Driving Tests
Mark Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress she has made on the provision of alternative driving test venues in areas that do not have a conventional test centre. [95962]
Mike Penning: Since May 2011, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has been conducting a pilot to introduce outreach driver testing services to areas where there is significant demand but no existing test centre. The pilot is operational in eight locations with an additional location due in early March.
The agency is now considering how to extend the concept more widely.
East Anglia Railway Line
Dr Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had with Network Rail on the Norwich to London rail route. [95949]
Norman Baker: Ministers in the Department hold regular meetings with train operating companies and Network Rail to discuss operational performance. I have recently met with operators and Network Rail to discuss infrastructure preparations on the south section of the Great Eastern Mainline in preparation for the Olympic Games, and in particular the need for more resilience from the overhead lines.
M54: Snow and Ice
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps she is taking to ensure the appropriate amount of grit is spread on the M54 from Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury in preparation for periods of cold weather. [95870]
Mike Penning: Winter treatment of the motorway and trunk road network, including the M54, is determined by a framework of appropriate responses developed by the Highways Agency, from well-established research and guidance into severe weather conditions.
23 Feb 2012 : Column 913W
Regional severe weather plans are designed to manage the Highways Agency's network during expected periods of severe weather, and actions are informed by specialist road-based weather forecasts. Applications of rock salt or other treatments are applied according to both expected and prevailing conditions.
Each plan is reviewed annually, following liaison with other agencies such as the emergency services, to ensure it takes into account any lessons learnt during the previous winter season.
Metal Theft
Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions officials in her Department have had with (a) Network Rail and (b) British Transport police on cable and metal theft; and if she will make a statement. [95876]
Norman Baker: Both ministers and officials regularly discuss with both Network Rail and British Transport police issues connected with the impact of metal theft and the measures to tackle it.
Network Rail: Compensation
Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much compensation was paid (a) to each train operator by Network Rail and (b) by each train operator to passengers as a result of delays and cancellations directly attributable to cable theft in the latest period for which figures are available. [94367]
Norman Baker: The information requested is not held by the Department. It is held by Network Rail.
The compensation regime is a contractual element within the Track Access Agreement between Network Rail and each operator, and is overseen by the Office of Rail Regulation. Network Rail has provided the following information on the compensation paid to train operators in 2010-11, broken down by Network Rail route:
| Network Rail breakdown by route 2010-11 | |
| Route | Compensation cost (1) (£) |
| (1) Compensation costs (known as schedule 8 costs) are paid to train and freight operators for the disruption caused by the delay. This is a substantial part of the cost to the industry of cable theft but does not include the cost of staff time to repair and replace the cable, replacement cable itself and the cost of mitigation measures such as security patrols and investment in new technology. Note: The amount of compensation paid depends on the type of services delayed. | |
The Department only holds information on compensation payments to passengers for those train operating companies which operate the delay/repay compensation system. Such compensation payments are made regardless of whether the delay was attributed
23 Feb 2012 : Column 914W
to Network Rail or a train operator, so it is not possible to identify how much compensation is attributable to each. Compensation paid covers all categories of delay—it is not possible to identify how much is attributable to cable theft.
Rescue Services
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what principal types of available search and rescue units are required to be designated under section 2.1.11.4 of the international convention on maritime search and rescue. [96183]
Mike Penning: The following principal types were required to be designated: Boats, Aircraft, Ground Units and Supplementary Units.
The following search and rescue units are designated as being available:
Boats/Vessels—short range coastal, long range sea going.
Aircraft—Cessna 404 and 406, Sea King, AW139 and S92 helicopters.
Ground Units—Coastguard shore search teams controlled by maritime rescue co-ordination centres.
Supplementary Units—Offshore fire-fighting teams. Medical teams may be available.
Roads
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the effects on safety of using non-kitemarked plastic drainage kerbs on motorways and highways; and whether she considers the CE designation a sufficient guarantee of safety in conformity with the Construction Products Directive. [95993]
Mike Penning: British Standard BS EN 1433: ‘Drainage channels for vehicular and pedestrian areas' is a harmonised European Standard. This was prepared by a technical committee drawn from member states of the European Union, and with industry representation. The standard was accepted for use across Europe.
The standard sets appropriate characteristics and performance requirements for combined drainage kerb products. These requirements must be satisfied to ensure that a product is compliant, and to allow a CE mark to be used.
There is no evidence to suggest that products correctly certified in accordance with the standard are not appropriate for use or are unsafe.
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the durability and flammability of plastic drainage kerbs without kitemarks when used on running lanes of motorways and highways. [95994]
Mike Penning: British Standard BS EN 1433: ‘Drainage channels for vehicular and pedestrian areas' is the relevant standard against which to assess the performance of combined drainage kerb units. This standard was prepared and agreed by a European standards committee with industry representation. It sets consistent technical requirements across the European Union.
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Durability is classed as an essential requirement within the standard for combined drainage kerb units. However, fire resistance or flammability is not listed as an essential requirement in BS EN 1433 and therefore products do not have to be assessed for this aspect, irrespective of the material used. Public procurers may not impose additional performance or test requirements for a particular product material.
Products which are certified as compliant with BS EN 1433 have been assessed as appropriate for use on highway schemes.
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what tests have been carried out on the safety and durability of plastic drainage kerbs on running lanes on highways and motorways; whether the results of these tests are published; and if not, if she will make them publicly available. [95995]
Mike Penning: British Standard BS EN 1433: ‘Drainage channels for vehicular and pedestrian areas' is the relevant standard against which to assess the performance of combined drainage kerb units. The conformity of a product against this standard is assessed by an accredited Notified Body. This is an independent organisation identified as appropriately qualified to assess performance judged against the particular standard. Where a product is made of a material such as plastic which is not explicitly covered by the standard then the Notified Body will decide if the standard can still be applied and if any additional testing is required. Appropriate tests are then carried out by the Notified Body and if successful the manufacturer may apply a CE mark to their product. There is no requirement for a manufacturer to publish the results of these tests.
Public Procurers such as the Highways Agency may also undertake testing to check conformity with the standard. Some testing has been undertaken by the Agency on plastic combined drainage kerbs. Subsequently requests for this testing information were received from other manufacturers under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This was subjected to a Public Interest Test and considered under an exemption in Section 43 (2) of the Act. The testing information was not released, as it was assessed as prejudicial to commercial interests.
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will raise the attestation level of all kerb drainage products on motorways to a level requiring kitemarking. [95996]
Mike Penning: The level of attestation related to a particular product standard is part of the mandate drawn up by CEN, the European Committee for Standardisation. An individual European member state cannot unilaterally raise or change the set level of attestation.
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment is made of the durability and flammability of drainage kerbing where it is exposed to increased damage and risk when used in managed motorway schemes allowing motorway running on hard shoulders. [95997]
23 Feb 2012 : Column 916W
Mike Penning: British Standard BS EN 1433: ‘Drainage channels for vehicular and pedestrian areas’ is the relevant standard against which to assess the performance of combined drainage kerb units. This standard was prepared and agreed by a European standards committee with industry representation. It sets consistent technical requirements across the European Union.
Durability is classed as an essential requirement within the standard for combined drainage kerb units. However fire resistance or flammability is not listed as an essential requirement in BS EN 1433 and therefore products do not have to be assessed for this aspect, irrespective of the material used. Public procurers may not impose additional performance or test requirements for a particular product material.
Products which are certified as compliant with BS EN 1433 have been assessed as appropriate for use on highway projects, including those used on ‘all lane running’ managed motorway schemes on the strategic road network.
Roads: Accidents
Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of the number of accidents in (a) England, (b) the North West, (c) Cumbria and (d) Westmorland and Londsdale constituency caused by ice and snow in each of the last five years. [95720]
Mike Penning: The number of reported personal injury road accidents where the road surface condition was recorded as snow, ice or frost and where “slippery road (due to weather)” was recorded as a contributory factor is given in the following table:
| Number of accidents | ||
| England | North West | |
| Note: Based on 2010 parliamentary boundaries. | ||
Information relating to contributory factors is not available below regional level.
The contributory factors reflect the reporting officer's opinion at the time of reporting and are not necessarily the result of extensive investigation. Moreover it is recognised that subsequent inquires could lead to the reporting officer changing his opinion. It is important to note where some factors may have contributed to a cause of an accident it may be difficult for a police officer attending the scene after the accident has occurred to identify these factors.
Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps she is taking to reduce road casualties among people aged between 17 and 24 years; and if she will make a statement. [96211]
Mike Penning:
We recognise the higher risks posed by younger and less experienced drivers and are taking steps to reduce these risks. However, I would also note the improvements that have been made between 2007-10
23 Feb 2012 : Column 917W
with a 25% fall in all car driver ages killed and seriously injured (KSIs) and a 35% reduction for 17 to 24-year-old car drivers killed and seriously injured.
I have had a number of meetings with the driver training and insurance industries to explore how we can encourage and properly train people to become lifelong safe and responsible drivers. We will examine a range of proposals for consideration prior to formal consultation later in 2012.
We have already made improvements to the driving test to help reduce casualties in this age group such as not publishing test routes or answers to theory test questions and reducing the number of manoeuvres in the practical test, so test routes can be opened out and be more representative of real driving.
Jonathan Evans:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of the proportion
23 Feb 2012 : Column 918W
of road accidents caused by drivers between 17 and 24 years of age; what comparative assessment she has made of these figures and the proportion of driving licence holders accounted for by that age group; and if she will make a statement. [96213]
Mike Penning: Information that explicitly identifies the cause of accidents is not held by the Department. However information on factors which, in the opinion of the reporting police officer at the time of attendance, may have contributed to the accident is held by the Department and is available from the following address:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/statistics/releases/road-accidents-and-safety-annual-report-2010
The following table shows the number of reported personal injury road accidents involving a motor vehicle driver, by driver age band, and the estimated rate of involvement, for drivers within these age bands in Great Britain for 2010.
Transport: Finance
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which transport capital projects announced in the Autumn Statement require funding beyond the current Spending Review period. [95956]
Norman Baker: The following schemes announced in the Autumn Statement on 29 November 2011, Official Report, columns 799-810, require some funding beyond 2014-15:
A14 Kettering Bypass widening junctions 7-9;
A45/46 Tollbar End improvement scheme;
A453 widening between Nottingham, the M1 and East Midlands airport;
M6 Managed Motorway junctions 10a-3;
M3 Managed Motorway junctions 2-4a;
M1/M6 intersection improvements;
New link road from M56 at Manchester airport to A6 south of Stockport;
South Bristol Link Phases 1 and 2;
Lincoln Eastern Bypass;
Kingkerswell Bypass;
Hucknall town centre improvement scheme;
Evesham bridge maintenance;
Crewe Green Link Southern Section;
BRT Ashton Vale to Temple Meads (Bristol);
A45 Westbound Bridge (Solihull).
Two Managed Motorway schemes (M25 junctions 23 to 27 and M1 junctions 39 to 42) were accelerated to be brought forward for construction up to a year earlier than previously planned, so reducing the funding required beyond this spending review period.
In addition, the following rail schemes were announced as additions to the Regulatory Asset Base and will continue to be dealt with according to the Office of Rail Regulation's regulatory regime:
Electrification of the Transpennine Express;
East-West Rail Project;
Fund to reduce disruption on rail network;
Railway improvements (winter resilience fund, bridge renewals and Access for All).
Transport: Health Services
Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations she has received on the effect of greater centralisation of health services on transport links and the need to improve those links. [95992]
Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has received no representations on the effect of greater centralisation of health services on transport links. However, we continue to promote the importance of accessibility planning in any decision making and encourage all public bodies to consider the carbon implications of their activities insofar as they relate to transport.
Scotland
Human Trafficking
Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that the recommendations of the Equality and Human Rights Commission's Inquiry into Human Trafficking in Scotland are fully considered by both the UK and Scottish governments. [95529]
23 Feb 2012 : Column 919W
David Mundell: The Government are considering the findings of the Equality and Human Rights Commission's Inquiry into Human Trafficking in Scotland, in line with the ongoing implementation of the Human Trafficking Strategy we launched in July 2011.
Forth Bridge
Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Scottish government on spending on the Forth Replacement Crossing and its potential effect on the steel industry in the UK. [95538]
David Mundell: As detailed in my earlier response to the hon. Member on 20 February 2012, Official Report, column 459W, the Government recognise the contributions that the Scottish steel industry makes to the UK and Scottish economy. As part of the Scotland Bill package, the Government brought forward pre-payments, a form of ‘cash advance' to 2011 to allow work on the Forth Replacement Crossing to begin. We have regular discussions with Scottish Ministers on these issues and other matters of importance to the Scottish economy. The procurement process in relation to work on the crossing is a devolved matter within the remit of the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and their private sector contractors.
International Development
Hotels
Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the names are of the hotels used by his Department to provide accommodation for staff based abroad when visiting the UK. [96041]
Mr Duncan: All travel arrangements including accommodation for the Department for International Development (DFID) staff are booked through the central Government travel provider HRG (Hogg Robinson Group).
The contract with HRG is based upon attaining the “best fare of the day” and this includes hotels. Under this agreement HRG will offer the hotels which are best value for money at the time of booking including making full use of government negotiated rates under the Government Hotel Programme (GHP). DFID does not therefore maintain a list of hotels for use but will use those which offer best value for money at the time of booking.
Third Sector
Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department has taken to implement the principles of the Best Value Statutory Guidance in respect of (a) giving at least three months' notice to voluntary and community organisations and their service users when reducing or ending funding, (b) engaging with voluntary and community organisations and service users as early as possible before making a decision on the future of the service, any knock-on effects on assets used to provide this service and the wider impact on the local community and (c) making provision for voluntary and community organisations and service users to put forward options on how to reshape the service or project. [95784]
23 Feb 2012 : Column 920W
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) makes provision within its grant agreements for a three month notice period, in writing, for any modification or termination of a grant. If the developmental impact of a programme is assessed to be significantly impaired DFID seeks to consult with organisations at the earliest opportunity to identify courses of actions to resolve and remedy the situation. Should termination be assessed as the best value option, any remaining funds, other than those irrevocably committed or agreed between DFID and the organisation to be retained to finalise activities, will be returned to DFID and used for alternative development purposes.
Home Department
Antisocial Behaviour
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which police forces are involved in testing the community trigger. [94136]
James Brokenshire: We are working with a number of leading community safety partnerships on plans for testing the community trigger. We will announce details of the pilots shortly.
Domestic Violence: Young People
Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what perpetrator-focused programmes her Department provides to help prevent domestic violence; and whether any of these programmes are directed at teenagers. [95903]
Mr Blunt: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.
The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) has developed and delivers a range of offending behaviour programmes, designed to address a diverse range of offending related needs. There are currently two community based accredited domestic violence programmes in use in England and Wales: the Community Domestic Violence Programme (CDVP) and the Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme (IDAP). Both programmes are targeted at male offenders who are assessed as being of medium to high risk of causing harm and have been fully implemented in all 35 Probation trusts since 2006.
The Healthy Relationships Programme (HRP) in use in prisons is currently available in 12 prison sites. There are two versions of HRP—the moderate intensity programme for men assessed as having a moderate risk/moderate need profile and the high intensity programme designed for high risk/high need offenders.
All of the programmes are targeted at men aged 18 and over.
Major Projects Leadership Academy
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many civil servants in her Department will be attending the Major Projects Leadership Academy; and what their roles are. [95880]
23 Feb 2012 : Column 921W
Damian Green: Two civil servants for the Home Office will be attending the first cohort of the Major Projects Leadership Academy. They are both Senior Responsible Officers (SROs) for Home Office projects which fall within the Government Major Projects Portfolio.
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which of her Department's projects have been chosen to participate in the Major Projects Leadership Academy. [95881]
Damian Green: Selection for inclusion in the Major Projects Leadership Academy was primarily based upon the individual civil servant and their potential to deliver current and future projects and programmes to a world-class standard, rather than the project they were responsible for. All potential candidates were drawn from the cadre of expertise leading the Government Major Projects Portfolio in the Department. Final nominations were received from Permanent Secretaries. The two Home Office civil servants chosen are Senior Responsible Officers (SRO) for the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme, and the Communications Capabilities Development Programme.
Marriage of Convenience
Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many UK Border Agency staff are working with the Church of England on the Sham Marriage Task Force. [95639]
Damian Green: The UK Border Agency established Local Immigration Teams (LITs) to work with local partners, including the police, community leaders, local authorities and other agencies in the enforcement of our immigration laws. LITs work closely with the Church of England to provide advice and support and to investigate and disrupt suspected sham marriages.
The work of each LIT reflects the needs of the individual communities that they serve and will vary depending on the location and facilities available. There are currently 48 LITs across the UK. A breakdown of the number of staff working with the Church of England on tackling sham marriage abuse changes in each LIT according to circumstances.
Metal Theft
Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects to bring forward proposals in respect of the House's motion of 7 February 2012 on metal theft. [95049]
James Brokenshire: The Home Office notes the Motion that was passed on 7 February. We are introducing a coherent package of measures to tackle the growing problem of metal theft. We are boosting enforcement through a £5 million national metal theft taskforce, and the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), announced legislative measures to the House on 26 January that will significantly raise the penalties for rogue dealers and prohibit cash payments for scrap metal. We are considering options for further legislative measures.
23 Feb 2012 : Column 922W
Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government's proposed amendment to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill to prohibit cash payments to purchase scrap metal and increase the fines for offences under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 will affect the sale of precious metals. [94739]
James Brokenshire: The Government's proposed amendment to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill will cover all metals that are processed by ‘scrap metal dealers' as defined by the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964, which may include some precious metals.
Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many instances of metal theft from public property occurred in (a) Gloucestershire, (b) South West England and (c) England in each of the last five years. [95854]
James Brokenshire: The information requested is not available from the police recorded crime statistics held by the Home Office.
Oil Theft
Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information her Department holds on the incidence of theft of oil in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011. [94997]
James Brokenshire: The information requested is not available at this level of detail from the Home Office recorded crime statistics.
Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to reduce the level of theft of oil from domestic and business properties; and if she will make a statement. [94998]
James Brokenshire: Local crime is a matter for individual chief constables, and the introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners in November will ensure that police forces are responding to the priorities of local citizens and businesses. More widely, the Home Office is committed to working with retailers to reduce crimes against business. We launched the Business Self Assessment Tool last year, which provides guidance to businesses to make them more resilient and reduce their vulnerability to criminals.
Tourism
Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to facilitate tourism to the UK from (a) China, (b) India, (c) Brazil, (d) Russia and (e) other developing countries; and if she will make a statement. [96212]
Damian Green: The UK Border Agency has introduced a number of measures to assist visit visa applicants. These include the publication of guidance leaflets in Chinese, Hindi and Russian, as well as Arabic, Thai and Turkish.
23 Feb 2012 : Column 923W
There is a fast track service available at all Visa Application Centres in Brazil (although Brazilian nationals do not require visas to visit the UK), India and Russia. The UK Border Agency is working to roll out the fast track service.
The UK is promoted as a tourist destination by HM Government.
Visits Abroad: Public Expenditure
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many overseas visits the UK Border Agency has conducted in the last 12 months; and what the total cost to the public purse was of such visits. [95882]
Damian Green: This information is not held centrally and could be collated only at disproportionate cost.
Culture, Media and Sport
Mobile Phones: Telecommunications
Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what his policy is on the European Commission's proposal for regulation of charges for data roaming on public mobile communications networks in Europe. [94765]
Mr Vaizey: The Department wants to see the third roaming regulation successfully concluded in time for implementation from 1 June this year. We want to see price caps at values that will continue to reduce roaming costs for consumers but at the same time provide sufficient incentive for new players to enter the market, therefore providing a sustainable competitive market place for the future.
Radio
Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of compensating companies whose equipment is rendered obsolete following the relocation of users of radio channel 69; [96189]
(2) what instructions he has issued to ensure adequate compensation is paid to companies whose equipment will be rendered obsolete by the relocation of users of radio channel 69; [96190]
(3) what assessment he has made of the criteria for allowing compensation claims by companies whose equipment is rendered obsolete by the relocation of users of radio channel 69; [96191]
(4) what assessment he has made of the effect of the relocation of users of the channel 69 radio frequency on businesses which hire microphone equipment; [96192]
(5) what arrangements he has made to compensate businesses which hire microphone equipment which will be rendered obsolete by the relocation of users of radio channel 69. [96193]
Mr Vaizey:
Ofcom, the independent regulator, is responsible for clearing the 800 MHz band for release to the market to allow new services such as 4G mobile.
23 Feb 2012 : Column 924W
This includes compensating licensed users of channel 69, who had a legitimate expectation to be able to use that channel until 2018. A scheme was designed which required users to surrender equipment in return for compensation calculated according to the age and lifespan of the equipment surrendered. Ofcom consulted on the channel 69 funding scheme, including eligibility criteria and levels of funding, in August 2009.
The contribution to the cost of replacing equipment is based on the estimated cost to users having to invest in new equipment before the end of 2012. This works out as roughly 55% of the cost of replacing the equipment with an equivalent model. If users choose to modify rather than replace their equipment, the cost of the modification will be paid—up to the amount that would have been paid as a contribution towards the replacement.
The eligibility criteria and levels of funding were agreed with Government. Her Majesty's Treasury approved the overall budget of £45 million and provided the compensation funds which Ofcom is administering under the scheme. Ofcom has to date disbursed a total of £27 million under this scheme.
The funding scheme is now closed to new applicants. The scheme was open to licensed users and claimants who could demonstrate that their business was strictly limited to hiring out but not installing or operating the equipment on behalf of their customers (activities which would have required a wireless telegraphy licence). Hiring companies which did not have a licence and could not demonstrate that they hired equipment only did not meet the eligibility criteria and were not entitled to funding.
Women and Equalities
Public Lavatories
7. Glyn Davies: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what steps she is taking to ensure adequate provision of toilet facilities for women where public lavatories are provided. [95941]
Lynne Featherstone: This is not a matter for central Government. However, local authorities which are planning to provide public lavatories should, under the Equality Act 2010, have due regard to meeting the needs of different relevant groups—in this case women, men, and disabled or elderly people.
Sports Charter
8. Iain Stewart: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what progress she has made on the implementation of the sports charter. [95942]
Lynne Featherstone: Since its launch last March, the charter on tackling homophobia and transphobia in sport has received over 3,000 signatories, including from over 30 different sporting bodies.
Signing the charter is the first step, and I am pleased to say that the Football Association, one of the founding signatories of the charter have made their next step. Earlier this week I attended the launch of their new action plan to promote LGB&T at Wembley stadium. This was discussed at Number 10 yesterday.
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Unemployment
9. Mr Bailey: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what steps she is taking to tackle women's unemployment. [95943]
Lynne Featherstone: The Government are supporting women to move into employment, including self-employment, through the Work programme and our business mentoring scheme.
We are also improving careers advice and training, and encouraging more women to enter into apprenticeships.
In addition, the action we are taking to increase flexibility in the workplace and support with child care costs will help open up opportunities for women.
International Women’s Day
Lorraine Fullbrook: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what steps she is taking to support international women's day. [95944]
Lynne Featherstone: It is important that the UK marks International Women's Day on 8 March and celebrates the contribution that women make.
Next week, I will be attending the UN Commission on the Status of Women summit in New York to discuss ways the global community can advance women's equality.
I will also participate in other events to mark the day and I know that many of my colleagues in other Departments will do the same.
Departmental Data Protection
Mr David Davis: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities how many cases of (a) data loss and (b) breaches of confidentiality occurred in the Government Equalities Office in 2011. [95724]
Lynne Featherstone: Since 1 April 2011, the Government Equalities Office (GEO) has been part of the Home Office. Figures on reported data losses and confidentiality breaches for the Home Office covering the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 are due to be published in Q2 2012.
Between January and March 2011, the GEO was a separate Government Department. During this period it was not the subject of any data losses or confidentiality breaches.
Treasury
Animation and Research: Meetings
Mark Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what meetings (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department have had with representatives of the animation industry in the last 12 months. [95657]
Miss Chloe Smith: Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery.
The Treasury publishes a list of ministerial meetings with external organisations, available at:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/minister_hospitality.htm
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Bank Levy
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the likely shortfall in receipts from the Bank Levy in 2011 and future years as part of his decision to increase the levy from 1 January 2012. [94197]
Mr Hoban: I refer the hon. Member to the Bank Levy Tax Impact and Information Note (TIIN) published by HM Revenue and Customs alongside the Chancellor's autumn statement, available at:
www.hmrc.gov.uk/tiin/tiin637.pdf
Civil Servants: Pay
Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what his estimate is of the loss to the Exchequer through the use of tax avoidance devices, including personal service companies, by senior civil servants in the latest period for which figures are available; [94822]
(2) what the salary range is of civil servants using tax avoidance devices, including personal service companies; [94823]
(3) what his estimate is of the loss to the Exchequer through the use of tax avoidance devices, including personal service companies, by the Chief Executive of the Student Loans Company; and what his calculation is of the balance of advantage from the arrangement. [94824]
Danny Alexander: The Government are committed to tackling all forms of tax avoidance and do not believe that tax avoidance is appropriate in the public sector.
I have announced a review of public sector appointments to examine the extent to which use is made of arrangements whereby the tax position of appointees can be perceived to be minimised, including where they are paid through a personal service company, and to make appropriate recommendations.
Once this review is complete, the Government will be able to make a better estimate of the scale of these arrangements. However, given taxpayer confidentiality, it will not be possible to estimate the Exchequer impact.
Commission on Devolution in Wales
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he plans to submit evidence to the Commission on Devolution in Wales relating to (a) Part 1 of the Commission's terms of reference and (b) any other matters. [96002]
Danny Alexander: The Government do not intend to submit evidence to the Commission's review of Devolution in Wales. We have provided the Commission with technical information and will continue to do so.
The Secretary of State for Wales, the right hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), and I recently wrote to the Commission on this issue. This letter can be found on the Commission's website:
http://commissionondevolutioninwales.independent.gov.uk/files/2012/02/HMGovernment-English.pdf
23 Feb 2012 : Column 927W
Departmental Work Experience
Philip Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what work experience or traineeship schemes his Department offers to minority groups. [92749]
Miss Chloe Smith: HM Treasury participates in the Civil Service Whitehall Internship Scheme. This scheme is coordinated across Whitehall by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and offers internships and work experience to minority groups.
All opportunities on the Civil Service Whitehall Internship Scheme have an open and transparent application process.
Employment
Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of jobs which will be created by each of the supply-side measures contained in The Plan for Growth in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 and (d) 2014-15. [96043]
Miss Chloe Smith: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is responsible for producing independent economic and fiscal forecasts.
The OBR published its forecast for employment in November 2011, taking full account of policy announcements. The OBR forecasts that total employment will increase by around 1 million between the start of 2011 and the start of 2017. Within this, market sector employment is expected to increase by around 1.7 million, offsetting a total reduction in general government employment of around 710,000.
The Government are implementing a wide reaching programme of structural reforms. Work has started on all 137 commitments in “The Plan for Growth” and substantial progress has been made. Building on this, the Government announced further action in the autumn statement of 29 November 2011, Official Report, columns 799-810, to accelerate their supply side reforms to invest in infrastructure, support enterprise and build a stronger and more balanced economy.
Gift Aid: Sports
Paul Maynard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will consider amending the terms of the Community Amateur Sports Club Scheme to allow clubs to claim Gift Aid on (a) corporate donations and (b) junior subscription fees; [95890]
(2) if he will consider amending the terms of the Community Amateur Sports Club Scheme to allow clubs to de-register if they can demonstrate that membership is no longer of benefit to them. [95891]
Miss Chloe Smith: All taxes and reliefs are kept under review and any changes are announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer as part of the Budget process.
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Motor Vehicles: Insurance
Heidi Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the likely effect on women's motor insurance premiums of the European Court of Justice ruling on the consideration of gender in the determination of premiums. [95945]
Mr Hoban: The Treasury issued a consultation document in December 2011 setting out the Government's response to the European Court of Justice ruling. This included an impact assessment outlining the likely effect of the judgment on male and female policyholders in different lines of insurance. The consultation document can be found on the Treasury's website:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/condoc_insurance_benefits _and_premiums.pdf
In the field of motor insurance, premiums for men and women currently differ quite considerably owing to the fact that men are far more likely to suffer death or serious injury when driving than women. The differing cost of claims brought about as a result is reflected in the respective premiums charged to the different genders.
The European Court of Justice ruling will, from December 2012 onwards, prohibit insurers from pricing insurance premiums differently for men and women to reflect their respective risks. Instead insurance policies will need to be priced neutrally. As a result female drivers, particularly those in younger age groups will incur higher premiums to subsidise the risks posed by their male counterparts. We have estimated that women may see up to a 24% increase in their motor insurance premiums.
National Insurance
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many businesses have taken part in the Government's regional national insurance holiday. [96138]
Mr Gauke: As of 16 February 2012, HMRC has received 12,827 successful applications for the regional national insurance holiday.
Public Expenditure: Devolution
Katy Clark: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any increased private sector involvement in the NHS as a result of the implementation of the provisions of the Health and Social Care Bill will affect the level of funding paid to Scotland under the Barnett formula. [95676]
Danny Alexander: The provisions of the Health and Social Care Bill will not affect the level of funding paid to Scotland under the Barnett formula.
Public Sector: Pay
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 20 December 2011, Official Report, column 1158W, on public sector: pay, what consideration he has given to a flat rate payment to public sector workers earning less than £21,000. [94456]
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Danny Alexander: At the June 2010 Budget, the Government announced that there would be a two-year pay freeze for those earning the full-time equivalent of £21,000 or above. Those earning less than the full-time equivalent of £21,000 would be paid a minimum of £250 in these years. This policy is now being implemented in the workforces in which Ministers control pay.
At the autumn statement, the Government announced that public sector pay awards will average at 1% for the two years following the pay freeze. The precise award given to employees will be determined according to the normal paysetting processes for each workforce—for example after consulting the independent pay review bodies.
Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many public sector jobs with a salary over £142,500 the Chief Secretary to the Treasury has approved in the last year; and what the (a) job description is and (b) total salary is for each such job. [94602]
Danny Alexander: Since May 2010, I have been asked to approve the remuneration packages of 189 individuals earning more than £142,500.
It would not be appropriate to reveal the details of discussions around individual salaries.
However, the Cabinet Office publishes annually the data of senior officials in Departments, agencies and NDPBs earning over £150,000. The latest data were provided on 2 August 2011 and are available on the Cabinet Office website at:
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/senior-civil-servants-high-earners-salaries
There are 291 individuals in the 2011 list compared to 345 in the 2010 disclosure.
There was a previous postholder for comparison in only 83 of these cases, as the hon. Lady cited in the House of Commons. The pay signed off was equal or lower than the previous postholder in 45 instances, saving approximately £1 million.
Student Loans Company: Pay
Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what the principal elements were of the proposed remuneration package for the Chief Executive of the Student Loans Company that were taken into consideration by Ministers in his Department before the package was approved; [94588]
(2) when he first learnt of the proposed arrangements for remunerating the Chief Executive of the Student Loans Company; [94589]
(3) when the Permanent Secretary of his Department first learnt of the proposed arrangements for remunerating the Chief Executive of the Student Loans Company; [94590]
(4) when Ministers in his Department approved the remuneration package for the Chief Executive of the Student Loans Company, whether officials drew to their attention the implications for income tax and national insurance receipts. [94591]
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Danny Alexander: In May 2010, it was announced that I would be required to sign-off the salaries of any individuals earning over £142,500, in areas under ministerial control.
In December 2010 I was asked to consider the salary of the chief executive of the Student Loans Company, when his appointment was agreed for a two-year fixed term, following his previous appointment as interim chief executive. I agreed to a salary at a rate reduced from that which had applied to the interim appointment. The Permanent Secretary to the Treasury was not consulted as part of this process.
I was not asked to sign off the terms of the salary—and was not made aware of any potential tax benefit to the individual. Since it came to light that an appointment has been made which could be perceived as seeking to minimise tax payments, I have announced an urgent review of senior public sector appointments, to ascertain the extent to which such arrangements are used and to make appropriate recommendations.
The Government do not believe that tax avoidance is appropriate in the public sector, and the use of tax avoidance devices is already expressly forbidden in “Managing Public Money”—the guidance for public spending against which Departments are audited.
Sustainable Transport
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 7 February 2012, Official Report, column 14WS, on sustainable transport, whether there will be a Barnett consequential to the devolved Administrations arising from the funding in the announcement. [95082]
Danny Alexander: The funding for these programmes is being met from within existing resources. Therefore there will be no Barnett consequentials arising from the funding which is being provided to Sustrans and the Cycle Rail Working Group.
Tax Avoidance: Pay
Mr Winnick: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps have been taken by HM Revenue and Customs to ensure that remuneration payments for individuals are not made to companies set up solely to minimise income tax liabilities. [96128]
Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs brought in the intermediaries legislation, commonly known as IR35, in April 2000. This legislation means that where the individual would be engaged on employment terms if it was not for the company; then the company must make payments for the employer national insurance contributions as well as the employee NICs and PAYE.
Third Sector
Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what contribution his Department is making to implementation of the Compact with the voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement. [92278]
Miss Chloe Smith: HM Treasury, along with all central Government Departments and NDPBs, signed up to the renewed Compact published in December 2010.
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The Compact is a voluntary agreement that sets out shared principles for effective partnership working between the Government and voluntary and civil society organisations in England.
Although HMT is not a delivery Department, and the focus of our role is ensuring that Departments deliver on the Government's objectives and provide value for money in the delivery of services, we do engage with the sector on a range of issues, including social finance and, working with HMRC, charity tax.
VAT: Business
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the rise in VAT in January 2012 on small businesses. [96137]
Mr Gauke: There was no increase in VAT in January 2012.
VAT: Housing
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his Department will consider the case for a one-year cut in VAT to five per cent. on home improvements. [96139]
Mr Gauke: The Government keep all tax policies under review, and any changes are announced by the Chancellor as part of the Budget process.
Defence
Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations
Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what potential gaps his Department has identified in Afghan National Security Forces' post-2014 capability with particular reference to counter-improvised explosive device technology. [95594]
Nick Harvey: Developing the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) is a key part of our counter-insurgency strategy. They have an essential role to play in providing both security and governance in Afghanistan.
The training of the ANSF is a NATO-led process conducted through the NATO Training Mission Afghanistan. NATO supports ISAF to ensure that the ANSF are capable of providing security across Afghanistan by the end of 2014. This includes training to develop the Afghan Counter-Improvised Explosive Device capability so that they will be able to meet any remaining IED threat by 2015.
Both the Afghan Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of the Interior have Counter-Improvised Explosive Device departments. A number of training courses are offered to their personnel ranging from a 13-week Explosive Ordnance Device course to a four-week Explosive Hazard Reductions course. Training to build the Afghan's Counter-Improvised Explosive Device capability is progressing in step with the transition timetable.
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Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role his Department foresees for UK defence equipment manufacturers in the implementation of the planned expenditure of (a) NATO and (b) US funds designated for the purchase and provision of (i) military equipment and (ii) training packages for the Afghan National Security Forces after 2014. [95595]
Nick Harvey: Work that will determine the future size and shape of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) is ongoing. In tandem, detailed planning is under way that will set out how the forces will be funded beyond 2014. Consequently it is too early to give an assessment of the prospective role that UK defence manufacturers may have in equipping and training the ANSF beyond this date.
The ANSF are on target to reach their maximum “surge” size of 352,000 by November 2012, and are being equipped to support that number. Beyond 2014 the focus will be on sustainment and NATO is giving increasing emphasis to the enabling functions necessary to ensure the self sufficiency of the forces as they get ready to take full responsibility for security across the country.
The commissioning of equipment for the ANSF after 2014 will be a decision for the Afghans themselves, though we hope that there will always be a place for UK industry to apply to support them.
Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent estimate he has made of the proportion of the stock of UK military equipment in Afghanistan which is (a) suitable and (b) unsuitable for use by Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF); what assessment he has made of whether UK equipment is (i) economic and (ii) uneconomic for (A) return to the UK and (B) gifting to the ANSF; who will operate complex military systems required for post-2014 operations in Afghanistan; what research and development his Department is commissioning from UK defence companies for alternative military systems for use by the ANSF after the withdrawal of specialist International Security Assistance Force operators; and if he will make a statement. [95597]
Nick Harvey: In accordance with transition, the NATO Training Mission Afghanistan is providing training to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to ensure that they are appropriately equipped and ready to assume full security responsibility across the country by the end of 2014. While some international forces will remain in Afghanistan beyond this date (to provide further training and support), the ANSF will be responsible for operating and sustaining their own equipment. The commissioning of equipment for the ANSF after 2014 will be a decision for the Afghan Government. However, we hope that there will be a place for UK industry to support them.
Work on managing the recovery of UK equipment is under way. However, it is too early to state what equipment we plan to retain and whether any will be gifted to the Afghans. We are conscious that uncoordinated gifting could put ANSF sustainability at risk; the underlying requirement is that all gifted equipment is sustainable in terms of cost of ownership, support and enduring training. Our approach on gifting will, therefore, be co-ordinated with that of NATO and ISAF. Decisions
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will be made on a case-by-case basis using the principles of operational priority and value for money to the UK taxpayer.
Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the potential vulnerability of UK military training personnel to insurgent attack following the withdrawal of UK combat forces, with reference to the proposed training academy for Afghan National Security Forces officers. [95598]
Nick Harvey: UK and international forces are helping to build the strength and capability of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to ensure that they are ready to accept full security responsibility across Afghanistan by the end of 2014. Progress continues to be made in building the force: they are deploying in formed units; carrying out their own operations; and planning complex security arrangements. They have responded to a series of high-profile attacks promptly, professionally and increasingly independent of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) support. After 2014, UK troops will continue to support the ANSF by providing training at the new Afghan National Army Officer Academy. We will continue to work with other ISAF nations and the Afghan Government to ensure that necessary force protection measures are in place for UK military personnel.
British Antarctic Survey
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what support his Department gives to the British Antarctic Survey. [96263]
Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence provides a range of logistic support to the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). BAS utilises the Falkland Islands military airbridge and has access to East Cove Military Port in the Falkland Islands for water, fuel and other stores. BAS is charged for use of the airbridge and for stores provided. Royal Navy vessels deployed to the South Atlantic make regular port calls to BAS bases on South Georgia. The Royal Navy ice patrol vessel which is present in the region throughout the austral summer provides some logistical support to BAS assets in Antarctica.
Falkland Islands: Armed Forces
Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to deploy armed forces to the Falklands; and if he will make a statement. [95738]
Nick Harvey [holding answer 22 February 2012]:I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), on 20 February 2012, Official Report, column 596.
MOD Bicester
Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what savings were made from the restructuring of Ministry of Defence Logistics, Bicester in 2008; [95176]
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(2) whether an evaluation was conducted of the restructuring of Ministry of Defence Logistics, Bicester in 2008. [95177]
Peter Luff: The restructuring of the former Defence Storage and Distribution Agency (DSDA), of which Logistic Services Bicester was a part, was considered under the Future Defence Supply Chain Initiative (FDSCi). In November 2009, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) published a FDSCi Value for Money Post-Project Review and Lessons Learnt report. This assessed the financial savings to the agency as being £31 million per year in 2005-06, rising to £46 million per year by the end of 2009-10. These figures were not presented on a site-by-site basis and savings from the FDSCi initiative that can be directly attributed to Logistic Services Bicester are not available.
In August 2010, DSDA relinquished its agency status and its responsibilities were absorbed into DE&S, its parent organisation.
MOD Bicester: Large Goods Vehicles
Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the total mileage covered by his Department's trucks from MOD Bicester was in each year since 2005; [95476]
(2) how many miles were driven by drivers from (a) Palletways, (b) couriers, (c) hauliers and (d) other non-Ministry of Defence organisations using MOD Logistics Bicester in each year between 2005 and 2010; [95450]
(3) how many drops his Department's trucks using MOD Bicester made in each year between 2005 and 2010; [95451]
(4) what proportion of the miles driven by drivers on behalf of MOD Logistics were driven south of Northampton in each of the last three years; [95452]
(5) what the cost of MOD Bicester Logistics staff drivers was in (a) 2006-07, (b) 2007-08, (c) 2008-09 and (d) 2009-10; [95453]
(6) what the total tonnage of supplies transported by Ministry of Defence Bicester was in each year since 2005. [95593]
Peter Luff: Information about the mileage and number of deliveries made by Ministry of Defence (MOD) owned road vehicles based at Logistic Services Bicester is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Information on the cost of drivers employed by the MOD at Logistic Services Bicester is not available in the format requested. The following table contains the manpower costs of the industrial staff employed in the road transport section at that site. Not all of these personnel will be employed as drivers.
| £ million | |
23 Feb 2012 : Column 935W
The increase in manpower costs shown in the table for 2007-08 and 2008-09 was because of increased transport activity in support of the reorganisation of Defence Storage and Distribution at that time.
Information about the mileage undertaken by contract freight services (including special courier) from Logistic Services Bicester and information about the tonnage of material transported by either MOD transport or contract freight services from Logistic Services Bicester is not held.
Business, Innovation and Skills
Billing: EU Action
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he plans to bring forward proposals to transpose the EU directive on late payments into UK law. [96140]
Mr Prisk: The UK is required to transpose the EU directive 2011/7/EU on combating late payment by 16 March 2013. While we have already consulted on the draft directive, we plan to consult business and their representatives further, as part of the transposition process, and to strengthen UK Government policy to tackle late payment.
Copyright: Science
Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to promote growth and innovation by increasing open access to scientific research data. [94858]
Mr Willetts [holding answer 20 February 2012]: The Government are committed to ensuring that publicly funded research should be accessible free of charge.
As stated in paragraph 6.6 of the ‘Innovation and Research Strategy for Growth’, published in December 2011:
http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/innovation/docs/i/11-1387-innovation-and-research-strategy-for-growth.pdf
“Government will work with partners, including the publishing industry, to achieve free access to publicly-funded research as soon as possible and will set an example themselves.
We have helped establish an independent working group chaired by Janet Finch to consider how to improve access to research publications, including publicly-funded research. This will report in early 2012.
The Royal Society is considering how to improve the sharing and disclosing of research data, both within the research community and beyond. It will report in early 2012.
Alan Langlands is chairing a task force to advise on improving the accessibility of data within Government and its agencies, which will advise on data linkage, conditions of access and data quality. This will report during 2012.”
The Government will consider further steps in light of the findings and recommendations from these groups.
As an immediate step, the Research Councils are investing £2.1 million in the development, by 2013, of a UK ‘Gateway to Research’ designed to facilitate the translation of research and innovation in support of both the Government's transparency and growth agendas. This Gateway will initially allow public users ready access to Research Council funded research and will be
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designed to allow inclusion of research funded by others, in due course. The Research Councils have initiated this project and will be working with their partners and users to ensure information is presented in a readily reusable form, using common formats and open standards.
Departmental Responsibilities
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to respond to the report by The Bootstrap Recovery published on 14 February 2012 by Intellect UK; on what dates he plans to publish any such response; and what steps he plans to take in response to the recommendation on avoiding fragmentation of responsibilities between his Department and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. [96196]
Mr Willetts: The Bootstrap Recovery is not a report to Government but an industry report published by Intellect the Trade Association and there are no plans for a Government response. We continue to work closely with Department for Culture, Media and Sport colleagues and Intellect on issues related to the competitiveness and growth of the UK ICT sector, and its impact on productivity more generally in the economy.
Further Education: Higher Education
Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of changes in numbers of applications to further education colleges to study higher education qualifications in the 2011-12 academic year. [94410]
Mr Willetts: The following table contains data provided by UCAS showing the number of applications to enter full-time undergraduate courses at further education colleges in the 2011-12 academic year, compared to 2010-11. UCAS do not process applications to part-time higher education courses.
| Applications to full-time undergraduate courses at further education colleges main scheme applicants only (1) | ||
| Year of entry | ||
| 2010 | 2011 | |
| (1) Main scheme applicants are those who apply by the 30 June deadline. Each applicant can submit up to five applications, or up to four if they are applying for medical, dentistry or veterinary science courses. 2 The number of FECs participating in the UCAS application system changes from year to year. The figures in the table cover the FECs which were part of the system in each year shown. Source: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). | ||
Higher Education: Admissions
Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how many people enrolled on an access to higher education course subsequently enrolled at a higher education institution in each of the last five years; [93589]
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(2) if he will provide a breakdown by (a) age, (b) sex, (c) socio-economic status, (d) ethnicity and (e) subject studied of students who enrolled in an access to higher education course and subsequently progressed to higher education in each of the last five years. [93590]
Mr Willetts [holding answer 6 February 2012]:Information on how many people progressed from an Access to higher education (HE) course to enrol at a UK higher education institution is available in the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) Key Statistics report which is published annually.
The Key Statistics 2011 report provides the latest available data on students who studied an Access to HE course and shows information on age, gender, socio-demographic profile, ethnicity and subject of study. The full report is available at this link to the QAA website:
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Newsroom/PressReleases/Pages/diploma-wider-access-to-he.aspx
Reports for previous years can be found at this link to the QAA website:
http://www.accesstohe.ac.uk/partners/statisticsarchive/default.asp
Hydrofluorocarbons
Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues on future regulation of hydrofluorocarbons. [93119]
Mr Willetts: This Department engaged in inter-departmental ministerial correspondence on the future regulation of hydrofluorocarbons, led by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman). These related to:
the UK approach for the Montreal Protocol meeting which took place in November 2011; and
the UK approach for the Durban Climate Change Conference which took place in November 2011.
Innovation
Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what meetings were held between HM Treasury and officials of his Department on the creation of the new Innovation and Research Strategy; [96215]
(2) what involvement HM Treasury officials had in the creation of the Innovation and Research Strategy. [96216]
Mr Willetts: The Government's Innovation and Research Strategy for Growth was developed jointly across Government including with HM Treasury officials. BIS officials worked closely with HM Treasury with regular meetings at official level throughout as policy and proposals developed. HM Treasury was also represented on the steering group that met on three occasions.
BIS officials and those in HM Treasury also worked closely to develop the additional £75 million small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) package that was announced in the autumn statement of 29 November 2011, Official Report, column 799-810, with further details set out in the strategy.
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Members: Correspondence
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Harrow West on the answering of a parliamentary question; and if he will make a statement. [96238]
Mr Willetts: I shall be replying to the hon. Member shortly. I apologise for the delay in doing so.
National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses in (a) Wales, (b) England, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland have received investment funding from the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts in each of the last five years; and what the total monetary value of funding in each nation was in each such year. [95039]
Mr Willetts: Investment funding from the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) to businesses in each of the last five years is detailed in the following table.
| Financial year | Nation | Number of businesses funded | Total funding to businesses (£) |
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As well as investing directly in innovative start-up companies, NESTA invests into investment funds across the UK as part of its investment strategy. These investment funds have similar investment criteria to those which NESTA apply. NESTA does not hold data for the geographic location of investments by these investment funds.
| Financial year | Total funding to investment funds (£) |
Overseas Trade: Argentina
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what projects led to Argentina owing debt to UK Export Finance; and when this debt was first created. [95193]
Norman Lamb: The Export Credits Guarantee Department (UK Export Finance) is currently carrying out an exercise to ascertain what information exists to be able to identify individual projects. Because of the age of the related export contracts and the sheer volume of files involved, this exercise is ongoing. When it is complete, the outcome will be placed in the Library of the House.
The outstanding debt owed by Argentina to the Export Credits Guarantee Department (UK Export Finance) relates to export contracts entered into before December 1983.
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether Argentina has defaulted on loans owed to or guaranteed by the Export Credits Guarantee Department. [95194]
Norman Lamb: Argentina defaulted on export credit loans guaranteed by the Export Credits Guarantee Department in 1985.
Post Offices
Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to ensure that more Government services are accessible at the post office. [95033]
Norman Lamb
[holding answer 20 February 2012]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey), gave to the hon. Member for Northampton North (Michael Ellis) on 26 January 2012, Official Report, column 368W. I support Post Office Ltd's ambition to deliver more services on behalf of national and local government. Post Office Ltd is working hard to achieve this, including engaging with Government, and I believe they are now on the right path to fulfil their ambition. Recent examples of success include the Post Office being selected as the chosen delivery partner to collect digital data for UK Border Agency Biometric Residence Permits, being selected to provide part of an identity-based
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registration service on behalf of the Skills Funding Agency and, at the local level, being the successful bidder for a range of ‘front office’ services for Westminster council.
Post Offices: Closures
Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 24 January 2012, Official Report, columns 8-12WS, on the post office network, (1) how many temporarily closed post office branches have been closed for more than (a) one month, (b) three months, (c) six months and (d) one year; [96170]
(2) how many temporarily closed post office branches are in (a) urban and (b) rural areas; [96171]
(3) how many of the 11,801 post office branches are designated as temporarily closed; [96172]
(4) how many post office branches were open and trading on 1 December 2011. [96173]
Norman Lamb: The network figures that were published in the written ministerial statement of 24 January 2012, Official Report, columns 8-12WS, represented the total number of branches that were open and trading at the end of December 2011. This figure does not include branches that are, for a variety of reasons, temporarily closed.
In November 2010, the Government made a commitment that there would be no programme of post office closures, and instead provided £1.34 billion to maintain a Post office network of at least 11,500 branches, and for Post Office Ltd to continue to meet the strict access criteria. Meeting these commitments is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd, and the Government, as shareholder, do not play a role in the management of the network. I have therefore asked Paula Vennells, the Managing Director of Post Office Ltd, to respond directly to the hon. Member and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Library of the House.
Public Houses
Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the resolution of the House of 12 January 2012, on pub companies, what steps he plans to take to commission an independent review of self regulation of the pub industry. [94737]
Norman Lamb: On 24 November the Government announced a new tough and legally binding form of self-regulation for the pub industry, including a strengthened Industry Framework Code and the establishment of a Pubs Independent Conciliation and Arbitration Service (PICAS). As the code will now be legally binding, it will ultimately be enforceable through the courts. It would not be appropriate, at this stage, to commission an independent review.
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what representations he has received on the pub companies offering tied and free of tie options to their tenants. [96141]
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Norman Lamb: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has received numerous representations from pub landlords, licensee groups, family brewers and pub companies on the matter of pub companies offering tied and free of tie options to their tenants.
Science: Finance
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 23 January 2012, Official Report, column 116W, on Science: Finance, what programmes were included in science expenditure outside of the UK in 2010-11. [95235]
Mr Willetts [holding answer 20 February 2012]: The Research Councils contribute to a number of collaborative science and research activities outside of the UK. Those are predominantly made up of international subscriptions to multi-national science facilities as follows:
| £ million | |
These figures do not include overseas expenditure disbursed through the Research Councils Institutes.
Written Questions: Government Responses
Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he plans to answer question 91631 tabled by the hon. Member for Leeds West on 20 January 2012 for answer on 25 January 2012. [96130]
Norman Lamb: I replied to the hon. Member on 22 February 2012.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
British Antarctic Survey
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support his Department gives to the British Antarctic Survey. [96349]
Mr Bellingham:
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides diplomatic and some financial assistance to the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) in support of the valuable contribution it makes to the British Government's objectives in the British Antarctic
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Territory and South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, including by maintaining a British presence in the region and delivering a world-class science programme.
Both FCO and BAS represent the UK at meetings of the Antarctic Treaty System. The FCO also provides direct diplomatic support to BAS, both for its operations, such as, through diplomatic clearance for ships and aircrafts, as well as supporting BAS's international engagement with national Antarctic programmes of other Antarctic Treaty Parties.
The FCO and the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands each funds BAS £500,000 per annum towards the operation of the administration and fisheries research station on King Edward Point on South Georgia. The FCO also provides small-scale ad hoc funding to BAS to support specific projects, in line with the UK's strategies for the British Antarctic Territory and South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.
China
Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions officials in his Department have had with the Shanghai-based company, Zhenhua Heavy Industries, on the awarding of steel contracts for the Forth Replacement Crossing bridge project. [95540]
Mr Jeremy Browne: Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have not had any discussions with Zhenhua Heavy Industries on the awarding of steel contracts for the Forth Replacement Crossing bridge project.
Hotels: Hospitality
Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the names are of the hotels used by his Department to provide accommodation for staff based abroad when visiting the UK. [96042]
Mr Bellingham: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) does not routinely provide accommodation for staff based abroad visiting the UK. If staff based overseas have to pay duty visits to the UK and have no other accommodation they can use, then they may claim reasonable actual expenditure on accommodation for the period of the duty visit. The guidance provided to staff means they should find a hotel through the FCO's contracted travel agent, Hogg Robinson, who is able to achieve discounted rates for FCO staff at various hotels.
Staff on private visits to the UK have to meet their own costs.
Occupied Territories
Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the compatibility of Israel's proposed evictions and demolitions in the Silwan area of East Jerusalem with its obligations under (a) international law, (b) UN resolutions relating to Israel/Palestine and (c) the human rights provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. [95669]
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Alistair Burt: We are seriously concerned at Israel's proposed evictions and demolitions of Palestinian homes in the Silwan area of East Jerusalem and are urging the Israeli authorities to desist.
We consider the proposed actions to be contrary to Israel's obligations as an occupying power under international humanitarian law as well as causing unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians and being unhelpful to the peace process.
We consistently call on the Israeli Government to abide by their obligations under international law, as reflected in numerous UN resolutions on the issue of Israel/Palestine.
The EU is not currently considering the proposed actions specifically as part of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The position taken by the EU, which we support, is that no progress can be made on upgrading the EU-Israel relationship until there is substantial progress towards a two-state solution.
Scotland
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the potential number of cross-border treaties and other agreements that would be required in the first year of an independent Scotland. [95899]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government are clear that Scotland benefits from being part of the UK and the UK benefits from having Scotland within it. Government Departments are not making plans for independence.
Syria
Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent estimate his Department has made of the number of (a) civilian casualties and (b) displaced people as a result of the recent violence in Syria. [95833]
Alistair Burt: The UN estimates more than 5,400 people have been killed, including 380 children, since the popular uprising began in March 2011. More than 14,000 people are reported to be in detention, at least 12,400 have sought refuge in neighbouring countries and tens of thousands have been internally displaced.
We are clear this situation is intolerable. We welcome the Arab League's continued leadership in seeking an end to the violence in Syria. We are working with them to bring the widest possible political, economic and diplomatic weight to bear on President Assad's regime.
Turks and Caicos Islands
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made on the installation of the Turks and Caicos Coastal Radar System. [96210]
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Mr Bellingham: Structural work on the Coastal Radar Station is complete. The replacement items of electronic equipment have been ordered (funded by the British Government) and installation, testing and training are planned for May.
Justice
Racial Discrimination: Sports
Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2012, Official Report, columns 445-6W, on civil disorder, if his Department will liaise with its Criminal Justice System partners to ensure adequate resources are available to enable the case of Mr John Terry to be heard in the near future. [96188]
Mr Djanogly: Sufficient resources are available for the day to day functioning of the Criminal Justice System. It is a judicial decision when, in the interest of justice, a case should be heard and this will include consideration of any matters relevant to that case.
Court Orders: Compensation
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many compensation orders were issued for each (a) offence and (b) sentence type in each of the last five years; and what the total value of compensation orders was for each offence type; [95510]
(2) how many compensation orders issued in each of the last five years were (a) paid in full, (b) partly paid and (c) unpaid by the offender; and what the total value was in each case; [95511]
(3) what the amount was of each of the 20 highest compensation orders issued against offenders in each of the last five years; and to what offence each compensation order was related. [95512]
Mr Blunt: The number of compensation orders issued by offence type, in England and Wales for 2006 to 2010 (latest available) is given in Table (a). Compensation orders issued by main sentence received can be viewed in Table (b). The total value of compensation orders issued by offence type can be found in Table (c) and the amount for each of the 20 highest compensation orders issued is given in Table (d).
Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service does not hold centrally the value of compensation orders that were paid in full, partly paid or unpaid for the last five years. To obtain this information would require a manual inspection of local records and could be provided only at disproportionate costs.
Annual court proceedings data for 2011 are planned for publication in May 2012.
| Table (a) Compensation orders imposed by offence type, in England and Wales , 2006- 10 (1,2) | ||||||
| Offence type | Offence | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
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| (1) The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice | ||||||