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Departmental Manpower
Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many jobs in (a) her Department and (b) the agencies and non-departmental bodies for which she is responsible were transferred to the private sector in 2010-11. [91338]
Norman Baker: There are no jobs in the Department for Transport, its agencies or non-departmental public bodies which were transferred to the private sector in 2010-11.
Public Expenditure
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what she proposes will be the total (a) expenditure from her Department's budget and (b) Network Rail's regulated asset base on the east-west rail link in each of the remaining years of the comprehensive spending review period. [90942]
Mike Penning [holding answer 20 January 2012]: As part of the Growth Review, the Department for Transport committed to fund the east-west rail link, subject to finalising a detailed business case and a satisfactory local contribution being made.
Provided that these two conditions are satisfied, the Department will fund the scheme for delivery in Control Period 5 (CP5). The first year of CP5 is the final year of the current spending review period (i.e. 2014-15). It is therefore possible that some expenditure would be incurred in that year, depending on the final expenditure profile. Funding discussions for CP5 with the rail industry and HM Treasury are ongoing.
Departmental Travel Costs
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether her Department has agreed any contracts with (a) private hire vehicle and (b) taxi companies since May 2010. [92830]
Norman Baker: In 2011 the Department for Transport agreed a contract for vehicle hire under the Government Procurement Service Vehicle Hire Framework.
No other central contracts have been agreed for vehicle hire or taxi provision.
Work Experience
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what work experience or traineeship schemes her Department offers to minority groups. [92747]
Norman Baker: The Department for Transport offers internships to minority groups through the Civil Service Summer Diversity Programme, which offers high calibre students from ethnic minority groups the opportunity to work in Government Departments for six to nine weeks during the summer.
The Department also contributes to the Government’s social mobility strategy by offering work experience as part of the Whitehall Internship Programme, a two-week
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residential programme for 16 to 18 year olds from under-represented backgrounds. DFT will offer three placements this summer.
As part of the civil service-wide “Get Britain Working” programme, the Department for Transport is offering a number of Work placements to jobseeker’s allowance customers aged 18 to 24. Eligible individuals are those whose limited experience of work is acting as a barrier to employment.
The Department also offers training opportunities in the form of apprenticeships.
Freedom of Information
Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether her Department publishes on its website its response to each request it receives under the Freedom of Information Act 2000; whether the response is published in the same part of its website on each occasion; and what the average time taken is between responding to a request and the information being made available on the website. [92124]
Norman Baker: The Department does not publish all responses on its website. It does not publish those where no information is disclosed, or where we consider the information is unlikely to have a wider public interest. All disclosures are published in our FOI disclosure log at:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/foi
Most of our executive agencies have their own disclosure logs on their own websites (accessible via the above link) and they follow broadly the same policy on the publication of responses.
The Department does not hold a record of the average period between responding to requests and the information being available on its websites, and could not provide the information for the whole Department without incurring disproportionate cost. We have however looked at responses published on the main DFT site over the past six months and calculated that the median average period before publishing responses after they have been issued by the central Department was four days. This is consistent with our aim to publish responses promptly after they have been issued to the applicant, so as to reduce the likelihood of repeat requests for the same information.
Heathrow Airport: Noise
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment she has made of Lden noise levels at Heathrow airport; and what assessment she has made of the Lden noise level in (a) Kingston, (b) Putney, (c) Richmond Park and (d) Twickenham constituency. [92531]
Mike Penning: Under the 2002 European Environmental Noise Directive, it is a requirement that strategic noise maps are produced for major airports for 2006 and thereafter every five years. The airport is required to produce a Noise Action Plan based on these maps.
The 2006 noise maps for Heathrow showing Lden noise levels are available on the Civil Aviation Authority's website and Heathrow's Noise Action Plan is available on its website at:
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http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/ERCD0706.pdf
http://noise.heathrowairport.com/assets/Internet/Heathrow_noise/Assets/Downloads/Statics/2010-noise-action-plan-contours_LHR.pdf
In its Noise Action Plan, Heathrow airport has voluntarily committed to produce these contour maps annually. The maps for 2010 are available on Heathrow's website.
London and South-eastern Railway
Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment she has made of overcrowding on Southeastern Railway services; and what representations she has received on this issue. [93048]
Norman Baker: Southeastern, under the terms of its franchise agreement, are required to carry out passenger counts to enable them to plan and deploy their rolling stock fleet to best meet passenger demand. Southeastern submit morning and evening peak train plans to the Department for each timetable change which are assessed using the passenger counts to determine crowding.
These assessments contain commercially confidential information and are not published, but the Department uses the data as the base for strategic forecasts of peak demand change. The latest assessment for Southeastern was for the December 2011 timetable change.
Statistics on train crowding are published by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) in the National Rail Trends (NRT) Yearbook, which is available from the ORR website
http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.2026
On the specific issue of crowding on Southeastern's services, during the last four months our records show four representations from two members of the public.
Motor Vehicles: Excise Duties
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations her Department has received on allowing car-owners to pay car tax by direct debit on a monthly basis rather than in one or two fixed payments; and if she has any plans to bring forward such a measure. [93902]
Mike Penning: Paying vehicle excise duty or car tax, by direct debit is suggested periodically by members of the public. There are already many payment channels available to motorists to pay vehicle excise duty. The Government continue to keep all options for payment methods under review.
Ministerial Cars
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 16 January 2011, Official Report, columns 30-32WS, on ministerial cars, how many cars were transferred from the Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA) to the Metropolitan police (close protection) in the period covered by the statement; and how much was spent in cash terms in the same period on non-GCDA travel including hire cars and taxis. [91366]
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Mike Penning [holding answer 23 January 2012]: No cars were transferred from the Government Car and Despatch Agency to the Metropolitan police (close protection) during the time period covered by the written ministerial statement of 16 January 2012.
No information is held by the Government Car and Despatch Agency about the cost of non-GCDA travel in taxis and hire cars.
Ports: Milford Haven
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had on a transfer of ownership of Milford Haven Port Authority to the Welsh Government. [93312]
Mike Penning: There have been no such discussions.
Railway Stations
Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many railway stations were closed because they were within one mile of another station offering a similar service in each of the last 10 years; [93059]
(2) what information her Department holds on the number of railway stations in (a) the UK, (b) Scotland, (c) Glasgow, (d) London and (e) Glasgow South West constituency which are within one mile of another station offering a similar service; [93060]
(3) how many railway stations are proposed for closure because they are within one mile of another station offering a similar service; [93061]
(4) how many railway stations have been (a) opened and (b) closed in each of the last 10 years. [93108]
Mike Penning: The following table lists the stations that have been opened and closed in each of the last 10 years.
| Openings | Closures | |
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|
West Ham, Canning Town, Custom House and Stratford Low Level(1) |
||
| (1) National Rail platforms closed as part of the new DLR line from Stratford International to Canning Town. (2) Station relocated. | ||
Allerton, Garston, King's Cross Thameslink and Abercynon North were all closed because they were within one mile of another station offering a similar service.
There are currently no proposals to close a station in England or Wales because it is within one mile of another station offering a similar service. Transport Scotland is responsible for the closure of stations in Scotland.
The Department does not hold information on the number of stations which are within one mile of another station offering a similar service.
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Railways: Overcrowding
Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of trains running from stations in Woking constituency to London Waterloo were classed as overcrowded during (a) peak and (b) non- peak times in each of the last three years. [93394]
Mike Penning: Train operators carry out counts of the number of passengers on their services and provide the Department for Transport with an average for each service that represents the number of passengers on the train at its most crowded point on a "typical" weekday during school term time.
The following table shows the number and proportion of morning peak services running from stations in the Woking constituency to London Waterloo that, on a typical weekday in the autumn in each of the last three years, had a higher number of standard class passengers than their planned capacity.
| Train services running from stations in the Woking constituency to London Waterloo in the morning peak operating above capacity on a typical weekday | |||
| Services operating above capacity | |||
| Autumn | Total services | Number | Percentage |
| Note: The table includes all services that call at a station within the Woking constituency and arrive at London Waterloo during the morning peak (07:00-09:59). Stations in the Woking constituency are: Brookwood, Wanborough, West Byfleet, Woking and Worplesdon. Source: South West Trains passenger count data. | |||
The figures are based on the number of passengers at a service's busiest point, which will not necessarily be in the Woking constituency. Some trains call at up to six other stations between the Woking constituency and London Waterloo and the busiest point will usually be closer to London for these services.
The Department does not hold information about crowding on off-peak services in autumn 2008 and 2009. The Department holds some information about crowding on off-peak services in autumn 2010; this shows little overcrowding on services from the Woking constituency to London Waterloo.
Railways: Scotland
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost to the public purse will be of new sleeper carriages for the Caledonian Sleeper service in each of the remaining years of the comprehensive spending review period. [90630]
Mike Penning [holding answer 19 January 2012]: The Caledonian Sleeper service is a devolved matter for Transport Scotland.
Roads: Accidents
Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many road traffic accidents were caused by drivers who had made an incorrect declaration of their medical condition in each of the last three years; [93770]
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(2) what proportion of fatal road accidents were caused by drivers diagnosed with a medical condition which was (a) not declared to the DVLA and (b) declared to the DVLA but the driver's licence was not withdrawn in the last year. [93828]
Mike Penning: The information requested is not available. The STATS19 system used to collect reported personal injury road accident data does not include driving licence information.
However, Table RAS50001, in the DFT publication ‘Reported Road Casualties in Great Britain: annual report 2010’ shows the number and proportion of reported personal injury road accidents which had “uncorrected, defective eyesight” or “illness or disability, mental or physical” recorded as a contributory factor, in Great Britain in 2010. It is not known if the conditions relating to these contributory factors were diagnosed medical conditions or whether they were declared to the DVLA. Table RAS50001 can be found using the following link:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/statistics/tables/ras50001/
Note that contributory factors are reported only for injury road accidents where a police officer attended the scene and reported at least one contributory factor. These factors are largely subjective, reflecting the attending officer's opinion at the time of reporting. It is recognised that subsequent inquires could lead to the reporting officer changing their opinion.
South Wales Railway Line: Electrification
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the estimated cost is of (a) electrifying the Great Western main line railway to Cardiff and (b) electrifying the line between Cardiff and Swansea in each year of (i) the comprehensive spending review period and (ii) the subsequent spending review period. [92241]
Mike Penning [holding answer 30 January 2012]: Network Rail estimates that the cost of electrification to Cardiff is £704 million at initial stages of development with a further £62 million for Cardiff to Swansea. In year 2012-13, Network Rail estimated that it would spend £43 million, followed by £121.5 million in 2013-14, £196.3 million in 2014-15, £220.1 million in 2015-16, £150.2 million in 2016-17 and £15 million in 2017-18.
Third Sector
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contribution her Department is making to implementation of the Compact with the voluntary sector; and if she will make a statement. [92296]
Norman Baker: The Department for Transport signed up to the renewed Compact published in December 2010.
Over the last year, the Department has taken a number of actions to ensure the Compact is being implemented. It has:
nominated a civil society liaison officer who is responsible for day to day promotion and management of Compact implementation;
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worked with others across Government to promote the Compact principles and been engaged in working with voluntary, community and social enterprise sector bodies (VCSEs) to help them provide transport services;
promoted the Compact to successful bidders for the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, drawing attention to the flexibilities it provides for advance payments to civil society organisations; and
participated in the NAO’s review of the National Compact implementation.
Public Expenditure
Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how much her Department spent on transport per head of population in each region of England in each of the last three years for which figures are available; [92199]
(2) how much her Department spent on transport in each region in England in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [92200]
Norman Baker: The requested information can be found in the Department’s annual report and accounts for 2010-11, tables 6 and 7 (page 44) at:
http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1012/hc09/0972/0972.pdf
Wales
Bus Services: Finance
Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had with Welsh Ministers on the reduction in the Bus Service Operators Grant in Wales; and if she will make a statement. [93178]
Mr David Jones: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I have had no discussions with Welsh Ministers on the reduction in the Bus Service Operators Grant in Wales, as it is a matter for the Welsh Government to set both the policy and funding for this scheme.
I am disappointed by reports that local authorities and bus companies were not given the same length of time—18 months—to plan for the proposed cuts as their counterparts in England, and I will raise this matter with the Welsh Government's Local Government and Communities Minister. I understand that the current level of funding for this discretionary grant scheme will remain at £17 million per annum for two years to help make the transition to the new arrangements.
Debt Recovery
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many and what proportion of her Department's invoices from its private sector suppliers were paid (a) within 14 days, (b) between 15 and 30 days, (c) between 31 and 60 days, (d) between 61 and 90 days and (e) more than 90 days after receipt in the last 12 months. [93435]
Mr David Jones:
The Wales Office paid 99.575%. of all invoices within 14 days, and 0.425% of invoices
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between 15 and 30 days. Our records are not kept in a form that enables us to differentiate between types of suppliers.
Government Buildings
Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the (a) cost of (i) lease and (ii) rates and (b) running costs were of the Wales Office Discovery House office in Cardiff Bay for the last year. [93791]
Mr David Jones: The Wales Office has leased space in Discovery House since March 2003. In the 2010-11 financial year, £179,095.67 was paid in rent and service charges, and £40,368.30 for rates. The service charge levied included the cost of utilities and services such as security and waste disposal. Running costs not included within the service charge amounted to £22,074.96.
Recruitment
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much her Department spent on (a) recruitment services and (b) executive search agencies in each month since May 2010; and if she will make a statement. [93553]
Mr David Jones: All recruitment is co-ordinated by the Ministry of Justice at no cost to the Wales Office. As there continues to be a recruitment freeze across Government, there have not been any associated costs for advertising during the period either, nor have we used any executive search agencies.
Training
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many away days her Department has held since May 2010; what the location was of each such away day; how many staff attended; and what the cost was of each such event. [93853]
Mr David Jones: No away days have been held in the period.
Attorney-General
Crime: Disability
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Attorney-General how many people the Crown Prosecution Service prosecuted for hate crimes against disabled people in 2011. [93479]
The Attorney-General: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Case Management Information System shows that 677 defendants were prosecuted for disability hate crimes in 2011.
Departmental Manpower
Frank Dobson: To ask the Attorney-General how many jobs in the Law Officers' Departments were transferred to the private sector in 2010-11. [92275]
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The Attorney-General: The Law Officers' Department have not transferred any jobs to the private sector in 2010-11.
Education
Academies
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what responsibility Academy schools without post-16 provision will have to ensure their graduating students remain in full-time education when the school leaving age rises; and if he will make a statement. [93608]
Tim Loughton: We are raising the age until which all young people must participate in education or training to 17 in 2013 and 18 in 2015.
All schools, including Academies, have a key role in supporting young people to make a successful transition to positive outcomes post-16. To encourage them to fulfil this role, we plan to publish the education destinations of pupils from Key Stage 4 for all mainstream schools, including Academies, for the first time in May 2012.
From September, schools will be placed under a duty to secure access to independent and impartial careers guidance for their pupils. The guidance must include information on the full range of 16-18 education and training options. Statutory guidance will set expectations about the type and quality of support schools should offer under the new duty.
Academies: Lambeth
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether his Department has any plans to require the conversion of a school to an academy in Lambeth; and whether his Department has had any contact with (a) Lambeth local authority or (b) any Lambeth schools to discuss requiring the conversion of a school to an academy. [92964]
Mr Gibb: We have been clear that we consider academy status to be the best way to improve schools that are consistently underperforming. Our officials have held discussions with Lambeth local authority about their underperforming schools. These discussions have focussed on schools where results and prior attainment indicates a school has performed below the floor standard for two or more years. Where it is deemed appropriate, officials will continue these discussions with the LA.
Child Protection
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) when he plans to (a) roll out new training materials and (b) re-examine statutory guidelines for professionals and practitioners working with neglected children; [93777]
(2) when he plans to implement the recommendations of the Munro Review on tackling the neglect of children; and if he will make a statement; [93778]
(3) what steps his Department is taking to tackle child neglect; and if he will make a statement. [93780]
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Tim Loughton: On 13 December, I gave an update to Parliament on progress being made across the range of commitments in the Government response to the Munro Review, which was published in July 2011.
This set out the good progress being made across the full range of commitments, including current work to revise statutory guidance “Working Together to Safeguard Children” and the “Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families”, which will be the subject of a formal consultation from early 2012.
Through revisions to the statutory guidance we are planning to free social workers from unnecessary bureaucracy and reduce statutory guidance so they have more time and space for better-quality work with children and families.
Evidence shows the earlier that help is given to vulnerable children and families, the more chance there is of turning lives around and protecting children from harm. The Government's vision is for a child-centred system which includes providing effective help when a problem arises at any stage in a child's life. We are continuing to work with the Association of Directors of Children's Services, police and the NHS bodies to realise Professor Munro's vision of co-ordinated and transparent offer of early help services for children and families.
We have also been working with Ofsted on the development of their new inspection framework and arrangements which start in May 2012. The new inspections will focus more clearly on the effectiveness of multi-agency arrangements to identify children who are suffering, or likely to suffer, harm from abuse or neglect. The new inspection framework and arrangements rightly place greater emphasis on the child's journey from needing help to receiving help and on professional practice and judgment.
The Department has commissioned Action for Children and the university of Stirling to produce training materials to help equip the workforce to respond effectively to children who are likely to be, or have been, neglected. These will be published in the spring.
The Government's approach to the reform of the child protection system is driven by three key principles: trusting skilled front-line professionals to use their professional judgment; reducing bureaucracy and prescription to give professionals more time and space to work directly with children and families; and, above all, being child-centred.
Our aim, working in partnership with the sector, is to create the conditions for sustained, long-term reform which enables and inspires professionals to do their best for vulnerable children and their families.
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for (a) Health and (b) Communities and Local Government on updating the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment framework to include the numbers of children in need in the core data set. [93781]
Tim Loughton:
There have been no discussions at ministerial level specifically on the core data set, but our officials have been working closely with the Department of Health on revised statutory guidance on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. In addition, we are contributing to a programme of work with the Department
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of Health and the Department for Communities and Local Government on a revised suite of local and national performance information to drive improvements in children's safeguarding. We are currently consulting on whether to include data from the children in need census, such as the number of children in need. Local areas may use this data to inform their Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.
Departmental Manpower
Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many jobs in (a) his Department and (b) agencies and non-departmental bodies for which he is responsible were transferred to the private sector in 2010-11. [91896]
Tim Loughton: Neither the Department nor any of its associated agencies or non departmental public bodies transferred any staff to the private sector in 2010-11.
Ofsted, a non-ministerial Government Department, transferred 493 employees to the private sector at the end of August 2010. This is due to aspects of early years inspection and registration being outsourced to two private sector providers.
Recruitment
Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 17 January 2012, Official Report, column 799W, on departmental recruitment, what the names are of the individuals employed by his Department since May 2010 who were previously political appointees. [93044]
Tim Loughton: I refer the hon. Member to the written statement issued by the Prime Minister, on 19 July 2011, Official Report, column 110WS:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110719/wmstext/110719m0001.htm#11071985000012
School Meals
Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much his Department has spent on encouraging the take-up of (a) free and (b) paid-for school meals in each of the last five years; and how much it plans to spend in each of the next five years. [93207]
Mr Gibb: The latest school lunch take-up figures published in July 2011 showed that take-up increased in primary schools by 2.7 percentage points and in secondary schools by 1.8 percentage points compared with 2009-10. Take-up of school lunches is now 44.1% in primary schools and 37.6% in secondary schools.
The Department spent over £650 million on school food activity between 2005 and 2011, much of which will have contributed indirectly to increased take-up of school meals. This included:
£220 million over three years from 2005/06 to 2007/08 to help schools and local authorities manage the transition to the new standards;
£240 million from 2008/09 to 2010/11 to subsidise ingredients and other costs directly related to the cost of providing a school lunch;
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£150 million capital funding for new and improved kitchen and dining areas;
£46 million to the School Food Trust to support local authorities and schools in meeting the school food standards and increasing the take-up of school meals.
Departmental expenditure on school food for the current spending review period has yet to be confirmed. However, in 2011-12:
the School Lunch Grant (£80 million) has been included in the Dedicated Schools Grant to enable the continued provision of healthy lunches
the School Food Trust will receive £4.3 million to take forward specific tasks for the Department, including work to increase take up of free and paid for meals.
Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what guidance his Department provides to new academies and free schools on the provision of (a) fresh food and (b) food and drink available in vending machines. [93208]
Mr Gibb: All schools, including academies and free schools, are free to follow nutritional guidance issued by the School Food Trust, which will be as relevant to academies and free schools as it is to any other school. Academies that have opened since September 2010 and all free schools are also free to follow the nutritional standards as a benchmark of good nutrition, even though they are not bound by them. The Department has not issued any guidance specifically to new academies and free schools on the provision of fresh food or food and drink available in vending machines.
Literacy: Children
Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his Department's most recent estimate is of the number of 15-year-olds who are functionally illiterate. [89910]
Mr Gibb: “Functional illiteracy” is usually defined as an inability to read or write well enough to deal with the everyday requirements of life. We do not collect information specifically on functional illiteracy.
In 2011, 28.6% of 15-year-olds (240,598 pupils) did not achieve English skills at Level 2—that is, GCSE English grades A*-C or the equivalent levels in functional skills, key skills or basic skills.
Within that total, 4.8% of 15-year-olds (30,407 pupils) did not achieve English skills at Level 1—that is, GCSE English grades D-G or equivalent.
Primary Education: Lambeth
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether Lambeth local authority has been designated for urgent collaboration with his Department with the aim of improving local primary schools; and which primary schools in Lambeth have been designated by his Department as requiring particular improvement. [92967]
Mr Gibb:
All local authorities are expected to work with the Department if any of its schools fails to offer pupils a good standard of education. This is particularly the case where a school's attainment history suggests that it has consistently performed below the relevant
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floor standard. Lambeth local authority will be required to work with our officials if any of its schools fall into this category.
Disadvantaged Pupils
Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children qualified for the pupil premium in High Peak constituency in the last year for which figures are available. [93224]
Sarah Teather: The pupil premium was introduced in April 2011 and allocations have so far been made for the 2011-12 financial year. Pupil premium funding is provided in respect of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals (FSM), children in care who have been continuously looked after for at least six months and children whose parents are serving in the armed forces.
In the High Peak constituency there were 1,370 pupils on the January 2011 school censuses recorded as known to be eligible for FSM or recorded as service children who have received the pupil premium to date. The total number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in the High Peak constituency may be higher, but it is not possible to identify the number of pupils in each parliamentary constituency recorded as being in care or recorded in the alternative provision census as, in both cases, the returns are provided at local authority level rather than at establishment level.
Schools: Kent
Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much and what proportion of the increase in spending on school buildings will be allocated to schools in (a) Dartford constituency and (b) Kent. [93082]
Mr Gibb: As announced in the Chancellor's autumn statement, the Department for Education has been allocated £600 million to support the provision of pupil places and £600 million to support the expansion of the free schools programme. Departmental officials are considering how best to allocate the additional basic need funding and announcements on specific allocations will be made in due course.
Schools: Inspections
Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what consideration he has given to allowing (a) early years and (b) child care settings to commission Ofsted re-inspections following a rating of satisfactory or inadequate. [93381]
Sarah Teather: We are considering with Ofsted a range of options to improve the effectiveness and appropriateness of inspection, along with ways of ensuring that parents have good and up to date information on the quality of early years settings.
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Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Bahrain: Politics and Government
Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on allegations of use of tear gas in towns and villages in Bahrain. [93482]
Alistair Burt: We are concerned by the increased level of violence on the streets and are aware that the Bahraini police forces are using tear gas to disperse crowds. We call on all those carrying out violent attacks to stop; and call on the police to exercise all possible restraint in their handling of public order situations.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Cultural Heritage
Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina on state funding of national heritage institutions. [93041]
Mr Lidington: The United Kingdom has made clear, both privately and publicly, its concern that the functioning of the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the fulfilment of BiH's international obligations have been threatened by the failure to date to adopt a state-level budget for 2011 or 2012. Heritage institutions have been particularly affected and a number of institutions have been forced to close. We continue to urge the responsible political authorities to take action.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Politics and Government
Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. [93043]
Mr Lidington: The United Kingdom continues to work closely with the Office of the High Representative and to give its full support to the High Representative Valentin Inzko. I last met Mr Inzko on 2 February 2012. The Office of the High Representative is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the civilian aspects of the General Framework Agreement for Peace (the ‘Dayton’ Agreement) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), and works closely with people and institutions of BiH, the European Union and the rest of the International Community. The Peace Implementation Council has set clear conditions which need to be completed by BiH before the Office of the High Representative can be closed. These conditions have yet to be met.
Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina. [93045]
Mr Lidington:
The security environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) remains broadly calm and stable. We welcome recent progress towards the formation of a new state-level Council of Ministers, and steps towards important EU-related reforms. However, continued nationalist rhetoric, lack of reform progress and the
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poor economic situation remain concerns. We cannot exclude the possibility that mounting political challenges, if not resolved, might impact on the security situation.
The United Kingdom remains resolutely committed to BiH as a sovereign, stable country with functioning state-level institutions, irreversibly on the path to EU and NATO membership. We will continue carefully to monitor the situation in BiH and to work with both BiH and other international partners to promote stability and security.
The executive mandate of the EU military peacekeeping mission, EUFOR Operation Althea, remains an important safeguard of stability, as does the High Representative’s civilian executive mandate.
Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the agreement between the Social Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats to form a Government. [93047]
Mr Lidington: The British Government welcome the recent agreement, made by the leaders of the six major political parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), on the formation of a state-level Government. We also welcome the recent progress towards appointment of the BiH Council of Ministers and look forward to the Council being sworn in as soon as possible.
As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs set out in his statement on 13 January, it is now down to all parties in BiH to work together to address other outstanding issues, including the adoption of the state budget for 2011 and 2012, and to make the reforms necessary to move BiH towards a secure and prosperous future in the European Union.
China: Animal Welfare
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Chinese Government on the illegal trade in ivory and endangered species. [93578]
Mr Jeremy Browne: I recently wrote to the Chinese ambassador raising our concerns about animal welfare and conservation of endangered species in China.
Tackling illegal trade in endangered species is one of the key purposes of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES). The lead department in the UK for CITES is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). DEFRA officials regularly meet other parties to the convention to discuss the species that need protection and how to monitor and regulate trade in these species.
Government Hospitality: Christmas
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on (a) Christmas trees and (b) other Christmas decorations in 2011; and if he will make a statement. [91086]
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Mr Lidington: Three Christmas trees were donated to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for the three main office sites by Facilities Management Client Unit (FMCU) contractors (Compass, Interserve and G4S) at no cost to the FCO. The provision of any costs for our overseas posts could be undertaken only at disproportionate cost.
Government Hospitality provides corporate hospitality services for the whole of Government, based at Lancaster House. Lancaster House is used both for Government business hospitality and commercial hire to fee paying private clients. In 2011 Government Hospitality spent £2,250 (excluding VAT) on a decorated tree at Lancaster House to support the commercial hire of this facility. To correct the reply given by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt) to my hon. Friend the Member for Romford (Andrew Rosindell) on 20 December 2010, Official Report, column 954W, Government Hospitality spent £1,300 (excluding VAT) on Christmas trees in 2010-11.
Deloitte
John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contracts for his Department have been awarded to Deloitte and its associates since May 2010; and what the (a) net and (b) individual value was of each such contract. [92986]
Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not placed any contracts with Deloitte in the UK since May 2010.
Procurement activity overseas is devolved to our network of over 260 posts across 170 countries; the information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Democratic Republic of Congo: Politics and Government
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ask his counterpart in the Democratic Republic of Congo for what reason provincial elections were postponed indefinitely in that country. [93422]
Mr Bellingham: Provincial assembly elections are scheduled to take place in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in March, We expect that they will be delayed until later in the year because the DRC electoral commission (CENI) has been focused on the presidential and legislative elections. We will press for provincial elections to be held this year and will insist that any delay is used to learn lessons from the presidential and legislative elections and take corrective measures to ensure a more credible process.
Departmental Manpower
Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many jobs in (a) his Department and (b) the agencies and non-departmental bodies for which he is responsible were transferred to the private sector in 2010-11. [91534]
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Mr Bellingham: Neither the Foreign and Commonwealth Office nor its non-departmental bodies transferred UK based jobs to the private sector during financial year 2010-11. However, during this period a number of locally engaged jobs were outsourced. These transfers occurred as part of a major efficiency programme which sought the most cost-effective method of providing support services at our overseas Posts. As Posts have delegated authority to make these management decisions, full details of staff changes are not held centrally and are available only at disproportionate cost.
Departmental Travel Costs
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 16 January 2012, Official Report, column 31WS, on cost of ministerial cars, whether his Department has any other arrangements for ministerial travel; and how much his Department has spent on (a) private hire vehicles and (b) taxis for each Minister since May 2010. [92851]
Mr Lidington: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers have not used private hire or taxis on official business since May 2010. During this period, transport has been provided through FCO Services or the Government Car Service. Section 10 of the Ministerial Code provides guidance on travel for Ministers and makes clear that Ministers must ensure that they always make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements.
Diplomatic Service: Languages
Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 19 December 2011, Official Report, column 969W, on Diplomatic Service: languages, how many of his Department's staff in each country of service are in receipt of additional remuneration as a result of holding (a) CEFR level two, (b) CEFR level one and (c) CEFR level A2 language qualification. [93572]
Mr Bellingham: All Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) language exams are aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. To correct the reply given to my hon. Friend on 2 February 2012, Official Report, column 758W, the number of FCO staff in receipt of additional remuneration as a result of holding (a) CEFR level C2 (FCO Extensive), (b) CEFR level CI (FCO Operational) and (c) CEFR Level A2 (FCO Confidence) language qualification is as follows (by country, post or office).
| Extensive | Operational | Confidence | |
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Diplomatic Service: Manpower
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the staff working in UK (a) embassies, (b) high commissions and (c) consulates were (i) UK-based and (ii) locally-engaged in (A) 1991, (B) 2001 and (C) 2011. [92887]
Mr Bellingham: At 1 January 2012 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office had 1,843 UK-based staff working overseas and 8,689 locally engaged staff, representing 17.5% and 82.5% of total overseas staffing of 10,532 respectively.
We do not record staff details by embassy, high commission and consulate and the information could be prepared only at disproportionate cost.
Data for 1991 and 2001 are not held on the same basis.
Falkland Islands
Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assurances he received from the Government of Brazil during his recent visit to that country in respect of its policy on Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands. [93481]
Mr Jeremy Browne: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs was clear during his recent visit to Brazil and in discussions with Foreign Minister Patriota, that while we might have different views on certain issues, these did not justify support for measures aimed at damaging the economy of a small island community. The Foreign Secretary was assured that Brazil has no intention of participating in any Argentine attempts to blockade the people of the Falkland Islands. All Falklands-related shipping flying the British Red Ensign will continue to enjoy access to Brazilian ports.
Gibraltar: Sovereignty
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether it is his policy that co-sovereignty will not be part of the future political architecture for Gibraltar. [93364]
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Mr Lidington: The UK’s position on sovereignty is well known and has not changed.
The UK will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another state against their wishes. Furthermore, the UK will not enter into a process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content.
Lost Property
Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what items have been lost by his Department in each of the last two years. [93511]
Mr Lidington: The information required is not held centrally, and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) complies with the mandatory requirements of the Cabinet Office Security Policy Framework which covers all areas of security, including technical, physical, procedural and personnel security. The Cabinet Office Security Policy Framework is published on the Cabinet Office website at:
www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk
All FCO staff have a responsibility to look after electronic devices property and manage personal data effectively and securely in line with those policies and procedures.
Middle East: Armed Conflict
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the rate of settlement building by Israeli citizens in the west bank. [93420]
Alistair Burt: Continued systematic settlement construction by Israel in disputed territory in the Occupied Palestinian Territory makes it ever harder to achieve the common goal of international efforts: a contiguous state of Palestine side-by-side with a secure Israel, with Jerusalem as a shared capital. The latest surge since the end of the last moratorium is unprecedented in the last 20 years, with approval of new tenders up by 50%. During 2011, twice as much housing construction has taken place in the west bank settlements as in Israel.
During my recent visit to the region on 7-11 January 2012, I raised strong concerns over the significant numbers of settlement announcements with Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon and the impact these are having on the prospects for a two state solution. The Prime Minister raised this issue with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on 5 January. The Deputy Prime Minister commented in strong terms on settlement expansion at his joint press conference with Palestinian President Abbas on 16 January.
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most recent assessment is of the level of threat of rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza. [93421]
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Alistair Burt: We remain concerned about continued indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza as well as targeted attacks by the Israeli military.
Most recently, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) informed our embassy in Tel Aviv that nine rockets were fired from Gaza into the Negev region of Israel on 1 February. All the rockets landed in open ground and there are no reports of injury or damage.
Our officials assess this to be a continuation of a consistent pattern of sporadic rocket fire from Gaza and pre-emptive/retaliatory IDF targeted attacks. We judge that the risk of serious escalation is currently relatively low. But there is a residual risk that an attack causing a significant number of casualties could provoke a significant escalation. We are continuing to monitor the situation and report as necessary.
Olympic Games 2012
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many invitations to attend events at the London 2012 Olympics (a) he, (b) other Ministers in his Department and (c) senior officials in his Department have accepted; and if he will make a statement. [93641]
Mr Jeremy Browne: No invitations to attend events at the London 2012 Olympic Games have been accepted by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, other Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Ministers or senior officials in the FCO.
Child Prisoners: Israel
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of the treatment of child prisoners by the Government of Israel. [93419]
Alistair Burt: The UK remains concerned about the treatment of child prisoners in Israel. We regularly discuss these concerns with the Israeli authorities. I most recently raised the issue of child detainees with Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon on 18 January as well as with the Israeli ambassador to London.
We welcomed the 4 October decision by the Israeli Government to raise the age of legal majority for Palestinian children in the Israeli military justice system. When fully implemented, this will be an important step towards protecting children's rights in the west bank. We continue to lobby for further improvements, including a reduction in the number of arrests that occur at night and the introduction of audio-visual recording of interrogations.
The UK has also funded a number of projects aimed at improving the impact of the conflict on Palestinian children, including those in detention.
Our officials at the British embassy in Tel Aviv continue to discuss the treatment of child prisoners with the Israeli Government.
Departmental Theft
Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what items have been stolen from his Department's offices and staff (a) in the UK and (b) abroad in each of the last two years. [93512]
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Mr Lidington: The information required is not held centrally, and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) complies with the mandatory requirements of the Cabinet Office Security Policy Framework which covers all areas of security, including technical, physical, procedural and personnel security. The Cabinet Office Security Policy Framework is published on the Cabinet Office website at:
www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk
All FCO staff have a responsibility to look after electronic devices property and manage personal data effectively and securely in line with those policies and procedures.
International Development
Bangladesh: Diabetes
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which programmes aimed at tackling diabetes in Bangladesh his Department funds. [93760]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) supports research and tracking of diabetes through a renowned health research organisation in Bangladesh, the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR.B) as well as supporting the public health system's effort to address the disease. In the latter, DFID provides support (financial and technical) to the national Health Sector Programme implemented by Government (£120 million, 2012-2016). In this programme priority is given to the training of health staff in screening and diagnosis; strengthening hospital treatment for severe cases and, as many people have been unaware of the existence of the disease, mass media campaigns on early signs and preventative measures.
Democratic Republic of Congo: Drugs
Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will have discussions with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo on the assessment by Médecins Sans Frontières that thousands of people will die in that country waiting for life saving drugs which are ready to be supplied. [93649]
Mr O'Brien: The recent press release by Médecins Sans Frontières raises two separate issues about the Global Fund, which they say is the largest supplier of antiretroviral drugs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Firstly, donors are reducing their support to the fund, secondly, this threatens the lives of people in DRC.
The Department for International Development (DFID) continues to be a major supporter of the Global Fund which is achieving significant results globally, and we want all donors to live up to their commitments. The UK is also ready to increase its support to the fund in order to help meet its targets. The extent to which the
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fund is able to take forward its current reform programme will clearly be a key factor in the UK’s decisions on future funding.
With regard to the DRC, the Global Fund’s financial support has been suspended following allegations of irregularities in the management of funds. Discussions are ongoing between the Global Fund Secretariat and the DRC’s Ministry of Health, in an attempt to ensure continued funding for the procurement of life saving antiretroviral drugs.
DFID remains committed to tackling HIV/AIDS in DRC. The current Access to Healthcare programme supports health care for 2.4 million people in four of the 11 provinces and includes provision of PMTCT services (prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV).
Democratic Republic of Congo: Elections
Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will raise with the African Union the (a) conduct of the recent elections and (b) decision to delay indefinitely Provincial elections scheduled for March 2012 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [93648]
Mr O'Brien: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development did not have the opportunity to discuss the Democratic Republic of Congo elections during the AU summit, which was focused on other issues. He did not have the opportunity to have any bilateral meeting with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
We remain concerned about reports of irregularities during the electoral process and have repeatedly called for all allegations of fraud, election-related violence and intimidation to be investigated with the utmost seriousness. We await the final reports of international election observation missions, including the European Union and Carter Center missions.
Provincial assembly elections are scheduled to take place in DRC in March. We expect that they will be delayed until later in the year because the DRC electoral commission (CENI) is currently focused on delivering the final results in the National Assembly elections, and because registration of provincial candidates has been postponed in the meantime. We will press for provincial elections to be held this year and will insist that any delay is used to learn lessons from the presidential and legislative elections and take corrective measures to ensure a more credible process going forward.
Departmental Manpower
Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many jobs in (a) his Department and (b) the agencies and non-departmental bodies for which he is responsible were transferred to the private sector in 2010-11. [91336]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development has not transferred any jobs to the private sector in 2010-11, from either (a) the Department or (b) the agencies and non-departmental bodies for which we are responsible.
Developing Countries: Water
Caroline Dinenage:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he plans to take
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to ensure that the outcome of the high level meeting on Sanitation and Water for All on 26 April 2012 accelerates progress in providing sanitation and water to the world’s poor. [92740]
Mr O'Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) strongly supports the work of the Sanitation and Water for All partnership to increase accountability of both developing countries and donors for delivering results on the ground. We recognise that it will be important to have a strong UK presence at the next high level meeting in April 2012. The UK will continue to provide support and guidance for the Sanitation and Water for All partnership, as it has done since its inception.
The challenge of providing safe water and sanitation to those who presently do not have these most basic of services remains a high priority for the British Government. DFID officials are in discussion with our international partners ahead of the April meeting in order to plan how to ensure that it is a success.
East Africa: Overseas Aid
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what expenditure over £50,000 has been made by multilateral organisations to which the UK is a donor for international development work in (a) Sudan, (b) Malawi and (c) Zambia in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12 to date, what the name was of each recipient; and what work was carried out. [92814]
Mr O'Brien: The Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) provides the following figures for expenditure (disbursements) by multilateral organisations in Malawi, Sudan and Zambia in 2010 (the latest year for which figures are available).
| US $ million | |||
| Multilateral organisation | Malawi | Sudan | Zambia |
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Following the High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan in November 2011, all multilateral organisations have committed to achieving a high level of transparency. Many of the key multilateral organisations, including the European Commission, the World Bank and the Global Fund already publish project level data to International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) standards, with full project documentation and financial data. A table showing information currently available for Malawi, Sudan and Zambia has been posted with the House Library. This information will become more comprehensive over time, as further multilateral organisations implement IATI standards or equivalent.
Postcodes
Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether his Department uses postcodes for purposes other than the postage of mail. [84206]
Somalia: Politics and Government
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the humanitarian situation in Somalia; and if he will make a statement. [93667]
Mr O'Brien: On 28 March, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development visited Doolow in southern Somalia and saw for himself the situation and the difference British aid is making. The latest United Nations assessment indicates that famine conditions no longer exist and the number of people in crisis has reduced from 4 million to 2.34 million. This improvement is a result of the uplift of aid, including by Britain, and good rains, harvests and lowering food prices. However, some 325,000 children remain acutely malnourished and large scale humanitarian needs will continue during 2012. Aid agencies are facing increasing access challenges and the fragile improvement could be undermined if aid does not continue to flow.
My Department will therefore provide a further £55 million in 2012 to reach more than one million vulnerable Somalis with nutrition, health, water, food or support to their livelihoods. We will also be using the London Conference on Somalia on 23 February to draw attention to the situation, and urge other donors to contribute further.
Westminster Foundation for Democracy
Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what contribution his Department made to the Westminster Foundation for Democracy in 2011; and what contribution it plans to make in 2012. [93039]
Mr O'Brien: In 2011, the Department for International Development provided around £2 million to the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, through the Governance and Transparency Fund, to work in Georgia, Lebanon, Mozambique, Uganda, Ukraine and Yemen and the Arab Partnership Fund, to work in Egypt and Tunisia.
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DFID is currently in discussions with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy about options for future support.
Yemen: Overseas Aid
Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what criteria his Department used to determine the level of aid to Yemen in the most recent period for which figures are available. [93313]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development's (DFID) bilateral expenditure in Yemen was £51.1 million in the financial year 2010-11, the most recent period for which figures are available. This figure is taken from 'Statistics in Development 2011' published on the DFID website.
DFID's country programme allocation for Yemen for the year 2010-11 was based on the Department's assessment of the level of funding required to support the UK Government's cross-departmental strategy for Yemen. This sought to achieve a more stable, secure and economically sustainable Yemen. It also fulfilled a target set in agreeing the Development Partnership Arrangement with the Government of Yemen. Our aid in 2010-11 focused on the delivery of basic services such as health, education and water; stimulating economic growth; and the provision of humanitarian assistance.
Women and Equalities
Equality and Human Rights Commission: Finance
John McDonnell: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities pursuant to the answer of 10 January 2012, Official Report, column 193W, on the Equality and Human Rights Commission: finance, and with reference to page 34 of the EHRC’s response to the Government consultation on building a fairer Britain, whether the Government Equalities Office has changed the planned cumulative changes to the EHRC budget. [93964]
Lynne Featherstone: Following the Government’s spending review, we announced in October 2010 that we will be reducing the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) budget by over half, from £55 million in 2010-11 to £26 million in 2014-15. We are in the process of finalising the EHRC’s budget for 2012-13. The EHRC’s budget allocations for 2013-14 and beyond have not been set.
In March 2011, we set out plans to reform the EHRC; we will respond to the consultation shortly.
Cabinet Office
Armed Forces: Cabinet Committees
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many times the Cabinet Committee on forces welfare, announced on 19 December 2011, has met; and if he will publish the agenda for each such meeting. [93318]
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Mr Letwin: Information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees, including when and how often they meet, details of agendas and which Ministers have attended, is generally not disclosed as to do so could harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion.
Birth Certificates
Graham Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many birth certificates were registered without a father’s name in each of the last 30 years. [93864]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2012:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question on the number of birth certificates that were registered without a father’s name in each of the last 30 years (93864).
The number of sole registered live births in England and Wales (births registered by the mother alone, where information on the father was not recorded) are published annually on the ONS website. Table 2 of the Characteristics of mother 1 births package provides the number of sole registered live births in England and Wales, for each year 1978-2010 and is available at:
www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/vsob1/characteristics-of-Mother-1--england-and-wales/2010/rft-characteristics-of-mother-1--england-and-wales.xls
Central Office of Information: Closures
Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what savings he expects to be realised from the closure of the Central Office of Information; [93484]
(2) if he will publish the business case for the closure of the Central Office of Information. [93487]
Mr Maude: The closure of the Central Office of Information (COI) is part of a programme to reform government communications as a whole. This builds on the success of the moratorium on marketing and advertising, which saw external spend through COI fall from £532 million in 2009-10 to £168 million in 2010-11 and central Government Departments cut their communications budgets by half. These reductions in spending mean that COI is no longer viable as a trading fund.
The decision on the full package of reforms was made on the basis of the information contained in the former Permanent Secretary for Government Communications’ “Review of Government Direct Communication and the Role of COI” and the Government's response to this report.
These changes will lead to cost savings in Government Departments; who will work together more closely, align activity and share resources.
Alcoholic Drinks: Deaths
Toby Perkins: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many alcohol-related deaths there were in (a) Chesterfield constituency, (b) Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Trust, (c) Derbyshire and (d) England in (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11. [93818]
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Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2012:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many alcohol-related deaths there were in (a) Chesterfield constituency, (b) Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Trust, (c) Derbyshire and (d) England in (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11. (93818)
Table 1 attached provides the number of deaths with an alcohol-related underlying cause in (a) Chesterfield parliamentary constituency, (c) Derbyshire county and (d) England, for 2009 and 2010 (the latest year available). The National Statistics definition of alcohol-related deaths only includes those causes regarded as being most directly due to alcohol consumption, as shown in Box 1 below.
It is not possible to provide the number of alcohol-related deaths for (b) Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Trust as the information collected at death registration does not distinguish between the organisations managerially responsible for the patient's care. Although the name and address of the hospital where the death occurred is recorded at registration, the services provide at a single hospital site may be managed by several NHS Trusts or private contractors.
Figures are provided for calendar years (January to December) to be consistent with routine mortality outputs.
Alcohol-related death figures for the UK, England and Wales, and Regions in England, for 1991 to 2010 are available on the ONS website at the following link: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all-releases.html?definition=tcm%3A77-29395
| Table 1. Number of deaths where an alcohol-related cause was the underlying cause of death, Chesterfield parliamentary constituency, Derbyshire county, and England 2009 to 2010 (1, 2, 3, 4) | ||
| Deaths (persons) | ||
| Area | 2009 | 2010 |
| (1 )Cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). The specific conditions which are included in the National Statistics definition of alcohol-related deaths, and their corresponding ICD-10 codes, are shown in Box 1 above. (2 )Deaths were included where an alcohol-related cause was the underlying cause of death. (3 )Figures exclude deaths of non-residents. (4 )Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year. | ||