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Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Afghanistan
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the threat to UK national security arising from the activities of the Taliban. [101239]
Alistair Burt: The Government's considered assessment remains that without the current presence of international forces in Afghanistan, al-Qaeda, and those willing to offer them sanctuary, would be able to re-establish themselves and the threat of terrorism from the region, including to the UK, would rise.
Belarus
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to enable opposition groups from Belarus to meet hon. Members. [101007]
Mr Lidington: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and I met Belarusian opposition figures in London during a visit organised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office between 13 and 15 December 2011. The delegation met a number of hon. Members, along with the International Offices of a number of political parties, and representatives of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. They also attended the launch of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Belarus.
We have no firm plans for a repeat visit at this time. However, as 1 told the opposition groups, the UK will continue to pursue all means possible to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Belarus.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 March 2012, Official Report, column 547W, on Democratic Republic of Congo: elections, if he will place a copy of the mission report in the Library. [101148]
Mr Bellingham: The mission report from the US National Democratic Institute and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems is not owned by the UK Government and will therefore not be placed in the Library. We will continue to work with key partners to ensure that there is a thorough and transparent review of the electoral process and that necessary improvements are made.
Iceland
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his Icelandic counterpart on Iceland's possible membership of the EU; and what support he has offered to the Government of Iceland on preparation for EU membership. [101000]
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Mr Lidington: I last met Iceland's Foreign Minister, Mr Ossur Skarphéinsson, during the London Conference on Libya in March 2011, when I reiterated the UK Government's strong support for Iceland's EU accession. We believe that the process of EU accession offers the most effective means to help resolve at the EU level challenging areas, such as fisheries, finance and the environment (including whaling).
Practical support to help Iceland prepare for EU membership is provided through the EU's Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), which provides targeted funding to all candidate countries to ensure they are ready to take on the responsibilities of EU membership upon accession. The total value of the Instrument for Iceland is approximately €12 million per year, of which the UK contributes approximately €1.5 million. While Iceland is already highly aligned to much of the EU acquis, the Instrument is valuable in helping Iceland to tackle specific niche areas that remain outstanding. Iceland also contributes its own funding to complement funds provided under the IPA.
Information Commissioner
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many appeals his Department has made to an information tribunal contesting a decision notice of the Information Commissioner in the last 12 months. [100300]
Mr Lidington: There has been a significant rise in the number of cases involving the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) at the Information Tribunal over the last 12 months. In the majority of cases requesters appealed against the Information Commissioner's (ICO) Decision Notices and the FCO was joined as a party to the proceedings and was therefore obliged to take up the case.
In four cases the FCO appealed the ICO's Decision. In one of these cases, the ICO agreed to withdraw its original decision to require disclosure. In the second, the original Decision Notice of the ICO was replaced by the Tribunal on the basis of a compromise agreement between the FCO and the ICO. In the third, the Tribunal agreed with the FCO that some of the information which the ICO had sought to be disclosed should be retained. The fourth case is due to be heard at the end of this month.
Libya
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking on the desecration of war graves in Libya. [101005]
Alistair Burt:
British embassy officials immediately visited the sites on 25 February and raised this issue with the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Benghazi Chief of Police, making clear our outrage, the need to provide security to the sites and conduct thorough investigations into the attacks. Our ambassador also raised our concerns with the Deputy Foreign Minister, the Minister of Interior and the offices of NTC Chairman Abdul Jalil and Prime Minister al-Kib. In response to
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these incidents, Foreign Minister Khayyal and Chairman Abdul-Jalil made statements condemning the attacks, and the Transitional Government published a statement on 28 February, describing the damage as:
“unethical, irresponsible and criminal”
and making clear that the Libyan Government:
“severely denounces such shameful acts and vows to find and prosecute the perpetrators according to Libyan Law”.
The Libyan authorities have instructed the police to make regular patrols and station police outside the cemeteries to ensure no further attacks occur.
I recently raised this again with the Deputy Foreign Minister Abdul Aziz and stressed the importance of a thorough investigation. He gave further assurances that the Libyan Government shared our views on the attacks and would continue to investigate these crimes.
Media Monitoring
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what media monitoring services his Department has purchased in each of the last five years. [100895]
Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has purchased the following media monitoring services:
Central Office of Information (COI) Media Monitoring Unit press and media summaries; Precise Media press cuttings
COI Media Monitoring Unit press and media summaries; Precise Media press cuttings
COI Media Monitoring Unit press and media summaries; Precise Media press cuttings; Kantar media monitoring service
COI Media Monitoring Unit press and media summaries; Precise Media press cuttings; Durrants press cuttings (July onwards); Kantar media monitoring service
COI Media Monitoring Unit press and media summaries; Precise Media press cuttings; Durrants press cuttings; Kantar media monitoring service.
Overall costs have reduced due to a drive to achieve greater efficiency and a move from print to electronic delivery.
Middle East
Heather Wheeler: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support the Government are providing for the renewal of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. [100458]
Alistair Burt: The UK continues to make regular high level representations to the Government of Israel and to the Palestinians on the urgency of making progress towards a two-state solution. We view as a positive development the efforts of King Abdullah of Jordan and Jordanian Foreign Minister, Nasser Judeh, to bring the parties together under the framework of the Quartet statement of 23 September 2011.
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The UK also provides practical and technical support, including to the Office of the Quartet Representative, to reinforce the prospects for peace, economic development and stability in the region.
Palestinians
Nadhim Zahawi: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what his policy is on the application of the Quartet principles to a Hamas-Fatah unity Government; [R] [100411]
(2) what reports he has received on Hamas' Charter; and what assessment he has made of the likely effect the charter will have on the Middle East peace process; [R] [100414]
(3) what assessment he has made of the likely effect of Hamas and Fatah merging their security forces on co-ordination between Palestinian Authorities and the authorities in Israel on security matters. [R] [100415]
Alistair Burt: We continue to follow developments on Palestinian reconciliation closely, including recent meetings between Hamas and Fatah officials, and discussions that may have implications for the two organisations' charters and their future co-operation on security issues.
We have been clear that any new Palestinian authority, including any technocratic government formed to prepare for elections, must be composed of figures committed to the principles set by President Abbas in Cairo in May 2011; uphold the principle of non-violence; be committed to a negotiated two-state solution; and accept previous agreements of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation. We will judge any future Palestinian Government by their actions and their readiness to work for peace. The Palestinian Security forces should remain under the command of the Palestinian Authority.
In the context of the dramatic changes in the wider middle east, we continue to encourage all groups to espouse the principle of non-violence and to join mainstream democratic politics, thereby contributing to peace and stability in the region. If Hamas were to do so, this would constitute a significant step towards meeting the Quartet principles.
Tunisia
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the UK Government is taking to increase trading links with Tunisia. [100276]
Alistair Burt: The UK has worked hard to help secure an EU mandate to negotiate a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with Tunisia. The DCFTA will bring greater integration with the EU single market as well as regulatory convergence. The EU has also re-launched discussions on the EU-Tunisia Agriculture Agreement. We are also focused on helping UK companies identify new opportunities within the Tunisian market. UK Trade and Investment held an event last week “Arab Spring One year on: Business opportunities in North Africa”, which generated a good level of interest in Tunisia.
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I met with the Tunisian Minister for Vocational Training and Employment Abdelwaheb Matar in January. Mr Matar sought co-operation with the UK in all major fields including investment and vocational training and I assured Mr Matar of UK support.
Through our Arab Partnership Fund, we have provided approximately £1.2 million of support in Tunisia so far, including for political participation, public voice, good governance, and economic reform. This support will help build a more stable political and economic environment, which will in turn create a better enabling environment for the creation of new and strengthened trading links with Tunisia. The Department for International Development is also funding the African Development Bank in Tunis to co-ordinate donor support for private sector development in the middle east and North Africa region. We expect to further increase programme funding for Tunisia in the next financial year.
Defence
Armed Forces: Housing
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the armed forces housing budget was in each year from 2000-01 to 2011-12; and what the budget is projected to be in 2012-13; [101146]
(2) how many people have lived in service married living quarters for a total of eight years, in each year since 2000. [101185]
Mr Robathan: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) on 13 March 2012, Official Report, column 135W.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many married couples have been housed in service married living quarters in each year since 2000; [101182]
(2) how many service married living quarters there are in each (a) region, (b) local authority area and (c) parliamentary constituency. [101183]
Mr Robathan: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) on 13 March 2012, Official Report, column 134W.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many couples have lived in service married living quarters for longer than eight years, in each year since 2000. [101184]
Mr Robathan: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) on 13 March 2012, Official Report, column 134W.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average cost per annum is of each service married living quarters. [101186]
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Mr Robathan: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 March 2012, Official Report, column 138W, to the hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones).
Armed Forces: Life Insurance
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what compensatory payments are made by (a) his Department and (b) other Government Departments to bereaved service families. [98886]
Mr Robathan [holding answer 8 March 2012]: A list of all compensation and benefits payable in respect of a member of the armed forces who has died as a result of service can be found at:
http://www.veterans-uk.info/pensionscompensation.htm
Armed Forces: Married People
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the armed forces were married when they joined the forces. [101147]
Mr Robathan: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) on 13 March 2012, Official Report, column 133W.
Armed Forces: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are in place to support military personnel experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. [100402]
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes the issue of mental health very seriously, and we will continue to offer a high standard of treatment and care to those who need it. Service personnel with post-traumatic stress disorder will normally be referred to and treated in one of our military Departments of Community Mental Health, which offer a wide range of psychiatric and psychological treatments, including medication, psychological therapies, and environmental adjustment where appropriate. In-patient care, when necessary, is provided in specialised psychiatric units under contract with the NHS. Throughout the treatment process, personnel and their families are offered assistance and support from a range of welfare, regimental and charitable groups.
In accordance with the recommendations of my hon. Friend the Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr Murrison)’s ‘Fighting Fit’ Report, published in October 2010, additional resources are also being allocated by MOD and the Department of Health to improve the mental health care provided to both serving and ex-service personnel. Key among these are the commissioning of an extra 30 whole-time equivalent NHS mental health professionals to deliver improved access to NHS mental health services to veterans, and the launch in March last year of a professional 24-hour helpline for current and ex-service personnel and their families. Additionally, we are currently trialling use by the service community of the Big White Wall, an online early intervention service for people in psychological distress. We have launched an e-learning package to help civilian GPs understand the needs of the military, their families and ex-service personnel. And we are introducing mental health
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assessments into routine service medical examinations and into discharge medicals. The mental health assessments are currently being introduced on a regional basis.
Freedom of Information
Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many appeals his Department has made to an information tribunal contesting a decision notice of the Information Commissioner in the last 12 months. [100309]
Katrice Lee
Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 22 February 2012, Official Report, columns 828-9W, on Katrice Lee, how many police officers and other resources are assigned to the open case; and if he will make a statement. [100681]
Mr Robathan [holding answer 20 March 2012]: 18 service police personnel are assigned to the investigation into the disappearance of Katrice Lee. All are working on the case full-time. The team consists of a senior investigating officer, his deputy and five investigators from the Royal Military Police Special Investigation Branch. These are supported by 11 Royal Military Police personnel who are using the Home Office Large Major Enquiry System (HOLMES), which is a management tool used during major police inquiries to handle very large quantities of data. The investigation team also has access to a wide range of additional Royal Military Police and civilian police resources, including specialist advisers from the National Policing Improvement Agency.
I wrote to the hon. Member on this issue on 7 March 2012.
Media Monitoring
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what media monitoring services his Department has purchased in each of the last five years. [100887]
Mr Robathan: During the last five years the Ministry of Defence has used the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) within the Central Office of Information and subscribed to a press cuttings service.
MMU can provide services such as media briefings, broadcast summaries and news alerts for Departments.
Navy: Reserve Forces
Mr Doran: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had on the future of the Aberdeen University Royal Navy Unit and its Royal Navy Reserves. [100832]
Mr Robathan [holding answer 19 March 2012]:No decision has yet been made; the potential relocation of Aberdeen University Royal Navy Unit (AURNU) is part of an ongoing study to ensure optimisation of available fleet assets while ensuring value for money.
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Reserve Forces: South East
Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) men and (b) women there were in the reserve forces in (i) Dartford constituency, (ii) Kent and (iii) the south-east in the latest period for which figures are available. [100422]
Mr Robathan: The requested information is not available in the format requested. However, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 6 March 2012, Official Report, column 648W, to the hon. Member for Houghton and Sunderland South (Bridget Phillipson). I can further advise that of the 330 full-time reserve service personnel identified as employed in the south-east region, 290 are men and 40 are women.
Veterans: Staffordshire
Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the memorial to British nuclear test veterans in Staffordshire was funded. [100768]
Mr Robathan [holding answer 20 March 2012]: The British Nuclear Test Veterans Association memorial at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire was privately funded.
War Pensions
Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to the public purse has been of legal action relating to war pensions for nuclear test veterans. [100772]
Mr Robathan: In the current group of ongoing nuclear test veterans war pensions appeals the Ministry of Defence has to date been notified of bills as follows:
| £ | |
These figures exclude VAT and do not include the cost of any associated MOD resourcing or obtaining security clearances for individuals involved in the cases.
The Treasury Solicitor's Department, for reasons of Government accounting, charges for its services on a cost recovery basis.
We are awaiting a hearing date to be confirmed for these appeals. We remain keen to work with the tribunal and appellants with a view to ensuring that costs relating to all war pensions appeals are proportionate and kept to a minimum.
Work Experience
Chi Onwurah:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 24 May 2011, Official Report, column 531W, on departmental work experience, how many people (a) worked as an intern, (b) undertook a work experience placement and (c) worked as a volunteer in his Department in accordance
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with the hiring criteria set out in that answer in the last 12 months for which data are available; and how many such people were employed other than according to those criteria. [100730]
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) provided five places on the summer diversity internship scheme and four two-week Whitehall Internships as part of the Social Mobility Strategy in the last 12 months. Information on the number of people who may have undertaken other internships or work experience placements in the MOD in the last 12 months is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The MOD does not offer opportunities to volunteer in the Department.
Transport
Bus Services: Birmingham
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much her Department spent on concessionary bus travel in Birmingham, Ladywood constituency in each year since the scheme was introduced. [101287]
Norman Baker: There is no breakdown available by parliamentary constituency. From 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2011, the Department for Transport provided Special Grant funding to local authorities to cover the extra costs of the England-wide statutory off-peak bus travel concession for older and disabled people, which was introduced on 1 April 2008. The Special Grant funding allocated to Centro, the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority, is shown in the following table.
| £ million | |||
| 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | |
In England, until 31 March 2011, the Department for Transport's Special Grant funded a portion of the statutory concession, but the majority of funding was provided by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) through Formula Grant. From 1 April 2011, all funding is through DCLG's Formula Grant.
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many pensioners claimed free bus travel in Birmingham, Ladywood constituency in each year since the scheme was introduced. [101295]
Norman Baker: The Department does not hold this information in respect of individual parliamentary constituencies.
Population estimates from the Office for National Statistics show the numbers of people of eligible age for an England national bus pass, for Centro, the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority, and for Birmingham, from mid-year 2008 to mid-year 2010 as provided in the following table:
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| £000 | |||
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | |
The National Travel Survey 2010 estimates that in England 78% of eligible older people hold an England national bus pass.
Bus Services: Concessions
Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of people eligible for a free bus pass claimed their entitlement in (a) England, (b) Kent and (c) Dartford in the last year for which figures are available. [100462]
Norman Baker: New statistics derived from the Department for Transport travel concessionary survey show that an estimated 9.9 million eligible older and disabled people held a concessionary bus pass in England in 2011-12. There is no reliable information at local authority level on the number of passes on issue.
Population estimates from the Office for National Statistics show that in mid 2010, the latest period for which figures are available, there were 18,900 older people resident in Dartford, 354,500 resident in Kent and 11.7 million resident in England who were of the eligible age for a bus pass. The National Travel Survey 2010, estimates that in England, 78% of eligible older people hold an England national bus pass. The Department does not hold information on the number of eligible disabled people.
The number of concessionary passenger journeys on local bus services in England from 2007-08 to 2010-11, can be found at
http://www.dft.gov.uk/statistics/tables/bus0105/
Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what her policy is on the use of bus passes by disabled people before 9.30 am; and if she will make a statement. [101237]
Norman Baker: The statutory minimum concession gives free off-peak travel on local buses in any part of England to eligible older and disabled people. Off-peak is defined as 9.30 am to 11pm Monday to Friday and at all times at weekends and on bank holidays.
Travel concession authorities in England may offer additional discretionary travel concessions to their older and disabled residents, including travel in the morning peak, if they choose to do so. Such enhancements are not part of the statutory minimum and must be funded from an authority's own resources.
Driving Under Influence
Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) correspondence and (b) meetings her Department has had with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills on changes to the drink drive rehabilitation scheme. [101510]
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Mike Penning: Driving Standards Agency (DSA) officials have not met their counterparts at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to discuss changes to the drink drive rehabilitation scheme.
DSA has corresponded with BIS officials as part of the pre-publication clearance process for consultation papers and impact assessments.
High Speed 2 Railway Line
Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will ensure that the terms of the HS2 compensation package do not adversely affect community cohesion by providing different benefits for those living in the same area. [100514]
Justine Greening [holding answer 20 March 2012]: The Government are committed to ensuring that any HS2 compensation package deals fairly and consistently with local residents and businesses.
McKinsey and Company
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much her Department paid to McKinsey and Company in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if she will make a statement. [100569]
Norman Baker: To the best of my knowledge, the Department for Transport has had no spend with McKinsey and Company in 2010-11 and 2011-12.
Moor Vehicles: Imports
Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if she will review her policy relating to vehicle imports and the differential treatment of UK and non-EU citizens; [100389]
(2) if she will review her policy relating to vehicle imports to allow an adjustment period for UK citizens in which their imported vehicle can be driven on public roads before it has passed the Individual Vehicle Approval test. [100390]
Mike Penning: There are no plans to review current policy. International agreements require us to permit the temporary use, by a foreign citizen, of a foreign-registered vehicle for a limited time (a maximum of six months in any 12-month period), whilst UK residents importing a vehicle to the UK must register the vehicle with DVLA within 14 days of its entry. The regulations permit an unregistered vehicle to be driven to a pre-booked IVA test.
Procurement
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of contracts issued by (a) her Department and (b) agencies for which she is responsible were rewarded to small and medium-sized enterprises in the latest period for which figures are available. [100367]
Norman Baker: The latest period for which figures are available is January to December 2011.
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| Agency | Number of contracts awarded | Number of small | Number of medium | Total SMEs | Percentage of contracts awarded |
| (1) HA and MCA are unable to a breakdown between small and medium | |||||
Railways: Electrification
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 31 January 2012, Official Report, column 568W, on railways: Wales, what discussions she has had with Welsh Ministers regarding electrification of the Valleys Lines; and who will be responsible for making a decision and statement regarding funding of any project relating to the feasibility study. [101141]
Mrs Villiers: The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Greening), is in ongoing discussions with Welsh Ministers regarding the proposed electrification of the Valleys Lines. If electrification is funded through the High Level Output Specification for the railway, any decision and statement regarding funding will be a matter for the Secretary of State for Transport.
Railways: North West
Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the likely benefits that the Northern Hub proposal could provide to residents of Hyde, Stalybridge and Mossley. [101516]
Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport has not carried out an assessment of the likely benefits of the Northern Hub proposal specifically to residents of Hyde, Stalybridge and Mossley. However, the scheme will increase the capacity and capability of the rail network in and around Manchester to the benefit of rail users as a whole.
Road Works: Fees and Charges
Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment she has made of the recommendations of the report by the Transport Research Laboratory on a charge structure for trenching in the highway; and if she will make a statement; [100878]
(2) if she will introduce a charge structure to allow highway authorities to recover some of the cost of future maintenance of roads from utility companies where they have dug up highways and reinstated the surface. [100879]
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Norman Baker: The Department sympathises with concerns expressed by local authorities about the issues addressed in the TRL Report, and with the view that “the polluter should pay”. However, I am yet to be persuaded that statutory powers about resurfacing and recovering long-term damage costs would offer a proportionate and workable solution that creates the right incentives for utilities to reduce future damage.
I am concerned that these costs may simply feed through into utility bills rather than changing utility companies' behaviour for the better. It would therefore still be households and businesses who ultimately bear the costs of long-term damage, whether through taxation (as now) or through utility bills (as it would be under the TRL proposals).
The proposal would also be inconsistent with the coalition Government's commitment to reduce regulatory costs on business, and in particular the principle that any new regulatory costs affecting business should be accompanied by an offsetting deregulatory measure.
Rather than imposing a levy that would create a new regulatory burden and result in higher utility bills, the Government believe the more pragmatic approach is to reduce long-term damage costs through a greater focus on high-quality reinstatements.
I do not propose to bring forward legislative proposals in this area in the foreseeable future, but the Department will continue to keep the position under review through its ongoing engagement with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee, ADEPT and other interested parties.
Health
Diabetes: Health Services
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to address any discrepancies between figures from the National Diabetes Audit and the Quality and Outcomes Framework achievement data. [101133]
Paul Burstow: Departmental officials are working with the Health and Social Care Information Centre to understand the reasons for the differences between figures from both data sources. Variation in figures could be ascribable to differences in scope and data assessment methodology. We will work with stakeholders to understand the reasons for the differences and to identify what needs to be done as a result.
Drugs: Prisons
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether drug addiction assessments are carried out on prisoners at the end of their time in prison. [100798]
Paul Burstow: Drug assessments are not routinely carried out on all prisoners prior to release. However, all prisoners who have been engaged in structured drug treatment while in custody should undergo a pre-release review by the prison substance misuse team, primarily to ensure that the necessary continuity of care arrangements are in place.
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The completion of pre-release reviews will be monitored as part of the performance management arrangements which accompany the introduction of the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System across all English prisons and young offender institutions from April 2012.
Any prisoner can self refer for drug treatment at any point during an episode of imprisonment, including immediately prior to release. National clinical guidelines give clinicians information on how they can undertake pre-release assessment and treatments.
Subject to legislation, the National Health Service Commissioning Board (NHSCB) will be responsible for the future commissioning of health services for those in custody. The NHSCB will assume commissioning responsibilities for prison substance misuse services on behalf of Public Health England and will work closely with local Drug and Alcohol partnerships to ensure a cohesive approach at a local level.
General Practitioners: Training
Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that members of GP commissioning boards are trained on mental health issues. [100843]
Paul Burstow: The main function of a governing body of a Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will be to ensure that the CCG has appropriate arrangements in place to ensure they exercise their functions effectively, efficiently and economically and in accordance with generally accepted principles of good governance.
Individual members of the CCG governing body will bring different perspectives, drawn from their different professions, roles, background and experience (and may include mental health perspectives).
As commissioners, CCGs will need to have strong relationships with a range of health partners. This will provide them with access to information, advice and knowledge to help them make the best possible commissioning decisions. The Health and Social Care Bill therefore places a duty on CCGs to obtain appropriate advice from a broad range of professionals, such as mental health specialists, as well as actively involving patients and carers to bring their experience into commissioning services. CCGs will also access multidisciplinary advice from clinical networks and senates, on the design and delivery of services.
Lost Property
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what property has been lost or stolen from his Department in the last 12 months; and what the estimated cost was of replacement of such property. [100918]
Mr Simon Burns: The following table outlines the Department's property losses and thefts from 1 February 2011 to 31 January 2012 and is the latest information available.
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| Departmental losses and thefts 1 February 2011 to 31 January 2012 | ||
| Items | Numbers | Estimated r eplacement cost (£) |
NHS Connecting for Health (NHS CfH) is part of the Department's Informatics Directorate. However, there are a number of fundamental differences between the Department and NHS CfH, including suppliers and equipment used. It is therefore deemed appropriate to display the figures for NHS CfH losses and thefts separately to the rest of the Department.
The following table outlines their property losses and thefts from 1 February 2011 to 31 January 2012.
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| NHS CfH losses and thefts 1 February 2011 to 31 January 2012 | ||
| Items | Numbers | Estimated Replacement cost |
Lung Cancer: Health Services
Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average length of stay of lung cancer patients following an emergency admission to hospital was in (a) England, (b) Medway Primary Care Trust and (c) West Kent Primary Care Trust in each of the last three years. [101139]
Paul Burstow: Information on the mean and median length of stay, in days, for emergency admissions to hospital for England, Medway Primary Care Trust (PCT) and West Kent PCT of residence for the years 2008-09 to 2010-11 is provided in the following table:
| Mean (1) and median (2) length of stay (in days) for emergency admissions (3) with a primary diagnosis (4) of lung cancer for England and selected PCTs (of residence) (5) for the years 2008-09 to 2010-11 (6) | ||||||
| Days | ||||||
| 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | ||||
| Mean length of stay | Median length of stay | Mean length of stay | Median length of stay | Mean length of stay | Median length of stay | |
| (1) Mean length of stay—the average length of stay based on the difference between the admission date and discharge date in days of each spell, summed for all spells and divided by the number of spells where a valid duration has been recorded. This excludes day cases and periods of care where the length of stay is less than one full day. (2) Median length of stay - the middle value of all the valid lengths of stay when placed in ascending order. (3) Emergency admissions—the count of admission episodes with an admission method indicating the admission was an emergency admission method code: 21 = Emergency: via Accident and Emergency (A&E) services, including the casualty department of the provider 22 = Emergency: via general practitioner (GP) 23 = Emergency: via Bed Bureau, including the Central Bureau 24 = Emergency: via consultant out-patient clinic 28 = Emergency: other means, including patients who arrive via the A&E department of another health care provider. (4) Primary diagnosis—the primary diagnosis is the first of up to 20 (14 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and seven prior to 2002-03) diagnosis fields in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was admitted to hospital. ICD-10 Codes used: C34.0 Malignant neoplasm of main bronchus C34.1 Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, bronchus or lung C34.2 Malignant neoplasm of middle lobe, bronchus or lung C34.3 Malignant neoplasm of lower lobe, bronchus or lung C34.8 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping lesion of bronchus and lung C34.9 Malignant neoplasm of bronchus or lung, unspecified C78.0 Secondary malignant neoplasm of lung (5) SHA/PCT of residence—the strategic health authority (SHA) or primary care trust (PCT) containing the patient's normal home address. This does not necessarily reflect where the patient was treated as they may have travelled to another SHA/PCT for treatment. (6) Assessing growth through time—HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For example, apparent reductions in activity may be due to a number of procedures which may now be undertaken in out-patient settings and so no longer include in admitted patient HES data. HES are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and PCTs in England and from some independent sector organisations for activity commissioned by the English NHS. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies. While this brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings remain.. Activity includes in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre | ||||||
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Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the percentage change in spending on lung cancer treatment was in (a) England, (b) Medway Primary Care Trust and (c) West Kent Primary Care Trust in each of the last three years. [101140]
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Paul Burstow: The following table sets out the percentage of change in spending on lung cancer for England, Medway Primary Care Trust (PCT) and West Kent PCT, in each of the last three years.
| 2007-08 (£000) | 2008-09 (£000) | Percentage Change | 2009-10 (£000) | Percentage Change | 2010-11 (£000) | Percentage Change | |
| Notes: 1. In order to improve data quality, continual refinement have been made to the programme budgeting data calculation methodology since the first collection in 2003-04. The underlying data which support programme budgeting data are also subject to yearly changes. This was particularly significant in 2010-11. For instance, the England level expenditure on lung cancer has fallen by 34% but this is due to changes in the collection methodology. The amount of expenditure allocated to the 'Other Miscellaneous' category increased substantially in 2010-11, which means less expenditure is allocated to the individual programme categories and subcategories. Caution is therefore advised when using programme budgeting data to draw conclusions on change in PCT spending patterns between years. 2. Figures include expenditure across all sectors. Disease specific expenditure do not include expenditure on prevention, or general practitioner expenditure, but do include prescribing expenditure. 3. Calculating programme budgeting data is complex and not all health care activity or services can be classified directly to a programme budgeting category or care setting. When it is not possible to reasonably estimate a main programme from existing data sets, expenditure is either included within the 'Other Miscellaneous' subcategory, or apportioned over other categories. Treatment may vary between years. 4. When it is not possible to reasonably estimate a disease specific subcategory from existing data sets, expenditure is included within the other subcategory of the relevant programme. The allocation of expenditure to programme budgeting subcategories is not always straightforward, and subcategory level data should therefore be used with caution. It should also be noted that approximately 50% of cancer expenditure is allocated to the 'Other' cancer subcategory, so the subcategory figures should be interpreted with caution. There is not sufficient information to . allocate some services, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to the individual subcategories. 5. England level figures are calculated using PCT and strategic health authority programme budgeting returns and Department of Health resource accounts data. Figures will include an estimation of special health authority expenditure. Source: Annual PCT programme budgeting financial returns | |||||||
Media Monitoring
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what media monitoring services his Department has purchased in each of the last five years. [100917]
Mr Simon Burns: The Department's daily cuttings from the national press have been provided by Precise Media since 1 July 2007.
Prior to April 2010, regional press cuttings were sourced from Kantar Media Intelligence (formally known as TNS Media Intelligence) via a rolling agreement. Since April 2010, the regional press cuttings service has been provided by Precise Media.
The spend on media monitoring services the Department's Media Centre has purchased in each of the last five years is provided in the following tables:
| Department of Health | |
| Financial year | Spend on press cuttings (£) (1) |
The Media Monitoring Unit based at the Central Office of Information provides the Department with a 24-hour a day, 365 days a year monitoring service of broadcast and print media. They also provide summaries throughout the day and overnight of key Government-related stories and transcripts of interviews on request.
| Department of Health | |
| Financial year | Spend on media monitoring (£) (1) |
| (1) The figures provided above are all inclusive of VAT. | |
Connecting for Health joined the Department's Media Centre following the merger of the media relations functions of the Department and NHS Connecting for Health in April 2009. Therefore, the figures provided above for the financial years 2009-10 and 2010-11 for both press cuttings and media monitoring also includes a small proportion of spend for Connecting for Health's media monitoring subscriptions.
MMR Vaccine
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Urabe strains of the MMR vaccine Pluserix and Immravax were licensed for use in the UK. [101084]
Paul Burstow: Pluserix licence (PL 0002/0166) was granted on 17 June 1988 and Immravax licence (PL 06745/0020) was granted on 18 September 1989.
NHS: Drugs
Huw Irranca-Davies:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) pursuant to the answer of 1 March 2012, Official Report, column 473W, on NHS: drugs delivery
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services, for what reasons his Department does not monitor the number of emergency deliveries made by medicine manufacturers to pharmacies; [100777]
(2) pursuant to the answer of 1 March 2012, Official Report, column 477W, on NHS: drugs and with reference to Best Practice for Ensuring the Efficient Supply and Distribution of Medicines to Patients, how his Department defines ‘quickly and conveniently' in relation to the supply of prescription medicines to patients; and what steps he is taking to monitor such supply. [100778]
Mr Simon Burns: The joint guidance “Best Practice for Ensuring the Efficient Supply and Distribution of Medicines to Patients”, states that the aim of all parties in the supply chain should be that, under normal circumstances, pharmacies receive medicines within 24 hours. Pharmacies make their own commercial arrangements with suppliers and we are cautious about imposing additional data return burdens on the supply chain, including on pharmacists.
NHS: Standards
Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which NHS trusts the Care Quality Commission took enforcement action against in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11. [100688]
Mr Simon Burns: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health, and adult social care in England and is responsible for developing and consulting on its methodology for assessing whether providers are meeting the registration requirements under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the 2008 Act).
During 2009-10, the CQC registered national health service providers against a registration requirement relating to health care associated infection.
Since 1 April 2010, NHS providers have been registered against the full set of registration requirements under the 2008 Act.
The following information has been provided by the CQC.
(a) The CQC took enforcement action against the following NHS providers in 2009-10.
Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust
(b) On 1 April 2010, the following NHS providers were registered with conditions:
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
East and North Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust
East Riding of Yorkshire Primary Care Trust
Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust
Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust
Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Medway NHS Foundation Trust
Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust
Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust
Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
West London Mental Health NHS Trust
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Subsequently the CQC took enforcement action against the following NHS providers during 2010-11:
Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust (Derriford Hospital)
Nutrition: Children
Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to his Department's publication “Healthy Lives, Healthy People”, what steps he plans to take to further protect children from the marketing of food and drinks high in fact, sugar and salt. [101149]
Anne Milton: The Department continues to keep the position under review in the light of the latest research and evidence. The promotion of food, including to children will be further considered in the forward work programme of the Food Network of the Responsibility Deal for 2012-13.
Pancreatic Cancer: Health Services
Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to raise pancreatic cancer survival rates in the worst-performing cancer networks to match those in the best. [101011]
Paul Burstow: “Improving Outcomes in Upper Gastro-intestinal Cancers”, published in 2001, makes recommendations on the treatment, management and care of patients with upper gastro-intestinal cancers including pancreatic cancer. “Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer”, published in January 2011, makes it clear that the improving outcomes in cancer guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence will continue to be a feature of all commissioned cancer services.
We know that patients having a more advanced stage of disease at diagnosis is one of the main reasons for variation in cancer survival outcomes. This is why we have prioritised achieving earlier diagnosis in the Cancer Outcomes Strategy. The strategy is backed by more than £750 million over the spending review period and sets out an ambition to save an additional 5,000 lives every year by 2014-15 through earlier diagnosis of cancer and improved access to screening and treatment.
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To support the national health service to tackle regional variations in cancer survival rates we are providing data to providers and commissioners that allow them to benchmark their services and outcomes against one another and to identify where improvements need to be made. Surgical resection is currently the best curative intervention for pancreatic cancer and, through the National Cancer Intelligence Network, we have already made available data collections on survival rates and surgical resection rates across a range of cancers, including pancreatic cancer.
In “Improving Outcomes a Strategy for Cancer: First Annual Report”, published in December 2011, we have said that continuing to provide the NHS with benchmarked data on variations in services and outcomes as a lever for improvements is a priority for 2012.
Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the quality of training for clinical nurse specialists on pancreatic cancer. [101012]
Paul Burstow: It is the responsibility of strategic health authorities (SHAs) to commission education and training for their local health care work force. In partnership with local service and education, providers, SHAs agree the training requirements for nurse specialty programmes, such as clinical nurse specialists on pancreatic cancer, and the practice learning opportunities embedded within those programmes.
As part of their standard contract with the national health service, higher education institutes are required to demonstrate to employers that they can deliver training places that include systematic quality assurance processes.
The new system for education and training will tackle variations in quality standards for nurse training and assure greater consistency in access to employer led continuing professional development and new professional, education initiatives. Local Education Training Boards will address local inconsistencies and will be held to account through the education outcomes framework overseen by Health Education England (HEE).
At a national level, the recommendations made by the NHS Future Forum Report to develop properly structured, post-qualification pathways will be supported by collaborative working from HEE and the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Tuberculosis
Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to transfer (a) latent infection and (b) other tuberculosis treatment to GPs and pharmacists; and what plans he has for future funding of this care delivery. [101494]
Anne Milton: Clinical guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommend that treatment for tuberculosis (TB) should be provided by specialist clinicians. However, other health care professionals such as pharmacists may be involved in overseeing directly observed treatment for latent or active TB infection on behalf of a specialist clinician. Funding for local provision of services for TB is a matter for local national health service organisations.
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Vaccination: Schools
Simon Reevell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 27 February 2012, Official Report, column 136W, on vaccinations: schools, who will be responsible for local co-ordination of (a) immunisation and (b) schools' vaccination programmes once primary care trusts are abolished. [101020]
Anne Milton: The Department will delegate responsibility for the commissioning of national immunisation programmes to the National Health Service Commissioning Board (NHS CB) by means of a formal written agreement. There is work in hand to develop and agree a shared model for how the NHS CB will commission immunisation in the new system to ensure safe transition. The model will draw appropriately on the expertise of Public Health England. The local co-ordination role forms part of the development of this model.
Work Experience
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 4 May 2011, Official Report, column 846W, on departmental work experience, how many people (a) worked as an intern, (b) undertook a work experience placement and (c) worked as a volunteer in his Department in accordance with the hiring criteria set out in that answer in the last 12 months for which data are available; and how many such people were employed other than according to those criteria. [100740]
Paul Burstow: During the past 12 months, the Department has taken part in the Civil Service Whitehall Internship Scheme from 25 July to 5 August 2011, as part of the Government's Social Mobility Strategy. The scheme was developed in response to a pledge in the coalition agreement to provide internships in every Whitehall Department for people from under-represented groups. The Department provided opportunities for three people of school leaving age, to work in our Whitehall office, giving them meaningful work experience and an insight into the civil service.
The Department continues to support the annual Cabinet Office Summer Placement Scheme to encourage ethnic and disabled candidates to apply for the fast stream. During the summer of 2011, the Department employed and paid three individuals from 11 July to 2 September 2011, giving them an insight into the Fast Stream Development Programme.
On an annual basis, the Department also engages in an annual eight-week placement for NHS management trainees and last year the Department took on three trainees. There were also 18 analysts and 10 finance students awarded paid, fixed term appointments to help enhance their work experience and aid their academic studies.
The Department also demonstrates its commitment to corporate social responsibility by formalising its work experience activities through the 'Building Bridges' programme. In the last 12 months, the Department has provided two weeks work experience placements for each of eight students as part of their mandatory year 10 work experience.
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Other information on unpaid and expenses-only internships, volunteers and short-term work experience placements, organised locally by directorates, is not collected centrally. It would incur disproportionate costs to collect the information requested.
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Biodiversity: Havering
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she has taken to promote biodiversity in the borough of Havering in the last 12 months. [100378]
Richard Benyon: The borough of Havering is a partner in the Greater Thames Marshes Nature Improvement Area, one of only 12 winners in the recent national competition for Government funding. The Greater Thames Marshes NIA measures 490 km(2) of which roughly 8 km(2) falls within Havering borough, and will support the development of a coherent ecological network across the Thames estuary.
In addition, Natural England supports specific management of the borough's land holding for environmental purposes, including biodiversity. In 2011-12 a new (Higher Level) Environmental Stewardship agreement was signed for management on parts of Ingrebourne Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest, owned by the borough, providing £16,000 for conservation management on 18.7 hectares of important wetland habitat and 109 hectares of Hornchurch Country Park. Natural England provides continued support and funding for two existing agreements on borough-owned land.
As a partner in Green Space Information for Greater London, the borough of Havering contributes to and benefits from the development of a comprehensive and up to date environmental evidence base for London, part-funded by Natural England.
BSE: USA
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment she has made of the likelihood of the US lifting BSE trade barriers; [100710]
(2) what assessment she has made of the potential benefits for UK farmers if US import conditions aligned with the World Organisations for Animal Health standards; [100711]
(3) what recent discussions she has had with her US counterparts on the aligning of US import conditions with the World Organisations for Animal Health standards; [100712]
(4) what assessment she has made of the potential effects on the beef industry if US import conditions aligned with the World Organisations for Animal Health standards; [100714]
(5) what discussions she has had with EU officials on the likelihood of the US lifting BSE trade barriers. [100713]
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Mr Paice: DEFRA works with the food and drink industry, and other Government Departments, to take full advantage of the potential for growth through overseas trade, including by identifying global market opportunities and barriers to exports. Last year, the growth in the beef export trade approached 15% in real terms.
The retail market for beef in the United States is currently estimated at around $74 billion (£44 billion) and imports are valued at some $1.4 billion (£0.84 billion).
The United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published a proposed rule on BSE and imports of bovine animals and their products in the Federal Register on Friday 16 March. The summary to the proposed rule states that the changes, if implemented, would continue to guard against the introduction of BSE into the US, while allowing the import of additional animals and animal products.
DEFRA welcomes the publication of the proposed rule. We are enhancing our work with partners, including industry, the European Union and our Washington embassy, as well as the USDA directly, to develop and take forward our views.
Dangerous Dogs
Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how much was spent on kennelling dogs whose classification under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was subject to a court case in (a) England, (b) London and (c) the London borough of Newham in the latest period for which figures are available; [100920]
(2) how many dogs were destroyed in (a) England, (b) London and (c) the London borough of Newham following seizure under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in the last three years; [100921]
(3) how many dogs are being kennelled in (a) England, (b) London and (c) the London borough of Ealing whilst their status under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is being determined. [100922]
Mr Paice: Figures for the numbers of dogs destroyed and currently held by each police force or local authority, and the costs of kennelling, are not held centrally.
Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when her Department will make an announcement on future dangerous dogs legislation; and if she will make a statement. [100923]
Mr Paice: We have been working on a package of measures to tackle irresponsible dog owners and will be announcing these soon.
Dog attacks are terrible for the victim and in putting the package together we have considered the benefits of compulsory micro-chipping of dogs and extending the current law to cover private property.
The final package will cover future Government handling of these issues as well as other plans to improve the standards of dog ownership.
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Farmers
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has discussed the effect of the reduction in annual investment allowance on farmers with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. [100454]
Mr Paice: The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), has regular meetings with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss a range of DEFRA interests including taxation and agriculture.
Although the annual investment allowance will fall from £100,000 to £25,000 in April 2012, over 95% of businesses are expected to be unaffected by these changes.
Food Supply
Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 28 February 2012, Official Report, column 194W, on food supply, how much of the investment in agricultural research and development will be allocated to (a) crop productivity, (b) sustainable livestock production, (c) waste reduction and management and (d) greenhouse gas reduction. [100346]
Mr Paice: DEFRA in partnership with the Technology Strategy Board and BBSRC are investing £90 million on R&D via the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Innovation Platform over five years with match funding by industry to stimulate technological innovation to increase food productivity while decreasing the environmental impact in the agri-food sector. DEFRA's contribution is £30 million.
To date, two collaborative R&D competitions have taken place:
New approaches to crop protection (£13.6 million)
Sustainable protein production (up to £15 million)
A third call on food processing and manufacturing efficiency and waste reduction (up to £15 million) was officially launched on 14 March.
Horses: Passports
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of horses without a valid horse passport in each of the last three years. [101341]
Mr Paice: All horse owners are required by law to hold a passport for each horse they own. No specific estimates have been compiled regarding the number of horses without a valid passport. Local authorities are responsible for enforcing horse passport regulations throughout England, and penalties can be applied by the courts for non-compliance.
Natural England: Operating Costs
Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the annual cost to the public purse is of Natural England. [99524]
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Richard Benyon: Natural England's core Grant in Aid settlement for 2011-12 is £200 million and by 2014-15 the settlement is expected to fall to around £157 million.
Poultry: EU Law
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment she has made of the effect on costs and availability of (a) shell eggs, (b) processed eggs and (c) catering and retail products using eggs since the introduction of the ban on non-enriched cages; [100668]
(2) what assessment she has made of the availability of eggs and egg products following implementation of the ban on non-enriched cages. [100669]
Mr Paice: I will be meeting shortly with a range of representative bodies and businesses directly involved in the production, processing and retail of eggs to gather their views on the situation and establish what they think is the cause of any particular problems they are experiencing. In addition, DEFRA officials are monitoring developments closely and liaising at EU level.
Regulation
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many regulations her Department repealed between 1 June 2011 and 31 January 2012; and what estimate she has made of the likely savings in each case. [97919]
Mr Paice: The Department revoked 39 statutory instruments between 1 June 2011 and 31 January 2012, with a further two statutory instruments being partially revoked. 29 of these measures are EU in origin. A list of the instruments revoked is set out in the following table.
The Department did not repeal any primary legislation in this period. The estimated costs and savings to business are set out in individual impact assessments. These are available electronically from the Better Regulation Executive's Impact Assessment library:
http://www.ialibrary.bis.gov.uk/links/
Only one of the statutory instruments listed as follows includes savings to business. This is the Pigs (Records, Identification and Movement) Order 2011 which has an estimated saving of £0.16 million per year to business.
| 1 June 2011 to 31 January 2012 Revocations | |
|
The Spring Traps Approval (England) Order 2012 (1) (Domestic): |
|
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Regulation
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many regulations her Department introduced between 1 June 2011 and 31 January 2012; and at what cost to the public purse. [99080]
Mr Paice: DEFRA introduced 41 statutory instruments between 1 June 2011 and 31 January 2012 but no primary legislation. These regulations are listed in the following table. 22 of these regulations are EU in origin.
DEFRA does not capture the total cost to the public purse of these new regulations (e.g. including staff time or cost to regulators), but does capture the forecast costs and savings to business, which are set out in the individual impact assessments. These are available electronically from the Better Regulation Executive's impact assessment library:
http://www.ialibrary.bis.gov.uk/links/
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