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Written Answers to Questions
Friday 23 March 2012
Attorney-General
Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005
Mr Dodds: To ask the Attorney-General how many cases have been prosecuted where evidence was presented by an assisting offender as defined in the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 in the last five years. [97102]
The Solicitor-General: In the past five years the Serious Fraud Office has dealt with six cases involving nine assisting offenders (as defined in the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005) who presented evidence.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) maintains information on the number of agreements made under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (SOCPA). No specific information is held on the number of cases where evidence was presented by an assisting offender. However, the most recent data in respect of the number of agreements to provide immunity or seek a reduced sentence were contained in an answer I gave to a parliamentary question from my right hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice and Howden (Mr Davis) on 7 July 2011, Official Report, column 1305W. The Crown Prosecution Service will be updating this information on an annual basis.
Business, Innovation and Skills
Climate Change
David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 21 February 2012, Official Report, columns 753-54W, on climate change, on what page of the website referred to the information sought is provided. [101777]
Norman Lamb: As stated in my previous answer to my hon. Friend, the Met Office global average temperature record, produced in collaboration with the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia, is publicly available at the following page on the Met Office website:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/monitoring/climate/surface-temperature
This includes a table showing average global temperatures for the past 25 years, expressed as anomalies relative to the average for the period 1961-90.
The table has been updated to include results from the latest version of the underpinning dataset, called HadCRUT4, which will be publicly available online in the coming days.
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Higher Education
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many applications his Department has received from (a) private providers and (b) not-for-profit (non-Higher Education Funding Council for England funded) providers to designate courses as eligible for student support. [101565]
Mr Willetts: Between May 2010 and the end of February 2012 the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills received a total of 689 applications for courses to be specifically designated for student support purposes. The Department does not hold comprehensive information on whether higher education providers applying for specific designation of courses are classed as private or not-for-profit institutions.
Higher Education: Admissions
Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of (a) applicants to and (b) places offered at (i) Oxford and Cambridge universities, (ii) all Russell Group universities and (iii) non-Russell Group universities were for pupils from (A) maintained schools and (B) private schools in the most recent year for which data are available. [99745]
Mr Willetts: The information has been provided by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and is given in the following tables:
| UK applicants (1) to full-time undergraduate courses aged 17 to 19: 2011 end of cycle figures (2) | ||||
| Percentage of UK applicants aged 17-19 who were from: | ||||
| Institution group: | Independent schools (3) | State funded schools and sixth form centres (3) | FE, tertiary, specialist and HE colleges (3) | Total |
| Percentage of UK applicants aged 17 to 19 who received offers and who were from: | ||||
| Institution group: | Independent schools (3) | State-funded schools and sixth form centres (3) | FE, tertiary, specialist and HE colleges (3) | Total |
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| (1)An applicant is counted as someone who has made at least one application to the institutional group. Each applicant can submit up to five applications (or four if they are applying to medical, dentistry of veterinary science courses). An applicant can therefore be recorded in more than one of the institutional groupings in the table. Applicants applying to undergraduate courses at Oxbridge who do not already hold a degree qualification, can apply either to Oxford or Cambridge, they cannot apply to both. (2) The figures cover applications made during the UCAS Main scheme (i.e. up until 30 June). It excludes applicants via Extra, clearing and direct entrances. (3) The standard UCAS establishment types have been grouped to construct these categories: “Independent schools” is as per the standard UCAS group of Independent schools; “State funded schools and sixth form centres” includes the standard groupings of Grammar, State (excluding grammar), and Sixth Form College; “FE, tertiary, specialist and HE colleges” includes applicants applying from these establishments, plus those applying directly as individuals (i.e. not through an educational centre), although within this age band for UK applicants, these numbers are small. Note: Due to rounding, percentages may not sum to totals. | ||||
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many applications for designated courses were granted in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12; and how many he expects to be granted in (i) 2012-13 and (ii) 2013-14. [101564]
Mr Willetts: The following table shows the number of applications for designated courses which were granted in 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12. The information for 2008-09 is not available. The Department has not made an estimate of the number of courses that it expects to designate in 2012-13 and 2013-14.
| Number of applications for specific designation granted | |
| (1) Includes data to end of February 2012 only. | |
Departmental Manpower
Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many people were employed in interim posts by (a) his Department and (b) a Non-Ministerial Department or arm's length body controlled by his Department, through (i) Penna Consulting, (ii) Reed Personnel Services and (iii) Capita Resourcing Ltd (trading as Veredus) at the latest date for which figures are available; and how many such people (A) had been in post for over a year and (B) worked full-time at that date. [101587]
Norman Lamb: As at 21 March 2012, no interims were engaged through Penna Consulting or Reed Personnel Services within the Core Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
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The Department joined the Pan Government contract with Capita Resourcing Ltd in December 2011 and to date have engaged only four interims through this contract. Two of these interims started in the Core Department in February 2012 and two start in March 2012, currently none of the four are planned to be in post for 12 months and all four are full-time.
On the basis of the most recent (early February 2012) figures available for the Department’s Partner Organisations, which will be subject to some inevitable fluctuations, 11 interims were engaged through Penna Consulting. All of these had been in post for over a year and 10 worked full-time. There were 13 interims engaged through Reed Personnel Services within the Department’s Partner Organisations; three had been in post for more than a year and all worked full-time. On the basis of these figures, we understand that no interims have been engaged through Capita Resourcing Ltd within any of the Department’s Partner Organisations.
Cabinet Office
Catering
Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much his Department spent on complimentary refreshments for (a) staff and (b) visitors in the latest period for which figures are available. [101439]
Mr Maude: As part of my Department's transparency programme monthly information on expenditure is published on:
www.data.gov.uk
Departmental Expenditure: Flowers
Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much his Department spent on (a) cut flowers and (b) pot plants between May 2010 and February 2012. [101424]
Mr Maude: On rare occasions, officials may purchase flowers for specific purposes, e.g. events or functions, but there are strict guidelines in place determining such transactions. Details of expenditure can be provided only at disproportionate cost.
As part of my Department's transparency programme information on expenditure is published on:
http://data.gov.uk
Harassment
Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many (a) bullying and (b) sexual harassment complaints have been reported against (i) director-level employees or above and (ii) special advisers in his Department in each quarter since 1 January 2010. [101714]
Mr Maude: There are no such cases involving special advisers.
The number of formal complaints relating to cases of bullying in the period in question were under five, and disclosing the details would risk revealing sensitive personal
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data that relate to individual members of staff. Any complaints are dealt with in accordance with the Department's policies and procedures.
There are no reported cases regarding sexual harassment.
Lost Property
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what property has been lost or stolen from the Deputy Prime Minister's Office in the last 12 months; and what the estimated cost was of replacement of such property; [100914]
(2) what property has been lost or stolen from the Prime Minister's Office in the last 12 months; and what the estimated cost was of replacement of such property. [100916]
Mr Maude: The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister's Offices are an integral part of the Cabinet Office.
There was one item reported stolen in the last 12 months, and the replacement cost was £506.75.
Media Monitoring
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what media monitoring services the Deputy Prime Minister's Office has purchased in each of the last five years; [100913]
(2) what media monitoring services the Prime Minister's Office has purchased in each of the last five years. [100915]
Mr Maude: During the last five years the Cabinet Office, including the Prime Minister's Office and Deputy Prime Minister's Office, have used the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) within the Central Office of Information and subscribed to a press cuttings service.
Ministers' Private Offices: Minister without Portfolio
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the cost was of the private office of the Minister without Portfolio since May 2010. [100722]
Mr Maude: The Minister without Portfolio, Baroness Warsi, is an unpaid Cabinet Minister. As a full member of the Cabinet she is supported by a small private office within the Cabinet Office. Given the small number of staff working in the office, publication of the pay bill costs for these staff, who are not senior civil servants, may lead to identification of their individual salaries and therefore for reasons of privacy, cannot be disclosed.
Official Cars: Minister without Portfolio
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the cost to the public purse was of drivers for the Minister without Portfolio since May 2010. [100723]
Mr Maude:
No Cabinet Office Ministers have an allocated Government Car Despatch Agency (GCDA) ministerial car. Ministers may use the shared GCDA pool car on official business when it is available. In line with the Ministerial Code published in May 2010, Ministers
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should ensure that they always make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. Before the shared ministerial car was available, costs for travel for official business in the financial year up to March 2011 were £7,765.25 and the current financial year £2,920.01.
Police: Private Sector
Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office whether the Business Partnering for Police Project has been scrutinised by the Major Projects Authority; and if he will make a statement. [101584]
Mr Maude: The Business Partnering for Police programme is owned by West Midlands and Surrey police and their respective police authorities. It is therefore not included on the Government's Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) which, in fulfilment of a prime ministerial mandate, is made up of the circa 200 highest priority programmes and projects within central Government, and is the driver for the work of the Major Projects Authority (MPA).
Although there is no mandate for scrutiny of projects outside of those that report on the GMPP, the MPA can share best practice with all projects across the public sector through parent Departments on request, and the MPA has engaged with the relevant police authorities, through the Home Office, on this basis.
Work Experience
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 5 May 2011, Official Report, column 872W, 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. [100738]
Mr Maude: Prior to April 2011 there was no formal internship programme and available placements were not advertised centrally or transparently. Since 1 April 2011, the Cabinet Office has provided 23 work experience placements to support the efforts to enhance the employability of young people between the ages of 18 and 24 who are receiving jobseeker’s allowance. We also provided four placements as part of the Whitehall Social Mobility Internship programme aimed at year 12 college-level students from under-represented backgrounds. In addition, the Department offered 31 paid internships.
The Cabinet Office does not offer opportunities to volunteer in the Department.
Defence
Major Projects Review Board
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many projects have been cancelled as a result of the findings of the Major Projects Review Board. [101153]
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Peter Luff: No projects have been cancelled as a result of the findings of the Major Project Review Board.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many projects the Major Projects Review Board has identified as having a budgetary problem. [101155]
Peter Luff: None of the projects reviewed by the Major Projects Review Board has a current budgetary problem.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times the Major Projects Review Board has met since it came into being. [101174]
Peter Luff: The Major Projects Review Board has met three times since its inception in 2011.
Deputy Prime Minister
Elections: Fraud
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the likely effect on levels of electoral fraud of his proposals to bring forward the annual canvass in autumn 2012. [101072]
Mr Harper: The Government take electoral fraud very seriously and the integrity of the ballot is a high priority. That is one of the reasons why, following a recommendation by the Electoral Commission, the Government directed that the annual canvass should be brought forward in those areas which will be holding elections for police and crime commissioners. An earlier canvass will result in a more accurate register being in place before the poll. It will thereby reduce the potential for anyone seeking to commit fraud by misusing polling cards that would otherwise be sent to named people that no longer reside at an address.
Electoral Register
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to introduce civil penalties for those failing to respond to the request to complete an individual electoral registration form. [101070]
Mr Harper: The Government are considering the merits of introducing a civil penalty for a non response to an invitation to register and we will announce our decision when we bring forward legislation.
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he plans to consult on introducing civil penalties for those failing to respond to the request of an electoral registration officer to register to vote. [101071]
Mr Harper: Officials are consulting with a wide range of groups over the merits of introducing a civil penalty for a non response to an invitation to register.
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Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent representations he has received on individual electoral registration. [101080]
Mr Harper: Ministers and officials continue to engage with a range of groups and members of the public on individual electoral registration.
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the likely effect of his proposals on individual electoral registration on geographical variation in the completeness of the electoral register. [101081]
Mr Harper: We have made no such specific assessment. The Government are committed to ensuring that as many eligible people as possible are registered to vote and are taking steps to stop people ‘dropping off’ the register, as well as looking at ways we can increase registration levels as part of the transition to individual electoral registration (IER).
We have welcomed the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee's report on the Government's proposals for IER and we are minded to put in place more safeguards to assure the completeness of the electoral register by changing our plans for the transition.
We will also track the completeness and accuracy of the electoral register before and after the move to IER. Research is also being conducted into currently under- registered groups to identify ways of increasing electoral registration.
Education
Departmental Expenditure: Drinks
Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much (a) his Department and (b) its public bodies have spent on (i) wine, (ii) other alcoholic refreshments and (iii) bottled water since May 2010. [92662]
Tim Loughton: The Department does not hold information centrally that would enable the identification of expenditure on these specific items and it could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Since May 2010, Private Office records indicate that £540 has been spent on alcohol, mostly wine. Ministers occasionally provide alcohol at their personal expense.
GCSE: Bracknell
Dr Phillip Lee: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many students in Bracknell constituency achieved A* to C grades in GCSE (a) biology, (b) chemistry, (c) mathematics, (d) physics and (e) combined sciences in each of the last three years. [100774]
Mr Gibb: The information requested can be found in the following table:
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| Numbers and percentages (1) of pupils (2,3 ) at the end of key stage 4 achieving A*-C grades in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Combined sciences (4) GCSEs (5,6) in the Bracknell constituency (7) , south-east region (8) and England (9) . Years: 2008-09 to 2010-11 (10) . Coverage: England | |||
| 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | |
| (1) Percentages are based on all pupils at end of key stage 4 in each area. (2) Figures do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. (3) Figures include all maintained schools (including CTCs and academies). (4) Pupils who achieved A*-C in core science GCSE. (5) Full GCSEs only have been included (Full GCSEs, double awards, accredited international certificates and their predecessor iGCSEs). Figures from 2008-09 exclude iGCSEs, 2010 figures include accredited iGCSEs. (6) Including attempts and achievements by these pupils in previous academic years. (7) Parliamentary constituency figures are based on the postcode of the school. (8) Regional figures are based on the region of the local authority maintaining the school, or in the case of CTCs and academies the local authority in which the school is situated. (9) England figures are the sum of all local authority figures. (10) Figures for 2008-09 and 2009-10 are based on final data, 2010-11 figures are based on revised data. Source: National Pupil Database | |||
GCSE: Sussex
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children received A* to C grades in GCSE (a) mathematics, (b) English, (c) geography and (d) sciences in (i) West Sussex and (ii) Mid Sussex constituency in each of the last five years. [101266]
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Mr Gibb [holding answer 21 March 2012]: The information requested can be found in the following table.
| Numbers and percentages (1) of pupils (2,3) at the end of Key Stage 4 achieving A*-C grades in mathematics, English, geography and science (4) GCSEs (5,6) in mid Sussex constituency (7) , West Sussex local authority and England (9) , Years: 2006/07 to 2010/11, Coverage: England | |||||
| Numbers and percentages of KS4 pupils achieving A*-C grades in : | |||||
| 2006/07 | 2007/08 | 2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | |
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| (1) Percentages are based on all pupils at end of Key Stage 4 in each area. (2) Figures do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. (3) Figures include all maintained schools (including CTCs and academies). (4) Pupils who achieved A*-C at GCSE in at least one of the following subjects: physics, chemistry, biological sciences, single science, double science, additional science, core science and applied science for the years 2008/09 to 2010/11 and in physics, chemistry, biological sciences, single science, double science for the years 2006/07 and 2007/08. (5 )Full GCSEs only have been included (full GCSEs, double awards, accredited international certificates and their predecessor iGCSEs). Figures from 2006/07 to 2008/09 exclude iGCSEs; 2009/10 and 2010/11 figures include accredited iGCSEs. (6) Including attempts and achievements by these pupils in previous academic years. (7) Parliamentary constituency figures are based on the postcode of the school. (8) Local authority figures are based on the local authority maintaining the school or in the case of CTCs and academies the local authority in which the school is situated. (9) England figures are the sum of all local authority figures. Source: National Pupil Database (2006/07 to 2009/10 final data, 2010/11 revised data). | |||||
Pupils: English Language
Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many (a) primary school pupils and (b) secondary school pupils in each local education authority in (i) the east of England and (ii) Greater London did not have English as their first language as at 30 September (1) 2009, (2) 2010 and (3) 2011; and if he will make a statement. [100773]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 21 March 2012]: The Department publishes annual data on first language based on January school census returns. The latest information on first language has been published as part of the ‘Schools, Pupils and their Characteristics, January 2011’ Statistical First Release at:
http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001012/index.shtml
Information on first language as at January 2009, 2010 and 2011 in east of England and London has been placed in the House Libraries.
Secondary Education: North West
Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 7 March 2012, Official Report, column 811W, on secondary education, what the (a) unique reference number and (b) establishment number is of each maintained secondary school in the North West; how many year 11 pupils were on roll in 2005; how many pupils took GCSE English with WJEC in (i) 2005 and (ii) 2010; and what proportion of entrants in that subject achieved grade C or above in (A) 2005 and (B) 2010. [100158]
Mr Gibb: The information requested has been placed in the House Libraries.
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Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food: Labelling
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what safeguards she has put in place to ensure that Regulation (EC) 41/2009 is implemented within the catering and manufacturing industries. [101757]
Anne Milton: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department of Health.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has responsibility for food aspects of food allergy and intolerance, including the implementation of Regulation (EC) 41/2009, and providing risk assessments for incidents where misleading gluten claims have been made.
The FSA has worked closely with Coeliac UK, together with food manufacturers, producers, retailers, and caterers to ensure they understand and comply with the requirements of this regulation. Guidance to Compliance was published in September 2009 to help businesses meet their obligations. In addition the FSA collaborated with Coeliac UK to produce a simple factsheet and flow chart to help caterers understand when they can label foods as “gluten-free”. The FSA web-based training (an e-learning module) on allergens has been modified to take account of the new labelling requirements for gluten. This is freely available to the food industry, enforcement officers and consumers and can be found at:
www.food.gov.uk/enforcement/enforcetrainfund/onlinetraining/allergytraining
The FSA works with enforcement officers in local authorities to ensure that food law is applied across the entire food chain and that public health and consumer interests are protected. It provides training and regular updates to enforcement officers on food matters, including allergen labelling.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Bahrain
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the human rights situation in Bahrain. [101755]
Alistair Burt: The UK remains concerned about the Human Rights situation in Bahrain. We welcomed the Bahraini Government's efforts to implement the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry recommendations and continue to urge them to address all the concerns raised by the Commission. We are therefore pleased to see the progress the Government of Bahrain have made so far in responding to the report, including to prevent future abuses of human rights. Introducing a police code of conduct, placing cameras to interview room and establishing a media oversight body are all important steps.
But this is a long term process and there is more to do. It remains critical that the Government of Bahrain continue their work, in particular ensuring that recent agreements are honoured, addressing issues of
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accountability and changing behaviours and culture. I and Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers regularly raise the issue of human rights with our Bahraini counterparts.
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made representations to the Bahraini government on the Formula One race scheduled to take place in that country. [101756]
Alistair Burt: This is not a decision for the British Government and we have not made representations to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) regarding a decision on whether to cancel, reschedule or re-locate the Bahraini Grand Prix.
Similarly, we have not lobbied any other country to take a position on this matter or to make representation to the FIA. It remains entirely the decision of the FIA on whether to postpone or cancel any race.
I have told the Bahraini authorities that if the race does take place, we expect it to do so under the right conditions.
Nuclear Weapons: International Co-operation
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to bring forward initiatives at the Global Nuclear Security summit in Seoul on 26 and 27 March 2012. [101256]
Alistair Burt: The Deputy Prime Minister will lead the UK delegation to the Nuclear Security summit in Seoul on 26-27 March. The summit will assemble 53 countries, and the UN, the EU, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Interpol, to assess progress on and reinvigorate commitment to ensuring that nuclear materials, technology and information are kept out of the hands of terrorists.
The Deputy Prime Minister will be able to report significant achievements against our national commitments from the first summit in Washington in 2010, including helping to secure nuclear materials in the former Soviet Union (not least, 775 bombs' worth of material in Kazakhstan); hosting a successful IAEA security advisory mission to our civil nuclear sites in Sellafield and Barrow; and leading efforts to secure last year's renewal of the G8-based Global Partnership against the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
The Deputy Prime Minister will also be able to make new commitments for the two years up to the next summit in 2014, including further close partnership with the IAEA, the US, the EU and others on risk reduction programmes overseas; further development of plans for the future management of our inventory of separated civil plutonium; and implementation of the new UK/France framework for cooperation on civil nuclear security and emergency response.
Our key contribution, and the summit's most innovative element, will be our groundbreaking work on the security of nuclear information. Over the past year we have built consensus on the need for greater focus on protecting not just nuclear material but also the information that a terrorist would need to obtain the material, build it in to an improvised explosive device, and mount an attack. Such information ranges from maps of nuclear installations,
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to how to construct a bomb, to how to beat border security and emergency response plans. I expect our work to be reflected in a dedicated paragraph in the summit communiqué, and an additional UK-led statement, in which at least 20 countries have agreed to join us, committing to specific national actions to improve the practice of information security.
Rockall
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions on the implications of Scottish independence for the future status of Rockall he has had with the First Minister of Scotland; and what representations he has received on the status of Rockall. [101008]
Mr Harper: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Cabinet Office.
There have been no discussions with the First Minister of Scotland about the future status of Rockall.
Somalia
Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the outcomes of Operation Atalanta. [101344]
Mr Bellingham: The British Government are pleased to provide the operational headquarters for Operation Atalanta and, as an EU member state, receive regular updates of its progress. The EU presence in the critical Gulf of Aden trade artery and wider Indian ocean, alongside naval forces from NATO, the Combined Maritime Forces and other contributing nations has contributed significantly to the reduction in the number of successful hijackings in recent months, The Government, with the agreement of parliamentary scrutiny committees, are pleased to support the proposed extension of Operation Atalanta to December 2014. The Government are hopeful that the EU Foreign Affairs Council will soon be able to adopt formally the extension.
As was made clear during the London Conference on Somalia, the Government remain committed to international efforts to counter piracy, and have just submitted their response to the Foreign Affairs Committee's report into Somali piracy. This response gives a comprehensive picture of all Government activity against piracy, including sustainable regional prosecution and imprisonment solutions, working with the shipping industry and action to break the piracy business model. A copy has been laid before the House.
Western Sahara
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent of a consultation with the people of Western Sahara on the export of sand by Morocco from Western Sahara. [101578]
Alistair Burt:
We are unaware of any consultations between Morocco and the people of Western Sahara specifically about the export of sand from Western Sahara. However, we support the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Western
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Sahara, Ambassador Christopher Ross, to encourage Morocco and the Polisario Front to address issues regarding the use of the territory's natural resources.
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any UK companies or ships export sand from Western Sahara. [101579]
Alistair Burt: We are not aware of the involvement of any UK companies or ships in the export of sand from Western Sahara.
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise with the Moroccan government the need to consult the people of Western Sahara before exploiting and exporting any natural resources. [101580]
Alistair Burt: The UK fully supports the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Western Sahara, Ambassador Christopher Ross, to encourage Morocco and the Polisario Front to address issues regarding the use of the territory's natural resources. On marine issues, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has called on Morocco to produce detailed evidence that the EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement is conducted to the benefit of the people of Western Sahara.
Work Experience
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 May 2011, Official Report, column 880W, 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. [100736]
Mr Bellingham: Over the last 12 months, the FCO offered a number of work experience placements in the UK through the schemes mentioned in the previous answer of 5 May 2011, Official Report, column 880W. We do this to help us recruit high calibre graduates from backgrounds where the FCO is under-represented, and where the FCO has a skills shortage.
In 2011, we ran and participated in a number of internship schemes (all paid) which involved 52 interns. From the schemes targeting diversity groups, we hosted 33 female students and nine students with ethnic minority or low socio-economic backgrounds. From our specialist subject work experience schemes, we hosted seven economics students. In addition, we offered three placements as part of a new Government-wide scheme for 16 to 18-year-olds, to increase professional experience and workplace skills for individuals from under-represented backgrounds.
We do not run any volunteer schemes; all our work experience schemes are paid.
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Home Department
Alcoholic Drinks: Pricing
Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what legal advice her Department has sought on introducing a form of alcohol minimum pricing in England and Wales. [100567]
James Brokenshire: The legal advice which the Government receive on this issue is subject to legal privilege. We do not, therefore, believe it appropriate to disclose this advice.
Entry Clearances: Tuberculosis
Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what epidemiological grounds the UK Border Agency develops its country-specific guidelines for required pre-entry tuberculosis screening of visa applicants. [100987]
Damian Green: The UK Border Agency has been piloting pre-migration screening under immigration powers. The pilot now covers visa applicants from 15 countries identified as having a high incidence of the disease, currently set at 40 cases per 100,000 head of population, using data from the World Health Organization.
The Government are reviewing the results of the pilot and the effectiveness of screening in this manner as a means of reducing the incidence of the disease within the UK.
EU Justice and Home Affairs Council
Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 14 March 2012, Official Report, column 23WS, on EU justice and home affairs measures, what estimate she has made of the number of underlying measures the UK will continue to be bound by in each of the next three years; and what those measures are. [101227]
James Brokenshire [holding answer 21 March 2012]: It is not possible to estimate how many underlying EU JHA measures the UK will continue to be bound by in each of the next three years. This will be determined by individual opt-in decisions made by the Government on proposals brought forward by the Commission, with the underlying measure only continuing to apply to the UK where we decide to not opt in to the replacement measure.
Each opt-in decision is made on a case-by-case basis, where the Government take into account the impact of new proposals on our security, our civil liberties, the integrity of our common law systems and the control of immigration. When proposals are brought forward which amend or repeal and replace existing measures the Government also consider the impact of the UK remaining bound by the underlying measure should we decide not to opt in to the amending or replacement measure.
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The Commission's work programme for 2012 gives an indication of the measures it is likely to propose for the coming year, although it will not always be clear whether they will repeal and replace an existing measure, or simply amend it. We also know that this programme is subject to change. However, it currently includes the following measures for which the Home Office will be responsible where we know existing EU measures already regulate the subject matter concerned:
Proposal on minimum provisions on the constituent elements of criminal acts and penalties in the field of illicit drug trafficking
Proposal on information exchange, risk-assessment and control of new psychoactive substances
Proposal to reform Eurojust's structure
Proposals on confiscation: minimum rules for the confiscation of criminal assets and mutual recognition of confiscation orders
Proposal establishing the European Police Office
Proposal for admission of third country nationals for the purposes of scientific research, studies, pupil exchange, unremunerated training or voluntary service
We have also already chosen not to opt in to the Asylum Reception Conditions and Asylum Procedures Directives, which means we will remain bound by the current directives once those are adopted.
Forensic Science
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the performance of LGC Forensics; and if she will make a statement. [100523]
James Brokenshire: The performance of forensic suppliers is managed by their customers, the majority of which are police forces. This is supported by national arrangements delivered by National Policing Improvement Agency and the Home Office. The national picture has been discussed and kept under review by the Forensic Transition Board.
Quality issues are overseen by the Forensic Regulator, who is currently investigating a specific DNA contamination incident within LGC.
Metal Theft
Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to which forms of scrap metal a ban on cash payments for scrap metal will apply. [100880]
James Brokenshire: The ban on cash payments will apply to all forms of scrap metal handled by scrap metal dealers.
Organised Crime: Proscribed Organisations
Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the role of the Serious and Organised Crime Agency is in monitoring links between organised crime and proscribed organisations in (a) Northern Ireland and (b) the UK; and which law enforcement agency leads in dealing with such crime. [100807]
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James Brokenshire: The Serious Organised Crime Agency passes any relevant information it receives in respect of proscribed organisations to the relevant UK agencies in accordance with established processes for intelligence exchange and operational collaboration. In respect of counter-terrorism work, this would include the Security Service (which is responsible for protecting national security) and relevant police forces and agencies.
Terrorism
Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current Government definition of terrorism. [100977]
James Brokenshire: The Terrorism Act 2000 (Section 1), as amended by the Terrorism Act 2006 (Section 34) and the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 (Section 75), defines terrorism as the use or threat of action which is designed to influence the Government (or an international governmental organisation) or intimidate the public or section of the public, and the use or threat of such action is made for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause. The full legal definition can be found at:
www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/11/section/1
International Development
Ethiopia: Human Rights
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether he has made an assessment of recent allegations made by Human Rights Watch that UK aid to Ethiopia is not closely monitored at field level by the donor community. [101218]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: We assess that UK Aid in Ethiopia is well spent and closely monitored at the field level. The UK employs a range of mechanisms to monitor the effectiveness of UK aid to Ethiopia and to ensure that we get maximum impact from every pound of taxpayers' money. These include regular field visits, audits and evaluation, and financial and performance reports. We are also investing in national surveys to tell us more about citizens' experiences of local service delivery to supplement Government's own administrative sources. Ministers regularly raise human rights matters with the Government of Ethiopia. I raised this personally with PM Meles at Davos and in Addis in January, and with Minister Tedros in March 2012. And we will continue to review the situation on the ground. My most recent meeting with Jan Egeland (executive director) from Human Rights Watch was on 22 March 2012.
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development with reference to recent allegations made by Human Rights Watch concerning UK development assistance to Ethiopia, if he will instigate an independent, impartial and transparent field-based investigation into the use of donor-funded government services for political purposes in Ethiopia. [101219]
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Mr Andrew Mitchell: The coalition Government take very seriously the allegations made by Human Rights Watch. When allegations were first made in 2009, the UK Government took immediate action. Working with the European Union, the United States and other donors, we published a study in August 2010, which found that there were good systems and safeguards for preventing misuse of aid and made recommendations on how to further improve transparency and independent monitoring. We continue to work with others to implement and strengthen these recommendations.
The Development Assistance Group in Ethiopia (DAG) has appointed an international expert to co-ordinate work on aid management and utilisation. All UK Aid programmes now have a strong focus on managing fiduciary risks, value for money and monitoring and evaluation. A World Bank evaluation of the largest multi donor programme in Ethiopia—Protection of Basic Services—strongly supported Government efforts at local levels in the areas of public financial management, fiscal transparency and social accountability.
Justice
Coroners
Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many military inquests would have been deemed to be suitable for the closed material procedure as set out in the Justice and Security consultation paper in each of the last five years. [101528]
Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice does not collate or hold statistics on the number of military inquests where sensitive information has been centrally relevant, or where some form of closed procedure might have assisted in the investigation into the death. However, in the overwhelming majority of cases coroners have managed, through close engagement with bereaved service families, to handle some very sensitive information in an agreed way that has minimised, if not altogether removed, the need to restrict access to information, whether by the use of public interest immunity or otherwise. Key parties to the information have stayed informed and involved.
Harassment: Convictions
Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people have been convicted of breach of a restraining order under section 5 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 on (a) two, (b) three, (c) four, (d) five and (e) more occasions since the Act was passed. [101475]
Mr Blunt: The following table shows the number of sentencing occasions for individuals convicted of breach of a restraining order under section 5 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. The figures in the table are taken from data up to the end of February 2012.
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These figures have been drawn from the police's administrative IT system, the police national computer, which, as with any large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. The figures are provisional and subject to change as more information is recorded by the police.
Harassment: Sentencing
Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many people were imprisoned following conviction under section 4 (putting a person in fear of violence) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in 2010-11; [101473]
(2) how many people were imprisoned following conviction under section 5 (breach of a restraining order) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in 2010-11; [101474]
(3) how many people received a prison sentence under section 4 (putting a person in fear of violence) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 for (a) 12 months or less, (b) 12 to 24 months, (c) 24 to 48 months or (d) 60 months in 2010-11. [101476]
Mr Blunt: The number of persons found guilty at all courts and sentenced to immediate custody, by sentence length, for offences under section 4 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, in England and Wales in 2010 (latest available) can be viewed in the table.
The number of persons sentenced at all courts in England and Wales for offences of breaching a restraining order under section 5 in 2010 was 2,799. A total of 904 sentences of immediate custody were imposed for these offences during this period.
Annual court proceedings data for 2011 are planned for publication on 24 May 2012.
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| Number of persons found guilty at all courts, sentenced to immediate custody, by sentence length, for offences under section 4 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, England and Wales 2010 (1,2) | |||||||
| Sentence length | |||||||
| Section 4 | Found guilty | Sentenced | Immediate custody | 12 months and under | Over 12 months and up to 24 months | Over 24 months and up to 48 months | Other sentences (3) |
| (1) The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (3) Includes: conditional discharge; fine; community sentence; suspended sentence; and otherwise dealt with (includes one day in police cells; disqualification order; restraining order; confiscation order; travel restriction order; disqualification from driving and other miscellaneous disposals). Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice | |||||||
Manpower
Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people were employed in interim posts by (a) his Department and (b) a non-ministerial department or arm's length body controlled by his Department through (i) Penna Consulting, (ii) Reed Personnel Services and (iii) Capita Resourcing Ltd (trading as Veredus) at the latest date for which figures are available; and how many such people (A) had been in post for over a year and (B) worked full-time at that date. [101589]
Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice has no interim posts filled through Penna Consulting, Reed Personnel Services or Veredus (part of Capita plc).
The Ministry has a procurement arrangement with Capita Resourcing Ltd (a separate part of Capita plc) to supply specialist contractors and interim managers. This arrangement is in line with the Cabinet Office Efficiency and Reform Group (ERG) directive that complies with procurement legislation and with HM Treasury rules.
Information on the interim posts in the arm’s length bodies for which the Ministry of Justice is responsible is not held centrally and could only be obtained by incurring a disproportionate cost.
Reoffenders
Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent progress he has made on his policy of payment by results for the reduction in prisoner reoffending; and if he will make a statement. [R] [99251]
Mr Blunt: Two payment by results pilots aimed at reducing reoffending by prisoners are underway, involving offenders released from HMP Peterborough and HMP Doncaster. Ministry of Justice officials are working with the governors of HMP High Down and HMP Leeds to establish pilots which will test different options for applying payment by results principles to prisons managed in the public sector, beginning later this year. In the latest phase of prison competitions, the Ministry of Justice has invited variant bids showing how payment by results can contribute to reduced reoffending. The outcome of the competitions will be announced in November 2012.
Officials are working with the Wales and Staffordshire and West Midlands Probation Trusts to develop two reducing reoffending pilots covering offenders serving community sentences.
To test the potential for new approaches using payment by results, a procurement exercise is underway with the aim of establishing two innovation pilots, to be based on proposals for reducing reoffending submitted by the market.
The principles of payment by results are also being extended across the wider justice system. Pilots are running in Greater Manchester and five London boroughs testing a justice reinvestment approach to reducing demand on courts, prison and probation. Four Youth Custody Pathfinder pilots are also underway, encouraging local authorities in the pilot areas to reduce reoffending and prevent young people most at risk of custody from escalating through the justice system.
Officials are working to test the benefits of co-commissioning services on a payment by results basis, with the Department for Work and Pensions to introduce two pilot projects, testing the inclusion of a reoffending outcome into the Work programme, and with the Department of Health to design and implement eight drug and alcohol recovery pilots, which will also include a reoffending outcome.
Transport
Aviation: Lasers
Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance she has issued to (a) the courts and (b) Crown prosecutors on the (i) use of lasers and (ii) relevant offences in the air navigation orders. [101752]
Mrs Villiers:
It is for the police and prosecution authorities to decide what action to take in light of the circumstances of individual events. Under the Air Navigation Order it is an offence to act negligently or recklessly in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft.
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On conviction, an offender could face an unlimited fine and/or a custodial sentence of up to five years. It is also an offence under the Air Navigation Order to:
“direct or shine any light at any aircraft in flight so as to dazzle or distract the pilot of the aircraft”.
This offence can attract a fine of up to £2,500.
Lost Property
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what property has been lost or stolen from her Department in the last 12 months; and what the estimated cost was of replacement of such property. [100908]
Norman Baker: The property recorded as lost and stolen in the last 12 months is as follows, and where we have the estimated replacement costs, this is shown alongside:
| £ | |||
| Item | Lost | Stolen | Total estimate cost of replacement |
The figures provided here are for all items recorded as lost or stolen in the last 12 months, and are for the entire Department including its agencies and shared service centre.
Railways: Electrification
Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the likely effect of the electrification of the railway line between Manchester and Leeds on her plans to provide additional cascaded rolling stock; and what recent progress she has made in introducing such rolling stock. [101517]
Mrs Villiers: Future rolling stock deployment decisions will be a matter for the new franchisee.
Shipping: EU Law
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the merits of ensuring all EU seafarers are brought in line with the provisions of Directive 96/71/EC. [101798]
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Mike Penning: I do not believe it necessary to bring EU seafarers in scope of Directive 96/71/EC. I am content that the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, which is being implemented in Europe through a Social Partners Agreement in Directive 2009/13/EC, sets global standards for the protection of seafarers’ living and working conditions, including provisions relating to annual leave and employment.
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had with her EU counterparts on the extension of Directive 96/71/EC to all seafarers operating within the EU. [101799]
Mike Penning: The Department for Transport has held no discussions with other member states on the extension of Directive 96/71/EC to all seafarers operating within the EU. We have no intention of seeking such an amendment to Directive 96/71/EC.
Tractors
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether she plans to change the rules for tractors and trailers on the roads; and if she will make a statement. [100457]
Mike Penning: The Department's officials are currently discussing potential changes to regulations with the relevant organisations in accordance with the Government's response to the MacDonald review. Maintaining high standards of road safety is of key importance, while permitting farmers to take full advantage of the efficiencies of improved, modern equipment. Any proposals to change would be subject to normal regulatory process including public consultation.
Work Experience
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 24 May 2011, Official Report, column 573W, 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 her 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. [100747]
Norman Baker: In the 12 months ending 28 February 2012:
(a) 10 people worked as interns as part of the Department's Summer Diversity internship programme supporting people from minority ethnic and other under-represented backgrounds.
(b) 439 people between ages of 18 and 24 participated in the Government's work placement programme supporting young people.
(c) The Department does not offer opportunities for people to work as volunteers except in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency which is one of the Department's seven executive agencies. The MCA uses volunteers in the Coastguard Rescue Service (CRS). There are approximately 3,500 volunteers around the coast organised into 362 teams. Numbers fluctuate and new members are enrolled locally when there is a need.
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Treasury
Consumers: EU Law
Nic Dakin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what timetable he has set for the consultation on early implementation of Article 19 of the consumer rights directive; and when he expects the article to be transposed into legislation and come into force. [101717]
Norman Lamb: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
On 23 December 2011 we announced our intention to consult on implementing the payment surcharges provision of the consumer rights directive ahead of the June 2014 transposition deadline. We intend to issue a consultation document this spring to seek views on the timing of implementation, among other issues. The responses to that consultation will inform the timing of implementation. In line with Government policy we would intend for the provision to take effect on a Common Commencement Date, if implemented before the EU deadline for implementation.
Taxation: Environment Protection
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the revenue the Exchequer will receive from the Carbon Price Floor in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15. [101259]
Miss Chloe Smith: The independent Office for Budget Responsibility set out their estimate of receipts from the Climate Change Levy, which includes the carbon price floor. The estimated receipts are £1.4 billion in 2013-14 and £1.8 billion in 2014-15. These are set out in Table 4.7 of their “Economic and fiscal outlook” published in March 2012.
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Work and Pensions
Manpower
Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people were employed in interim posts by (a) his Department and (b) a non-ministerial department or arm's length body controlled by his Department through (i) Penna Consulting, (ii) Reed Personnel Services and (iii) Capita Resourcing Ltd (trading as Veredus) at the latest date for which figures are available; and how many such people (A) had been in post for over a year and (B) worked full-time at that date. [101590]
Chris Grayling: As of 22 March 2012 the Department’s use of interims from Penna Consulting, Reed Personnel Services and Capita Resourcing Ltd (trading as Veredus) is set out in the following table:
| Penna Consulting | Reed Personnel Services | Capita Resourcing Ltd (trading as Veredus) | ||