Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education with reference to the answer of 19 December 2011, Official Report, column 944W, on special educational needs: children, and to his Department's publication, Children with Special Educational Needs 2011: an analysis, for what reason local authority and regional level data were not included in the 2011 report; and if he will ensure that they are included in the 2012 report. [117416]
Sarah Teather [holding answer 16 July 2012]: Changes to the statistical publication, “Children with Special Educational Needs: an Analysis”, are determined when planning and producing the publication based on the immediate needs of the Department and its customers, requests and feedback on previous versions, departmental resources and availability of the analysis from other releases. Large amounts of analysis on special educational needs by local authority and region were published by the Department in earlier releases. To include the detail in the release “Children with Special Educational Needs: an Analysis” would have duplicated much of this information.
The 2012 report will contain comment on local authority level figures in other statistical releases which are available and limited additional breakdowns of figures which have not been previously made public. Web links to these earlier releases will be included in the appropriate places in the report and additional data will be published alongside the main report.
Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education with reference to page 12 of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills' publication, “National Careers Service: The Right Advice at the Right Time”, how much he expects local authorities to contribute from their early intervention grant allocations towards supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities to participate in education and training up to the age of 25; and what guidance he has issued to local authorities in respect of this duty and how to fund it. [117470]
Mr Gibb [holding answer 16 July 2012]: Section 68 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 requires local authorities to make available support that will encourage, enable and assist the participation of young people in education or training up to the age of 19. This duty is extended to the age of 25 in the case of individuals with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The services offered by local authorities under this duty are targeted on overcoming barriers to continuing in education and training. In some cases, this may include careers guidance for young adults who need assistance assessing the education and training options available to them.
17 July 2012 : Column 749W
The Department issued statutory guidance to local authorities on targeted support services for young people in April 2011. This is available on the DFE website at:
http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/l/la%20guidance%20apr%202011.pdf
Other than the elements highlighted in the statutory guidance, it is for local authorities to decide how they should meet their statutory responsibilities taking into account the needs of individuals. Government have allocated £2.3 billion to the Early Intervention Grant in 2012-13 and has given local authorities the flexibility to determine how it is spent.
Local authorities have a power to undertake a learning difficulty Assessment for young people under the age of 25 who are receiving or are likely to receive post-16 education. Local authorities must have regard to statutory guidance when carrying out learning difficulty assessments. This is intended to help local authorities make consistent, effective and robust judgments that will lead to well-informed decisions relating to education and training for young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Revised statutory guidance was published by the Department for Education in February 2012 and is available on the DFE website at:
http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/send/g00203393/lda
Defence
Afghanistan and Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations
Mr Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many infantry soldiers have been deployed to (a) Afghanistan and to (b) Iraq; and how many deployed to each country have been treated for (i) transient psychological distress, (ii) alcohol misuse, (iii) post traumatic stress disorder, (iv) depression, (v) mild traumatic brain injury and (vi) each other psychological condition during and since their deployment. [115262]
Mr Robathan: Information relating to the total number of infantry soldiers deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq from 2001 and 2003 respectively, and the number of infantry soldiers treated during their deployment, is not available centrally in the format requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
However, between 1 April 2007 and 31 May 2012, the number of Army infantry officers and soldiers, excluding infantry personnel in the Brigade of Gurkhas, who had deployed to Afghanistan was 25,300 and to Iraq was 7,910.
Details of infantry personnel who had an episode of care at a Ministry of Defence Department of Community Mental Health or in-patient admission between April 2007 and March 2012, and who have been identified as previously deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq, are provided in the following table. An episode of care may be limited to an initial assessment, which may not subsequently require the individual receiving treatment.
| Infantry personnel()who had an episode of care(1) at a MOD Department of Community Mental Health or in-patient admission between April 2007 and March 2012 who had previously deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq(2) | ||
| Number | ||
| Afghanistan | Iraq | |
17 July 2012 : Column 750W
Amanatullah Ali
Mr Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information his Department holds on the arrest, treatment and rendition of Amanatullah Ali by US forces; and if he will make a statement. [116992]
Nick Harvey [holding answer 13 July 2012]: I understand that the hon. Member's question refers to one of two Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba members who were captured by British Forces in and around Baghdad in February 2004 who then were immediately transferred to US detention in accordance with established practice at the time.
The individuals were initially held in US detention in and around Baghdad, and subsequently transferred to a US detention facility in Afghanistan in March 2004. We have been assured that the detainees are held in a humane, safe and secure environment that meets international standards that are consistent with cultural and religious norms. The International Committee of the Red Cross has had regular access to the detainees.
Armed Forces: Homelessness
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what estimate he has made of the number of service personnel or their families in each branch of the armed services who sought assistance from the relevant service welfare organisations for assistance and advice on (a) obtaining state benefits, (b) housing repossession and (c) homelessness in each of the last two years; [116975]
17 July 2012 : Column 751W
(2) what estimate he has made of the number of service personnel and their families in each branch of the armed services who were declared homeless in each of the last two years; [116976]
(3) what estimate he has made of the number of service personnel in each branch of the armed services who have had their homes repossessed while they served in Afghanistan. [116977]
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes its duty of care for its service personnel very seriously. All service personnel have an entitlement to be accommodated by the MOD in service families accommodation, or in single living accommodation, as appropriate.
No service personnel are left homeless. Should any service person living in their own home be subject to repossession, they would be re-housed under MOD policy. However, such an eventuality would be a private matter and no records of it are maintained by the MOD.
Armed Forces: Mass Media
Mr Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason the commitment introduced in the 2005 edition of his Department's Green Book that British forces would never deliberately target journalists or media facilities has been removed from the latest edition of the Green Book; and if he will make a statement. [116040]
Mr Robathan: The Green Book is produced in consultation with editors and press and broadcasting organisations as a general guide to the procedures that the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MOD) will adopt in working with the media throughout the full spectrum of military operations.
The current October 2010 edition states at paragraph 12, page 6:
“It is also important to understand that UK Forces on Operations will not deliberately target individual correspondents”
and is available at the following link:
http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/BAFF11F2-EF45-4A99-B8BA-A1BDA6AFE8A4/0/green_book_v7_011010.pdf
The Green Book is in the process of being revised again and the MOD has recently consulted editors, press and broadcasting organisations on its contents. While there has been no change in the underlying policy, the initial draft of this proposed revision did not contain words along the lines quoted because they were considered unnecessary.
There is no question of UK forces on operations ever intentionally targeting individual correspondents. Unless they are targeting our troops, such action would be illegal.
Armed Forces: Postal Services
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether changes have been made to postal services from the UK to personnel serving in Afghanistan since May 2010. [114468]
Nick Harvey:
There have been no changes to the system for sending mail to armed forces personnel
17 July 2012 : Column 752W
serving in Afghanistan since May 2010. The service provided is very similar to the one that was used to send mail to those who were deployed to Iraq.
The provision of a free mail service to allow armed forces personnel serving in Iraq to receive mail from families and friends was first introduced in April 2003; this has since evolved into the Enduring Free Mail Service (EFMS). Armed forces personnel deployed on specified operations, including in Afghanistan, and on board ships supporting those operations, benefit from the EFMS. This is a joint venture between the British Forces' Post Office and the Royal Mail and enables friends and family members to send packages from the UK weighing up to 2kg free of charge.
Armed Forces: Sexual Offences
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many allegations of sexual assault made by members of the armed forces concluded with charges being (a) brought and (b) dropped in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [116655]
Mr Robathan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 6 July 2012, Official Report, column 822W. The following table contains the updated figures for 2012 and includes those cases that did not meet the Full Code test for prosecution for 2011.
| Sexual assault referrals | Directions | Convictions | Full Code test for prosecution not met | |
| (1) Two ongoing | ||||
Allegations referred in any one year are not necessarily tried, or directed for trial in the same year.
The Full Code test for prosecution has two main elements, relating to whether there is a realistic prospect of conviction, and the public interest, but there may be other reasons not to pursue a case, for example the accused may have been convicted of other offences and received a heavy sentence and after discussion with the victim a decision has been made not to proceed.
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 26 June 2012, Official Report, column 195W, on armed forces: sexual offences, how many rape allegations were made by (a) female and (b) male members of the armed forces in each of the last three years; in how many of those cases (i) charges were directed for trial and (ii) trials were held; and if he will make a statement. [116686]
Mr Robathan: The information requested is not immediately available and will take time to collate. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is available.
Armoured Fighting Vehicles
Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the export potential of the Light Protected Patrol Vehicle Foxhound; and if he will make a statement. [116990]
17 July 2012 : Column 753W
Mr Gerald Howarth [holding answer 13 July 2012]:As set out in the “National Security Through Technology” White Paper CM8273 published February 2012, we must provide our armed forces with the best capabilities we can afford. A number of these capabilities, such as Foxhound, have export potential, and the Government are committed to supporting industry in realising that potential.
While the company has received a number of inquiries from potential overseas customers, no firm export opportunities have, as yet, arisen. However, the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation, as the Government lead for defence and security exports, is already exploring and supporting the aspirations of General Dynamics Land Systems-Force Protection Europe in any export opportunities which arise in relation to Foxhound. Its recent deployment on operations will enable us to assess its full capability.
Army
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish military advice he received on (a) the amalgamation of the Queen's Royal Lancers with the 9th/12th Royal Lancers and (b) a merger between the 1st and 2nd Royal Tank Regiments. [116932]
Nick Harvey: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), in his announcement on 5 July 2012, Official Report, column 1086, in which he said that Army 2020 calls for a greater focus in future on mobility and the ability to mount expeditionary warfare based around the air assault and armoured infantry brigades of the reaction forces. This continues the Army's evolution from the cold war posture that was reliant on more armoured units. The consequence of this concept of operations is a requirement to reduce the number of Royal Armoured Corps regiments from 11 to nine.
The Army's decision on which regiments to remove from the order of battle was taken on the basis of advice provided by the Royal Armoured Corps which took account of a number of criteria. Although ensuring delivery of the correct capability in the most effective way was the overriding concern, the other criteria used included a desire to minimise the number of cap badge reductions to promote the regimental system, taking account of past amalgamations within the Royal Armoured Corps, so wherever possible those who amalgamated most recently were less likely to be affected, and merging or amalgamating regiments with similar history and tradition, and current capabilities.
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which (a) Army brigades, (b) Army Air Corps, (c) Household Cavalry and Royal Armoured Corps, (d) Royal Regiment Artillery, (e) Corps of Royal Engineers, (f) Royal Corps of Signals, (g) Royal Logistics Corps, (h) Army Medical Services, (i) Royal Military Police, (j) Royal Intelligence Corps, (k) Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers regiments will be based in (i) Scotland, (ii) England and (iii) Wales by 2020. [116935]
17 July 2012 : Column 754W
Nick Harvey: It is too early to say where specific formations and units will be based across the UK by 2020. However, the Army intends maintaining a significant presence across the UK.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation is leading work on the Ministry of Defence’s footprint strategy in order to deliver a Defence estate of the right size and shape that is sustainable and delivers the most cost-effective approach to future force basing. Initial decisions are expected to be made later this year.
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when members of the Yorkshire Regiment 3rd Battalion were informed of the content of his Army 2020 statement. [116936]
Nick Harvey: All members of the British Army (including those units deployed on operations) should have been informed of the detail of the Army 2020 statement as close as reasonably practicable to the Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), announcement to the House on 5 July 2012, Official Report, column 1085.
The briefing of members of the 3rd Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment (3 Yorks), both those based in the UK and those deployed in Afghanistan, coincided with the announcement in the House.
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the timetable is for the reduction in Army numbers to 82,000; [116938]
(2) what the size of the Army will be in each year up to 2020. [116939]
Nick Harvey: The precise timetable for the reduction in trained regular Army strength to 82,000, and therefore the size of the Army in any given year up to 2020, has not yet been finalised. These reductions will be achieved through a combination of both natural wastage and redundancy.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel in each of the 17 major units proposed to be lost under the Army 2020 review will be deployed to other units. [117050]
Nick Harvey [holding answer 13 July 2012]:I refer the right hon. Member to the statement made by the Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), on 5 July 2012, Official Report, columns 1085-88, in which he said that an individual in a unit which is being withdrawn or merged is no more or less likely than any other individual with similar skills and service record to be selected for future redundancy. When units are withdrawn from the Army's order of battle their personnel will be reassigned to other units, where possible within the same regiment.
While further redundancies will be required to reduce the Army to 82,000 regular personnel, the precise numbers and timing have yet to be decided. It is, however, clear that individuals will not be disadvantaged by the fact that they are in a unit which has been withdrawn under Army 2020.
17 July 2012 : Column 755W
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the oral statement of 5 July 2012, Official Report, column 1086, on Army 2020, how many of the 17 major units affected were within (a) 5 and (b) 10 per cent of full recruitment. [117068]
Nick Harvey: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) on 5 July 2012, Official Report, columns 1087-88, in which he announced changes to a number of units that will be withdrawn, amalgamated or merged resulting in the reduction overall of 17 units.
Of these, eight units are within 5% (plus or minus) of their full unit establishment and a further six units are within 10% (plus or minus) of their full unit establishment. These figures include all regular Army personnel under the command of the unit’s commanding officer and therefore include Army personnel from other arms and corps employed at the unit.
A range of criteria was used, including recruitment performance over 10 years, not just current levels.
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people were recruited into the 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) from (a) Middlesbrough, (b) Redcar and Cleveland, (c) Stockton-on-Tees, (d) Hartlepool, (e) County Durham and (f) North Yorkshire in (i) 2008, (ii) 2009, (iii) 2010 and (iv) 2011. [117360]
Nick Harvey [holding answer 16 July 2012]: Information showing how many people were recruited from specific towns and areas is not held in the format requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions he has had with the Green Howards Association on the proposed abolition of the 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards); [117361]
(2) what discussions he has had with the Royal British Legion on the proposed abolition of the 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards). [117362]
Nick Harvey [holding answer 16 July 2012]: No discussions were held with the Royal British Legion or the Green Howards Association about the withdrawal of the 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards). Discussions with regiments were led by the Chief of General Staff and his staff.
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) officers and (b) other ranks there are in the 2nd Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards). [117401]
Nick Harvey: As at 1 April 2012, there were 32 officers and 487 other ranks in the 2(nd) Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards).
These numbers represent the numbers of infantrymen in the battalion and do not include personnel from other cap badges which support the battalion (for example mechanics, administrators and medics).
17 July 2012 : Column 756W
Individuals in a unit which is being withdrawn or merged are no more or less likely than any other individual with similar skills and service records to be selected for future redundancy. When units are withdrawn from the Army's order of battle their personnel will be reassigned to other units, where possible within the same regiment.
Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the proportion of soldiers in The 2nd Battalion, The Royal Welsh who will be absorbed into other battalions as part of his planned reorganisation of the army. [117474]
Nick Harvey [holding answer 16 July 2012]: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) on 5 July 2012, Official Report, column 1085, in which he said that an individual in a unit which is being withdrawn or merged is no more or less likely than any other individual with similar skills and service record to be selected for future redundancy. When units are withdrawn from the Army's order of battle their personnel will be reassigned to other units, where possible within the same regiment.
While further redundancies will be required to reduce the Army to 82,000 regular personnel, the precise numbers and timing have yet to be decided. It is, however, clear that individuals will not be disadvantaged by the fact that they are in a unit which has been withdrawn under Army 2020.
Army: Germany
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the strategic defence and security review, on what timescale troops will be withdrawn from Germany. [116941]
Nick Harvey: As part of the strategic defence and security review we announced our intention to return personnel based in Germany back to the UK by 2020.
Following the announcement of Army 2020, the Army will now begin to work with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation to determine the optimum basing solution for the Army while making best use of the existing Defence estate. It is too early at this stage to give any more detail on the precise time scales for the withdrawal of troops from Germany.
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what funding has been allocated for converting RAF bases to Army bases to achieve the planned withdrawal of UK troops from Germany in each financial year until 2020. [117049]
Nick Harvey [holding answer 13 July 2012]: It is too early to say at this time what funding has been allocated for converting RAF bases to Army bases.
This project will deliver an estate of the right size and shape; that is sustainable and will deliver the most cost effective approach to Future Force 2020 basing.
Consultants
Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on external consultants for services delivered in 2011-12. [117624]
17 July 2012 : Column 757W
Mr Robathan: The final 2011-12 outturn on external consultancy is not yet available.
In financial year 2010-11, the Ministry of Defence (MOD), including its Trading Fund agencies, spent £26 million on external consultancy contracts (as defined by the Cabinet Office). The MOD has made significant savings in external assistance in recent years. The following table provides expenditure information for the past six financial years:
| £ million | |
We continue to minimise expenditure on consultancy in compliance with the tighter controls announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in May 2010.
Expenditure on external consultancy is published annually in UK Defence Statistics (UKDS). The information for 2010-11 can be found online in the transparency supplement to the 2011 edition of UKDS under the heading External Assistance at the following address:
http://www.dasa.mod.uk/modintranet/UKDS/UKDS2011/c1/trans_sup.php
Defence Equipment
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) missile tube training facilities and (b) nuclear transport vehicles of each equipment type are permanently based in each location in Scotland. [117582]
Nick Harvey: The Trident Training Facility at Her Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde, Faslane, which includes the Royal Naval Armament Depot (RNAD) Coulport, is the only missile tube training facility in Scotland.
The only nuclear transport vehicles permanently based in Scotland are the 11 Re-entry Body Assembly Intra-facility Transporters, which are used for the movement of assets only within the RNAD Coulport.
Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) at which universities the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme operates; [116669]
(2) whether his Department has any plans to extend the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme to a Scottish university; [116670]
(3) how many students from (a) Scotland, (b) England, (c) Wales, (d) Northern Ireland and (e) other countries have graduated through the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme in each year since 2001; [116671]
(4) what (a) financial and (b) other support is provided to students accepted onto the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme. [116672]
17 July 2012 : Column 758W
Mr Robathan: The Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme is partnered by the universities of Aston, Birmingham, Loughborough, Newcastle, Northumbria and Southampton. In addition, the scheme also supports a limited number of students at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge and Imperial College London.
There are currently no plans to extend the scheme beyond the current partner universities. However, the geographical extent of the scheme is kept under review.
To provide the home county of origin of each student would require us to access individual records. This could be done only at disproportionate cost.
The students receive an annual bursary of £4,000 from their respective single service and payment during training events. In addition, they can also claim appropriate expenditure incurred during training events. Students are supported academically and pastorally throughout their studies by the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme staff and also undertake a programme of personal development to prepare them for their future training and service in either the armed forces or for civilians as part of the Defence Engineering and Science Group.
European Defence Agency
Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much funding his Department has provided to the European Defence Agency in each year since 2010; and what funding has been allocated in each of the next three years. [117623]
Nick Harvey: The European Defence Agency (EDA)'s budget has been frozen at €30.5 million for 2010, 2011 and 2012.
The amount paid by the Ministry of Defence to the EDA's budget has, however, fluctuated through this period owing to changes in exchange rates and cost share. It was £3.26 million in 2010, £3.64 million in 2011 and is estimated to be £3.37 million in 2012. The budget for 2013 and the Three Year Financial Framework will not be agreed until the EDA Ministerial Steering Board meet in November 2012.
Ex Gratia Payments
Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate his Department has made of the monetary value of ex gratia payments made through schemes administered by his Department in the last two years. [116763]
Mr Robathan: The monetary value of ex gratia payments formally signed off in 2010-11 was some £19 million and in 2011-12 some £135,000.
The figures for 2010-11 reflect the closure of two significant cases in that year.
Expenditure on special payments (that is, ex gratia payments, compensation payments and extra-statutory and extra-regulatory payments), is disclosed in the MOD's Annual Report and Accounts each year.
Gibraltar
Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels visited Gibraltar in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012 prior to 31 May; [117071]
17 July 2012 : Column 759W
(2) which Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels visited Spanish ports in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012 prior to 31 May 2012. [117072]
Nick Harvey: The Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels that visited Spain and Gibraltar in 2010, 2011 and 2012 are shown in the following lists:
HMS Chatham
HMS Middleton
HMS Monmouth
HMS Kent
HMS Lancaster
HMS Atherstone
HMS York
HMS Raider
HMS Tracker
HMS St Albans
HMS Montrose
HMS Gloucester
HMS Portland
HMS Somerset
RFA Gold Rover
RFA Cardigan Bay
HMS Enterprise
HMS Manchester
HMS St Albans
HMS Kent
HMS Northumberland
HMS Somerset
HMS Raider
HMS Tracker
HMS Chatham
HMS Cumberland
HMS Montrose
RFA Diligence
RFA Argus
RFA Cardigan Bay
HMS Brocklesbury
HMS Richmond
HMS Albion
HMS Grimsby
HMS Monmouth
HMS Montrose
HMS Enterprise
HMS Edinburgh
RFA Bayleaf
RFA Black Rover
RFA Gold Rover
HMS Argyll
HMS Bangor
HMS Ocean
HMS Richmond
HMS Iron Duke
HMS Portland
HMS York
HMS Monmouth
17 July 2012 : Column 760W
HMS Westminster
HMS Liverpool
HMS Cumberland
HMS Albion
HMS Sutherland
HMS Cornwall
HMS Quorn
HMS Ramsey
HMS Enterprise
HMS St Albans
HMS Brocklesby
HMS Somerset
RFA Cardigan Bay
RFA Argus
RFA Orangeleaf
HMS Ledbury
HMS Argyll
HMS Ledbury
HMS Daring
HMS Westminster
RFA Wave Knight
This list does not include HMS Scimitar and HMS Sabre which are permanently based in Gibraltar.
No Royal Navy submarines visited Spain or Gibraltar during this period.
Hercules Aircraft
Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many C-130J and K models are in temporary hangars at Marshalls of Cambridge; what the likely cost is of using the hangars; and what the associated costs are of hotel accommodation. [106739]
Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence has no Hercules C-130 aircraft in temporary hangars at Marshalls of Cambridge. The company provides depth maintenance for Hercules aircraft under the Hercules Integrated Operational Support contract. RAF teams also utilise hangar space at Marshalls of Cambridge to undertake frontline maintenance that cannot be completed at RAF Brize Norton. This occurred on two occasions in the last financial year. A further aircraft was sent to Marshalls for frontline maintenance on 21 May 2012 and work is ongoing.
Hangar costs for the first two aircraft were not separately identified from maintenance costs. Travel and subsistence costs have yet to be finalised, I will write to my hon. Friend when this information is available. No costs have yet been identified for the third aircraft.
HMS Victory
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether his Department has reached any agreement with (a) Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc and (b) the Maritime Heritage Foundation on the treatment of any human remains from HMS Victory; [117206]
17 July 2012 : Column 761W
(2) whether his Department has authorised (a) the Maritime Heritage Foundation and (b) Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc to undertake any excavation and recovery work on the wreck site of HMS Victory. [117207]
Mr Robathan: The Maritime Heritage Foundation has proposed a programme of work to address potential threats to the wreck site. We are considering this, together with recommendations by the advisory group, in accordance with the Deed of Gift, on the extent to which the work would be consistent with the archaeological principles set out in Annex A to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. No decisions have yet been taken. Any decisions made, and the basis for them, will be announced in due course.
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many parties interested in the management of the wreck site of HMS Victory 1744 he met prior to taking a decision to gift the site to the Maritime Heritage Foundation; [117714]
(2) why his Department did not use a bidding process to select charities interested in managing the HMS Victory 1744 site. [117715]
Mr Robathan: The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), did not meet any of the parties. During 2010 The Ministry of Defence and Department of Culture, Media and Sport launched a joint public consultation on options for the management of the wreck site of HMS Victory 1744. Only one group in responding to the consultation offered to manage the site.
Horses
Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent on maintaining horses used by the (a) Household Cavalry and (b) armed forces in each of the last five years. [117107]
Mr Robathan: Information on the costs of maintaining horses is not held centrally in the format requested.
Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many horses were maintained by the armed forces in each of the last five years. [117110]
Mr Robathan: Information on the number of horses maintained by the armed forces over the last five years is not held in the format requested. However, there are currently 501 horses maintained by the armed forces as at 13 July 2012.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 7 June 2011, Official Report, column 5W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire (Simon Hart) regarding the number of horses maintained on that date.
Lost Property
Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) USB sticks and (b) laptop computers issued by his Department were reported lost by employees in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [116964]
17 July 2012 : Column 762W
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence takes any theft of, loss of, attacks on, or misuse of, its information, networks and associated media storage devices very seriously and has robust procedures in place to mitigate against and investigate such occurrences. Furthermore, new processes, instructions and technological aids are continually being implemented to mitigate human errors and raise the awareness of every individual in the Department with regards to cyber security.
The following table lists, by year, the number of reported losses of USB sticks and laptop computers centrally reported from 1 January 2008 to 12 July 2012. Figures will continue to be adjusted to incorporate subsequent recoveries of items, the reporting of additional losses and subsequent clarification of historic incidents.
| USB sticks | Laptop computers | |
| (1) Incidents from 1 January to 12 July 2012. Notes: 1. These are only the incidents that were reported centrally and may not represent the true number of losses during this time. 2. The totals may include some losses relating to accounting anomalies during force rotation and/or disposal activities. | ||
Military Bases
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the annual cost is of the British military bases in (a) Canada, (b) Cyprus, (c) the Falkland Islands, (d) Germany, (e) Gibraltar and (f) Ascension Island, in each category of expenditure. [114545]
Nick Harvey: The information is taking time to collate. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is available.
Olympic Games 2012
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many members of the Army are due to be on leave in July and August 2012; [117420]
(2) what changes have been made to the timeframe in which members of the Army must be ready for recall in order to be available to provide security at the London 2012 Olympics; [117421]
(3) how many members of the Army have been asked to (a) shorten their leave and (b) be ready for recall to provide security at the London 2012 Olympics; [117422]
(4) what changes have been made to Army leave provision for those providing security at the London 2012 Olympics; [117423]
(5) how much each rank of the Army is paid during post-operational tour leave; and how much each rank will be paid whilst deployed for venue security purposes during the London 2012 Olympics; [117794]
(6) pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 12 July 2012, on military support to Olympic security, what additional training those from the Army who will be deployed for venue security purposes during the London 2012 Olympics have received to enable them to perform this task; and what tasks they will be asked to perform; [117867]
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(7) pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 12 July 2012, on military support to Olympic security, whether the forces will be given any additional payment above that that they would have earned on their post-operational tour leave; [117868]
(8) pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 12 July 2012, on military support to Olympic security, whether any special arrangements have been made for members of the forces to see their families during the period of the London 2012 Olympics; [117869]
(9) pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 12 July 2012, on military support to Olympic security, how many members of the services have had their post-operational tour leave cancelled. [117870]
Mr Robathan [holding answer 16 July 2012]: The information on the number of army personnel due to be on leave in July and August 2012, and the information on the number of personnel who have been asked to shorten their leave is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
No members of the armed forces have had their post-operational tour leave cancelled. As the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), confirmed in his written statement on 12 July 2012, Official Report, columns 42-43WS, we will ensure that all those taking part receive their full leave entitlement, even if it has to be rescheduled.
Personnel from all three armed forces are contributing to providing safety and security for the Olympics. We have planned for 13,500 personnel for some time to provide a range of support. A number of additional units were also warned earlier this year that they may be required for Olympic duties and their notice to move could be subject to change. Notice to move has been brought forward in most cases by between five to nine days.
The basic pay for all members of the armed forces does not change whether on duty or on leave. The normal package of allowances will be payable to personnel to recognise living conditions and separation, the most significant of which is longer separation allowance.
Personnel remain free to see their families on days off. We are currently looking at what measures can be taken to recognise their efforts.
All those personnel deployed for Olympics duties will be suitably trained for the tasks they are required to do. Tasks will principally include pedestrian and vehicle screening, and perimeter security.
Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence during the period of the London 2012 Olympics, what remaining capacity the armed forces have to meet further requests from other Government Departments to deploy at short notice; and how many personnel so deployed would have to be recalled from leave. [117675]
Nick Harvey:
Defence retains a number of capabilities to cover a broad range of national security and other contingent tasks in support of other Government Departments. Some of these capabilities are held at
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readiness to fulfil such requirements and the associated personnel are therefore fully aware of their notice to move.
Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any of the armed forces units called on to provide extra security for the London 2012 Olympics are proposed to be abolished under his Department's Army 2020 review. [117676]
Nick Harvey: The only formed ‘unit’ being called on to provide the extra 3,500 venue security force which was affected by Army 2020 is 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders).
Piracy
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the extension of Operation Atalanta as a means of tackling piracy; and if he will make a statement. [117345]
Nick Harvey: Op Atalanta continues to deter and prevent piracy off the Horn of Africa; in particular, through its protection of World Food Programme, African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and other vulnerable shipping. Since its inception in 2008, there has been a clear decline in the number of successful pirate attacks. The extension of the Op Atalanta mandate in March 2012 until December 2014 will ensure it can continue this work.
As part of the mandate extension, the Operation Commander was authorised to carry out Disruption of Pirate Logistic Dumps (DPLD) ashore and the first such activity took place in May 2012. This was deemed a success and both impacted upon the pirates' capability to launch attacks and sent a strong message to other pirates that the international community will take the necessary action to prevent piracy in the region.
Radio Frequencies
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on his Department's consultation on the release of the 870-872 and 915-917 MHz bandwidths; and if he will make a statement on timelines. [117236]
Peter Luff [holding answer 13 July 2012]: The Ministry of Defence is currently liaising with a number of other Government Departments and Ofcom to conduct the technical and regulatory analysis required to enable the sharing of the spectrum in 870-872 and 915-917MHz. I will write to the hon. Member once the position is clearer.
Reserve Forces
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what targets he has set for the recruitment of reserves; and by what date he expects to have established a contingent of 30,000 reserves. [116728]
Nick Harvey [holding answer 12 July 2012]: The territorial component of the Army has set a manpower target of 30,000 trained reservists by 2018. The Royal Auxiliary Air Force has a target of 1,800 and the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Reserve a target of 3,100 by 2018.
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Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much training (a) before and (b) after deployment his Department requires from reservists with six months deployed service. [116734]
Nick Harvey [holding answer 12 July 2012]: The training requirement depends on the location concerned. Each operational theatre has a stated training standard that both regular and reservist must attain before they are allowed to deploy. At the end of the deployment the reservist returns to the UK. They do not undertake any further mission specific training but they will begin a demobilisation process. They will then return to their reserve unit and take part in its routine training activities.
Currently, the most onerous training regime is for Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. A reservist will undertake an uplifted programme within their reserve unit for one year, then undergo three weeks centralised training where they demonstrate that they can meet regular standards and receive initial threat-based individual training. They will then join the regular unit for approximately three months collective training before deployment into theatre.
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the contingency budget is for the initiation of his reforms to the reserve forces. [116928]
Mr Robathan: To deliver the future reserves, the Ministry of Defence is planning to invest an additional £1.8 billion over the next 10 years.
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what legislative proposals he plans to bring forward to encourage employers to release employees to serve in the Territorial Army. [116929]
Mr Robathan: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) on 5 July 2012, Official Report, column 1085, in which he said that a consultation paper would be published in the autumn. Following consultation, informed decisions will be made early next year including on any legislation necessary to underpin and support our vision for the Reserves.
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the membership is of the independent scrutiny team considering the process of reshaping of the reserves. [116933]
Mr Robathan: The independent scrutiny team will be headed up by Lieutenant General (retd) Robin Brims and the composition will be announced in due course.
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what additional post-deployment rest and recuperation will be made available for reservists. [116934]
Mr Robathan:
Post operational leave (POL) is awarded to regular and reserve personnel as a result of time spent on a qualifying operational deployment. When a reservist is called into permanent service and serves in a theatre of operations for which POL is granted then, in the same way as regular personnel, they will gain one
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day of POL for every nine days in theatre. There is no qualifying period before POL can be received and entitlement commences on the day that personnel deploy. POL is taken once the deployment has been completed.
In addition most operational deployments will enable a period of rest and recuperation (R&R), to be undertaken during the deployment.
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the oral statement of 5 July 2012, Official Report, column 1094, on Army 2020, what new training kit, uniforms and equipment have been purchased for the reservists; and what the timescale is for its delivery. [117069]
Mr Robathan: We have allocated an additional £1.8 billion over 10 years to ensure that reservists will receive the kit and the training they need to meet their future roles.
As part of their fully integrated role under Army 2020, equipment is now being delivered to the reserves. This includes modern vehicles, such as refurbished weapons mounted installations kit Land Rovers (RWMIK) with the delivery of the initial tranche of 48 starting in October 2012, and a further 12 for a training fleet being delivered once they are no longer required for Operation HERRICK training, Land Rovers (784 by December 2012) and the latest MAN support vehicles (876 by March 2013); Bowman radios, previously withdrawn from the reserves in 2008-09, now available for issue in September 2012 and overseas training exercises from October 2012; and personal combat system combat uniform (issued to all personnel by March 2013).
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the oral statement of 5 July 2012, Official Report, column 1094, on Army 2020, how many formed sub-units and formed units of reservists will be part of the adaptable force. [117070]
Mr Robathan: The process of reshaping the reserve for their future role has already begun but further work is required to determine the precise number of reserve units and sub-units which will form part of the integrated reaction and adaptable forces.
This work is dependent on the future lay-down of regular units with which reserve units will be paired for training, force generation and integration on operations. The intent is to finalise the structure and laydown of Army reserve units by the end of the year, as part of the Army basing plan.
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what (a) assessment he has made of the prospects for and (b) targets have been set in respect of recruitment to the new 502 (Ulster) Reserve Squadron at JHC Station Aldergrove; [117320]
(2) what resources his Department has allocated for the development of the 502 (Ulster) Reserve Squadron at JHC Station Aldergrove. [117321]
Mr Robathan:
The prospects for recruiting into 502 (Ulster) Sqn RAuxAF are good. The Reserve components of the Royal Navy and Army in Northern Ireland are already strongly supported and the historical association between the Royal Air Force and the people of Northern Ireland augurs well for the unit. Recruitment for the
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project team and leadership elements will commence within the next six months, followed by recruitment of part time volunteers. I anticipate the Squadron will reach full manning of some 130 by early 2016.
The project has been allocated some £1.5 million over the next four years while the build up is taking place. Thereafter running costs are likely to be in the region of £650,000 per year.
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what funding he has made available to reserve forces in Northern Ireland to fulfil the recruitment requirement in Future Reserves 2020. [117355]
Mr Robathan: As part of the Future Reserves 2020, the armed forces plan to spend £7.7 million on the reserves recruiting campaign which will include recruitment activity in Northern Ireland. The single services are now drawing up plans for their marketing campaigns in financial year 2013-14.
Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make an assessment of the effect of his proposals to increase the period of time during which reservists will train and deploy on their mental health. [117655]
Mr Robathan: The mental health of all military personnel, both regulars and reservists, is of paramount importance. Implementation of the recommendations of the Future Reserves 2020 (FR20) Review will take place over the next few years, and any possible implications for the mental health of reserve personnel will be taken into account during this process.
While mobilised for deployment, all reservists will continue to be entitled to the same mental health care as regular personnel, which is provided by the Defence Medical Services. Following demobilisation, any reservist who believes that the deployment may have adversely affected their mental health is entitled to apply to the Reserves Mental Health Programme (RMHP) for assessment and treatment via one of the Ministry of Defence's 15 Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMHs). These entitlements will not be affected by the FR20 proposals.
Royal Regiment of Scotland
Mr Reid: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) recruitment target and (b) level of recruitment was for each battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland in each year since the Regiment was formed. [116614]
Nick Harvey: The Royal Regiment of Scotland was formed from the six regiments of the Scottish Division into a single regiment of five regular battalions and two reserve battalions in March 2006.
The Army sets recruitment targets at regimental level. Recruits are then allocated to the battalion within their chosen regiment where the demand is greatest. Priority is given to battalions preparing for operations.
Recruiting figures and manning levels for the Royal Regiment of Scotland since its formation are shown in the following table.
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| Royal Regt Scotland | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 |
The recruitment target figures for 2010-11 are artificially low due to a nine month pause in infantry training.
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence from where he expects recruits to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders to be drawn under his Department's proposals for restructuring the Army. [116879]
Nick Harvey [holding answer 13 July 2012]: Infantry recruits are not limited to joining regiments or battalions from any particular geographic location. Recruits state their regimental preference during the selection process at their recruiting office, and their battalion preference during Phase One training.
Recruits are asked to make three choices of regiment, battalion and job or trade. While the Army attempts to allocate recruits to their first choice, this will depend on their suitability for their chosen trade and vacancies within individual battalions. Priority is given to battalions preparing for operations.
In his announcement of 5 July 2012, Official Report, columns 1087-88, the Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), announced that the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, will be re-roled as a public duties company. The Public Duties Incremental Company (PDIC) will be made up of troops who will be drawn from the remaining four battalions of The Royal Regiment of Scotland and will rotate through the company.
Departmental Staff
Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many full-time equivalent officials in his Department are working on the delivery of urgent operational requirements. [117473]
Peter Luff [holding answer 16 July 2012]: The number of staff working on the delivery of urgent operational requirements (UORs) will vary depending upon the number and complexity of UORs that are in progress at any particular time. Currently, there are approximately 455 full-time equivalent Defence equipment & support personnel employed in their delivery. Additional personnel across the Ministry of Defence are engaged in ongoing support to equipment delivered through the UOR process including the provision of technical advice, inspection, integration, testing and pre-deployment training. The additional number of personnel engaged in these activities could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
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Trident Submarines
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the First Minister of Wales and Welsh Assembly Government on the relocation of the Trident nuclear weapons system to Milford Haven. [117056]
Nick Harvey: I have not received any official representations from the First Minister of Wales or the Welsh Assembly Government regarding the basing in Wales of the nuclear deterrent fleet. The UK is not making plans for Scottish independence and is not making plans to move the nuclear deterrent or other submarines from Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde. The UK Government position is clear: Scotland benefits from being part of the UK and the UK benefits from having Scotland within it.
Veterans: Radiation Exposure
Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the terms of his Department's settlement proposal for British nuclear test programme veterans, including the total sums discussed by the parties. [115596]
Mr Robathan: In accordance with the wishes of Mr Justice Foskett of the High Court discussions were held between representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the claimants involved in the Atomic Veterans group litigation. I am unable to publish the terms of the discussions because these were and remain subject to a confidentiality agreement between the parties.
Such discussions took place before the hearings conducted by the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in which both courts ruled against the Atomic Veterans case proceeding.
Veterans: Teachers
Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel have participated in the Troops to Teachers programme since its inception. [115651]
Mr Robathan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister for Schools, my hon. Friend the Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr Gibb), on 13 July 2012, Official Report, column 421W.
Wimbledon Tennis Championships
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the criteria were for selection for armed forces personnel deployed at the Wimbledon tennis championships this month; [116926]
(2) how many armed forces personnel were deployed at the Wimbledon tennis championships this month; and what the cost to the public purse was of such deployments. [116927]
Mr Robathan:
Non-commissioned service personnel are invited to volunteer as service stewards at the Wimbledon tennis championships. Successful volunteers are selected on their military character, presentation, ability to speak
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confidently and capability to work with minimal supervision. They must have passed their most recent fitness test, be medically fit and have authorised annual leave for the full period.
In 2012, 315 armed forces personnel supported the Wimbledon tennis championships. These personnel took annual leave for the full period and did not claim travel or subsistence costs. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club paid each individual a daily rate of accommodation and food allowance for each day of the championships.
Work and Pensions
Atos Healthcare
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to the answer of 27 February 2012, Official Report, columns 24-5W, on Atos Healthcare: manpower, when he plans to take a decision on re-introducing Atos Healthcare professionals into benefit centres. [116556]
Chris Grayling: The deployment of Atos Healthcare Professionals in benefit centres was trialled to see whether it would improve communications between the Healthcare Professionals and the DWP Decision Makers, as recommended by Professor Malcolm Harrington.
A telephone advice line was formally introduced from December last year, whereby Decision Makers are able to call Healthcare Professionals to discuss individual cases on which they require further clarification. This provides a more responsive and cost effective service than face to face deployment.
This along with the other recommendations from Professor Harrington's first review are continuing to be monitored and evaluated to support the ongoing programme of improvements the Government has committed to.
DWP are completing a series of evaluation reports and the findings will feed into Professor Harrington third independent review, expected to be published in November. Based on the findings, decisions will be made later in the year on implementing further recommendations to improve the work capability assessment process, including whether to trial again HCP deployment in benefit centres.
bmibaby: Redundancy
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what support he plans to provide to pilots who may be made redundant as a result of the closure of the airline bmibaby to find new jobs which match their skillsets. [117183]
Chris Grayling: Jobcentre Plus through its Rapid Response Service is working closely with bmibaby to deliver a comprehensive package of support to pilots and other staff affected by potential redundancies.
The support package includes Jobsfairs which were held 13-14 June which were opened by the bmibaby managing director These were attended by 24 national and international employers.
These were followed by another Jobsfair on 18 June. In attendance were national and international manufacturing companies.
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Currently a two day Jobsfair is under way in West Drayton (London) at which other UK airlines are offering jobs and support.
In addition, a Jobcentre Plus specialist adviser has been seconded to work at bmi headquarters at East Midlands airport, providing advice and guidance to support those involved in the redundancy situation. Further support includes an event aimed specifically at pilots and cabin crew which is currently being planned.
Child Maintenance
Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many families in Newport East constituency are using the Child Support Agency for maintenance payments; [117777]
(2) what the total uncollected arrears is for Child Support Agency-managed maintenance payments in Newport East constituency. [117778]
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 (“the Commission”).
You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many families in Newport East constituency are using the Child Support Agency for maintenance payments. [117777] and
You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the total uncollected arrears is for Child Support Agency-managed maintenance payments in Newport East constituency. [117778]
In the quarter to March 2012, there were 1,960 Child Support Agency cases where the parent with care resides in Newport East Parliamentary Constituency.
In the year to March 2012, the total amount of maintenance collected and arranged for those cases where the parent with care resides in Newport East Parliamentary Constituency was £2,462,000 of which £874,000 was arrears.
In March 2012, the total amount of outstanding arrears owed by non-resident parents on those cases where the parent with care resides in Newport East Parliamentary Constituency stood at £6,479,000. £3,598,000 of this is owed specifically to the parents with care with the remainder owed to the Secretary of State.
Employers' Liability
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to the answer of 30 April 2012, Official Report, column 1319W, on employers' liability, when he expects to provide an update on the progress of the Employers' Liability Insurance Bureau; what has caused the delay in providing an update; and if he will make a statement. [117919]
Chris Grayling: I appreciate that the Government's response to the consultation is taking longer to publish than many had hoped. However, the issues raised are complex, and to ensure we get this right we have been working intensely with stakeholders, including the insurance industry, over the past 18 months to find a solution.
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Employment and Support Allowance
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of claimants found not fit for work were placed in (a) the support group and (b) on a work related activity group in the latest period for which figures are available. [116392]
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 the following link:
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/index.php?page=esa_wca
Employment Schemes
Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people joined the Work programme in 2011-12 in (a) Worcestershire and (b) Redditch. [110998]
Chris Grayling: The number of people taking part in the Work programme for the period 1 June 2011 to 31 January 2012 are shown in the following table.
| Type | ||
| Area | Referrals | Attachments |
| Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10; some additional disclosure control has also been applied. Figures are refreshed each quarter and are subject to change. 2. Referrals: Referrals shown are ‘net’ referrals which do not include rejections, cancellations or referrals to ESA information sessions. 3. Attachments: The date of the first engagement activity between the provider and the participant as recorded on the payment administrative system. 4. County: The claimant’s county at the time of referral. 5. Local authority: The claimant’s local authority at the time of referral. Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate (IGS). | ||
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people identified as having (a) drug and (b) alcohol problems have been referred to the Work programme so far. [117792]
Chris Grayling: The information for the period 1 June 2011 to 31 January 2012 is in the following table:
| Primary health condition | Number |
| Notes: 1. Figures are cumulative and are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum due to rounding. 2. Referrals shown are 'net' referrals which do not include rejections, cancellations or referrals to ESA information systems. 3. Primary health condition is for employment and support allowance/incapacity benefit customers only. Causes of incapacity are based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, published by the World Health Organisation. Medical condition is based on evidence provided and this in itself does not confer entitlement to employment and support allowance/incapacity benefit. Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate (IGS). | |
Kerry McCarthy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 25 June 2012, Official Report, column 6, on jobseeker training,
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what standards companies are required to meet before they are approved to provide placements for Work Programme participants. [117932]
Chris Grayling: Work Programme providers and their supply chain partners are obligated under the terms of their contracts to ensure the safety and well being of participants on provision. This includes an appropriate health and safety induction, training and supervision while participants are on work placement.
All providers should have systems in place for checking that participants are engaged in a healthy and safe working environment and that the employer has appropriate Employers Liability Insurance in place. Providers are also responsible for ensuring that participants are not exploited. Prior to arranging work experience with an employer, providers should check that the placement is genuine, and that the participant does not fill a role which would otherwise have been a vacancy.
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions his Department has had with Close Protection UK on the Work Programme. [117938]
Chris Grayling: The Department places responsibility for managing relationships with companies providing work placements in the hands of Work Programme providers. Therefore, the Department has no direct interaction with companies. Consequently, although the Department has not had direct discussions with Close Protection UK, Work Programme providers who have placed individuals with this company have had the appropriate discussions with them.
Employment Schemes: Bexley
Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency and (b) the London borough of Bexley have been required to take part in the Work programme since its inception. [115575]
Chris Grayling: The number of mandatory referrals to the Work programme for the period 1 June 2011 to 31 January 2012 is shown in the following table:
| Area | Mandatory referral |
| Notes: 1. Figures are cumulative and rounded to the nearest 10 to avoid data disclosure. 2. Referrals shown are ‘net’ referrals which do not include rejections, cancellations or referrals to ESA information sessions. 3. Geographies are at the time of referral. 4. Customer groups are assigned by Jobcentre Plus, on the basis of a claimant's circumstances, and benefit they receive. A small number of claimants appear in an incorrect group caused by the way information is recorded on the administrative system. 5. Mandatory referrals are classified as referrals to the following customer groups; JSA 18-24, JSA 25+, JSA NEET, JSA Claiming 22 of 24 Mths, JSA ExIB, ESA (IR) WRAG 3/6 Mth Mandatory and ESA (IR) WRAG 3/6 Mth Mandatory ExIB. More detailed information can be found at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wp-pg-chapter-2.pdf Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate (IGS) | |
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Employment Schemes: Birmingham
Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people from Birmingham, Ladywood constituency have (a) volunteered and (b) been required to take part in the Work Programme in the last 12 months. [115652]
Chris Grayling: The number of voluntary and mandatory referrals to the Work Programme for the period 1 June 2011 to 31 January 2012 are shown in the following table.
| Referral type | ||
| Parliamentary constituency | Voluntary | Mandatory |
| Notes: 1. Figures are cumulative and rounded to the nearest 10 to avoid data disclosure. 2. Referrals shown are 'net' referrals which do not include rejections, cancellations or referrals to ESA information sessions. 3. Geographies are at the time of referral. 4. Customer groups are assigned by Jobcentre Plus, on the basis of a claimant's circumstances, and benefit they receive. A small number of claimants appear in an incorrect group caused by the way information is recorded on the administrative system. 5. Mandatory referrals are classified as referrals to the following customer groups; JSA 18-24, JSA 25+, JSA NEET, JSA Claiming 22 of 24 Mths, JSA ExIB, ESA (IR) WRAG 3/6 Mth Mandatory and ESA (IR) WRAG 3/6 Mth Mandatory ExIB. More detailed information can be found at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wp-pg-chapter-2.pdf Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate (IGS) | ||
Employment Schemes: Scotland
Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people from (a) Scotland, (b) each local authority in Scotland and (c) each parliamentary constituency in Scotland have (i) volunteered and (ii) been required to take part in the Work programme in the last 12 months. [115411]
Chris Grayling: The number of people taking part in the Work programme in the last 12 months for which figures are available (1 June 2011 to 31 January 2012) are shown in the following table.
| Referral type | ||
| Area | Mandatory | Voluntary |
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17 July 2012 : Column 776W
| Notes: 1. Figures are cumulative and rounded to the nearest ten to avoid data disclosure. “—”indicates nil or negligible. 2. The components of the table may not sum to the total due to independent rounding. 3. Referrals shown are 'net referrals which do not include rejections, cancellations or referrals to ESA information sessions. 4. Geographies are at the time of referral. 5. Customer groups are assigned by Jobcentre Plus, on the basis of a claimant's circumstances, and benefit they receive. A small number of claimants appear in an incorrect group caused by the way information is recorded on the administrative system. 6. Mandatory referrals are classified as referrals to the following customer groups. 7. JSA 18-24, JSA 25+, JSA NEET, JSA Claiming 22 of 24 Mths, JSA ExIB, ESA (IR) WRAG 3/6 Mth Mandatory and ESA (IR) WRAG 3/6 Mth Mandatory ExIB. More detailed information can be found at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wp-pg-chapter-2.pdf Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate (IGS) | ||
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Scotland and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency have (i) volunteered and (ii) been required to take part in the work programme in the last 12 months. [116298]
Chris Grayling: The number of people taking part in the Work Programme in the last 12 months for which figures are available (1 June 2011 to 31 January 2012) are shown in the following table.
| Referral type | ||
| Area | Mandatory | Voluntary |
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| Notes: 1. Figures are cumulative and rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Referrals shown are 'net' referrals which do not include rejections, cancellations or referrals to ESA information sessions. 3. Geographies are at the time of referral. 4. Customer groups are assigned by Jobcentre Plus, on the basis of a claimant's circumstances, and benefit they receive. A small number of claimants appear in an incorrect group caused by the way information is recorded on the administrative system. 5. Mandatory referrals are classified as referrals to the following customer groups; JSA 18-24, JSA 25+, JSA NEET, JSA Claiming 22 of 24 Mths, JSA ExlB, ESA (IR) WRAG 3/6 Mth Mandatory and ESA (IR) WRAG 3/6 Mth Mandatory ExiB. More detailed information can be found at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wp-pg-chapter-2.pdf Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate (IGS) | ||