Climate Change Levy
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with representatives of industry on the Climate Change Levy. [158982]
Sajid Javid: Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings and discussions with a wide variety of organisations as part of the process of policy development and delivery.
The Treasury publishes a list of ministerial, meetings with external organisations, available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-treasury/series/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-gifts-and-overseas-travel
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on the Climate Change Levy and energy-intensive industries. [158983]
Sajid Javid: Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings and discussions with a wide variety of organisations as part of the process of policy development and delivery.
The Treasury publishes a list of ministerial meetings with external organisations, available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-treasury/series/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-gifts-and-overseas-travel
10 Jun 2013 : Column 29W
Corporation Tax: Scotland
Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the yields to the Exchequer from corporation tax from Scotland (a) including and (b) excluding revenues from oil and gas sources in each of the last four financial years. [157872]
Mr Gauke: Latest figures for onshore (excluding North sea companies) and North sea companies' corporation tax (CT) net receipts, for the UK as a whole, from 1999-2000 to 2011-12 are available in Table 11.1A of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC's) CT Statistics publication. This is available on the internet at:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/ct-receipts/corporation-tax-statistics.pdf
HMRC does not routinely produce estimates of corporation tax by region and the OBR does not forecast corporation tax split by region.
However, with regard to onshore CT receipts from Scotland, I refer the hon. Member to paragraphs 8, 9, 12 and 13 (pages 3 and 4) of the HMRC explanatory note on estimating the cost of a reduction in the CT rate in Scotland, published by HM Treasury on 13 July 2011. This contains estimates of the proportion of onshore CT for Scotland based companies looking at the years 2004-05 to 2008-09, using the postcode of their registered offices to identify them. Across these years, Scottish registered companies make up around 7% of total UK onshore CT accruals. This figure does not include the activities in Scotland of companies whose registered addresses are outside Scotland.
A link to the detailed HMRC explanatory document is given here:
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130130150421/http:/www.scotlandoffice.gov.uk/scotlandoffice/files/HMRC%20Corporation%20tax%20paper%20july%202011.pdf
Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the effects on the yields to the Exchequer from corporation tax from Scotland (a) including and (b) excluding revenues from oil and gas sources in the current and previous financial years of the applicable rate of tax being set at (i) 19, (ii) 18 and (iii) 17%. [157873]
Mr Gauke: Estimates of the impact of these corporation tax (CT) rate cuts in Scotland could be produced only at disproportionate cost.
HM Revenue and Customs previously produced an estimate of the Exchequer impact of a decrease in the main rate of CT to 12.5% in Scotland. This estimate was published by HM Treasury on 13 July 2011. Links to the news article, and the detailed analysis paper are provided here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/analysis-of-corporation-tax
The link from the gov.uk page to the HMRC explanatory paper is currently broken, so here is the link to the detailed analysis:
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130130150421/http:/www.scotlandoffice.gov.uk/scotlandoffice/files/HMRC%20Corporation%20tax%20paper%20july%202011.pdf
10 Jun 2013 : Column 30W
Council Tax
Simon Hart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applications have been made to the Valuation Office Agency requesting a reduction in council tax as a result of properties being located next to wind farms or proposed wind farm developments in (a) 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013. [158151]
Mr Gauke: The VOA would have to conduct a manual search of all its band challenges records to produce these statistics, which could be undertaken only at disproportionate cost.
Gordon Henderson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any plans to review the rules on the revaluation for council tax purposes of domestic properties that have been increased in size since their last valuation. [158163]
Brandon Lewis: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.
It is a long-standing feature of the council tax system that material improvements to a property (such as an extension) are only taken into account when the property is sold (a “relevant transaction”). This is intentional, to avoid council tax becoming a “home improvement tax”. The Government have no plans to review these rules.
In addition, the Government confirmed on 24 September 2010 that there would be no council tax revaluation in England during the lifetime of this Parliament. The Government believe a revaluation would be expensive and unnecessary and result in higher council tax levels, especially for those who have undertaken home improvements since they bought their property.
Indeed, it is the policy of this Government to make it easier for hard-working families to improve their homes.
Credit
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further steps he plans to take to regulate consumer credit to ensure that irresponsible firms and bad practice will have no place in the consumer credit marketplace. [158981]
Jo Swinson: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
The Government have a clear vision for the consumer credit market. We want consumers to have confidence in the system, secure in the knowledge that they can be expected to be treated fairly by firms and that, if things do go wrong, the regulator will step in swiftly and decisively to put it right.
The Government have announced that it will transfer responsibility for regulating consumer credit from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on 1 April 2014.
The FCA will take a proactive approach to regulating consumer credit markets and will focus its supervisory efforts on those areas most likely to pose a risk to consumers. It will be able to respond more quickly and flexibly to market changes through the power to make its own binding rules, making sure that regulation keeps
10 Jun 2013 : Column 31W
pace with this diverse and innovative market. It will also undertake tougher scrutiny of firms entering the market, and will have strong enforcement powers to punish misconduct by firms, including the power to levy unlimited fines, ban specific products and individuals and require firms to compensate consumers who have lost out.
Credit Unions
Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many credit unions have been the subject of intervention by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and its predecessor bodies in the last five years. [158907]
Sajid Javid: Since 2009, 36 credit unions have been referred to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. This includes six in 2013.
Excise Duties: Alcoholic Drinks
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) when he will publish the findings of the consultation on legislative measures to tackle alcohol duty fraud; and if he will make a statement; [157772]
(2) when he will publish the submissions to the consultation on legislative measures to tackle alcohol duty fraud; and if he will make a statement. [157773]
Sajid Javid: The Government expect to publish a summary of responses and make an announcement on next steps to tackle alcohol duty fraud over the coming months.
Any announcement will be made through the usual channels for publishing the outcome of Government consultations.
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when recent representations he has received on alcohol duty fraud. [157774]
Sajid Javid: Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings and discussions with a wide variety of stakeholders as part of policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings and discussions.
Excise Duties: Beer
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how he plans to monitor the effects of the reduction in beer duty on the number of pints of beer sold in the UK; [157750]
(2) if he will estimate the number of pints of beer sold in the UK in (a) April 2012 and (b) April 2013; [157751]
(3) what estimate he has made of the number of additional pints of beer which will be sold in the UK as a result of the reduction in beer duty in (a) 2013-14, (b) 2014-15 and (c) 2015-16. [157752]
Sajid Javid: The Government monitor the effects of changes in alcohol duties through tax receipts and alcohol clearances published in HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) monthly tax bulletins.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 32W
Beer clearance figures are published as part of the HMRC tax bulletins. Figures on beer clearances (product released for consumption) in hectolitres are published for April 2012 and will be published for April 2013.
The estimated impact of the beer duty cut at Budget 2013 on beer consumption is presented in tables 1, 2 and 3 as follows.
| Table 1: Effect on consumption (% to 1d.p) | |
| Beer (% to 1d.p) | |
| Table 2: Effect on consumption (hectolitres) | |
| Beer—quantities product (thousand hectolitre to the nearest 50,000) | |
| Table 3: Effects on consumption (pints per year) | |
| Beer—pints (rounded to nearest 50 million) | |
Excise Duties: Tobacco
Mr Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of annual revenue lost in (a) Northern Ireland and (b) the UK as a result of tobacco fraud. [158332]
Sajid Javid: Estimates of the losses in revenue associated with illicit sales of tobacco products in the UK are published in “Measuring Tax Gaps 2012”.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/tax-gaps/mtg-2012.pdf
These estimates cannot be disaggregated by country.
Financial Services: Taxation
Tim Farron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department plans to review its policy on a financial transactions tax. [159177]
Mr Gauke: The EU Commission published its proposal for implementing a financial transaction tax (FTT) under the enhanced co-operation procedure on 14 February.
As set out in Explanatory Memorandum 6442/13, dated 19 March 2013, the UK will not be joining the enhanced co-operation FTT. The Government continue to believe that, due to the international mobility of trading, any broad-based FTT can be viable only if applied at a global level.
Housing: Valuation
Ann Coffey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many successful appeals have been made against existing house price valuations in each region of the UK in the last five years for which data are available. [158550]
10 Jun 2013 : Column 33W
Mr Gauke: The number of council tax challenges that resulted in a change in each region in England and Wales for the last five financial years is shown in the following table.
| Total number of challenges(1) that resulted in a band decrease | |||||
| Area | 2008-09(2) | 2009-10(3) | 2010-11(4) | 2011-12(5) | 2012-13(6) |
| (1) Challenges consist of: Band Reviews, proposals and appeals. (2) VOA Official Statistics, Council Tax Valuation Lists: Challenges 2008-09, Table 2.1 http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/_downloads/xls/200809%20CT%20Band%20Challenges%20Table%202.1.xls (3) VOA Official Statistics, Council Tax Valuation Lists: Challenges 2009-10, Table 2.1 http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/_downloads/xls/200910%20CT%20Band%20Challenges%20Table%202.1.xls (4) VOA Official Statistics, Council Tax Valuation Lists: Challenges 2010-11, Table 2.1 http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/_downloads/xls/201011%20CT%20Band%20Challenges%20Table%202.1.xls (5) VOA Official Statistics, Council Tax Valuation Lists: Challenges 2011-12 Q4, Table 5 http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/_downloads/xls/120503_ct_Table5.xls (6 )VOA Official Statistics, Council Tax Valuation Lists: Challenges 2012-13 Q4, Table 5 http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/_downloads/CT_Challenges_2012-13%20Q4AllTables.xls | |||||
Inflation
Steve McCabe: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes there were in (a) the retail prices index, (b) the consumer prices index, (c) fuel prices and (d) food prices in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date. [158334]
Sajid Javid: The statistics are shown in the following table. Data on changes in prices are available to download from the website of the Office for National Statistics:
www.ons.gov.uk
| Annual rate, percentage | ||||
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013(1) | |
| (1) Average to date. | ||||
Legal Costs
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the 20 highest amounts paid for external legal advice by his Department were in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; to whom such sums were paid; and for what reasons the legal advice was sought. [158635]
10 Jun 2013 : Column 34W
Sajid Javid: This information is not held within the Department in the form requested, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department spent on external legal advice from Queen's Counsel (a) between 7 May 2010 and 4 September 2012 and (b) since 4 September 2012. [158651]
Sajid Javid: This information is not held within the Department in the form requested, as our records of the Department's legal costs are not consistently differentiated between legal advice and legal representation, or between advice from QCs and junior members of the Bar. The information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department spent on external legal advice (a) between 7 May 2010 and 4 September 2012 and (b) since 4 September 2012. [158669]
Sajid Javid: This information is not held within the Department in the form requested, as our records of the Department's legal costs do not consistently differentiate between legal advice and legal representation. The information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the highest day rate paid for external legal advice by his Department since 7 May 2010 was. [158686]
Sajid Javid: The information requested cannot be derived from the Department's accounting records. In order to obtain it the Treasury would be required to undertake a manual review and assessment of large volumes of records; this would be at a disproportionate cost to the Department.
Loans
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultation he will undertake regarding his proposal to increase the exempt threshold for the small loans exemption limit from £5,000 to £10,000. [157792]
Mr Gauke: No consultation is necessary as this is solely an increase in the exemption threshold for employer provided beneficial loans. There is no other change to the legislation.
The increase in the threshold from £5,000 to £10,000 will take effect from 6 April 2014.
Midland Expressway
Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of bringing Midland Expressway Limited into public ownership. [158702]
Danny Alexander: It is not Government policy to estimate the cost of bringing privately owned companies under public ownership.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 35W
Minimum Wage
Jim Sheridan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to enforce the minimum wage. [158723]
Mr Gauke: HMRC enforces the national minimum wage (NMW) on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). BIS has responsibility for policy and legislation in relation to the NMW.
HMRC, working with BIS, determines the compliance plan for NMW. The majority of employers identified as paying below the NMW will pay arrears on receipt of a formal Notice of Underpayment. Where they do not, HMRC will pursue recovery through the civil courts. For deliberate non-compliance or obstructive behaviour, HMRC operates a policy of selective (the most serious only) and exemplary (but across the range of offences and sectors) criminal investigations to bolster its overall enforcement strategy.
Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many inspectors employed by HM Revenue and Customs were responsible for the investigation of non-payment of the national minimum wage in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013; [158962]
(2) how many complaints have been received by HM Revenue and Customs regarding non-payment of the national minimum wage by domiciliary care providers in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013; [158963]
(3) how many cases HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have investigated for the non-payment of the national minimum wage by domiciliary care providers in the last three years; how many instances of non-compliance have been discovered by HMRC through such investigations; and how many such cases related to the non-payment of travel time. [158964]
Mr Gauke: The number of compliance officers responsible for investigation of the minimum wage in the years requested is in the following table:
| Financial year (at 1 April) | Number of compliance officers |
The number of complaints received by HMRC concerning non-payment of the minimum wage by domiciliary care providers for the years requested is in the following table:
| Financial year | Number of complaints received |
In the last three years, HMRC has completed 35 investigations into employers providing domiciliary care services, identifying 15 non-compliant employers. With regard to the issue of travel time, I would refer the hon. Member to my answer of 17 April 2013, Official Report, column 405W.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 36W
PAYE
Dr Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment his Department has made of the benefit to employers of the real-time information system; [158202]
(2) what assessment his Department has made of the capacity of the real-time information system to deliver time and cost savings to employers. [158203]
Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) published a Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) on 15 March 2013 that included an updated assessment of the impact that PAYE real time information (RTI) will have on businesses.
HMRC has commissioned independent research exploring the impact of RTI on all employers in the pilot. This research is looking at confidence levels, ease and the overall impact of RTI on the employers' businesses. The findings will be used in conjunction with a wider evaluation of the pilot, which will include an assessment of the impacts on HMRC. The TIIN will be updated later this year using that evidence.
Revenue and Customs
Bob Stewart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what powers HM Revenue and Customs has to inspect passports. [158945]
Mr Gauke: Under powers contained in section 157A of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 an officer of Revenue and Customs may require any person entering or leaving the United Kingdom to produce the person's passport or travel documents for examination. In practice this power is exercised by officers of the Home Office Border Force who exercise revenue and customs functions at the border by virtue of sections 1 and 7 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009.
In addition, under powers contained in sections 14, 15, 16, 18 and 19 of the Tax Credits Act 2002 and regulation 7 of the Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance (Administration) Regulations 2003, an officer of HM Revenue and Customs may require any person or persons making a claim for tax credits or child benefit or guardian's allowance to provide any information or evidence required to make or revise a decision in respect of any question arising out of a claim to tax credits, child benefit or guardian's allowance. In practice this may include requiring sight of a passport as evidence that the person making the claim is who he says he is or to establish his legal status in the United Kingdom.
Revenue and Customs: Telephone Services
David Mowat: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average call waiting time was for (a) domestic and (b) international callers to HM Revenue and Customs' tax enquiry line in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [158361]
Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs only holds data in relation to average call waiting times to its tax enquiry helpline from 2011 onwards:
10 Jun 2013 : Column 37W
| Average queue of answered calls | |
The Department's telephony system is unable to distinguish the difference between domestic and international callers at queue level; therefore the requested breakdown cannot be provided.
I would also refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Barnsley Central (Dan Jarvis) on 22 Apr 2013, Official Report, column 678W.
HMRC periodically publishes its performance statistics at:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/bus-plan-qds.htm
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/business-plan-indicators
HMRC plans to publish the results for Quarter 4 (January to March 2013) in late June 2013.
Royal Bank of Scotland
Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that the Financial Regulation Authority publishes its report into the RBS/Ulsterbank computer system failure. [158827]
Greg Clark: Investigations into the conduct of financial services firms are a matter for the new independent financial regulators, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA), whose day-to-day operations are independent from Government control and influence.
Following the RBS/Ulsterbank computer system failure in June 2012, the previous regulator, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), commissioned an independent report into the failure. The PRA and the FCA are undertaking a co-ordinated regulatory investigation into the circumstances surrounding the information technology systems outages that took place. Both regulators are working closely together to ensure there is not unnecessary duplication of work and, when the investigation is complete, each will decide whether it is appropriate to take any enforcement action. Should either of the regulators’ enforcement investigations conclude that formal action is appropriate, that will be made public in the usual way via a press release on the relevant regulator's website.
Sign Language
Simon Kirby: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to ensure the services it offers are accessible to British Sign Language users. [157940]
Sajid Javid: When producing videos we offer a transcript as well as subtitles to aid those who have hearing difficulties. We are not currently able to offer sign language alternatives but are always looking for new ways to make our digital products more accessible.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 38W
Tax Allowances: Social Enterprises
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will consult on the introduction of a new tax relief to encourage investment in social enterprises. [157794]
Mr Gauke: The social investment tax relief consultation was published on Thursday 6 June, as announced by the Prime Minister at the G8 Social Impact Investment Conference. The consultation will run until 6 September 2013.
Tax Avoidance
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue forgone as a result of advice on tax avoidance offered by the big four accountancy firms in the latest period for which figures are available. [159055]
Mr Gauke: The Government have made no such estimate.
Tax Evasion
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people were prosecuted for alcohol fraud in the UK in each of the last five years for which figures are available; [157768]
(2) how many people were prosecuted for illegal sales, where the duty and VAT had not been paid, of (a) alcohol and (b) tobacco for each of the last five years for which figures are available; [157769]
(3) how many investigations there have been into sales of (a) illicit alcohol and (b) illicit tobacco, where the duty and VAT had not been paid, in retail outlets in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [157771]
Sajid Javid: HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) does not hold information in the form requested in these two questions. It records the number of prosecutions for the offence of evasion of duty and can break down the figures between evasion on alcohol and tobacco products. The offence can be committed upon importation, possession or sale of the goods in question but HMRC does not record which of these applies to each case.
The numbers of prosecutions for evasion of duty in the each of the last five years for which figures are available are as follows.
| Total number of tobacco prosecutions | Total number of alcohol prosecutions | |
The term “investigations” can cover many types of interventions undertaken by HMRC. These can range from inquiries being carried out by, for example, visiting officers to full-scale criminal investigations. The total number is not collated centrally and could therefore be made available only at disproportionate cost.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 39W
Taxation (International and Other Provisions) Act 2010
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will (a) consult and (b) report on the extension of s363A of the Taxation (International and Other Provisions) Act 2010. [157782]
Mr Gauke: The Government will publish a consultation document on the extension of section 363A of the Taxation (International and Other Provisions) Act 2010 in July. The Government announced at Budget 2013 that changes will be made in Finance Bill 2014. All responses will be properly considered before any changes are introduced, and a draft clause will be published for consultation at autumn statement.
Taxation: Bingo
Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent consideration he has given to reducing the rate of gross profit tax for bingo to 15%. [158763]
Sajid Javid: The Government keep all taxes, including bingo duty, under review.
Tonnage Tax: Scotland
Katy Clark: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many vessels operating from ports in Scotland were elected into the tonnage tax scheme in each year since 2001-02; and what the total tax relief was in each year for such vessels. [157858]
Sajid Javid: The information requested is not available.
Ulster Bank
Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with his Irish counterpart on the sale of Ulster Bank. [158826]
Sajid Javid: Treasury Ministers and officials engage with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors, as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of all such meetings and discussions.
The Government’s strategy remains to return the state-owned banks to full private sector ownership when it is right to do so. The Government do not give a running commentary, but naturally keep their strategy towards the state-owned banks under review.
Urenco
Alec Shelbrooke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress the Government has made on selling its share in Urenco. [157818]
Sajid Javid: On 22 April 2013 the Government announced they will work with their international partners in the uranium enrichment company Urenco to move forward preparations for the sale of all or part of the UK's one-third shareholding. Any sale of the shareholding remains contingent upon full protection of the UK's security and non-proliferation interests, and upon achieving value for money for the taxpayer.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 40W
VAT
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will publish the results of consultation on VAT: treatment of refunds made by manufacturers. [157779]
Mr Gauke: The consultation document was published on 31 May 2013 and the consultation period will end on 31 August 2013. The Government will publish their response to the views received before or alongside the publication of any draft legislation.
VAT: Exports
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will (a) consult and (b) report on options for redesigning the VAT Retail Export Scheme. [157778]
Mr Gauke: At Budget 2013 it was announced that the Government will consult on options for redesigning the Retail Export Scheme. HMRC plans to publish the consultation document in June. The consultation will run for three months. HMRC will publish a summary of responses to the consultation in late 2013 and this will set out the next steps.
VAT: High Speed 2 Railway Line
Mrs Gillan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2013, Official Report, column 828W, on VAT High Speed 2 (HS2) railway line, when he expects HM Revenue and Customs to make a decision on whether the HS2 project will be subject to VAT. [158594]
Mr Gauke: In order to recover VAT incurred on the costs of constructing the railway, HS2 Ltd will have to register for VAT. To do so, it will have to satisfy HMRC that it intends to make taxable supplies, as explained in paragraph 3.12 of the May 2013 National Audit Office report. As the NAO also point out in its report, VAT represents an internal transfer within Government rather than an additional cost.
Wealth: Distribution
Lindsay Roy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to tackle inequality in income and wealth in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [158479]
Sajid Javid: The Government’s tax policies during this period of consolidation have impacted on different income groups in different ways. The Government have continued to support people on low and middle incomes, rewarding the efforts of those who choose to work by taking real steps to make the first £10,000 of income free from tax. Taken together, the personal allowance increases announced by the Government will benefit 25 million individuals and provide a real-terms gain of £443 to most basic rate taxpayers in 2013-14. At the same time the Government's actions mean that the richest pay more tax on capital gains, more stamp duty on their homes, more tax on their pensions, and are less able to avoid or evade tax.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 41W
The latest distributional analysis published by the Government shows that the top 20% continue to make the greatest contribution towards reducing the deficit, both as a percentage of their income and benefits in kind from public services and in cash terms.
Universal credit will also allow people to keep more of their income as they move into work. Most of the gains from universal credit accrue to low income households, with those with the lowest incomes benefiting the most on average, while relatively higher income households see, on average, no change or a reduction in net income.
Working Tax Credit
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount in working tax credits paid to (a) all non-UK nationals and (b) non-UK EEA nationals in each of the last three years. [159101]
Sajid Javid: This information is not available.
Northern Ireland
Accountancy
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the names, job titles, areas of work, terms of appointment and civil service equivalent grades are of personnel currently seconded to her Department from the big four accountancy firms. [159048]
Mike Penning: There are no personnel currently seconded to my Department from the big four accountancy firms.
G8: County Fermanagh
Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many police officers and armed forces personnel from outside Northern Ireland are being deployed for the duration of the G8 summit. [158908]
Mrs Villiers: It is anticipated that there will be around 3,600 mutual aid officers from England, Wales and Scotland deployed to assist the Police Service of Northern Ireland during the G8 summit. At the request of the PSNI, the MOD will be helping to provide a safe and secure G8 summit through the provision of logistical support. The military involvement in the G8 summit is a routine feature of events such as this and will be similar to support provided to the 2005 Gleneagles summit.
Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what opportunities will be taken before, during and after the G8 summit to maximise tourism and inward investment potential for Northern Ireland. [158909]
Mrs Villiers:
My officials are working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that Northern Ireland gets the best from the summit. The Executive, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Tourism Ireland, Invest NI and a range of NI bodies within the public and
10 Jun 2013 : Column 42W
private sector are engaging and together promoting Northern Ireland as a first class destination to visit and invest in.
Heathrow Airport
Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the potential effect on the Northern Ireland economy of the construction of a third runway at London Heathrow airport. [156956]
Mrs Villiers: I have made no such assessment. The coalition agreement sets out the Government’s position on a third runway at Heathrow.
Invest NI
Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions the Government held with the Northern Ireland Executive about the role of Invest NI in the Prime Minister's recent visit to Boston. [156958]
Mrs Villiers: The Government are committed to working with the Northern Ireland Executive to rebalance the Northern Ireland economy, and we have regular discussions with Executive Ministers on these issues, including the contribution that Invest NI makes to promote growth and support the creation of jobs.
The Northern Ireland Executive did not ask the Prime Minister to discuss the role of Invest NI in his recent visit to Boston in which the Prime Minister promoted trade, investment and innovation in the UK through a series of events. These included promoting the GREAT campaign by travelling with HRH Prince Harry in the New Bus for London, manufactured in Ballymena and Antrim, with Invest NI backing.
Sign Language
Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps her Department is taking to ensure the services it offers are accessible to British Sign Language users. [157937]
Mike Penning: My Department does not deliver services direct to the public. Should it become necessary I would seek to ensure that any services delivered were accessible including, where possible, to British Sign Language users.
Culture, Media and Sport
Accountancy
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the names, job titles, areas of work, terms of appointment and Civil Service equivalent grades are of personnel currently seconded to her Department from the big four accountancy firms. [159039]
Hugh Robertson: We do not have anyone on secondment to DCMS from the big four accountancy firms.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 43W
Aerials
Mr MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she has taken to encourage the sharing of mobile telephone mast sites between mobile network operators; and to what extent such sharing will be promoted in rural and island areas in the forthcoming review of the Electronic Communications Code. [158787]
Mr Vaizey: The sharing of mobile telephone masts is a commercial decision for the mobile network operators therefore not one in which Government can intervene. However there are existing infrastructure sharing agreements between Vodafone UK and Telefonica 02 UK (Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Ltd) and Three UK and Everything Everywhere Limited (Mobile Broadband Network Limited). The agreements have resulted in an enhanced coverage of 2G and 3G services for users and will enable each operator to roll out 4G mobile services across the UK faster.
The Law Commission report to Government on the reform of the Electronics Communication Code was published in February 2013. We are now considering their recommendations carefully. The report and supporting evidence can be accessed at:
http://lawcommission.justice.gov.uk/areas/electronic-communications-code.htm
Broadband: Rural Areas
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2013, Official Report, column 802W, on broadband: rural areas, when the independent review is expected to report; and whether it has made interim findings available to her (a) formally and (b) informally. [158601]
Mr Vaizey: The independent assurance reviewers have produced a draft report of their findings and are currently working to finalise the report for presentation to the Department in the summer of 2013.
Cambridgeshire
Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what amount has been spent and in what categories of expenditure by her Department in North East Cambridgeshire constituency in each of the last five years. [158196]
Hugh Robertson [holding answer 6 June 2013]: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport does not keep records of expenditure by individual constituency and would not be able to isolate these data without incurring disproportionate costs.
Graffiti
Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will carry out an impact assessment on whether legalising graffiti art would increase the number of street artists in England. [155857]
10 Jun 2013 : Column 44W
Mr Vaizey: Marking property without the consent of the owner is criminal damage under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. In some cases graffiti can be dealt with by a fixed penalty under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2013. The Government have no plans to change the law.
Immunity Certificates
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects to table secondary legislation under the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 on certificates of immunity. [157421]
Mr Vaizey [holding answer 3 June 2013]: The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Basingstoke (Maria Miller), expects the secondary legislation commencing the changes to the provisions regarding certificates of immunity from listing under the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 to come into force on 25 June 2013
Museums and Galleries
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her policy is on admission charges to museums containing public collections that are funded by central Government grant-in-aid; and if she will make a statement. [159078]
Mr Vaizey: The Government are committed to the policy of maintaining free admission to the national museums and galleries.
Offences against Children: Internet
Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to assess the potential lessons to be learned for Government policy on internet safety from recent court cases of child murders. [158400]
Mr Vaizey [holding answer 3 June 2013]: We keep our policies and practice on tackling child sexual abuse and on child internet safety under continual review. As a result, I have called the major internet service providers, mobile operators, search engines and social media companies in for a summit to discuss what more could be done to minimise internet harm.
Working in partnership with law enforcement, industry and charities, we have taken significant steps to remove illegal child sexual abuse content from the internet, to block access to such material, and to take action against those responsible for it.
Through the UK Council for Child Internet Safety we also work with the internet industries, parents' and children's charities, academics, law enforcement agencies and other experts to help keep children safe online, for example by encouraging the adoption of parental controls in the home and other appropriate measures to limit children's access to harmful material wherever and however they access the internet.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 45W
Public Libraries: Suffolk
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if her Department will carry out an assessment of the performance of the Suffolk Libraries Industrial and Provident Society. [158989]
Mr Vaizey: DCMS monitors and assesses the proposals and decisions being made about changes to library services across England. However, responsibility for the assessment of the performance of Suffolk Libraries Industrial and Provident Society rests with Suffolk county council and will be carried out in accordance with the contracts terms between the council and the charity.
Science Museum Group
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will give an undertaking that the Government will provide enough public funding to the Science Museum Group in 2013-14 and each of the next two years to enable all the museums in the group to remain open. [159077]
Mr Vaizey: Operational decisions, including allocations to individual branches, are a matter for the Science Museum Group. The group has to address a projected operational deficit and is currently assessing a range of options to address this situation.
Swimming Pools
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what information her Department holds on the location of (a) private-sector and (b) public-sector Olympic-sized swimming pools in England. [156826]
Hugh Robertson: We do not have the data in the format requested. Sport England have records of 53 Olympic-sized or larger swimming pools in England and these are as follows:
Basildon Sporting Village
Brightlingsea Open Air Swimming Pool
Hitchin Swimming Centre and Fitness @ Archers Hitchin
Inspire: Luton Sports Village
Letchworth Outdoor Pool
Peterborough Lido
Sportspark
Corby East Midlands International Pool
Loughborough University
Brockwell Park Lido
Charlton Lido
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
Gurnell Leisure Centre
Hillingdon Sports And Leisure Complex
London Fields Lido
Olympic Aquatic Centre
Park Road Leisure Centre
Grand Central Pool
Liverpool Aquatics Centre
Manchester Aquatic Centre
Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre
10 Jun 2013 : Column 46W
Guildford Lido
K2 Crawley
Surrey Sports Park
The Mountbatten Leisure Centre
Woodgreen Leisure Centre
Wycombe Sports Centre
Hengrove Park Leisure Centre
Millfield Senior School
Sandford Parks Lido
Stratford Park Leisure Centre (site 1)
The Plymouth Life Centre
Tinside Lido
University of Bath Sports Training Village
Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre
John Charles Centre for Sport
Ponds Forge International Sports Centre
Sunderland Aquatic Centre
Hinksey Heated Outdoor Pool
Shoalstone Outdoor Swimming Pool
Parliament Hill Lido
Hilsea Lido
Aldershot Pools Complex
Northcroft Leisure Centre
Jesus Green Outdoor Pool
Tooting Bec Lido
Hampstead Bathing Pond
Serpentine Lido
Lymington Sea Water Baths
Jubilee Pool (Penzance)
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether the location of private-sector Olympic-sized swimming pools is taken into account in taking decisions on the building of new public-sector Olympic-sized swimming pools. [156829]
Hugh Robertson: Sport England takes account of the location of private sector Olympic-sized swimming pools when taking decisions in investing public funding and building new public-sector Olympic-sized swimming pools.
World War I: Anniversaries
Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what financial and logistical support she intends to offer Liverpool city council for the centenary anniversary of world war I. [158576]
Hugh Robertson:
The Government are leading the nation in acts of remembrance and enabling communities and individuals to participate in the centenary in a way which is meaningful for them. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) recently launched a £6 million small grants programme to help communities mark the centenary of the first world war and explore their local heritage. This builds on HLF's other programmes that, since April 2010, have awarded £13 million to first world war projects. This includes funding for a project where local black and minority ethnic families will be working with National Museums Liverpool to research their family history and involvement in the war. HLF has also been working with Liverpool city council on potential applications to mark the centenary. The Imperial War
10 Jun 2013 : Column 47W
Museums' Centenary Partnership is a network of over 1,000 not for profit cultural and educational organisations, including local and regional groups. This network provides access to resources, expertise, a special logo and networking opportunities and will enable millions of people across the world to discover more about life in the first world war.
International Development
Africa
Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the UK's policy is on supporting the creation of a pan-African regulatory licensing and approvals system, similar to the system administered by the European Medicines Agency in Europe to help increase and speed up access to HIV medicines in Africa; and if she will make a statement. [158911]
Lynne Featherstone: Weak regulatory capacity for medicines is a significant obstacle to access to safe, effective and affordable medicines in poor countries. Where medicines regulators lack sufficient capacity to perform their basic functions, as they do in many African countries, delays are caused to the registration and availability of new medicines for HIV and other diseases. The risks of the circulation of poor quality and dangerous medicines are also increased.
The UK supports the long-term vision of leadership by well-functioning African medicines regulators, using transparent and accountable decision-making processes and collaborating regionally and internationally as regulators do in other regions, such as the European Union. Progress has been made in recent years. Developing countries, under the leadership of regional economic blocs, have organised to develop regulatory strengthening plans and political support is growing. The UK has supported a number of mechanisms which have been established in this area. These include the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) effort and the World Health Organisation (WHO) Pre-Qualification Programme (PQP) which provides a recognised quality standard that is referred to and used by developing country medicines regulators as well as many international donors and procurement agencies.
British Overseas Territories
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has to assist with the development of transport links to encourage tourism in each of the UK Overseas Territories that receive assistance from her Department. [158342]
Mr Duncan: DFID currently provides support to aided Overseas Territories to ensure safe and reliable access. Technical assistance is also being provided to Public Works Departments in three aided Territories for the improvement of roads and other essential infrastructure. These investments are essential to encourage tourism to these Territories. Long-term access constraints are being addressed on St Helena through the construction of an airport. On Montserrat, options to improve sea and air access are currently being explored. These investments will make St Helena and Montserrat easier to get to, bringing benefits for tourism and business.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 48W
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many (a) Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have visited a UK Overseas Territory since May 2010. [158365]
Mr Duncan: Ministers for the DFID have made three visits to the Overseas Territories since 2010. DFID officials have made numerous visits to UK Overseas Territories since 2010. These visits have ensured that the Territories' reasonable assistance needs continue to be met, that financial management programmes are being monitored, and that options for economic growth and sustainable development are explored and, where appropriate, are supported.
China
Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will provide advice and support to the First and Deputy First Minister from Northern Ireland following their recent visit to China to ascertain the viability of establishing a bureau in China to help foster good relations and promote inward investment. [158796]
Mr Swire: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
We encourage the devolved Administrations to promote inward investment from China to the UK and to develop wider cultural and political links with a country of growing global importance. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has provided support to the First and Deputy First Minister from Northern Ireland to improve their links with China and we will continue to do so.
Developing Countries: Abortion
Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether her Department provides funds to any aid agencies which provide medical services to female victims of sexual violence and which also receive aid from the US and are constrained by that Government's policy towards the provision of abortion services; and if she will make a statement. [158477]
Lynne Featherstone: DFID does provide funding to organisations that provide sexual and reproductive health care services to women and girls, including those who are victims of sexual violence. Two examples include Programme Partnership Arrangement funding to Marie Stopes International and the International Planned Parenthood Federation. Receipt of US funds by organisations does not restrict their provision of safe abortion information or services using UK funds.
Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her policy is on the rights of women and girls who have been raped in situations of armed conflict and their right to medical treatment which may include access to a safe abortion. [158586]
Lynne Featherstone: It has not been possible to provide the information by the named day. However, I will write to the hon. Member with the information requested and place it in the Library of the House.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 49W
Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much and what proportion of the total UK international development budget was spent on abortion services in the last five years, by country. [158806]
Lynne Featherstone: The UK Statistics for International Development (SID) 2007-08 to 2011-12 were published in May 2013. These are available at
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-international-development/about/statistics
SID does not disaggregate expenditure on abortion services. However, 22% of DFID's bilateral programme was classified under the “health” sector (£929 million).
Developing Countries: Diarrhoea
Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funding from the UK Aid Budget she plans to allocate to an integrated approach to confronting diarrhoeal disease incorporating oral rehydration therapy, zinc treatment, rotavirus vaccines and improvements to sanitation and hygiene. [157754]
Lynne Featherstone: DFID recognises that integration of water, sanitation and hygiene with other strategies is fundamental to achieving the necessary reach and impact on reducing diarrhoeal diseases and reducing under-nutrition.
DFID's water and sanitation programme in Sierra Leone is closely linked to health programmes on reducing maternal mortality and improving infant health. In Malawi, Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan, DFID is supporting clean water supply and sanitation facilities in schools. In addition, several high impact nutrition interventions, notably in Yemen, Nigeria and Zambia, include a strong focus on hand washing with soap and water particularly by child-carers at critical times. Providing zinc, along with other important micro-nutrients, is an important part of DFID nutrition specific activities along with hand washing.
Developing Countries: Economic Growth
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much of her Department's budget was spent on economic growth and the private sector via bilateral programmes, by country, in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; and what estimate she has made of the equivalent figures for 2013. [158955]
Justine Greening: Figures for bilateral aid spend on wealth creation by country are published in DFID's Annual Report. These figures are published on a fiscal year basis, with figures for the year 2012-13 due to be published shortly. DFID's Annual Reports for 2010-11 and 2011-12 can be accessed here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/annual-report-and-accounts-2011-volume-i
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfid-annual-report-and-accounts-2011-2012
These figures do not include the indirect contribution that the rest of the aid programme makes to economic growth and economic development such as support to state and non-state investment in health and education and strengthening governance and accountability.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 50W
Developing Countries: Land
Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will use the UK's 2013 G8 presidency to promote global action to develop transparency in land acquisitions. [157697]
Justine Greening: The Prime Minister has outlined an ambitious agenda for the UK's G8 presidency, aimed at advancing trade, ensuring tax compliance and promoting transparency. We will use the G8 presidency to promote responsible and productive land-based investments through greater transparency.
International Assistance
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will press for the disaggregation of data by disability, age and gender in the framework that will replace the millennium development goals. [157706]
Justine Greening: Disaggregating data by numerous factors, including disability, age and gender, is a priority for the UK on the post-2015 agenda. We are pleased that the High Level Panel, which was co-chaired by the Prime Minister, delivered a report to the UN Secretary-General that made a strong statement on disaggregating data and reaching those left behind. This is a core part of the data revolution that we are encouraging as part of the post-2015 framework.
Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how the Government plan to ensure that (a) nomadic communities, (b) children with disabilities and (c) other marginalised groups are recognised in the post-2015 millennium development goals. [157753]
Lynne Featherstone: The Prime Minister and I have been clear on the need for the post-2015 framework to reach the poorest and most vulnerable. The UK worked hard to secure a recommendation in the recent High Level Panel report to “leave no one behind”, with goals and targets only “achieved” once they are met for all social groups. We will continue to emphasise the need to reach everyone over the next two years of discussions on the post-2015 development agenda.
Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she plans to take to promote an intersectoral approach to issues of water, sanitation and hygiene, infectious diseases and nutrition in the post-2015 millennium development goals framework. [157755]
Justine Greening: The High Level Panel, which was co-chaired by the Prime Minister, has recently published its report. This includes a set of illustrative goals and targets, with specific goals for universal access to water and sanitation, to ensure food security and good nutrition and to ensure healthy lives. In taking forward the recommendations of the High Level Panel, which we strongly support, the Department for International Development (DFID) will promote and encourage approaches that will tackle all three of these goals in an integrated way.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 51W
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 15 May 2013, Official Report, column 281W, on international assistance, what the Government's vision is of a data revolution for the next development framework. [157831]
Justine Greening: A data revolution would see policy makers in the private and public sectors promote open access to and use of data, encouraging citizen engagement and participation in monitoring progress; integrate statistics into decision making; and work now to ensure a baseline for post-2015 targets is in place by January 2016. It would also include disaggregating data by a range of factors for all targets, ensuring that the new framework reached the poorest and most vulnerable. The proposals for a data revolution and a global partnership on development data are important contributions by the High Level Panel.
Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 15 May 2013, Official Report, column 281W, on international assistance, by which variables the Government wish to see data disaggregated in the framework that will replace the millennium development goals. [157832]
Justine Greening: The UK believes that it would be helpful for the data for all goals and targets to be disaggregated by gender, disability, age, income (especially for the bottom 20%), location, and relevant social group. The relevant social groups will need to differ from country to country to ensure that we reach the most marginalised; for example, caste would be relevant in some but not all countries. The HLP report recommended that targets should be only considered to have been achieved if they are met for all of these groups. This is a core part of the data revolution that we are encouraging as part of the post-2015 framework.
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how her Department plans to take forward the recommendations in the report by the High Level Panel on the Sustainable Development Goals. [159097]
10 Jun 2013 : Column 52W
Justine Greening: I am delighted with the bold and ambitious report put forward by the High Level Panel, co-chaired by the Prime Minister, and with its good reception by other countries and civil society organisations. The UK is working intensively with others to ensure that the report's recommendations are reflected in ongoing discussions within the United Nations, including in the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals and at the Special Event on MDGs in September.
Legal Costs
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the highest day rate paid for external legal advice by her Department since 7 May 2010 was. [158680]
Mr Duncan: DFID's central finance records do not enable tracking of external legal expenditure by daily rate. It is therefore not possible to provide this information without incurring disproportionate cost.
Members: Correspondence
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she intends to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Bury South dated 8 May 2013 regarding her Department's use of private sector contracts. [158820]
Justine Greening: A reply was sent on 7 June 2013.
Overseas Aid
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much and what proportion of her Department's budget was spent via (a) multilateral organisations and (b) bilateral programmes in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012; what estimate she has made of the equivalent figures for 2013; and if she will list those organisations and programmes. [158947]
Justine Greening: As detailed in the Department's Annual Report and Accounts, the bilateral and multilateral spend for the previous two financial years is as follows:
| Financial year | Bilateral (£ million) | Bilateral (%) | Multilateral (£ million) | Multilateral (%) |
Details of the organisations and programmes funded can be found within each of the annual reports for the relevant year, which are available on the Department's website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/annual-report-and-accounts-2011-volume-i
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfid-annual-report-and-accounts-2011-to-2012
The Department's Annual Report containing details for 2012-13 is to be published shortly and will be available on the DFID website.
Overseas Companies: Mining
Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to improve the transparency of UK-based extractive industries operating abroad. [158139]
Justine Greening:
The UK has made transparency one of its main priorities at the 2013 G8. This weekend the UK hosts “Open for Growth: Transparency Revolution” where G8 countries, partner Governments, companies and civil society will make commitments on transparency. The Prime Minister has announced that the UK will implement the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
10 Jun 2013 : Column 53W
(EITI) by which companies publish what they pay and Governments what they receive from oil, gas and mining. The UK is a strong supporter of the EITI, which has 39 implementing countries so far. The UK has also successfully agreed strong EU rules in the accounting directive to ensure that UK listed and large oil, gas, mining and forestry companies report the payments they make to Governments in all countries.
Palestinians
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) which projects her Department funds in Area C of the Occupied Palestinian Territory; [158755]
(2) what support her Department is giving to Palestinians living in Area C of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. [158757]
Mr Duncan: A number of our projects benefit those living in Area C. We support the Norwegian Refugee Council to provide free legal support and advice to vulnerable families and communities at risk of displacement. We also support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide essential services to Palestinians living in the west bank and East Jerusalem. In 2009-10, we provided £1 million to provide emergency aid to Palestinians in the OPTs. Through our new Palestinian Market Development Programme (PMDP) we will aim to strengthen the competitiveness of the Palestinian private sector, including those companies able to work in Area C.
Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the relative poverty of Palestinians living in (a) Area C, (b) Areas B and A and (c) East Jerusalem. [158756]
Mr Duncan: The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) does not produce separate poverty data for areas A, B and C in its annual reporting. However, reports from other sources, including the World Bank, NGOs and the UN, have repeatedly highlighted that poverty and living conditions in Area C and East Jerusalem are of particular concern.
Sign Language
Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to ensure the services it offers are accessible to British Sign Language users. [157935]
Mr Duncan: DFID is predominantly engaged in commissioning, managing and evaluating the delivery of projects by third parties overseas and is not involved in the provision of services directly to communities.
Neither British Sign Language (BSL) nor British, Australian and New Zealand Sign Language (BANZSL) are used commonly in DFID operating countries.
Where practicable and appropriate DFID works to deliver on the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED Section 149 Equality Act 2010) through procurement and contractual relationships.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 54W
South Sudan
Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment she has made of the humanitarian situation in Jonglei State, South Sudan; and what access is being provided by the Government of South Sudan to humanitarian and other non-governmental organisations. [158754]
Lynne Featherstone: We remain extremely concerned about the conflict in Jonglei and the civilian suffering it is causing. We have raised our concerns with the Government of the Republic of South Sudan. Along with our international partners, in a statement on 18 May 2013 we stressed the need for all armed actors to ensure the protection of civilians and the provision of humanitarian space and access. We will continue to work closely with the UN and other partners to improve the provision of humanitarian support.
St Helena
Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Government of St Helena on the (a) current water supply infrastructure and (b) anticipated demand following the opening of the airport and increased tourism; and if she will make a statement. [158692]
Mr Duncan: DFID officials are in close contact with the St Helena Government (SHG) on both the state of the island's water infrastructure and anticipated demand for water after the opening of the airport. They have been working with SHG to help them improve the infrastructure to keep up with future demand and current work includes projects to upgrade and improve the water distribution system.
All SHG Directorates incorporate anticipated demand from an increased population after the airport opens into their planning.
Staff
Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of her Department's staff was based (a) in the UK and (b) overseas in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012; and what estimate she has made of the equivalent figures for 2013. [158956]
Justine Greening: The following table shows the proportion of DFID staff based in the UK and overseas:
| Percentage | ||
| UK | Overseas | |
| Notes: 1. Based on full-time equivalent. 2. Data as at end of March each year. | ||
10 Jun 2013 : Column 55W
Syria
Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what latest assessment she has made of and what aid the UK is supplying to the humanitarian situation in Syria in response to that situation. [158587]
Justine Greening: Since the start of the conflict in Syria more than 80,000 people have been killed. 6.8 million are in need, including at least 4.25 million who have been forced to flee their homes to other areas of the country. There are a further 1.6 million refugees in the region.
The UK's total funding for Syria and the region to date is £171 million. UK Aid is already funding food for over 251,000 people a month, water for over 900,000 people and we have provided over 288,000 medical consultations. Our support is reaching people in all 14 governorates of Syria, as well as refugees in the neighbouring countries. The UK is already a leading donor in the humanitarian response, and is considering how best to respond to the second UN-led Appeals. We are urging the international community to step up and play their part, including fulfilling donor pledges made at the conference on Syria organised by the UN and Kuwait in January 2013.
Telephone Services
John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether her Department receives any financial or non-financial benefit from its telephone providers for telephone lines that her Department operates, including but not limited to (a) a share of call revenue, (b) a reduction in the Department's telephone bill or tariff and (c) telephony services for free or at a reduced price. [157741]
Mr Duncan: The Department does not receive any financial or non-financial benefits from its telephone providers for the lines that the Department operates.
Unmanned Air Vehicles
Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what monitoring her Department is undertaking on the effect of drone strikes on livelihood strategies in the areas affected. [158808]
Justine Greening: DFID receives regular reports on persons displaced by conflict, including countries affected by drone strikes. These are not disaggregated by specific cause but provide sufficient information to assess and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable.
Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what reports she has received of the movement of people in Afghanistan and Pakistan who have been displaced as a result of drone strikes. [158809]
Justine Greening: DFID does not receive reports on persons displaced by conflict in Afghanistan and Pakistan that are disaggregated by specific cause.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 56W
Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether her Department has undertaken an assessment of the effect of drone strikes on the security of (a) locally engaged and (b) other staff of her Department in the affected areas. [158938]
Justine Greening: DFID prioritises the safety and well-being of all of its staff. The Department maintains an up-to-date assessment of all security risks to staff and regularly reviews safety measures.
Zimbabwe
Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent reports she has received on the holding of free and fair elections in Zimbabwe. [158795]
Lynne Featherstone: We regularly receive and monitor reports on the current environment in Zimbabwe ahead of the crucial elections from a variety of sources, including international NGOs, local civil society organisations, the media and all three political parties in Zimbabwe (for example discussions at Friends of Zimbabwe in London earlier this year—including meeting the Deputy Prime Minister during the Nutrition for Growth summit last weekend).
It is vital that elections, when held, be conducted freely and fairly and without fear of violence or intimidation. We do not want to see a repeat of the violence in 2008. Work still remains to be done to fully implement the reforms agreed by the three political parties in the Global Political Agreement (GPA), before elections are held. We welcome Southern African Development Community's lead role as guarantor of the GPA in its efforts to secure peace and democracy for Zimbabweans.
Electoral Commission Committee
European Parliament Elections
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what steps the Electoral Commission intends to take to increase turn-out for the 2014 European elections. [158001]
Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me that it will run a public awareness campaign ahead of the European Parliamentary election in 2014. The focus of the campaign will be on making sure people are registered to vote and know how to participate in the elections.
The Commission's campaign will include TV, radio, press and online advertising. It will be particularly targeted at under-registered groups, including British citizens living overseas, most of whom will be able to vote for the first time since the 2011 UK Parliamentary Voting System referendum.
As with all of its campaigns, the Commission will carefully consider how best to ensure value for money by using the most cost-effective media channels.
10 Jun 2013 : Column 57W
Cabinet Office
Apprentices
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many apprentices are employed in 10 Downing Street. [157995]
Mr Maude: The Prime Minister's Office is an integral part of the Cabinet Office. 18 apprentices are employed in Cabinet Office as at 4 June 2013.
Behavioural Insights Team
Stephen Timms: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment he has made of the work of the Behavioural Insights Team on the Department for Work and Pensions policy areas; and if he will make a statement. [158942]
Mr Hurd: The Behavioural Insights Team has been working with colleagues at the Department for Work and Pensions in a number of areas. Initial indications appear promising. A full assessment will be conducted when this work is complete. As is common practice with the work of the Behavioural Insights Team, our aim is to publish a full report on gov.uk. This report will contain details of all of the work conducted including the relevant results, methods and background research.
Big Lottery Fund
Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the income of the Big Lottery Fund in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12, (c) 2012-13, (d) 2013-14 and (e) 2014-15; and if he will make a statement. [157085]
Mr Hurd [holding answer 6 June 2013]: The income for the Big Lottery Fund for 2010-11 and 2011-12 is available in the Big Lottery Fund's annual reports:
www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/index/about-uk/corporatedocs.htm
Big Lottery Fund's income for 2012-13 will be published in this year's annual report shortly.
Its income for 2013-14 and 2014-15 is estimated at £740 million, based on forecasts from DCMS.
Conditions of Employment: Medway
Rehman Chishti: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people are working on zero hours contracts in (a) Gillingham and Rainham constituency and (b) Medway. [158700]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Glen Watson, dated June 2013:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many people are working on zero hours contracts in (a) Gillingham and Rainham constituency and (b) Medway (158700).
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles labour market statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (APS), following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. Estimates of the number of zero hour contracts are
10 Jun 2013 : Column 58W
not available from this source. Estimates of the number of people on zero-hours contracts are available from the Labour Force Survey, but due to sample size are not available for areas smaller than regions.
National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the IMOMIS website at:
http://www.nomisweb.co.uk
Emergencies
Mr Bain: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what provisions he has made to ensure that the communication needs of citizens with hearing, visual or multi-sensory impairments are included in civil contingencies planning. [157725]
Miss Chloe Smith: The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and its supporting framework, which was reviewed and revised under the Cabinet Office's Civil Contingencies Act Enhancement Programme in 2012, places duties on Category 1 responders such as the emergency services and local authorities to, among other things, maintain arrangements to warn the public, provide information and advise the public if an emergency is likely to occur or has occurred. It also sets out how such responders should plan for and meet the special needs of potentially vulnerable people, including those who may have difficulty understanding warning and informing messages. Further information is provided in Identifying People Who Are Vulnerable in a Crisis which provides support to emergency planners and responders to develop local action plans for identifying groups of people who may be vulnerable in an emergency.
Employment
Jim Sheridan: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the employment rate was in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in each year since 2007. [158719]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Glen Watson, dated June 2013:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the employment rate was in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in each year since 2007 (158719).
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles employment statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. Statistics for Scotland and the UK have been compiled on a comparable basis.
Table 1 shows the percentage of people aged 16 to 64 resident in the requested areas who were employed, according to survey responses, in the 12 month period ending in December 2012, the latest available period, and for the 12 month periods ending in December from 2007 to 2011 from the APS.
As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject to a margin of uncertainty.
National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at
http://www.nomisweb.co.uk
10 Jun 2013 : Column 59W
| Table 1: Percentage of people aged 16 to 64 in employment | |||
| 12 months ending December | Paisley and Renfrewshire North | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Source: Annual Population Survey Trusted Statistics—Understanding the UK | |||
Freedom of Information
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how his Department will implement the proposed changes to the calculation of charges attached to Freedom of Information requests. [158599]
Mr Maude: The response to the Justice Committee's report, “Post-legislative scrutiny of the Freedom of Information Act 2000”, published last November, made it clear that Government are considering options to reduce disproportionate burdens on public authorities.
Immigration
Mr Hollobone: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many immigrants entered the UK from (a) outside and (b) inside the EU in each of the last three years. [158585]
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigrants entered the UK from outside and inside the EU in each of the last three years (158585).
ONS produces estimates of Long-Term International Migration (LTIM), primarily based on the International Passenger Survey (IPS). The IPS is a continuous voluntary sample survey conducted by ONS and is the prime source of long-term international migration data for the UK providing estimates of both inflows and outflows.
Latest available data show that in the year to September 2012, 148,000 EU citizens and 273,000 non-EU citizens arrived in the UK. These estimates do not include British citizens. 79,000 British citizens arrived as long-term international migrants in the same year.
Table 1 shows these figures for each of the last three years of available data.
| Year ending September | EU citizens | Non-EU citizens | British citizens |
Public Sector: Procurement
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) which (a) local authorities and (b) other public sector bodies have been contacted as a result of concerns raised via the public procurement Mystery Shopper Scheme; [157748]
10 Jun 2013 : Column 60W
(2) how many businesses in (a) the UK, (b) Scotland and (c) East Ayrshire have contacted the public procurement Mystery Shopper Scheme. [157749]
Miss Chloe Smith: This information can be found in the results of Mystery Shopper investigation that are published online:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mystery-shopper-results