Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability Programme
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate how much UK-made steel will be used in the construction of the four Military Afloat and sustainability tankers. [97051]
Peter Luff: Decisions on the source of the steel are a matter for the contractor and will be finalised upon contract award. Under European and UK procurement regulations, the Department could not mandate the use of particular suppliers as part of the contract.
Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he had sight of the letter sent to his Department by Fincantieri about the MARS project. [97587]
Peter Luff [holding answer 1 March 2012]:The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), saw the letter sent to him by Fincantieri on the evening of 21 February 2012, the same day it was sent. The letter, which suggested the possibility of building one of the four ships in the UK, represented an unsolicited and uncosted approach and was received after the decision confirming Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering as the preferred bidder for the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) Tanker project had been made. At no point during the two-year bid process did Fincantieri indicate that they would build any of the MARS Tankers in the UK.
The letter gave no indication of how the work might be taken forward, what the cost implications might be, nor of the consequences for other programmes under construction or planned for British shipbuilding yards.
Military Aid
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much funding has been allocated to each (a) country and (b) programme under the (i) Defence Assistance Fund and (ii) Conflict Pool. [97448]
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Nick Harvey [holding answer 1 March 2012]: The Conflict Pool (CP) is funded from a Treasury settlement on conflict resources which is separate from and additional to departmental budgets. It is managed jointly by the Department for International Development (DFID), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to deliver Building Stability Overseas Strategy (BSOS) objectives. All strategic and programme decisions are taken jointly by the three Departments but one Department leads on the implementation of any given project. The Defence Assistance Fund (DAF) is funded from the MOD budget.
Allocations for the CP are made on a programme basis. The CP consists of six programmes: five geographic and one thematic. Within each programme country priorities can change and funds shift with regards to identified opportunities and priorities on the ground.
The current allocations supporting BSOS are summarised in the following table. From financial year 2012-13, this will include a £20 million Early Action Facility, which will support rapid action to prevent instability based on either early warning or realities on the ground.
| Programme | FY 2011-12 (£ million) |
DAF allocations are split between programmes in the north (north America and wider Europe), south (the rest of the world) and for counter-terrorism (CT) work. Funds are dispersed in accordance with Defence engagement priorities.
For financial year 2011-12 the allocations are:
DAF north: £3 million
DAF south: £6.7 million
DAF CT: £2.3 million.
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which countries are supported through the (a) Defence Assistance Fund and (b) Conflict Pool. [97451]
Nick Harvey [holding answer 1 March 2012]: The Conflict Pool (CP) is funded from a Treasury settlement on conflict resources which is separate from and additional to departmental budgets. It is managed jointly by the Department for International Development (DFID), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to deliver Building Stability Overseas Strategy objectives. All strategic and programme decisions are taken jointly by the three Departments but one Department leads on the implementation of any given project. The Defence Assistance Fund (DAF) is funded from the MOD budget.
Both the DAF and the CP support not only country-specific projects, but also cross-border and regional activities and multilateral partners. The following lists identify countries that are directly engaged through CP
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and DAF activities such as training military officers in the UK. Any countries that are only part of regional programmes are not listed. The mix of projects and countries changes over time within the context of wider HMG engagement.
Countries with DAF expenditure in this financial year (2011-12)
Algeria
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belize
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Czech Republic
Djibouti
Egypt
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji
Georgia
Ghana
India
Indonesia
Iraq
Jamaica
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kyrgyzstan
Kuwait
Libya
Lithuania
Macedonia
Malawi
Malaysia
Mali
Malta
Mexico
Mongolia
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Nepal
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Peru
Qatar
Romania
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Russia
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Korea
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Tonga
Tunisia
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Yemen
The following is a list of all countries that have CP projects running within them in this financial year (2011-12). The majority of projects are managed by the FCO but DFID and the MOD also run a significant number.
Afghanistan
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Burundi
Cameroon
Cyprus (to fund UNFICYP)
Democratic Republic of Congo
Georgia
Ghana
Guinea
India
Iraq
Israel
Ivory Coast
Jordan
Kenya
Kosovo
Lebanon
Liberia
Libya
Maldives
Moldova
Nepal
Nigeria
Occupied Palestinian Territories
Pakistan
Russia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
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South Sudan
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Syria
Ukraine
Yemen
Zimbabwe
Military Aircraft: Procurement
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Dartford of 20 February 2012, Official Report, column 604, whether the new C-17 aircraft ordered by his Department will be funded from existing departmental budgets or additional funds from the Treasury. [96982]
Peter Luff: The new C-17 aircraft will be funded from within the existing Ministry of Defence budget.
Navy: Procurement
Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether overseas bidders for the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability project are being asked to make a commitment to using (a) UK suppliers and (b) European partners as part of their bid. [96146]
Peter Luff [holding answer 23 February 2012]: On 22 February 2012, the MOD announced Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) as the preferred bidder for the MARS Tanker project. The UK work content of the main contract is estimated to be up to 20%, equating to approximately £90 million; money which DSME will be spending in the UK on contracts for the provision of key equipment, systems, design and support services. In addition, it is estimated that up to a further 20% of the contract value will be spent in Europe.
There will be further opportunities for UK industry to be involved in the customisation package of work, to take place in the UK after the MARS tankers have been built, which will provide essential classified features required for deployment and capability assessment trials. The UK supply chain, along with trials and specialist engineering support, stands to secure up to a further £60 million worth of work.
Under European and UK procurement regulations, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) could not mandate the use of particular suppliers as part of the contract.
USAF Lakenheath
Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether (a) the Government, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) his officials were notified of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe treaty inspection exercise at USAF Lakenheath on 1 March 2012; whether there was a UK monitoring presence during the inspection; what buildings and sites were inspected; and what the outcome was of the inspection. [98052]
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Nick Harvey: The Joint Arms Control Implementation Group, part of the UK armed forces, were notified of the inspection exercise and acted as a monitoring presence. As the inspection exercise was routine, Defence Ministers were not informed.
The training encompassed a number of buildings within RAF Lakenheath that might be subject to inspection under the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe treaty. The exercise was assessed as highly effective by both US and UK participants.
Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has been informed of the types of US weapons stored or deployed at USAF Lakenheath. [98053]
Nick Harvey: The United States Visiting Force inventory of weapons in the UK is declared annually to the Ministry of Defence who ensure all weapons are appropriately licensed and stored.
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal Welfare: Circuses
Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will reassess the legal obstacles to introducing a ban on keeping wild animals in circuses in the light of recent legislative initiatives in Greece to give effect to such a ban there. [97562]
Mr Paice: A written ministerial statement was published on 1 March 2012, Official Report, columns 41-42WS, that sets out the Government's policy on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses in England.
Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Colchester of 20 December 2011, Official Report, column 1100W, on animal welfare: circuses, whether the records of all licensing inspections carried out in circuses will be made available to the public in full redacted form. [97582]
Mr Paice: The public consultation on our proposed circus animal licensing scheme was launched on 1 March 2012. As I explained in my answer to the hon. Member for Colchester (Sir Bob Russell) of 20 December 2011, Official Report, column 1100W, DEFRA will consider what information about, and from, the licensing inspections should be made available publicly to ensure that the scheme is as transparent as possible.
Animal Welfare: Pigs
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the difficulties of enforcing the sow stall and tether ban; and if she will make a statement. [97991]
Mr Paice: The UK unilaterally banned the use of tethers and close-confinement stalls for breeding sows in 1999.
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In the EU, tethers have been banned from 2006 and sow stalls will be banned from 1 January 2013. The Commission has had discussions on compliance with the sow stall ban with member states and has sought information on the level of progress to date. I also raised the forthcoming sow stall ban at my meeting with Commissioner Dalli on 6 February.
Over the coming months we will continue to discuss progress with the implementation of the sow stall ban with the Commission and our European colleagues.
Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control
Joseph Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish the farm diaries of those farms which have slaughtered cattle due to bovine tuberculosis in the latest period for which figures are available. [97062]
Mr Paice: DEFRA does not hold or require farm diaries.
Bread: Prices
Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the price of bread over the last five years. [96169]
Mr Paice: The average annual price rises that are recorded in the retail prices index (RPI) for bread are shown as follows, along with the actual average prices of three types of loaf of bread.
| Average annual price rise | |||||
| P ercentage | |||||
| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | |
| Pence per 800g loaf | |||||
| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | |
| Source: Consumer prices indices, Office for National Statistics | |||||
Carbon Emissions
Fiona O'Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will introduce mandatory carbon reporting; and if she will make a statement. [98182]
Richard Benyon: A consultation was held between 11 May and 5 July 2011 on whether the Government should continue to encourage measuring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions on a voluntary basis, or whether regulations should be introduced to make reporting mandatory for some UK companies. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), is currently considering the Government's response to the consultation and will make an announcement before Easter.
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Cattle: Disease Control
Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many cattle have been culled as a result of contracting diseases in (a) England, (b) the north-west and (c) Cumbria in each of the last 10 years. [98309]
Mr Paice: DEFRA only holds statistics for notifiable diseases.
For bovine TB, the figures requested can be found in the statistics published on DEFRA's website at:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/foodfarm/landuselivestock/cattletb/
The following table shows the number of cattle culled by DEFRA for exotic notifiable disease control purposes.
| England | North-west | Cumbria | |
The 2007 figures consist of 982 for foot and mouth disease and five for the Bluetongue outbreak.
Conservation
Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the creation of new environmental marine and countryside parks. [97560]
Richard Benyon: The Government are committed to creating a UK ecologically coherent network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to protect rare, threatened and valuable habitats throughout our seas, with enough sites to conserve a range of major habitats that are vital for the health of our marine ecosystems. Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) will be created under Part 5 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and will make an important contribution to the MPA network, which will comprise of other types of MPAs (Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, RAMSAR sites, and Scottish MPAs), as well as MCZs.
The Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies (SNCBs), the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and Natural England established four regional projects involving people with marine interests in identifying possible MCZs: Finding Sanctuary (south-west), Net Gain (North Sea), Balanced Seas (south-east) and Irish Sea Conservation Zones. The regional projects submitted their final recommendations to the Marine Protected Areas Science Advisory Panel and the SNCBs on 8 September 2011 for review. The SNCBs will send their formal advice, including impact assessments and project recommendations, to DEFRA in July 2012. We will then formally consult on possible MCZ sites, beginning
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in December 2012, before designating the first round of sites in summer 2013. Appropriate management measures will be put in place.
Under the Countryside Act 1968, local authorities were empowered to confirm sites as Country Parks. There are currently over 400 Country Parks in England that have been confirmed by local authorities. In 2009, Natural England set up an accreditation scheme to recognise sites that delivery all the core services and facilities expected of a Country Park: there are 41 accredited sites, with more applications being received. It is the role of a local authority to decide and confirm sites as Country Parks, and to apply for their accreditation.
Departmental Regulation
Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress her Department has made on the Red Tape Challenge; and which regulations have been (a) abolished and (b) revised as part of the Challenge. [97237]
Richard Benyon: DEFRA is working hard to remove the burden on business of unnecessary and overcomplicated regulations through the Red Tape Challenge.
DEFRA was involved in the hospitality, food and drink theme, which was in the Red Tape Challenge 'spotlight' from 6 May to 2 June 2011. The agreed package of proposals was announced on 29 September 2011 and included a significant rationalisation of food labelling requirements. The full package is available online at:
www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/2011/09/hospitality-food-and-drink-regulations
The DEFRA led environment theme has been open for comment on the Red Tape Challenge website since April 2011, and a 'spotlight' period took place in September 2011. The Government expect to announce its proposals on this theme by the end of March 2012. There are no plans to remove important environmental protections. Our aim is to make sure that our environmental policies are being implemented in the most effective ways possible and that, in order to comply with our regulations, businesses and individuals are not over-burdened by rules that make it more difficult to comply than is necessary.
Departmental Travel Costs
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 16 January 2012, Official Report, column 31WS, on cost of Ministerial cars, whether her Department has any other arrangements for Ministerial travel; and how much her Department has spent on (a) private hire vehicles and (b) taxis for each Minister since May 2010. [92833]
Richard Benyon: The Government Car and Despatch Agency provides a car for the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), to use. The junior DEFRA Ministers have given up their cars to reduce costs and currently use the central GCDA car pool, unless the Secretary of State's car is available.
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The Department has not agreed any contracts with private hire vehicle or taxi companies for ministerial travel since May 2010.
Ad hoc taxi journeys are only used for when no other option is available, and when it is appropriate to do so. Since May 2010, the costs for taxis were:
| Financial year | Cost (£) |
Dogs
Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to ensure that dog owners have access to coastal paths. [97503]
Richard Benyon: Natural England will take full account of the needs of dog owners and walkers in its consultations as part of deciding the most sensible alignment of the coastal route under the coastal access provisions in the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
Normally, people will be allowed to access coastal paths with a dog provided they keep it under "effective control" at all times. “Effective control” is defined in Schedule 2 to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. A person with a dog must also keep it on a short lead in the vicinity of livestock.
Natural England may also restrict or exclude access for a person with a dog to a particular part of the coastal route if it is necessary to do so for land management or nature conservation reasons. Natural England will adopt an approach which recognises both the interests of those who own or use the land and the interests of people who wish to use the coastal route accompanied by a dog.
Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to promote the benefits of dog ownership. [97504]
Mr Paice: The Government recognise that some people derive a lot of pleasure from owning a dog; we are happy to leave it to responsible dog welfare charities and dog keeping organisations to promote the benefits of such ownership, both to the dog and the owner.
Dogs: Breeding
Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what discussions she has had with Ministers in the (a) Welsh Government and (b) Northern Ireland Executive on sharing best practice on dog breeding; and if her Department will consider bringing forward legislative proposals in England to tackle puppy farming; [98339]
(2) if she will bring forward legislative proposals on (a) dog breeding and (b) puppy farmers outside monitored and regulated schemes. [98340]
Mr Paice: DEFRA holds regular discussions with the devolved Administrations on dog breeding and we have no plans to review existing laws on dog breeding.
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There are already laws in place to specifically protect the welfare of dogs in dog breeding establishments, which are enforced by local authorities. In addition to the specific law on dog breeding, there is also the Animal Welfare Act, which places on those who own or are responsible for animals a duty to ensure their animals' welfare. This includes owners and keepers of dog breeding establishments. Failure to provide for the welfare of an animal could lead to a fine of up to £5,000 and/or six months’ imprisonment.
If anyone has any concerns about the welfare of a dog in a dog breeding establishment, they should report it to the appropriate local authority which has powers to investigate.
In response to concerns over the health and welfare of pedigree dogs, an independent Dog Advisory Council was set up in 2010, under the chairmanship of Professor Sheila Crispin. The Council works with professional veterinarian associations and key dog welfare groups to produce proposals for tackling problems associated with genetic defects in pedigree dogs. The Government will of course consider the proposals that the Dog Advisory Council make.
Farms: Storage
David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what financial assistance is available to farmers who need to replace or upgrade silage and slurry stores as a result of EU directives. [96918]
Mr Paice: Under the Capital Allowances Act 2001, agricultural businesses are entitled to make use of the annual investment allowance. This enables businesses to claim full tax relief, up to £25,000 of capital expenditure, on most plant and machinery expenditure in the year it is incurred, and this includes capital works on silage and slurry stores.
Where it operates, grants of 50% of the capital costs of a wide range of works, up to a limit of £10,000, are available under the catchment sensitive farming initiative. Eligible works include ancillary structures, such as roofs over silage and slurry stores, but not construction of the stores themselves.
There are also grants of up to £25,000 available under the farming and forestry improvement scheme. Similar to the catchment sensitive farming initiative, these grants are not available for construction of storage itself, but can be used for ancillary works such as covers for slurry stores which, by keeping out rainwater, can reduce the cost of the store by reducing the volume of storage needed.
Food: Financial Markets
Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) with reference to the Report of the G20 Study Group on Commodities, what assessment her Department has made of the effect of financial speculation on food prices; [98083]
(2) what research her Department commissioned on the effect of financial speculation in commodity derivative markets on food security since 2007; and what research she plans to commission on food security and commodity prices in each of the next three years. [98084]
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Mr Paice: In 2010 DEFRA published an extensive report prepared by UK Government officials, Agricultural price spikes 2007-08: Causes and policy implications. Annex 6 of this report considered financial speculation.
http://archive.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/food/security/price.htm
DEFRA’s investment in farming and food research and development addresses food security by underpinning the development of sustainable, productive farming systems, adaptation to climate change, protecting against pests and diseases, improving animal health and welfare and assessing food chain reliance on natural resources.
Marine Conservation Zones
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment she has made of her Department's progress towards designating all the marine conservation zones sites recommended by regional stakeholder-led projects; [98251]
(2) what progress she has made on designating all the marine conservation zones sites recommended by regional stakeholder-led projects. [98367]
Richard Benyon: The statutory nature conservation bodies (SNCBs) (the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and Natural England), established four regional projects involving people with marine interests in identifying possible marine conservation zones (MCZs): Finding Sanctuary (south-west), Net Gain (North sea), Balanced Seas (south-east) and Irish Sea Conservation Zones. The regional projects submitted their final recommendations to the Marine Protected Areas Science Advisory Panel and the SNCBs on 8 September 2011 for review. The SNCBs will send their formal advice, including impact assessments and project recommendations, to DEFRA in July 2012. We will then formally consult on possible MCZ sites in December 2012, before designating the first round of sites in summer 2013. Appropriate management measures will then be put in place.
Nature Improvement Areas
Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when her Department will provide further detail on the definitions and levels of protection accorded to (a) core areas, (b) stepping stones, (c) corridors and (d) buffer zones; and whether there will be any safeguards within the current planning process for these areas. [98418]
Richard Benyon: The natural environment White Paper provides descriptions of core areas, stepping stones, corridors and buffer zones. With sustainable use areas and restoration areas they comprise the components of ecological networks, such as nature improvement areas—the first 12 were announced on 27 February. The levels of protection afforded to these components have not changed. The Government are considering how to take forward planning guidance across a range of matters. Protection and improvement of the natural environment remains a core objective.
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Pets
Jane Ellison: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information her Department holds on the number of dogs and cats sold by pet shops. [97551]
Mr Paice: DEFRA does not hold any details on the number of pet shops selling cats and dogs. This information may be held by each separate local authority.
Pets: Animal Welfare
Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if her Department will discuss with the Department of Health the health benefits of pet ownership; and if she will make a statement. [97501]
Mr Paice: The Government are aware of the pleasure that many people experience from owning a pet animal. DEFRA has not discussed such issues with the Department of Health.
Pets: Tagging
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to announce her decision on the introduction of compulsory microchipping for pets. [97320]
Mr Paice: The Government will make an announcement shortly on a package of proposals, which will include benefits of compulsory microchipping of dogs.
Reservoirs: Safety
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to publish the revised reservoir safety guidance; and if she will make a statement. [96033]
Richard Benyon: There are two key guidance documents for reservoirs engineers. The first, ‘A guide to the Reservoirs Act 1975’, was published by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in 2000 with the support of the then Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. It is a guide to understanding the intent of the Act and approaches to managing reservoirs in compliance with the Act. The second is ‘Floods and Reservoir Safety, 3rd Edition’, published by the ICE in 1996. This provides technical guidance for reservoir engineers particularly with respect to their safety under flood loading.
A review of these guidance documents has been initiated and to that end the President of the ICE has been asked to lead a review of these documents and to include the Environment Agency on the review panel. The review will be carried out with the support of DEFRA, The ICE has agreed to this in principle.
The review of ‘A guide to the Reservoirs Act 1975’ is progressing, with the most recent meeting held on 10 February. The proposal is that the reviewed guidance on the amended legislation would be published by DEFRA in parallel with the making of the various legal instruments (Phase 1 is due to begin in October 2012).
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The review of ‘Floods and Reservoir Safety’ will be taking place over a longer timescale, and be based on currently available knowledge. It will be published by the ICE to a programme and, although the programme has yet to be agreed, completion is expected within two years.
Rural Areas: Private Finance Initiative
Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many applications to become a pilot Rural Growth Network her Department has received from (a) local authorities and (b) local enterprise partnerships. [98152]
Richard Benyon: We have received 29 applications to operate pilot Rural Growth Networks. In each case, the proposal was developed by a local partnership involving one or more local authority and/or one or more local enterprise partnership. In some cases, several local authorities (county and district councils) played a part in the development of a bid.
Given the varied nature of the partnerships involved, it is not possible or meaningful to separate the total into the two categories requested.
Schmallenberg Virus
Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department plans to take to limit the spread of the Schmallenberg virus; and if she will make a statement. [97667]
Mr Paice: The reports of farms affected with Schmallenberg virus in England are an indication of the geographic spread of infection which took place during the summer and autumn of 2011. All the counties where disease has been reported are within the at-risk regions for midge incursion from continental Europe.
We will therefore continue to monitor cases across the UK and test for suspect disease, so we can determine what the spread of disease was during that time.
The disease is not notifiable and as such, movement restrictions are not being applied to affected premises.
Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what steps her Department is taking to provide information to farmers on (a) minimising the spread of the Schmallenberg virus and (b) purchasing livestock from affected areas; [97756]
(2) whether her Department has plans to introduce on-farm testing for the Schmallenberg virus. [97760]
Mr Paice: The reports of farms affected with Schmallenberg virus in England are an indication of the geographic spread of infection which took place during the summer and autumn of 2011. All the counties where disease has been reported are within the at-risk regions for midge incursion from continental Europe. Over winter we are in a vector free period when onward transmission of midges is not expected.
We will therefore continue to monitor cases across the UK and test for suspect disease, so we can determine what the spread of disease was during that time.
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The disease is not notifiable and as such, movement restrictions are not being applied to affected premises.
DEFRA is working closely with the farming industry and international scientific experts to ensure the most up-to-date information and advice is provided to livestock keepers.
Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what information she has received from her EU counterparts on the spread of the Schmallenberg virus; and if she will make a statement; [97912]
(2) what discussions she has had with her EU counterparts on the Schmallenberg virus; and if she will make a statement. [97914]
Mr Paice: A guidance document for member states giving an overview on all current Schmallenberg virus knowledge has been agreed by the Commission with affected member states, and is available online. Guidance has also been provided by the Commission on trade and funding for collaborative research. Further advice and information for vets and farmers will also be provided through the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency.
DEFRA is working in close collaboration with the Commission and EU member states to deliver a joined-up approach to research and advice to farmers.
Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many cases of Schmallenberg virus have been identified in Maidstone and The Weald constituency; and if she will make a statement. [97913]
Mr Paice: Cases have been reported from 121 farms in the counties of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, South Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Wiltshire and Hertfordshire. Eight of these positive reports were in calves and 113 are in sheep. In the county of Kent, there are 15 reports from sheep farms and one from a cattle farm. All these counties are currently within what we have determined is our risk area, according to possible incursion of infected midges from continental Europe during the summer and autumn of 2011.
The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency is releasing updated numbers of farms affected by species and county on its website twice a week. We are expecting further cases as the lambing season peaks and the calving season starts.
Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice her Department issued to farmers on minimising risks to human health from Schmallenberg virus. [98489]
Mr Paice: Risk assessments conducted by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the UK Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance Group (HAIRS) suggest that there is a very low likelihood of any risk to public health from exposure to this virus. In Europe, there is no evidence of any clinical signs in people working with infected animals.
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We have taken the same line as we do every year, and recommend that animal keepers and veterinarians handling animal material, particularly material associated with abortions and still births take sensible precautions to avoid infection.
Schmallenberg Virus: Kent
Damian Collins: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the spread of Schmallenberg virus; how many cases have been reported in Folkestone and Hythe constituency; and if she will make a statement. [97450]
Mr Paice: Cases have been reported from 121 farms in the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, South Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hertfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. Eight of these positive reports were in calves and 113 in sheep. In the county of Kent, there are 15 positives from sheep farms and one from a cattle farm. All these counties are currently within what we have determined is our risk area, according to possible incursion of infected midges from continental Europe during the summer and autumn of 2011.
The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency is releasing updated numbers of farms affected by species and county on its website twice a week. We are expecting further cases as the lambing season peaks and the calving season starts.
Communities and Local Government
Affordable Housing: Leeds
Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent progress has been made on the Affordable Homes programme in Leeds North West constituency. [97821]
Grant Shapps: The vast majority of contracts for the Homes and Communities Agency's Affordable Homes programme for 2011-12 to 2014-15 have now been signed including those for providers delivering in the area covered by Leeds, Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Selby, Wakefield and York. We estimate that through the Affordable Homes programme and existing commitments we will provide over 3,500 affordable homes in this area by April 2015.
These figures may change subject to signing remaining contracts with providers.
Information is not available at constituency level or local authority level.
Homelessness
Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the number of beds available for homeless people aged between (a) 11 and 15 and (b) 16 and 18; and in which cities those beds are located. [98310]
Grant Shapps:
This Government are committed to preventing homelessness and protecting the most vulnerable. We have maintained homelessness grant funding at
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2010-11 levels, investing £400 million over the next four years, and secured investment of £6.5 billion for Supporting People services. We have announced £42.5 million for the Homelessness Change programme which will provide in excess of 1,500 new and improved bed spaces to improve hostels for rough sleepers and ensure that those coming off the streets get the support they need.
We have established a Ministerial Working Group on Homelessness which brings together eight Departments to tackle the complex causes—not only housing, but just as importantly health, work and training. The Working Group has committed to publish a second, broader strategy focused on preventing homelessness, including among young people.
A robust homelessness safety net remains in place for young homeless people. 16 and 17-year-olds, care leavers under the age of 21, and people over 21 who are vulnerable as a result of being in care receive ‘priority need’ for accommodation under the homelessness legislation. Children under the age of 18 who are homeless and assessed as being a child in need should be accommodated under the Children Act 1989. Supported housing units for young people continue to be funded through the £1.8 billion Affordable Homes programme.
Information on the number of beds available for young homeless people is not held centrally.
Housing
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much New Homes Bonus has been received by each local authority since its inception. [98439]
Grant Shapps: To date, the Government have distributed £199.3 million of 2011-12 New Homes Bonus grant, from Year 1 of its operation, to local authorities. The 2012-13 payments will total a further £431.9 million, comprising the second Year 1 instalments of £199.3 million and the first Year 2 instalments of £232.6 million. The total distributed in 2011-12 and 2012-13 will be £631.2 million.
The amounts relating to each local authority are set out in a table, which has been placed in the Library of the House.
Housing Benefit: Private Rented Housing
Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps his Department has taken to seek the views of private landlords as to whether it should make it its policy that housing benefit may be paid directly to landlords. [97253]
Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.
I refer the hon. member to the written answer I gave the hon. Member for Llanelli (Nia Griffith) on 5 December 2011, Official Report, column 98W:
“At present, housing benefit under the local housing allowance (LHA) arrangements is paid to claimants in the majority of cases. For some claimants who are likely to run into financial difficulties, payment is made to the landlord. The Government do not plan to abolish this provision.”
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The Department regularly attends meetings and other events involving landlords. Lord Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform, met with a number of landlord representatives in October 2011.
Local Government: Manpower
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the number of full-time equivalent posts likely to be lost in local government in 2012-13. [98440]
Robert Neill: We do not predict centrally future levels of employment among local authorities. It is for individual councils to make decisions on how to manage their work forces in a way that ensures they make the best use of their resources and deliver value for local taxpayers.
Planning Permission
Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will make it his policy to bring into force the National Planning Policy Framework only after it has been approved by the House. [97085]
Greg Clark: When the Department responds to the consultation on the draft National Planning Policy Framework, we will set out how Parliament will continue to scrutinise the operation of the National Planning Policy Framework.
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he plans to take to strengthen the duty in the Localism Act 2011 on local authorities to co-operate when drawing up local plans. [98263]
Greg Clark: The duty to co-operate is now law, having taken effect when the Localism Act received Royal Assent on 15 November. It was strengthened during the Act's passage to make authorities accountable for their compliance with the duty. This means that authorities must demonstrate to an independent inspector how they have met the duty to co-operate when their local plans are submitted for examination in public. A failure to demonstrate co-operation might mean that the plan fails at examination.
Private Rented Housing: Electrical Safety
Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what information his Department holds on the number of private landlords who have been prosecuted as the result of negligence regarding electrical fittings in the latest period for which figures are available. [98394]
Andrew Stunell:
This information is not held centrally. However, local authorities have strong powers under the Housing Act 2004 to assess risks in residential properties, and require property owners to make improvements where needed. If a property is found to contain serious hazards, the local authority has a duty
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to take action in relation to the hazard, which could include enforcement action against the landlord and ultimately prosecution.
Property Development
Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what meetings he and Ministers in his Department had with property developers in the (a) third quarter of 2011, (b) fourth quarter of 2011 and (c) first quarter of 2012; [97778]
(2) if he will publish details of meetings which he and Ministers in his Department have had with property developers. [97779]
Grant Shapps: Details of DCLG Ministers meetings with external organisations are published on a quarterly basis and are available at:
www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/transparencyingovernment/ministerialdata/
Details for the period from July to September 2011, and subsequent quarters, will be published in due course. Ministers within the Department for Communities and Local Government regularly meet with representatives from the development industry to discuss a range of matters.
Cabinet Office
Unemployment: Redditch
Karen Lumley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many children in Redditch constituency are living in workless households in the latest period for which figures are available. [98411]
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 March 2012:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your question asking what estimate has been made of the number of children living in workless households in Redditch constituency in the latest period for which figures are available. (98411)
Estimates of the number of children living in workless households are derived from the Annual Population Survey (APS) household datasets. However, due to the specific nature of your request it is not possible to provide reliable estimates because the sample sizes for this survey are not sufficiently large for the Redditch constituency.
Treasury
Public Sector Borrowing Requirement
17. Mr Marcus Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the public sector borrowing requirement. [98015]
Mr Hoban: The Office for Budget Responsibility's latest forecast for public sector net borrowing was published in the November “Economic and Fiscal Outlook”. This fiscal year, borrowing is forecast to be £127 billion. By 2016-17, borrowing is set to fall to £24 billion.
The OBR will publish updated economic and fiscal forecasts alongside the Budget.
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Air Passenger Duty
18. Paul Goggins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the economy of his planned increase in air passenger duty. [98016]
Miss Chloe Smith: Sound public finances are essential to protect the economy from global instability and secure sustainable long-term growth. Air passenger duty makes an important contribution to the public finances.
The 2011-12 increases signalled in Budget 2011 will take effect from 1 April, following a year-long rates freeze. These increases do no more than maintain revenues in line with inflation over the two year period since rates were last revalorised.
Job Creation: Private Sector
19. Stephen Metcalfe: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fiscal steps he is taking to encourage job creation in the private sector. [98017]
Mr Hoban: The Government have put in place a wide range of measures to support job creation, including supporting business growth by aiming to create the most competitive tax system in the G20, and helping to ensure that it always pays to work, by increasing the personal allowance.
The autumn statement announced further action to accelerate the Government's supply side reforms, including:
Further reducing the burden of regulation that businesses have to face, including streamlining employment regulation;
A new Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme to encourage investment into new early stage companies; and
A Youth Contract to support up to 500,000 young people into employment and education opportunities.
21. Sheryll Murray: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fiscal steps he is taking to encourage job creation in the private sector. [98019]
Mr Hoban: The Government have put in place a wide range of measures to support job creation, including supporting business growth by aiming to create the most competitive tax system in the G20, and helping to ensure that it always pays to work, by increasing the personal allowance.
The autumn statement announced further action to accelerate the Government's supply side reforms, including:
Further reducing the burden of regulation that businesses have to face, including streamlining employment regulation;
A new seed enterprise investment scheme to encourage investment into new early stage companies; and
A youth contract to support up to 500,000 young people into employment and education opportunities.
Tax Thresholds
20. Mr Leech: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the potential effects on low and middle income earners of raising the income tax threshold to £10,000. [98018]
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Mr Gauke: The Government have a long-term goal to increase the personal allowance to £10,000, with real terms steps in that direction every year.
The Government believe that this will support low and middle income earners and improve the rewards to work.
The increases announced by this Government, so far will benefit 2.5 million individuals and take 1.1 million people out of income tax altogether from April. Basic rate taxpayers will gain by £210 a year in real terms in 2012-13.
24. Tessa Munt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the relative merits of (a) increasing the income tax threshold to £10,000 and (b) a reduction in VAT. [98022]
Mr Gauke: The Government believe the income tax system should reward the efforts of those who choose to work.
We have announced increases in the personal allowance as part of our long-term objective to increase the personal allowance to £10,000, with real-terms steps in that direction each year.
The increase in VAT was part of a package of measures announced in the June Budget 2010 to tackle the deficit in a fair and decisive way.
High-tech Industries
22. Mr Raab: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to develop tax incentives to promote investment in research and development in high-tech industries. [98020]
Mr Gauke: Research and development tax credits provide about £1 billion of support for around 9,200 UK companies every year, supporting over £10 billion of R&D activity.
Recent changes to improve the R&D incentives for SMEs include increasing the rate to 200% from April 2011 and to 225% from April 2012. For larger companies, the Government will introduce an ‘above the line’ R&D tax credit scheme in 2013.
National Insurance
23. Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many businesses have participated in the national insurance contributions holiday for new companies. [98021]
Mr Gauke: As at the end of February this year, 13,294 successful applications have been submitted.
A full breakdown, including details of amounts claimed and jobs supported by constituency, is now available in a factsheet in the House of Commons Library.
Employee Share Ownership Plans
Mr Llwyd: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what fiscal measures he is taking to increase participation in HM Revenue and Customs-approved all-employee share plans; [97772]
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(2) what recent discussions he has had with IFS ProShare on increasing the savings limits for HM Revenue and Customs approved all-employee share plans; [97806]
(3) what recent estimate he has made of the likely costs of increasing the savings limits for SAYE and SIP employee share plans; [97916]
(4) what comparative assessment he has made of the level of increase in savings limits for all employee share plans and the level of annual increase in ISA limits. [97799]
Mr Gauke: The all-employee tax-advantaged share schemes, Save as You Earn (SAYE) and Share Incentive Plan (SIP), currently provide around £400 million of tax and national insurance contributions relief to participants each year. The Government have asked the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) to identify areas in which tax-advantaged employee share schemes, including SAYE and SIP, can create complexities for scheme users, and to examine how these schemes could be simplified. The OTS intends to publish its report shortly.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), has not held any recent discussions with IFS ProShare. Officials from HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs are in regular contact with a range of representative groups, including IFS ProShare, on issues relating to the tax-advantaged share schemes.
The average value of monthly contributions made under SAYE and the average value of awards made to employees under SIP, are both estimated to be well within the current limits for the schemes.
While all taxes are kept under review as part of the normal Budget process, no detailed estimate of the total cost to the Exchequer of an increase in both SAYE and SIP limits is available. National statistics on the cost and use of SAYE and SIP can be found on the HMRC website at:
www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/emp_share_schemes/saye.pdf
www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/emp_share_schemes/sip.xls
No comparative assessment has been made between the impact of any increase in the current limits for SAYE and SIP and any increase in ISA savings limits. The contributions of each scheme to meeting the Government's objectives, and their interactions, are kept under review.
Monetary Policy: Republic of Ireland
David Simpson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the financial implications for the UK of a rejection of the EU fiscal treaty in a referendum in Ireland. [98082]
Mr Hoban [holding answer 5 March 2012)]:Ireland's referendum on the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance of the Economic and Monetary Union (the "fiscal compact") is a matter for the Irish Government and the Irish people. The Government are not going to speculate on the outcome of the vote.
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Pay
Brandon Lewis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many basic rate taxpayers earned more than £10,000 in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and how many such taxpayers were (i) men and (ii) women. [97735]
Mr Gauke: An estimated 23.6 million basic rate taxpayers had total income above £10,000 in 2010-11, of which 57% are male and 43% are female.
An estimated 23.6 million basic rate taxpayers have total income above £10,000 in 2011-12, of which 56% are male and 44% are female.
Estimates are based on the 2007-08 Survey of Personal Incomes, projected using economic assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget Responsibility's March 2011 economic and fiscal outlook.
Taxation: Banks
Mr Bone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of the collective losses banks, which the state has a stake in, have to offset against future taxation. [98266]
Mr Hoban: Due to HM Revenue and Customs' taxpayer confidentiality rules, it is not possible to provide an estimate of the collective losses that banks, which the state has a stake in, have to offset against future taxation.
Taxation: Second Homes
Tim Farron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment his Department has made of the extent of the practice of re-designating property ownership to avoid tax liability on the sale of second homes; and what estimate he has made of the likely effect on revenues to the Exchequer of such practices in the last 24 months. [98308]
Mr Gauke: No such assessment has been made as it is not possible to distinguish between the cost of private residence relief attributable to nominations of main residences for avoidance and non-avoidance purposes.
HMRC apply a risk-based approach to investigating any cases where they suspect an individual has nominated a property as the main residence on a spurious basis.
Energy and Climate Change
Energy
Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent estimate his Department has made of the proportion of households supplied by (a) British Gas, (b) EDF Energy, (c) E.ON, (d) RWE npower, (e) Scottish Power and (f) Scottish and Southern Energy in (i) England, (ii) Cumbria and (iii) South Lakeland in each of the last five years. [98312]
Charles Hendry:
Ofgem monitors the state of competition in energy markets, including the market share of suppliers. Ofgem's most recent estimate of the market share of
6 Mar 2012 : Column 685W
the six largest energy suppliers was published as part of their retail market review. This relates to domestic customers in the whole of Great Britain
(1), but is not available by breakdown of the regions requested.
(1) England, Wales and Scotland.
| Domestic market shares in Great Britain | ||||
| Percentage | ||||
| Electricity | Gas | |||
| June 2008 | August 2010 | June 2008 | August 2010 | |
| Source: Ofgem's Retail Market Review Supplementary Appendices (March 2011) http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/MARKETS/RETMKTS/RMR/Documents1/RMR_Appendices.pdf | ||||
Energy Supply
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much generation capacity from non-renewable energy sources was installed in each year between 1997 and 2011. [97954]
Charles Hendry: The following table shows the amount of capacity from non-renewable energy sources by year of commission or year that generation began. Similar data for 2011 will be available in July 2012 when the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES) is published. This table shows the capacity coming on line from new sites only and so excludes increases to the capacity of existing generators.
| Year of commission or year generation began | Capacity installed from new sites (MW) |
The table does not take into consideration any reductions in capacity of existing generators or any site closures.
Green Deal Scheme
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) what plans his Department has to appoint an administrator or manager of the Green Deal brokerage scheme as set out in the Green Deal consultation; and what estimate it has made of the cost of administering that scheme; [98446]
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(2) when his Department intends to publish further details of the Green Deal brokerage scheme; and whether such details will be made available for scrutiny before secondary legislation is put before the House. [98447]
Gregory Barker: The Government consulted on the option of a brokerage to link ECO subsidy and Green Deal finance as part of the recent consultation on Green Deal and ECO. In the meantime, the Government have continued to work with a variety of stakeholders on the potential design of such a brokerage function. The Government will publish their response to consultation in due course, and will provide further details on brokerage in the context of that response.
The administration of brokerage, and any associated costs, are factors being considered alongside the design of the brokerage model.
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he plans to publish the secondary legislation required to implement the Green Deal. [98450]
Gregory Barker: The Government published draft legislation alongside their consultation on 23 November 2011. It is available here:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/green_deal/green_deal.aspx
Subject to Parliament, we expect to have the final legislation on the statute book by the summer recess.
Local Energy Assessment Fund
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many organisations have received funding from the Local Energy Assessment Fund; and how much has been received by each organisation. [97958]
Gregory Barker: 237 organisations received funding from the Local Energy Assessment Fund. The average amount received by each organisation was £38,585.
I am placing details of the funding for individual projects in the Libraries of the House.
Nuclear Decommissioning Authority: Consultants
Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has spent on public affairs consultancy firms in the last 36 months; what the names are of any such firms; and for what reason any such expenditure was incurred. [98377]
Charles Hendry: The NDA has spent £83,193 in the last 36 months on one firm of communications consultants, Luther Pendragon Ltd.
With the NDA's communications team based in West Cumbria the firm is used to provide strategic advice on the NDA's communications with national media.
Solar Power
Caroline Flint:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of
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22 February 2012,
Official Report
, column 832-3W, on solar power, what the names are of the 13 different industry contacts and seven others consulted as part of the preparation of his Department's document entitled Solar PV Cost Update, January 2012. [97962]
Gregory Barker: It is not possible to disclose this information, as the report was undertaken for DECC by independent consultants (Parsons Brinckerhoff) using commercially sensitive data provided by a number of different companies who did not agree to their details being released.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimates his Department has made of the average changes in (a) a single and (b) a duel fuel bill for customers who are moving off the social tariffs that are being phased out as part of the introduction of the warm home discount. [98449]
Gregory Barker: The impact assessment for the warm home discount scheme estimated that the average level of support provided per energy account assisted by legacy forms of support such as social tariffs was £89.
This year energy suppliers are spending £153 million through warm home discount on providing support to low income and vulnerable households beyond the core group. As the first year of the scheme represents a transition from the previous voluntary agreement, suppliers may spend up to £140 million providing legacy forms of support such as social and discounted tariffs.
An assessment of how suppliers have delivered the required £153 million of non-core spending will be made following Ofgem's audit after the end of 2011-12.
Wind Power: Finance
Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the oral answer to the hon. Member for Redcar of 29 February 2012, Official Report, columns 284-5, on wind turbines, when the proposed reduction in the subsidy to onshore wind will take effect; and by how much the subsidy will be reduced. [98381]
Charles Hendry: The recent consultation on Government's proposed support for renewable electricity through the renewables obligation (RO) included a 10% reduction in support for onshore wind projects accredited from April 2013.
Around 4,000 responses were received to the consultation. The Government are still analysing the views and evidence put forward. A final decision on the level of RO support for onshore wind from April 2013 will be confirmed in the Government's response to the consultation in the spring.
Subject to parliamentary and state aids approval, the new support bands will come into effect on 1 April 2013 as planned (1 April 2014 for offshore wind).
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Wind Power: Planning Permission
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many planning applications for wind turbines were (a) approved and (b) rejected in Lancashire in each of the last five years. [97544]
Charles Hendry: In Lancashire between 2007 and 2011, seven planning applications for onshore wind turbines were approved by the relevant local planning authority (42 MW); two further applications were approved on appeal having been initially refused (43 MW); and two were refused (54 MW), including one on appeal (50 MW).
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Economic and Monetary Union
Jacob Rees-Mogg: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of whether any provision in the treaty establishing the European stability mechanism might provide for the treaty on stability, co-ordination and governance to be brought into the treaty on the functioning of the EU under the enhanced co-operation procedure. [98436]
Mr Lidington: The treaty establishing the European stability mechanism is an intergovernmental treaty between euro area member states acting outside the framework of the EU treaties.
EU treaty change can take place only under the procedures for treaty change as set out in the EU treaties themselves. Any changes to the EU treaties would have to be agreed and ratified by all 27 member states. The EU treaties cannot be changed through enhanced co-operation.
Falkland Islands
David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contingency measures are in place to deal with an incursion on to the Falkland Islands by non-military Argentine groups. [98149]
Mr Jeremy Browne: The Falkland Islands Government and the Royal Falkland Islands Police force have detailed plans to deal with any such incidents, with support from British forces if requested.
North Korea
Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government is taking to urge the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to invite the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food to visit that country. [98433]
Mr Jeremy Browne:
The British Government have not raised the issue of a visit by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food with the Democratic People's
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Republic of Korea (DPRK). The UN Special Rapporteur, who is independently appointed, has tended to focus on more international structures and mechanisms such as trade and global governance to implement his mandate.
Although the UN Special Rapporteur, Olivier De Schutter, has undertaken a number of ‘country missions’, these can only be undertaken following an invitation from the Government concerned. Such an invitation from the DPRK would be extremely unlikely as the regime are unwilling to engage in a dialogue on the failings of their governance and agricultural structures.
However, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in North Korea has addressed the issue of chronic, malnutrition in the North Korea and the Government have long asked that he be given access to the DPRK.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the likely date of the trial of Saif al- Islam Gaddafi. [97977]
Alistair Burt: Libya's Transitional Government and the International Criminal Court (ICC) are still in discussions regarding arrangements for the prosecution of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi. On 23 January, the Libyan authorities provided, on a confidential basis, information sought by the ICC Pre-Trial Chambers on the nature of Saif al-Islam's detention and Libyan intentions regarding his trial. The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber judges are currently considering this information, and we anticipate that they may take several months to reach a decision.
Sri Lanka
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the plans by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate allegations of abuses during the civil war in Sri Lanka in 2009 in light of the Sri Lankan government's Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission's report; and if he will make a statement. [98242]
Alistair Burt: The UK supports discussions of Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council and stands ready to support a resolution.
On 12 September 2011, the UN Secretary General submitted his Panel of Experts' report on accountability in Sri Lanka to the President of the UN Human Rights Council. We welcomed the report and have urged the Sri Lankan Government to respond constructively to it.
The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), which was appointed by the Sri Lankan Government to examine events relating to the civil war from 2002 to 2009, published its report on 16 December. We believe the report contains many constructive recommendations for action on post-conflict reconciliation and a political settlement. But we were disappointed by the findings and recommendations on accountability. We encourage the Sri Lankan Government to move quickly to implement the LLRC report's recommendations and to address questions of accountability for alleged war crimes that were left unanswered by it.
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Tunisia
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Tunisia on the development of democracy in that country. [97411]
Alistair Burt: Through the Arab Partnership, we are supporting the Tunisian people's efforts to strengthen their political institutions, improve human rights, including freedom of expression, and support economic growth. UK support for the election process in Tunisia, including voter education for women and young people in rural areas, was informed by discussions with the Tunisian Government.
We maintain a dialogue on the development of democracy at ministerial and official level. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), and I both met Ministers from the new coalition Government in January. We commended progress made by Tunisia, the formation of a Constitutional Assembly and discussed possible areas for further assistance. The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, my hon. Friend the Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes), and I also met the Tunisian Minister for Vocational Training and Employment during his visit to the UK. We discussed UK assistance in supporting economic recovery, which will have cumulative benefits for the development of democracy.
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK citizens visited Tunisia in each of the last five years. [97508]
Alistair Burt: The following figures are the number of British nationals that have visited Tunisia in each of the last five years. These are based on information provided to the British embassy in Tunis, from the Tunisian Tourism Office:
| Number | |
British nationals travelling overseas are not obliged to inform embassies or consulates of their presence in any country, although we actively encourage them to do so.
International Development
Departmental Data Protection
Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will publish details of what data without a security classification were lost during 2011. [98429]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) lost six mobile phones containing unclassified data (mainly contact information), during 2011. No data were lost because the devices were password protected and encrypted.
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Unclassified information was also lost when the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) security was compromised in June 2011. This resulted in 94 unclassified DFID documents being compromised. The data were draft documentation relating to stress testing undertaken by the IMF, which has since been published. Some IMF Standards Assessors had parts of their drafting compromised, but not full documents. The partial information was considered to be useless to the uninformed reader.
Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans he has to promote reforms to the way the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is run in order to encourage (a) country ownership, (b) transparency, (c) accountability and (d) efficiency; and if he will make a statement. [97641]
Mr O'Brien: Earlier last year, the Global Fund commissioned a High Level Independent Panel to look at the fiduciary controls and oversight mechanisms of the fund. The report recognised the essential work of the Global Fund but found weaknesses across its systems and procedures. In response, the fund's executive board has agreed and embarked upon on a transformation process to improve risk management and strengthen its controls still further, as well as reform the fund's overall management and business model including country ownership, transparency, accountability and efficiency. The report is publicly available on the Global Fund's website.
A “Consolidated Transformation Plan”, bringing together both existing and new reforms and processes was presented to and approved by the Global Fund board in November, along with a new strategy for the period 2012-16, and a set of other governance reforms. Taken together these reforms are intended to ensure that the fund improves its performance and better meets the needs of poor people affected by the three diseases.
The UK continues to take a pro-active approach to the reform agenda and is represented on the board of directors. The chair of the Global Fund is also a senior Department for International Development official.
India: Overseas Aid
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans he has to stop providing aid to India. [97973]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: Last year the Government agreed a radically transformed aid programme in India for the period up to 2015. We will not be in India forever, but we are walking the last mile with them. Our aim, as with all aid, is that it is no longer required.
I have ensured that the programme is overhauled to reflect India's rising resources, and to ensure that it represents good value for money for the British taxpayer. Half of our programme is now focused in three of the poorest states. The other half of the programme is focused on pro-poor private sector investment, most of which will be returnable capital and has the characteristics of a sovereign wealth fund, from which India and British taxpayers gain.
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Libya: Education
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance he is providing to the Ministry of Education in Libya to promote transfer of best practice to that country. [97974]
Mr Duncan: UK support is delivered in response to Libyan owned and led solutions, in co-ordination with the UN, in sectors where the UK adds value and expertise, and with appropriate burden sharing with international partners. Consequently, the Department for International Development is providing assistance to support Libya's security and economic priorities, and is not providing assistance to the Ministry of Education.
The British Council is working with the Ministry of Education to support the transfer of best practice. The British Council is running workshops, training courses and offering participation at international conferences for a range of groups including teachers, inspectors, and representatives from vocational and higher education.
Libya: Regulation
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking to assist the Libyan Government in developing a regulatory framework. [97978]
Mr Duncan: The World Bank and IMF lead on international economic and financial support to the Libyan Government. The UK has offered technical assistance to these three organisations to help strengthen public financial management and is encouraging the international financial institutions to engage on improving the investment climate.
Malaria
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent estimate he has made of the global prevalence of malaria. [97875]
Mr O'Brien: The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that there were 216 million cases of malaria in 2010. A recent study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimated 1,133,000 deaths due to malaria in 2010 compared to World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates of just over 650,000. There are methodological challenges to both these estimates. The fact that we must rely on estimates of malaria deaths highlights the need for improved malaria diagnostic testing, surveillance and health information systems. These are all areas for action highlighted in the UK's Malaria Framework for Results.
Both WHO and IHME figures show a significant drop in malaria deaths since 2004. This is due to accelerated efforts by the UK and the international community to tackle malaria. The UK continues to work hard to intensify efforts to have even greater impact on reducing the global burden of malaria.
Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of recent research on the prevalence of malaria. [97876]
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Mr O'Brien: The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that there were 216 million cases of malaria in 2010. A recent study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimated 1,133,000 deaths due to malaria in 2010 compared to World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates of just over 650,000. There are methodological challenges to both these estimates. Both WHO and IHME figures show a significant drop in malaria deaths since 2004. This is due to accelerated efforts by the UK and the international community to tackle malaria.
The strategy and targets outlined in the UK's Malaria Framework remain as relevant as ever. The figures highlight the need for better diagnosis, improved surveillance and stronger health information systems—all of which are included in our framework. The UK continues to work hard to intensify efforts to have even greater impact on reducing the global burden of malaria.
North Korea
Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the (a) availability of food in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and (b) effect of food shortages on the health for children, women and the elderly in that country. [98432]
Mr Duncan: The joint Food and Agriculture Organisation/World Food Programme Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission estimates that there is a shortage of food in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Their report notes that indicators of maternal and child malnutrition remain high; the elderly were also assessed as one of the groups in need of assistance.
Business, Innovation and Skills
Business: Loans
Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps the Government have taken to encourage banks to lend to small businesses since the end of the Project Merlin scheme. [98096]
Mr Prisk: The Merlin agreement delivered a 13% increase in lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2011, as compared with 2010. Building on the work of the agreement, the Government have announced credit easing plans, to ensure that small businesses can access affordable finance. The National Loan Guarantee Scheme will utilise £20 billion of Government guarantees to increase the affordability of bank credit for small businesses. Details on how the scheme can be accessed by SMEs will be given shortly.
Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effect of Project Merlin on lending to small businesses. [98157]
Mr Prisk:
The Merlin agreement committed the major banks to a range of measures to support UK businesses. As part of the agreement, the banks committed to making capacity available for £76 billion of gross lending
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to small businesses. In 2011, the participating banks extended £74.9 billion to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), representing a 13% increase on the lending to SMEs in 2010.
As part of the agreement the banks also committed to a range of commitments to boost businesses' access to bank finance, including supporting a network of mentors, publishing lending principles for medium-sized businesses, and organising a series of regional outreach events to support businesses. The Government welcome the progress the banks have made in delivering their commitments, as well as their intention to continue to take these initiatives forward in future. In particular, the Government welcome the BBA's intention to work with community development finance institutions (CDFIs) to put in place a system to refer unsuccessful loan applicants to CDFIs.
While this is welcome progress, the independent SME Finance Monitor, published in November 2011, shows that there is still work to be done to boost SMEs' confidence that finance is available.
Business: Recruitment
Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he has taken to encourage small businesses to take on extra workers. [98145]
Mr Prisk: We have introduced a number of measures to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to grow and have the capacity to take on extra workers, including a simplified tax regime, reducing red tape, enabling SMEs more easily to access public procurement opportunities, an enhanced Business Link website:
www.businesslink.gov.uk
providing a range of tools and advice on starting and growing a business, and measures to help businesses access the finance they need to grow.
We have helped all employers by increasing the employer NICs threshold by £21 a week, increasing the number of employees for whom employers pay no NICs by 650,000. And to encourage businesses to take on their first employees, we introduced the regional employer national insurance contribution holiday scheme. This allows every new business in eligible areas to claim a NICs holiday for the first 10 employees in the first year of business (up to £5,000 per employee).
In addition we have introduced specific measures to make it easier for businesses to employ people and to give them the confidence to do so. BIS is leading a cross-Government review into all aspects of employment-related law, with the aim of reducing burdens on business, while protecting fairness to employees. The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills recently announced a package of measures, including streamlining the employment tribunals system, doubling the qualifying period for unfair dismissal from one to two years, promoting early conciliation and mediation, and simplifying compromise agreements. We are making implementation of these and other measures a priority, to improve the way businesses hire, manage and end relationships with employees, to give them confidence to take on more staff and grow.
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We are taking a number of steps to makes apprenticeships more accessible to SMEs. These include introducing a £1,500 incentive to encourage up to 40,000 small firms to hire apprentices for the first time; measures to speed up the process of recruiting an apprentice and to enable micro businesses to add two broader business units to any apprenticeship, and the removal of health and safety measures that go beyond regulatory requirements. In addition, Jason Holt, CEO of the Holts Group of companies, is currently undertaking an independent review to identify what more can be done to make apprenticeships more accessible to SMEs. He will report to Ministers by 10 May.
Starting in April, the £1 billion Youth Contract will provide at least 410,000 new work places for 18 to 24-year-olds, over a three-year period. This includes wage subsidies worth £2,275 for employers to take on 160,000 18 to 24-year-olds, and 250,000 new work experience and sector-based work academy places. And we have launched the Work Experience programme, which will offer some young unemployed people a period of work experience between two and eight weeks in length. It covers the 18 to 24 age group. Work experience will be part of a package of additional support options that Jobcentre Plus can use to help individuals into work, prior to referral to the Work programme. We have expanded this to create 100,000 places each year for the next three years.