Dirk Niebel, Germany's Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development; Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for International Development Cooperation of Sweden; Henri de Raincourt, France's Development Minister; and Franco Frattini, Italy's Foreign Minister.
At the Tidewater conference in July I also addressed Development Ministers and officials including Denmark's State Secretary for Development Policy, Ib Petersen; European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs; Deputy Director General and Minister of Foreign Affairs for France, George Serre; Minister of the Environment and International Development of Norway, Erik Solheim; Japanese President, Sadako Ogata; President of Institute for Liberty and Democracy, Hernando de Soto; Deputy Administrator of USAID, Donald Steinberg; Secretary General of UNCTAD, Panitchpakdi Supachai; Chair of Development Assistance Committee France, Brian Atwood; Director-General of Ausaid Australia, Peter Baxter; President of CIDA Canada, Margaret Briggs; Director General of International Cooperation the Netherlands, Yoka Brandt; Vice Minister for Development Policy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Korea, Tae-Yul Cho; Director General Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Switzerland, Martin Dahinden; Associate Administrator UNDP, Rebecca Grynspan; Secretary General OECD, Angel Gurria; State Secretary for International Development Cooperation Sweden, Anna Helquist; Political Director Ministry of Foreign Affairs Norway, Hege Hertzberg; Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry for Eco-Cooperation Development Germany, Gudrun Kopp; Executive Director UNICEF, Anthony Lake;
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Managing Director of Public Policy, Bill Gates Foundation, Geoff Lamb; and Managing Director of World Bank, Mahmoud Mohieldin; Kenyan Prime Minister, Razla Odinga, and Foreign Minister George Saitotz; Somali Government; senior officials from the United Nations (UN) including Baroness Amos of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs; Josette Sheeran of the World Food Programme; Antonio Guterres, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees; and Tony Lake of the UN Children's Fund.
The Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and the Under-Secretary of State for International Development, my hon. Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Mr O'Brien), have also discussed the crisis affecting the Horn of Africa with a number of their counterparts.
The UK has been at the forefront of the world's response to the crisis in the Horn. While UK lobbying has helped to attract significant financial support to humanitarian appeals, there remains a shortfall of US$609 million.
IRG Ltd
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether (a) he or (b) Ministers in his Department have had meetings with representatives of IRG Ltd. [77159]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: Details of all Ministers’ external meetings are available on the DFID website:
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/About-DFID/Our-organisation1/Ministers/
and are published every quarter in the normal way.
Malawi: Environment Protection
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to promote environmental awareness in Malawi at the (a) provincial and (b)sub-district level; and if he will make a statement. [76202]
Mr O'Brien: DFID is currently funding an Enhanced Community Resilience Programme jointly with Irish Aid and Norway in Malawi. Among other things, the programme will support information sharing on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation amongst civil society.
The programme is being delivered by NGOs at the district level and is expected to result in 300,000 people with increased awareness of climate change and the actions they can take to mitigate its impact between 2011 and 2016
DFID has also been funding the British Council in Malawi since 2009 to promote debate and public awareness of climate change in Malawi. In September 2009, over 100 citizens from Malawi participated in a global public debate on climate change. The debates are estimated to have reached 3 million people across the country though radio, resulting in increased public engagement and awareness.
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Nigeria: Elections
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent work his Department has undertaken to strengthen the electoral system in Nigeria; and if he will make a statement. [76200]
Mr Duncan: Strengthening democracy in Nigeria is a priority for the Department for International Development (DFID). The Department supported the 2011 elections which were seen as the most credible in Nigeria's history. Specifically, we helped strengthen the Election Commission and helped with a new voter register of 73 million people. We also supported an innovative and successful mobile phone monitoring system. The Election Commission Chair thanked us for
“unprecedented co-operation we received from the DFID team in Nigeria.”
We will continue to support the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians for a better functioning democracy. We will support further strengthening of the Electoral Commission to better manage elections. We will also help increase women's participation in politics and do all we can to help reduce election violence in the future.
Overseas Aid
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much the Government has contributed to the (a) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, (b) International Development Association, (c) International Finance Corporation, (d) Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency and (e) International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes since 1999. [77060]
Mr Duncan: Since 1999, the UK Government have contributed £4.66 billion to (a) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), (b) International Development Association (IDA), (c) International Finance Corporation (IFC), (d) Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and (e) International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
| Institution | £ million |
Thailand: Overseas Aid
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the delivery of humanitarian aid provided by his Department to Thailand. [76986]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) is not at present providing any humanitarian aid to Thailand. The Thai authorities have not sought humanitarian assistance from the UK with respect to the current flooding emergency in Bangkok. DFID however continues to monitor the situation closely.
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Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Balkans: Politics and Government
Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to promote regional co-operation in the Balkans. [76991]
Mr Lidington: The Government are actively committed to promoting regional co-operation in the Balkans. Regional co-operation is crucial to the stability and prosperity of the region. It is an essential requirement for progress towards EU accession under the EU's Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP). We remain firmly supportive of the SAP, as well as other initiatives aimed at promoting co-operation. An important example of the latter is the EU-facilitated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, aimed at normalising co-operation between the two countries. We have also welcomed initiatives such as the 2010 Istanbul Declaration, establishing a mechanism for regular political dialogue between Serbia, Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Brdo process, established by Croatia and Slovenia as a forum for regional dialogue. We are also using UK conflict prevention funding to support regional projects.
Egypt: Religious Freedom
Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to encourage the Egyptian Government to offer protection for religious minorities in Egypt. [77811]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the right hon. Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), called the Egyptian Foreign Minister on 12 October to discuss the situation in Egypt, including his concerns about the unrest in Cairo on 9 October and action that the Egyptian Government were taking to address the violence. He also issued a statement about the 9 October incident, in which he said that the freedom of religious belief needs to be protected and that the ability to worship in peace is a vital component of a democratic society.
During his visit to Egypt on 20 October, the Deputy Prime Minister discussed sectarian tension with the Egyptian Government, including measures being taken to address its causes. We will continue to press the Egyptian authorities to promote religious tolerance, revisit policies which discriminate against anyone on the basis of their religion, and enshrine respect for human rights in the constitution, including guarantees for minority rights.
European Union
Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his statement of 24 October 2011, Official Report, column 54, on European Council, if he will specify those areas where he believes that European integration has gone too far. [77844]
Mr Lidington:
The Government have commenced work on an examination of the balance of the EU's existing competences in line with the commitment set
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out in the coalition agreement. An area of particular concern for the Government is the extent and impact of EU social and employment legislation on business.
We committed in our coalition agreement to limit the application of the working time directive in the UK. The current economic climate means that now, more than ever, we must provide employers and employees alike with maximum flexibility. Negotiations are expected to start later this year between trade unions and business representatives. Ministers have made it clear that the individual opt-out available under this instrument must remain workable and without burdensome constraints.
As regards the proposed pregnant workers directive the Government are clear that none of us needs, this directive—minimum standards in the 1992 directive are sufficient. We should not be imposing extra costs on our businesses at this time of economic challenge.
In respect of the ongoing negotiations on the proposed posted workers directive, the Government's view is that we want to achieve an outcome consistent with single market objectives while ensuring that neither our national competence on industrial action rights nor our light touch labour market regulatory compliance regime is undermined.
Iran: Baha'i Faith
Simon Reevell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made representations to the Iranian Government on the recent trial and sentences received by seven Baha'i educators in Iran associated with the Baha'i Institute for Higher Education; and if he will make a statement. [77953]
Alistair Burt: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 27 October 2011, Official Report, column 305W.
Iran: Sentencing
Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made representations to the Government of Iran regarding the sentencing of Marzieh Vafamehr for her role in the film My Tehran for Sale; and if he will make a statement. [77257]
Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 31 October 2011, Official Report, column 375-376W.
Nuclear Weapons: Proliferation
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the Royal Society's proposal that his Department establish a non-proliferation and nuclear security network. [77291]
Alistair Burt:
The Government are committed to tackling the challenges of nuclear proliferation and the risk of terrorists acquiring nuclear material. We recognise the importance of fostering collaboration between Government Departments, academia and industry in order to meet these challenges, and significant work already takes place in this regard that we would not wish to duplicate. For example, the Government's key needs for technical advice and related support on nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear security issues are met through the cross-Government arrangements that were announced in the strategic defence and security review
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(SDSR). Co-ordination and oversight are provided through the Cabinet Office chaired counter proliferation committee, which reports to the National Security Council. My Department also engages with industry, science and academic forums on nuclear security best practice and professional development, notably as part of the Nuclear Security Summit process, and regularly briefs non-governmental organisations, industry, university students and international partners on this Government's non-proliferation and nuclear security priorities. In addition, the newly-formed cross-Whitehall International Civil Nuclear Group provides a focal point for relevant organisations, industry and UK posts overseas to foster collaboration and international partnerships.
Serbia
Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the readiness of Serbia to join the EU. [76990]
Mr Lidington: As I noted on 12 October, when the European Commission published its most recent report on the EU's Enlargement Strategy together with its Opinion on Serbia's Application for EU membership, the Government remain clear that the future of all countries of the Western Balkans is in the EU once the full range of criteria have been met. We continue firmly to support Serbia's EU aspirations.
I welcome the progress that Serbia has made to date, including in relation to co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The Commission's Opinion on Serbia sets out this progress, alongside recommendations for further work on regional cooperation as well as the full range of reforms. The Commission's recommendations at this stage include swift re-engagement in the EU-facilitated dialogue with Kosovo and implementation of agreements reached to date, and a requirement for further steps to normalise its relations with Kosovo. The Government encourage Serbia to address these recommendations and maintain efforts towards meeting the EU's membership criteria in full.
Sri Lanka
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State most recently visited Sir Lanka; which Ministers and officials in the Government of Sri Lanka he met; whether the export of military, security or police equipment was discussed; and if he will make a statement. [77404]
Alistair Burt: I visited Sri Lanka between 21 and 23 February. I met the Economic Development Minister, Basil Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Foreign Minister, GL Peiris. I also met members of the Tamil National Alliance and the United National Party. The export of military, security and police equipment was not discussed.
Sri Lanka: Human Rights
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has received reports of human rights abuses committed against those of Tamil origin in Sri Lanka since May 2010; and if he will make a statement. [77355]
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Alistair Burt: We continue to have concerns about human rights in Sri Lanka. These are detailed in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Human Rights and Democracy Report 2010, where Sri Lanka is listed as a country of concern. Our high commission in Colombo continues to monitor the situation.
We consistently raise our concerns with the Sri Lankan Government, most recently when I spoke to the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister on 20 October. We also regularly urge the Sri Lankan Government to improve the human rights situation for vulnerable groups, to investigate incidents and to prosecute those responsible.
Tibet: Human Rights
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions his Department has had with the Government of China on (a) the human rights situation in Tibet and (b) the well-being of Lobsang Kalsang, Lobsang Konchok and Kalsang Wangchuk; and if he will make a statement. [77828]
Mr Jeremy Browne: Tibet was discussed at the last round of the UK-China Human Rights dialogue in January 2011, and the dialogue also included an expert workshop on minority rights and languages, an area of particular relevance to Tibet. Ministers have regularly raised our concerns about the human rights situation in Tibet with China at the highest political levels.
We are particularly concerned at recent reports that a nun and young monks, including Lobsang Kalsang, Lobsang Konchock and Kalsang Wangchuk, in Tibetan areas of Sichuan province have self-immolated. I have written to the Chinese ambassador in April this year raising my concerns regarding the situation at the Kirti monastery. More recently Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have raised their concerns with the Chinese embassy in London and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, urging the Chinese Government to work with local monasteries and communities to resolve the grievances which have led to these self-immolations. Our embassy officials in China make regular visits to Tibetan areas, and have done so recently. We have kept in frequent contact with the Foreign Affairs Office in Sichuan and local Public Security Bureau offices regarding access to these areas.
Our consistent position has been that long-term stability can only be achieved through respect for human rights and genuine autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the Chinese constitution. Meaningful dialogue between the Dalai Lama's representatives and the Chinese authorities is the best way to make this happen.
UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons
Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department has taken to ensure that the draft protocol on cluster munitions under negotiation in the UN convention on certain conventional weapons does not contradict or undermine the standard established in the 2008 convention on cluster munitions. [77155]
Mr Jeremy Browne:
During the negotiations and drafting of the protocol to its current state, we have been mindful of the need to ensure that we can comply
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with the final draft as a signatory to the convention on cluster munitions. It is with this in mind that we have contributed to the development of the text. We have supported, along with other states, an “endeavour clause” in article 13 of the draft protocol as a means to bridge the two texts. Furthermore, we have supported the inclusion of article 1.3 to ensure that signatories to any future CCW protocol on cluster munitions do not have any rights or obligations to the convention on cluster munitions compromised.
Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which of the cluster munitions the UK has possessed in the last 30 years (a) would and (b) would not be prohibited under the provisions of the draft protocol on cluster munitions under negotiation at the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. [77156]
Mr Jeremy Browne: In the last 30 years, the UK has possessed five major types of cluster munition, as defined in the Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Act 2010 which implemented the Convention on Cluster Munitions for the UK. Of these five types possessed:
(a) Four of them, the BL755 range of air-delivered bombs, the Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition 155 mm M483A1, the M26 munition for the Multi Launch Rocket System and the CRV-7 Multi-Purpose Sub-Munition from the Harrier and Attack Helicopter would be prohibited under the provisions of the draft protocol on cluster munitions under negotiation at the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.
(b) The remaining cluster munition type, the M85 from the Extended Range Bomblet Shell for the AS90 gun would not be prohibited under the provisions of the draft Protocol on cluster munitions under negotiation at the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. This is because it has a self-destruct mechanism, in accordance with Annex B para 1(a) of the draft Protocol.
Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what timescale would govern the prohibition of any weapons for states adopting the draft protocol on cluster munitions under negotiation in the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. [77157]
Mr Jeremy Browne: On its entry into force the Protocol as currently drafted would immediately prohibit the use and transfer of cluster munitions produced before 1980, and immediately prohibit the production and development of cluster munitions with no safety mechanisms, i.e. no self-destruct or self-neutralisation features on its sub-munitions. These prohibitions cannot be deferred.
The draft protocol would also prohibit the use of cluster munitions with no safety mechanisms, but this can be deferred up to a maximum of 12 years, in order to give countries with large stockpiles the time to destroy stocks and replace by other means the necessary military capability.
Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on ratification of the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons protocol on cluster munitions in its current form; and whether he would require any changes to be made to the draft before ratification. [77163]
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Mr Jeremy Browne: A decision on whether the UK. will give its consent to be bound by a prospective sixth Protocol to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) will be reached if and when a final text is agreed. Negotiations on the text will continue at the November CCW Review Conference. In line with our long-standing policy, the UK will continue to push for a text that delivers a significant humanitarian effect and that is both compatible with, and complementary to, the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
USA: Cluster Munitions
Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what authorisation is required for US trans-shipment of cluster munitions through (a) Diego Garcia and (b) other UK territories; and whether any such trans-shipment has occurred since 2009. [77158]
Mr Jeremy Browne: Section 8 of the Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Act permits the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the right hon. Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), to grant authorisation for visiting forces of states not party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions to possess cluster munitions on or transfer them through UK territory. The only request for authorisation to temporarily transfer and stockpile, according to Article 8 of the Act, was received from the United States State Department. The then Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the right hon. Member for South Shields (David Miliband), granted authorisation in order to permit the United States to transfer cluster munitions out of UK territory, in accordance with our agreement that they would remove all stockpiles from the UK by 2010 and from all UK territory by 2013. This has been completed ahead of schedule—there are no US stockpiles on any UK territory.
Business, Innovation and Skills
BAE Systems
Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to assist skilled former employees of BAE Systems into employment following the recent redundancies announced by that company. [78001]
Mr Prisk: The Government are working with BAE Systems to support the individuals affected by the job losses, offering them training and job search support through the Skills Funding Agency, the Jobcentre Plus Rapid Response Service and Next Step careers advice. We are also working with the Lancashire and Humber Local Enterprise Partnerships on two potential new enterprise zones to support the local economies.
In 2010 we formed the Skills and Jobs Retention Group, led by industry, to help skilled workers find new jobs in manufacturing. The group operates a new national web based exchange, the Talent Retention Solution (TRS), across UK advanced manufacturing, engineering and construction sectors to help match skilled employees with vacancies in other industrial companies. Leading companies, trade associations, trade unions and Sector
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Skills Councils are all supporting the implementation of TRS. We expect several thousand vacancies to be on the system within the next two to three weeks.
The National Apprenticeship Service and the Skills Funding Agency are also working together with employers to try and find alternative placements for those apprentices at risk of redundancy.
Bankruptcy: Arts
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many (a) arts organisations and (b) design companies were declared bankrupt in each month since September 2008. [78027]
Mr Davey: Corporate insolvencies are published on a quarterly basis broken down by the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC 2003), which does not separately identify arts organisations or design companies.
Business
Gordon Birtwistle: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the finding of the British Chambers of Commerce Workforce Survey: Small Businesses, that employment regulation on dismissal, health and safety and sickness absence has the effect of restricting growth and recruitment of staff. [77641]
Mr Davey: The Department is leading the cross-Government employment law review and is looking at all evidence about the operation of the underpinning legislative framework and burdens on business, including from business representative groups, trade unions and other stakeholders. A key objective of the review is making it easier for a business to take on staff. The review will also consider ideas that emerge from the Red Tape Challenge aimed at facilitating the recruitment of employees by businesses. In addition, the Government have asked Dame Carol Black and David Frost to carry out an independent review looking at ways to reduce sickness absence which will report shortly and which will feed into the wider employment law review. Separately, Professor Ragnar Lofstedt is chairing the independent review of health and safety legislation, which is considering the evidence for reducing the burden of health and safety legislation on UK businesses.
Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had on simplifying the audit requirements of small and medium-sized companies. [77669]
Mr Davey: European directives set out the law on audit requirements for companies registered in the EU. On 6 October the Department for Business Innovation and Skills published a consultation document and impact assessment setting out proposals to remove gold plating of these directives which would result in a reduction of the number of companies subject to compulsory audit and a consequent saving for UK businesses of £612 million per year.
Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects to publish the results of the growth review consultation on reducing the burdens faced by small business. [77671]
Mr Prisk:
The current consultation by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills on “Audit exemptions
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and change of accounting framework” will close on Thursday 29 December. The Department will publish a summary of responses to the consultation within 12 weeks of that date. The consultation document was published on 6 October and is available at:
www.bis.gov.uk/consultations
Business: Community Development
David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assistance his Department provides to businesses wishing to support local social initiatives. [76895]
Mr Davey: Business responsibility is vital for sustainable growth. Under ‘Every Business Commits’, we are supporting businesses in engaging with their communities by identifying priorities, promoting good practice and working to increase access to advice for businesses and communities.
We are also committed to delivering business and community benefits by promoting social enterprise. At local level, we have encouraged the action local enterprise partnerships (LEP) are taking to recognise the social enterprise sector—for example, by including social enterprise representatives on LEP boards, and providing Regional Development Fund support for community development finance institutions.
Business: Finance
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment his Department has made of the ability of small businesses to access finance. [77824]
Mr Prisk: The Department's August 2011 Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Business Barometer Survey shows that 16% of SME employers (i.e. excluding sole traders) have tried to obtain external finance in the previous six months. The majority of SMEs seeking finance are able to obtain the finance they need, with a minority not being able to raise any finance. For instance, of those seeking finance, 21% were unable to obtain any finance from any source approached. This is at a similar level to the previous February 2011 Business Barometer Survey, and is equivalent to around 4% of all SME employers overall.
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on his proposed credit easing scheme. [77825]
Mr Prisk: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), regularly meets the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), to discuss a variety of issues.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer will be announcing further details on his proposals in the Autumn Statement.
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Companies
Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of any relationship between (a) senior executive remuneration and (b) company profitability and shareholder value; and if he will make a statement. [77622]
Mr Davey: On 19 September, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills published a discussion paper on executive remuneration. The paper explores the link between executive pay and company performance and invites views on how this link can be strengthened. Submissions are being sought by 25 November, after which the Government will consider their response.
Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on changing the minimum reporting requirements in the fourth Company Law Directive. [77670]
Mr Davey: The Government are committed to reducing the burden reporting requirements place on business. We have been fully engaged in discussions about amendments to the reporting requirements set out in the fourth Company Law Directive and will continue to be so.
Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills which companies represented on the UK trade delegation joined him in attending the annual meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee in India in January 2011. [77786]
Mr Prisk: The following organisations represented the UK at the Joint Economic and Trade Committee in January 2011:
3i
A4E
Agusta Westland
ARM
Arup
Association of Colleges
BAE Systems
Balfour Beatty plc
Birmingham Airport
BT
Burton College
Cambridge University
Cardionetics
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
City and Guilds
Delcam
Edexcel
Halcrow
Intelligent Energy
International Agri-Technology Centre (IATC)
Jattek Systems
JCB Sales Ltd
KPMG LLP
Learning and Skills Network
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Marks & Spencer
Mishcon de Reya Solicitors
Sembcorp
Serco Group plc
Standard Chartered
The Logistics Business
The Technology Partnership
TVET UK
UKIBC
Vinci plc
Consumers
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to increase protection of consumer interests; and if he will make a statement. [77335]
Mr Davey: This Department has secured a reasonable outcome to European negotiations on the Consumer Rights Directive, whereby key existing UK consumer rights were protected and rights were even increased in some areas, notably to prevent over-charging for use of means of payment such as credit and debit cards. We will soon be consulting on how we implement this measure into UK law.
We have also decided to bring forward domestic legislation later in the Parliament to bring about a major simplification of consumer law and make rights easier to exercise, for example making it easier for vulnerable consumers, tricked into signing contracts under duress, to get their money back.
The Government are carrying out a review of consumer credit and personal insolvency, looking at what works and what areas could be improved. We want well-informed, empowered consumers who can make good decisions such as finding the best credit card or loan deal and when to borrow and who to borrow from. In July we published our full response on personal insolvency issues and our interim response on consumer credit. We will publish our final response before the end of the year.
We have also just completed a consultation on simplifying the consumer landscape so that individuals are clearer about who to turn to for advice on consumer issues and to ensure that they are properly protected through consumer redress. We are currently analysing the responses and will make decisions about the future consumer landscape in due course.
Copyright: Art Works
Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he proposes that the Artist's Resale Right will be extended to the estates of deceased artists from 1 January 2012; and what assessment he has made of the monetary value to such estates of such an extension. [77837]
Mr Davey: The Artist's Resale Right (ARR) Directive was agreed in 2001, and implemented through UK law in 2006. Under the terms of the directive, the UK was able to delay the full implementation of the right (payments on the sales of works by deceased artists) until 2012. Without reopening the directive, there is no option to delay full implementation beyond that date.
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An evaluation of the effect of extending the ARR to estates of deceased artists can be found on the independent study commissioned by the Government “Study into the effect of the UK art market of the introduction of the artist's resale right 2008”, which forecasts resale right payments to increase fourfold when payments to deceased artists commence in 2012. This is expected to reach some £12 million a year in a market with an annual turnover of around £8 billion.
Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what discussions he has had with his (a) ministerial colleagues and (b) EU counterparts on the extension of the artist's resale right to the estates of deceased artists from 1 January 2012; [77839]
(2) what discussions he has had with his (a) ministerial colleagues and (b) EU counterparts on the extension of the artist's resale right to the estates of deceased artists from 1 January 2012. [77838]
Mr Davey: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), has met from time to time ministerial colleagues, principally the Minister for Intellectual Property, Baroness Wilcox, to discuss the UK's approach to the issue. The Secretary of State has not personally discussed the matter with his EU counterparts.
Departmental Assets
Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions he has had on the future of organisations which are assets of Yorkshire Forward. [77662]
Mr Prisk: In the course of agreeing arrangements for the closure of the regional development agencies, the Department's officials have regular discussions with Yorkshire Forward and others about the future of the organisations in which that agency has an interest.
Procurement
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is taking to take account of (a) socio-economic factors and (b) potential revenues for the Exchequer in the awarding of contracts. [76551]
Mr Davey: Public sector procurers are required to assess value for money from the perspective of the contracting authority using criteria linked to the subject matter of the contract, including compliance with the published specification.
Wider socio-economic benefits that do not accrue to the contracting authority cannot be taken into account at tender evaluation stage as they do not relate to the subject matter of a contract from the point of view of the contracting authority.
Departmental Public Expenditure
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he receives any external funding for (a) his Ministerial office and (b) his advisers; and what the (i) source and (ii) amount is of any such funding. [77588]
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Mr Davey: The ministerial office and special advisers are funded by the Department.
Departmental Responsibilities
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills at how many events organised by (a) charities, (b) other civil society groups, (c) businesses and (d) lobbying organisations Ministers and senior officials in his Department have given speeches in each month since May 2010; and if he will make a statement. [77337]
Mr Davey: The Department's Ministers make over 1,000 speeches each year. There would be a disproportionate cost to enumerate and categorise every speaking occasion but keynote speeches are posted on the Department's website:
http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/speeches
Telephone Services
Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Department has allocated to each telephone helpline funded by his Department in 2011-12; what the purpose is of each such helpline; and how many calls each helpline received in the last 12 months. [77147]
Mr Davey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Llanelli (Nia Griffith) on 10 October 2011, Official Report, columns 263-4W.
In terms of helplines operated by the Department:
The central Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) inquiry line (020 7215 5000) has taken 77,518 calls in the last 12 months.
0845 015 0010 BIS publications order line has taken 3,238 calls in the last 12 months.
0845 015 0020 BIS publications order line (fax) has taken 88 calls in the last 12 months.
0845 015 0030 BIS publications order line (minicom) has taken 101 calls in the last 12 months.
The United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI) help line has taken 18,475 calls in the last 12 months.
Domestic Violence
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what definition of domestic violence his Department uses; and what steps he has taken to support companies in protecting their workforce from domestic violence. [77003]
Mr Davey: In 2004, the Government introduced a single definition of domestic violence replacing the previous 14 different definitions in use across Government and the public sector.
The current cross-Government definition defines domestic violence as:
“any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality”.
BIS uses this definition for its own internal policies and, as an employer, is a member of the Corporate Alliance Against Domestic Violence. Sources of help provided
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to BIS staff include the Department's Employee Assistance Programme and national numbers for domestic violence victims.
The policy for victims of domestic violence is the responsibility of the Home Office.
EU External Trade: India
Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 27 June 2011, Official Report, column 621W, on EU external trade: India, what assessment has been made of the potential effects of the proposed free trade agreement on employment levels in the (a) transport and (b) offshore energy sectors. [77974]
Mr Davey: The EU's sustainability impact assessment addresses the likely impact of an EU-India free trade agreement, including on employment levels. It does not estimate the effect on employment in the transport or offshore energy sectors specifically, but the predicted overall impact on employment levels is low.
Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 27 June 2011, Official Report, column 621W, on EU external trade: India, if he will publish a sectoral analysis of the estimated net £2 billion benefit to the UK economy over the next 10 years of a free trade agreement between the EU and India; and what estimate he has made of the effect on employment in each sector of the agreement. [77975]
Mr Davey: The estimated £2 billion of benefits to the UK over 10 years from an ambitious EU-India free trade agreement (FTA) are derived from the EU's trade sustainability impact assessment (SIA). The SIA
http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2009/june/tradoc_143372.pdf
suggests that the overall impact on employment from an EU-India FTA will be low. Sectors that are likely to benefit include transport equipment, metals, processed foods and beverages/tobacco, while vulnerable sectors include clothing, leather goods and aspects of electronic equipment.
Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 27 June 2011, Official Report, column 621W, on EU external trade: India, what steps he plans to take to ensure that the free trade agreement provides protection for the employment rights of Indian nationals holding intra-company transfer visas to work in the UK. [77976]
Mr Davey: The EU-India free trade agreement is still under negotiation.
We expect commitments on the entry and stay of intra-company transfers to be covered in the Mode 4 element of the agreement. We expect these commitments to contain provisions based on those in the EU services offer in the Doha round which clarify that all other requirements of EU and member state laws and regulations regarding entry, stay, work and social security measures shall continue to apply.
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Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the potential effects on rates of pay of Mode 4 of the proposed EU-India Free Trade Agreement. [77438]
Mr Davey: The EU-India free trade agreement is still under negotiation. We expect the agreement to be consistent with the increased minimum salary requirements for intra-company transfers introduced by the Government and for there to be provisions in the agreement to allow for the operation of wage parity testing.
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with trades unions on Mode 4 of the proposed EU-India Free Trade Agreement. [77439]
Mr Davey: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), regularly meets the TUC General Secretary to discuss issues of mutual interest. Recent meetings have included discussions on the proposed free trade agreement between the EU and India, including Mode 4 issues.
Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 27 June 2011, Official Report, column 621W, on EU external trade: India, what protections will be incorporated in the proposed free trade agreement between the EU and India for domestic employment levels in (a) EU member states and (b) the UK. [77977]
Mr Davey: The EU's sustainability impact assessment assesses the likely impact on EU employment of an EU-India free trade agreement (FTA) as low, which would also apply to UK employment levels. An FTA will include a sustainable development chapter which will contain provisions on labour standards. We expect the agreement to be consistent with the increased minimum salary requirements for intra-company transfers introduced by the Government and for there to be provisions in the agreement to allow for the operation of wage parity testing.
Export Credits Guarantee Department
Duncan Hames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills which Ministers have attended the management board meetings of the Export Credits Guarantee Department since April 2010. [77784]
Mr Davey: No Minister has attended a meeting of the Export Credits Guarantee Department‘s (ECGD's) Management Board since April 2010. Since 2004, ECGD's Management Board has consisted of senior ECGD officials, a non-executive chair and non-executive directors drawn from the private sector. It is accountable to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable).
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Green Investment Bank
Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations he has received on locating the headquarters of the Green Investment Bank in Cardiff; and if he will make a statement. [77616]
Mr Prisk: 16 cities and towns, including Cardiff, have indicated that they would like to be considered as the location for the Green Investment Bank. The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), will set out further details of the criteria and process for determining the location of the Green Investment Bank before Christmas, with a view to a final decision in 2012.
Higher Education
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the drop-out rates at (a) public funded universities and (b) for-profit organisations providing higher education in (i) the US and (ii) the UK. [77620]
Mr Davey: The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) performance indicators provide information on student retention for publicly funded higher education institutions in the UK:
http://www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php?option= com_content&task=view&id=2064<emid=141
The latest available information is for the 2008/09 academic year. Figures for the 2009/10 academic year will become available from HESA in April 2012.
HESA do not collect equivalent information on for-profit institutions or non-UK institutions.
The Higher Education White Paper: ‘Students at the Heart of the System’ set out the expectation that, under the future regulatory system, all providers who are designated for student support will be required to publish a range of information about their courses and student outcomes.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) statistics show that, compared internationally, the UK has relatively high completion rates for higher education. For example, ‘Education at a Glance 2010’ shows a completion rate for ‘type A’ (more academic) first degrees of 81% in the UK—compared with an OECD average of 70% and a US figure of 57%. See Indicator 4 (Table A 4.1) at:
http://www.oecd.org/document/52/0,3746,en_2649_39263238_45897844_1_1_1_1,00.html
However, because of differences in definitions and recording, it is difficult to make direct comparisons between countries. OECD statistics do not differentiate between publicly funded and for-profit providers.