6 Mar 2013 : Column 991W
6 Mar 2013 : Column 991W
Written Answers to Questions
Wednesday 6 March 2013
Treasury
Business: Loans
Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what (a) deadlines and (b) benchmarks he has set for banks and other financial institutions to provide more detailed information on gross and net lending to small and medium-sized enterprises, levels of overall lending, disaggregated to institution branch and constituency and postcode level; when he expects this information to be made available; and in what form and how regularly he expects this information to be published. [146543]
Greg Clark: The Government agreed to work with the industry—through the British Bankers Association (BBA) and other interested parties—to secure a commitment from the banks that they will publish postcode-level data by institution. If it is not possible to agree a satisfactory industry-led solution, the Government agreed to introduce amendments to the Banking Reform Bill to ensure that the data are published.
The Government are currently engaging in discussions on this issue and will provide an update once the discussions have reached a conclusion.
Debts
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of people with debt levels, excluding student loans, of (a) between £0 and £5,000, (b) between £5,000 and £10,000, (c) between £10,000 and £20,000 and (d) more than £30,000. [145925]
Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Cabinet Office.
The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Glen Watson, dated 5 March 2013:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what estimate he has made of the number of people with debt levels, excluding student loans, of (a) between £0 and £5,000, (b) between £5,000 and £10,000, (c) between £10,000 and £20,000 and (d) more than £30,000. (145925)
The Wealth and Assets Survey (WAS) can provide estimates of individual financial debt, which includes all forms of non-mortgage borrowing(1), and arrears on these and/or other household bills.
| Individuals with financial debt(1). Great Britain, 2008-10 | |
| Level of financial debt(1) | 2008-10 (thousand) |
6 Mar 2013 : Column 992W
| (1) Excludes loans from Student Loans Company. (2) Excludes those with no financial liabilities (£0). Source: Wealth and Assets Survey, Office for National Statistics | |
National Insurance Contributions
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total value is of national insurance contributions above the upper earnings limit primary class 1; and how many pay national insurance above that limit. [146002]
Mr Gauke: It is estimated that there were around 3.1 million UK individuals with annual earnings above the (annualised) upper earnings limit (UEL) in 2011-12. The estimated value of employee (primary) national insurance contributions, above the UEL was £2.0 billion in 2011-12.
Northern Ireland
Inward Investment
10. Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions she has had with Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive on attracting inward investment. [145446]
Mrs Villiers: Responsibility for inward investment is largely a devolved matter, but we have repeatedly assured Executive Ministers that the Government will work closely with them to help rebalance the Northern Ireland economy and secure inward investment.
Economic Co-operation
11. Jim McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps her Department is taking to improve economic co-operation between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, and between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. [145447]
Mrs Villiers: We are making sure that Northern Ireland is fully involved in the programme of work to strengthen economic collaboration between the UK and the Republic of Ireland announced by the Prime Minister and Taoiseach last year. North-south economic co-operation remains mainly the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive.
UK City of Culture
12. Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the Government are taking to support Derry-Londonderry UK city of culture 2013. [145448]
Mike Penning:
Ministers and officials have been in regular contact with organisers of the Derry-Londonderry city of culture. Our support has included hosting an
6 Mar 2013 : Column 993W
event for potential sponsors in the Houses of Parliament in June 2012. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers), was also delighted to attend the opening concert for the year long celebrations in January.
Common Travel Area
13. Mr Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the operation of the common travel area in Northern Ireland. [145449]
Mike Penning: My officials maintain regular contact with the Home Office and UKBA on the operation of the common travel area.
Our close partnership with Ireland, driven by the joint programme of work agreed in 2011, is strengthening the external border of the common travel area and reducing the numbers of illegal migrants entering Northern Ireland.
Security Situation
14. Mel Stride: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent assessment she has made of the security situation in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. [145450]
Mrs Villiers: While the threat level in Northern Ireland remains at Severe, progress has been made. Excellent co-operation between PSNI and its partners continues to bear down on the terrorist groupings that threaten our communities.
Northern Ireland Bill
15. Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions she has had with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister on a proposed Northern Ireland Bill. [145451]
Mike Penning: My Department published legislation in draft for pre-legislative scrutiny on 11 February. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers), has had a number of discussions with the First and Deputy First Ministers, along with other political leaders in Northern Ireland, on the matters presented in draft in that paper.
Written Questions
Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the procedure and sign off process for responding to parliamentary questions in her Department includes review by special advisers. [146101]
Mike Penning: Ministers are responsible and accountable for all answers to parliamentary questions. Special advisers may provide advice to Ministers, as outlined in the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.
6 Mar 2013 : Column 994W
Work and Pensions
Asbestos
Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 16 January 2013, Official Report, column 783W, on asbestos, (1) what assessment he has made of the performance of the Hidden Killer campaign; [145247]
(2) what recent discussions he has had with the Health and Safety Executive regarding the Hidden Killer campaign; [145248]
(3) whether the Health and Safety Executive plans to launch a successor campaign to the Hidden Killer campaign. [145249]
Mr Hoban: In 2008, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched the Asbestos: Hidden Killer campaign to raise awareness of the danger posed by asbestos and help at-risk maintenance workers avoid exposure. Between 2008 and 2010, four phases of Hidden Killer were delivered, targeted at 1.8 million at-risk maintenance workers in Great Britain.
Evidence was used to inform the Hidden Killer project from the start with independent researchers monitoring the effectiveness of all phases of the campaign. The Hidden Killer campaign was successful in raising awareness of the issue and encouraging audiences to consider their behaviour. More details on the evaluation of the pilot and subsequent phases of the campaign can be found at:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/hiddenkiller/finding-out-more.htm
I have been in discussion with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) about the planning and implementation of a new campaign; HSE is currently carrying out research to inform its development. This research will help with the creation of plans for campaign activity to be delivered in 2013-14, which will seek to raise awareness and understanding of the dangers posed by asbestos and change the behaviour of trades people who may be at risk.
Average Earnings
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average household income was for (a) single parent households in work and (b) married or cohabiting households in work in each of the last 30 years. [145130]
Mr Hoban: Information on the average household income for (a) in-work single parents and (b) in-work married or cohabiting couples with children, for the years 1996-97 to 2010-11, is provided in the following table.
Data are only available on a consistent basis from 1996-97, so no results are available before then.
Figures have been presented on a median basis. Median household incomes are less affected by outliers, and are therefore generally more commonly used in analysis of incomes.
6 Mar 2013 : Column 995W
| Money values of median household income for different in-work family types in 2010-11 prices, United Kingdom | ||||
| £ per week equivalised 2010-11 prices | ||||
| Median income | ||||
| Before Housing Costs | After Housing Costs | |||
| Single with children | Couple with children | Single with children | Couple with children | |
| Notes: 1. These statistics are based on Households Below Average Income (HBAI) data sourced from the Family Resources Survey (FRS) available at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=hbai_arc This uses disposable household income, adjusted using modified OECD equivalisation factors for household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. 2. Net disposable incomes have been used to answer the question. This includes earnings from employment and self-employment, state support, income from occupational and private pensions, investment income and other sources. Income tax payments, national insurance contributions, council tax/domestic rates and some other payments are deducted from incomes. 3. Figures are for the United Kingdom from 2002-03 onwards. Earlier years are for Great Britain only. 4. Figures are for families in work. A family has been defined as working if at least one member is working either full- or part-time. A dependant child is defined as an individual under 16 years of age, or an unmarried 16 to 19 year old in full-time non-advanced education. 5. Figures have been presented on a Before Housing Cost and an After Housing Cost basis. For Before Housing Costs, housing costs are not deducted from income, while for After Housing Costs they are. 6. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to a degree of uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be affected by sampling error and variability in non-response. 7. The reference period for HBAI figures is the financial year. 8. Incomes are presented in 2010-11 prices and have been rounded to the nearest pound. 9. Figures have been presented on a median basis. Median household incomes are less affected by outliers, and are therefore generally more commonly used in analysis of incomes. Source: FRS | ||||
Crimes of Violence
Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many assaults there were on staff of his Department in 2012; and how many days of work were lost as a result of such assaults. [145314]
Mr Hoban: DWP takes its responsibility for Health and Safety as an employer seriously. We have a range of measures in place to manage risks to our staff in general and some specific ones in relation to unacceptable customer behaviour.
6 Mar 2013 : Column 996W
Despite these measures incidents do occur. In 2012 there were 665 assaults on staff. Over this period there were over 20 million advisor interviews carried out by the Department. When instances do occur they are investigated and lessons learned.
Our systems do not provide the number of working days work lost as a result of assaults on staff, because it is not a recognised category.
Employment and Support Allowance
Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average length of time between work capability assessments for recipients of employment and support allowance is. [144549]
Mr Hoban: For new employment and support allowance claims where there was an initial work capability assessment (WCA) and a first repeat WCA, the average duration between the decision maker's decision at the initial WCA and the decision maker's decision at the first repeat WCA was 372 days.
The data includes claims with repeat decisions taken on them up to August 2012 (the latest data available).
Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of disability living allowance recipients affected by the social rated sector under occupancy penalty. [146528]
Steve Webb: It is estimated that around 180,000 claimants, where either the claimant or partner are in receipt of disability living allowance will be affected by the social sector under occupation charge.
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of under occupying tenants he assumes will remain in their properties as part of his estimate of savings from the under-occupancy penalty. [146547]
Steve Webb: The information requested is not available.
Where a claimant affected by the spare room subsidy moves to smaller accommodation, it is important to consider a wider perspective than just this one household.
Where a claimant moves, even if it is into the private rented sector, this frees up accommodation in the social rented sector that can be re-let to other families needing this accommodation.
Depending upon who this freed-up accommodation is let to, the re-let may also generate housing benefit savings. For example if the new tenant is a housing benefit claimant who would otherwise be renting in the private rented sector, or living in temporary accommodation with a higher rent.
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much of the savings from the social sector under-occupancy penalty will come from (a) households where someone describes themselves as disabled, (b) claimants of disability living allowance and (c) foster carers. [146551]
6 Mar 2013 : Column 997W
Steve Webb: The Department for Work and Pensions estimates that:
(a) Around £300 million of removal of the spare room subsidy savings in 2013-14 are expected from households where either the claimant or partner reports a Disability Discrimination Act recognised disability.
(b) Around £130 million of savings in 2013-14 are expected from households where either the claimant or partner are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance; and
(c) Around £5 million of savings in 2013-14 are expected from foster carers.
These groups are not mutually exclusive.
Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many disabled people in Leeds local authority area will be affected by the under-occupancy penalty. [146562]
Steve Webb: The Department is unable to provide an estimate at local authority level due to sample sizes.
Housing Benefit: Wales
Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total value of discretionary housing payments made available to each local authority in Wales was for financial year (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14. [145661]
Steve Webb: The Government contribution towards discretionary housing payments in Wales for 2012-13 was £2,506,634. In 2013-14, Welsh local authorities will receive a total of £6,153,629.
The breakdown for each local authority is as follows:
| £ | ||
| Local authority | 2012-13 | 2013-14 |
6 Mar 2013 : Column 998W
Industrial Health and Safety
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) whether the guidance to replace the Approved Code of Practice on the Management of Health and Safety at Work will retain the quasi-legal status of the Approved Code of Practice; and if he will make a statement; [146548]
(2) what assessment he has made of the effect of removing the Health and Safety Executive's Approved Code of Practice on the Management of Health and Safety at Work; and if he will make a statement; [146549]
(3) what proportion of respondents to the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Consultation CD241 - Proposals to review HSE's Approved Codes of Practice supported the retention of the Approved Code of Practice on the Management of Health and Safety at Work. [146550]
Mr Hoban: Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP) are not law but do have a special legal status. If the advice in an approved code is followed in relevant circumstances duty holders can be confident they are complying with the law.
An ACOP can be an appropriate format for providing advice where:
there are certain preferred or recommended methods to be used (or standards to be met) to achieve compliance; and,
the nature of the issue being addressed is such that in most cases dutyholders should be strongly encouraged to pursue those methods (or standards).
This is not the case for the Management Regulations ACOP where compliance will depend upon the size and nature of the business.
This ACOP was originally published in 1992 and last revised in 2000. It is outdated, does not offer the preferred or recommended methods Approved Codes are intended to, and was singled out by both Professor Lofstedt and Lord Young as being particularly unhelpful for SMEs.
HSE will replace this ACOP with a new set of guidance to make compliance for business simpler, enabling them to access information relevant to them and their workforce quickly and easily. The replacing guidance will not have the same special legal status as the ACOP, however, HSE guidance is used by inspectors and frequently admitted as evidence in court proceedings.
Of the 223 responses received when consulting on this proposal: 102 supported its withdrawal; 22 suggested it should remain in its current form; 90 sought its retention, but accepted that it required revision from its current draft (but did not offer specific, workable, suggestions as to how it could be improved); and, nine gave no clear view. Objections did not address the fundamental point that an ACOP is not an appropriate approach for providing guidance on these regulations.
Remploy: Redundancy
Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to the statement of 7 March 2012, on employment support, what discussions he has had with trade unions regarding the £8 million promised to ex-Remploy staff to help them find work or access benefits. [145251]
6 Mar 2013 : Column 999W
Esther McVey: I have had contact with representatives from the Remploy trade unions in face to face meetings, stakeholder events and through correspondence. I have listened and responded to their views and opinions, as I have done with other stakeholders, about the £8 million we have set aside for the People Help and Support Package for disabled ex-Remploy staff, and other issues related to Remploy's disabled employees. In addition, I am pleased that the Remploy trade unions in Scotland have played an active role in the working group set up to discuss the package of support available to disabled people who leave Remploy.
Social Security Benefits
Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what recent estimate his Department has made of the number of people who are not in employment and do not receive jobseeker's allowance or incapacity benefit; [143730]
(2) what recent estimate his Department has made of the number of people who are not in employment and do not receive any Government support. [143582]
Mr Hoban [holding answer 25 February 2013]: In Great Britain 2.4 million people aged 16 to 64 are currently ILO unemployed and a further 8.7 million are economically inactive. Administrative statistics show around 5.1 million people are claiming an out-of-work benefit, although this will include a small number of people in part-time work who retain some eligibility for benefit. There are a round 4 million people who claim either jobseeker's allowance (JSA) or incapacity benefit (IB), including employment support allowance (ESA). Some of those who are not in employment are not eligible for benefits. For example, those in full-time education, bringing up a family, or early retired and not eligible for working age benefits.
Although not in receipt of JSA or ESA/IB, some claim other benefits, including 500,000 lone parents claiming income support; a similar number receiving carers' benefits and 170,000 on other income-related benefits such as pension credit.
The number of workless people aged 16 to 64 has fallen by over 400,000 in the past year.
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2013, Official Report, column 664W, on social security benefits, on what dates the meetings between his Department and the Department for Communities and Local Government, where the successful delivery of the welfare reform were discussed, took place; who attended; and how long each such meeting lasted. [145649]
Mr Hoban: Officials of the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Communities and Local Government meet regularly to discuss successful delivery of upcoming welfare reform. A suite of meetings, hosted by both Departments, includes the monthly local authority association steering group and a number of policy and working groups about universal credit, housing policy and other welfare reforms.
Exact details of attendance and the length of meetings are not available.
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1000W
Staff
Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many staff his Department employed in each of the past five years; how many such staff were employed in London; how many such staff were employed in other regions of England; how many posts moved from London to these regions; and what steps he is taking to move his staff to regional offices. [145698]
Mr Hoban: The following table shows the number of staff employed by the Department in each of the past five years, split by region/country. Staff employed by the Department in the London region for the past five years is included in the table. Information has been provided in both headcount (by individual) and in full- time equivalent (FTE) staffing. The data are as at 31 March for each of the past years and for 31 December for the current financial year.
| Region/country | March 2009 | March 2010 | March 2011 | March 2012 | December 2012(2) |
| (1) Staff not assigned to a region/country at the time of the data extract. System-based data cleansing action is ongoing to address. (2 )Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission functions moved to DWP on 1 August 2012. Its responsibilities are now undertaken by Child Maintenance Group (CMG) and staffing for CMG has been included in departmental staffing from this date. | |||||
The location of posts in the Department is based on business and operational requirements. There is not
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1001W
currently, and there has not been over the last five years, any formal programme to relocate posts from London to other regions.
Universal Credit
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the expected savings to the Exchequer under universal credit are estimated to be in (a) 2014-15, (b) 2015-16, (c) 2016-17 and (d) 2017-18. [144834]
Mr Hoban: Universal credit expenditure will be higher in all years than what would have been spent on the benefits it replaces: income-based jobseeker's allowance, income related employment support allowance; income support; tax credits and working-age housing benefit.
The marginal cost of universal credit is published on the website of the Department under the following address:
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/index.php?page=expenditure
The relevant figures are available in Table 1a of the “Medium term forecast for all DWP benefits”.
John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to improve internet take-up among those who will move onto universal credit. [145105]
Mr Hoban: For those who lack the skills or confidence to use online services, Jobcentre Plus advisers are helping them to develop their digital skills, often in partnership with local charities, libraries and businesses. We are also working with partners such as Digital Unite, UK Online and GoON to develop digital skills more widely across society.
John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his policy is on supporting people to use universal credit online; and if he will make a statement. [145202]
Mr Hoban: We will use our existing phone and face-to-face channels to signpost people to digital options and help people to use digital services where they are having difficulties.
John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he plans to give additional support to charities that will be helping those applying for universal credit online. [145204]
Mr Hoban: DWP is committed to working with the advice sector and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the Government's welfare reform programme and to understand the demands placed on the advice sector.
The recently published UC Framework for Local Support Services makes clear that we will be providing local support for claimants by working in Partnership with local authorities and their supply chains, which will frequently include charities. We do not yet have a final funding instrument for services to be provided under the framework so I cannot give further specific details at this time as to how funding for this kind of activity would operate.
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1002W
John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effect of online applications for universal credit on people's ability to apply for universal credit. [145489]
Mr Hoban: A survey of existing claimants found 78% already use the internet and 74% have a home broadband connection. We will use our existing phone and face-to-face channels to signpost people to digital options and help people to use digital services where they are having difficulties.
Jobcentre Plus advisers are helping people who lack the skills or confidence to use online services to develop their digital skills, often in partnership with local charities, libraries and businesses.
The Department is installing Internet Access Devices (IADs) in Jobcentres for those who do not have their own computer, and we will ensure that digital skills are a key part of the support offered to jobseekers to help them back to work. At present, 706 sites have had IADs installed. In total this will provide 2,167 new devices for our customers.
We are also working in partnership with other Government Departments and organisations to increase digital skills among disadvantaged groups, and with partners such as Digital Unite, UK online and GoON to develop digital skills more widely across society. We will offer claimants the option to claim via telephone or in person, which will include the provision of assisted or one-to-one support.
Work Capability Assessment
Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many appeals against decisions on entitlement to employment and support allowance following a work capability assessment were resolved within (a) three, (b) three to six, (c) six to nine, (d) nine to 12 and (e) over 12 months in each year since 2009. [144186]
Mr Hoban: The information is not readily available and has not previously been published as official statistics. We will consider whether it is feasible to produce the statistics requested within the disproportionate cost limit and, if so, will issue them in an official statistics release in accordance with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.
Work Programme
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish the next Work Programme Statistical Release. [146526]
Mr Hoban: The next release of Work programme statistics will be in May 2013. The future release frequency is under review, and we aim to release complete end of year figures (to the end of March 2013) sooner than November 2013.
When a final date has been decided it will be announced on the ONS release calendar found via this link:
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/hub/release-calendar/index.html
and the Work programme landing page:
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=wp
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1003W
Scotland
Infrastructure
Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which infrastructure projects in (a) Scotland and (b) Glasgow East constituency have benefited from the Infrastructure Guarantee programme; what the location is of each project; and what the value of support offered is for each. [145222]
Michael Moore: No UK projects have yet been approved for a guarantee at this stage. When a guarantee is issued, Parliament will be notified in the form of a written ministerial statement. However, details on the amount will remain confidential.
Home Department
Confiscation Orders
Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many confiscations were made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 worth (a) £1,000 to £9,999, (b) £10,000 to £99,999, (c) £100,000 to £999,999 and (d) £1 million or more. [146254]
Mr Jeremy Browne [holding answer 5 March 2013]: The number of confiscation orders made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 since it came into effect is as follows:
| Confiscation orders made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 | |
Customs: Airports
Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what records are kept by HM Revenue and Customs following covert searches of baggage of passengers at UK airports. [146555]
Mr Harper: Officers who examine baggage in the absence of passengers are instructed to keep a record in their official notebook of every bag they search or every bag they witness being searched and the outcome (even when nothing is found). Similarly, senior officers who authorise these searches are instructed to keep a record of authorities issued.
Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether her Department has given guidance to HM Revenue and Customs staff on the conduct of a covert bag search when written authority from a senior officer has not been secured. [146556]
Mr Harper: Border Force has agreed operational instructions with HM Revenue and Customs for when a bag is examined in the absence of the owner.
In urgent cases, when it is not operationally possible to get written authority from a senior officer, a customs
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1004W
official in Border Force or a customs officer in HM Revenue and Customs may search a bag on his or her own authority. This would be where, in the officer's professional opinion, there is an imminent risk of an offence being committed or where any delay could result in suspects escaping or evidence of an offence failing to be secured. In these cases the officer will record the circumstances and report the facts to a senior officer at the first opportunity.
A public code of practice has been issued by HM Revenue Customs and is available on their website: HM Revenue and Customs: Customs checks on your baggage.
Entry Clearances
Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many visitor visas were applied for by people from Jamaica in each of the last three years; and how many such applications were granted; [145080]
(2) how many visitor visas were applied for by people from Bangladesh in each of the last three years; and how many such applications were granted; [145194]
(3) how many visitor visas were applied for by people from Pakistan in each of the last three years; and how many such applications were granted; [145196]
(4) how many visitor visas were applied for by people from Trinidad and Tobago in each of the last three years; and how many such applications were granted. [145198]
Mr Harper: Data on entry clearance visa applications and resolutions are published on an annual and quarterly basis. Latest figures, by country of nationality and by category, are available in Tables "be.03" and "be.04" of the release Immigration Statistics, October to December 2012, available from the Library of the House and from the Home Office Science website at:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research-statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/immigration-q4-2012/
Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many visitor visas for people from Bangladesh were decided (a) within four weeks, (b) between four and eight weeks, (c) between eight and 12 weeks and (d) after more than 12 weeks in the last year; [145193]
(2) how many visitor visas for people from Pakistan were decided (a) within four weeks, (b) between four and eight weeks, (c) between eight and 12 weeks and (d) after more than 12 weeks in the last year; [145195]
(3) how many visitor visas for people from Trinidad and Tobago were decided (a) within four weeks, (b) between four and eight weeks, (c) between eight and 12 weeks and (d) after more than 12 weeks in the last year; [145197]
(4) how many visitor visas for people from Jamaica were decided (a) within four weeks, (b) between four and eight weeks, (c) between eight and 12 weeks and (d) after more than 12 weeks in the last year. [145199]
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1005W
Mr Harper: Visit visa applications can be submitted worldwide at any of the UK Border Agency's visa application centres, regardless of the applicant's nationality.
The figures provided are the processing times for visit visa applications for Jamaican, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Trinidad and Tobago nationals in financial year 2011-12, irrespective of where the applications were lodged.
| Table 1: Visit visa applications resolved in financial year 2011-12 | |||||
| Applications completed within: | |||||
| Nationality | Applications resolved | 0-4 weeks | 4-8 weeks | 8-12 weeks | 12 + weeks |
| Notes: 1. All figures quoted have been derived from management information and are therefore provisional and subject to change. This information has not been quality assured under National Statistics protocols. 2. The figures relate to visit visa applications from individuals irrespective of where an application was lodged. 3. Applications resolved (i.e. completed) will include those issued (i.e. granted), refused, withdrawn and lapsed. 4. Figures relate to the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012. 5. Figures rounded to the nearest 5 (— = 0, * = 1 or 2) and may not sum to the totals shown because of independent rounding. | |||||
Entry Clearances: Overseas Students
David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if she will take steps to increase the availability of student visas for students from the Bahamas; [146338]
(2) what assessment her Department has made of the effect of recent immigration reform on Bahamian student visas; [146349]
(3) how many Bahamian student visas were issued in each of the last three years. [146350]
Mr Harper: There is no limit on the availability of student visas for students coming to the UK from the Bahamas to study and therefore there are no plans for specific steps to be taken to increase the availability of student visas for students from the Bahamas.
The Home Office has not made any formal assessment of the effect of recent immigration reform on Bahamian students. As the Prime Minister made clear on his recent visit to India there is no limit on the number of international students who can come to the UK providing they meet basic language and maintenance requirements, and have an offer from an institution licensed by the UK Border Agency.
Published Home Office visa statistics provide details of the number of Tier 4 student visas issued to Bahamians in the last three years.
| Entry clearance visas issued to nationals of the Bahamas by category: Study | ||||||
| PBS—Tier 4 | ||||||
| Total study | Total study (excl. student visitors) | General student (main apps) | Child student (main apps | General student (dependants) | Student visitors (main apps) | |
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1006W
| PBS = Points Based System Note: Data from 2011 onwards are provisional Source: Immigration Statistics, October-December 2012 | ||||||
Human Trafficking
Mrs Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 5 February 2013, Official Report, column 196W, on human trafficking, what steps she is taking to advise law enforcement agencies of the locations in which victims were found. [146187]
Mr Jeremy Browne [holding answer 5 March 2013]: The Government is considering how details of the local authority in which victims are found can be routinely recorded, where appropriate, and shared with local partners.
Illegal Immigrants: Foreign Workers
Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many business establishments in (a) Haltemprice and Howden constituency and (b) East Yorkshire have been fined for employing illegal foreign national workers in each of the last three years. [144990]
Mr Harper [holding answer 27 February 2013]: The information requested is in the following table. The figures are based on the number of civil penalties served at visited business addresses. Information are not available broken down by county as the data are recorded by regional split only and therefore figures for the North East, Yorkshire and Humber region combined (Northumberland, Durham, Tyne and Wear, Tees Valley, East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire) have been provided:
| Haltemprice and Howden constituency | North East, Yorkshire and Humber region | |
| Note: The figures provided are sourced from a UK Border Agency management information system which is not quality assured under National Statistics protocols and is subject to change due to internal data quality checking. Figures provided from this source do not constitute part of National Statistics and should be treated as provisional. | ||
The decrease in the number of businesses served with civil penalties can be explained by employers' increased awareness of the regime together with improved guidance on the UK Border Agency website; and by the providing of clear advice on how to conduct document checks to verify a person's right to work, which has led to an increase in employer compliance. The agency's work in summer 2012 under Operation Mayapple targeted
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1007W
enforcement activity on overstayers, including students whose leave had been curtailed. This activity drives up compliance across the board. Robust debt recovery processes have been implemented with employers becoming increasingly aware that where penalties are not paid debt recovery enforcement action will commence against them.
Ivory: Smuggling
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much ivory has been confiscated at UK borders in each of the last five years. [145942]
Mr Harper: The most recent published data on ivory seized, which was provided to the Environmental Audit Committee on Wildlife Crime, is as follows:
| Ivory seizures at the Border 2008-09 to 2010-11 | ||
| Seizures | Number of items seized | |
The figures and the transcript of the committee hearing can be found at:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmenvaud/140/140.pdf
Transport
A31: Dorset
Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects work to commence on the installation of dropped kerbs at the junction of the A31 with St Leonards Hospital. [144396]
Stephen Hammond [holding answer 25 February 2013]: The Highways Agency has no plans to install dropped kerbs at the junction of the A31 with the disused entrance to St Leonards Hospital. Funding was not allocated in this financial year (2012-13).
While the agency remains committed to its obligations under the Equalities Act, current funding necessitates that this type of work is more likely to be done when incorporated within larger schemes. Unfortunately, no larger schemes are currently planned and funded for this section of the A31.
At the junction of the A31 with the current hospital access, work is required to install one set of dropped kerbs. This is the responsibility of the NHS as it is situated on their land and as such, the agency is unaware whether this work is planned.
Airports
Mr Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make an estimate of the cost to the UK economy of a mainland European airport becoming the hub for UK flights. [146673]
Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not currently hold such data and has no plans to undertake such work.
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1008W
However the Government are determined to maintain the excellent international connectivity the United Kingdoms currently enjoys. For this reason we have established the independent Airports Commission under Sir Howard Davies to develop recommendations for a lasting solution to maintain the United Kingdom's global hub status. As part of its work the Airports Commission will consider the full range of economic issues around hub airport status.
Aviation: Baggage
Mr Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had on the health and safety of baggage handlers, cabin crew and passengers arising from the increase in weight and volume limitations for luggage stored in aircraft overhead compartments. [146674]
Mr Simon Burns: We have had no such discussions. Airlines have to ensure that all baggage taken on board an aircraft is securely stowed. Subject to that requirement, it is a commercial matter for airlines to determine the size and amount of cabin baggage that a passenger is permitted to take on board. Passengers will normally carry and stow their cabin baggage themselves and should take this into account when packing.
Cycling: Accidents
Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information his Department holds on (a) the number of pedal cyclist casualties attributable to the opening of a vehicle door in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010 and (iii) 2011 and (b) the severity of the injuries received in each case. [145360]
Stephen Hammond: The numbers of pedal cyclists injured, by severity, in reported personal injury road accidents in Great Britain, as a result of hitting an open door of a vehicle, or as a result of a vehicle door being opened or closed negligently (e.g. injured due to evasive action), for the last three years are:
| Casualties | |||
| Severity | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
High Speed 2 Railway Line
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he intends to bring before the House paving legislation in respect of High Speed 2 in the current Session of Parliament. [146107]
Mr Simon Burns: When parliamentary time allows, it is the Secretary of State’s intention to introduce a HS2 paving bill. Parliamentary time is not available to allow this in the current Session. The content of the legislative programme for the third Session will be set out in the Queen's Speech in May.
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1009W
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he intends to bring forward a hybrid Bill on the first phase of the High Speed 2 route between London and Birmingham in the current Session of Parliament. [146108]
Mr Simon Burns: We do not intend to introduce the hybrid Bill in the current Session of Parliament. As set out in the Department for Transport business plan, we are committed to depositing a hybrid Bill by the end of 2013 to seek the powers necessary to construct and operate the first phase of the High Speed 2 route between London and Birmingham.
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether any changes have been made on expenditure on High Speed 2 since the figures set out in the 2010 spending review. [146109]
Mr Simon Burns: As part of the Government's comprehensive spending review in 2010, £773 million was allocated to the development of the High Speed 2 Project.
This has increased to around £900 million, primarily due to an increase in the capital budget relating to property compensation. This increase reflects the forthcoming introduction, subject to the outcome of the recent consultation, of long-term discretionary and statutory compensation schemes for Phase One. The increase in budget was notified to HM Treasury as part of the Department's main estimate submissions at the beginning of 2012.
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much (a) his Department and (b) HS2 Ltd spent on High Speed 2 in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13. [146110]
Mr Simon Burns: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan) of 28 February 2013, Official Report, column 588W.
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much (a) his Department and (b) HS2 Ltd plans to spend on High Speed 2 in (i) 2013-14 and (ii) 2014-15. [146111]
Mr Simon Burns: For the financial years 2013-14 and 2014-15, budgets for the Department for Transport and HS2 Ltd have yet to be determined and are going through a process of finalisation.
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with local authorities on the introduction of paving legislation on High Speed 2. [146112]
Mr Simon Burns: The content of future legislative sessions remains unconfirmed until the time of the Queen's Speech and has not formed the basis for discussion between the Secretary of State for Transport and external groups or stakeholders.
Maria Eagle:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with (a) parliamentary authorities and (b) Ministerial colleagues regarding
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1010W
publishing the Environmental Impact Assessment for High Speed 2 in electronic form only. [146114]
Mr Simon Burns: The Standing Orders of Parliament (for private business) require that copies of Bill documentation are deposited at specific locations.
In order to deviate from the Standing Order requirements to deposit copies of documentation, parliamentary approval would need to be secured. The Government are preparing a proposal, which will be formally presented to Parliament prior to the deposit of the Bill. To inform this work, the proposal was discussed with ministerial colleagues in December 2012 and discussions with parliamentary authorities are ongoing.
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he has given to publishing the Environmental Impact Assessment for High Speed 2 in electronic form only. [146113]
Mr Simon Burns: The Standing Orders of Parliament (for private business) require that copies of Bill documentation are deposited at specific locations.
The Environmental Statement is estimated, in its entirety, to exceed 50,000 pages. The Government recognise that, for HS2, it would be simpler, cheaper, quicker and more environmentally friendly to provide electronic copies of the relevant documents.
This is something that we are exploring and we are developing a proposal to enable the Environmental Statement to be published in electronic format, wherever possible. In considering whether we would want to publish the Environmental Statement in electronic copy only, we would need to ensure that this would not disadvantage particular groups within society—it is important that all interested members of the public are able to access the relevant environmental information. The proposal will be presented formally to Parliament in due course, prior to the deposit of the Bill.
London Underground
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of completing the tube modernisation programme in (a) 2015-16, (b) 2016-17, (c) 2017-18 and (d) the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [145836]
Stephen Hammond: None. Under devolution the Mayor of London and Transport for London are responsible for London Underground, including delivery of the Tube upgrade and modernisation programme and related cost estimates.
Mayor of London
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for the devolution of additional powers to the Mayor of London; and if he will make a statement. [145245]
Stephen Hammond:
The Government is currently considering the Mayor of London's proposal for the further devolution of inner London suburban rail services
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1011W
to the Mayor and Transport for London. These proposals specifically concern the Southeastern and Greater Anglia franchises.
Motor Vehicles: Insurance
Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he (a) has had and (b) plans to have with (i) insurers and (ii) young people to develop proposals to make car insurance affordable for young drivers. [145635]
Stephen Hammond: The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin), and I regularly meet insurers to discuss road safety which includes how we can make car insurance more affordable for young drivers. My officials also meet representatives from the insurance industry regularly. We have arranged an insurance summit on 25 March with interested partners to discuss young driver safety and insurance.
Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he has taken to follow-up on the Insurance Summit held at Downing street in 2012. [146532]
Stephen Hammond: The previous Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Greening), hosted a follow-up summit on 2 May 2012.
Consequently we are considering several options to reduce the risk of young drivers and in-turn their premiums.
The Ministry of Justice consultation on whiplash, which closes on 8 March, builds upon the significant reforms to no win no fee conditional fee agreements contained in Lord Justice Jackson's Review of Civil Litigation Costs.
We have arranged another summit on 25 March.
Motorways: Lighting
Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what his Department's policy is on the section of defective motorway lighting columns on the M60 from the River Tame in Denton to Junction 23 in Audenshaw; and if he will make a statement; [145832]
(2) what his Department's policy is on the section of defective motorway lighting columns on the M67 from Junction 1 to the River Tame in Denton; and if he will make a statement; [145833]
(3) what his Department's policy is on the section of defective motorway lighting columns at the M60/M67/A57 roundabout at Junction 24 in Denton; and if he will make a statement. [145834]
Stephen Hammond: The Highways Agency's policy is to manage and maintain road lighting to a defined level. The performance requirements in the agency's maintenance contracts recognise that there will be lighting failures and not all lighting units will be lit at the same time. If the lighting falls below the defined level, the contractor is required to rectify the situation within seven days, unless the cause of the fault is such that fault rectification requires substantial remedial works needing extensive planning and scheduling.
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1012W
The lighting at Junction 24 of the M60 was inspected on 25 January 2013 and again on 22 February 2013. Work to repair the inoperative lighting units is planned for the last week in March 2013.
The lighting along the M60 between Junctions 23 and 25 was last inspected on 15 February 2013, and failed equipment replaced during the visit. However, the repairs to some lighting units proved unsuccessful and require further investigations, which will soon take place.
The lighting along the M67 between Junction 1 and the River Tame, was inspected on 25 January 2013 and again on 22 February 2013. 73 lighting units were found to be inoperative. From these inspections a cable fault has been identified as the root cause of the problem. Further investigations are required to identify a way forward, and the Highways Agency will now programme this work.
I have asked the Highways Agency to inform you of the results of its investigations once they have been completed. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House.
Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his Department's policy is on the section of defective lighting units at Oldham street/M67 underpass in Denton; and if he will make a statement. [145835]
Stephen Hammond: The Highways Agency has recently reached an agreement, in principle, with Tameside metropolitan borough council, in respect of their respective maintenance responsibilities, for the fours pairs of lighting units in the underpass beneath the M67 motorway at Oldham street, Denton. This agreement will remove the uncertainty about ownership of and responsibility for lighting the underpass.
The Highways Agency has agreed to repair the defective lighting in the underpass within the next two weeks and is working with the council to develop a new lighting scheme at this location. The council has agreed, in principle, to assume full responsibility for the lighting in the underpass upon completion of the scheme.
Office of Rail Regulation
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to publish proposals for reforming the role of the Rail Regulator referenced in his Department's Business Plan as being due for publication by July 2012. [146105]
Mr Simon Burns: The Government and the Office of Rail Regulation intend to publish our joint plans for reforming the role of the regulator shortly.
Official Cars
Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 25 February 2013, Official Report, column 163W, on transport: official cars, which cars are currently allocated to which Government Departments; and what changes in this allocation there have been since April 2012. [145648]
Stephen Hammond: The official cars allocated to each Department are as follows:
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1013W
| Official cars allocated to each Department | |||
| Department | April 2012 | February 2013 | Notes |
|
GCS service ended on 28 September 2012; Department made own arrangement for Secretary of State | |||
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1014W
Railway Stations: Disability
Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what legal obligations there are on Network Rail with regard to the provision of increased disabled access in railway stations undergoing routine repair and renovation work. [146281]
Norman Baker: "Accessible Train Station Design for Disabled People: A Code of Practice" is published by the Department pursuant to Section 71B of the Railways Act 1993. It sets out European and domestic standards that licensed operators, including Network Rail, must meet whenever they install, renew or replace infrastructure or facilities at stations. Where an operator cannot comply with these standards they can apply to the Department for a dispensation. Operators who breach the conditions of their licence can face enforcement action from the Office of Rail regulation under Sections 55 to 58 of the Act.
Railways: Greater London
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what options he has identified for increasing capacity in train routes serving London up to 2019; which such projects have secured funding; and if he will make a statement. [145837]
Mr Simon Burns: The Government's specification for the additional demand to be met up to 2019 on train routes serving London is set out in our rail investment strategy published in July 2012. Network Rail set out the rail industry proposals for increasing train and route capacity into London within its strategic business plan, published on 7 January 2013. The independent Office of Rail Regulation is determining the extent to which these proposals are required and should be funded. It expects to publish its draft determination in June.
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1015W
Roads
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he expects to develop and publish a national roads strategy for consultation referred to in his Department's Business Plan as being due for publication by December 2012; [146103]
(2) when he expects to commence a feasibility study into new ownership and financing models for the national road network referred to in his Department's Business Plan as being due for publication by December 2012. [146106]
Stephen Hammond: We are currently working on proposals for our national roads, and will publish our proposals in the near future.
Roads: Greater London
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what estimate he has made of the cost of delays on the strategic road network administered by the Highways Agency in London in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement; [145839]
(2) what estimate he has made of the cost of delays on the (a) motorway network in England and Wales and (b) M25 in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [145840]
Stephen Hammond: No estimates have been made for the costs of delays on the (a) motorway network in England and Wales and (b) M25 in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12 or on the strategic road network in London in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12.
However, using the Department for Transport's National Transport Model we have estimated that the time cost of congestion on the strategic road network in England (motorways and trunk roads) was at least £2 billion in 2010. This is the cost of time lost from travelling at less than free-flow speeds due to congestion. This is a lower cost estimate as it does not include any costs of congestion on journey time reliability, fuel consumption, emissions or wider economic impacts.
Transport
Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to publish the transport strategy according to his Department's Business Plan due for publication by December 2012. [146104]
Mr McLoughlin: As indicated on the No. 10 transparency website we plan to publish the Transport Strategy in 2013.
Transport: Greater London
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of infrastructure projects in London identified as crucial to achieve economic growth; and if he will make a statement. [145838]
Stephen Hammond:
Under devolution the Mayor and Transport for London (TFL) are responsible for transport policy and strategy in the capital. However, the Government recognises the importance of investing in London's
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1016W
transport network, to generate employment and support economic growth. We support this through an annual Transport Grant, totalling £2.8 billion for the year 2012-13, and hold regular discussions with TFL about its long term infrastructure plans. The Government's £4.5 billion investment in the Tube Upgrade over the current spending review period has already shown significant benefits, including up to 33% more capacity on key lines and a significant reduction in delays since 2008.
Written Questions
Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the procedure and sign-off process for responding to parliamentary questions in his Department includes review by special advisers. [146091]
Norman Baker: Ministers are responsible and accountable for all answers to Parliamentary Questions. Special Advisers may provide advice to Ministers, as outlined in the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.
Communities and Local Government
Local Government Finance
George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what estimate he has made of the total amount of reserves held by local authorities in England and Wales; [146400]
(2) if he will publish a list of the reserves held by local authorities. [146425]
Brandon Lewis [holding answer 5 March 2013]:The Department for Communities and Local Government regularly publishes levels of reserves held by local authorities in England. The following table shows the estimated levels of reserves held by local authorities in England at 31 March 2012.
| £ million | |
These figures are from revenue out-turn data for 2011-12 submitted to DCLG by all local authorities in England.
A table has been placed in the Library of the House showing these figures for each local authority. Both the latest total reserves figures and individual local authority data are available on the DCLG website.
DCLG does not hold data on reserves of local authorities in Wales.
Right to Buy Scheme
Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his policy is on extending tenant right to buy to housing association homes; and if he will make a statement. [146289]
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1017W
Mr Prisk: The Government are keen to help social tenants achieve their aspiration for home ownership where this is affordable and sustainable for them. All social tenants have priority for Government-funded affordable home ownership schemes, for example, shared ownership and the FirstBuy equity loan scheme, to help them into home ownership. These schemes can be of particular benefit to those without a right to purchase. Landlords may also offer voluntary sales schemes to assist their tenants to purchase their rented home.
We are open to representations on how we can further support home ownership.
School Meals: Lancashire
Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) which schools under the responsibility of Lancashire county council were supplied with adulterated beef products; [146115]
(2) which company supplied the adulterated beef products to schools under the responsibility of Lancashire county council. [146120]
Anna Soubry: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department of Health.
Horse DNA was found at trace levels in the samples taken by Lancashire County Commercial Group who took action to remove the product from schools and other premises within their control. In line with their approach on notifications, no information on the individual schools supplied was sought by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) due to the trace levels found on analysis and the prompt withdrawal action taken.
The FSA advises that due to ongoing investigations, which may lead to legal proceedings, the FSA is unable to release further details at this time about the company that supplied beef products found to contain traces of horsemeat to schools under the responsibility of Lancashire county council.
Wind Power
Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what training his Department has provided to the Planning Inspectorate to prepare it to evaluate the arguments and evidence presented at public inquiries relating to wind farms. [146344]
Nick Boles: In addition to the training set out in the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris) on 18 June 2012, Official Report, columns 695-96W, the Planning Inspectorate ran a two day course for inspectors in January 2013. This course, organised and funded by the Planning Inspectorate, was delivered by specialist practitioners and included representatives from the renewable energy industry and those opposed to wind turbines. Key issues relevant to wind farm evaluation were covered, including noise, ecology, landscape and visual impact, setting of heritage assets, aviation and planning conditions.
The training provided has been designed to assist inspectors to conduct wind farm casework under all procedures, ie public inquiries, hearings and written representations.
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1018W
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Chagos Islands
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to conclude the exercise required to take stock of the policy towards resettlement which he announced on 20 December 2012 following the European Court of Human Rights ruling on the Chagos islanders' case. [146439]
Mark Simmonds: There is no fixed timetable for the conclusion of this exercise. We want to do a thorough review of our policy and it is in everyone's best interests that it is not rushed.
Israel
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli authorities on incorrect origin declarations for goods imported under the EU-Israel Agreement. [145938]
Alistair Burt: We continue to work to take forward the commitment made by EU Foreign Ministers at the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 14 May 2012, reaffirmed on 12 December 2012, to fully and effectively implement existing EU legislation and the bilateral arrangements applicable to settlement products. This includes working with the EU to ensure that settlement produce does not enter the EU duty-free under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and that settlement products are not incorrectly labelled as Israeli produce, in violation of EU consumer protection regulations.
Middle East
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of civilian casualties in the recent outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Gaza. [145929]
Alistair Burt: We received regular reports from our missions in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem during the recent Gaza conflict, drawing on local reporting and wide ranging contacts. We understand that 158 Palestinians and six Israelis were killed during the conflict.
Morocco
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Ceredigion of 12 February 2013, Official Report, column 692W, on Morocco, if he will support the establishment of an independent international human rights monitoring role with responsibility to report to the UN Security Council. [146134]
Alistair Burt: We will continue to make clear, including in discussions at the UN Security Council, the importance of full respect for human rights in both Western Sahara and the refugee camps at Tindouf.
6 Mar 2013 : Column 1019W
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Ceredigion of 12 February 2013, Official Report, column 692W, on Morocco, if he will raise with the Moroccan authorities the issues that the Saharawi defendants in the Gdeim Izik case were not tried in Western Sahara as required under the Geneva Convention. [146135]
Alistair Burt: We have followed this case closely and have discussed it with the Moroccan authorities. We note the Moroccan National Human Rights Council's preliminary findings, which indicate that the trial took place amid normal circumstances and followed the proper procedures, but we do also note the concerns expressed by some other observers.
Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2013, Official Report, column 692W, on Morocco, if he will raise with the Moroccan government the need to investigate allegations of torture being used to obtain evidence from the Saharawi defendants in the trial in the Gdeim Izik case. [146278]
Alistair Burt: We closely followed the Gdeim Izik trial and continue to monitor the emerging reports. We are concerned by the allegations of torture which have been noted by a number of observers of the trial, including the Moroccan National Human Rights Council. We discuss these issues in our regular dialogue with the Moroccan authorities at ministerial and official level.