Nitrogen Dioxide: Pollution
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the European Commission on laws and regulations on nitrogen dioxide pollution; and if he will make a statement. [155929]
Richard Benyon:
The meeting of the Informal Environment Council of the Irish Presidency on 22 April included a wide ranging discussion of the European
13 Jun 2013 : Column 409W
Commission's outline plans for its review of the 2005 Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution and associated policies. The review is due to conclude in October; a key objective is to address the compliance challenges faced by member states, including for nitrogen dioxide.
Pets: Poisoning
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate his Department has made of the number of (a) cats, (b) dogs and (c) other household pets poisoned by antifreeze in each of the last 10 years. [159914]
Mr Heath: The Government have not made any estimate of the number of cats or dogs poisoned by antifreeze.
Scotland
Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental public bodies procured from companies based in Scotland of a value in excess of £25,000 since May 2010; and what the cost to the public purse was of each such procurement contract. [155769]
Richard Benyon: Placed in the Library of the House is a table that sets out what has been procured by core DEFRA, and its non-departmental public bodies from companies based in Scotland of a value in excess of £25,000 since May 2010 and what the costs have been to the public purse.
This uses Scottish postcodes to identify companies based in Scotland, even though some are subsidiaries of UK or international groups.
Since January 2011, central Government Departments, including their agencies and non-departmental public bodies, have been required to publish on Contracts Finder information on the contracts they award:
www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk
In addition, core DEFRA publishes details of spend in excess of £25,000:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defra-spending-over-25-000-published
Stray Dogs
Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to control stray dogs. [159298]
Mr Heath: On 9 February the Government announced proposals for every dog to be microchipped from April 2016. Voluntary micrcochipping of dogs enables around 50,000 stray or displaced dogs each year to be reunited with their owners. If all dogs were microchipped it would reduce the time any stray dog has to spend in kennels while the owner is traced.
Defence
Redundancy
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many employees of his Department who have worked on the Government's nuclear policy have been made redundant since 2010. [159543]
13 Jun 2013 : Column 410W
Dr Murrison: No Ministry of Defence officials working on nuclear policy have either been made redundant, or left under the Voluntary Early Release Scheme (VERS) since 2010. It is Government policy not to release Nuclear Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel.
Details of officials who have left the Department under VERS and have worked in the nuclear policy area at any point in their career are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Afghanistan
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes his Department plans to make to the data collection process relating to compensation claims for deaths caused by drone strikes in Afghanistan. [158778]
Mr Robathan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 December 2012, Official Report, column 601W, to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson).
Armed Forces
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many members of the armed forces with an interrupted service career history have been re-employed in the armed forces since May 2005; [158976]
(2) how many members of the armed forces with an interrupted service career history were re-employed in the armed forces between 6 April 2005 and 1 January 2010. [159537]
Dr Murrison [holding answer 10 June 2013]: Information on the number of armed forces personnel with interrupted service career history that have been re-employed since April 2005 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Armed Forces: Redundancy
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has to review his Department's policy on early departure payment awards for members of the armed forces with an interrupted service career history; [158979]
(2) what his Department's policy is on early departure payments to those who have previously had a break in their service in the armed forces; [159536]
(3) whether he plans to review his policy on early departure payment awards to members of the armed forces who have an interrupted service career history. [159542]
Dr Murrison [holding answer 10 June 2013]: The terms of the Early Departure Payment (EDP) scheme were set under the previous Administration and came into effect when the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2005 (AFPS 05) was introduced in April 2005. To qualify for an EDP an individual has to reach age 40 or over and have at least 18 years’ relevant service. Relevant service includes any period of AFPS 05 service on or after 6 April 2005.
13 Jun 2013 : Column 411W
Those who have had a break in service prior to 6 April 2005 cannot normally count their previous service—which would have been as a member of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975 (AFPS 75)—as relevant service for EDP purposes. However, where that service was aggregated with a subsequent period of AFPS 75 service for pension purposes and the individual transferred their benefits to AFPS 05 under the 2006 Offer to Transfer, it can be counted towards the EDP.
There are no current plans to review the existing legislation relating to early departure payments for members of the armed forces with an interrupted service career history. However, for the new Armed Forces Pension Scheme, which will be introduced in 2015, the wider issue of transfers and re-joiners is currently the subject of discussions between the public service schemes and HM Treasury.
Cybercrime
Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking through the Defence Cyber Security Programme to increase the cyber awareness of (a) civilian staff in his Department and (b) armed forces personnel. [159280]
Mr Robathan [holding answer 11 June 2013]: Cyber awareness is key to the cyber defence of our networks.
All Defence personnel are required either to complete the Protecting Information e-learning which now contains essential cyber security messages, or (for those without routine access to departmental IT systems) to attend a briefing covering similar messages. Cyber awareness also forms a part of the short security briefing which all Defence personnel must attend annually. We regularly review the content to ensure that the latest information is given.
We have rolled out an e-learning programme on cyber awareness (including an assessment test). As at 9 June 2013 this had been completed by over 49,000 staff, with a further 11,000 enrolled. The programme covers both civilian and military personnel.
We are also engaging directly with single services and civilian training authorities to ensure that cyber awareness is included at appropriate levels in training courses ranging from induction to senior-level courses, and with particular professional groups to ensure that their needs for additional aspects of awareness are met.
Defence Equipment
Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what equipment was tested under Better Equipment through Ashchurch; what cost savings were made as a result of that programme; and if he will make a statement. [159557]
Mr Dunne: Better Equipment Throughput at Ashchurch (BETA) is not an equipment programme but a forum that meets quarterly to prioritise, agree, plan and review the business performance of Ashchurch. These sessions are chaired jointly by Director Land Equipment and Army HQ at a senior level, the purpose of the joint chair is to align the two customer demands at Ashchurch. Benefits accrued to date are:
Bowman Control and Optimisation;
13 Jun 2013 : Column 412W
Site rationalisation plan and implementation;
Restructured Ashchurch business;
Resource control;
Improved disposals programme;
Improved Fleet coordination;
Improved health and safety and quality standards;
Increased population of the Controlled Humidity Environment facility;
Consistent delivery of equipment platforms under Urgent Operational Requirements;
MAN SV Programme—Backlog reduction from 1,200 to 500; and
Introduction of JAMES, a logistics IT system, and its operator roles.
The Defence Support Group calculates that the BETA process has contributed in delivering cost avoidance savings to Ministry of Defence of £6.29 million to 31 March 2013.
Unmanned Air Vehicles
Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether UK personnel have flown unmanned aerial vehicles as part of NATO operations. [159186]
Energy and Climate Change
Accountancy
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many officials in his Department are currently seconded to any of the four largest accountancy firms; and what the (a) job titles and (b) pay grade is of each such secondee. [159907]
Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change does not have any people currently seconded to any of the big four accountancy firms.
Electricity
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the potential effects of electricity market reform on the development of (a) gasification, (b) pyrolysis and (c) other nascent technologies. [159548]
Michael Fallon: DECC is considering the appropriate level of support for gasification, pyrolysis and other nascent technologies. Proposed support levels under Contracts for Difference will be published for consultation in July, as part of the draft Electricity Market Reform Delivery Plan. This will be accompanied by an impact assessment which will set out the potential effects of these strike prices on the electricity market.
Energy
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the potential effect (a) on levy control framework funding of his proposals for the capacity market and (b) of the interaction between the two. [159547]
13 Jun 2013 : Column 413W
Michael Fallon: The costs of the capacity market will not count against the £7.6 billion levy control framework limit agreed for 2020-21. The limits to levy control framework funding were set assuming de-rated capacity margins consistent with the operation of the capacity market. As such, they are sufficient to deliver our low carbon objectives alongside the introduction of a capacity market to ensure future security of supply.
Fossil Fuelled Power Stations: Wales
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his Department is responsible for the decommissioning costs of fossil fuel-fired power stations in Wales. [159596]
Michael Fallon: The costs of decommissioning fossil fuel-fired power stations in Wales are the responsibility of the operators of such stations.
Green Deal Scheme
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 21 May 2013, Official Report, column 711W, on the Green Deal Scheme: North East, what information will be contained in the first quarterly Official Statistics which his Department plans to publish on 27 June 2013. [159544]
Gregory Barker: The first quarterly Official Statistics on Green Deal and ECO, to be published on 27 June, will cover the period to 31 March 2013. This quarterly report will contain more detailed analysis of the GD assessments carried out in that period including breakdowns by type of property and of measures recommended in these assessments. The report will also include a section on planned additional content for future quarterly releases as more data become available.
Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on what date he plans to publish the number of Green Deal packages that have been signed since the programme's inception. [159546]
Gregory Barker: The Department's next monthly Green Deal/Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) statistical release, to be published on 27 June, will be an expanded version of previous monthly releases and will include numbers of Green Deal Plans.
National Grid: Wales
Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with National Grid on energy transmission infrastructure projects to connect North and South Wales. [159514]
Michael Fallon: DECC Ministers hold discussions with National Grid across a range of its activities. These have included updates from National Grid on some of its major projects. When this has occurred, Ministers have abided by propriety rules due to the role they play in deciding on planning applications for such projects.
13 Jun 2013 : Column 414W
Renewable Energy
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to increase investment in green and renewable technology. [159375]
Michael Fallon: The Energy Bill and Electricity Market Reform will provide a flexible toolkit to deliver a diverse and low-carbon electricity market at least cost to the consumer. It will help bring forward some £110 billion in the electricity sector to meet our low carbon and renewable goals.
We intend to publish details of the proposed support levels under Contracts for Difference—or strike prices—in July. In parallel we are running a Final Investment Decision enabling project for renewables, which aims to enable successful applicants to take final investment decisions ahead of the implementation of the enduring Contract for Difference regime. We intend to publish further details shortly.
Sign Language
Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to ensure the services it offers are accessible to British Sign Language users. [157929]
Gregory Barker: The Department and I take diversity and accessibility issues seriously. Although DECC does not provide direct services to the public in the way that a Department like DWP would, we take steps to comply with the reasonable adjustment duty set out in the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that disabled people, including BSL users, can access information about our policies and programmes. DECC ensures that where we are aware of sign language requirements, we would provide these as a matter of course.
DECC has not made use of a British Sign Language signer recently, nevertheless there are a range of adaptions we have put in place to make information accessible to people. For example, audio looping, subtitling and putting captions on promotional and information videos which explain our policies, programmes and the nature of the challenge that we are aiming to tackle.
A practical example is the transition to the new one Government website; one of the main drivers for transferring to the new platform is to make information about the Department and its policies available and accessible to as many members of the public as possible.
World Environment Day
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department took to mark World Environment Day on 5 June 2013. [159175]
Gregory Barker: The Department did not specifically mark World Environment Day on 5 June 2013. Officials were aware that this was taking place and we support it, but no particular departmental activities were delivered.
13 Jun 2013 : Column 415W
World War II: Medals
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent consideration has been given to official recognition for the service of non-conscripts who worked in mines during the Second World War. [159556]
Michael Fallon: There has been no recent consideration on extending wartime service recognition to those non-conscripts who worked in mines during the Second World War. The Bevin Boys Veterans Badge, introduced in 2007, recognises those that served under the scheme introduced by the then Minister of Labour and National Service in 1943.
The Government fully appreciates that those involved in reserved occupations, such as those employed in the mines prior to the Bevin Boys Scheme being introduced in 1943, also did sterling service for their country. However, given the non-availability of records and the length of time that has now passed it would not be possible for the Department to verify potential applications, hence the decision to focus recognition on the Bevin Boys.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Accountancy
Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the names, job titles, area of work, term of appointment and Civil Service equivalent grade are of personnel currently seconded to his Department from the big four accountancy firms. [159044]
Alistair Burt: According to our centrally held records, no UK based staff are on secondment to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from the big four accountancy firms. We have interpreted ‘the big four' to mean KPMG, Ernst and Young, Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCooper.
Afghanistan
Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Afghan government on (a) increasing support for family response units and (b) increasing women's recruitment and retention in the police. [158839]
Alistair Burt: The UK has been forthright in its promotion of the full participation of women in all aspects of Afghan society, which is fundamental to securing a stable and prosperous future Afghanistan. We regularly raise the protection and promotion of women's rights with the Afghan Government and wider Afghan authorities. During her visit to Afghanistan in March, the Senior Minister of State, my noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Warsi, discussed women's vital contribution to building peace, security and prosperity in Afghanistan with the Afghan Government and wider Afghan authorities, leading female parliamentarians and other government and civil society representatives. In Helmand, Baroness Warsi visited the Provincial Police Headquarters and met female police officers who are contributing to the provision of security in their community.
13 Jun 2013 : Column 416W
The UK provides £7.1 million assistance to the Ministry of the Interior (MoI) in Afghanistan, which includes supporting work that is helping to protect and uphold women's rights. This includes the development of the Afghan National Police's policy on promoting human rights and protecting women and women rights defenders from violence. The MoI has set up a working group (to which EUPOL, the European Police Mission for Afghanistan, provides specialists) to come up with a comprehensive approach to the role of females in the police. Its aim is to increase the number of police women by adjusting selection procedures, improving working conditions and providing better training.
Through our support to EUPOL, the UK supports the Ministry of the Interior in its efforts to increase the numbers and capacity of Family Response Units across Afghanistan. Earlier this year, a Memorandum of Understanding between EUPOL, the Ministry of the Interior and United Nations Development Programme was signed to this effect. EUPOL also funds the trial of community police units in seven provinces with the aim to bring the community closer to the police. Each of these community police units will include female officers.
China
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Chinese government on cyber-security issues; and if he will make a statement. [159064]
Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), hosted the London Cyber Conference in 2011 and attended the Budapest Cyber Conference in 2012. The Chinese Government were represented at both conferences. The Secretary of State would welcome the Chinese Government attending the next Cyber Conference in Seoul in October, where we can continue to engage on important cyber issues, however, we continue to follow a policy of not commenting on the country of source of cyber attacks against British interests.
Cyber security remains a top priority for the UK Government, and we already cooperate constructively with China at officials' level on issues of common cyber concern such as criminal activity. We aim to broaden this relationship to address wider cyber issues on prosperity and security which underpin our mutual bilateral interests.
Electronic Surveillance
Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will seek assurances that communications of British parliamentarians are not monitored by the National Security Agency; [159576]
(2) if he will seek an exemption to the US Prism programme for UK companies and individuals. [159577]
Alistair Burt:
It is the long-standing policy of successive governments not to comment in detail on matters of intelligence. This includes discussions with allies and liaison agencies. For more information on UK safeguards, I refer to the statement made by the Secretary of State
13 Jun 2013 : Column 417W
for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), to the House on 10 June 2013,
Official Report
, columns 31-49.
NATO
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many performance reports were prepared by the International Board of Auditors of NATO in each of the last three financial years; what policy changes were made in response to the Board's findings; and what recent discussions he has had with the NATO Secretariat on this matter. [159140]
Mr Lidington: The International Board of Auditors of NATO (IBAN) published four performance reports in 2010; five reports in 2011; and three performance reports in 2012. The 2012 performance audits covered the implementation of NATO agency reform, the arrangements for managing the construction of the new Alliance-headquarters building, and the supply of fuels to NATO forces in Afghanistan, in each case the audit feedback has been used to drive improvements in decision making and management process. The UK regularly raises these issues directly with NATO staff and at the North Atlantic Council where we are strong proponents of accountable and effective governance, and best practice in budgetary control and financial management. Strong, independent, and effective external audit is a critical element of this.
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many sets of financial accounts were prepared by NATO in each of the last three years; how many such accounts were audited by IBAN within (a) six months, (b) 12 months, (c) 24 months and (d) more than 24 months of the end of the accounting period; how many such accounts have yet to be audited; how many such financial audits were (i) qualified, (ii) accompanied by a management letter advising a need for consequential management action and (iii) given unqualified approval; and how many of these audited sets of accounts have been published to date. [159141]
Mr Lidington: Different NATO entities are auditing on different cycles. Typically, its field work within six to eight months of receiving financial statements although post-audit consultation means that final publication sometimes takes longer. Core entities (NATO HQ, Military Command Structure and certain agencies) are audited annually; the accounts of other NATO bodies (including those of multinational high readiness headquarters, and centres of excellence) are audited on a two-year cycle, in agreement with the participating nations.
In 2010, IBAN issued 29 financial audit reports which comprised 42 auditor's opinions on the accounts of NATO bodies and associated organisations. 32 of these accounts received unqualified audit opinions, including two accounts that were corrected and re-issued. The board issued nine qualified audit opinions and one disclaimer of audit opinion on the financial statements of eight entities.
In 2011, there were 33 financial audit reports which comprised 49 auditor's opinions. The board issued 14 qualified, adverse, or disclaimer of audit opinions on the financial statements of nine different entities.
13 Jun 2013 : Column 418W
In 2012, 36 financial audit reports were issued comprising 44 auditor's opinions of which 30 were unqualified opinions. The board issued 14 qualified, adverse or disclaimer of audit opinions on the financial statements of 11 different entities.
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library (a) a copy of the NATO Secretariat's report on the review of NATO's external audit arrangements, (b) a synopsis of the report into NATO's external audit arrangements if the report itself is classified and (c) a summary of the views expressed by the UK representatives and a list of the actions agreed by the North Atlantic Council during its consideration of that report. [159142]
Mr Lidington: As part of a wider process of Alliance Reform, the NATO Secretary-General initialled a review aimed at strengthening NATO's external audit function and the resulting report was considered by the North Atlantic Council on 29 May. The UK has pushed for the highest possible standards of fiscal governance, and for a strong and effective audit arrangement in order to assure compliance. More specifically the UK has sought improved transparency through the automatic publication of NATO audit reports (unless there is a security reason not to do so) and improved accountability through the update of NATO's financial regulations to draw clear lines of responsibility. We have also sought improved financial reporting across the Alliance, including through the appointment of a head of financial reporting. The UK has also sought to improve IBAN's accountability and it has been agreed that IBAN will be peer-reviewed by national supreme audit institutions (SAI); a pilot study will be conducted to explore how IBAN might make the best possible use of the expertise that exists in SAIs.
We will place in the Library the relevant documentation as soon as possible.
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reforms he is seeking to NATO's financial accounting and audit arrangements; and if he will make a statement. [159143]
Mr Lidington: The UK is a leading voice in the area of NATO reform. We have pressed for the need for an efficient and effective NATO that makes the best use of its resources. We want any NATO auditing authority to be effective in holding NATO to account, using best practice to help deliver value for money. However external audit is but one element of the wider governance process, and we continue to push for accountable and effective management at all levels within the alliance.
Redundancy
Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many employees of his Department who have worked on the Government's nuclear policy have been made redundant since 2010. [159535]
Alistair Burt:
No UK-based members of staff who worked on nuclear policy have been made redundant. We cannot confirm the position for locally-engaged
13 Jun 2013 : Column 419W
members of staff overseas as this would involve contacting every overseas post and would incur disproportionate cost.
Work and Pensions
Child Support Agency
Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost was to the Child Support Agency of compensating customers in the form of conciliatory payments for the financial years (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13. [159183]
Steve Webb: The following table provides information on consolatory payments for the financial years 2010-11 and 2011-12. These figures are included in the total compensation figures as published in the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission's (The Commission) Report and Accounts.
Payments are compensatory amounts paid to parents on an ex gratia basis where delays or administrative errors have resulted in lower than expected service standards. Figures exclude financial loss.
| Financial year | Total consolatory payment (£) |
On 1 August 2012 the work of the Commission including the Child Support Agency transferred to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and as part of this transfer the requirement for the Commission to produce Annual Accounts ended.
Consolatory payment figures for 2012-13 will be available in the coming weeks when the DWP Report and Accounts is finalised and published.
Employment and Support Allowance
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many former recipients of incapacity benefit who have been reassessed for eligibility for employment and support allowance (ESA) and initially found not entitled to ESA have appealed against the decision; and, of those, how many have (a) had their appeal upheld, (b) had their appeal refused and (c) not had their appeal determined. [159435]
Mr Hoban: Information on appeal outcomes for incapacity benefits reassessments is not available.
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects the migration from incapacity benefit to employment and support allowance to be complete. [159437]
Mr Hoban: The national incapacity benefit reassessment process is expected to be completed by April 2014.
Stephen Timms:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many former recipients of incapacity benefit who have been re-assessed for eligibility for employment and support allowance (ESA) were initially found to be (a) entitled to ESA and (b) not
13 Jun 2013 : Column 420W
entitled to ESA, including those who appealed against the refusal of their benefit. [159423]
Mr Hoban: The Department regularly publishes official statistics on employment and support allowance (ESA), the work capability assessment (WCA) and the reassessment of incapacity benefit claimants. The latest report was published in April 2013 and can be found on the internet at the following link:
http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/esa_wca/esa_wca_20130430.xls
Note that table 10 shows the outcomes of Work Capability Assessments for Incapacity Benefit Reassessment and is adjusted to account for the outcome of appeals.
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many former recipients of incapacity benefit who have migrated to employment and support allowance have a mental health condition. [159436]
Mr Hoban: Statistics on the number of former incapacity benefit (IB) recipients who have migrated to employment and support allowance (ESA), by IB ICD (disease) code, which includes mental and behavioural disorders, can be found at:
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool
Guidance for users is available at:
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/tabtools/guidance.pdf
Employment Schemes: Hearing Impairment
Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to support employment opportunities for deaf people. [159483]
Esther McVey: We are committed to ensuring that all disabled people have the opportunities, chances and support that they need to get a job and remain in employment and there is a range of provision to help them.
The Work programme is the biggest single Welfare to Work programme. It provides more personalised back-to-work support for unemployed people, including deaf people.
For deaf and hearing impaired people with more complex needs which cannot be met through the Work programme, they can access a range of specialist disability employment provision.
Work Choice provides tailored support to help disabled people who face the most complex barriers to employment, find and stay in work and ultimately helps them progress into unsupported employment, where it is appropriate for the individual. Work Choice is voluntary and available regardless of any benefits being claimed. Work Choice can provide an indefinite period of support once the customer is in work, unlike mainstream employment provision. This is in recognition of the fact that some Work Choice participants may need ongoing support to overcome barriers in work that cannot be met through normal workplace adjustments.
13 Jun 2013 : Column 421W
Access to Work provides additional support for individuals whose health or disability affects the way they do their job. It provides individuals and their employers with advice and support with extra costs which may arise because of an individual's needs. The type of support Access to Work provides can include transport to work, support workers, specialist adaptations, BSL translation and equipment.
During 2011-12 Access to Work supported over 30,000 people to keep or get employment.
Residential Training provides vocational training to unemployed disabled adults, whose needs cannot be met through any other Government funded programmes and is delivered through nine Residential Training Colleges. Colleges have the freedom to develop their services to meet the needs of the individual. Doncaster College for the Deaf provide specialist support for deaf and hearing impaired people.
Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment Advisers can provide support and advice for disabled people who need help finding and retaining employment. They can refer individuals to specialist programmes, including Work Choice, and can use the professional expertise of Work Psychologists, who specialise in working with disabled people. Disability Employment Advisers can advocate with employers on the individual's behalf and help employers to explore job solutions such as the restructuring of a job's tasks/environment, or the provision/change of equipment.
The Department is also currently updating its strategy on engaging with employers on disability employment. This is expected to include deepening the support and resources available to employers in a strategic way.
Food Banks
Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many benefit claimants were referred by jobcentres to food banks in (a) Birmingham, Hall Green constituency, (b) the West Midlands and (c) the UK in (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13. [159507]
Mr Hoban: DWP does not collate or hold numbers on the usage of food banks.
Remploy
Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of employees in former Remploy factories that have closed since May 2010 have since found alternative employment. [159343]
Esther McVey: Since the announcement by the Department and Remploy in March 2012 about Remploy's future, 1,522 employees have been made redundant.
Of these, 1,100 have elected to take up the offer of tailored individual support to find another job. A total of 462 jobs have been found for disabled former Remploy employees, and 386 are currently in work. This means that approximately 35% of former employees are currently in alternative employment. A further 30% of those former employees who are engaging with our tailored package of support are on Work Choice undertaking training and other activities aimed at moving them closer to employment.
13 Jun 2013 : Column 422W
Social Security Benefits
Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make it the policy of his Department to record the nationality of benefit claimants. [159195]
Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress the Government have made in developing ways to record the (a) nationality and (b) immigration status of benefit claimants. [159243]
Mr Hoban: We check nationality and immigration status of benefit claimants to ensure the benefit is paid properly and to prevent fraud. While this information is used, it is not currently recorded as part of the payment administrative systems.
As we progressively roll out universal credit we will be recording nationality and immigration status as part of the process.
Social Security Benefits: St Helens
Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in St Helens South and Whiston constituency have been subject to benefits sanctions in each month of the last three years. [159327]
Mr Hoban: The number of jobseeker's allowance claimants with a sanction applied in St Helens South and Whiston constituency by month from 1 June 2009 to 31 May 2012 is shown in the following table:
| Claimants with a jobseeker's allowance sanction applied | |
13 Jun 2013 : Column 423W
| Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten. 2. The number of sanctions applied is the number of varied, fixed length and entitlement decision referrals where there has been an adverse decision. 3. Varied length sanctions: A sanction of between one week and 26 weeks is imposed for leaving employment voluntarily without just cause, refusing employment without good cause, or losing employment through misconduct. The actual period in each case is at the discretion of the adjudication officer who makes the decision. 4. Fixed length sanctions: A sanction of between one week and 26 weeks is imposed for refusal, without good cause, to attend an employment programme or carry out a Jobseeker's Direction. Payment of benefit continues in full pending the adjudication officer's decision on a sanction question. 5. Entitlement decisions: These are questions on which entitlement to JSA depends. For example, if there is doubt around whether the jobseeker's agreement is suitable, whether they are actively looking for work or making themselves available for work. In most cases payment of JSA will be suspended by benefit processing until the doubt is resolved. 6. Month of decision: The month in which the decision on the sanction referral, reconsideration or appeal was made. This table only includes data up to and including 31 May, which are the latest data available for all geographical areas. Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate: JSA Sanctions and Disallowance Decisions Statistics Database. | |
The number of income support lone parent claimants with a sanction applied in St Helens South and Whiston constituency by month from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2012 is shown in the following table:
| Claimants with an income support lone parent sanction applied | |
13 Jun 2013 : Column 424W
| Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten. Values less than five are suppressed with a “—”. 2. The month is the month in which income support lone parent sanction was applied. This table includes data up to and including 31 December, which are the latest data available for income support lone parent sanctions. Source: ISLP Sanctions Official Statistics Database. | |
The number of claimants with a sanction applied is not readily available for employment and support allowance claimants.
The sanctions regime for employment and support allowance claimants in the Work Related Activity Group changed from the beginning of December 2012. As a result of the changes to the regime, the Department reviewed its methodology for publishing employment and support allowance sanctions official statistics to ensure the publication remains relevant while also seeking to maintain a consistent time series.
In comparing methodologies to produce statistics relating to the previous sanctions regime with the new regime, an error was discovered, leading to double counting of some sanctions. For this reason, departmental statisticians decided to suspend publication of employment and support allowance sanctions statistics based on the current method. Therefore the final set of official statistics relating to the previous sanctions regime, due for publication in February 2013, was cancelled.
The Department is aiming to publish the first set of statistics for the new employment and support allowance sanctions regime by August 2013 alongside a revised historical series and a working paper explaining the differences between the methodologies. These statistics have been delayed from a May release to allow the new regime to bed in and to allow sufficient quality assurance of the new methodology.
State Retirement Pensions
Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if his Department will make an estimate of the cost to the public purse of implementing the recommendation in the Fifth Report of the Work and Pensions Committee, Session 2012-13, The Single-tier State Pension: Part 1 of the draft Pensions Bill, HC 1000, on providing transitional arrangements for 15 years with regard to derived benefits under the new single tier state pension. [159484]
13 Jun 2013 : Column 425W
Steve Webb: The Government have published their response to the Fifth Report of the Work and Pensions Committee, and this is available on GOV.uk. This response did not estimate the cost of implementing the recommendation made.
There is no immediately apparent policy for extending derived entitlement to basic pension to individuals who reach state pension age after the implementation of single tier, as any continuation of this facility as it currently stands would essentially involve a continuation of the current system in tandem with the new system. Administratively this would be complex, and more importantly it would mean that the new system would not result in the clarity of outcome which is central to the reform package.
At the same time, the Government note the decreasing need for this facility in Great Britain. As the paper ‘State pension entitlement derived from a current or former spouse's or civil partner's National Insurance contributions’, published on GOV.uk, makes clear, women's state pension entitlements have consistently improved, and the significant majority of women reaching state pension age in GB can now expect to receive at least the equivalent of a full basic state pension in their own right.
Universal Credit
Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what the (a) forecasted and (b) actual spend of the universal credit budget was in 2012; [159730]
(2) what the (a) forecasted and (b) actual expenditure of his Department on the universal credit was in 2012; [159586]
(3) what assessment he has made of whether his Department's budget for universal credit will be underspent in 2013-14; and if he will make a statement. [159531]
Mr Hoban: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answers I gave him on 3 June 2013, Official Report, column 1053W, and on 15 May 2013, Official Report, column 329W.
Of the £2 billion budget, spend in 2011-12 was 5%, and in 2012-13 16%. Plans continue to be developed to support the gradual roll-out from autumn 2013 within budget.
Work Capability Assessment
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what specialist training is provided to Atos assessors making work capability assessments on understanding the needs of individuals with mental health disorders; and if he will make a statement. [159439]
Mr Hoban: All health care professionals receive training in mental health issues as part of their induction training. As part of their induction training they are required to read evidence based protocols on mental health conditions.
In addition, all health care professionals are required to engage in a programme of continuing medical education which includes modules on mental health issues.
All health care professionals are monitored to ensure that their work meets the required quality standards.
13 Jun 2013 : Column 426W
If a problem is identified, the health care professional may be required to undertake tailored training, which may involve training in mental health issues if required.
Work Capability Assessment: Appeals
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people died before their appeal against a work capability assessment conducted by Atos was heard in each year since 2010. [158370]
Mr Hoban: Decisions on entitlement to employment and support allowance (ESA) lie with the Department's decision makers who take into account the medical assessment reports from Atos and any other relevant information. Any appeals are therefore against the benefit entitlement decision taken by DWP rather than against the recommendation in a WCA.
DWP does not hold the information requested. The Department only holds information on appeals once they have been heard by HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS). Information on pending appeals is not collected by DWP.
Work Capability Assessment: Warrington
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many appeals against the outcome of work capability assessments carried out by Atos were made in (a) Warrington and (b) Warrington North constituency in each year since 2010; what the cost of those appeals to the public purse was; and what proportion of such appeals were successful. [158424]
Mr Hoban: Decisions on entitlement to employment and support allowance (ESA) lie with the Department's decision makers who take into account the medical assessment reports from Atos and any other relevant information. Any appeals are therefore against the benefit entitlement decision taken by DWP rather than against the recommendation in a WCA.
The Department only holds information on appeals once they have been heard by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Information on pending appeals is not collected by DWP.
The table shows the number of appeals that have been heard against Fit for Work outcomes at initial work capability assessments (WCAs) for new ESA claims that started between January 2010 and February 2012 (the latest data available) in the Warrington local authority area, by the year that the claim started. Data are available only for claims that began before the end of February 2012 due to the time required to arrange and complete assessments and go through the appeals process, as well as the time required to record and process data.
| Appeals heard against Fit for Work outcomes at initial WCAs for new ESA claims that started between January 2010 and February 2012 in the Warrington local authority area | |||
| Claim start date | Number of Fit for Work outcomes | Number of appeals heard | Percentage of appeals successful |
13 Jun 2013 : Column 427W
| (1) Nil or negligible amount of cases. It would potentially be disclosive to provide any figures for these cases. Note: Rounding: All volumes are rounded to the nearest 10 and all percentages are rounded to the nearest percentage point. Source: Department for Work and Pensions benefit administration datasets. | |||
The Department does not hold information on the cost of appeals to the public purse. Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service may be able to provide data on the cost of an appeal.
Attorney-General
Legal Costs
Sadiq Khan: To ask the Attorney-General (1) how much the Law Officers' Departments spent on external legal advice from Queen's Counsel (a) between 7 May 2010 and 4 September 2012 and (b) since 4 September 2012; [155614]
(2) how much the Law Officers' Departments spent on external legal advice (a) between 7 May 2010 and 4 September 2012 and (b) since 4 September 2012. [155615]
The Solicitor-General: Between 7 May 2010 and 4 September 2012, the Treasury Solicitor's Department (TSol) records indicate that they spent £48,807 on external legal fees. Since 4 September 2012, TSol spent £6,928 on external legal fees. For both these periods, this was not in the context of seeking legal advice, but for legal representation in respect of litigation.
Between 7 May 2010 and 4 September 2012, the Attorney-General's office (AGO) have a recorded spend of £676,954 on external legal fees. Since 4 September 2012, the AGO spent £168,085 on external legal fees. It is not possible to ascertain whether this was for legal advice or for representation.
TSol has not instructed any QCs for its own legal advice and representation since 7 May 2010. The records
13 Jun 2013 : Column 428W
are not kept in such a way as to make it possible to ascertain how many times the AGO has instructed QCs since 7 May 2010.
The TSol and AGO figures do not include legal advice paid for by other Departments in the context of legal advice or representation by the AGO or TSol. It cannot be guaranteed that the TSol/AGO data are complete, particularly in respect of the older figures. There have been historic problems with record keeping in respect of the time and disbursements incurred for the AGO and TSol's own cases (which are not billed to other Departments). This was addressed and systems are now in place to ensure accurate recording in the future.
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) does not routinely distinguish between external legal advice and external litigation (legal representation) services when recording legal expenditure. SFO records show that expenditure incurred on all external legal services (a) between 7 May 2010 and 4 September 2012 was £10,960,618 and (b) since 4 September 2012 was £3,725,889. SFO expenditure incurred on all external legal services from Queen's Counsel (a) between 7 May 2010 and 4 September 2012 was £4,350,459 and (b) since 4 September 2012 was £1,313,769. Approximately 1% of the expenditure on external legal services between 2010 and 2012 relates to external legal advice.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) spent £5,021,866 on external legal advice between 7 May 2010 and 4 September 2012 and £2,051,436 between 5 September 2012 and 31 March 2013. CPS spent £781,809 on external legal advice specifically from Queen's Counsel between 7 May 2010 and 4 September 2012 and £319,069 between 5 September 2012 and 31 March 2013.
HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate has not recorded any expenditure on external legal advice since 7 May 2010.
Personnel Management
Priti Patel: To ask the Attorney-General how many officials in the Law Officers' Departments were employed in human resources functions in each of the last five years; at what grades such staff were employed; and what the total cost of the Law Officers' Departments' human resources functions was. [156662]
The Solicitor-General: The information requested is contained in the following tables:
| Treasury Solicitor's Department | |||||||||
| Number and grades of officials employed in human resources and the annual cost of the HR function | |||||||||
| Senior Civil Service | Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Senior Executive Officer | Higher Executive Officer | Executive Officer | Admin. Officer | Total | Total cost of the HR Function (£)(1) | |
| (1) TSol data also include the Attorney-General's Office and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate. For 2011-12 and 2012-13 the cost figures cover the HR Function provided as programme tracking for Next Generation HR which began l April 2011. For the other years the cost figures relate to the full allocated budget for the HR function including staff and non-staff costs. | |||||||||
13 Jun 2013 : Column 429W
13 Jun 2013 : Column 430W
| Crown Prosecution Service | |||||||||
| Number and grades of officials employed in human resources and the annual cost of the HR function | |||||||||
| Senior Civil Service | Level E | Level D | Senior Executive Officer | Higher Executive Officer | Executive Officer | Admin. Office/ Assistant | Total | Total cost of the HR Function(£)(1) | |
| (1)Years 2012-13 and 2011-12 reflect the Cabinet Office publication Common Areas of Spend and mirror the quarterly returns requested under the Civil Service HR programme. The figures for years 2010-11,2009-10 and 2008-09 reflect the definitions for HR resourcing of the Next Generation HR Resourcing Survey for these years. | |||||||||
| Serious Fraud Office | |||||||||
| Number and grades of officials employed in human resources and the annual cost of the HR function | |||||||||
| Senior Civil Service | Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Senior Executive Officer | Higher Executive Officer | Executive Officer | Admin. Officer | Total | Total cost of the HR function (£)(1) | |
| (1) The cost of the HR function covers the total actual HR budget expenditure for those years, less costs associated with business specific learning, payroll, diversity and other business related costs. That includes total staff costs (payroll and non-payroll) as it is not possible to pro-rata those costs against the CSHR definitions. | |||||||||
Prime Minister
Domestic Visits
Mr Dodds: To ask the Prime Minister how many times he has visited (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland in an official capacity since May 2010. [159254]
The Prime Minister: I have placed a list of my official visits to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the Library of the House.
I shall be attending the G8 summit in Lough Erne on 17-18 June.
Tax Avoidance
Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 6 June 2013, Official Report, column 1266W, on tax avoidance, whether he has received any replies to his letter of 20 May 2013 to the UK's Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories on tax information exchange and beneficial ownership; and what steps he plans to take if any of the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories do not make their policies on this issue clear publicly. [159485]
The Prime Minister: I have nothing further to add to the answer I gave on 6 June 2013, Official Report, column 1266W.
Northern Ireland
Domestic Visits
Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many nights (a) she and (b) the Minister of State for Northern Ireland has stayed overnight in Northern Ireland in an official capacity since 1 January 2012. [159257]
Mrs Villiers: Since taking up post on 4 September 2012, I have stayed overnight in Northern Ireland on 62 occasions in an official capacity, up to and including 12 June 2013. The Minister of State has stayed overnight on 40 occasions over the same period.
Hillsborough Castle
Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how many days Hillsborough Castle was open to the public in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013 to date. [159555]
Mrs Villiers: Hillsborough castle was open to the public on 12 days in 2010, 35 days in 2011 and 31 days in 2012. To date in 2013, it has been open on 19 days.
Patrick Finucane
Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions she has had with the family of Patrick Finucane. [159453]
Mrs Villiers: I have not held any formal discussions with the family of Patrick Finucane. However, I did meet with some family members during the St Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington.
Public Expenditure
Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was allocated to Northern Ireland in block grant in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13; and how much has been allocated for (i) 2013-14 and (ii) 2014-15. [159572]
Mrs Villiers: Details of the allocations to Northern Ireland in block grant for the years requested are provided in an Annex to the Northern Ireland Office Annual Report and Accounts for 2011-12 which have been laid in Parliament and published. Copies are available at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications
13 Jun 2013 : Column 431W
Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much her Department spent (a) in total and (b) under each category of expenditure in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13; and how much it plans to spend in (A) 2013-14 and (B) 2014-15. [159573]
Mrs Villiers: My Department's total spend, and the analysis of this expenditure by category for the years 2010-11 and 2011-12 can be found in the Annual Report and Accounts for each year which have been laid in Parliament and published. Copies are available at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications
The required information for 2012-13 is not yet finalised as the draft Annual Report and Accounts are currently being audited. It is anticipated that this document will be laid in Parliament and published prior to the summer recess.
My Department's spending plans for the current financial year are documented in the Department's Main Estimates which has been published and is available at:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/nio_mainsupplyestimates_201314.pdf
As regards 2014-15, spending plans were originally agreed in the spending review 2010, details of which are available at:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/spend_index.htm
Adjustments have been made to the figures through subsequent spring budget announcements, and autumn statements.
Wales
Domestic Visits
Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many nights (a) he and (b) other Ministers of his Department have stayed overnight in Wales in an official capacity since 1 January 2012. [159256]
Mr David Jones: All current Wales Office Ministers live in Wales and frequently carry out official duties while there. Depending on the location and time of meetings there may be occasions which require Ministers to stay overnight in Wales away from home. Between 1 January and 4 September 2012, the previous Secretary of State for Wales stayed overnight as and when necessary. This was often to attend early morning meetings or where it was more practical to travel the evening before because of the distances involved.
13 Jun 2013 : Column 432W
Culture, Media and Sport
Local Broadcasting: Radio
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) how many community radio licences are unallocated; [159538]
(2) if she will take steps to ensure that Ofcom use up unallocated community radio licences. [159539]
Mr Vaizey: Ofcom is responsible for licensing community radio stations and it has advised there are no unallocated community radio licenses.
Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what support her Department gives to community radio stations. [159540]
Mr Vaizey: The Department has made available more than £400,000 a year to support the community radio sector through the Community Radio Fund. The majority of this funding is allocated to Ofcom to distribute as grants to licensed community radio services. In recent years we have also allocated funds to the Community Media Association to support its work in promoting best practice within the community media sector and encouraging self-sustainability.
Olympic Games 2012
Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport with reference to the answer of 26 March 2013, Official Report, column 1031W, on Olympic Games 2013, what the excluded categories under the Supplier Recognition Scheme are; and how many firms whose applications have been rejected there are in each such category. [156998]
Hugh Robertson: As at 22 May, 640 companies have successfully applied for a licence and 92 have had their application rejected on the basis that they fall within one of the excluded categories that are necessary to prevent the rights of the IOC sponsors being infringed. Notwithstanding the need for some exclusions, the new Recognition Scheme allows licensed suppliers greater freedom to promote their activities on 2012, than was permitted under the earlier LOCOG marketing protocol of 2007. This information is broken down in detail in the following table:
| Exclusion | Number of companies | As a % of all companies rejected on the basis of their supply falling into an excluded category | As a % of all companies who have submitted an application |
13 Jun 2013 : Column 433W
13 Jun 2013 : Column 434W
Press: Regulation
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the circumstances in which the draft Royal Charter on press regulation published on 18 March 2013 would be subject to renegotiation prior to its sealing by Her Majesty in Council; whether she has received any indications from party leaders that such a renegotiation is likely to occur; and if she will make a statement. [159445]
Mr Vaizey: The cross-party agreement on a Royal Charter on 18 March will help deliver a new system of independent and robust press regulation in our country that will deliver for victims and meet the principles set out in Lord Justice Leveson's report. Cross-party discussions on the draft charter have not been reopened.
Tourism: Seas and Oceans
Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department is taking to support marine tourism in the UK. [159778]
Hugh Robertson: Britain's beaches are important tourism assets, and feature in the marketing campaigns led by VisitEngland and VisitBritain, including the GREAT campaign. VisitEngland has also contributed to the work of the Environment Agency on issues such as bathing water quality and has been working with DEFRA and the Marine Management Organisation to include tourism and the visitor economy in the marine planning process. Recently, English Heritage has commissioned research into the impact of diver trails on the local economy, and we await the results with interest.
Women and Equalities
Children: Day Care
Lucy Powell: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities (1) what assessment she has made of the average cost of setting up a new (a) childminding and (b) nursery business; and what proportion of such costs for (i) individual childminders and (ii) nursery businesses the Childcare Business grant scheme is expected to cover; [159429]
(2) what discussions she has had with Liberata regarding the criteria for distribution of the Childcare Business grant scheme; and whether she will place a copy of such criteria in the Library; [159430]
(3) for what reasons men have been excluded from applying to the Childcare Business grant scheme; and if she will reconsider this exclusion; [159431]
(4) how many Childcare Business grants have been allocated through the Childcare Business grant scheme to date; who has received each grant; what the value of each such grant is; and when each grant was distributed; [159433]
(5) if she will publish the tender process carried out by her Department for the management of the Childcare Business grant scheme; which other organisations tendered for this project; what criteria she used to award the bid; how much the tender process cost; what fee Liberata will receive for administering the scheme; and whether this cost is part of the £2 million allocated for the scheme. [159432]
Jo Swinson: From April 2013, grants of £250 have been available to help prospective childminders to set up new businesses. Their immediate costs will include mandatory courses in child care and paediatric first aid; clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service; obtaining insurance; and being inspected by Ofsted. The grants should cover these.
Grants of £500 are available to childminders who intend to care for disabled children, and to people seeking to open new nurseries, in recognition of the additional costs they will face. The actual cost of setting up a child care business of any sort will vary significantly. We have made no assessment of the average cost.
Details of the tender specification for the scheme, including the selection criteria applied, are already in the public domain at:
http://bit.ly/ChBusGr
and the contract with Liberata will be published shortly, in line with normal practice. I will arrange for copies of these to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Information relating to any other bidders is commercial in confidence. There were no costs involved in the tender process, beyond those associated with my officials' time.
The value of the contract will depend on the number and nature of applications, but is expected to be slightly less than the £200,000 advertised for this purpose. This sum is in addition to the £2 million available in grants.
Grants are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis, to those who meet the qualifying conditions. Men are not excluded from applying. The conditions are set out on the scheme's website, and I will arrange for a copy of the relevant guidance to be placed in the House Libraries. Applicants are given time to complete their training and secure the necessary Ofsted registration, thus encouraging genuinely new providers to come forward. £25,000 has been paid out in grants so far, and a further £125,000 has been committed. We do not intend to publish the details of every successful applicant.
Regular updates on the volume of grants paid out will be made available on the scheme's website:
www.childcarebusinessgrants.dcms.gov.uk
Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012
Hazel Blears: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what steps her Department is taking to implement the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 in its procurement procedures. [154544]
13 Jun 2013 : Column 435W
Maria Miller: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to her by the Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Faversham and Mid Kent (Hugh Robertson) on 15 May 2013, Official Report, column 170W.
Regulation
Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what the title was of each set of regulations introduced by the Government Equalities Office in each month since May 2010; and which of those regulations have been (a) subject to the (i) one in one out and (ii) one in two out procedure and (b) (i) revoked and (ii) amended. [155818]
Maria Miller: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to her by the Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Faversham and Mid Kent (Hugh Robertson) on 20 May 2013, Official Report, columns 409-10W.
Business, Innovation and Skills
Animal Experiments
Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on reducing the number of animals used in scientific procedures; what steps he is taking to reduce the number of animals used in such procedures; and if he will make a statement. [159402]
Mr Willetts: Ministers in this Department and the Home Office are in regular contact on a range of policy areas. As a key commitment in the Programme for Government, our Departments are collaborating closely to work to reduce the use of animals in scientific research.
The use of animals in scientific research continues to play a vital part in developing improvements in health care and the environment. The UK has one of the most rigorous systems in the world to ensure that animal research and animal testing is only carried out where no practicable alternatives exist and under stringent controls where suffering must be kept to the minimum.
This Government are committed to working to ensure that the opportunities presented by scientific advances are used to replace or reduce animal use wherever possible, and to refine procedures to minimise suffering. It is backed by strong regulation delivered through a stringent licensing regime operated by the Home Office.
Together with the Home Office, we are working with The National Centre for Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) and cross-Whitehall Departments to further develop the strategy to promote the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) to deliver the coalition commitment. We will provide an update on this work in due course.
Broadband
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the provision of broadband; and if he will make a statement. [159359]
13 Jun 2013 : Column 436W
Mr Willetts: I met with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, to discuss the provision of broadband in March. Broadband provision is crucial to our economic growth and DCMS is considering how best to encourage further supplier led broadband coverage in rural and remote areas in parallel with the rollout to the rest of the country. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is also working closely with DCMS on the Government's Information Economy Strategy, which we intend to publish shortly.
Business: Government Assistance
Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the recommendations of Lord Young's report on Growing Your Business. [159363]
Michael Fallon: The Prime Minister announced on 5 June that Government will accept all recommendations in Lord Young's report ‘Growing Your Business’. Work has now begun to implement these recommendations including the extension of Start Up Loans, a Growth Voucher programme to test innovative approaches to small business support, the reform of public procurement to increase access for SMEs, and improved marketing of Government schemes through a new GREAT campaign targeted at new and developing small businesses.
Clothing: Bangladesh
Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will give consideration to introducing a small additional levy on Bangladeshi garments sold in the UK, the proceeds from which would be put towards ensuring the future welfare of workers in the Bangladeshi garment industry. [159244]
Michael Fallon: Bangladesh benefits from the EU's “Everything but Arms” arrangement, which grants duty free, quota free access to EU markets for all their exports, except arms and ammunition.
Removing duties positively contributes towards the competitiveness of Bangladesh exports, and adding a levy on exports could therefore have a detrimental effect on the garment sector. Given the sector's importance to the Bangladesh economy, the creation of jobs and subsequent poverty reduction, and to the position of women, who make up approximately 80% of the workforce, we do not want to reduce the advantages brought by this removal of duties.
Instead, the UK is committing funding towards initiatives that see buyers, manufacturers, workers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Government of Bangladesh all work together to agree a set of common compliance standards, bringing accountability to the supply chain, health and safety to workers, and robustly enforced construction standards to the buildings in which they work.
Local Enterprise Partnerships: EU Grants and Loans
Catherine McKinnell:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the answer of 17 April 2013, Official Report, column 489W, on EU grants and loans, how much EU structural
13 Jun 2013 : Column 437W
funding will be allocated to each local enterprise partnership (LEP) in England for 2014 to 2020; and how much such funding would have been allocated to
(a)
England and
(b)
each LEP in England if the EU formula for the allocation of funds had been implemented. [159444]
Michael Fallon: As set out in my response of 17 April, and 26 March 2013, the Government announced the indicative Structural Funds allocation across the UK. All these figures remain indicative and will be confirmed only after agreement between Heads of State and Government and the European Parliament on the EU budget 2014-20.
According to our estimates England will receive €6.174 billion, Scotland €795 million, Wales €2.145 billion and Northern Ireland €457 million. Compared to the 2007-13 UK allocation, this represents a 5% cut for England and each of the devolved Administrations. Provisional allocations to LEPs will be announced shortly.
If the EU formula had been applied, the devolved Administrations would together have a significant cut in funding, in total 27%. The Government did not believe that this would have been fair.
The EU formula is only used to determine a member state's national allocation for the three categories of region—less developed, transition and more developed. The European Commission will confirm the UK's allocation to these three categories once the regulations are agreed but will not provide a regional or LEP breakdown.
The UK may also receive additional funding of approximately €200 million to tackle youth unemployment in regions where this is above 25% in 2012. Eurostat figures have now been published and those regions in England in 2012 with youth unemployment above 25% are Tees Valley and Durham, West Midlands, Inner London and Merseyside. When the regulations that underpin this initiative are confirmed, the Government will confirm the allocations to the relevant LEPs.
Music: Copyright
Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations he has made to his (a) European and (b) US counterparts concerning the resolution of any music copyright disputes as part of any Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership between the EU and the US. [159304]
Jo Swinson: The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is a proposed free trade area between US and the European Union. The Commission acts on behalf of member states.
The responsibility for taking forward any dispute within this forum lies with the European Commission.
Officials are engaged regularly, with both US and EU counterparts, in discussions about the issues, including IP issues, to be raised in the context of the Partnership.
Printing Machinery
Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the potential effects on businesses of the development of 3D printers. [159117]
13 Jun 2013 : Column 438W
Michael Fallon: As a high value manufacturing economy, the UK has a great deal to gain from increased 3D printing/Additive Manufacturing (AM) penetration. There are opportunities for technology adoption in key sectors such as aerospace, medical devices and implants, power generation, automotive and the creative industries, with some companies already engaged in technology assessment and small scale use. There are also domestic and export opportunities for companies engaged in the 3D/printingAM machine tool, materials and enabling software markets.
The UK is one of the world's leading sources of 3D printing/AM related knowledge and research activity, along with Germany and the USA. The UK has the potential to build a strong 3D printing/AM supply chain with the presence of enabling software, materials providers developing innovative product offerings and world class product designers with a strong interest in 3D printing/AM.
Following publication in September 2012 of the Additive Manufacturing Special Interest Group report ‘Shaping our national competency in additive manufacturing':
https://connect.innovateuk.Org/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=3e6091f6-6874-4dc5-80ea-d565249cce45& groupId=47343
the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) developed a £7 million competition for innovation funding, “New Design Freedoms in Additive Layer Manufacturing”. The competition was aimed at accelerating the commercial adoption of 3D Printing/AM technologies across a wide range of industry sectors from jet engines to jewellery and from medical implants to personalised confectionary.
The results of this competition were announced on 6 June 2013. The competition delivered a field of submissions that was among the highest quality it had ever seen, prompting TSB to increase its funding by 50%. Along with co-funding from three Research Councils amounting to £800,000, over £9 million grant funding has been offered to 18 projects with a total value of nearly £15 million.
Public Houses
Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to support pubs. [159364]
Vince Cable: We are currently consulting on proposals to introduce a statutory code of practice and adjudicator for the pubs sector. The consultation closes on 14 June.
Royal Mail
Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his plans are for the future of Royal Mail. [159376]
Michael Fallon: Parliament decided, via the Postal Services Act 2011, to allow Royal Mail to have future access to private capital in order to secure the universal postal service. We have already relieved Royal Mail of its historic pension deficit and established a new regulatory regime.
Our firm intention is to give Royal Mail future access to private capital through a sale of shares this financial year. As part of this sale the Government will honour the commitment that Parliament made in 2011 that at least 10% of shares should be reserved for employees.
13 Jun 2013 : Column 439W
Street Trading
Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when his Department last reviewed the law relating to the issue of pedlars' licences. [159250]
Jo Swinson: The law relating to the issue of pedlars' licenses was reviewed in 2009 and again in 2012, in both cases in the context of ensuring compliance with the European Services Directive. A public consultation was held on both occasions. The 2012 consultation closed on 5 April 2013 and the responses are currently being analysed.
Teachers: Further Education
Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what strategies he plans to put in place to attract, retain and upskill the further education teaching work force. [159426]
Mr Willetts: The Government set out our long-term strategy for the future of the further education (FE) teaching work force in ‘New Challenges, New Chances’ (December 2011). In that we confirmed we would take action to develop and promote excellent teaching. Since then, an independent Commission into Adult Vocational Teaching and Learning and a Review of Teacher Professionalism have both been undertaken and reported. Their recommendations have been endorsed by Government and a range of action is in hand. This includes specific measures focused on the recruitment and retention of skilled FE teachers and a fuller announcement on this will be made in the near future.