G20
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to discuss fossil fuel subsidy reform at the G20 meeting in June 2012. [110543]
Mr Bellingham: The UK will be represented at the June G20 by the Prime Minister.
Removing fossil fuel subsidies is a priority for the G20 and this Government because of the adverse effects subsidies have on the environment and energy demand.
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The Prime Minister will use his attendance to take forward efforts to promote global green growth. He will have discussions on a broad range of subjects, including on fossil fuel subsidy reform.
Gibraltar: Spain
Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Spanish Government on the recent incursions into British Territorial Waters by the Spanish Guardia Civil. [109545]
Mr Lidington: We are deeply concerned by these incursions, which demonstrate a serious escalation in Spanish interference in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW) and we have protested formally to the Spanish authorities. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), discussed this with Spanish Foreign Minister Garcia-Margallo on 29 May. Spanish agencies do not have any jurisdiction in BGTW. We are confident of UK sovereignty over BGTW and are committed to upholding UK sovereignty. We make this clear to the Spanish Government whenever appropriate.
Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the effect of the recent incursions by the Spanish Guardia Civil in British Territorial Waters off Gibraltar on the status of relations between the British and Spanish Governments. [109547]
Mr Lidington: We are deeply concerned by these incursions, which demonstrate a serious escalation in Spanish interference in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW) and we have protested formally to the Spanish authorities. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), discussed this with Spanish Foreign Minister Garcia-Margallo on 29 May. Spanish agencies do not have any jurisdiction in BGTW. We are confident of UK sovereignty over BGTW and are committed to upholding UK sovereignty. We make this clear to the Spanish Government whenever appropriate. We do not wish the escalation in illegal action by Spanish agencies to damage the wider relationship which Spain and the UK enjoy.
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Spanish government has made to the Government on Gibraltar since May 2010. [109731]
Mr Lidington: Successive Spanish Governments have made representations to the Government about Gibraltar since May 2010. We have made it clear on numerous occasions that the UK's position on sovereignty has not changed and will not change. The UK will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another State against their wishes. Furthermore, the UK will not enter into a process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content. We remain committed to furthering co-operation between Gibraltar and Spain through appropriate arrangements for dialogue which are acceptable to Gibraltar.
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Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of delays for people crossing the border between Spain and Gibraltar; and what the reasons were for such delays. [110688]
Mr Lidington: There have been delays of up to three hours for cross-border travel between Spain and Gibraltar in both directions as a result of detailed document and vehicle checks by the Spanish authorities. We are discussing this with the Spanish Government. It is in the interests of communities on both sides of the border that the border functions efficiently.
Gulf Co-operation Council
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the likely effect on the region of the proposed union of six Gulf Co-operation Council members. [109979]
Mr Hague: I am aware that the six GCC states recently discussed closer co-operation in a number of fields during their summit on 14 May. The nature of any union remains unclear and no decisions were taken during the summit. The UK has good relations with all six states and we do not anticipate this changing.
Iran
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the meetings between the UN Security Council Permanent Members, Germany and chief negotiators from Iran in Baghdad. [110746]
Alistair Burt: Talks between the E3+3/P5+1 (UK, France, Germany, US, China, Russia) and Iran were held in Baghdad on 23-24 May. We were right to be cautious about the progress that would be made. Each side presented proposals but there was little compromise in discussion and talks ended with a considerable gap still to bridge. Iran did not reject discussion of enrichment to 20%, but in their five-point plan sought to couple it with other issues including non-nuclear ones.
The E3+3 presented a united front throughout the talks. There was agreement to another round of talks in Moscow 17-19 June and we will work closely with the P5+1 to prepare for these. We are clear on the urgency of resolving this issue and we will not accept an open-ended process.
Israel
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to ensure products from illegal Israeli settlements are not purchased by (a) his Department and (b) UK diplomatic missions abroad, whether directly or through third parties. [109476]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) follows UK and EU guidelines when purchasing goods and services from suppliers. Since these guidelines do not currently differentiate between products emanating from Israel or from the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the FCO has not taken any steps in this regard.
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We understand the concerns of people who do not wish to purchase goods exported from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. It was in order to enable consumers to make a more fully informed decision concerning the products they buy that, in December 2009, the UK introduced voluntary guidelines to enable produce from Israeli settlements in the occupied territories to be specifically labelled as such. At other partners' request, we have shared our experience of operating this voluntary labelling scheme with interested countries.
The issue of settlement produce is actively discussed with our EU partners. EU Foreign Ministers, at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 14 May, agreed that:
“the EU and its Member States reaffirm their commitment to fully and effectively implement existing EU legislation and the bilateral arrangements applicable to settlement products. The Council underlines the importance of the work being carried out together with the Commission in this regard.”
This ongoing work includes measures to ensure that settlement produce does not enter the EU duty-free, under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and steps to ensure that EU-wide guidelines are issued to make sure that settlement products are not incorrectly labelled as Israeli produce, in violation of EU consumer protection regulations. There are, however, currently no plans for EU or domestic legislation on this issue.
Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Israeli authorities on the planning process in Area C in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. [110025]
Alistair Burt: We are working with our European partners towards greater Palestinian Authority control over Area C in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including over the planning process.
The EU's Foreign Affairs Council, in Conclusions agreed on 14 May, called on Israel to meet its obligations regarding the living conditions of the Palestinian population in Area C, including by accelerated approval of Palestinian master plans, halting forced transfer of population and demolition of Palestinian housing and infrastructure, and simplifying administrative procedures to obtain building permits. We will continue to encourage Israel and the Palestinian Authority to work together to achieve these aims.
Related to this set of issues, we remain concerned about demolitions of Palestinian property in Area C, as well as elsewhere in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We continue to urge Israel to desist from such demolitions, which we consider to be contrary to Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law and harmful to the peace process, as well as causing unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians.
The UK continues to support Palestinians facing demolition or eviction through our funding of the Norwegian Refugee Council legal aid programme, which helps individuals to challenge these decisions in the Israeli legal system.
Mr Bradshaw:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the damage to UK-funded or
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supported projects in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem by the Israeli authorities in the last five years. [110026]
Alistair Burt: The UK has not had a specific reason to seek compensation from Israel as no UK-funded projects in the Occupied Palestinian Territories have been destroyed recently. Records at the British embassy in Tel Aviv indicate that the last UK-funded project affected was the demolition of some water facilities near Hebron in 2002. Some projects funded by the EU and other European partners have been affected and are the subject of discussion with the Government of Israel.
The UK is focussed on preventing demolitions of Palestinian property in the first place, whether funded by the international community or not. We are working with other EU member states to make clear to Israel the need for significant streamlining of the procedure for Palestinians to gain planning permission in Israeli-controlled areas of the West Bank (specifically Area C) and the need to halt all demolitions until a more effective process is in place.
Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 17 May 2012, Official Report, column 271W, on Israel, what the outcomes were of the British Ambassador to Israel's visit to the Negev Coexistence Forum and his meeting with residents of the Bedouin village Al Arakib on 16 May 2012. [110044]
Alistair Burt: On 16 May 2012, the British ambassador to Tel Aviv visited the Negev. The trip included a visit to Arad, the unrecognised village of Al Araqib, and Be'er Sheva. The ambassador discussed in depth the situation facing Bedouin in the village of Al Araqib and the realities of living in the southern region of Israel. The visit to Al Araqib was hosted by the Negev Coexistence Forum, an NGO that works to:
‘provide a framework for Jewish-Arab collaborative efforts in the struggle for civil equality and the advancement of mutual tolerance and co-existence.'
The ambassador met the village leader and former residents, who had since moved to surrounding areas. The ambassador was briefed on the history of Al Araqib. Residents told him the village had been demolished 37 times. The ambassador said that the British embassy would continue to raise this issue with the Government of Israel and undertook to follow up with Minister Benny Begin following his visit.
Kosovo
Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of EULEX Kosovo. [110091]
Mr Lidington:
EULEX has been effective in a highly challenging environment. EULEX judges have handed down verdicts in more than 200 serious criminal cases and 46 verdicts have been delivered in major organised crime and corruption cases. There are nearly 400 ongoing criminal investigations involving EULEX prosecutors. EULEX’s work on missing persons has led to the remains of nearly 300 individuals missing since the war being returned. It has also developed Kosovo’s customs and
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police to a level advanced of that in the wider region. It is also our firm view that EULEX has the mandate, jurisdiction and resources needed to undertake an objective investigation into the allegations of organ trafficking in Kosovo.
In light of EULEX’s successes so far, we believe the overall approach of the Strategic Review of its mandate is right and in line with UK priorities for the region. EULEX’s 2012-14 mandate will include downsizing its international and local staff, mainly in customs and police. However, resources will be re-allocated to northern Kosovo and EULEX’s executive mandate to prosecute serious cases, such as corruption and war crimes, so the mission can refocus its efforts and be effective where it is needed.
Lebanon
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the effect on the security situation in Lebanon of the conflict in Syria. [110745]
Alistair Burt: We are concerned by recent incidents of violence in Lebanon, which have highlighted the risks that the Syria crisis poses to peace in the region. It is important that Lebanon's stability is not another victim of Assad's repression. We are calling on all Lebanese factions to work together to reduce tensions and prioritise Lebanon's interests. As part of our efforts to strengthen the Lebanese state and Lebanon's stability, we have doubled our assistance to the army and the police.
Libya
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the finding by Human Rights Watch that at least 72 civilians have been killed by NATO air strikes during NATO operations in Libya. [109097]
Alistair Burt: The report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) follows previous reports on this issue by Amnesty International and the UN Human Rights Council's Commission of Inquiry (COI). The HRW report found that there may have been 72 civilian casualties as a result of NATO airstrikes, an increase on the 60 estimated by the UN COI report. That report concluded that NATO conducted “a highly precise campaign with a demonstrable determination to avoid civilian casualties”. All NATO airstrikes were meticulously planned, including using precision guided munitions and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to strike legitimate military targets. But in a complex military campaign, the risk of some civilian casualties can never be zero.
The measures NATO took to avoid civilian casualties are in stark contrast to the actions of the Gaddafi regime, who attacked civilians indiscriminately. UN Security Council Resolution 1973 authorised all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in Libya. We could not have stood by while Gaddafi unleashed violence against his own people.
NATO has already assisted the UN COI's investigation by providing information in response to each credible allegation of harm against civilians which has been brought to its attention. NATO has no mandate to carry out its own investigations in Libya, but has informed
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the Libyan authorities that it is ready to co-operate fully with the Libyan Transitional Government's planned review of incidents which affected civilians, when requested to do so.
Maghreb
Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage reform within and co-operation between the Maghreb states. [109673]
Alistair Burt: The British Government strongly supports political and economic reform across North Africa as part of our wider work with the region under the Arab Partnership, to which we have committed £110 million over four years.
Ministers discuss the issue of greater Maghreb economic integration and co-operation on every occasion with their counterparts.
The Government supports efforts to revitalise the Arab Maghreb Union, and I will host a conference on “The Economy of the Maghreb: a Motor for Regional Co-operation and Prosperity” in July to discuss cross-border trade and employment opportunities with representatives from the region.
Departmental Staff
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what target he has set to reduce headcount across his Department, its non-departmental public bodies and Executive agencies in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13; and if he will make a statement. [110236]
Mr Bellingham: Over the work force planning period from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2015, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) plans to reduce its permanent UK-based staffing by around 10% from a starting strength of around 4,800. We expect to achieve this reduction through a combination of normal staff turnover and voluntary exits.
We do not have this subdivided as the hon. Gentleman requests but during FY 2010-11, UK-based staffing fell from around 5,000 to roughly 4,800.
Work force planning in the FCO’s non-departmental bodies and agencies is devolved and information on any targets is not held centrally.
Middle East: Human Rights
Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his advice was sought on the recent human rights record of the kings of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in advance of their visit to the UK in May 2012. [109712]
Alistair Burt:
The King of Saudi Arabia did not visit the UK in May 2012. The King of Bahrain attended a Diamond Jubilee lunch for all world sovereigns on 18 May. This event was organised by the Royal Household, with assistance and co-ordination by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. As a close friend and ally we work with Bahrain on a range of issues and Ministers regularly meet their counterparts in the UK and abroad.
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They have made clear our concerns about the situation in Bahrain. We support the reforms already underway in Bahrain and we want to help promote that reform. We have consistently encouraged the Government of Bahrain to take further urgent steps to implement in full the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, as His Majesty the King has undertaken to do. Most recently, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), raised this issue with the Crown Prince of Bahrain on 17 May.
Mozambique
Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a Minister in his Department next plans to visit Mozambique. [109942]
Mr Bellingham: I visited Mozambique in November last year. I currently have no firm plans for a future visit. The Secretary of State for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr Mitchell), intends to visit Mozambique shortly.
Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he or his ministerial colleagues have had with the President of Mozambique on resolving commercial and legal difficulties arising from the treatment of UK companies trading in that country. [109966]
Mr Bellingham: I wrote to President Guebuza in March to welcome the work under way to improve the business environment in Mozambique. I emphasised that high quality investors are attracted by an environment where legislation is applied legally, fairly and predictably. During his visit to the UK in May, President Guebuza met the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague). During the discussion Ministers stressed the importance of a transparent business environment and the role UK legislation such as the Bribery Act could play in ensuring that British companies operate transparently overseas.
NATO
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the purpose and terms of reference are of the review being undertaken by the NATO secretariat of NATO’s external audit function; what representations have been made by (a) the UK delegation to NATO and (b) the National Audit Office to the review; when the findings of the review will be presented to member states; when it will be considered by the North Atlantic Council; and if he will make a statement. [109579]
Mr Lidington:
The review of the external audit function at NATO is being conducted as part of a comprehensive review of the overall organisation and structure of the alliance that is driven in part by the need to improve efficiency and effectiveness of NATO HQ. Options for strengthening the audit function at NATO are under consideration, including making greater use of national supreme audit institutions. The UK and other allies
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have not made specific representations on the audit review, but we have been leading efforts to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of NATO. The review is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the International Board of Auditors of NATO completed its audit of NATO’s financial statements for each of the last five years; how many of these accounts were qualified by the auditors; for what reasons; and when these audited financial statements will be published. [109581]
Mr Lidington: In 2011, the International Board of Auditors of NATO issued 33 financial audit reports, which comprised 49 auditor’s opinions on the accounts of NATO bodies and associated organisations. 35 of these accounts received unqualified audit opinions. The board issued 14 qualified, adverse, or disclaimer of audit opinions on the financial statements of nine different entities.
In 2010, the board issued 29 financial audit reports, which comprised 42 auditor’s opinions on the accounts of NATO bodies and associated organisations. 32 of these accounts received unqualified audit opinions, including two accounts that were corrected and reissued. The board issued nine qualified audit opinions and one disclaimer of audit opinion on the financial statements of eight entities, of which, the majority related to compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
In 2009, the board issued 32 financial audit reports, which comprised 51 auditor’s opinions on the accounts of NATO bodies and associated organisations. 46 of these accounts received unqualified audit opinions, including three accounts that were corrected and reissued. The board issued three qualified audit opinions and two disclaimer of audit opinions on the financial statements of four entities, of which, all related to compliance with IPSAS.
In 2008, the board issued 36 financial audit reports, which comprised 46 auditor’s opinions on the accounts of NATO bodies and associated organisations. 40 of these accounts received unqualified audit opinions, including 10 accounts that were corrected and reissued to avoid qualification. The board issued six qualified audit opinions on the financial statements of six entities, of which, four related to compliance with IPSAS.
In 2007, the board issued 30 auditor’s opinions on the accounts of NATO bodies and associated organisations. It issued 18 unqualified opinions and 11 qualified opinions, of which, six related to IPSAS. It did not issue an audit opinion on the accounts of one NATO agency.
Qualified audit opinions are always a matter of concern, and we expect NATO commands and agencies to address the shortcomings as a matter of priority.
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what subjects the International Board of Auditors of NATO has produced performance reports or value for money appraisals in each of the last five years; when these reports will be published; what lessons have been learned; and what changes have been implemented by NATO in response to the findings of these reports. [109582]
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Mr Lidington: In 2011 the IBAN issued five performance audit or special reports. These were on Objective Based Budgeting in NATO (Evaluation Phase); Assessing the Implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) within NATO and the Way Forward; the Reform of the Medium term Resource Plan Process; the status of the Implementation of the Internal Audit Function; and the Critical Success Factors for NATO Agencies Reform. While the UK has been pressing for greater transparency on audit reporting, it has not been possible to reach a consensus among Allies to publish these reports. The IBAN’s work has played an important part in the process of continuous improvement in NATO financial management.
The IBAN conducted several performance audits and studies in 2010. It completed the performance audits on the Implementation of Objective Based Budgeting in NATO (Descriptive Phase) and Real Life Support at Kandahar, Afghanistan. The Board also completed two special reports to the Council. These were on (1) the Second and Third Years of Implementation of IPSAS within NATO and (2) on Strengthening the Role of IBAN in Respect of Management Reviews and Cost Efficiency Assessments.
The Board undertook both performance audits and studies in 2009. It completed the performance audits on the Management of the NSIP and on the NATO Logistics for Deployed Operations. It also completed follow-up audits of the performance audit of the NATO Early Warning and control system and also on Allied Command Operations Financial Management. The Board finalised fieldwork for the performance audit of the Prevention of Corruption and Fraud in NATO.
The Board undertook both performance audits and ad hoc studies in 2008. It completed the performance audits on the Customer Funding at the NC3A and on the NATO Logistics for Deployed Operations and issued a special report to the Council on the implementation of IPSAS within NATO.
The Board undertook both performance audits and ad hoc studies in 2007. It finalised the Survey on Corporate Governance in the NATO agencies. It also carried out ad hoc studies to provide advice to the NATO Committees or to improve its own efficiency and working methods. Further details on the performance reports are available in the IBAN’s Annual Reports which can be found on the NATO website.
North Africa: Middle East
Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many projects have been supported through the Arab Partnership Participation Fund; and how many such projects have been over the value of £500,000. [109016]
Alistair Burt: In its first year, financial year 2011-12, the Arab Partnership Participation Fund supported 46 projects. A full list is available on the FCO website
http://www.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/global-issues/mena/uk-arab-partnership-projects-2011-2012
One project had a value over £500,000: a £592,000 multi-country Arabic Question Time project, delivered by BBC Media Action, fostering citizen-state public
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debate through TV broadcasts that were also available online. The BBC established a dedicated website for the project:
http://arabmediapartnership.com/en
In the current financial year (2012-13) the Arab Partnership Participation Fund has so far approved 41 projects worth £7.15 million. Six are worth more than £500,000 over the life-span of the project:
1. Transparency International (£1 million)—Institutional and network strengthening programme for the middle east and north Africa region;
2. Westminster Foundation for Democracy (£680,000)—Engaging to strengthen Tunisia's legislative institutions and its multi-party democracy;
3. BBC Media Action (£1 million)—Supporting the development of public service broadcasting in Tunisia;
4. National Youth Observatory (£550,000)—Supporting local dialogue and freedom of expression through community radio in Tunisia;
5. Adyan Foundation, Lebanon (£657,000)—National Strategy for Citizenship and Coexistence Education;
6. Thomson Reuters(£634,000)—"Aswat Masriya" project for increasing transparency by encouraging conversations between the public and those in power via the media in Egypt.
Official Secrets: EU Law
Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the likely benefits to the UK of the EU exchanging classified information with the Swiss Confederation under the terms of EU Council Decision 2008/568/CFSP. [110002]
Mr Lidington: EU Council Decisions 2006/467/CFSP, 2006/317/CFSP and 2008/568/CFSP concern data-sharing agreements between the EU and Iceland, Croatia and the Swiss Confederation, respectively. These Decisions establish rules for the sharing of sensitive information. An assessment of these Decisions was made by the then Government at the time of their adoption.
The UK must decide, no later than 31 May 2014, whether to accept full European Court of Justice jurisdiction over those EU police and criminal justice measures adopted before 1 December 2009 that have not been amended or replaced. These measures fall within the scope of that decision. Officials are undertaking a full analysis of all those measures, which will be reviewed carefully by Government.
Olympic Games 2012
Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what formal approaches the Government has made to world leaders on attending the London 2012 Olympics. [109980]
Mr Hague: Heads of State and Government are invited to the Olympic and Paralympic games by their respective National Olympic and Paralympic Committees rather than the country hosting the games. We hope that many Heads of State and Government will attend the games and are looking forward to hosting them in the UK. We are also keen to encourage their attendance at the Paralympic games to help raise its profile in the international community.
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Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many world leaders he expects to visit London for the London 2012 Olympics. [109981]
Mr Hague: Heads of State and Government are invited to attend the London Olympic and Paralympic games by their National Olympic and Paralympic Committees. It is not yet clear which Heads of State and Government will attend since many will defer finalising their plans until closer to the time. For planning purposes we are using figures based on extrapolation from attendance at previous games.
The Olympic and Paralympic games are first and foremost a festival of sport and a celebration of human sporting endeavour. But we welcome the opportunity that the games present to demonstrate Britain's qualities to the world and will work to ensure that those that visit us have the best possible experience of their time here. We hope that stronger bilateral relationships will be part of the legacy of the games.
Departmental Administration Costs
Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much was spent on the administration of his Department in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12. [109830]
Mr Lidington: The Administration expenditure of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for the years 2009-10 and 2010-11 is contained in the published Annual Report and Accounts:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/publications-and-documents/publications1/annual-reports/resource-accounts1
HM Treasury published the February 2012 forecast outturn for all Government Departments in its 2012 Budget Publication. No FCO funds were transferred to 2012-13 as part of the Budget Exchange scheme.
The FCO's 2011-12 year-end position is not yet finalised. HM Treasury will provide an update on the expenditure forecasts of all Government Departments in July in the 2012 Public Expenditure Statistical Analysis.
Pakistan
Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK citizens are resident in Pakistan. [108980]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not hold this information due to the difficulty in confirming exact numbers. According to the Pakistan Ministry for Tourism, the number of British nationals in Pakistan at any one time is estimated to be approximately 80,000. This figure is made up of about 40,000 visitors and 40,000 residents. These figures include those holding dual British/Pakistani nationality. 275,351 British nationals visited Pakistan in 2010.
Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the government of Pakistan on the abuse of women from religious minorities. [109798]
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Alistair Burt: Alongside our EU partners, we raise the issues of religious tolerance on a regular basis at a senior level with the authorities in Pakistan. I raised the issue of religious persecution with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan during her visit to London in February.
It is vital that Pakistan guarantees the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their faith, gender or ethnicity. UK lobbying contributed to the Government of Pakistan's decision to ratify the International Civilian Covenant on Political Rights last year.
Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on abuses of the rights of women from religious minorities in Pakistan. [109861]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) closely monitors human rights reporting from a variety of sources, including diplomatic, non-governmental organisations and media reporting. This information is summarised in the FCO's 2011 Annual Human Rights Report.
In the most recent quarterly update to the Human Rights Report, published in March 2012, the FCO expressed concerns over media reports of human rights abuses against women in Pakistan including acid attacks and honour killings, and forced conversions of women from religious minorities.
Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the scale of abuses of the rights of women from religious minorities in Pakistan. [109863]
Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office remains concerned about reports of abuses against women of religious minorities in Pakistan. These concerns were expressed in the 2011 Annual Human Rights Report and in the most recent quarterly update, published in March 2012.
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the sentence given to Shakeel Afridi; what assessment he has made of its effect on human rights in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement. [110752]
Alistair Burt: We are aware of reports that Dr Afridi has been found guilty of treason by a Tribal Court in Pakistan and sentenced to 33 years in prison. We understand that it remains possible for an appeal to be lodged against this conviction.
Dr Afridi was sentenced under Pakistan's Frontier Crimes Regulation. There have been long-standing human rights concerns over aspects of this legislation. We support the Pakistan Government in implementing the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) reforms, which President Zardari signed last year as a positive step towards addressing these concerns.
Palestinians
Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to assist Palestinians whose olive and fruit trees have been destroyed. [109613]
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Alistair Burt: We appreciate that attacks on olive groves are particularly painful to Palestinians given their status as a national symbol and the sole source of income for many Palestinian farmers.
Our embassy in Tel Aviv has raised our concerns over such incidents with the relevant Israeli authorities, in particular the office of the Co-ordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, as well as with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have emphasised that actions taken by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories must be in compliance with Israel's obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law.
We will continue to support Palestinian farmers through our political lobbying. While we do not provide direct financial support to famers who have lost olive and fruit trees, we do support projects that seek to provide alternative means of income for Palestinians in deprived areas.
Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the number of Palestinian trees destroyed in the Wadi Qana valley; and how many convictions there have been for the destruction of such trees. [109614]
Alistair Burt: We are aware that nine farmers in the village of Deir Istya in the west bank have received orders from the Israeli authorities to uproot 1,400 olive trees planted in private land which they farm within the Wadi Qana valley. We understand the Israeli military authorities have designated the area as a national reserve. We also note the particular sensitivities around olive trees given their status as a national symbol and the sole source of income for many Palestinian farmers.
We do not have any statistics on how many convictions there have been for the destruction of olive trees, but the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Aid reports that 90% of all instances of settler violence, including damage to olive trees, are closed without indictment.
The British embassy in Tel Aviv has raised our concerns over the destruction orders with the relevant Israeli authorities, in particular the office of the Co-ordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, as well as with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have emphasised that actions taken by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories must be in compliance with Israel's obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law.
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with (a) his international counterparts and (b) humanitarian organisations on the blockade of Gaza; what his policy is on this issue; and what measures his Department is taking to encourage the lifting of the blockade. [110645]
Alistair Burt: In close co-ordination with our EU partners and the Office of the Quartet Representative, the UK regularly makes representations at both ministerial and official level to the Government of Israel on the urgent need to ease restrictions on Gaza.
We are clear that Israeli restrictions on movements of goods and people do serious damage to the economy
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and living standards of ordinary people in Gaza. The current situation fosters radicalisation and empowers Hamas. An improved economy is not only essential for the people of Gaza, but firmly in Israel's security interests.
The Secretary of State for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr Mitchell), and I discussed these issues during our respective visits to the region in December 2011 and January 2012. I have subsequently raised this issue with Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon. The British ambassador to Tel Aviv also raised the issue with Prime Minister Netanyahu's Chief Negotiator, Yitzhak Molcho, and the Israeli Co-ordinator of Government Activity in the Territories, General Dangot, in March.
We continue to discuss this issue with EU, other international counterparts and humanitarian organisations. EU Foreign Ministers issued Conclusions from the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 May 2012 stating:
"Fully recognising Israel's legitimate security needs, the EU continues to call for the immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from the Gaza Strip, the situation of which is unsustainable as long as it remains politically separated from the West Bank. Despite limited progress, the EU urges the government of Israel to take further meaningful and far-reaching steps allowing for the reconstruction and economic recovery of the Gaza Strip, including by allowing trade with the West Bank and Israel."
The full text of the Conclusions can be found at:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/130195.pdf
Publications
Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many publications have been issued by his Department since May 2010. [109818]
Mr Lidington: Many of our diplomatic posts overseas publish documents that are relevant to their work. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not hold information about these publications centrally and it could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Central publications that are made available on our website can be found at:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/publications-and-documents
Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) circulars and (b) consultation documents were issued by his Department in each of the last two years. [110509]
Mr Lidington: Details of public consultations undertaken by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) are available at:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/publications-and-documents/publications1/consultations1/
Many of our diplomatic posts overseas publish documents that are relevant to their work. The FCO does not hold information about these publications centrally and it could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
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Sri Lanka
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the reasons for the death of Easwarathasan Kietheeswaran, who was deported to Sri Lanka and found dead; and if he will make a statement. [109300]
Alistair Burt: The Government have not been asked to make an assessment of the reasons for the death of Sri Lankan national, Easwarathasan Kietheeswaran, who we understand voluntarily returned to Sri Lanka. We understand that the Sri Lankan police are investigating.
Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on including in the UNHCR contract with Sri Lanka the 100,000 Muslims and Sinhalese internally displaced persons ethnically cleansed in 1990 by the Tamil Tigers from Jaffna in Sri Lanka. [109331]
Alistair Burt: The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) defines internally displaced persons (IDPs) as people who have been forced to flee from their home. In Sri Lanka, the UNHCR works to protect and assist people displaced by the conflict within the country. We understand that anyone is free to approach the UNHCR for assistance and that it prioritises its support on the basis of need, with those in IDP camps accorded the highest priority.
Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the number of internally displaced persons in refugee camps in Sri Lanka. [109332]
Alistair Burt: The latest reports from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees indicate that there are 13,365 individuals in internally displaced persons camps around Sri Lanka.
The total number of internally displaced persons in Sri Lanka is 127,322. Most are living with host families.
Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the implementation of the closing of the Sri Lankan Manik refugee camp; and by what date the camp is expected to close. [109333]
Alistair Burt: A date has not yet been finalised for the closure of the Menik Farm internally displaced persons camp. The Government of Sri Lanka have stated that individuals in the Menik Farm camp will be relocated to the Kombavil site soon.
Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the suspension of the Colombo-Tuticorine ferry and its effects on the return of Sri Lankan refugees from India to their home country. [109334]
Alistair Burt: The Colombo-Tuticorine ferry was suspended in November 2011 when the Indian operator of the ferry ceased this service. The number of refugees returning from India to Sri Lanka reduced as a result.
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Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the independence of the judiciary in Sri Lanka. [110019]
Alistair Burt: Sri Lanka has a well-developed judicial system, but there are significant challenges to effective criminal justice and rule of law. I have raised related concerns with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister on a number of occasions.
The UK consistently urges the Sri Lankan Government to ensure that the law is fairly and independently applied in all cases. We also regularly urge the Sri Lankan Government to improve the human rights situation for vulnerable groups and to investigate incidents that happen and prosecute those responsible.
Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on difficulties encountered by Sri Lankan businessmen securing visas to travel to the UK to do business. [110020]
Alistair Burt: The British high commission in Colombo receives visa applications from a wide range of our commercial contacts. While our objective is to encourage bilateral trade between the UK and Sri Lanka, we need also to ensure our borders are secure.
We have received some reports of Sri Lankan businessmen encountering difficulties in securing visas to travel to the UK to do business. To reduce these, the British high commission, on 7 December 2011, launched the Business Express Programme (BEP) as a pilot scheme with 20 companies that have credible business links to the UK. The BEP processes visas for staff of these 20 Sri Lankan companies undertaking legitimate business travel to the UK within five working days as opposed to the standard 15 working days for first-time travellers. The programme has a dedicated inquiry line that these companies can use for any questions.
Following the launch, our UK Trade and Investment Team received a number of inquiries from other interested local companies wishing to join the scheme. The turnaround time for frequent business travellers to the UK who are not part of the BEP is often five working days.
In addition, our UK Trade and Investment team receives frequent visa-related inquiries from our extensive network of contacts. We reiterate the need to apply in advance with all necessary supporting documents.
Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the British Council's activity to provide educators for teaching English in Sri Lanka. [110021]
Alistair Burt: In 2011-12, the British Council is delivering a comprehensive programme of English-language teaching (ELT) across the country, including: classes for young people, adults and businesses; International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examinations; training for teachers of English; and multi-media learning opportunities for print, online and broadcast media. It teaches 12,000 students and administers 7,000 IELTS examinations a year.
The British Council is also working with partners in Sri Lanka to build capacity for the expansion of ELT
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provision that will provide skills, training, qualifications and access to teaching aids to over 1,500 teachers in the current financial year.
As a charity and executive non-departmental public body, the British Council sets its own strategy and budgets for the delivery of ELT programmes in Sri Lanka.
Sudan: South Sudan
Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his counterparts from other countries on the UN Security Council on efforts to seek a cessation of attacks on civilian populations and the ability to safely deliver humanitarian aid to displaced people in the Blue Nile and Nuba Mountain regions between Sudan and South Sudan. [109234]
Mr Bellingham: We have consistently called on the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese People's Liberation Front-North to cease hostilities immediately, allow humanitarian access to all parts of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states, and enter into a political dialogue to resolve the causes of conflict. This has been the subject of discussion in the UN Security Council on a number of occasions, including under UK chairmanship in March 2012, when a presidential statement was adopted calling for full humanitarian access.
UN Security Council resolution 2046, unanimously adopted on 2 May 2012 under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, requires the parties to the conflicts in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states to reach a negotiated settlement, and urges them to allow humanitarian access in accordance with a plan put forward jointly by the United Nations, Arab League and African Union. Under the resolution, the Council will receive regular reports on its implementation, and we will use these opportunities to continue to press with Security Council counterparts for action to end hostilities, in particular the unacceptable attacks on civilians.
Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consider denying senior members of the government of Sudan diplomatic status and visas and implementing other targeted sanctions and the freezing of foreign held assets to prevent the Sudanese government from violating international humanitarian law in the border regions between Sudan and South Sudan. [109274]
Mr Bellingham: UN Security Council resolution 2046 sets out clear obligations for the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan as well as other parties in order to resolve conflicts at the border and in the Sudanese states of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. The Council expressed its readiness to consider measures under Article 41 of the UN Charter if the parties failed to comply with the obligations set out in the resolution. These could include targeted measures against individuals. The Council will consider action based on reports and recommendations made by the UN Secretary-General on progress in implementing the resolution. We believe that concerted action by the international community, including consideration of sanctions as appropriate, is the best way of ensuring compliance by the parties, rather than unilateral measures.
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Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has considered downgrading diplomatic relations with the government of Sudan in response to abuses of human rights carried out in the border regions between Sudan and South Sudan. [109275]
Mr Bellingham: We use our diplomatic relations with Sudan to press for the government to resolve conflicts, address humanitarian and development needs, and end human rights abuses. Having a senior ambassador in Khartoum ensures that we have influence and access to the right levels of government, as well as to a full range of political opposition and civil society groups. Downgrading our relations would reduce our ability to achieve our objectives in Sudan, and signal a lessening of our determination to work with our international partners for peace and stability in the region.
Tunisia
Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to improve UK trade and investment in Tunisia. [109672]
Alistair Burt: The UK has worked to help secure an EU mandate to negotiate a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with Tunisia. The DCFTA will bring greater integration with the EU single market as well as regulatory convergence. The EU has also re-launched discussions on the EU-Tunisia Agriculture Agreement. We are also focused on helping UK companies identify new opportunities within the Tunisian market and work closely with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). UKTI held a number of events this year in the UK and Dubai to highlight the benefits to British businesses of investing in north Africa. Each event generated a good level of interest in Tunisia.
I met with the Tunisian Minister for Vocational Training and Employment, Abdelwaheb Matar, in January. Mr Matar sought co-operation with the UK in all major fields including investment and vocational training; I assured him of UK support.
Through our Arab Partnership Participation Fund, we are supporting political participation, public voice and good governance. We are doubling funding this financial year to over £2 million. Through the Arab Partnership Economic Facility, the UK is funding the African Development Bank in Tunis to co-ordinate donor support for private sector development in the middle east and north Africa region. This support will help Tunisia's political and economic transition, which will in turn create a better enabling environment for the creation of new and strengthened trading links with Tunisia.
Weapons
Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government will take steps to co-operate with other countries to develop a legal, humanitarian response to the threat posed to civilians by the development of machines that can autonomously attack humans and human-occupied targets. [109925]
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Mr Bellingham: The British Government will continue to comply with its obligations under the Geneva conventions and their additional protocols, including their provisions covering the study, development, acquisition or adoption of new weapons, means or methods of warfare. The British Government, by its statements and actions, constantly reaffirms its commitment to uphold the Geneva conventions and its additional protocols and promotes their universal acceptance.
Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government will give an undertaking to its international counterparts that it will not develop, acquire or deploy machines that can autonomously attack humans and human-occupied targets. [109926]
Mr Bellingham: The British Government will continue to comply with its obligations under the Geneva conventions and their additional protocols, including their provisions covering the study, development, acquisition or adoption of new weapons, means or methods of warfare. The British Government, by its statements and actions, constantly reaffirms its commitment to uphold the Geneva conventions and its additional protocols and promotes their universal acceptance.
Western Sahara
Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to UN Security Council Resolution 2044 (2012), whether Ambassador Christopher Ross visited Western Sahara in March 2012. [110798]
Alistair Burt: Ambassador Christopher Ross did not visit Western Sahara in March 2012.
Yemen
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the security situation in Yemen; and what reports he has received about the presence of al-Qaeda in that country. [110747]
Alistair Burt: As I said in my written ministerial statement on 24 May 2012, Official Report, columns 91-92WS, the appalling terrorist attack in central Sana'a on 21 May underlines the security challenges and instability facing President Hadi and his Government as they seek to rebuild Yemen following last year's political upheavals.
Our embassy in Sana'a and widespread media reports indicate that al-Qaeda are mainly located in Southern Yemen and remain a threat to Yemen, the region and the West. I am encouraged by President Hadi's commitment to continue the fight against al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. The British Government, along with our international partners, remains committed to supporting Yemen to become a stable state, free from the threat of terrorism.
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Work and Pensions
Access to Work Scheme
Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many former claimants of jobseeker's allowance in Motherwell and Wishaw constituency have started the Access to Work Scheme since May 2010. [109017]
Maria Miller: Since 1 May 2010 and up to 29 February 2012, 10 former claimants of jobseeker's allowance in Motherwell and Wishaw constituency have started the Access to Work scheme(1).
(1)Source:
Access to Work database, 100% WPLS and NOMIS claimant count. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
Action for Employment
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total value is of his Department's contracts with A4e for which there have been fraud investigations; and what the value of the reported fraud was for each such contract. [108610]
Chris Grayling: In March 2012, the Department was made aware of an allegation in respect of A4e's Mandatory Work Activity contract. The Department undertook a fraud investigation, which found no evidence of fraud.
While the team found no evidence of fraud, it identified significant weaknesses in A4e's internal controls on this contract in the south east. As a result, we terminated this contract on 15 May 2012.
The indicative value over the life of this Mandatory Work Activity contract was £2,656,013. The value of reported fraud was £0.
Atos Healthcare
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what additional payments have been made by his Department to Atos Healthcare to cover costs associated with implementation of the recommendations of the Harrington Review. [109474]
Chris Grayling: To date additional payments made to ATOS for costs associated with the implementation of the recommendations of the Harrington Review are £5.47 million.
In the period April 2011 to March 2012 the total cost of running the Atos Medical Services contract was £112.4 million.
Child Maintenance
Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of the Child Support Agency's cases with a positive liability for child maintenance used the Agency's collection service in the last 12 months. [109103]
Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner to write to my hon. Friend with the information requested and I have seen the response.
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In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission.
You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of the Child Support Agency’s cases with a positive liability for child maintenance used the Agency’s collection service in the last 12 months [109103]
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The following table shows the number of cases where maintenance is due, the number of cases that used the collection service (split by the number paying and not paying), and the number who do not use the collection service and have their own ‘Maintenance Direct’ arrangement between the non-resident parent and the parent with care.
| Quarter Ending | Maintenance Due | Paying via the Collection Service | % of cases paying via the Collection Service | Using the Collection Service but not currently paying | % of cases using the Collection Service but not currently paying | Paying Maintenance Direct | % of cases paying Maintenance Direct |
Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the formula used by the Child Support Agency to determine the liability of a parent without care is a different formula to that previously used. [109644]
Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have asked the child maintenance commissioner to write to the hon. Member with the information requested and I have seen the response.
In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission.
You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the formula used by the Child Support Agency to identify the liability of a parent without care is a different formula to that previously used. [109644]
The Commission currently operates two separate child maintenance schemes: the 2003 scheme, for cases starting after 3 March 2003 and the 1993 scheme for cases that started prior to that date.
The two schemes have different means of calculating how much maintenance is payable to parent with care of the qualifying child(ren). The 1993 scheme formula was more complicated and required a large amount of information. The amount of maintenance payable depended on the circumstances and income of both the parent with care and the non-resident parent. Although no applications can now be made to the 1993 scheme, the amount of maintenance which clients on this scheme pay is still calculated using this formula.
Under the 2003 child maintenance scheme, a parent’s maintenance liability is based on a percentage of their net weekly income depending on the number of children a parent is liable to maintain. Deductions are made from their gross earnings to account for income tax, National Insurance Contributions and pensions contributions and the resulting net weekly income is the basis for their child maintenance calculation.
The percentages used within the statutory maintenance calculation are 15% for one child, 20% for two children and 25% for three or more children. Allowances apply within the maintenance calculation to take into account the overnight shared care the non-resident parent provides for the qualifying child or children and also allowances are made in respect to other children that live within their household.
Under the new scheme, to be launched later this year, maintenance calculations will be based on a non-resident parent’s gross taxable income which has been supplied to HM Revenue & Customs, usually via the Pay As You Earn system, for most employed people, or self-assessment return (mainly for self-employed people and those with complex tax affairs). This will result in quicker calculations which are based on more reliable income information. Cases will be subject to an annual review to ensure calculations are kept up to date, using, where possible, income information for the non-resident parent’s latest available tax-year.
Further details for the new scheme are available in the consultation on the new scheme calculation regulations, which closed in February. Details can be found at the following link:
http://www.childmaintenance.org/en/pdf/Maintenance-Calculation-Regulations-2012-Technical-Consultation.pdf
Complaints
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many complaints about the work of his Department and each of its agencies and non-departmental public bodies were received in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [108952]
Chris Grayling: Details of the number of complaints that have been received by the Department and its non-departmental public bodies can be found in the following table.
| Number | ||
| Complaints received in: | ||
| Department | 2010-11 | 2011-12 |
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| n/a = Not available. (1) This figure includes cases that have been received by the independent case examiner. (2) This information is not collected routinely and could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost. (3)Pensions Ombudsman: In 2011/12, PO received 33 complaints, but only nine of these were capable of being dealt with under their internal complaints procedure as being complaints about the service they provided. The rest were wholly or partly about the determination of the case. They were unable to deal with these as an internal complaint as a decision of the pension ombudsman is final and binding on the parties and can only be overturned on appeal to the High Court. The increase in the number of complaints in 2011-12 was because of the change in the way PO now record complaints, rather than an obvious increase in numbers. | ||
Correspondence
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many letters to Ministers in his Department were (a) not answered, (b) not answered within six months and (c) not answered within three months in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12; how many such letters were from hon. Members; and if he will make a statement. [109442]
Chris Grayling: The information is not available in the format requested other than at disproportionate cost.
The available information on the Department's and its Agencies' performance in responding to correspondence from hon. Members and Peers is published annually by way of a written ministerial statement from the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr Maude).
Correspondence statistics for 2010 can be found on 28 March 2011, Official Report, column 1WS. Correspondence statistics for 2011 can be found on 15 March 2012, Official Report, column 31WS.
Disability Living Allowance: Wales
Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people who are registered blind are in receipt of disability living allowance in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. [109380]
Maria Miller: The Department does not hold data on claimants who “register” as being blind with their local authority, however such information as is available is contained in the following table.
| Disability living allowance (DLA) recipients with a main disabling condition of blindness, in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire local authorities—November 2011 | |
| Notes: 1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Figures do not include people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. 3. A diagnosed medical condition does not mean that someone is automatically entitled to DLA. Entitlement is dependent on an assessment of how much help someone needs with personal care and/or mobility because of their disability. These statistics are only collected for administrative purposes. Source: DWP Information Governance and Security Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study. | |
Employers' Liability
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of employers' insurance arrangements are registered with the Employers' Liability Training Office. [110646]
Chris Grayling: The Employers' Liability Tracing Office is a public company limited by guarantee. It advises that 98% of the employers' liability market is registered with it and publishes details of its employer liability policies on its website.
Employment
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what projections his Department has made of future economic activity rates for (a) men and (b) women in each age decile group. [108308]
Chris Grayling: The Department does not make projections of activity rates, as figures are already published by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
Employment and Support Allowance
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department compiled a risk register in advance of the migration from incapacity benefit to employment and support allowance; and if he will place in the Library a copy of any such risk register. [109475]
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Chris Grayling: The Department's risk management framework requires that each director general carries out risk assessments to identify threats to the achievement of objectives in their business area.
For each of our significant reform or change programmes and projects their senior responsible owners are required to maintain risk registers for the risks inherent within their area.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), does not intend to publish copies of risk registers held by the Department in any form of location.
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many of those who have entered the employment and support allowance work-related activity group have left it within a year. [110695]
Chris Grayling: These statistics have not previously been published as official statistics. We will consider whether to include the statistics requested in part of an upcoming statistics release in line with the Code of Practice on Official Statistics.
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many applications for employment and support allowance have come to a final outcome inclusive of results of the appeals process; and how many of these outcomes were the same as the initial Atos decision at the work capability assessment. [110696]
Chris Grayling: The Department regularly publishes official statistics on employment and support allowance (ESA) and the work capability assessment (WCA). The latest report was published in April 2012 and can be found on the internet at:
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/index.php?page=esa_wca
Table 4 of the publication mentioned above shows that to date there were 1,116,800 initial functional assessments with an outcome, adjusted to account for outcomes after appeals. Please note that the Department only holds information on appeals once they have been heard by HM Courts and Tribunals Service. Therefore the number above includes claims where the appeals process is still ongoing.
Statistics that compare Atos recommendations with final outcomes, adjusted to account for outcomes after appeals, have not previously been published as official statistics. We will consider whether to include the statistics requested in part of an upcoming statistics release in line with the Code of Practice on Official Statistics.
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what length of prognosis is given to claimants of employment and support allowance who appeal against decisions that they are fit for work and are placed into the work-related activity group. [110698]
Chris Grayling: There is no standard prognosis date in this scenario. When a claimant is found fit for work but their decision is reversed at a Tribunal their case will return to a Decision Maker. At this point a Decision Maker reviews the case and sets the re-referral date.
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In setting the re-referral date, the guidance states that a Decision Maker should take into account a number of factors, including the type of Limited Capability for Work (LCW); whether the LCW is likely to change for better or worse; factors the Tribunal took into account in reaching their decision; and the original prognosis.
In making this decision, Decision Makers can consult an Atos doctor when further advice would be helpful on a particular case.
Re-referral dates chosen can be three, six, 12, 18 or 24 months.
Employment and Support Allowance: Durham
Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many appeals have been upheld on employment and support allowance decisions in North West Durham constituency since May 2010; [108855]
(2) how many people in North West Durham constituency are awaiting decisions on employment and support allowance appeals; [108856]
(3) how many appeals against employment and support allowance decisions have been (a) registered and (b) heard in North West Durham constituency since May 2010. [108857]
Chris Grayling: The Department only holds information on appeals once they have been heard by HM Courts and Tribunals Service. These statistics are published and available on the Department's website:
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/index.php?page=esa_wca
Constituency level data is not available.
Employment Schemes
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will publish the data his Department holds on job sustainment payments in autumn 2012. [109560]
Chris Grayling: The Department is working to guidelines set by the UK Statistics Authority to ensure we are able to publish official statistics on the Work programme that meet high quality standards at the earliest opportunity.
Official statistics on job outcomes and sustainment payments are expected to be available from autumn 2012.
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will institute a single whistleblower line for allegations of fraud against Work programme providers. [110151]
Chris Grayling: The Department has no plans to set up a single whistleblower line for allegations of fraud against Work programme providers. All DWP providers on the employment-related support services framework are required to have in place a ‘whistleblower’ system to enable staff to report inappropriate behaviour by colleagues within their organisation, including fraud allegations. Work programme participants concerned about fraud may report this to their Jobcentre Plus adviser.
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Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department's provider assurance team will in future routinely receive all relevant internal audit reports from Work programme providers. [110152]
Chris Grayling: DWP will in future, in line with the NAO recommendation, request audit plans from its providers and will request all relevant audit reports.
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will conduct a review of complaints made directly to providers by participants on the Work Programme. [110154]
Chris Grayling: We have no plans to conduct a review of complaints made directly to Work programme providers by programme participants.
Providers are required to communicate their own complaints procedure to participants when they are referred to the programme. If a provider cannot resolve a complaint to a participant's satisfaction then the participant can refer their complaint to the Independent Case Examiner, the highest level of complaint investigation in DWP. If a complaint cannot be resolved and the service provider is found to be at fault, then the provider will be required to contribute £5,000 towards the costs of investigating such complaints.
The Independent Case Examiner will provide feedback on the Work programme provider complaint investigations which have been concluded by his office during the 2011-12 reporting year, including commentary on the adequacy of their complaint processes, in his annual report, due for publication in summer 2012.
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will institute short notice or unannounced inspections of Work programme providers. [110155]
Chris Grayling: The Department already approaches providers in a number of different ways. The Department uses short notice or unannounced inspections on providers, when necessary, to achieve the appropriate outcome. For instance, with allegations of fraud or when testing the operation of controls, DWP Internal Audit and Investigation have undertaken provider visits at short notice and the Supply Chain Information Assurance Team scope, plan and conduct unannounced ‘access all areas’ visits to providers to look at any aspects of security, record keeping, document storage and retention. The Provider Assurance Team is focused on visits that look at a range of wider issues and require access to individual provider staff, documents and systems, to be able to effectively assess provider controls.
Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of work being carried out through the Work programme is being undertaken by charitable and voluntary organisations. [110744]
Chris Grayling: An exercise undertaken in March 2012 identified that 29.8% of initial referrals to the Work programme were to the voluntary and community sector.
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Employment Schemes: Graduates
Alec Shelbrooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure graduates participating in the Work Programme gain additional skills and career progression opportunities; how this is measured; and if he will make a statement. [110764]
Chris Grayling: The Work programme is designed to support a wide variety of claimants, including graduates, back into sustained employment. Work programme providers have the flexibility to choose how they deliver support based on individual need. The type and nature of the support offered and the delivery of the provision is driven by the provider's delivery model and the individuals' participation requirements.
The Department has commissioned the Institute for Employment Studies to undertake an independent evaluation of the Work programme. This evaluation will consider the effectiveness of the programme for different types of participants.
Employment Schemes: Stoke-on-Trent
Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many people in Stoke-on-Trent Central constituency have been on the Work programme without finding work for longer than (a) three months, (b) six months, (c) nine months and (d) 12 months; [109599]
(2) how many people in Stoke-on-Trent local authority area have been on the Work programme without being placed in a job for longer than (a) three months, (b) six months, (c) nine months and (d) 12 months. [109600]
Chris Grayling: The data requested are not available.
Official statistics on job outcomes are expected to be available from autumn 2012. The release strategy for statistics on job outcomes is dependant on the availability, reliability, quality and accuracy of the data and the details of what we will publish are still to be finalised. When details are finalised an announcement will be made on the Department's website.
Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Stoke-on-Trent Central constituency and (b) Stoke-on-Trent local authority area have (i) been referred in total to participate in the Work programme, (ii) been referred to the employment and support group to participate in the Work Programme, (iii) been referred to Serco to participate in the Work programme and (iv) have successfully found work as a result of participation in the Work programme. [109783]
Chris Grayling: Statistics on how many people in (a) Stoke-on-Trent Central constituency and (b) Stoke-on-Trent local authority have (i) been referred in total to participate in the Work programme, (ii) been referred to the employment and support group to participate in the Work programme, (iii) been referred to Serco to participate in the Work programme have been published and are available on the Department's website. Figures can be viewed via the DWP tabulation tool using this link:
http://83.244.183.180/WorkProg/tabtool.html
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Information on the number of people who have successfully found work as a result of participating in the Work programme is not currently available. The Department aims to publish official statistics on Work programme job outcomes in autumn 2012.
Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what (a) proportion and (b) number of participants on the Work programme in (i) Stoke-on-Trent Central constituency and (ii) Stoke-on-Trent local authority are now (A) in full-time employment, (B) in part-time employment, (C) in full-time permanent employment, (D) in full-time employment on a fixed-term contract, (E) in full-time temporary employment, (F) in part-time permanent employment, (G) in part-time employment on a fixed-term contract, (H) in part-time temporary employment, (I) in temporary employment, (J) on an apprenticeship or training scheme and (K) unemployed. [110593]
Chris Grayling: The data requested are not available.
Official statistics on job outcomes are expected to be available from autumn 2012. The release strategy for statistics on job outcomes is dependant on the availability, reliability, quality and accuracy of the data and the details of what we will publish are still to be finalised. However data available to break down job outcomes by employment type are expected to be limited. When details are finalised an announcement will be made on the Department's website:
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=wp
Employment Schemes: West Midlands
Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people from (a) the West Midlands, (b) Coventry and (c) Coventry North East constituency have been on the Work programme for more than one year. [110704]
Chris Grayling: The data requested are not available.
The Work programme was launched nationally on 1 June 2011. Once referred, claimants remain on the Work programme for two years or until they find sustained employment and the provider has claimed all available payments for the time the individual spends in employment (or it is deemed that Work Choice is better equipped to meet their needs).
The latest official statistics on Work programme referrals and attachments up to the end of January 2012 were published on 9 May 2012 on the Department's website:
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=wp
Official statistics on job outcomes and sustainment payments are expected to be available from autumn 2012.
Employment Schemes: Young People
Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many employers in Motherwell and Wishaw constituency have received the incentive payment for employers that take on young people as apprentices under the Youth Contract. [109015]
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Chris Grayling: The Youth Contract includes funding for two distinct and alternative routes for the incentivised employment of apprentices. Wage incentives can be claimed from DWP where a Work programme participant is recruited into an apprenticeship that lasts at least 26 weeks. No wage incentives have yet been paid because the earliest possible eligibility will be eight weeks (for smaller employers) after the launch of the Youth Contract on 2 April.
Apprenticeship Grants for Employers, which are aimed at SMEs recruiting their first apprentice, are also available. Responsibility for these grants lies with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Information is not currently available on the numbers of young people recruited in this way.
Fraud
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the level of (a) procurement and (b) other fraud affecting his Department’s spending in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [110185]
Chris Grayling: The Department treats any allegation of fraud by contractors very seriously. Any fraud is completely unacceptable. Where we identify, or are notified of, allegations of contractor fraud, these cases are investigated thoroughly by the DWP’s professionally trained and experienced investigators to a standard required to support reference to the police whenever evidence of criminal offences is discovered.
There are a range of departmental controls in place to minimise fraudulent activity in all dealings with suppliers. Potential suppliers’ staff are expected to preserve the highest standards of fairness, honesty, efficiency and professionalism. Robust governance arrangements during each procurement exercise, a system of delegated procurement authority with clear segregation of duties contribute significantly in helping to detect and deter potential procurement fraud. A commercial assurance team ensures compliance with all key policies and maintains a register of any potential conflicts of interest. There have been no recorded incidents of procurement fraud by DWP staff in 2010-11 or 2011-12.
The DWP has introduced a number of mandatory contractual terms and conditions aimed solely at preventing supplier fraud. These are mandatory within all of our contracts and oblige the suppliers to instigate a range of measures aimed at preventing fraud within their organisation. As well as being required, contractually, to adhere to the fraud prevention measures, these principles are reinforced in the DWP Supplier Charter, which is a set of principles that outline how DWP, and its suppliers, will work together to help DWP achieve its strategic objectives and support its values. There is no mechanism for formally estimating the value of fraud within the supply chain, e.g. fraud carried out by third-party suppliers, their employees or subcontractors.
In 2010-11, there were four cases of false representation in contracted employment programmes, resulting in a total loss of £67,000, of which, £31,600 has so far been recovered. In 2011-12, there were four cases of false representation with a total loss of £59,000, of which, £21,400 has so far been recovered. Recovery action is ongoing. These eight cases occurred under new deal,
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European social fund and Workstep contracts established by the previous Government. The recently published NAO report, “Preventing fraud in contracted employment programmes”, notes that the value of losses due to false representation in contracted employment provision recorded since 2006 is equivalent to an average of £128,906 per year, which is around 0.01% of total spending on employment programmes.
Estimates of the level of fraudulent benefit claims are provided within “Fraud and Error in the Benefit System: Preliminary 2011/12 Estimates” and “Fraud and Error in the Benefit System: 2010/11 Estimates”.
These national statistics are published and available on the Department’s website at:
http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd2/index.php?page=fraud_error
Hewlett Packard: Redundancy
Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has put in place to assist any workers who may lose their jobs at Hewlett Packard to find alternative employment. [110658]
Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions, through Jobcentre Plus, offers a free at the point of contact Rapid Response Service (RRS) that aims to minimise the impact of redundancies by supporting people back into work and helping them navigate their way through the benefit system.
A letter was sent on 29 May 2012 from Department for Work and Pensions Work Services Director, Ruth Owen, to Howard Hughes Chief Executive Officer, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Services, formally offering Jobcentre Plus RRS support and the services of a named contact to co-ordinate that support nationally.
Housing and Council Tax Benefits
Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of (a) council tax and (b) housing benefit was paid to tenants in (i) the private rented sector and (ii) social rented tenant sector in each year since 1990. [110455]
Steve Webb: The information for housing benefit is in the following table. Note that the breakdown of expenditure into private rented and social rented sectors is only available since 1992. The corresponding breakdown for council tax benefit is not available.
| Proportion of housing benefit expenditure spent on private rented sector and social rented sector tenants in each year | ||
| Percentage | ||
| Private | Social | |
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| Note: These figures are consistent with the latest published expenditure outturn and forecasts by tenure available at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/budget_2012_2205.xls Source: End of year Local Authority subsidy returns and DWP statistical data | ||
Housing Benefit
Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department spent on housing benefit in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11; how much his Department has spent on housing benefit in 2011-12 to date; and how much he expects to be spent on each housing benefit in (i) 2011-12, (ii) 2012-13, (iii) 2013-14 and (iv) 2014-15. [110453]
Steve Webb: The information requested is shown in the following table:
| £ million | ||||||
| Outturn | Outturn | Estimate | Forecast | Forecast | Forecast | |
| 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | |
| Notes: 1. Figures may not sum exactly due to rounding. 2. Some elements of housing benefit expenditure are funded from local authorities' funds, and are not reimbursed by DWP. Figures shown do not take account of the introduction of universal credit, which will gradually take over the support provided by housing benefit. 3. Further benefit expenditure outturn data and forecasts can be found using the following URL: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/index.php?page=expenditure Source: Local authority subsidy returns. | ||||||
Mr Laws:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost to the public purse was of housing benefit paid to (a) all claimants, (b) claimants aged 18 to 21, (c) claimants aged 18 to 21 who also claim jobseeker's allowance and (d) claimants aged 18
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to 21 years claiming employment support allowance or incapacity benefit in the latest period for which figures are available. [110484]
Steve Webb: The information is in the following table for 2010-11, the latest period for which these figures are available.
Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what consultation he has undertaken on direct payment of housing benefit to tenants under universal credit. [110591]
Chris Grayling: As the November 2010 Welfare Reform White Paper noted, paying the housing element of universal credit to the individual rather than direct to the landlord encourages people to manage their own budget in the same way as other households. But it also recognises the importance of stable rental income for landlords.
Over the past 18 months, my officials have discussed direct payments with a range of national and local organisations. As a result, we are launching six demonstration projects in June 2012 to allow the finalisation of their design, including mechanisms to protect the revenue streams of landlords.
Housing Benefit: Lone Parents
Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps will be taken to protect single parents with shared custody arrangements from the under-occupancy penalty. [110589]
Steve Webb: Housing benefit rules for those in the private and social rented sectors only provide for children to be included in the housing costs of one parent at any one time where shared custody arrangements are in place. While we have no plans to change this at present, local authorities can make a discretionary housing payment where they consider there is sufficient justification for additional payments. Local authority staff are better able to judge what is appropriate on a case-by-case basis and to target resources where needed.
Income Support
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many income support claimants there were in each category in each of the last 30 years. [108287]
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Chris Grayling: Statistics for the number of income support claimants in each category in each of the last 30 years are available from 5% data from 1997 and are published on the Department's website at:
http://83.244.183.180/5pc/is_prim/tabtool_is_prim.html
Statistics for the number of income support claimants in each category in each of the last 30 years are available from 100% data for 1999 to 2011 and are published on the Department's website at:
http://83.244.183.180/100pc/is/tabtool_is.html
The information requested is not available electronically prior to 1997. It is, however, publicly available via the Library.
Guidance for users is available at:
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/tabtools/guidance.pdf
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate his Department made of the number of people dependent on income support claimants in each category in each of the last 30 years. [108288]
Chris Grayling: Statistics for the number of people dependent on income support claimants are available from 5% sample data for 1997 to 1998 and are published on the Department's website at:
http://83.244.183.180/5pc/is_prim/tabtool_is_prim.html
Statistics for the number of people dependent on income support claimants are available from 100% data for 1999 to 2011 and are published on the Department's website at:
http://83.244.183.180/100pc/is/tabtool_is.html
The information requested is not available electronically prior to 1997.
Guidance for users is available at:
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/tabtools/guidance.pdf
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many dependent children there were of income support claimants who were (a) over 60, (b) under 60 and disabled, (c) under 60 and a lone parent, (d) under 60 and unemployed, (e) under 60 and in government-funded training and (f) another category in each of the last 30 years. [108289]
Chris Grayling: Statistics for the number of dependent children there were of income support claimants are available from 5% sample data for 1997 to 1998 and are published on the Department's website at:
http://83.244.183.180/5pc/is_prim/tabtool_is_prim.html
Statistics for the number of dependent children there were of income support claimants are available from 100% data for 1999 to 2011 and are published on the Department's website at:
http://83.244.183.180/100pc/is/tabtool_is.html
The information requested is not available electronically prior to 1997.
Guidance for users is available at:
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/tabtools/guidance.pdf
Statistics on Government-funded training and unemployed have not previously been published as official statistics. We will consider whether to include
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the statistics requested in part of an upcoming statistics release in line with the Code of Practice on Official Statistics.
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) housing benefit and (b) council tax benefit recipients were (i) in receipt and (ii) not in receipt of income support in each of the last 30 years. [108290]
Maria Miller: The information as requested is not available prior to November 2008. Such information we have is shown in the following tables:
| Housing benefit (HB) recipients, Great Britain, November 2008 to February 2012 | |||
| Number | |||
| Total HB caseload | Of which are in receipt of income support | Of which are not in receipt of income support | |