Retirement
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff of her Department retired in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; how many such staff were taking early retirement in each such year; and if she will make a statement. [104569]
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Damian Green: Table 1 includes numbers for staff retiring at pensionable age and staff taking early retirement from the Home Office in 2010-11 and 2011-12.
| Table 1 (1) | ||
| 2010-11 | 2011-12 | |
| (1 )Figures given are based on paid civil servants and include those who left the Home Office during the period, in line with Office for National Statistics guidelines. Figures include Home Office headquarters, the United Kingdom Border Agency, Identity and Passport Service and Criminal Records Bureau. All figures provided in line with the civil service compensation scheme which states: (2 )“Retirees” are those who retire at pensionable age under the terms of their pension scheme. (3 )“Early retirees” are those staff who retire on terms other than pensionable age. Notes: 1. 1 April 2011 (figures based on period from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011). 2. 1 April 2012 (figures based on period from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012). | ||
Serious Organised Crime Agency: Moscow
Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had on re-establishing a Moscow bureau of the Serious Organised Crime Agency. [103622]
Nick Herbert [holding answer 19 April 2012]: Discussions have taken place between British officials and appropriate Russian law enforcement authorities about re-establishing the Serious Organised Crime Agency office in Moscow to cover areas of mutual concern in relation to organised crime.
Metal Theft
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what (a) consultation and (b) economic impact assessment has taken place on her plans to ban cash payments for scrap metal. [103434]
James Brokenshire: The Government's impact assessment of banning cash payments for scrap metal is published on the Ministry of Justice website:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/legislation/bills-acts/legal-aid-sentencing/laspo-metal-theft-ia.pdf
Section A.3 of this document provides details of the consultation that took place.
Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the (a) effectiveness and (b) economic impact on legitimate traders of (i) banning cash payments for scrap metal, (ii) the introduction of mandatory verification of identity by sellers and (iii) the introduction of a register of legitimate merchants. [103436]
James Brokenshire: The options considered by the Government in relation to tackling metal theft, including banning cash payments, are contained within the impact assessment published on the Ministry of Justice website:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/legislation/bills-acts/legal-aid-sentencing/laspo-metal-theft-ia.pdf
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Travel Restrictions: Russia
Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether her Department has had discussions with the Russian authorities on the safety of UK-based employees of Hermitage Capital Management; and what concerns were discussed. [103623]
Nick Herbert [holding answer 19 April 2012]: The Home Office has had no such discussions.
Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information on UK-based employees of Hermitage Capital Management the Russian authorities have requested from the UK since 1 January 2009; what information was disclosed in response to each such request; and what the reasons were for any such disclosures. [103624]
Nick Herbert [holding answer 19 April 2012]: A request from the Russian authorities for information in relation to a Russian criminal investigation would normally be made either as a formal request to the Home Office for mutual legal assistance (MLA) or to SOCA in its capacity as the UK National Central Bureau for Interpol. It is the usual policy neither to confirm nor deny whether the UK authorities have received such requests or provided any information in response to such requests.
UK Border Agency
Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many serving (a) UK Border Agency and (b) UK Border Force officers have been charged with criminal offences in the last year. [103881]
Damian Green: Staff are required to notify the Department if they are charged with criminal offences and our records show that one member of UK Border Agency staff has been charged in the last year.
Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many serving (a) UK Border Agency and (b) UK Border Force officers have been sacked or suspended from duty on national security grounds in the last year. [103882]
Damian Green: No serving UK Border Agency staff or UK Border Officers had been suspended or dismissed on national security grounds in the last year.
UK Border Agency: Complaints
Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints have been received by the UK Border Agency from passengers arriving at UK airports about the length of the queues they experienced in each of the last three years. [105688]
Damian Green: It is not possible to provide a separate figure on the number of complaints from passengers about the length of the queues they experienced in each year without a manual examination of each individual case file. This would incur a disproportionate cost.
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UK Border Agency: Terrorism
Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many serving (a) UK Border Agency officers and (b) UK Border Force officers have been charged with offences related to terrorism. [104433]
Damian Green: There is no record of UK Border Agency staff or Border Force officers being internally investigated, disciplined or charged for offences related to terrorism.
UK Border Agency: Morale
Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with reference to the Vine report on border security checks, what assessment she has made of the level of morale of frontline staff based at UK borders. [101052]
Damian Green: An annual staff survey is commissioned and undertaken each autumn which systematically assess the level of morale. The new interim director general of Border Force, Brian Moore, is currently meeting frontline staff across the UK and they will be given an opportunity to raise any issues directly with him.
Young Offenders
Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases young people who were age assessed as aged over 18 years were later determined to be under 18 years old in the last 12 months. [105944]
Damian Green: Information about individuals assessed as being over 18 and later determined to be 18 or under is recorded in the individual case notes and it is not possible to extract this information without examining the database case record of each individual asylum applicant. This information would therefore be available only at disproportionate cost.
Information on asylum is published quarterly on the Home Office website (Migrations and Asylum, Research, and Statistics Publications) at:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research-statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/immigration-q4-2011/
Communities and Local Government
Greater London Authority
18. Jane Ellison: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate his Department has made of the change in the Greater London authority precept on council tax bills since the establishment of the authority. [105731]
Mr Pickles: The Greater London authority precept appearing on council tax bills increased year on year between 2000-01 and 2008-09 and more than doubled over that period. The precept was then frozen in 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 and has been reduced by 1% in the current year to stand at £306.72.
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Council Tax
19. Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which non-metropolitan county council has the lowest council tax in England. [105732]
Mr Pickles: Somerset has the lowest council tax; however, a separate fire precept is charged on top. Northamptonshire county council is the second lowest, and provides fire services within its county precept. It could thus be argued that Northamptonshire taxpayers enjoy the lowest council tax of all the counties.
Right to Buy
20. Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he has to promote the take-up of the right to buy. [105734]
Grant Shapps: On 2 April we increased the maximum discount cap for tenants to £75,000 across England. I encourage hon. Members to help publicise the right to buy to their hard working council tenants and particularly recommend tweeting and ‘liking’ the page:
www.facebook.com/righttobuy
Unauthorised Development
21. Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he plans to increase the powers of local authorities to tackle unauthorised development. [105735]
Mr Pickles: The Localism Act 2011 has given councils more powers to tackle unauthorised development, including the abuse of retrospective planning permission. These powers are now in effect. Councils also have new powers under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 to use bye-laws to remove unauthorised encampments. We are reviewing what further steps can be taken to increase council powers to tackle unauthorised development and occupation.
Mayoral Referendums
22. Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what support his Department has given to local authorities to raise awareness of mayoral referendums on 3 May. [105736]
Greg Clark: Local returning officers are responsible for making electors aware of the referenda taking place on Thursday. Since we made clear that the Government would fund the costs of administering the referendums, we have agreed to reimburse the costs of a leaflet for all households setting out neutrally the choice before voters.
Low-cost Housing
23. Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the role of the private rented sector in the provision of low-cost housing. [105737]
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Andrew Stunell: The private rented sector has an important role in housing a wide range of households. The English Housing Survey published by my Department in July 2010 shows that some 24% of households living in the private rented sector are in receipt of housing benefit.
The independent review that we have commissioned from Sir Adrian Montague is exploring how we can increase building of new homes specifically for rent.
Architecture: Registration
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much architects were charged to register with the Architects Registration Board in each year since 2000. [105964]
Andrew Stunell: The Architects Registration Board charges a fee to join or re-join the register of architects, and subsequent to being accepted onto the register charges an annual retention fee. Retention fee charges since 2000 are as follow:
| £ | |
Charges for initial registration (excluding exceptional cases) were the same as the retention fee (with a pro-rata element for new registrants) until 2011 when fees were restructured to include an application fee element. Details of these fees can be found at:
http://www.arb.org.uk/registration/maintaining_registration/retention_and_other_fees/other_fees.php
Betting Shops
John Cryer: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations he has received on betting shops from (a) local authority leaders, (b) the Mayor of London and (c) the Metropolitan police in the last 12 months. [106008]
Robert Neill: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Leeds Central (Hilary Benn) on 21 November 2011, Official Report, column 56W. Our records show that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has not received any letters from the Metropolitan police.
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Council Tax: Pensioners
Mr Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate his Department has made of the cost of introducing an exemption to empty property rates for properties owned by pensioners. [106209]
Robert Neill: No assessment has been made; business rates bills are based on the valuation of the hereditament, and information is not collected on the age of the property owner.
On the broader issue of empty property, I refer my hon. Friend to my written statement of 13 December 2010, Official Report, columns 61-62WS.
Council Tax: Valuation
Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government with reference to page 48 of the Valuation Office Agency's Annual Report 2010-11, HC 1156, on what date the Agency decommissioned its Automated Valuation Model council tax database. [100854]
Robert Neill [holding answer 19 March 2012]: The Valuation Office Agency's Automated Valuation Model technology was developed under the last Administration to provide an estimate of a dwelling's value in preparation for a council tax revaluation in England.
As outlined in the written statement of 11 October 2010, Official Report, column 1WS, Ministers announced in September 2010 that the coalition Government would not carry out a council tax revaluation in England during the lifetime of this Parliament.
The initial decision referred to in Valuation Office Agency's Annual Report and Accounts to cease to utilise it for any council tax revaluation work was taken in late 2010. As a consequence, specific work to investigate and validate sales evidence and calibrate sales models stopped. This was completed early in 2011.
Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 11 October 2010, Official Report, column 1WS, on the cancelling of a council tax revaluation, what (a) dwellinghouse codes and (b) value significant codes the Valuation Office Agency has ceased collecting since May 2010. [100855]
Robert Neill [holding answer 19 March 2012]: As outlined in the written statement of 11 October 2010, Official Report, column 1WS, the Government confirmed in September 2010 that it would not carry out a council tax revaluation in England during the lifetime of this Parliament. Ministers also stated they wish to review the proportionality of the collection of property information on people's homes.
During late 2010, the Valuation Office Agency analysed whether less information could be collected without affecting the accuracy of banding decisions and the existing council tax lists (for example, there is an ongoing need for new build properties to be banded for council tax). This review of property attribute information established that there was scope for consolidation and for the cessation of a significant number of codes.
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Since April 2011, the number of codes termed ‘dwellinghouse codes' has been reduced from 16 to 14, and the number of 'value significant codes' has been consolidated and reduced from nearly 70 to around 20.
I have placed in the Library a table outlining the consolidated and reduced codes. It shows how the Agency has ceased to collect property attribute codes on outbuildings, shared drives, quiet roads and cul-de-sacs, proximity to public transport, detailed information on scenic views, gardens and patios.
Empty Property
Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he is taking to promote the refurbishment of empty and vacant homes. [105733]
Andrew Stunell: We have committed £150 million to bring empty homes back into use.
Last month we announced £70 million of funding for 95 local projects which will bring over 5,600 homes back into use as affordable housing. This is part of our wider approach to bringing empty homes back into use, set out in the Government's Housing Strategy for England.
Fires
Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he is taking to minimise the risk of fire to (a) elderly and (b) disabled people. [105925]
Robert Neill: Working smoke alarm ownership remains at the heart of our efforts to reduce accidental fire deaths and injuries in the home. Fire and Rescue Authorities are best placed to use their local knowledge and understanding of risks to consider, in partnership with other agencies, how best to deliver improved fire safety outcomes and help to protect the vulnerable from the dangers of fire.
During 2012-13, we will continue to support Fire and Rescue Authorities to promote the key message to householders of having a working smoke alarm in their home, through the Fire Kills media campaign.
Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will commission an impact assessment of (a) the effectiveness of the installation of sprinkler systems in homes in reducing deaths from fire and (b) the cost-effectiveness of retrofitting automatic sprinklers in all social housing. [105926]
Robert Neill: A Government funded study looking at the effectiveness of sprinklers in homes was published in 2005. We have no plans to commission any further work in this respect.
First-time Buyers: Worcestershire
Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what information his Department holds on the number of house purchases by first time buyers in (a) Worcester and (b) Worcestershire in each of the last five years. [106339]
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Grant Shapps: The Department publishes statistics on the number of property transactions in each local authority in England based on data reported to the Land Registry, see live table 588 at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/housingmarket/livetables/housepricestables/localhousepricetables/
These data do not record the type of purchaser.
Gambling
John Cryer: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what meetings (a) he and (b) representatives of his Department have had with employees of (i) William Hill, (ii) Ladbrokes, (iii) Paddy Power, (iv) Betfred, (v) Joe Jennings and (vi) representatives of gambling sector trade bodies since May 2010. [106009]
Robert Neill: The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has not had any meetings with either the companies mentioned or representatives of gambling sector trade bodies. Since May 2010, officials have met twice with the Association of British Bookmakers as part of roundtable evidence gathering discussions with regards to the wider review of how change of use is managed in the planning system.
As I outlined in my answer of 21 November 2011, Official Report, column 56W, my Department has received representations from a wide range of organisations on change of use, and all representations will be taken into account.
Land: Planning Permission
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the area of English land not covered by an adopted local plan. [96462]
Greg Clark: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave today, to my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight (Mr Turner).
Legionnaires’ Disease
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he has earmarked any regulations for removal under the Government's one-in, one-out policy following the introduction of regulations for residential landlords covering the prevention of legionella and Legionnaires' disease. [104432]
Andrew Stunell: No new regulations have been introduced in relation to legionella since the Health and Safety Executive's Approved Code of Practice and Guidance “Legionnaires' disease: the control of legionella bacteria in water systems”, was revised in 2000.
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are responsible for maintaining heating and hot water installations in residential property.
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Local Government Finance
Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the average per capita grant allocated was in local government grants from central Government funds in England in each of the last three years; and what estimate he has made of the average per capita grant in 2011-12. [104862]
Robert Neill: The following table shows local authority income from government grants per head and local authority revenue expenditure per head in 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11 (outturn) and 2011-12 (budget).
| £ per head | ||
| Local authority income from government grants | Local authority revenue expenditure | |
| (1 )Budget. Source: Department for Communities and Local Government revenue outturn (RO) returns for 2008-09 to 2010-11, and revenue account budget (RA) returns for 2011-12. | ||
The definition of central Government grant used here is the sum of formula grant (revenue support grant and redistributed non-domestic rates), specific grants inside aggregate external finance (i.e. revenue grants paid for council's core services), area based grant, local services support grant, and police grant.
Revenue expenditure is equal to total net current expenditure plus capital financing costs and a few minor adjustments, but excludes expenditure financed by grants outside aggregate external finance. Revenue expenditure is financed by grants inside aggregate external finance, council tax and authorities’ reserves.
Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he plans to update local authority population figures before the 2013-14 local government financial settlement. [106261]
Robert Neill: We intend to update all datasets for use in the calculation of the 2013-14 business rates retention baseline, where updates are available. This includes the population figures. We plan to use the best available data at the time decisions need to be made in the autumn.
Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will use the Office for National Statistics provisional mid-year population estimates published in 2011 when assessing local authority baselines in respect of the 2013-14 local government settlement. [106262]
Robert Neill: We intend to update all datasets for use in the calculation of the 2013-14 business rates retention baseline, where updates are available. This includes the population figures.
We do not intend to use the indicative 2010 mid-year population estimates, published by ONS in November 2011.
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Instead we plan to consult on whether to use either the 2011 mid-year estimates or the census-based population projections in calculating the baseline, subject to them being available in the autumn when decisions need to be made.
Local Government: Pay
Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent representations he has (a) made to and (b) received from local authorities in respect of local authority staff salaries. [105576]
Robert Neill: The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, receives representations from local authorities on a range of matters. The determination of local government salaries is a matter for local government. However, the coalition Government have taken a series of steps to increase transparency and accountability of local decisions about pay.
Provisions introduced in the Localism Act 2011 require councils to prepare and publish statements of their policies on a range of matters on pay and reward, particularly senior pay. Such statements must be published every year, beginning with 2012-13. The Act requires elected councillors to vote on such pay statements in the full glare of public scrutiny.
The new local government Transparency Code, which came into effect in September 2011, opens up middle and senior pay to greater scrutiny, with pro-active publication of such information.
The Secretary of State has recently welcomed a report by the Taxpayers' Alliance (the "Town Hall Rich List") which outlines the significant scope to save taxpayers' money by reforming senior pay deals.
Ministerial Meetings
Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have had any meetings with (i) Simon Hoare, (ii) CGMS, (iii) Freshwater UK, (iv) Intermodality LLP, (v) BNP Paribas Real Estate, (vi) Helio Europe and (vii) Bircham Dyson Bell LLP since May 2010; and whether he has received any recent representations from each such individual or organisation since May 2010. [105194]
Robert Neill: Details of meetings held by DCLG Ministers between May 2010 and October 2011 are available on our website at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/transparency ingovernment/ministerialdata/
Details of meetings held after October 2011 will be published in due course. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has held no discussions about the proposed Radlett Strategic Rail Freight Interchange.
A list of the representations received about the Radlett Strategic Rail Freight Interchange planning since May 2010 will be published when the Secretary of State issues his decision on the appeal.
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A number of officials within the Planning Directorate have met with Bircham Dyson Bell to discuss the major infrastructure planning regime. There has not been any discussions on specific planning cases.
The work involved in establishing whether the Department has had any meetings with or representations from all these organisations would incur disproportionate costs.
Official Secrets Act
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether any person employed by (a) his Department, (b) the agencies and non-departmental public bodies for which his Department is responsible and (c) any private firms contracted by his Department is bound by any part of the Official Secrets Act 1989. [104841]
Robert Neill: All Crown servants and Government contractors (as defined by sections 12(1) and 12(2) of the Official Secrets Act 1989) are subject to the requirements of the Official Secrets Act. Upon entering the Department, all staff are made aware that they are bound by the terms of the Official Secrets Act and that their actions resulting in unauthorised disclosure of official information may result in legal proceedings being taken against them.
Planning
Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what progress each planning authority has made towards the Core Strategy; and how many housing units have been agreed; [94992]
(2) in respect of each planning authority, what progress has been made with producing its core strategy; within each such strategy, how many units of housing are envisaged; how much land will be available for industrial use; and, in cases where the strategy has not been finalised, what provisional conclusions have been reached. [95154]
Greg Clark: Every council has some form of plan in place, but at different stages of preparation reflecting the excessively bureaucratic system that this Government inherited from the last Administration. As of 31 March, 132 local authorities now have an adopted plan prepared under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. A further 67 local authorities have published a draft plan for consultation, and another 40 have submitted their plan for examination in public but have yet to formally adopt it. The remainder of councils have “saved” planning policies in place which form the local plan for the area, until they are replaced by updated plans. Councils in the process of updating their plans can give due weight to the policies in those emerging plans according to the stage of preparation they have reached.
In terms of how many housing units have been agreed, how much land will be available for industrial use, and where the strategy has not been finalised, what provisional conclusions have been reached, the Government do not gather this information centrally as the content of local plans is a local matter. Local plans are available for public inspection, both for consultation purposes during their preparation, and once published in their final
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adopted form. Local councils are required under planning law to prepare monitoring reports which include progress they have made in preparing and delivering their local plans.
Planning Permission
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his timetable is for the ratification by Parliament of the National Planning Policy Framework. [99377]
Greg Clark: The National Planning Policy Framework was published on 27 March 2012 and was the subject of debate in the House on 24 and 26 April 2012.
Planning Permission: Fees and Charges
Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) with reference to his Department's consultation document of November 2010, what plans he has to introduce local fee setting for planning applications; and what his projected timetable is for laying before Parliament any secondary legislation that may be required; [106044]
(2) what his policy is on national fees for planning applications for 2012-13; whether any such fees will be index-linked for inflation; and if he will make a statement; [106045]
(3) whether his Department plans to conduct annual reviews of the amount charged as part of national fees regulations in planning applications. [106046]
Robert Neill: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 22 March 2012, Official Report, column 833W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood).
Planning Permission: Green Belt
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) in what order green belt protections will be applied under the National Planning Policy Framework; [103394]
(2) whether the protection core principle in paragraph 17 of the National Planning Policy Framework and the new building construction policy in paragraph 89 will be applied before paragraph 55 in green belt protection cases; [103395]
(3) whether paragraph 55 of the National Planning Policy Framework permits new developments on the green belt; and under what circumstances. [103396]
Greg Clark: The policies in paragraphs 18 to 219 of the National Planning Policy Framework, taken as a whole, constitute the Government's view of what sustainable development in England means in practice for the planning system. The core planning principles set out at paragraph 17 should underpin both plan-making and decision-taking.
The framework maintains strong protection for the green belt. The policies set out in paragraphs 79 to 92 on protecting green belt land continue the previous policy that inappropriate development should not be
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approved except in very special circumstances, and that substantial weight should be given to any harm to the green belt. These policies apply to plan-making and to any development proposal that would impact on the green belt.
Planning law requires that applications for planning permission must be determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The weight to be given to national policy, along with any other material considerations, is a matter for the decision-taker. It will be up to the decision-taker in each case to apply the relevant national policies appropriately to the facts of that case (including for example where relevant the policy on avoiding isolated homes in the countryside set out at paragraph 55).
Procurement
Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 3 November 2008, Official Report, column 119W, on departmental procurement, if he will place in the Library a breakdown by (a) date, (b) supplier, (c) merchant type and (d) amount for each transaction for the £52,078.16 of spending on the Government Procurement Card/company Barclaycard. [101033]
Robert Neill: This expenditure related to spending on the Government Procurement Card undertaken by the Deputy Prime Minister's Office which existed as a separate Department from May 2006 until May 2007. With the passage of time my Department is no longer able to provide a full breakdown for the figure of £52,078.16.
However, using existing records held by the Department we have been able to reconstruct some of the transactions undertaken by that Department totalling £38,722.17
This information has now been deposited in the Library of the House. No further records, including invoices, are now available.
Procurement: Questionnaires
Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what progress his Department has made on developing a scheme to streamline the pre-qualification questionnaire process for contracts worth over £100,000. [105890]
Robert Neill: My Department has eliminated all pre-qualification questionnaires for procurements under the European Procurement Threshold.
Above this threshold, we have adopted a range of measures to streamline the questionnaires process. This includes trialling the increased use of open procedure procurements and designing a shorter and simplified supplier selection information sheet. Many bidding organisations as a result merely have to indicate that they can provide supporting documentation to satisfy technical and economic criteria, if they are successful in their bid. Rather than having to provide it in full each time they submit a pre-qualification questionnaire.
We have the support of the Cabinet Office for this pilot.
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Railways: Radlett
Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have had any discussions on (i) the Helioslough Radlett rail freight exchange proposal and (ii) other rail freight issues since May 2010; and whether they have received any representations on these issues since May 2010. [105195]
Robert Neill: The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has held no discussions about the proposed Radlett strategic rail freight interchange, although I refer my hon. Friend to the reply of the Minister of State, Department for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers) of 26 March 2012, Official Report, columns 947-48W.
A list of the representations received about the Radlett proposal since May 2010 will be published when the Secretary of State issues his decision on the appeal.
Rescue Services
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the potential effect of funding reductions on the operational activities of fire and rescue services. [105722]
Robert Neill: Operational matters are best assessed at the local level. It is for each fire and rescue authority to determine the operational activities of their fire and rescue service through an Integrated Risk Management Plan subject to consultation with their local community.
I also refer the hon. Member to my letter of 6 December 2010 to the hon. Member for Derby North (Chris Williamson), a copy of which is available in the Library of the House, which outlines how fire and rescue authorities can make sensible savings without impacting on the quality and breadth of services offered to their communities.
Social Rented Housing: Repairs and Maintenance
Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps his Department has taken to encourage (a) local authorities, (b) registered social landlords and (c) private landlords to install residual current devices in their properties. [105605]
Andrew Stunell [holding answer 26 April 2012]: The housing health and safety rating system is a risk-based evaluation tool to help local authorities identify and protect against potential risks and hazards to health and safety from any deficiencies identified in dwellings. It was introduced under the Housing Act 2004 and came into effect on 6 April 2006 and applies to all residential properties in England.
While not a legal requirement, the rating system operating guidance states that if electrical equipment operating at 230 volts or higher is used, a residual current device can provide additional safety.
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Sustainable Communities
Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what progress he is making in bringing into force the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 regulations. [104716]
Greg Clark: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of today, to my hon. Friend the Member for Meon Valley (George Hollingbery).
George Hollingbery: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he plans to lay before Parliament regulations under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 (Amendment) Act 2010. [103336]
Greg Clark: We are discussing the final draft regulations with key partners and we intend to lay them in Parliament shortly.
Travellers Sites
Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many Traveller sites on average local authorities in (a) England and (b) Lancashire provided in the latest period for which figures are available. [105478]
Andrew Stunell: The bi-annual Count of Gypsy and Traveller Caravans lists the public Traveller sites (sites provided by local authorities and other registered providers) in each local authority area in England. The latest count for which figures are available was undertaken in July 2011 and shows that across the 326 local authorities in England there are 319 public Traveller sites and across Lancashire's 12 local authorities there are three.
Around 35% of the caravans counted in the July 2011 Count of Gypsy and Traveller Caravans were on public Traveller sites, while around 43% were on authorised private Traveller sites.
Published statistics from the Count of Gypsy and Traveller Caravans can be viewed on the Department for Communities and Local Government website at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/caravancountjul2011
The results of the January 2012 count are due to be published on the Department's website on 31 May.
Written Questions: Government Responses
Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he plans to answer Question 104663 on risk assessment. [105708]
Robert Neill [holding answer 26 April 2012]: Question 104663 was answered on 26 April 2012, Official Report, column 993W.
Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he plans to answer Question 104978, on the Local Authority Pension Scheme. [106059]
Robert Neill: Question 104978 was answered on 25 April 2012, Official Report, column 886W.
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Defence
Afghanistan
Angus Robertson:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which (a) Government Ministers, (b) Ministers from devolved Governments, (c) Members of the UK Parliament, (d) Members of the Scottish Parliament, (e) Members of the Northern Irish Legislative Assembly and (f) Assembly Members of the Welsh Assembly
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have made a visit to Afghanistan organised by his Department since the beginning of Operation Herrick; when each such visit took place; and what the duration of each such visit was. [102977]
Nick Harvey [holding answer 18 April 2012]: Records only exist from October 2009, and may not be comprehensive. The Ministry of Defence is aware of the following visits:
| Dates | Purpose of visit | Names of all Ministers, MPs, MEPs or MHKs in visit group |
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Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel will work at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy; and what the cost to the public purse will be in each of the next five years. [103919]
Mr Gerald Howarth: As part of our enduring commitment to Afghanistan, the UK will lead coalition support at the new Afghan National Army Officer Academy. At its peak, approximately 120 coalition troops will work at the academy providing leadership training to the officer cadets. The UK expects to provide roughly three-quarters of this manpower. In addition to this, there will be a number of personnel working in a force protection and support role.
The UK's manpower commitment will begin in 2013. Detailed financial planning is ongoing so we are not able to indicate the full costs at this stage.
Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what work his Department has undertaken to determine the (a) size, (b) structure and (c) role of British personnel in Afghanistan after 2014. [105063]
Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 24 April 2012]: By the end of 2014, UK forces will not be serving in Afghanistan in a combat role and there will not be anything like the number of British troops that are there now. Nonetheless our long-term commitment to Afghanistan will last well beyond 2014 as evidenced by our Enduring Strategic Partnership document, signed by the Prime Minister and President Karzai in January 2012.
As part of our enduring legacy in Afghanistan, UK troops will support the development of the Afghan National Security Forces by providing training at the new Afghan National Army Officer Academy. Detailed planning, in conjunction with NATO and other allies, is ongoing but no further decisions have yet been made about any other longer term, UK residual presence.
Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department have had with their US counterparts on the role of British personnel in Afghanistan after 2014. [105064]
Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 24 April 2012]: Both I and Ministers within the Ministry of Defence have regular and routine discussions with our US allies on a range of issues. We are also in regular discussion with NATO and our other ISAF partners about the role NATO will have in Afghanistan after 2014. NATO allies, including the US, have agreed that NATO's post-2014 role should focus on training, advising and assisting the Afghan national security forces. The full scope of the NATO role will be set out in the NATO Strategic Plan for Afghanistan which will be one of the topics for discussion at the Chicago summit in May 2012.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what equipment he expects to be moved out of Afghanistan in 2012. [105768]
Nick Harvey: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 18 April 2012, Official Report, columns 369-70W.
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AgustaWestland
Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether financial support has been provided by his Department to AgustaWestland to assist in transferring work contracted by the company to Vector Aerospace back to AgustaWestland's in-house facility. [104308]
Peter Luff [holding answer 23 April 2012]: The decision by AgustaWestland not to extend their sub-contracts with Vector Aerospace for support work on the Sea King and Lynx aircraft was a commercial decision in which the Ministry of Defence had no involvement.
No financial support has been provided to assist in the transfer of work from Vector Aerospace's Almondbank facility to AgustaWestland's facility in Yeovil. Reassurances have been received that this will not impact on cost or performance outputs.
Air Force: Redundancy
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether RAF personnel who have been made redundant and are liable for reserve service will receive a daily allowance; what the rate of any such daily allowance is; and if he will make a statement; [105806]
(2) how many RAF personnel who have been made redundant from the service in the last 12 months remain liable for reserve service; for how long this condition will apply; and if he will make a statement. [105807]
Mr Robathan: RAF personnel made redundant who have a commitment for recall to the service do not receive a daily allowance. Former RAF personnel recalled to the service under the Reserve Forces Act 1980 and 1996 become regular members of the RAF for the duration of the recall and receive pay relative to their rank and seniority. Members of the volunteer reserves, comprising the Royal Air Force Reserve (RAFR) and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF), receive attendance pay for the occasions they attend training, based on rank and experience.
The eligibility for reserve service of RAF personnel made redundant in the last 12 months depends on individual circumstances. This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Aircraft Carriers
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether UK service personnel have served in the US to gain experience of handling and flying catapult-assisted take-off barrier arrested recovery aircraft; [101908]
(2) what the cost to the public purse has been of sending individuals to the US to gain experience of handling and flying catapult-assisted take-off barrier arrested recovery aircraft; [101917]
(3) how many (a) pilots, (b) service personnel and (c) civilian personnel have been trained to operate the catapult and arrestor gear as part of the conversion of the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier announced in the Strategic Defence and Security Review; [101842]
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(4) how much his Department has spent on training individuals to handle and fly CATOBAR aircraft. [101845]
Peter Luff [holding answer 26 March 2012]: Two Royal Navy personnel from the aircraft handling specialisation have previously undertaken preliminary training with the United States Navy in the operation of catapult and arrestor gear aircraft operations. Seven Royal Navy pilots have also been trained to operate US Navy aircraft utilising catapult and arrestor gear, as part of the training programme for the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. No Royal Air Force or civilian personnel have taken part in such training programmes.
The costs associated with this training are currently being collated and I will write to the right hon. Member as soon as they are available.
Substantive answer from Peter Luff to Jim Murphy:
In my answer to your Parliamentary Question dated 23 April 2012 (Official Report, column 716W) about the training of Service personnel on aircraft carriers, I undertook to write to you about costs as soon as the information was collated. I regret that it has not been possible to compile the information in the time allowed before prorogation, but I will write to you as soon as it is available.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information his Department holds on the number and names of aircraft carriers operated by other nations that the (a) Hornet fast jet, (b) F35B and (c) Rafale fast jet is able to land on and take off from with a full weapon load. [101918]
Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence is only able to comment on the current position in relation to carrier-based operations by other nations rather than the technical specifications of other nations' capabilities. As of the end of February, the US Navy operates the Hornet from the Nimitz Class aircraft carriers; the F35B has operated from USS Wasp. The United States Marine Corps also intends to fly the F35B from United States Marine Corps decks. Italy is part of the F35B international programme, and intends to embark the aircraft on the Portaerei Cavour. Rafale operates from the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which fast jets operated by other nations will be able to land and take off from a Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier operating STOVL. [101919]
Mr Gerald Howarth: Based on the analysis undertaken prior to the Strategic Defence and Security Review, the Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, which the US Marine Corps and Italy plan to acquire, would be able to land and take off from a Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier operating STOVL.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Ministers in his Department have received any representations on technical difficulties associated with converting the aircraft carrier to a CATOBAR configuration; from whom any such representations were received; and when they were received. [106176]
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Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence has not received any representations regarding technical difficulties associated with converting the operational Queen Elizabeth Aircraft carrier to a CATOBAR configuration.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to restore carrier strike capability. [106243]
Peter Luff: As we announced in the Strategic Defence and Security Review, it is the Government's intention to restore a Carrier Strike Capability around 2020.
Armed Forces
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the home base or headquarters is of each (a) Army regiment, (b) naval unit (excluding naval vessels) and (c) Royal Air Force group. [104372]
Mr Robathan: Due to the number of establishments involved, this will take some time to compile. Once complete, I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the information in the Library of the House.
Substantive reply from Andrew Robathan to Bridget Phillipson:
In my answer to your Parliamentary Question dated 23 April 2012 (Official Report, column 716W) about the location of Armed Forces bases or headquarters, I undertook to write to you as soon as the information was compiled. I regret that it has not been possible to compile the information in the time allowed before prorogation, but I will write to you as soon as it is available.
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department holds information on (a) serving forces couples and (b) serving forces couples who are deployed at the same time. [105682]
Mr Robathan [holding answer 26 April 2012]: We hold some information on legally recognised service couples for the purposes of determining entitlement to some allowances, and liability for dependent children, as well as providing emergency contact information. It can also be used by service manning authorities when re-assigning individuals to allow for collocation at a new duty station.
Service partners are able to deploy together provided that the operational effectiveness of the unit is not affected.
Armed Forces: Council Tax
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many individuals he expects will benefit from 100 per cent council tax relief for members of the armed forces deployed on operations in the next year. [105778]
Mr Robathan: As the Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced in the House on 21 March 2012, Official Report, column 796, council tax relief doubled with effect from April 2012 to just under £600 for an average six-month deployment. Currently, this relief is paid to around 9,500 individuals per annum.
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Armed Forces: Families
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what steps his Department has taken to support armed forces couples with children (a) during deployment and (b) at other times since May 2010; [105607]
(2) what steps his Department plans to take to support armed forces couples with children (a) during deployment and (b) at other times. [105608]
Mr Robathan [holding answer 26 April 2012]: Welfare support to families is a key contributor to operational effectiveness and is provided to the same level whether they are a service couple or not. However, we will, when circumstances allow, deconflict a deployment in order to maintain a family unit.
The armed forces have long-standing welfare structures in place to support families. We continually review that support to identify where it can be further improved, and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his Budget of 21 March 2012, Official Report, column 796, a number of measures to support service families, including the allocation of an additional £2 million to double the rate of the Families Welfare Grant. This is available to commanding officers, to use as they see fit on activities for the families of those deployed.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much funding his Department has allocated for the change announced in Budget 2012 to the family welfare grant in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15. [105769]
Mr Robathan: As announced in 2012 Budget, the Treasury has provided the Ministry of Defence with around £2 million per financial year to cover the cost of doubling the family welfare grant.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether his Department has changed the eligibility criteria for the family welfare grant since March 2012; [105770]
(2) how many individuals he expects to be eligible for the changes in the Budget 2012 to the family welfare grant. [105779]
Mr Robathan: There has been no change to the eligibility criteria for the family welfare grant (FWG) since March 2012. The grant is not paid to individuals, but is made available to the commanding officers of units whose personnel have deployed. The announcement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his recent Budget doubles the amount which can be claimed for each family. Current levels of deployment mean that the FWG benefits over 30,000 families per year, and the doubling of the grant represents the allocation of an additional £2 million per year.
Armed Forces: Females
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many female engagement teams have been (a) developed and (b) deployed in each of the last two years; and if he will make a statement. [105391]
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Nick Harvey: Female engagement teams have been developed as an Afghanistan specific solution to enable the armed forces to engage with female members of Afghan communities in parallel to engagement with the male members of those communities.
Female engagement team training is given to individuals who are then qualified to join a female engagement team in theatre. A female engagement team will in future consist of three female personnel: a team leader who is a cultural advisor and a linguist, supported by two force protection members.
Since April 2011, the Ministry of Defence has maintained a footprint of four female engagement teams in Afghanistan. Female engagement teams are not developed and deployed as a distinct unit; these teams are formed of trained individuals undertaking this as a secondary role in theatre. In financial year 2011-12 there have been 24 military personnel deployed to undertake female engagement as part of female engagement teams.
Prior to April 2011, there was one post established for a service woman to conduct female engagement, on an ad-hoc basis, and two military personnel were deployed over the period April 2010 to March 2011.
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent progress he has made on steps to ensure UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women's rights is referenced in all relevant Ministry of Defence doctrine; and if he will make a statement. [105392]
Nick Harvey: The task to reference UNSCR 1325 across relevant Defence doctrine is being undertaken as part of an ongoing review process. In July 2011, the Ministry of Defence published the revised Joint Doctrine Note 5/11—Peacekeeping: An Evolving Role for Military Forces. The doctrine note made reference to a number of thematic resolutions, specifically noting United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325. The UK, as the custodian for writing NATO doctrine on peacekeeping, has commenced work on the new doctrine publication and will highlight the importance of UNSCR 1325 along with other thematic resolutions. The doctrine, which will act as a guide to NATO forces and be adopted as UK doctrine, is due to be completed in early 2013.
Armed Forces: Housing
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has received from the sale of housing stock in Scotland in each year since 2009. [104291]
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence has received the following receipts from the sale of surplus housing stock in Scotland in each year since 2009:
| Financial year | Gross accrued receipts received for service families accommodation sold in £ million |
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Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) service family properties and (b) single living properties designated as empty were removed from his Department's housing stock in Scotland in each year since 2009. [104292]
Mr Robathan: The following number of service family accommodation (SFA) properties in Scotland were sold in each year since 2009:
| Financial year | Number of SFA sold |
Single living accommodation (SLA) is normally located within the wire of a Defence establishment and therefore can only be sold as part of a wider disposal. Although details are held of Scottish establishments sold since 2009, information on the amount of SLA included could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Armed Forces: Mental Health Services
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 1 March 2012, Official Report, column 541W, on armed forces: mental health services, how long each of the teleconferences were for each working group; what the outcomes were of those meetings; and whether there are any plans to hold face to face meetings on rehabilitation practices. [104898]
Mr Robathan: The service personnel and veterans taskforce working groups have enabled the two sides to reach an improved understanding of their respective policies in the areas of:
Supporting wounded, injured and sick personnel, including physical and psychological care and rehabilitation;
Supporting service personnel, veterans and their families, in particular linking them to local communities;
Supporting the transition of those leaving the services into civilian life, including vocational training and education.
Details of these working group teleconferences is reproduced as follows:
Working Group 1 (Transition from Military to Civilian Life) has participated in four video teleconferences each lasting approximately 60 minutes. We are currently considering bi-lateral exchange visits later this year.
Working Group 2 (Mental Health) has participated in four teleconferences each lasting approximately 60 minutes. A bi-lateral visit is planned to take place shortly.
Working Group 3 (‘Wounded Warrior’ Rehabilitation) has participated in one teleconference for approximately two and a half hours and a video teleconference lasting two hours.
Working Group 4 (Military Family Support) has participated in a teleconference that lasted approximately 40 minutes. A bi-lateral visit in January 2012 has taken place.
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the potential shared use of US army online psychological testing and training programmes. [104900]
Mr Robathan:
The UK armed forces have a range of stress management training programmes in place that have been specifically designed for UK service personnel.
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We are always interested in looking at equivalent programmes used by the US, and any evidence about their effectiveness. We have found, however, as a result of considerable work carried out in collaboration with US military health researchers, that what works for the US does not necessarily work for the UK. For example, the results of a controlled test of a version of the US military’s ‘Battlemind’ post-deployment stress management training programme adapted for using UK troops returning from middle east operations, suggested a different spectrum of benefits for UK personnel compared with US personnel.
In order to keep in touch with the latest American thinking, Ministry of Defence officials continue to have regular discussions with their US colleagues regarding various psychological testing and training programmes. For example, discussions have recently taken place on the US army’s ‘Comprehensive Soldier Fitness’ (CSF) initiative, which is designed to develop the physical, emotional, social, family and spiritual strengths of US service personnel. We will consider the emerging work on CSF alongside our own stress management training programmes, and will consider evidence of its effectiveness. Conversely, the US is interested in understanding our online service delivered by ‘Big White Wall’, and appropriate interaction is being set up. The sharing of information, including evidence from scientific trials, on testing and training programmes will aid both countries in their attempts to optimise prevention and early detection of mental health problems.
Armed Forces: Olympic Games 2012
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the airborne assets required to protect the airspace around London during the Olympics. [105931]
Nick Harvey: The Air Security Plan for the Olympics is multi-layered and builds on our existing Air Defence procedures, with planned forward basing of Typhoon at RAF Northolt and helicopters aboard HMS Ocean berthed on the Thames, and at the TA Centre in Ilford. These will be supported by Sentry Airborne Early Warning and VC10 Tanker aircraft operating from their home bases.
Our existing Air Defence procedures are regularly exercised and a thorough military exercise programme has been undertaken to integrate these additional force elements into our existing Air Defence arrangements.
Armed Forces: Psychology
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 6 March 2012, Official Report, column 541W, on armed forces: psychology, whether any armed forces networks have been established in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland. [104906]
Mr Robathan: These are matters for the devolved Administrations. However, I can say that each is undertaking work that is equivalent or similar to the armed forces networks established in England.
In Scotland, national health service (NHS) boards have designated armed forces champions who provide the main link with other boards, health service providers and local military units. In Wales, champions for veterans and armed forces have been established in every local
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health board and NHS trust to ensure that the needs of veterans and serving personnel are reflected in local service plans, and to improve links between health and social care, veterans groups and UK Government. In Northern Ireland, the Armed Forces Liaison Forum—which includes representation from statutory health care services, veterans' organisations and serving personnel —is expected to develop into an armed forces network over the coming months.
Armed Forces: Training
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) RAF, (b) Army and (c) Royal Navy personnel have received cultural training prior to deployment overseas in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [105390]
Mr Gerald Howarth: All personnel deploying on operations receive pre-deployment training, which includes cultural orientation. This is delivered either through individual or collective training. Pre-deployment training will also include refresher training on the Law of Armed Conflict and the Geneva Convention. This training is vital to assisting our troops' ability to engage with and work alongside local communities in which they are deployed. There is joint as well as individual service training, and the number of personnel deployed on overseas operations over the last three years is:
| Table 1: Total UK armed forces (1) personnel identified as having deployed on overseas operations (2,3,4 ) each year since April 2009 | |||
| Financial year | |||
| 2009-10 | 2010 -1 1 | 2011-12 | |
| (1) UK armed forces personnel includes UK regular forces, Gurkhas, full-time reserve service (FTRS) personnel and mobilised reservists. (2) Overseas operations are defined as the total number of personnel currently deployed outside the UK's borders. This includes all military personnel mobilised for contingency operations, wartime operations, United Nations peacekeeping operations and humanitarian operations. (3) Data includes only personnel who are deployed to an overseas location with an assigned country code. All personnel on overseas training exercises are excluded from the total figures. (4) Total numbers deployed do not include repeat tours and each individual is recorded only once per financial year. Notes: 1. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Due to ongoing validation of Joint Personnel Administration, all data provided is provisional and subject to change. Source: DASA (Quad-Service). | |||
Armoured Fighting Vehicles
Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what account his Department took of mandatory Strategic Defence and Security Review commitments to provide Royal Marines with protective capability when considering the potential withdrawal of the Viking armoured vehicle; and what similar armoured vehicles have amphibious assault landing capability and provide similar levels of protection to the Viking armoured vehicle. [104640]
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Mr Gerald Howarth: It remains our intention that the Royal Marines should be equipped with an amphibious landing capability, including protected mobility, as set out in the strategic defence and security review.
We have taken no decision to withdraw the Viking armoured vehicle from service, and there is presently no other vehicle in the armed forces’ inventory which offers the equivalent level of protection as well as the ability to undertake amphibious assault operations.
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent progress he has made on the Foxhound vehicle; and if he will make a statement. [105895]
Peter Luff: Foxhound remains on schedule to be delivered to Afghanistan later this year, in line with the timescale that was publicly announced by the Secretary of State for Defence, in December 2011.
Army: Scotland
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what recent discussions he has had with employers on the proposed increase in volunteer numbers in the army in Scotland; [103372]
(2) what steps he is taking to increase the recruitment of volunteers to the army in Scotland; [103373]
(3) what steps his Department is taking to explain the role of the Army Reserve to potential volunteers and employers. [103761]
Mr Robathan: There have been no recent discussions between the Secretary of State for Defence and employers in Scotland. Scottish interests are, however, represented on the UK-wide National Employer Advisory Board, which is scheduled to meet three times a year, and provides informed independent strategic advice to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on employer relationship matters.
The reserve forces' and cadets' associations, employ SaBRE (Supporting Britain's Reserves and Employers) regional campaign directors in Glasgow and Dundee. They routinely engage with employers and provide information to potential volunteers.
The MOD also routinely conducts surveys across the UK, including Scotland, on reserve forces and employer issues. The most recent survey was in 2011 following the announcement of the Future Reserves 2020 (FR20) review, to explore employer perceptions on reservists, on employing them and on the recommendations of the FR 20 review.
Under the One Army Recruiting strategy, volunteers are recruited from Scotland to both regular and reserve forces. Following the decision to increase the size of the Territorial Army (TA), a range of UK wide Army radio, digital and TV campaigns have been run which have resulted in a significant increase in the number of contacts and applicants in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK. TA units have also increased their recruiting activities and community engagement to publicise the role of reserve forces.
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Artworks
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the total value of his Department's artwork and historical artefacts located in (a) Scotland, (b) England, (c) Wales, (d) Northern Ireland and (e) overseas. [103915]
Mr Robathan: Artworks and antiques owned by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in the MOD Art Collection are classed as non-operational heritage assets in the departmental resource accounts. The MOD Art Collection is managed in line with professional guidelines as laid out by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Government Art Collection (GAC).
Following the practice of the GAC, no estimate is maintained for the total value of artwork and antiques in the MOD Art Collection. There would be a high cost associated with maintaining a current valuation of the collection that would outweigh the value of holding the information.
BAE Systems
Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many projects being delivered by BAE Systems for his Department are overrunning in (a) time and (b) budget. [96428]
Peter Luff: 89% of procurement schemes being supplied by BAE Systems against their current approval are on budget and 71% are on schedule.
Centre for Defence Enterprise
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much funding his Department expects to allocate through the Centre for Defence Enterprise in each of the next four years; and how much of that funding will be allocated through small business research initiative competitions. [102617]
Peter Luff: The Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE) has no set budget but is seen as an important instrument through which the Government can encourage and access innovation for defence and security, as outlined in the National Security through Technology White Paper.
The Ministry of Defence, through the CDE, expect to facilitate in excess of £10 million pounds of annual work for the Defence Science and Technology Programme over the remainder of the comprehensive spending review period.
Over this period, the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) is expected to contribute 25% of the cost of individual projects funded in response to SBRI complaint research calls, up to a maximum overall contribution of £1.5 million each year. A further £2 million a year is now available to support follow-on funding of the most successful projects.
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent by the Centre for Defence Enterprise in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11 and what proportion of such expenditure was made with (i) small and medium-sized enterprises, (ii) other companies, (iii) universities and (iv) non-UK organisations. [102642]
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Peter Luff: As recognised in the White Paper, ‘National Security through Technology’, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a vital source of innovation and flexibility in meeting defence requirements, and hugely important to the UK economy. CDE was established to provide efficient access to innovation across the potential science and technology supply base, but in particular to pilot new approaches to engage of SMEs with defence research.
In 2009-10, £7.3 million worth of proposals submitted to the Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE) received funding. Of these, approximately:
50% originated from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
28 % with other companies
22% with academia.
In 2010-11, £6.7 million worth of proposals submitted to the CDE received funding. Of these, approximately:
41% originated from SMEs
35 % with other companies
24% with academia.
The CDE does not track expenditure with international organisations.
Although the figures show a decrease in funding received by SMEs, following the commitment in the Defence White Paper ‘National Security through Technology’ to provide more support to SMEs in the development of routes to market for potential products and to enhance communication mechanisms between CDE and suppliers, detailed proposals were announced at the recent CDE Showcase event on 27 March. These include:
providing more events to attract SMEs to defence;
publishing the call and event programme at least six months in advance;
an expansion of the successful face to face surgery system;
more possibilities to fund SMEs to prove their ideas; and
a new market place concept for them to promote their ideas into mature products.
Chemical Weapons
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the tablets in nerve agent pre-treatment sets in dealing with soman and sarin. [105767]
Mr Robathan: Drug trials on pyridostigmine bromide, which is the active ingredient in Nerve Agent Pre-treatment Sets (NAPS), have shown it to provide effective protection against both soman and sarin nerve agents. Pyridostigmine bromide was selected as the active element in NAPS because it remains effective for a prolonged period (eight hours), and was listed in the British Pharmacopoeia as an existing drug with a long history of clinical use and safety. Compared with the UK's previous treatment, clinical trials indicated that NAPS gave significantly increased protection against all nerve agents when used in combination with post-exposure therapy.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish all the material and reports held by his Department on the tablets issued in nerve agent pre-treatment sets. [105785]
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Mr Robathan: Material on the subject of nerve agent pre-treatment sets (NAPS) has been made publicly available by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) through its website at:
www.mod.uk
in the section on Gulf Veterans Illnesses. In particular, the MOD paper “Background to the use of Medical Countermeasures to protect British Forces during the Gulf War (Operation Granby)” (October 1997), includes a section (paragraphs 122-149) on “Medical Countermeasures Against Nerve Agents” that describes the history, trials and effective use of NAPS. It is also available in the Library of the House.
Child Minding
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many certified child minders his Department employs. [105678]
Mr Robathan [holding answer 26 April 2012]: The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
It is Ministry of Defence policy to encourage the development of affordable, quality child care provision for employees. Schemes are managed at a local level and are normally provided by contractors.
Cyprus
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the Cypriot authorities on the illegal use of mist nets and limesticks to trap birds around the UK's Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [105044]
Mr Robathan: The Secretary of State for Defence, has had no recent discussions with the Cypriot Authorities on this subject but the Sovereign Base Areas Administration has regular meetings on the issue with the relevant authorities of the Republic of Cyprus and relevant Non-Government Organisations to exchange and share information.
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many enforcement operations there have been against the illegal trapping of songbirds around the UK's Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [105045]
Mr Robathan: The Sovereign Base Areas Police conducted enforcement operations primarily focused on Cape Pyla in the Eastern Sovereign Base Areas where trapping is a particular issue. A yearly breakdown of these enforcement operations is provided as follows:
2009-10: 135
2010-11: 181
2011-12: 196
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) arrests and (b) convictions resulted from enforcement operations against the illegal trapping of songbirds around the UK's Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [105046]
30 Apr 2012 : Column 1134W
Mr Robathan: In the past three financial years the sovereign base areas police have made a total of 125 arrests as a result of enforcement operations against the illegal trapping and poaching of birds. Prior to 2010, arrests for trapping and poaching were not recorded separately and for consistency with previous answers, given to the hon. Member, figures for both trapping and poaching are therefore included in the following table, broken down into the two categories where now possible.
| Number | |||
| Financial year | Total arrests | Trapping | Poaching |
| (1) No breakdown available. | |||
Available information indicates that conviction rates approach 100% reflecting the fact that most perpetrators are arrested while committing the relevant offence.